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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 JAMADA ALAWWAL 4, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Zain finalizes Sahara chief Singapore Afridi powers $800 million ordered to topples Tokyo record run five-year remain as world’s chase in loan21 facility in25 custody costliest40 city Asia20 Cup Warring Ghanem, Hashem Max 26º Min 14º shake hands and make up High Tide 02:27 & 14:29 Low Tide Government to announce bedoon ‘roadmap’ soon 08:42 & 21:10 40 PAGES NO: 16095 150 FILS By B Izzak conspiracy theories KUWAIT: The National Assembly decided to delay a vote on lifting the immunity of speaker Marzouq Al- The pigeon era Ghanem in order to be interrogated in a lawsuit filed by MP Safa Al-Hashem after she said she will drop the case. The decision came following a debate during which Ghanem appealed to the Assembly to approve lifting his immunity so he could face charges in the court. But Hashem said she has decided to withdraw the case and Ghanem responded by announcing that he By Badrya Darwish will withdraw lawsuits against Hashem. The two warring lawmakers then shook hands. The Assembly also refused to lift the immunity of MP Abdulhameed Dashti to be interrogated in a case filed by former opposition MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei. [email protected] Meanwhile, the Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah yesterday said the government is preparing a roadmap and a new mechanism to resolve ur post office services are worth discussing the problem of tens of thousands of stateless people, again. Since the liberation, I can assure you known as bedoons, adding the new plan will be Othat postal services have been deteriorating. announced soon. The minister’s announcement came I thought that things will change as time goes by. during a heated debate in the National Assembly after But nobody is talking about it and nobody seems to MP Saleh Ashour protested strongly at the heavy-hand- be bothered. Don’t people send postcards and send ed measures taken by Kuwaiti police against bedoon letters anymore? protesters including the arrest of a 14-year-old boy. How many times did we talk about it and there The minister said that a few dozen bedoon, mostly was no reaction or any measures taken to improve teenagers, staged a violent protests during which they things? Actually, is there still a post office depart- damaged police stations and patrols and even wound- ment? Do people still get and send parcels and let- KUWAIT: Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem shakes hands with MP Safa Al-Hashem during a session at the ed a number of policemen. Sheikh Mohammad said the ters by snail mail? Of course I am joking. People National Assembly yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Continued on Page 13 around the world use postal services. I know that online services have taken the lion’s share of communication between people but there Egypt court bans Palestinian Hamas is no dispute that the post office cannot be replaced when it comes to parcels and signed documents. CAIRO: A Cairo court banned yesterday colluding in attacks on its territory in the Unfortunately, the people in Kuwait who are in the Palestinian Hamas movement from past few years, and aiding the Muslim charge of postal services are not aware of today’s operating in Egypt, tightening the noose Brotherhood movement of deposed Sisi gives new sign new means of communication. around the militant rulers of the blockad- Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. There have been many instances when I received ed Gaza Strip amid a crackdown on Egypt never recognized Hamas’s rule urgent invitations months after an event was held. Islamists. The emergency court’s decision in Gaza after it forcibly ousted the more of presidential run For instance, I receive many Eid Al-Fitr greetings to also seize Hamas’ assets, ahead of a moderate Fatah party of Palestinian pres- after Eid Al-Adha. Imagine then what happens to final ruling, was in response to a private ident Mahmoud Abbas from Gaza in CAIRO: Egypt’s military chief, Field my Eid Al-Adha greetings. I do not even check them citizen’s petition to designate it as a ter- 2007. Marshal Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, gave his out. rorist group. Egypt has accused Hamas of Continued on Page 13 strongest indication yet that he intends If the question was only about greetings, I would to enter presidential elections, saying not mind. Of course, many other people who live in in a speech yesterday that he “can’t Kuwait get their Christmas greetings on Easter or turn his back” if Egyptians want him to their New Year postcards arrive after a third of the run. Sisi is considered almost certain to year has already gone by. What is important is that win if he runs for president, riding on a in the end they receive their cards regardless of the wave of popular fervor since he ousted speed. Sometimes serious documents or letters sent the country’s first freely elected presi- and lost on the way mysteriously make it to our dent, Islamist Mohamed Morsi, who office after two or three months. had faced massive protests demanding In Kuwait Times, we used to publish letters show- his removal after a year in office. ing the date of sending and receipt. As if we live in Since the ouster last summer, a heat- the old times when people travelled on donkeys ed anti-Islamist and nationalist media and camels and letters were sent by pigeons. It campaign has fanned support for Sisi, looks like our post office in Kuwait seems to be touting him as the nation’s savior. For weeks, pro-military media have been impressed with the pigeon era communication sys- CAIRO: Marshal Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi saying the field marshal will announce tem from the past. Hey guys, the pigeon I am talk- addresses cadets at a military acad- his candidacy imminently. Last month, ing about is not a competing communication tool emy yesterday. — AP the top body of military generals, the like WhatsApp or BBM. It was seriously a letter tied Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, solve these problems alone, but only to the leg of a pigeon that then delivered it to its publicly gave its backing to a Sisi run. when Egyptians stand shoulder to recipient. Of course, in those days it took incredible Sisi’s comments yesterday in a shoulder.” training and taming. speech to military cadets stopped only If he becomes president, Sisi faces a Back to the present day. Would you trust to send a hair short of officially announcing he host of economic, security and social your passport or original documents by post like GAZA CITY: In this Aug 25, 2012 file photo, a Palestinian woman walks past a will run. He hinted he was waiting for woes that would pose real test to his you do in Canada or the UK for instance? A friend poster of Gaza’s Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniya (left) and then Egyptian the issuing of a law governing the pres- popularity. Also, the generals’ backing was telling me that she went to Canada and they President Mohamed Morsi . — AP idential vote and setting a date for it. of his candidacy has staked the mili- asked her to send her passport by regular mail for The vote is to be held by the end of tary’s reputation on his presidency, the extension of her visa. They advised her that the April. When asked by the cadets about meaning the country’s most powerful cheapest and most reliable way to get her visa his possible candidacy, Sisi replied, “No institution could be tarnished by any renewed was to send her passport by regular post. Bahrain vows to one who loves his nation and loves political turmoil. Sisi was appointed Upon hearing this, my friend freaked out and Egyptians can ignore the desire of so defense minister and army chief by started asking about insurance coverage in case her many of them, or turn his back on their Morsi. Since Morsi’s ouster, the military- passport got lost. She could not sleep during the wipe out ‘terror’ will,” according to excerpts of the com- backed interim government has been three days until she received her passport back. All ments released on the Facebook page waging a fierce crackdown on his went well for her back then. I asked her if she was Amir sends condolences of the military spokesman. Muslim Brotherhood and other ready to do the same in Kuwait? Instead of an “The coming days will see the com- Islamists, while facing a growing insur- answer, she just gave me the look. DUBAI: Bahrain vowed yesterday to United Arab Emirates was among the pletion of the procedures that are offi- gency by Islamic militants in retaliation As they are going to privatize Kuwait Airways, eliminate “terrorism” and blacklisted dead. Clashes frequently erupt near cially necessary in this context,” he for Morsi’s removal. why don’t they do the same with the post office? three anti-government groups, a day the capital Manama between security added. “Don’t imagine that Egypt can Over the past weeks, the 59-year-old Who will really invest money in this organization after a bomb killed three policemen in forces and protesters from the coun- stand up unless we help each other US-trained army chief he has been a Shiite village in the deadliest attack try’s Shiite majority demanding the and put our hands together to solve increasingly acting in a presidential that has no sense of time? Or is it worth to invest in on security forces since they crushed ruling Sunni dynasty surrender its grip such a lost cause? the problems that piled up over more fashion, most notably a visit last month the 2011 uprising. An officer from the Continued on Page 13 than 30 years,” he said. “No one can Continued on Page 13 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 LOCAL Plans for full online state procedures

KUWAIT: Cabinet discussed steps to teleconferencing - or over the phone, apply the “E-Gate” government online according to the briefing. website, which will lessen the dependen- The briefing went on to discuss obsta- cy on paper documents for procedures, cles facing the project, and was followed in a step aimed at cutting red tape. by the appointment of First Deputy The move will aim to “support the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister comprehensive path for development Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and modernization,” said an official state- as the head of a committee tasked with ment read out by State Minister for its implementation. Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad His Highness the Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, which Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- added that the move will be implement- Sabah declared His Highness the Amir ed across all state ministries and bodies. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- In their weekly session at Seif Palace Sabah’s operation in the US a success, on Monday evening, ministers were after a personal phone call he had made briefed on a Central Agency for to the Amir. Information Technology report, present- Ministers were also briefed on a mes- ed by both its Director General sage addressed to His Highness the Amir Abdullateef Al-Saraya and the Minister of from Lebanon’s ex-prime minister Fouad Communications Issa Al-Kanderi on the Siniora, who expressed gratitude over matter. the warm reception he had received dur- The website - e.gov.kw - will provide ing a recent visit to Kuwait. around-the-clock government services, They were also presented with a mes- in addition to information and local reg- sage addressed to His Highness the ulations to nationals, expatriates, busi- Prime Minister from his French counter- KUWAIT: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah left the country yesterday for Riyadh where he is to chair over the meetings of the 130th session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council . The accompany- nesses and visitors. part Jean-Marc Ayrault. The message dis- ing delegation includes Director of the First Deputy Premier’s Office Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Director of It will also offer the ability to pay fees cussed boosting the already existing the GCC Affairs Department Ambassador Nasser Hajji Al-Mzayyan, and other Foreign Ministry officials. and penalties online - either by e-mail or bilateral relations. —KUNA Big changes in Gulf media environment Expert sheds light on news literacy

By Nawara Fattahova information, he must know what’s good infor- as authenticity. Today we can choose exactly the mation and what is journalism. This gives some information we like. We have exported this KUWAIT: The US Embassy held a talk on news experience about literacy and how to navigate course to 24 universities in the US, and it’s part literacy at the Arab Media Forum in Hawally on through this information. We are the only center of the curriculum of universities in China, Monday evening by Richard Hornick, Director of of its kind that deals with this significant issue of Vietnam and Russia. This course is not about pol- Overseas Partnership Programs for the Center how to consume media,” he added. itics, although the role of the press in several for News Literacy at Stony Brook University. He is Hornick realized there was no point of teach- societies is important, but our focus is on teach- also a journalist and news executive with over 30 ing high quality journalism if the public didn’t ing political thinking. In the long term to make a years of global experience and an editorial con- understand what high quality journalism was. better society, we need people that are better sultant who has designed and implemented edi- “We have to create the demand for good infor- informed, not just reporters. People in our field torial reorganizations at Reuters and Harvard mation and not just to throw it there, and this is have already begun to use some of these ideas,” Hornick pointed out. The course lets students look for important features. “Verification of information, for instance, is very important. Fifty percent of retweets in the US are from people who didn’t check the website included in the tweet. They should also use real life experiences. The infor- mation revolution has made us publishers, so the students and other users are responsible for the news they post. Today, everybody has the power to spread information, which was not possible in the past,” concluded Hornick. Fahad Al-Sumait, Assistant Professor of Communication at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), is currently teaching various courses on strategic communication, ranging from political communication to public relations. He was awarded numerous research grants and funds and has received multiple research and teaching awards. Sumait noted that today we have the oppor- tunity to interact with the published news. “The audience can now respond to what’s published. KUWAIT: Richard Hornick (left) and Fahad Al-Sumait during the lecture held on Monday. Students don’t have enough critical thinking, — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat and most educators agree with me. Students either believe everything or nothing, and we Business Review. the course we teach our students. The course want them to be in the middle. The media does- “The media environment today is very differ- was designed to give them critical thinking skills n’t tell people what to think, but what to think ent from what it was - it’s not the same model as that they need to judge the quality and value of about,” he noted. before, especially in this region where there are the information they get, from wherever they “We have two groups attending the course at only a few newspapers. We now have much get it. We have to give our students the life skills GUST. The first group is not willing to work in the more fragmentation with different kinds of they can use to navigate to quality information,” media and is taking the course, while the second social media and other media. People now have explained Hornick. are members of the mass communication access to all sources of information,” said It’s great to have all these sources of informa- department, visual communication students and Hornick. tion, but it’s also dangerous, he said. “There are others. It’s not about knowledge, but about how “Our course teaches if a person wants to find big challenges that face news consumers, such to apply the knowledge,” stressed Sumait. Anti-corruption authority making KUWAIT: Director General of Kuwait Fire Service Directorate Maj Gen Yousuf Al- Ansari received heads of delegations who are participating in the international safe- strides in structure, capacity building ty conference, being held under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah from March 4 to 6 at Jumeira hotel. KUWAIT: The Public Anti-Corruption Authority cadres to depend on them in assuming respon- formed five ad hoc teams to address part of the —Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun has made great strides in structure and capaci- sibility of the authority. foundation stage missions. ty building since the government’s foundation He disclosed that the board of trustees has He noted that the board, with the help of decree, said the authority chief Abdulrahman approved the organizational structure of the the Justice Ministry experts, finished the pro- Saleh Al-Namash. authority and sent it for review and approval to posed budget for the fiscal year 2013/2014 and Govt keen on solving In a press conference, Al-Namash said that the Civil Service Commission. will finish soon the proposed budget for the authority is still in the stage of foundation. Al-Namash pointed out that the authority 2014/2015. “We are currently outlining the administra- has sought the help of some specialists and Al-Namash also revealed that the authority housing problem tive and executive structures of the authority,” experts in a number of state bodies, particular- is in touch with the UN agencies, regional and Al-Namash said, stressing that the authority ly the judiciary, to help in the authority build- international counterparts for the optimal ben- KUWAIT: Minister of State for Housing to cooperate with the parliament to board is keen on building capacity of national ing. He added that the board of trustees has efit from their expertise. —KUNA Affairs Yasser Abul said Monday the gov- address this “very important issue.” He said ernment was serious in addressing the the private sector was playing a major role housing problem as soon as possible. to the development of housing and real The government has already started dis- estate sectors. tributing housing units in Sabah Al-Ahmad Board Chairman of the ExpoCity, the City, Abul told reporters following the inau- organizer of the exhibition, Ahmad Al- guration of Kuwaiti and International Real Saffar said the exhibition included more Estate Exhibition. than 40 local and regional real estate com- He said the government was adopting panies. some measures to speed up distribution of He said there were financing companies housing units in other residential cities. taking part in the exhibition, ready to offer The government, said Abul, was ready real estate services and facilities. — KUNA Minister discusses youth violence with task force KUWAIT: The wide-spread phenomenon Kuwaiti youth was to beef up the presence of violence among the young should be of police in areas where the youth gather thoroughly studied and scientifically and may get involved in acts of violence probed if society was to deal with it and disturbance such as shopping centers methodically and beneficially, said a and malls and playgrounds. Kuwaiti minister yesterday. Another recommendation asked for Minister of Information and State boosting the role of social workers in Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman schools who should identify youth with Sabah Salem Al-Sabah made this comment character deficiencies that might lead them as he met here with members of a task to violent behavior. force who studied the phenomenon in The need to also invigorate the role of Kuwait and came up with recommenda- parent-teacher associations (PTA)s in tions on how to approach it and implicitly schools was another recommendation in to solve it using fact-based tools. addition to having the media spotlight the KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team removed five boats as well as 10 tons of waste from the Al-Shamlan dock in Sharq, in cooperation with the Among the recommendations to reduce prevalence of both family violence and vio- Kuwait Ports Association, the Kuwait Municipality, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, and other bodies. the frequency of violence among the lence among the youth. — KUNA LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 Child rapist arrested in Farwaniya building 2 victims confirmed, others likely KUWAIT: A Farwaniya man was arrested pornographic videos to the children and The news reports published yesterday by Al- Monday and charged with child rape after then molest them, according to the boy. Rai and Al-Watan did not specify whether he admitted molesting at least two children The boy repeated the same story to the man shared his room with other work- in a week. Meanwhile, investigations are police, and confirmed that the incident hap- ers, and security sources quoted in both ongoing to reveal his potential involvement pened more than once. Police then sum- reports did not state that there are other in similar cases filed against unknown sus- moned the second child - a nine-year-old suspects in the case. In addition to sexual pects, which seems to be likely based on his Syrian boy - and the child also gave an iden- assault of a minor, the suspect was charged victims’ testimonies according to two news- tical story. The suspect was soon identified with multiple counts of harassment and lur- paper reports. The case was brought to local as a 54-year-old Egyptian national who lived ing a child for sexual exploitation. He faces police’s attention when an Egyptian man in a building inhabited mostly by single the death penalty if the court convicts him told officers that his eight-year-old boy was expatriate workers. He was arrested inside of child rape. sexually assault by a person who lured him his residence, where police also found the Last year, a child rapist was hanged after to his residence. pornographic videos. The suspect denied the court found him guilty of five counts of The man discovered the abuse when his the accusations at first, but later confessed child rape committed over the course of two son said that he wanted to go see a person when confronted with the evidence - includ- years. The Egyptian national was accused of he called ‘uncle’, despite the fact that the ing matching descriptions of body marks raping 17 boys and girls aged between 6 family has no relatives living in Kuwait. He that the eight-year-old boy provided. He and 12 after luring them onto rooftops in rushed his son to the police station after the was referred to the authorities for further 2006 and 2007. He was given the moniker boy explained that the suspect would give action. Meanwhile, detectives are attempt- ‘Hawally Monster’ in the local press because him and his friend candy to come over to his ing to find two other children that the boys the majority of his crimes took place within apartment. There, the man would show said they had seen entering the man’s room. the governorate.—Al-Watan & Al-Rai Govt probes farm Kuwait to take lead distribution mismanagement claims role in mediation KUWAIT: Kuwait looks at the Arab ed out the “positive indications made by By A Saleh Summit scheduled to be held on 25 and the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani 26 of this month as a chance to achieve towards countries of the region after he KUWAIT: The government confirmed yesterday that an reconciliation between Egypt and Qatar, was elected, and specifically Saudi ‘independent body’ was assigned to investigate the dis- and possibly an achievement to mend Arabia.” tribution process of 360 farms amid allegations of mis- the strained relationship between Saudi “The Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq will management reported by the local press. A local daily Arabia and Iran. have better understanding and keenness reported recently that some lands allocated for agricul- On that regard, the state’s foreign min- on the region’s security and stability in tural use were distributed illegally, including properties ister said recently that his country was the future,” he added. given to 360 persons who signed up with companies optimistic by the ‘good indications’ with Meanwhile, president of the National that do not meet the necessary conditions or owned by regards to the relationship between Iran Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and political personalities. and the Gulf states, specifically Saudi Opposition Forces Ahmad Jarba is set to “The government is committed to investigating the Arabia. “As partners in the same region, take his country’s chair during the Arab case and correcting mistakes if any,” said Sheikh the prevalence of stability is our mutual Summit that takes place in Kuwait later Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, the Minister of State concern,” Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al- this month. for Cabinet Affairs yesterday. The issue gains signifi- Sabah told reporters during a press con- This was confirmed by head of the cance amid reports stating that each of the agricultural ference organized with his Mexican coun- coalitions office Qasim Al-Khateeb, who units distributed has an area of 50,000 sq m, at a time terpart in Kuwait Monday. said in a phone conversation from when land scarcity continues to be blamed for the Asked about the mediation between Istanbul, Turkey that the coalition is espe- country’s housing crisis. Doha and Cairo and where they have cially be recognized by the Arab League reached, Al-Khalid said that Kuwait focus- as Syria’s representative during Kuwait’s Justice minister grilling es as it prepares to host the summit on summit. In other news, a lawmaker announced a two-week “creating an atmosphere to host an Arab The Arab League suspended Syria’s ultimatum to the government to present the executive Summit with the potential of having the membership in 2011 over the govern- list for the anticorruption authority law, or else he will highest chances of success.” ment’s violent crackdown on protesters KUWAIT: Fire broke out in a tire scrap yard in Mina Abdallah, prompting a quick present a grilling to the justice minister. “Minister Nayef When asked about whether to expect against President Bashar Al-Assad’s rule. response from Mina Al-Shuaiba and Qurain centers. The fire was in an area of a Kuwaiti-sponsored meeting between Members of the Syrian National Council Al-Ajmi will take the podium if he fails to release the list 1,000 sq meters. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading, and the fire was Tehran and Riyadh soon, Al-Khalid point- were invited. within two weeks,” said MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari. put out within two hours. —Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 Kidnapped maid forced into prostitution

KUWAIT: Investigations are ongoing to locate and free a woman who said she was kidnapped and used as a sex slave. The Filipina domestic helper told her employer by phone that a man abducted her while she was taking out the trash, then locked her up inside an apartment in Mahboulah where she was forced into prostitution. The Kuwaiti employer informed police in Rumaithiya where he lives, and a case was filed.

Doctor arrested Zain team with South SudanTelecom Minister Asaad Al-Banwan, Bahrain Telecom Minister Sheikh Fawaz Al-Khalifa, Salhiya police arrested a doctor who was charged by his Moh’d Zain, Zain BahrainGM coworker of harassment. The woman told police that the suspect attempted to assault her shortly after she ignored him when he ‘crossed the line’ while they were talking at Zain participation at MWC ‘a big success’ work. The Jordanian man had failed to report to work since the incident was reported, and was nowhere to be found at his apartment when police went there to put him under BARCELONA: Zain Group’s participation at the GSM Association’s Fawaz Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa and the Director General of the ceedings. Telecommunications is an incredibly exciting and rapidly arrest. He was later located at an apartment hotel and Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona last week was exception- Kingdom’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, Mohammed changing industry and it is important to remain connected to it ambushed while making his way out. He remains in custody ally successful as the company’s impressive hospitality suite attracted Hamad Bubshait, as well as the Governor of Saudi Arabia’s and tell our own story at such gatherings.” pending further action. hundreds of industry professionals representing the entire telecom Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), As an exhibitor at the 2014 MWC and to forge closer ties with value chain, keen to showcase their commercial propositions and Eng. Abdallah Al-Darrab. Additionally the South Sudan Minister of the local community, Zain provided complimentary passes to 45 Cheating wife technology offerings or to discuss strategic partnerships with Zain. It Telecommunications and Postal Services, Rebecca Joshua Okwachi masters’ students from the Esade Business School of Barcelona to A man returned home to find his wife with a stranger, so was also fulfilling for Zain as the company welcomed several Telecom visited the Zain suite to hold discussions with Zain management attend the congress. This move proved to be extremely successful he beat the person unconscious and handed him over to Ministers and Regulators to its booth and chose to make a number of and so did chess grandmaster and former world champion Gary as the students participated in several of Zain’s activities at the hos- local police. The incident took place in Shamiya as the announcements around several community initiatives as well as Kasparov. pitality suite interacting with and seeking guidance from many of Kuwaiti national noticed after returning home late at night highlighting a number of agreements that reinforce Zain’s position as the Zain executive team and also acting as ambassadors for Zain that unusual noises were coming from a room, where he dis- a leading customer-oriented telecom provider in the region. Dynamic industry during the annual leading industry event. covered that his Syrian wife was accompanied by a stranger. Zain Group Chairman, Asaad Al-Banwan and Zain Saudi Arabia During the Congress, Zain also held talks with representatives One highlight from Zain’s participation at the leading industry He grabbed the man and beat him up until he knocked him Chairman, Fahd bin Ibrahim Al-Dughaither participated in several from leading technology solution providers including Huawei, event was the holding of a press conference to announce the out, then put him in the trunk of his car and drove him to the activities and meetings held at the hospitality suite, joining Zain Ericsson, NSN, Google, Facebook, Samsung, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, launch of its in-depth report, “The Socio-Economic Impact of area’s police station. The suspect, a Syrian national, was Group CEO, Scott Gegenheimer and several country operation CEOs, SAP and Oracle and operators including Vodafone, Deutsche Mobile Telecommunication in the MENA Region”. Zain also remanded in custody to be referred to the Kuwait City namely Omar Al-Omar from Zain Kuwait, Elfatih Erwa from Zain Telecom and SK Telecom amongst many others. launched and previewed its ‘Drive Zain’ safety campaign, and Investigations Department for further procedures after the Sudan, Hassan Kabbani from Zain Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Hanandeh Commenting on Zain’s presence at the 2014 MWC, Zain announced that in partnership with Refugees United and Ericsson, man left the police station without pressing charges. from Zain Jordan, Mohammed Zainalabdein from Bahrain and Basel Chairman Asaad Al-Banwan said: “We are proud to participate in it would be providing a family reconnection service to more than Manasrah from South Sudan and other high ranking Zain senior this significant telecom event, along with all the other market lead- 500,000 displaced Syrians residing in Jordan. In addition, Zain Fugitives escape executives from across the company’s regional footprint. ers and innovators represented here. Our purpose for being pres- entered into a MoU with ARBooster to roll-out Personal Premium Kuwaiti authorities launched coordination with Interpol More than 85,000 visitors from 201 countries attended the 2014 ent is to highlight our participation and support of this dynamic Number, an innovative, revenue-generating service. to arrest three men who managed to exit the country after Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, setting another new record for industry of ours, and to be able to meet with many of our peers Zain’s participation coincided with the celebration of the com- brutally assaulting a driver on King Fahd Highway. According the mobile industry’s premier event. More than 1,800 exhibiting com- and partners, exchange ideas, and gather knowledge.” pany’s 30th anniversary of operation and during the 2014 MWC, to the police report, the suspects had forced the Kuwaiti panies showcased cutting edge products and services with 3,800 Zain Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer was a speaker and panelist Zain’s management team took the opportunity to have multiple man to pull over following a traffic dispute, then beat him up international media and industry analysts attending to report on the at one of the sessions at the Congress entitled “Making Business brain-storming sessions to seek ways to implement and enhance and stabbed him before escaping. Preliminary investigations many significant industry announcements made at the Congress. Transformation Work”. Reflecting on Zain’s presence at MWC, the several of the new strategic directions Zain is taking in relation to indicate that the men are Gulf nationals after eyewitnesses Notable visitors to the Zain hospitality suite to discuss pertinent Group CEO commented: “The Zain team really felt the energy of customer experience, operational effectiveness, business growth reported that their vehicle carried a Gulf country’s license matters included the Bahrain Minister for Communications Sheikh the show, and I believe we injected some of our own into the pro- and people development. plates. Police discovered that a car matching the description of the suspects’ left through the Nuwaiseeb border check- point shortly after the incident, which suggest that the three managed to escape before the case was filed.

RPGs found A dozen rocket-propelled grenades were found at a con- struction site at Sabah Al-Ahmad City. An explosives unit from the Kuwait army discovered after examining the scene that the RPGs are remnants from the 1990/91 Iraqi invasion. The RPGs were removed and relocated to a safe place.

‘Golfer’ servant A woman pressed charges against her domestic helper at the Rawda police station, accusing him of hosting strangers inside her house while her family was away. The Kuwaiti woman told officers that she came home earlier than usual to find that her servant was playing golf with two other men in her garden. Investigations are ongoing in search for the Asian man who reportedly escaped after being busted. Zain team with Abdallah Al-Darrab,Governor of CITC, Saudi Arabia Zain team with the Esade Business School students Rosette Group, GOExport forge strategic alliance

KUWAIT: Rosette Group has announced its partnership future growth of the company.” agreement with the prominent export and FMCG company His Excellency, Mr. Etienne Thevoz - Swiss Ambassador in Switzerland - GoExport (Global Outsourced Export); to Kuwait - also declared his great “pride in seeing such a aspiring to benefit from their 30 years of experience and collaborative agreement believing that it is a definite step deep knowledge of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods to exchange international experience which will result in business worldwide and bring it to the state of Kuwait and mutual success”. the GCC. This relationship will align the two companies It is also worth noting that Rosette Group and GOExport with an aim to develop and enhance the level of FMCG will announce their partnership and future plans& strate- business services. gies in an official private VIP ceremony at Burj Khalifa, The CEO of Rosette Group Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri attended Dubai, end of this month in conjunction with “Gulfood” the private ceremony held at the Swiss embassy in Kuwait which is the biggest food and hospitality show in the accompanied by his Senior Group Advisor Gregory world, held annually in Dubai. Stevens, along with GOExport’s General Manager Rossano Cabrino, and Paolo Tosi of the Beijing, China, GoExport offices, with the attendance of Etienne Thevoz - Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait who witnessed the formation of promising partnership between a Kuwait based company and a Swiss company. Distinguished with its profound experience in the FMCG business field worldwide, GOExport’s list of professional services range from private label projects, commercial, industrial and franchising agreements, definition of the marketing & commercial strategies & actions to the distri- bution network planning and organization to implement growth in turnover. On this occasion, Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri emphasized his positive visualization of the future outcome of this affilia- tion stating that “this event is of great significance in Rosette Group, whereby we gain access to international standards of quality, techniques and experience which shall lead Rosette Group to more success in different pro- fessional fields.” Rossano Cabrino added: “Rosette Group KUWAIT: Abdulla Al-Mulla, Kuwait Chamber of has joined the company as a full partner bringing financial Commerce and Industry board member, and Gregg expertise and Middle East distribution knowledge for the Stevens, chairman of American Business Council.

KUWAIT: Dr Mustafa Behbehani, Chairman of Kuwaiti Gulf Group, Abdulla Al-Mulla, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member and Rosette Group CEO Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest kuwait digest The economic situation Why democracy Yacoub the barber failed here By Suad Al-Mojel By Dr Hassan Abbas uwait is suddenly full of fashion designers, nutri- t is not a bad thing that Arabs have started comparing tionists, therapists and specialists in making cup- their current situation with what it was like before the Kcakes, brownies and all kinds of desserts! IArab Spring. It is a good and important comparison Meanwhile, a large number of young citizens have because the changes give us a lot of details and provide a become planners of weddings, birthday parties and grad- better understanding of the political Arab mindset. The Arab uation ceremonies! The government supports and Spring, as we know, has produced new countries while other encourages this, and there is nothing wrong with it. But states remained the same. But if we take a closer look, we the problem is that these professions depend mostly on find one clear thing that Arab states have in common, which desire and capital only, without prior control or experi- is the fact that democracy is still unable to find a place to ence whatsoever. thrive in the Arab world. Al-Anbaa For example, most ‘fashion designers’ start by roaming Why has democracy that is over four centuries old in fabric and accessories’ markets, and then use the help of a Europe, remains lost in our region? The answer comes in dif- good Indian tailor to make the clothes. Next thing you ferent shapes. The first is that a concrete definition of democ- know, the designer becomes a ‘celebrity’ with TV and racy remains unavailable. Yes, democracy in general means magazine interviews. And the same thing applies to the that the people govern themselves, but the principle ques- other professions mentioned above. Expertise is unfortu- tion is who are the people? Does it refer in this case to the nately not present in our culture, leaving a negative effect absolute majority, or can we consider a 51 percent majority on work ethics and culture in general, despite the fact that for example to be representative of the entire people? experience in the field of work is a main component of Meanwhile, there are many basic questions surrounding social integration. this topic, including how can the best political representation This is the story of a Syrian young man who went to of the people be decided. Is the political system in the United Austria and settled in its capital with his small family as States of America considered the best, for example? Or asylum seekers. The rules there require investment of indi- something else, especially when considering the fact that the vidual capabilities, even in the case of refugees. As a American system adopts the ‘electoral college’ system result, the man was forced to take extensive language through which the minority can win sometimes? courses and others related to his profession. Since the Another question is whether democracy should be con- man used to be a hairstylist in Syria, he took courses in sidered the only way to preserve human dignity and rights? kuwait digest that field with hope of eventually finding a job in that pro- And are human rights in democratic ideology an absolute fession in his new home. concept? Or is it fragmented? Is a person entitled to human During our conversation, the man explained to me the rights just because he or she is human? Or does democracy Let’s learn politeness vast difference between the steps that a person needs to distribute rights according to nationalities? And why are wars take before becoming a hairstylist in both countries. While and conflicts dominate the world despite the fact that he started as a cleaner at a barber shop in Syria when he By Arwa Al-Waqian democracy is the system adopted by the majority of coun- was a kid, then moved to washing customers’ hair and lat- tries? ith absolute politeness a restaurant waitress When a whole people is brought up to such an er becoming a hairstylist, the man says that the story was On top of that, there is the fact that Arabs have a conflict kept apologizing and bowing to us for not exaggerated level of self-esteem, this can be a serious- completely different in Austria. of principles with democracy. The Arabian mindset is still The courses he underwent before he earned a license being able to serve us during a recent trip to ly dangerous indicator that our souls are devoid of any unable to disintegrate itself from two main principles, which W to work as a barber legally includes studying details about Japan. Despite the language barrier, we all started humanity. Man is considered unrespectable if he disre- are the ‘group’ ideology and obedience. Arabs do not recog- hair, skin and first aid, as well as the components used to nize individualism, and always put the society ahead of the guessing why she was apologizing. Some of us spects others. When a great people like the Japanese make shampoos, creams and hairstyling material. He also individual. Even after Islam came, the individual’s rights soon guessed that the restaurant was only for the Japanese, people treat you with utmost respect, I feel very sorry learned about other substances used in the manufactur- went away when Arabs reverted back to traditions of the age others guessed we should have made a reservation for the huge amount of violation of respecting others. ing of makeup and wigs, and took classes in skincare and of ignorance that does not recognize individuals and give earlier while a third party guessed that the place It is very painful when generations are brought up to a manicure. Two years later, Yacoub became a legal hairstyl- absolute rights to the society, albeit this time dressed in a might be full. However, when a group of Japanese was great deal of racism and exclusion of others! ist in Austria! religious cloak. allowed in, we all felt bad and went back to the first Nobody can realize how bad he treats others until Hairstyling is like every other profession, which cannot Following the early ages of Islam, the religious values of assumption, which might be wrong, anyway. he himself is treated the same way. Feeling that you be successful without experience that involves making justice were deserted in favor of exaggerated rights given to Nevertheless, the waitress kept bowing and apologiz- are being treated differently; that you do not have the mistakes and learning from them. Having the desire to do the society and government, an approach inspired by the tra- ing while showing us out! same rights and that you do not have access to this or something and the money to make it happen are not ditional Arabian instinct of blind subordination to others (a I was really touched by that experience because I that place only because of your nationality, you will enough to start a successful career, but it requires proper training and experience. All this is absent however from king, emir, husband, father, etc). Democracy is simply a result felt alienated and excluded and actually realized how feel terribly humiliated and will be forced to treat oth- of a Western social ideological culture, created by ideologists our professional culture. Therefore, we find barbers who non-Kuwaitis feel in Kuwait. We have been, intention- ers more nicely because all human beings deserve to who changed the world hundreds of years ago and continue carry out all kinds of cosmetic procedures freely, including to serve humanity in many fields. ally or unintentionally, treating them with absolute be treated with dignity not the opposite! those that involve use of syringes and equipment that However, these innovations still carry social values that racism. On that day, I learnt that if a country’s laws Finally, let me say that real patriotism does not lie in require special sterilization, which often end up with cases are drastically different compared to ours. It is impossible to take the citizens’ side, this does not give them (citi- raising flags, listening to patriotic songs or bragging filed at the police station. import a ‘mysterious’ solution from the West, and demand an zens) the right to treat expatriates impolitely. Why about our tribal origins. True patriotism means that Yacoub became a hair stylist by law, while beauty instant solution to magically and softly happen. It is impossi- don’t we gently apologize to them instead of uttering you should honorably represent your country locally salons in Kuwait are filled with runaway domestic workers ble for that to happen unless we use our minds, abandon purely racist sentences such as ‘you are nothing but a and abroad through good manners, humanity, who do the same profession that Yacoub does! Meanwhile, fanaticism and find the answers ourselves according to our (his/her nationality)’, ‘Kaifi, Kuwaiti’ (I do as I wish respecting laws, protecting you nation’s funds and half of Kuwait’s young people have become fashion culture and after studying our heritage, history as well as our because I am Kuwaiti) and ‘Shut up or you will be cleanliness. Unfortunately, many of those who just use designers without even a license to practice that profes- religious and moral values. —Al-Rai deported’?! hollow slogans lack all these values. —Al-Jarida sion, or therapists after reading one book! —Al-Qabas

in my view Palestinian experience

By Ramzy Baroud n the early days of the Syrian uprising-turned civil war Arab land, be used in so miserable a context. The cards are three years ago, the writing on the wall of it becoming an getting more and more mixed up by the day, and, once Iintricate regional and international conflict was there for more, all are tainted, and none are innocent. Israeli leaders all to see. Palestinians in Syria were likely to find themselves must be pleased by the spectacle. a pawn in a dirty war, but few could have predicted the Then, there is the siege of Yarmouk, a large refugee magnitude of the crisis, and perhaps, few cared. camp for Palestinian refugees and working class Syrians Despite their many differences, there are two common located on the outskirts of Damascus. The hermetic siege denominators that unite all the parties involved in the will be remembered by historians along such infamous Syrian conflict. One is that they are all contributing, directly memories like that of Deir Yassin, Sabra and Shatilla, Jenin or otherwise, to the killing of Syrians with unmitigated and Gaza. This time, Israel is hardly a direct factor in the star- impunity, savageness even. And, two, in the same breath, vation, killings and humiliation of tens of thousands of they all pose as defenders of the Syrian people. It is not a Palestinians undergoing one of the most suffocating sieges puzzle, but the nature of dirty conflicts. in the modern history of warfare. Yes, Yarmouk’s residents Yet all the “defenders” of the Syrian people, with no became refugees because of Israel’s ethnic cleaning of exception, are now scarred. No media campaign, hearty Palestinians in 1948, but there can be no justification to the speech or amount of money could alter this reality. The current disgrace experienced at the hands of Arab armies regime of Bashar Assad can make all sorts of claims, but and militias. there is no changing the fact that the Syrian army has killed Whenever a rumor goes around that a few bags of food thousands of innocent Syrian civilians. The same logic have somehow made their way to the camp, thousands of applies to the opposition and their allies, some hastily people run around in complete desperation, begging for declaring “Islamic states” and emirates on conquered terri- crumbs. Most of them go back empty handed, often greet- tories. ed with gunfire. Scores have starved to death since the The Syrian people can never peacefully co-exist with the siege was imposed on Yarmouk last year. The Syrian govern- current power structure in Damascus, nor with those offer- ment blames the rebels, the latter blame the government. ing themselves as the alternative. Evidence emerging from the camp suggests they are both Outside parties are equally culpable. Iran, Iraq, Turkey, liable. various Lebanese forces, Russia, the EU and the US have “An old Palestinian woman arrived as we finished distrib- done more than a fair share of damage. They often meet on uting whatever aid we managed to bring into the camp,” whatever political forum they have concocted to save the Laila, a Luxembourgian friend who bravely went to Syria Syrian people, yet somehow, their actions - selective and along with some others told me. “We had none left, but the utterly self-involved - seem to achieve the opposite out- woman kept on begging and talking about her grandchil- come. dren dying from hunger,” she said as she fought her tears. Where are the “friends of Syria” - of all the parties above - “Suddenly, one government soldier attacked her with so as Syrian children continue to die from the cold in refugee much brutality, beating her up over every part of her body. camps within or outside the borders of Syria? Why are the We were so shocked and terrified by the scene, we could do refugees being treated with absolute neglect, if not revul- nothing as the skinny old woman wailed in pain.” sion in some Arab countries bordering Syria to the extent Yet, not a single Arabic news channel or publication ever that some elect to flee back to the war inferno at home? takes a break from championing the cause of Palestine, and, Arab media oftentimes suppress reports of abuse of now Syria. Arab leaders oftentimes wear Palestinian tradi- Syrian women in refugee camps based in countries to tional scarves (kuffiyas) as gestures of solidarity. They pay which the refugees fled for protection. Some are kidnapped respect to the Palestinian flag at every opportunity, and and sold for prostitution; others are raped with no conse- once in a while, with much fanfare, announce a large finan- quences. It is strange how sensitive some are regarding cial contribution to build a mosque or a hospital that natu- women’s honor, yet nothing is done to bring their dishonor- rally carries their name. Official Syrian channels still speak of ing to an end. the looming battle to liberate Jerusalem. Yet, Arab finger- As for the children, one can never overstate the horror of prints are all over much of the misery that has befallen a child dying from cold, hunger or bullet wounds, without Palestinians, whether in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria or elsewhere. having a basic conception of who is inflicting such terror or Syrians need to remember the Palestinian experience why. The Syrian survivors among this generation will grow that has lasted 65 years and counting, and not only within up very angry, and rightfully so. The consequences are likely the Israeli context, but in that of ethnic cleansing and mili- to be as severe as the resultant from the anger that brewed tary occupation. With all the self-proclaimed “liberators” that following the US invasion of Iraq over a decade ago. Iraq is have come and gone, all the slogans, conferences, press now caught in an endless fury. statements, poetry, mass prayers, generous announce- For Palestinians, anger is compounded. There is the ments of aid and all the rest, most Palestinians in the Middle destruction of Syria, a country that despite its many defi- East continue to live in squalid refugee camps. They are the ciencies once hosted the “axis of resistance” - the last battle- subject of numerous books, articles and documentaries, yet front for those standing up against Israeli militancy and US few come to their rescue as they are forced to eat the few hegemony. Regardless of the justification behind their inter- homeless dogs and cats in their refugee camps to survive. vention, they have all been discredited. A young Syrian man Yarmouk is a testament to that despondent legacy, which told me about his cousin, who left Lebanon to fight in Syria many continue to ignore, while continuously speaking of and was killed by Hezbollah. “Yes, I cried,” he said. “My broth- “Arab brotherhood” and “Arab solidarity.” er urged me to ‘have faith’, but I don’t see why crying is a Syrians need only to reflect on the collective Palestinian sign of lacking faith.” One could have hardly imagined a sce- history of destitute to predict their own future if they don’t nario in which Hezbollah, once celebrated as the liberator of take charge of their own destiny. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

India’s dogged letter-writing crusader signs off Putin tries to ease East-West tension Page 12 PAGE 10

WASHINGTON: Snow falls over the Rose Garden and West Wing Colonnade of the White House in Washington, DC. — AFP Deadly winter storm hits US East Coast Schools closed, about 2,900 flights cancelled

WASHINGTON: A deadly winter storm hit the US East and Tennessee were blamed on the wide-ranging storm tures went below 10F (-12C) in the month of March. The tracking site FlightAware.com. The worst-hit airport was Coast with freezing rain, snow and near-record cold on over the weekend. governors of New Jersey, Delaware, Mississippi and Washington’s Reagan National, where more than 80 Monday, cancelling about 2,900 flights, shutting down Although the snow bypassed northern cities includ- Tennessee declared states of emergency, and schools percent of flights were called off. Washington and closing schools and local govern- ing New York and Boston, by early on Monday New and local governments throughout the area closed. Esteban Rodriguez, 26, said he was resigned about ments. The latest in a series of weather systems to pum- York’s temperature had already peaked at 23 F (-5 C), Maryland and West Virginia shut state offices as the rescheduling his flight back home to Central America mel the winter-weary eastern United States, the storm Hurley said. Freeze warnings were in place from the storm dumped a foot (30 cm) of snow on the from Reagan National. He said he had grown accus- dumped about 4 inches (10 cm) of snow on the US capi- Canadian border into Texas. The main electric grid oper- Appalachian Mountains. In Beckley, West Virginia, the tomed to winter weather while studying sustainable tal by early afternoon as it swept from the Mississippi ator for most of Texas issued a conservation alert due to snow forced schools to close, another headache for offi- energy in Iceland. “Even I am used to it, and I’m from Valley to the Atlantic coast, the National Weather expected higher demand, and heavy sleet left about cials already struggling to make up 15 days of school Guatemala,” Rodriguez said as a dozen snowplows Service said. 30,000 homes and businesses in Memphis, Tennessee, lost because of weather. labored to clear runways and taxiways of snow. On the Brian Hurley, a weather service meteorologist, said out of power, Memphis Light, Gas and Water reported. But for student Johnathan Tippley, 15, the day off West Coast, a weather front will move onshore over the temperatures would be about 30 degrees Fahrenheit The storm shrouded Washington, DC, in snow and meant time to grab a snow shovel and make money. Pacific Northwest and northern California, bringing (15 degrees Celsius) below normal as a cold front set- prompted the US government to shutter its area offices, “On a day like this you can make a killing. Plus, there’s much-needed rain and snow to the region, the National tled in from Great Plains to the Atlantic coast. “It’s really, and Congress put off scheduled votes. Some govern- nothing else to do right now ... might as well make Weather Service said. Snow also is expected over parts really cold, temperatures dropping into the teens ment employees off work shoveled their sidewalks and some cash,” he said. The snow meant cold, hard cash for of the Rocky Mountains and the northern Great Plains, it (Fahrenheit, minus-7 to minus-10 Celsius) and the nor- then took their children sledding in Maryland. store owners like Clay Butler, who runs Pleasants said.— Reuters mal highs are around 50 (10C) at this point,” he said. Icy Hardware in Richmond, Virginia, which sold out a sup- roads in Virginia were blamed for at least one death on Mercury in single digits ply of ice melt that had barely been touched in the pre- Monday morning when a 30-year-old man drove his Steve Zubrick, a weather service meteorologist for vious three years. “It’s definitely been good for business pickup truck into an embankment, flipping the vehicle the Washington area, said overnight lows were forecast - we’ve sold a lot of shovels,” Butler said. About 2,900 US and striking a tree, Virginia State Police said. At least at 9F (-13C). That would be close to the March 1873 flights were canceled and nearly 5,000 were delayed on four weather-related traffic deaths in Texas, Oklahoma record of 4F (-16C), the last time Washington tempera- Monday because of the storm, according to airline Egypt tightens grip on mosques, sermons Latest move to curb Islamist dissent

CAIRO: Egypt’s military-installed authorities are tightening ministry official Sabry Ebada said. The decision was also not an imam who follows power.” their grip on mosques by laying down the theme for the taken to “spare mosques from political fights”. Scuffles have After last Friday’s sermon, four Cairo imams were being weekly Friday sermons, in the latest move to curb Islamist often broken out between pro- and anti-Morsi camps dur- investigated by the ministry for “inciting violence and call- dissent. The controversial measure comes as Egypt remains ing Friday prayers, particularly when the sermon appears ing for anti-government protests,” ministry official Ebada deeply polarized after a government crackdown on sup- to favor one side over the other. said. The control of mosques, many of which run their own porters of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who was But now imams have government-approved themes charities, is important for both sides, said Georges Fahmy, deposed by the army last July. Morsi’s supporters have such as squatter settlements, the role of youth, employ- an analyst with the Cairo-based Arab Forum for since capitalized on the weekly prayers to garner backing ment and the environment. “The ministry’s decision is Alternatives. These places of worship are “channels for their protests calling for his reinstatement. aimed at controlling the Islamist current supporting the through which public opinion is formed,” particularly in The authorities accuse Islamist groups, particularly the Brotherhood at a time when many imams feel sympathetic Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta, both rural areas, he said. Muslim Brotherhood to which Morsi belongs, of using towards the Brotherhood and Morsi,” said Amr Ezzat, a And the control of mosques is vital for Islamists to air their mosques to spread their ideology and enroll new recruits researcher with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. views since the authorities have shut down many of their across Egypt. The religious endowments (Waqf) ministry in “Mosques are the scene of an ongoing battle between television stations, Fahmy added. late 2013 dismissed 55,000 imams (prayer leaders) who did authorities who are trying to prove that their policies are in Each week’s theme is published on the ministry’s web- not hail from the state-controlled Al-Azhar university, the line with Islam, and the current of political Islam which is site and also passed on to imams by their local waqf offices most prestigious institution in Sunni Islam. They were trying to strip the state of its religious legitimacy.” in Egypt’s 27 provinces, said Mohamed Abdel Salam Badr, accused of “inciting violence and using mosques to spread imam of a northern Cairo mosque. Worshippers are divided religious extremism and promote Islamist groups”. Move divides worshippers over the measure. “I am against unifying the sermon,” said Amnesty International says the crackdown on pro-Morsi But not all imams are toeing the government line, and engineer Bahaa Marwan, as he attended a sermon at Assad supporters have already left more than 1,400 people dead Ezzat said the ministry had “no tools allowing it to impose Ibn Al-Furat mosque, a stronghold of pro-Morsi Salafi since his ouster. its control over all mosques.” Khalaf Massoud, imam of preacher Hazem Abu Ismail. “The intention is political and In January, the ministry, which has nearly 120,000 Montazah mosque in Cairo’s working-class neighborhood the objective is to silence dissent.” Another worshipper, mosques on its list, decided to unify the Friday sermon by of Imbaba, has talked of what is “right and wrong” in his Ahmed, agreed, saying the aim was “to make people listen setting a common theme for the weekly prayers. “The lat- Friday sermons, in a reference to the ongoing political only to what the government has to say”. But Mahmoud est procedures aim to prevent incitement to violence and strife in Egypt. “The state is adopting measures to secure Hussein, a 53-year-old electrician, backed the move. “The the spread of lies in mosques, which were being used by backing through religious preachings. This is unaccept- government is trying to defuse the situation by silencing the Brotherhood to spread their ideas and fool people,” able,” Massoud said. “I am an imam who follows religion, those who are inciting violence,” he said. — AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 World powers to give Lebanon military boost France and Lebanon to seal multi-billion deal PARIS: France is preparing to seal a multi-billion- March as parties aligned with the Shiite Muslim although Washington has previously provided to the Shiite Muslim Hezbollah, the most effective dollar plan to help modernize Lebanon’s armed Hezbollah movement and a Sunni Muslim-led rival assistance to the Lebanese military. and powerful armed group in Lebanon and funded forces as part of international efforts to stabilize a bloc have pursued a power struggle exacerbated by regional Shiite power Iran. Hezbollah and Iran country hard hit by spillover from Syria’s civil war by their support for the opposing sides in Syria. In Ageing army are the two main foreign allies of Syrian President next door. At a meeting in Paris today, the an apparent breakthrough last month, Prime Lebanese President Michel Suleiman is to make Bashar Al-Assad in his almost three-year-old con- International Support Group for Lebanon, which Minister Tammam Salam finally managed to pull a general appeal for help at the meeting ahead of flict with mainly Sunni rebels bent on overthrowing includes the five permanent members of the UN together a coalition of leaders from across the planned presidential elections before his term him. Lebanon, with a weak government and Security Council, will also muster more help for political spectrum. But it has since been held up by expires in May. Lebanon’s military is one of the few threadbare national infrastructure even before the almost 1 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon and wrangling over a policy statement that must be institutions not crippled by sectarian divisions but Syrian crisis erupted almost three years ago, has create a fund to mitigate the economic fallout from agreed before a vote of confidence it must get it is ill-equipped to deal with domestic militant struggled to support refugees who have swelled Syria’s conflict. “This group’s objective is to avoid from parliament. groups, particularly Hezbollah. “The army is ageing the existing population of 4 million. the differences that we have on Syria spreading to The Paris meeting will however go ahead with and has a five-year modernization plan,” said a The World Bank estimates Lebanon will need Lebanon,” a French diplomatic source said. “This the foreign ministers of the five veto-wielding French diplomatic source. “It’s up to the Lebanese $2.6 billion over three years just to handle the meeting will provide support for the army, the Security Council members - France, United States, to coordinate their wish list.” Diplomatic sources refugee situation. Western countries have been economy and the refugee crisis.” Russia, Britain and China - attending. Saudi Arabia said France was set to supply hardware to reluctant to assist by giving money directly to Lebanon was still recovering from its own 1975- was also invited. It donated $3 billion in December Lebanon’s military ranging from communications Lebanon’s government given the internal turmoil. 90 civil war when Syria’s much bigger conflict for upgrades to the Lebanese army and asked gear to helicopters, tanks and long-range anti-tank As well, the Paris meeting will launch a World Bank erupted in 2011, re-inflaming old sectarian divi- France to supply weapons using a large proportion missiles. trust fund to back development projects in sions that transcend their common border. A care- of these funds. No other big Security Council pow- Predominantly Sunni Muslin Saudi Arabia may Lebanese communities under strain from the taker government has run Lebanon since last er has yet said what if anything they will offer, be seeking to bolster the army as a counterbalance refugee influx. — Reuters News Israeli leader pushes back in brief

‘Horrific’ dog attack WELLINGTON: A seven-year-old Japanese girl was critical- against Obama diplomacy ly injured in New Zealand when a pack of four large dogs mauled her in a “horrific” attack on a rural property, offi- cials said yesterday. The girl was playing in a yard at Murupara in the North Island on Monday afternoon when Netanyahu vows to hold the line on Israel’s security four “mastiff-type” dogs belonging to the property’s owner attacked her, police said. She was airlifted to hospital suf- fering “extensive injuries to the majority of her face” and WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blunt- puncture wounds to her arms, legs and hips, the BayTrust ly told Barack Obama on Monday that he would never Rescue Helicopter said. She underwent surgery yesterday compromise on Israel’s security even as the US president and remained in a critical condition. Police said the dogs sought to reassure him on Iran nuclear diplomacy and were put down and they were considering laying charges. pressure him on Middle East peace talks. In a White House Local Government Minister Paula Bennett said authorities meeting overshadowed by the Ukraine crisis, the two lead- would look at tightening dog control laws in the wake of ers avoided any direct clash during a brief press appear- the attack. “It’s horrific for that wee girl and her family and ance but were unable to paper over differences on a pair of for the whole community,” she told reporters. “I’m keen to sensitive diplomatic drives that have stoked tensions have another look. I mean anything we can do to stop hor- between them. rific attacks like this, but it’s an incredibly complex area. It’s Obama assured Netanyahu of his “absolute commit- not as simple as banning a breed.” Murupara Community ment” to preventing Iran from developing atomic Board chairman Jacob Te Kurapa said the girl and her par- weapons, despite the Israeli leader’s deep skepticism over ents had only recently settled in the area from Japan. “The US-led efforts to reach a final international deal to curb family have only been here for six weeks in Murupara,” he Tehran’s nuclear program. But, warning that time was run- told Radio New Zealand. “They were looking forward, and ning out, Obama also urged Netanyahu to make “tough I’m sure they still will, to a new life here in New Zealand.” decisions” to help salvage a faltering US-brokered peace process aimed at reaching a framework agreement with the Palestinians and extending talks beyond an April target Sri Lanka arrests date for an elusive final accord. “The Israeli people expect Indian fishermen me to stand strong against criticism and pressure,” COLOMBO: Sri Lanka says it has arrested 32 Indian Netanyahu told the president. fishermen who were fishing illegally in its territorial Obama and Netanyahu, who have had strained rela- waters nearly two months after the two countries tions in the past, showed no outright tension as they sat released hundreds of detained fishermen and their side-by-side in the Oval Office. Both were cordial and busi- fisheries ministers agreed to cooperate in combating nesslike. But their differences were clear, and when the poaching. A navy statement yesterday said naval talks ended after nearly three hours there was no immedi- patrolling craft arrested the 32 fishermen in eight fish- ate sign of progress. Netanyahu arrived in Washington to a ing trawlers the island’s northern seas on Monday and veiled warning from Obama that it would be harder to pro- WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a meeting with Senate leaders, on Capitol Hill handed over to the fisheries department. In January, tect Israel against efforts to isolate it internationally if in Washington, DC. — AFP fisheries ministers from both countries held talks to peace efforts failed. The Israeli prime minister used their recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. taught Israelis that “the best way to guarantee peace is to release a total of 283 Indian and 181 Sri Lankan fisher- brief joint appearance to put the onus on the Palestinians Netanyahu appeared to be pushing back implicitly be strong.” His remark harkened, but without the stridency, men and draw up long-term measures to prevent to advance prospects for peace and also to vow to hold the against Obama’s warning in a Bloomberg View interview of to an Oval Office visit in 2011 when he famously lectured unlawful fishing. They agreed to set up a committee of line on what he sees as Israel’s security imperative. “international fallout” for Israel if peace efforts break down the US president on the long struggles of the Jewish peo- senior officials to discuss the issue. and the building of Jewish settlements continues. Israelis, ple, as he sought to counter Obama’s call to base any History lesson increasingly concerned about an anti-Israel boycott move- peace agreement on borders that existed before the 1967 In his remarks, Netanyahu offered Obama what was ment, view such US warnings as an attempt to squeeze out Middle East war. Vietnam jails blogger HANOI: A dissident blogger was sentenced to two years in essentially a history lesson covering the last 20 years of concessions. Possibly further complicating the talks, an Ukraine has dominated Obama’s agenda. “I know you’ve prison yesterday for posting online criticism of Vietnam’s conflict with the Palestinians as well as what Israelis see as Israeli government report showed that Israeli construction got a few other pressing matters on your plate,” Netanyahu authoritarian government, drawing an immediate rebuke an existential threat from Iran, arch-foe of the Jewish state. starts of settler homes had more than doubled last year. joked to Obama, who used his press appearance to warn from the United States. The verdict against Truong Duy “Iran calls openly for Israel’s destruction, so I’m sure you’ll Palestinians seek to establish a state in the West Bank and Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow faces inter- Nhat was the latest in an intensifying crackdown against appreciate that Israel cannot permit such a state to have the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel cap- national isolation for its military intervention in Ukraine’s advocates of free speech and greater democracy in the the ability to make atomic bombs to achieve that goal,” tured those areas in the 1967 Middle East war and in 2005, Crimea region. On Iran, Obama and Netanyahu gave no Communist-ruled country, where the Internet is enabling Netanyahu said. “And I, as the prime minister of Israel, will pulled out of the Gaza Strip, now run by Hamas Islamists real sign of progress in bridging fundamental differences. more opportunities for organizing and spreading dissent. do whatever I must do to defend the Jewish state.” Obama opposed to Abbas’s peace efforts. Netanyahu, whose country is widely believed to be the Following a half-day trial in the central city of Danang, is seeking room for diplomacy with Iran, while Netanyahu, Middle East’s only nuclear-armed nation, has denounced as Nhat was convicted of “putting the country’s leadership in who has stoked US concern in the past with threats of uni- Obama urges compromise a “historic mistake” an interim deal that world powers a bad light,” in a series of articles on his blog, his lawyer lateral strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, has complained that “Israel has been doing its part, and I regret to say that reached with Iran in November, under which it agreed to Tran Vu Hai said. He said Nhat maintained his acts did not sanctions on Tehran are being eased prematurely. the Palestinians haven’t,” Netanyahu said, an assertion he is curb sensitive nuclear activities in return for limited sanc- constitute a crime. “I merely exercised my rights to free- The meeting with Netanyahu marked a new direct foray likely to repeat on Tuesday to the pro-Israel lobbying group tions relief. dom of speech,” Hai quoted Nhat as saying. The United into Middle East peacemaking by Obama, whose first-term AIPAC, a past podium for some of his most strident speech- He has insists that any final deal must completely dis- States wants close economic, military and diplomatic rela- efforts ended in failure. Secretary of State John Kerry has es. Obama commended Netanyahu for his role in the talks mantle Tehran’s uranium enrichment centrifuges, a posi- tions with its former enemy but has made it clear that bet- been trying to persuade Netanyahu and Palestinian that resumed in July but warned that “the time frame that tion that is at odds with Obama’s suggestion that Iran, ter ties are dependent on Hanoi showing greater respect President Mahmoud Abbas to agree to a framework deal we have set up for completing these negotiations is com- which says its nuclear program is peaceful, could be for democratic norms and human rights. In a statement, that would enable land-for-peace negotiations to continue, ing near.” allowed to enrich on a limited basis for civilian purposes. the US Embassy said it was “deeply concerned” about the even though there is widespread skepticism inside and “It’s my belief that ultimately it is still possible to create On Netanyahu’s visit to Congress, where pro-Israel senti- sentence and called on the government to release “all pris- outside of the region about his chances for success. Abbas, two states,” he said. “But it’s difficult and it requires compro- ment runs strong, House Republican Majority Leader Eric oners of conscience, and allow all Vietnamese to peaceful- who seeks Palestinian statehood, is due at the White House mise on all sides.” Palestinians point to Israeli settlement- Cantor told him he backed his demands to dismantle Iran’s ly express their political views.” Nhat was a reporter at a on March 17. He has resisted Netanyahu’s demand, repeat- building in occupied West Bank territory as the main obsta- nuclear program and for Palestinians to recognize Israel as state-run newspaper before quitting more than three ed during the Oval Office meeting, for the Palestinians to cle to peace. Netanyahu told Obama that Jewish history a Jewish state. — Reuters years ago to focus on his blog, “Another Point of View.” He said in 2010 that he was quitting as a reporter “to write Syria surrenders third of chemical arsenal about things that I want to write.”

THE HAGUE: Syria has surrendered or destroyed nearly a third at its Hague headquarters. “This is good progress and I expect of its arsenal, Uzumcu said. “Given delays since the lapse of the 2 killed as gunmen of its chemical arsenal but remains behind on its international further acceleration and intensification of effort.” two target dates for removal, it will be important to maintain attack NATO trucks obligations, the head of the disarmament mission told the OPCW head Ahmet Uzumcu told the Executive Council this newly created momentum,” Uzumcu said. PESHAWAR: Gunmen attacked four vehicles carrying world’s chemical watchdog yesterday. Syria has already missed meeting that Syria had submitted a revised proposal to com- NATO supplies for Afghanistan in Pakistan’s troubled several target dates to hand over or destroy its arsenal before a plete the removal of all chemicals from Syria before the end of Missed deadlines northwest yesterday, killing two people, officials said. The June 30 deadline and the United Nations-Organization for the April, after previously saying it could only complete the job by Syria was to have shipped out most dangerous Category 1 vehicles came under fire in the Jamrud area of Khyber, one Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) mission called on June. An OPCW meeting two weeks ago heard that just 11 per- chemicals by December 31 and Category 2 chemicals by of seven districts that make up Pakistan’s semi- Damascus to move faster. “Nearly one third of Syria’s chemical cent of Syria’s dangerous chemicals had left the country. But February 5. “For its part, the Syrian Government has reaffirmed autonomous tribal belt, as they were on their way to weapons material has now been removed or destroyed,” UN- with two shipments last week and one more expected this its commitment to implement the removal operations in a Afghanistan. Pakistan is a major transit supply route for OPCW coordinator Sigrid Kaag told a meeting of the watchdog week, the country will have handed over more than 35 percent timely manner,” Uzumcu. Syria has also destroyed 93 percent of the NATO mission in landlocked Afghanistan. “The four its stocks of isopropanol, used to make sarin nerve gas, a task containers were on their way to Afghanistan when four that was supposed to have been completed by March 1. The gunmen riding two motorbikes opened fire at them in remainder is currently inaccessible for security reasons in the Jamrud, killing two helpers and wounding one driver and war-ravaged country, diplomats said. Syria has claimed two one helper,” a senior local administration official, Jehangir “attempted attacks” on convoys taking chemicals to Latakia Azam Wazir said. He said one of the helpers died on the port on their way out of the country, but Western diplomats spot while the second one succumbed to his injuries in dismissed the unverifiable claim. hospital. Another local administration official confirmed Once Syria has delivered its chemicals to main port Latakia, the incident and said the attackers had fled. they are to be taken by Western warships to a US vessel, the MV Cape Ray, aboard which they will be broken down at sea Estonian PM resigns using hydrolysis, a process expected to take 90 days. That TALLINN: Estonia’s three-term Prime Minister Andrus means the entire disarmament and destruction process may Ansip submitted his resignation yesterday in a long- well overrun the June 30 deadline, agreed by Russia and the planned move to pave the way for his successor to lead a US last year as part of a plan to avert US-backed military strikes in the wake of deadly chemical attacks outside Damascus new government into a general election next year. Ansip blamed by the West on President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. announced last month he would resign, along with his cab- Most countries at the OPCW’s Executive Council are frustrat- inet, and his Reform Party has picked Siim Kallis, a vice- ed with the delays, although Russia, China and Iran are reluc- president of the European Commission, to form a new tant to put more pressure on Damascus. So-called Priority 1 coalition if he is nominated by the country’s president. A chemicals were supposed to be destroyed by March 31, but spokesman for Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves they will not even be delivered to Latakia by that date. Syria is told Reuters that Ansip had submitted his resignation. The also supposed to have destroyed its 12 chemical weapon pro- president has 14 days to formally nominate a new candi- duction facilities by March 15, and the OPCW Executive Council date for prime minister who will then nominate a cabinet. remains divided on how to pressure Syria to meet that date. Under Ansip, Estonia’s longest-serving prime minister who MUNSTER: Photo shows employees in protective gear preparing to dismantle a dummy grenade during a demon- UN Security Council resolution 2118 was passed after a mas- has held office since 2005, the small Baltic country has stration at a chemical weapons disposal facility of GEKA (Gesellschaft zur Entsorgung von chemischen sive chemical weapon attack that killed hundreds in several been praised by analysts as a model of northern European Kampfstoffen und Ruestungsaltlasten) in Munster, northern Germany. Syria has surrendered or destroyed nearly a opposition areas around Damascus in August. Rebels and the austerity pitted against crisis-hit southern Europe. third of its chemical arsenal. — AFP regime exchanged blame for that attack. — AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 ‘Faith and firearms’ US churches give away guns

CHICAGO: Baptist churches in Kentucky are giving away does it with passion.” The “Second Amendment guns as prizes in the southern US state in hopes of drawing Celebrations” have drawn the ire of clergy across Kentucky, wayward rednecks to Christ. Lone Oak First Baptist Church the Louisville Courier-Journal reported. “How ironic to use is hosting the next “faith and firearms” event on Thursday guns to lure men in to hear a message about Jesus, who and has invited the townsfolk of Paducah to come by for a said, ‘Put away the sword,’” Reverend Joe Phelps, pastor of free steak dinner and a chance to win one of 25 handguns, Louisville’s independent Highland Baptist Church, told the long guns and shotguns which have been donated as paper in an article posted Monday. “Can you picture Jesus prizes. giving away guns, or toasters or raffle tickets?. The purpose is to “point people to Christ” while also cel- He gave away bread once, but that was as a sign, not a ebrating gun rights and the great outdoors, the church sales pitch.” Nancy Jo Kemper, pastor of New Union said. Preacher Chuck McAlister-who used to host a popular Church in Versailles and former director of the Kentucky hunting show on the Outdoor Channel and is a member of Council of Churches called the events a “travesty.” the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s executive team-will be “Churches should not be encouraging people in their the guest speaker. McAlister’s ministry “revolves around communities to arm themselves against their neighbors, WASHINGTON: Workers labor at the ‘C’ Tank Farm at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, near Richland, Wash. Documents God, guns, good ol’ boys” and has helped more than 3,000 but to love their neighbors, as instructed by Jesus,” she obtained by the Associated Press show that there are ‘significant construction flaws’ in some newer, double-walled stor- people find Christ in the past two years, the convention told the paper. “How terrible it would be if one of those age tanks at the nuclear waste complex. — AP said in an article on its website. guns given away at a church were to cause the death of “That’s a phenomenal number of souls saved under one an innocent victim.” McAlister insisted that guns are a man’s ministry by anybody’s standards,” said Paul great way to reach out to the “unchurched.” “You have to Washington nuclear Chitwood, executive director of the Kentucky Baptist know the hook that will attract people, and hunting is Convention, an umbrella group for 2,400 autonomous huge in Kentucky,” he told the paper. “So we get in there churches. “Chuck has a unique gift that makes him espe- and burp and scratch and talk about the right to bear cially effective in reaching out to us good ol’ boys, and he arms and that stuff.”— AFP waste tanks flawed?

SPOKANE: While one of the newer double-walled nuclear the risks that exist on the tank farms, we will make them,” waste storage tanks at a Washington state complex has Fletcher said. He added the Energy Department continues Where West failed, the people leaked, six others have “significant construction flaws” that to examine the possibility of building new storage tanks at could lead to additional leaks, according to documents Hanford. Concerns about the disposal of nuclear waste obtained by The Associated Press. The 28 double-walled and the threat of leaks are not limited to Washington power spurs change in Bosnia tanks at Hanford nuclear waste complex hold some of the state. Two weeks ago, 13 workers at an underground worst radioactive waste at the nation’s most contaminated nuclear dump in New Mexico were exposed to radiation. nuclear weapons site. The above-ground radiation release led to the shutdown MOSTAR: The front line in Mostar during governments overthrown by people pow- many threats,” said the 50-year-old. “For One of those giant tanks was found to be leaking in of operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant as authori- the Bosnian war ran north-south, along a er with technocrats. Plenums, launched by me, there is no east or west Mostar, no 2012. But subsequent surveys of the other double-walled ties investigate the cause of the leak and the health effects road parallel with the emerald waters of a group of young activists, soon drew peo- Bosniak or Croat side. I feel no affiliation to tanks performed for the US Department of Energy by one on employees. the Neretva River. Catholic Croats held the ple of all ages and walks of life. Pensioners, any ethnic group. I’m just trying to heal of its Hanford contractors found at least six shared defects Tom Carpenter of the citizen watchdog group Hanford west and Muslim Bosniaks the east, much the unemployed, war veterans and young this town.” Grabovac is one of a handful of with the leaking tank that could lead to future leaks, the Challenge said he wasn’t surprised that more of the dou- as they do today. Under socialist people come with ideas to make govern- Croats who participate. That both sides of documents said. Thirteen additional tanks also might be ble-walled tanks are in danger of leaking. “These tanks Yugoslavia, the road was called Boulevard ment become fairer and more efficient. Mostar are dissatisfied was clear on the compromised, according to the documents. Questions have an engineered design life, and we are reaching the of the People’s Revolution, but as the peo- Ad-hoc working groups then draft a list night of Feb 7, when rioters torched both about the storage tanks jeopardize efforts to clean up end,” Carpenter said. “It’s bad planning that they don’t ple splintered along ethnic and sectarian of requests and forward them to the can- the HDZ party headquarters and that of radioactive waste at the southeastern Washington site. have new tanks up and running.” While new tanks are lines, so it became simply ‘Bulevar’. Two tonal assemblies for consideration. Most the main Bosniak party, the SDA. Hanford cleanup already costs taxpayers about $2 billion a expensive, cleaning up a leak is more expensive, he added. decades on, Bulevar remains an unofficial importantly, they have rejected the ethnic Government buildings went up in flames year. “The price for cleaning up the environment once this stuff borderline between Croats and Bosniaks in labels that have dominated Bosnian poli- in Sarajevo and other towns. gets out there is incalculable.” Hanford contains some 53 a town that symbolizes more than any oth- tics since the deal that ended the war split Initially, Croats joined the Mostar Stop hiding the ball million gallons of high-level radioactive wastes from the er the dysfunction of post-war Bosnia. power between the three warring sides plenum in the wake of the unrest. But “It is time for the Department (of Energy) to stop hiding production of plutonium for nuclear weapons. They are Now, in a cultural centre built from the and sowed the seeds of the February many dropped out due to intimidation. the ball and pretending that the situation at Hanford is stored in 177 underground storage tanks, many of which “They tried to silence me, but they cannot being effectively managed,” Sen Ron Wyden, D-Ore, wrote date back to World War II and are single-walled models that stop me,” said Josip Milic, a Bosnian Croat Friday in a letter to Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Energy have leaked. The 28 double-walled tanks were built from professor who was beaten with baseball Department officials in Richland said the agency continues the 1960s to the 1980s. bats by unknown attackers after attending to make thorough inspections of the tanks, and has Current plans call for transferring wastes from leaking the protests in Mostar. The Mostar regional increased the frequency of those inspections. “They used single-walled tanks to the newer and bigger double-walled government has resisted calls to resign. to be reviewed every five to seven years,” said Tom Fletcher, tanks, where the waste will be stored while a $13 billion But in other areas, the movement is the Energy Department’s assistant manager for tank farms. plant for treating the waste is constructed. But the treat- already seeing results. “Now we are moving to a three-year time frame.” The ment plant is plagued with design problems and construc- department is in the process of inspecting the final eight tion has stalled. The situation did not appear dire until the Atom of renewal double-walled tanks at Hanford that have not been ana- news in October 2012 that the oldest of the double-walled At the behest of residents, powerful lyzed since the leak was detected in late 2012, Fletcher said tanks, called AY-102, had leaked, becoming the first of local governments have fallen in Sarajevo, Friday. those 28 tanks to do so. At the time, the Energy Tuzla, Bihac and Zenica, and cantonal No new leaks have been found, he said. “If there are Department blamed construction problems with this par- assemblies there have accepted requests changes or improvements we need to make in the pro- ticular tank for the leak and said it “seems unlikely” that the from plenums to form governments of gram, based on what we learn, to make sure we capture other double-walled tanks would leak.—AP non-party technocrats, though have yet to do so. They also agreed to cut, from March, some of the perks enjoyed by public offi- cials, such as the practice of paying elected officials for a year after the end of their SARAJEVO: A man holds a placard reading ‘Europe, we are the ones with whom term in office. In Tuzla they have already you should talk’ and a woman plays the flute as protesters block the traffic dur- done it, saving an amount equal to the ing a protest in Sarajevo. — AFP annual budget for culture and education. In most towns, reviews have been ordered rubble of this road, there’s again talk of rev- unrest. “A social revolution happened of the murky privatization process, to olution, with the revival of a discredited here,” Igor Stiks, a Sarajevo-born writer and many Bosnians an exercise in state-spon- socialist phenomenon - the plenum - in a lecturer at the University of Manchester in sored plunder. Participants say their aims form a world away from the secretive party Britain, told Bosnian state television. are limited to issues at the local level, but gatherings of yesteryear. Each day for “Changes will not happen quickly, there is in many cases the problems they want to weeks now, residents - mainly Bosniaks no magic wand, but for the first time social rectify have their roots in the labyrinthine but some Croats too - have gathered here issues have prevailed over the national. system of power-sharing set down by the in what they call a plenum, or citizens’ This is the greatest achievement.” 1995 peace deal. This feeds a public forum, to vent anger at their elected lead- While hundreds queue daily to take administration of 180,000 people, whose ers and at factory closures, lost jobs and part in a plenum in the capital Sarajevo, it salaries account for more than a fifth of unpaid wages. “Our joint struggle shows is Mostar that encapsulates the potential national output. that the spirit of a free Mostar is not bro- of the movement and the challenges it Ethnic checks and balances frequently ken,” Karlo Grabovac, an unemployed com- faces. Divided since the war, Mostar has paralyze government, deterring foreign puter technician, said. “Change is possible, two electricity providers, two telephone investment and contributing to an unem- but it cannot happen overnight. This is just networks, two postal services and two ployment rate of at least 27 percent. The the beginning of a painful awakening.” It’s education systems, one for each side of European Union, Bosnia’s main sponsor a model being replicated in towns across the river in a town of just 72,000 people. It and the bloc it aspires to one day join, says this country of 3.8 million people in the is a system of divide and rule that feeds the system is unsustainable, but has for wake of violent protests in early February, networks of political patronage, as ethnic- years been at a loss to change it. “The fact when rioters gave voice to deep anger at based parties dole out public sector jobs that citizens have taken to the streets and the unemployment, corruption and politi- to the party faithful and their families, a gathering in plenums to express their cal inertia that have dogged Bosnia since resisting outside efforts to reunite the dissatisfaction shows that democracy has the war ended in 1995. Many people town. So it wasn’t easy for Grabovac, born taken roots amongst the people,” Bosnia’s inside and outside Bosnia hope it will to a Croat family, to attend the mainly international peace overseer, Valentin enable Bosnians to cast off ethnically- Bosniak plenum on Bulevar. “I received so Inzko, said on Friday. — Reuters based politics and fulfill their hopes of joining the European Union, which fellow- ex-Yugoslav republic Croatia did last year. Dubbed the Bosnian Spring by some, a Washington puts Colombo Balkan ‘Occupy’ by others, the movement is overwhelmingly Bosniak and has strug- on notice over war crimes gled to gain ground among Bosnia’s Croats and especially Serbs, who were big COLOMBO: A US-led resolution call- protest against the resolution yester- winners in the peace deal brokered by the ing for an international probe into day, marching through the streets of United States in the heat of battle. Yet on allegations that 40,000 civilians were the capital to UN offices. The resolu- Friday, around 2,000 people took to the killed at the end of Sri Lanka’s sepa- tion is “totally based on information streets in the main Bosnian Serb city of ratist war has been filed with the of questionable veracity”, the monks UN’s top rights body. In a draft reso- said in a petition to UN Secretary Banja Luka for the first time to demand lution posted on the Human Rights General Ban Ki-moon handed to staff better status for ex-soldiers, higher wages Council’s website yesterday, the at the Colombo offices. and pensions and revision of privatization United States endorses UN human On Monday, the UN leader also deals which led to factories closing amid rights chief Navi Pillay’s call for an endorsed Pillay’s report on Sri Lanka, allegations the new owners had siphoned external investigation into alleged whose government has rejected all off cash. war crimes in the final stages of Sri calls for an international investiga- Warnings, threats Lanka’s Tamil civil war in May 2009. tion into the allegations. The US-led Politicians, particularly in the country’s The draft welcomed Pillay’s rec- resolution asks Pillay to report back Serb Republic and in Croat areas of the ommendation following her visit to on progress with an oral submission Bosniak-Croat Federation in the other half Sri Lanka in August that there should to the UN Human Rights Council in of Bosnia, warn voters the plenums will be an “independent and credible March next year, and provide a writ- rewrite the peace deal in league with investigation in the absence of a ten report by September 2015. The Bosnia’s Western overseer to their detri- credible national process with tangi- draft also called on Sri Lanka to ment. The protesters disagree. “We are not ble results”. International rights investigate allegations of military destructive elements, we are not a threat groups as well as UN experts have excesses and expressed “serious con- to the integrity of the Serb Republic, we said there are “credible allegations” cern” over continuing reports of have not been instructed by international that up to 40,000 Tamil civilians were human rights violations five years power centers,” said Dusko Vukotic, presi- killed after government forces after the end of the decades-long dent of the war veterans’ association lead- ordered them into a no-fire zone. separatist war. It said that “sexual ing the Banja Luka protest. “But we are rais- The resolution noted progress in and gender-based violence, ing our voices against crime and to defend de-mining, reconstruction and re- enforced disappearances, extrajudi- our rights.” settling war victims and effectively cial killings, torture and violations of All participants are seeking change gave Sri Lanka another year to show the rights to freedom of expression” from the bottom-up, breaking with years results on accountability. The draft were continuing in Sri Lanka. The UN of failed, top-down Western intervention. was backed by Britain, Montenegro, rights council in Geneva is expected An unprecedented experiment in direct Macedonia and Mauritius. In to vote on March 28 on the resolu- democracy, it has already won results, Colombo, dozens of pro-govern- tion, the third in as many years from curbing official perks to persuading ment Buddhist monks staged a against Colombo. —AFP local assemblies to consider replacing local INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 How Russian, Ukrainian forces stack up

LONDON: Underfunded, underequipped and with because of their familiarity with the Russians - Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. IISS estimates ers. Moscow mobilized some 150,000 troops last its senior leadership often seen close to Moscow, especially in Crimea, where they are essentially co- Russia has almost 1,400 combat aircraft of various week before moving into Ukraine, many of them Ukraine’s military has been something of a no- located.” A single incident could still cause further types, though some are outdated by Western stan- recently re-equipped units. show in its confrontation with Moscow. But that, escalation, he said. dards. Ukraine accused Russia of attacking its com- experts say, has probably been largely deliberate. munication systems on Tuesday, saying the mobile Ill-maintained Navy Ukrainian forces have been involved in some Overwhelming superiority phones of MPs and its security chief had been Largely housed in bases alongside or next to stand-offs with Russian forces particularly around On Monday night, Ukraine’s ambassador to the blocked with equipment installed at a telecom the much more powerful Russian Black Sea Fleet, bases in Crimea, some of which have long been United Nations said Moscow now had moved office in Crimea. Ukrainian security chief Valentyn the Navy has little or no ability to deploy to sea shared between Kiev and Russian forces attached some 16,000 troops onto the Crimean peninsula. Nalivaichenko told Reuters the attack was in its unless allowed by Moscow. Poor maintenance and to the Black Sea Fleet. On Sunday, Ukraine’s newly Having mobilized up to 150,000 personnel last second day. Russia’s security service had no imme- a shortage of spares have kept its single Russian- appointed navy commander publicly defected to week for what it said at the time were exercises, diate comment on the accusation. IISS estimates built Foxtrot-class diesel submarine out of the Crimea’s regional administration, long Russian Moscow could rapidly reinforce with many more if Ukraine spends some $2.4 billion a year on water. It has a single frigate, recently deployed to dominated and now effectively under Moscow’s it wished. London’s International Institute for defense but has struggled to keep its armed forces NATO counter-piracy operations off Somalia, control. Strategic Studies think tank estimates Russia has up to date. another 10 patrol boats and Corvettes, five Ukraine’s senior military leadership served some 845,000 military personnel alongside a 2 mil- Its most elite units have experience of fighting minesweepers, five landing ships and aircraft and much of their careers in the Soviet Army with their lion-strong reserve of those with recent military alongside NATO in Afghanistan and elsewhere on several dozen other support vessels. Russian colleagues before the breakup of the training. Since the 2008 Georgia war, it has international peacekeeping operations. Most of its Many of those are believed out of service. Soviet Union in 1991. Neither they nor their new increased military spending by more than 30 per- personnel, however, have too little experience of Similar problems afflict its Cold War-era jet fleet broadly pro-western leadership in Kiev are keen to cent to some $68 billion a year. Based in modern post-Cold War equipment. It has an esti- that seemed unable to stop Russian jets, according provoke a confrontation they know they cannot Sevastopol, its Black Sea fleet contains three sub- mated 129,950 service personnel with 64,750 in to Kiev, violating its airspace. On paper, Kiev has win. “I think there are strong directives from Kiev in marines, seven destroyers, five frigates, 20 patrol the Army, 13,950 in the Navy, 45,250 in the air 121 combat aircraft including MiG-29 and Su-27 place to avoid confrontation,” says Dmitry boats and corvettes, 15 minesweepers and 11 force and another 6000 in separate airborne units. fast jet fighters and older Su-24 and Su-25 attack Gorenburg, regional analyst for the US govern- amphibious craft. Before the recent troubles, its paramilitary forces aircraft. In reality, many are grounded. IISS esti- ment funded Centre For Naval Analyses, part of Other naval forces have also operated from the registered some 84,900 though that number is mates its pilots get only 40 hours flying time or so the larger not for profit CNA Corporation. “This port, which has been central to supporting recent expected to have fallen with demobilization of a year compared to 60-100 for their Russian coun- actually fits well with commanders’ inclination naval operations in the Mediterranean and against elite riot units accused of killing unarmed protest- terparts. — Reuters Puzzled soldiers struggle Putin tries to ease to understand Crimea crisis

BAKHCHISARAY: A Russian soldier could not hide his least on the surface. Ukraine accused Russia Monday of East-West tension tears as he leant against a tree, just meters from a pouring more troops into Crimea, a region of Ukraine Ukrainian military base in Crimea that his unit had sur- populated mostly by Russian speakers and a strategic rounded. “You have to understand him, he’s ashamed of host to tsarist and Kremlin navies since the 18th century. Military force will be ‘last resort’ in Ukraine what’s happening here,” said Gulya, the mother of a Moscow has meanwhile repeatedly stated that it Ukrainian soldier stationed inside the base in needs to defend its citizens and compatriots in the penin- MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin Bakhchisarai. “It’s terrible that we fight amongst each oth- sula, and on Saturday President Vladimir Putin won leg- delivered a robust defense of Russia’s er,” added the middle-aged woman, proudly describing islative approval to send Russian forces. Stechenko said actions in Crimea yesterday and herself as a “citizen of Ukraine.” the negotiators who came to him had two demands: that reserved the right to use force in Turning to the crying soldier’s comrades, she pleaded: he and his men lay down their weapons and that they Ukraine as a last resort, but he sought “We’re not against you, don’t be afraid.” The Black Sea place all their facilities under joint supervision, by Russian to ease East-West tension over fears of peninsula has come under near complete control from but also Ukrainian forces. “We cannot do this, we have war in the former Soviet republic. Russian forces and local pro-Moscow militia as Ukraine sworn an oath to Ukraine,” said Stechenko, wearing a Russia could use all options to protect threatens to sink into its biggest crisis since the Cold War. chapka fur hat despite the blazing sunshine. “We have to compatriots who were living in “ter- But at Bakhchisaray, some 30 kilometers southwest of the remain loyal to the Ukrainian people, it’s our ror” in Ukraine, Putin told his first Crimean capital Simferopol, the mood was relaxed, non- land.”“They’re not at all aggressive... They don’t want to news conference since the crisis chalant, almost cordial. Two dozen soldiers in camouflage shoot at us, we don’t want to shoot at them,” he said of began, but force was not needed for outfits and with Kalashnikovs slung on their shoulders the Russian counterparts. But he admitted: “If they start now. His comments lifted Russian strolled casually about in the street. One played with a shooting, we will fire back.” bond markets after a panic sell-off on dog. Asked by an AFP journalist if he was Russian, the Despite his position at the base, he seemed baffled Monday. Putin said Western sanctions tearful young blue-eyed soldier nodded timidly. as to how the situation had escalated so quickly after under consideration against Russia For the Ukrainian officers at the base, there was also the ouster of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych- would be counter-productive. A sen- no doubt the men in camouflage gear were Russians who has since fled to Russia. “Personally, I don’t under- ior US official said Washington was although they had no insignia to show their origin. “You stand,” the base commander said of the crisis. “We hope ready to impose them in days rather just have to look at their uniforms,” said the base’s deputy it will be resolved in a peaceful manner.” Bakhchisaray than weeks. commander Volodymyr Dokuchayev. Commander was just one of several bases on the Crimean peninsula US Secretary of State John Kerry Sergey Stechenko confirmed that one soldier “introduced to be surrounded by pro-Russian forces over the week- arrived in Kiev on his first visit since WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama (left) convenes a National Security himself as a captain from the Russian Federation,” after end. In a sign that some normality remained, curious the overthrow of Russian-backed unidentified men took up position around the base. But residents had already gathered near another of the Council meeting in the Situation Room of the White House to discuss mat- President Victor Yanukovich, describ- ters in Ukraine. — AP there was little of the tension or animosity expected amid bases on Sunday, with some posing for pictures with the ing the experience as “moving, dis- the ongoing mud-slinging between Kiev and Moscow, at armed men. —AFP tressing and inspiring”. He announced now there is no such need but such a Putin’s comments. Russia had paid a a $1 billion economic package and possibility exists,” he said. “What could heavy financial price on Monday for technical assistance to support for the serve as a reason to use military force? its military intervention in Ukraine, new government. Putin said there had It would naturally be the last resort, with nearly $60 billion wiped off the been an unconstitutional coup in absolutely the last.” value of Russian firms on the Moscow Ukraine and Yanukovich, who fled to Earlier yesterday, Putin ordered stock market. Despite Putin’s more Russia last week, was still the legiti- troops involved in a military exercise conciliatory comments, Russia has mate leader. No Ukrainian govern- in western Russia, close to the border shown few signs of de-escalating its ment elected under current circum- with Ukraine, back to their bases. He conflict with Ukraine so far, NATO said stances, with “armed terrorists” in con- said armed men who had seized yesterday as its members held emer- trol, would be legitimate, he said. The buildings and other facilities in gency talks on the crisis. Other inci- Feb 22 ousting of Yanukovich after Crimea were local groups. But in a dents showed tensions remained months of street protests in Kiev, and sign of the extreme fragility of the sit- high. Turkey on Monday scrambled Russia’s bloodless seizure of Ukraine’s uation on the ground in Crimea, a eight F-16 fighter jets after a Russian Crimea region, have prompted the Russian soldier fired three volleys of surveillance plane flew along its Black most serious confrontation between shots over the heads of Ukrainian air- Sea coast, the military said. Moscow and the West since the end of men who marched unarmed towards Kerry’s visit to Kiev comes as the Cold War. their aircraft at a military airfield sur- Washington and its Western allies step Western governments have been rounded by Russian troops at Belbek, up pressure on Moscow to withdraw alarmed at the possibility that Russia near the port of Sevastopol. After a its troops from Crimea or face eco- may also move into eastern and standoff in which the two command- nomic sanctions and diplomatic isola- southern Ukraine, home to many ers shouted at each other and Russian tion. A senior US administration offi- Russian speakers, which Putin did not soldiers levelled rifles and rocket-pro- cial said Washington would work with rule out. “There can be only one pelled grenade launchers at the Congress to approve $1 billion in loan assessment of what happened in Kiev, Ukrainians, the incident was defused guarantees to help lessen the impact in Ukraine in general. This was an anti- and the Ukrainians eventually dis- on Ukrainians of proposed energy constitutional coup and the armed persed. No one was hurt. subsidy cuts. In further pressure on seizure of power,” he said, looking Kiev, Russia’s top gas producer relaxed as he sat before a small group Tensions still high Gazprom said it would remove a dis- of reporters at his residence near Russian dollar bond markets count on gas prices for Ukraine from Moscow. “As for bringing in forces. For rebounded yesterday, encouraged by April. —Reuters Sephardic Jews seduced by Spanish citizenship offer

MADRID: Spain’s offer of citizenship to the descendants of Jews who were expelled from the country over 500 years ago during the Inquisition has sparked a flurry of global interest. Maya Weiss-Tamir, an Israeli lawyer who spe- cializes in applications for citizenship in European countries, said she had received over 1,000 enquiries since the Spanish government approved the draft citizenship bill on February 7. “The new generation, young people, they want it mostly for practical reasons, they want to work in Europe, they want to live there, have a job,” the 35-year-old said by telephone from her office in Haifa in northern Israel. “Others want it for sentimental reasons, they feel like it is the citizenship they lost and now they can gain it again.” Most of the calls and emails she has received have come from Israel but Weiss-Tamir said she had also TOLEDO: Children stand near the ‘El Transito’ synagogue and Sephardic been contacted by people in the United Museum in Toledo. — AFP States and Europe. Spain already grants citizenship to proven Sephardic Jews, Gallardon has said Spain wants to repair possibility to return,” said Caro, 57, an the descendants of the Jewish people a “historical mistake” with the bill, which insurance salesman who lives in who were expelled in 1492 in a period still must be approved by parliament. Raanana in central Israel. He said his of Roman Catholic zeal under the reign Jose Caro, a descendent of Yosef Caro, ancestors maintained an interest in of Isabella and Ferdinand. one of the most influential Jewish schol- Spanish culture throughout the cen- But the draft bill would streamline ars in history who fled Spain in 1492 turies as they moved from Spain to the process by clarifying the qualifica- with his family aged just four, said he Portugal to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Chile tion criteria and allowing successful will apply for Spanish citizenship even and finally Israel. His father for example applicants to keep their original citizen- though he has no plans to move to has a collection of over 150 recordings ship. Current legislation stipulates that Spain. of music sung in Ladino, a Judaeo- Sephardic Jews granted Spanish nation- “We are interested in having a Spanish medieval language. “There is ality have to give up their existing citi- Spanish passport so we can tell our chil- still a connection between Spain and zenship, which puts off many potential dren that just as our ancestors were Sephardic Jews even though 500 years applicants. Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz expelled from Spain, today we have the have passed,” he said. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 INTERNATIONAL India’s dogged letter-writing crusader signs off NEW DELHI: Down a dark, muddy alley, by subordinates has snowballed in assets, forced them into more trans- tucked away from the chaos of New recent years. “They want to reform their parency than they wanted,” he said. Delhi’s old quarter, one of India’s most own departments but if they are unable tireless corruption fighters is hard at to do so, they seek my help in filing their Action over graft growing work. Subhash Agrawal has exposed petitions to try to expose what they Agrawal’s discoveries-including infor- hundreds of cases of wrong doing, graft think is wrongdoing,” said Agrawal. India mation over preparations for the scan- and discrimination in India’s notoriously passed its RTI Act-similar to the Freedom dal-tainted 2010 Commonwealth corrupt bureaucracy-all through Right to of Information law in the United States- Games-have proved irritating for the Information (RTI) applications. His spa- in 2005 as a way of promoting accounta- Congress-coalition government, and at cious house, at the end of the alley, is a bility and good governance by giving times just plain embarrassing. The repository of paperwork, with folders people access to official paperwork. Planning Commission, which plots the and thick RTI files jammed into floor to Rahul Gandhi, the ruling Congress par- country’s economic future, was left red- ceiling wardrobes and stacked on ty’s de facto prime ministerial candidate, faced in 2012 after he unearthed a shelves. “I’m a single man army. I get 40 in January singled out the RTI Act as one $54,000 bill for upgrading toilets appar- to 50 letters a day from people seeking of the most important achievements of ently designated exclusively for top offi- me to file requests. I have to read them, his government’s decade in office. cials. In another case in 2012, he made file them, undertake correspondence, Hailed as a key tool to breaking public the parliament speaker’s official attend appeal hearings,” Agrawal said through India’s graft-ridden and closed foreign trips - 29 in 35 months (which from his desk. But after years of dogged- public service culture, the act has amounted to one trip nearly every 37 ly unearthing “irregularities” and with emboldened hundreds of activists and days) costing almost $1.6 million, includ- NEW DELHI: India’s most tireless corruption fighter Subhash Agrawal walks more than 6,000 applications filed, whistleblowers to take up the cause. But ing four visits to Switzerland. towards his residence- cum- office in the old quarters of New Delhi. —AFP Agrawal has decided to call time on few have been as prolific as Agrawal, Last year, the country’s former presi- the RTI cause after hearing a lecture from empowered to challenge government what has become a full-time job. “I’m like who hands over his juicy snippets of dent Pratibha Patil was forced to return India’s corruption-crusader and new wrongdoing, something he credits to a machine whose gears, wheels are information-often released reluctantly 155 official gifts, from foreign dignitaries political-star Arvind Kejriwal on the eve of Kejriwal and RTI. As a result, “there is a breaking down and it’s not working. I’m by state and national governments after to India during her time in office, after it the bill’s passing. fear, a psychology among wrongdoers.” overburdened with requests, not only endless appeals-to local media. “He real- was discovered she loaned them to a Corruption is set to become a top “Everyone is afraid now, bureaucrats and from the commoners but also from offi- ly has made a major impact which peo- school owned by her family. “There will issue at national elections due in coming even ministers fear their wrongdoing will cials in top posts,” Agrawal said. Agrawal, ple are increasingly aware of,” said Manoj be champagne corks popping in North months, thanks largely to Kejriwal who be exposed.” But Agrawal said unless he a prolific letter writer who holds a Mitta, a senior editor with the Times of Block and other corridors of power when has tapped into people’s anger over cor- receives NGO or institutional support to Guinness World Record for his corre- India newspaper. “He has broken new news of his retirement gets out,” said ruption that permeates all levels of cope with the escalating number of spondence to newspaper editors, said ground in numerous areas like the judi- another Indian newspaper editor, refer- Indian society. Agrawal said people requests for help to expose these wrong- the number of senior officials wanting ciary. Through his applications, he forced ring to top ministry offices in Delhi. today were more aware of their right to doings, he will sign off for good, once his his help to unearth suspected misdeeds Supreme Court judges to disclose their Agrawal said he was inspired to take up official information, and felt more current cases close. —AFP N Zealand Maori king India, Pakistan jostle for snubs Prince William influence in Afghanistan WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s Maori ter to the royal couple outlining his rea- hour, let alone 90 minutes. “Of course ‘India is our friend. But Pakistan is our twin’ king has refused to meet Prince William sons, his office said in a statement. “A he has to travel, he has to fit different during a royal tour next month, with senior rangatira (chief) noted that the things in. So in the end King Tuheitia’s KABUL: India’s most important message ects by about 20 percent a year. The to $500 million and enthused about his office saying yesterday he is “not a king and the Kiingitanga (the move- people said ‘If you can’t make it longer for Afghanistan is that it is not leaving, agency is determined to do things differ- roads, railways and medical centers. carnival act” for visiting dignitaries. ment he leads) are not some carnival than 90 minutes then don’t come’-so and it is backing that message with the ently from the donors who used to When Karzai took the microphone he Prime Minister John Key expressed dis- act to be rolled out at the beck and call they’re not coming.” biggest aid package it has ever given patronize India. Overheads are minimal: responded sourly: “The primary concern appointment at the snub, which would of anyone,” the statement said. “And King Tuheitia is descended from the another country. Indian diplomats insist just one person in India’s Kabul embassy is lack of security ... and the continued have involved Prince William visiting nor should we be prepared to compro- first Maori King Potatau Te the message is meant as reassurance for oversees the Afghan package and all menace of terrorism.” Pakistan insists it is King Tuheitia during his April 7-16 trip mise our tikanga (customs) to fit into a Wherowhero, who was appointed in allies in Afghanistan nervous about wan- money goes through the Afghan gov- doing all it can to help Kabul, including to New Zealand with wife Catherine pre-determined schedule. It would 1858 by various North Island tribes ing international support as NATO with- ernment budget. “We are not going to sheltering three million Afghan refugees. and baby son Prince George. But King have put the king in an impossible situ- which wanted a single figure to repre- draws its troops. Yet it could equally link development to political demands,” But suspicion dogs their relationship, Tuheitia’s office rejected the offer, argu- ation.” Key said 90 minutes was a “quite sent them in the way that Queen have been chosen to send a warning to the Indian official said. “We have experi- with Karzai accusing Pakistan of harbor- ing the 90 minutes allotted for the visit generous” amount of time, given the Victoria was felt to represent New India’s arch-rival, Pakistan. enced the futility of doing this, our- ing Afghan Taleban and other militants. to the Maori leader’s base in the North royals’ busy schedule, and it was a Zealand’s white settlers. The position The nuclear-armed neighbors both selves.” Pakistan has a long record of using mili- Island was not long enough for proper shame the visit to the Turangawaewae does not have any constitutional sta- want to secure influence in Kabul after That approach has delighted Kabul, tants as tools, in particular against India. protocols to be observed. marae, or meeting place, would not go tus or legal powers in New Zealand foreign combat forces leave this year, which is fed up with lectures about cor- India also accuses Pakistan-linked mili- His representatives also slammed ahead. “It’s rather disappointing but carries symbolic importance for and both are using aid as part of their ruption from Western donors whose tants of attacks on its Kabul embassy, its the “faceless bureaucrats” who organ- because I think Prince William would some Maori. The current king worked strategy. India’s $2 billion aid package own wastefulness can be breathtaking. consulate in the Afghan city of Jalalabad ized the itinerary, accusing them of have enjoyed going to as a truck driver before his coronation includes several big projects, including a Indian engineers have built power lines near the border with Pakistan, and a hos- adopting an inflexible approach when Turangawaewae,” he told TV3. “But it in 2006. The British royal couple will white marble parliament in Kabul that is from Uzbekistan to Kabul - on time and tel housing Indian aid workers. dictating the terms of the proposed was King Tuheitia’s people who said 90 base themselves in Wellington and rising up next to the blasted ruins of the $20 million under budget - and a road to Pakistan denies such charges and visit. After agonizing over what to do, minutes is not long enough. If you look tour extensively through New old king’s palace. Relations between Iran, now pockmarked by bomb blasts, accuses others of the same game. Some the Maori leader decided not to agree at (the royals’) program, there are very Zealand, before visiting Australia April Afghanistan and Pakistan are rockier. designed to break landlocked in Islamabad are convinced Afghanistan to the meeting and sent a personal let- few places where they’re there for an 16-25.— AFP Afghan President Hamid Karzai regularly Afghanistan’s dependence on Pakistani is nurturing factions of the Pakistani accuses Pakistan of supporting Taliban ports. For wells, schools and clinics, India Taliban for future leverage. Pakistani offi- militants, and has curtly made clear he simply pays the Afghan government to cials also suspect India of secretly cares more about security than Pakistani build them and report back. “We have fomenting a separatist rebellion in aid. Some Afghans fear that the regional no reason to believe that the money Baluchistan, a mineral- and gas-rich rivalry might drag their country into a would be wasted,” Amar Sinha, the province on southwestern Pakistan’s proxy war. “This is a very sensitive situa- Indian ambassador to Kabul, said in his Afghan border. “Why does India have tion. Both are powerful, important allies,” heavily fortified residence. consulates in Jalalabad? Why does it said Senator Arifullah Pashtoon, chair- But at a school in Achin, a boulder- have a consulate in Kandahar?” asked man of Afghanistan’s foreign relations strewn dustbowl a day’s walk from the one Pakistani security official. “There are committee. “India is our friend. But Pakistani border, Reuters found a gaping no Indians there,” the official said, imply- Pakistan is our twin.” With the NATO hole in the roof, cracked walls and bro- ing India’s real motive was meddling in withdrawal looming, Afghanistan has ken desks and chairs. Head teacher Pakistan. The official Pakistani line is increasingly sought Indian military assis- Sabghatullah was surprised that records more measured, with improved relations tance, while Pakistani offers of military in Kabul said the school was complete. with India at the heart of Sharif’s foreign help have largely been snubbed. India, “When India pays for such projects they policy. However, Pakistan’s powerful mili- wary of antagonizing Pakistan, has should check on them, otherwise it is a tary is wary: its worst nightmare is a hos- refused to supply lethal equipment but waste of money,” said 18-year-old stu- tile India on Pakistan’s eastern flank and that may change after Indian elections dent Samidullah Swan. Afghanistan reg- an unfriendly Afghanistan backed by due by May. For now, New Delhi relies on ularly ranks among the most corrupt India to the west. Pakistan’s relations with soft power. countries in the world, a source of strain Iran are also cooling as cash-strapped in ties with the United States and other Sharif courts Saudi support. “Pakistan Aid with no strings donors and a major hurdle for develop- sees itself as being encircled by hostile A handsome new cream-and-red ment. countries,” said retired Pakistani general sandstone building in New Delhi houses Talat Masood. As NATO’s presence fades, the Indian agency overseeing foreign Problems with Pakistan Karzai is turning to India. More than 650 projects. Created in 2011, the agency’s Pakistan has also ramped up its aid. Afghan officers and members of its spe- 25 officers oversee billions of dollars. An When Karzai visited Islamabad last year, cial forces have been trained in India. official, who declined to be identified, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced Now he wants tanks, mortars, field guns estimated India is expanding such proj- an increase in total aid from $385 million and air craft.—Reuters ‘Unstable’ Corby brandishes knife

DENPASAR: Australian drug mule saga has riveted Australians and gener- he said. In an interview for the docu- Schapelle Corby brandished a knife and ated significant sympathy in her home mentary, Corby’s sister Mercedes told acted erratically in an encounter with country. She has been previously diag- Channel Seven her sister was “broken” Indonesian authorities after a govern- nosed with depression and psychosis by her time in jail and described having ment minister warned her parole was in during her time in prison. Corby was to bathe and hand-feed her. peril, an official said yesterday. Sunar arrested in 2004 at Bali’s main airport Syamsuddin was quoted as saying he Agus, a top prison official in Bali, said he with 4.1 kilograms (nine pounds) of suspected the family had gained finan- visited 36-year-old Corby on Monday marijuana in her surf gear, and subse- cially from working with Channel Seven. evening at her residence on the resort quently jailed. Corby has consistently maintained island of Bali. The visit followed the air- She was freed on parole last month. her innocence. Mercedes Corby told ing of a TV documentary in Australia on Syamsuddin said a decision on her Channel Seven the drugs “could have Sunday that featured an interview with parole status was pending a report from been from Indonesia”, suggesting she Corby’s sister Mercedes, which has Bali justice officials, who confirmed yes- had been set up. Corby was jailed for 20 angered Indonesian authorities. “We terday that the report had been submit- years but the end of her sentence was saw that she wasn’t mentally stable,” ted. Corby must remain in Indonesia brought forward to 2016 for good said Agus, chief of the Bali Corrections until 2017 as a parole condition. She behavior and after President Bambang Division which is in charge of oversee- lives at her sister’s home in the Kuta Susilo Yudhoyono cut five years off in ing Corby’s parole. “She seemed scared tourist area. Agus warned yesterday response to appeals for clemency. She when I started a dialogue and she tried against further contact with the media. was paroled early on condition she to kill herself. “I suggest Corby keep a lower profile,” remains in Indonesia until 2017. —AFP She was able to grab a knife. But her family was able to stop her,” he told reporters. Agus said the scene took place after the officials told her the doc- umentary could see her thrown back in jail. “She said she was stressed from being followed by reporters all the time,” Agus said. AFP was not able to reach Corby or her relatives for comment. The television documentary by Channel Seven has raised hackles in Indonesia, where officials have suggested Corby was seeking to profit from her crime via media exposure. There has been unconfirmed specu- lation of a lucrative deal with Channel Seven, which the broadcaster has denied. “There is a big possibility (that Corby’s parole) will be reconsidered,” Indonesian justice minister Amir Syamsuddin was quoted by the daily BALI: In this file photo, Australian drug trafficker Schapelle Corby is escort- Kompas as saying on Monday. Corby’s ed to a holding cell at a court house in Denpasar, on Bali island. — AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

Sisi gives new sign of presidential run

Continued from Page 1 after which it will be given to interim President Adly Mansour to issue. Ali Awad, the president legal adviser, to Russia, where he secured the Kremlin’s blessing said that one article in the new law provides that if only for his likely presidential bid. Last week, his wife made one candidate runs, the vote will be a referendum on her first public appearance: Intisar Al-Sisi was seated the candidate. Another article would allow for the next to him during a ceremony honoring senior officers. results of the voting to be appealed if a complaint is Posters of Sisi next to a lion are plastered on walls and filed within a week of their announcement. But he said hoisted on lampposts across much of the country. the articles will still be debated by the Cabinet. Songs praising him are played on radio and blare from If confirmed, the one-candidate vote would be a coffee shops. Supporters often tout him as the new throwback to the era of autocratic President Hosni Gamal Abdel-Nasser, the legendary Arab nationalist Mubarak, who for most of his rule was repeatedly re- who ruled in 1950s and 1960s. elected in one-man yes-no referendums. He stood in a The law governing the upcoming presidential vote multicandidate vote once, in 2005, and was ousted in was given yesterday to the Cabinet for consultations, the 2011 popular uprising. —AP Egypt court bans Palestinian Hamas Continued from Page 1 occupier, threatens to distance it from its historic role for the Palestinian cause,” he said. Ezzat Al-Rishq, mem- But it hosted Hamas’ deputy leader Moussa Abu ber of Hamas’s political bureau and close to leader in Marzouk following Mubarak’s overthrow in Feb 2011, and exile Khaled Meshaal, said “this will open the door to British parliamentarians Lord St John of Bletso (right) and Julian Huppert take part in the annual parliamen- eased passage through its Rafah border crossing with new aggression and war against Gaza,” in reference to tary pancake race on Shrove Tuesday in central London yesterday. — AFP Gaza. Morsi, elected in June 2012, was seen as further Israeli military operations against the Strip. bolstering the militant group’s power in Gaza by mediat- Hamas is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, ing a 2012 truce ending week-long fighting with Israel which the Egyptian government designated as a terror- Obama thrust into fabled and that lifted some of the blockade restrictions on Gaza. ist group in December. The military-installed govern- Since ousting him, the military has destroyed hun- ment accuses the Brotherhood of plotting a spate of dreds of smuggling tunnels under its border with the militant attacks that have killed scores of soldiers and role as leader of ‘West’ coastal enclave, alleging they were used to smuggle policemen, charges the Islamist movement denies. weapons and militants who have taken part in attacks Amnesty International says more than 1,400 people WASHINGTON: His first instinct was Afghanistan, waging a drone cam- implicit threat from the G8 to kick on Egyptian security forces. Egypt is believed to have have been killed in street clashes, mostly Islamist sup- to pivot to Asia, then Barack Obama paign against Al-Qaeda and rebalanc- Russia out of the rich nations club. also cut off most of its contacts with Hamas, although porters of Morsi, since his overthrow. Dozens of alleged was dragged back into the Middle ing US power to emerging Asia. But Obama also held what was by all Abu Marzouk remains in Cairo. On his Facebook page, Hamas militants have been named among scores of East: Now he must play a role born in now he must deal with what top aides accounts a contentious 90-minute call Abu Marzouk wrote that the group has no affiliates in defendants on trial with Morsi for organising jailbreaks the Cold War - leader of the “West”. describe as a 19th Century style crisis - with Putin. The president said Monday Egypt and all its past meetings or visits in Egypt were and attacking police stations during the 2011 revolt President Vladimir Putin’s blunt show a land grab in Europe. he was working on economic and carried out with the knowledge of Egypt’s general intel- of Russian power by sending troops diplomatic punishments to “isolate” that toppled Mubarak. into Crimea, presents the US president Dutiful Friend of Europe Moscow if it did not change course, ligence agency. An aide to Abu Marzuk said Hamas had In a separate espionage trial, Morsi and 35 other with challenges to his personal and Obama has frequently praised apparently seeking to stop Putin’s no properties that could be seized in Egypt and Abu defendants are accused of conspiring with foreign political credibility. NATO is also in the NATO as “the most successful alliance Crimea adventure spilling over into Marzouk privately rents his villa in a Cairo suburb. powers, including Sunni Hamas and Shiite Iran, to spotlight, suddenly facing a Kremlin- in history”. But his interactions with wider Ukraine. Hamas denounced the court ban. The move was “an destabilise Egypt. Hamas has denied accusations it is engineered threat close to its own Europe often seem more dutiful than Most western analysts agree that attempt to besiege the resistance, and serves the Israeli involved in fighting in the Sinai Peninsula, where mil- borders after years retooling its mis- enthusiastic. He lacks the Europhile NATO does not have a treaty obliga- occupation,” Hamas official Bassem Naim told AFP. itant attacks on security forces have surged since sion to combat terrorism and more zeal of his Secretary of State John tion to defend the rest of Ukraine. And Egypt’s “decision, which puts it on the side of the Zionist July. — Agencies than a decade fighting in Afghanistan. Kerry, but knows the continent is now military action to support the country As leader of the alliance’s most looking to him for leadership. Political is unthinkable in the West: A fact that powerful member and effective guar- stakes for Obama are also elevated Putin understands. But an undeniable Bahrain vows to wipe out ‘terror’ antor of a weakened Europe’s security, because his own leadership style has chill has been sent through through it falls to Obama to lead the West’s drawn criticism at home and abroad. Europe, especially, in former Soviet Continued from Page 1 Khamis, near the capital, while seven received 10 years and response. It is a role that was familiar Republicans have always accused states, meaning Obama will be looked the other three years. Monday’s explosion was the bloodi- to two generations of US presidents, Obama of weakness, and the charge to for reassurance. But the hard work on all key cabinet posts in favour of an elected govern- est attack on the security forces since the Shiite majority but one that fell out of fashion with has become a cliche. of stiffening Europe’s spine is only just ment. backed an Arab Spring-inspired uprising in Feb 2011 the eclipse of the Soviet Union. But wider questions about beginning. In Germany for instance, HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber against the ruling Al-Khalifa family. The Emirati officer is the “President Obama is facing the most Obama’s global authority surfaced last Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Al-Sabah yesterday conveyed his sympathies and condo- first Gulf officer reported to have been killed since forces difficult international crisis of his pres- year after he balked at enforcing a red Steinmeier undercut threats on the G8 lences to King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain and to from the region rolled into Bahrain in March 2011 to boost idency,” said Nicholas Burns, former line over chemical weapons use in - saying the group was vital as the the families of the victims to the deadly bomb attack. He the kingdom’s security forces, which later quelled the US ambassador to NATO. “I think most Syria. Now, despite his reluctance to only place Europe can talk to Moscow. stressed Kuwait’s strong condemnation of such acts of vio- month-long uprising. Bahrain has always maintained that Europeans and Americans would play Cold War chess with Putin, “I do think (Obama) has to step up lence that terrorized the people and shook the security and the Gulf force does not take part in confrontations with pro- agree it is the most serious threat to Obama’s foes feel the Russian leader and provide a level of leadership at a stability of the country. Sheikh Sabah also expressed his testers and has only been deployed to protect vital installa- Europe’s security since the end of the has out-thought him on Syria, Ukraine time when it is not going to be easy,” condolences to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al- tions. The UAE interior ministry said First Lieutenant Tariq Al- Cold War.” and Moscow’s asylum offer to fugitive said Charles Kupchan of the Council Nahayan on the death of the Emirati police officer. The Amir Shehi was part of a force established as part of a Gulf securi- The Ukraine crisis follows Syria’s US intelligence leaker Edward on Foreign Relations. Europe’s calcula- strongly condemned the terrorist act that targeted inno- ty pact. torment, the Libyan war and the sour- Snowden. tions may be partly influenced by its cent souls, refuting the foundations of Islam and human Six opposition groups, led by the main Shiite formation ing of the Arab Spring as the latest Obama’s instinct for multilateral reliance on Russian natural gas, much principles. HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Al-Wefaq, condemned Monday’s deadly attack on the disruption to Obama’s best laid for- solutions has underpinned his moves of which is piped through Ukraine. Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister policemen. “The sanctity of the blood applies to every eign policy plans. He had set out to so far on Ukraine. Over a weekend on The continent is also drained by an Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar human being,” said a joint statement. It called on supporters remold the US role in the world by the phone, he enlisted support from economic crisis which has meant sav- cables. to “adhere to peaceful means and condemn and disclaim resetting testy US relations with NATO allies Britain, Canada, France age defense cuts and less emphasis Bahraini ministers at an extraordinary meeting pledged criminal acts claimed by the so-called Al-Ashtar Brigades or Russia, ending the wars in Iraq and and Germany and orchestrated an on security issues. — AP to “take the necessary measures to eradicate terrorist Resistance (Brigades) or any other party that claims respon- groups and those who support them,” BNA state news sibility for bomb attacks and violence.” Al-Ashtar Brigades agency said. They asked the interior ministry “to carry on has reportedly claimed responsibility for bomb attacks in relentlessly its combat against terrorism” following the kingdom, including a July bombing outside a Sunni Warring Ghanem, Hashem shake hands... Monday’s bomb attack in Daih village, on the outskirts of mosque. Continued from Page 1 edly criticized Kuwait on the handling of the issue of Manama. But Citizens for Bahrain, widely regarded as a pro-gov- At their meeting, the ministers also listed the little- ernment group, said the condemnation was not enough. “It bedoons who number around 110,000 and claim the known Al-Ashtar Brigades and Resistance Brigades among is good that the Bahraini opposition has come out and con- new plan will be based in naturalizing bedoons who right to Kuwaiti citizenship. The government has insist- “terrorist groups”, in addition to the clandestine February 14 demned the killing of three policemen. However, it should fulfill preconditions while others will not be given ed that only 35,000 of them qualify for consideration Coalition, BNA said. They urged Bahrainis to be “nationally recognise that the terrorists who perpetrated these acts are Kuwaiti citizenship, adding that two people were for citizenship while the rest must produce their origi- responsible and not stand beside the terrorists and vandals.” the seeds of its own creation,” it said in an email yesterday. deported for taking part in protests last week. Local nal nationalities. They also tasked the justice ministry with keeping an eye on The UAE police officer, who had worked alongside Bahrain’s media said that two held Saudi citizenship. The Assembly also debated the issue of raising the political associations and mosque preachers that use security forces, was buried in the UAE yesterday. The minister said that between 35 and 40 people children’s allowance from KD 50 per child per month to “hatred and sectarian speech”. Three years after the uprising, Bahrain remains deeply held nighttime protests in Jahra and pelted rocks on KD 75, despite the government failing to submit its Bahraini security forces deployed in several Shiite vil- divided, with persistent protests that ignite clashes with police property and some of them tried to stab police- opinion on the case. Last month, the government lages yesterday, establishing checkpoints. BNA said 25 sus- police, scores of Shiites jailed on “terror” charges, reconcil- men after they were arrested. The minister also stressed asked the Assembly for one month to prepare its ideas pects in Monday’s bombing had been rounded up. It did iation talks deadlocked and sectarian distrust simmering. that “resolving the issue of bedoons is something and and opinions on the issue and promised to submit not say if they were members of any of the blacklisted The International Federation for Human Rights says at safeguarding national security is something else”. them to the Assembly’s financial and economic affairs groups. The statement came as a Bahraini court sentenced least 89 people have been killed since the start of the Human rights activists said police arrested around committee. But the government did not provide its 10 Shiites to prison terms of between three to 15 years for a 2011 revolt. Last year the authorities increased the penal- eight bedoon activists including the boy who was views because Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh was hos- Dec 2012 attack on a police station in which there were no ties for those convicted of violence, introducing the death released yesterday on a KD 200 bail. The others remain pitalized and underwent surgery, and the issue had to casualties. The longest terms were handed down to two of penalty or life sentences in cases which resulted in deaths in detention. International rights groups have repeat- be delayed further. those convicted over the attack in the Shiite village of or injuries. — Agencies WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Machete attack may signal wider China troubles

By Kelly Olsen

brazen and bloody machete attack at a Chinese railway sta- tion could herald an ominous change in the violence Beijing Ablames on separatists from Xinjiang, analysts say, threatening more incidents far beyond the restive region. Until now, disturbances have largely been confined to Xinjiang, a vast resource-rich area in far western China, and focused on symbols of the Chinese state, such as police. But the scale, location, nature and timing of the Kunming mayhem potentially points to a change in mindset with the overt tar- geting of civilians - whoever was behind it. Beijing immediately labelled the incident as terrorism, and Washington followed suit on Monday after initially referring to it as a “tragedy”, in language that drew angry accusations of double standards Putin may pay dearly for Crimea gambit on Chinese social media. “You can’t class this attack as other than a ter- rorist attack,” Michael Clarke, an expert on Xinjiang at the Griffith Asia By Maria Antonova and Marina Lapenkova specialist at Berlin’s Free University. “Putin is will- “Russia wants to expand its influence in the ing in total political and economic isolation, Institute in Brisbane, Australia, told AFP, adding that it was designed to ing to take the risk, because he thinks the risk is world via the lost Soviet territories, that is even worse than during Afghanistan interven- “induce fear amongst the Chinese populace”. ussian military intervention in Ukraine is a worth it,” he said of Putin’s decision. Russia’s modern geopolitics for which it will tion,” he said. Xinjiang is home to Uighurs and other ethnic minorities with gambit by President Vladimir Putin that have to pay,” said Valery Garbuzov of the US and Seeing Moscow’s troops in Ukraine is also strong cultural and historical links to neighbouring Central Asian Rhas far-reaching global consequences ‘Worse Than Afghanistan’ Canada Institute in Moscow. likely to alarm its greatest allies like Kazakhstan states such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It has seen regular clashes and harbours risks for the Kremlin that may well Russian markets and the ruble currency The conflict may turn into a protracted and backfire on Putin’s dream of closer integra- for much of the past year. Uighurs resent decades of immigration by outweigh the benefits, analysts said. The shock plunged on Monday morning after the shock- standoff with a dead end, and Russia’s losses will tion with former Soviet states, he said. In an edi- China’s Han majority they say has brought economic inequality and request by Putin and rapid parliamentary ing developments in the Crimea. Moscow’s be similar to losses in the Cold War, he said. G8 torial titled “Victory over reason”, influential discrimination in education and religious affairs, such as a campaign approval to use military force in Ukraine at the long-term economic plan for the region, prima- countries stopping preparations for the summit Vedomosti daily said despatching troops to to stop the Muslim practice of women covering their faces. China weekend will rally domestic patriotism but may rily a no-frills tourist destination, was also ques- in Putin’s showpiece Black Sea resort and 2014 Ukraine sends a message that Russia wants to counters that it plays a positive role and has brought about develop- ultimately cripple Russia’s economy and drive tioned. Past experience of Russia’s recognition of Winter Olympics host Sochi is only the first in a recreate the Soviet empire by force. “War is a ment and improvements to health and living standards. the country into isolation worse than during the Georgia’s rebel region of Abkhazia as independ- long list of blows to Russia’s image, he said. “This mistake,” it said. “Taking national history out of Cold War, they said. “It’s the most serious crisis in ent suggests that Crimea could also become an is the worst crisis in Russia-West relations of the context of world history and creating its own Rare Brutality modern Russia since 1991, there has been no economic black hole for Russia’s federal money entire Putin rule,” said Alexei Malashenko of patriotic history creates giant blind spots in the Deadly incidents as reported in state media and by exile groups similar situation,” said political analyst Alexei where no western company would ever invest. Carnegie Moscow centre. “Russia risks becom- leaders’ view.” —AFP often centre on violence between Uighurs and local police and securi- Makarkin, referring to the year the USSR col- ty authorities, with both sides trading accusations over who is to lapsed. blame. But Saturday’s bloodshed in the southwestern city of Kunming, Unlike in Soviet times, when the country had Russian special forces frontline where knife- and machete-wielding attackers clad in black killed 29 a closed economy, Russia is now fully integrated people and wounded 143, stands out for its brutality and targeting, into the global markets and likely sanctions will By Denis Hiault Insignia Stripped Away analysts say. “It must have taken a lot of planning and involved the be “catastrophic,” he said. Pro-Kremlin pundits The analysts spoke as Ukrainian border guards described how recruitment of a large number of attackers who assumed most would and state media have presented intervention as he soldiers who took control of Crimea without firing a sin- Russian troops and military planes were flowing into Crimea in vio- die,” said Gardner Bovingdon, an expert on the history and politics of a gesture of solidarity with Russian citizens and gle shot are likely to be Russian special forces, airborne units, lation of international agreements. Insignia revealing nationality, Xinjiang at Indiana University in the United States. Police captured Russian speakers in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Tand possibly commandos from the elite Spetsnaz force, unit and rank are absent from their uniforms while many are wear- three suspects on Monday, the ministry of public security said, adding They see a grave danger from Kiev’s new gov- London-based military experts say. Igor Sutyagin, a specialist on ing ski masks. Armed with Kalashnikovs, the soldiers have taken up that eight people were involved in all, four shot dead and a wounded ernment - denounced as extremists in Moscow - Russia at RUSI (Royal United Services Institute), said the soldiers in positions around strategic locations including airports, govern- woman held at the scene. State media were quick to point the finger whose anti-Kremlin agenda is backed by the unbadged uniforms who have fanned out across Crimea were ment buildings and Ukrainian army barracks. Military transport at “Xinjiang separatists”, code for Uighurs, the largest single group in West. using kit only handled by elite divisions. “The units which blockad- planes, helicopters and warships have all been sent to the region. Xinjiang. Some analysts outside mainland China, however, are wary of Leonid Slutsky, a lawmaker with the ruling ed the coastal defence units at the weekend; that was Spetsnaz,” Silence is the rule when it comes to Spetsnaz GRU, which takes such assertions until hard evidence emerges, given the state’s over- United Russia party, which organised a march Sutyagin told AFP on Monday. orders from military intelligence services, and their actions are whelming control of domestic information and media. Clarke said that on Sunday in support of Putin’s call for troops, “They are recognisable because they have their specialist shrouded in secrecy, much like the SAS special forces in Britain. if eventually proven, it “really signals a new level in development in said the Crimea is a “civilisational battle with the equipment. It might be the 3rd Spetsnaz brigade from Tolyatti,” a Spetsnaz operatives are specialists in sabotage, assassination and terms of the conflict there, in a sense spreading the struggle from West that Russia has no right to lose” and which city in Russia’s Samara Oblast region, he added. The crack fighters capturing strategic targets. They are regularly dispatched to scout Xinjiang basically to the rest of China. “And that has to be concerning will consolidate Russian society. Putin has not are “experts in deep, deep reconnaissance and sabotage” and are behind enemy lines, in uniform or civilian clothes, often in highly for the Communist Party moving forward.” made a single public comment on the situation being supported by “at least two marine brigades from the Black dangerous conditions. They are the successors of the NKVD groups in Ukraine for weeks, but was reportedly closely Sea and Baltic Sea,” according to Sutyagin. which carried out raids against the Nazis during World War II and ‘Natural Progression of Violence’ counselled by Sergei Glazyev, a hawkish Kremlin Matthew Clements from Jane’s Intelligence Review agreed that have been at the heart of all the major conflicts Russia has been Beijing regularly accuses what it says are exiled Uighur separatist advisor who in early February said the West is special forces had been active in the southern Ukraine peninsular. involved in since then. Russia praised their deployment in groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the behind a rebellion with the US alone giving the “There has been an effort from the Russian forces in Crimea to Afghanistan and Georgia. Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) as being behind terrorism. The US-based “militants” $20 million every week. Domestically, reduce any kind of identification,” he said. “But what we do know is However, rights group Amnesty International has accused SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist groups, said in Putin will reap benefits from his image as a sav- that there are certainly units of special forces and airborne units them of committing crimes against humanity during the war in November that in a video posted online TIP leader Abdullah Mansour iour of the Russian people in Ukraine, Makarkin that have been sent to Crimea.” A former high-ranking European Chechnya. They played a major role in securing the release of described a fiery vehicle crash on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square as a said. As for his image abroad, “he no longer security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was hostages during the storming of Moscow’s Dubrovka Theatre by “jihadi operation” and the perpetrators “mujahideen”. He warned cares how he looks.” “200 percent” sure that the operation bore all the hallmarks of Chechen rebels, and the 2004 siege of a school in Beslan, North Uighur fighters would target the Great Hall of the People on Ukraine became a dividing line between Spetsnaz fighters, describing them as experts in creating “confu- Ossetia. In both cases, the standoffs came to a bloody conclu- Tiananmen Square, where the ruling Communist Party holds key Russia and the West, and Putin sees it as a zero sion and chaos in the framework of a psychological offensive.” sion. —AFP meetings such as this week’s annual session of China’s rubber-stamp sum game, said Jan Koehler, an Eastern Europe legislature. “The Kunming attack is either ETIM-led or ETIM-inspired,” said Rohan Gunaratna, professor of security studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, describing it as the military wing of the TIP and the only group with the ability to conduct or insti- Putin poses risky dilemma for West gate such an assault. But other experts doubt the strength of the groups and their links to global terrorism, with some arguing China By David Rohde of international relations in place since the officials flatly reject those interpretations. nations now depend on cheap Russian Stoner, the Stanford professor, said exaggerates the threat to justify tough security measures in Xinjiang. end of the Cold War. Flouting multiple They argue that Russia and other authori- natural gas to fuel their economies. that Putin had outmaneuvered the The shadowy nature of the alleged Uighur extremists also means ne senior Obama administration treaties, the United Nations system and tarian rulers are cynically manipulating Germany leads the group, with around United States and Europe. Officials in there is a lack of hard information on their numbers, location and official called Vladimir Putin’s long-established international law, Russia facts and spreading false conspiracy theo- 40 percent of its natural gas coming Washington and Brussels had failed to capabilities. “I remain unconvinced that ETIM has survived as an influ- Oactions in the Ukraine “outra- has set a dangerously low standard for ries to justify the use of military force to from Russia. Fiona Hill, a former National anticipate - or counter - Putin’s methodi- ential organisation these last years,” Bovingdon said. “Beijing con- geous.” A second described them as an military intervention. enhance their own power. Intelligence Officer for Russia and cal re-assertion of Russian power. “NATO stantly adverts to it precisely because the US once identified ETIM as a “outlaw act.” A third said his brazen use of “There have not been attacks on eth- They point out that sweeping violence Eurasia at the National Intelligence and the US, in particular, but also terrorist organisation.” He also expressed doubts that the TIP, seen by military force harked back to a past centu- nic Russians,” said Kathryn Stoner, a had erupted in Kosovo and Libya, threat- Council, credited Putin with strengthen- Germany - we’ve all been caught off- some as ETIM’s successor, has any influence. “All the evidence I’ve ry. “What we see here are distinctly 19th Stanford University professor and leading ening large number of civilians. Both ing Russia economically since gaining guard here in terms of anticipating this seen thus far tells us no more than that some bearded Uighur speak- and 20th century decisions made by expert on Russia. “That’s just a lie. There interventions also came after months of power in 2000. Though Russia still has sort of behavior,” she said. “It’s beyond ers armed with weapons and a smattering of Islamic learning can President Putin,” said the official who was no threat to the (Russian naval) base diplomatic efforts and international public economic challenges, Europe’s depend- what people would have expected.” make videos,” he said. spoke on condition of anonymity to a in Crimea. That is just absurd.” She also debate. And even the much-criticized ence on Russian gas supplies gives Jeffrey, the former American diplo- Chung Chien-peng, professor of political science at Lingnan group of reporters. “But what he needs to argued that the scores of people who invasion of Iraq came after a decade-long Russia a trump card that did not exist mat, called for a renewed long-term University in Hong Kong, cautioned it was too early to say who was understand is that in terms of his econo- died in clashes in the Ukrainian capital cat-and-mouse game between Saddam during the post-Soviet chaos of the Western effort to increase leverage over responsible for Kunming. But it had “shock value”, he said, and “des- my, he lives in the 21st century world, an before the Russian intervention were Hussein and United Nations weapons 1990s, she said. “In the years since Putin Putin. He argued that the economies of peration or... frustration” may prove to be the cause. The latest assault interdependent world.” Ukrainians, not Russians. inspectors, and a year-long effort by the has come to power,” she said, “he has the United States and Europe - which are will not be the last, Gunaratna believes. “The Kunming attack is a nat- James Jeffrey, a retired career US Bush administration to win UN support. removed our leverage.” roughly $30 trillion combined - dwarf ural progression of violence that we have witnessed in Xinjiang,” he diplomat, said that view of Putin’s mindset Conspiracy Theories Whatever Russia’s intervention repre- Putin has also increased the capabili- Russia’s $2.5 trillion economy. He said said. “It’s a low-cost, high-impact attack and a long-range attack. And cripples the United States’ response to the But an unresolved international sents, the immediate economic leverage ties of the Russian military; crushed or long-term steps would be accelerating this kind of attack sends a very clear message to China. They will strike Russian leader. The issue is not that Putin debate over a series of post-Cold War the United States has over Russia is limit- co-opted dissent; and gained iron con- the negotiation of a trans-Atlantic free again, they will strike outside Xinjiang.” —AFP fails to grasp the promise of western-style interventions is threatening to cause ed, according to experts. The most potent trol of Russia’s media. Throughout the trade partnership and measures that democratic capitalism. It is that he and sweeping instability. From Europe to the weapon Washington could use would be crisis in Ukraine, Russian media have would increase American natural gas other American rivals flatly reject it. “All of Middle East to Asia, regional powers that sanctioning Russian banks, companies or portrayed the protests that overthrew supplies to Europe. A short-term step us that have been in the last four adminis- might act militarily are watching events in individuals, similar to the sanctions that the country’s pro-Russian president as would be offering major economic aid All articles appearing on these trations have drunk the Kool-Aid,” Jeffrey Ukraine. In Putin’s eyes, the United States have proven so damaging to Iran’s econo- an American-backed coup. Hill said to Ukraine’s desperately cash-strapped said, referring to the belief that they could may struggle to claim any moral high my. When asked by reporters on Sunday recent public opinion polls show that 60 new government. pages are the personal opinion of talk Putin into seeing the western system ground. Some Russian and European whether such sanctions were under con- percent of Russians approve of Putin’s “We are tremendously more power- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no as beneficial. “‘If they would just under- commentators point out that the United sideration, senior Obama administration actions in the Ukraine. ful than him,” Jeffrey said. “We ought to responsibility for views expressed stand that it can be a win-win, if we can States intervened in Kosovo in 1999 and officials declined to comment. “We’re not Secure at home, Putin also fears little be able to bail out Ukraine. We ought to therein. Kuwait Times invites read- only convince them’ - Putin doesn’t see it,” invaded Iraq in 2003 without United going to get into any more detail about backlash from abroad. He believes the be able to make Europe less energy Jeffrey said. “The Chinese don’t see it. And Nations approval. And Russian officials what’s being considered,” said one senior United States and Europe will publicly dependent on Russia.” Jeffrey said the ers to voice their opinions. Please I think the Iranians don’t see it.” have repeatedly said they regret not veto- official who asked not to be named. “You condemn Russia but implement few days and months ahead will be vital. If send submissions via email to: opin- Jeffrey and other experts called for ing the U.N.-backed 2011 NATO interven- are absolutely right about the vulnerabili- economic sanctions because Europe Putin faces few long-term consequences [email protected] or via snail short-term caution in the Ukraine. tion in Libya. ty of Russian banks. We’re looking at all of remains dependent on Russian natural for seizing Crimea, it will set a precedent Threatening military action or publicly Russian officials and some western the options.” gas. “The biggest blow would be the for China and other regional powers mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. baiting Putin would likely prompt him to commentators have portrayed all of those largest companies in Germany not who may be considering establishing The editor reserves the right to edit seize more of Ukraine by force. But they interventions as western plots to weaken Trump Card doing business” with Russia, Hill said. 19th century-style spheres of influence any submission as necessary. said the seizure of Crimea represents the Russia or destabilize countries in the A difficulty with effective sanctions “That is what Putin banks on: Russia is of their own. “The Chinese,” Jeffrey said, most significant challenge to the system Balkans and the Middle East. American lies in Western Europe, where many too big and important.” “are in the same position.” —Reuters WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 SPORTS

Minister backs Neymar transfer Froch v Groves Scotland recall skipper Brown BARCELONA: Barcelona should be treated with more respect, Spanish sports minister Miguel boxing re-match SCOTLAND: Scotland have recalled captain Kelly Brown for the Six Nations clash Cardenal said yesterday following criticism of the Catalan club for their handling of the Neymar transfer. against France at Murrayfield on Saturday after the flanker was discarded for the last Brazilian striker Neymar was signed last June to add to Barca’s rich array of talent and was also intended LONDON: Wembley Stadium will host the re-match between WBA two matches by coach Scott Johnson. as a show strength as they beat off competition from around Europe including bitter rivals Real Madrid. and IBF super-middleweight champion Carl Froch and George Brown was dropped from the match day squad after the 28-6 defeat by Ireland on However, it has already cost Sandro Rosell the club presidency and while Barca initially claimed the cost Groves on May 31 with promoters expecting to sell more tickets Feb. 2 and missed the loss to England and win over Italy. of the transfer was 57.1 million euros it is now closer to 100m. than for any post-World War Two fight in Britain. “I think Saturday is a game that will really suit Kelly. Unlike other sides in the com- Following Rosell’s exit the club admitted that the player had cost 86.2 million The fight will be the first staged at the new national stadium in petition, France play above the ground a bit and there will be a lot of mauling,” euros and then after being charged with tax fraud last month they agreed to North London, which re-opened in 2007 and seats 90,000. “I think Johnson said in a Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) statement. “I think pay a further 13.5m euros to the Spanish treasury. The Spanish champions we have got the product to fill stadiums like this. When you get an the pitch suits Kelly too and I’ve picked a side that can win reiterated that they did not consider they had committed any offence opportunity to do so, you have to grab it with both hands,” promot- the game and that’s most important.” and said they had made the payment due to a “possible difference of er Eddie Hearn told the BBC. Brown, who replaced Chris Fusaro, was one of interpretation” about how much they owed. Barca have been criticised by “This is the ultimate, in my opinion — steeped in history — and three changes in the pack with prop Geoff Cross fans and the media in Spain but have found an ally in Cardenal, the this is the first fight at the new stadium. And what a fight.” The two starting at tighthead and David Denton coming in for Secretary of State for Sport. Britons first clashed at the Manchester Arena in November when the ill Ryan Wilson in the back row. “Barca are the team of Xavi, Puyol, Busquets, Pique, Cesc, Victor Valdes, Groves, 25, was controversially stopped by 36-year-old Froch in the Scotland: 15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Tommy Seymour, Pedro.... and Iniesta, who scored the goal that made history (to win the ninth of 12 scheduled rounds. 13-Alex Dunbar, 12-Matt Scott, 11-Sean Lamont, 10- 2010 World Cup), who brought so much joy and brought the world to Groves had floored Nottingham-based Froch in the opening Duncan Weir, 9-Greig Laidlaw; 8-David Denton, 7-Kelly our feet with our style of football,” he wrote in the Spanish newspaper El round and was ahead on the judges’ cards when referee Howard Brown, 6-Johnnie Beattie, 5-Jim Hamilton, 4-Richie Gray, Pais. “As long as there is no conviction, and we are at the very early Foster stepped in. 3-Geoff Cross, 2-Scott Lawson, 1-Ryan Grant stages of a case where no one can foresee the outcome, “I don’t want to fight in Nottingham. Nottingham’s not big Replacements: 16-Ross Ford, 17-Alasdair Dickinson, 18- Barca have reason to maintain their stance that they acted enough,” Froch told Sky Sports news. “It only holds the best part of Euan Murray, 19-Tim Swinson, 20-Ryan Wilson, 21-Chris within the law and met the necessary rules. —Reuters 30,000. —Reuters Cusiter, 22-Duncan Taylor, 23-Max Evans. —Reuters

Pistorius’ witness relives ‘terrifying screams’

PRETORIA: A key witness in Oscar Pistorius’s murder trial wept Runner” for his carbon-fibre running blades, has pleaded not in court yesterday, saying she still relives the “terrifying screams” guilty to murder and three unrelated gun charges. heard from his home the night Reeva Steenkamp was killed. While admitting killing Steenkamp, the sprinter described it In vivid testimony that cast doubt on the star sprinter’s as a “tragic accident”, denying murderous intent and saying “we defence, Michelle Burger, her husband and a third neighbour were in a loving relationship”. each told the court they heard a commotion then gunshots on If found guilty of premeditated murder, Pistorius faces 25 Valentine’s Day 2013. years in South Africa’s notoriously brutal jails and an abrupt end The trio’s account directly contradicts Pistorius’s claim that to his glittering sporting career. he shot the 29-year-old model and law graduate Steenkamp In the face of the prosecution’s onslaught, Pistorius’s lawyer through a locked toilet door after mistaking her for an intruder. Barry Roux spent most of Tuesday trying to pick apart the wit- In an emotionally charged second day of the South African nesses’ account of events. Paralympian’s trial, Burger broke down in the witness box after In terse exchanges, he accused Burger of rejecting Pistorius’s fierce cross examination, saying events of that February 14 still account out of hand, moulding her testimony to fit media haunt her. reports and jumping to conclusions. “When I’m in the shower, I relive her shouts. The terrifying “You made up your mind that his version could not be,” said screams,” the university lecturer said, her voice cracking with Roux, claiming Pistorius sounds like a women when he screams emotion as she was unable to hold back the tears. and that the bangs heard were him trying to break down the Another neighbour, Estelle van der Merwe, who lives less toilet door with a bat. “You interpreted cricket bat shots to be than 100 metres (feet) away from Pistorius’s home, later told the gunshots and screaming to be a woman and not Oscar. If you court she heard arguing coming from the house. didn’t do that, his version would make sense.” “I woke up in the morning at 1:56am to sounds of someone Tensions in court were heightened when a statement was talking loudly and fighting,” she told the court. “It lasted about read explaining the violent nature of Steenkamp’s death. an hour.” As Roux claimed a gunshot wound to the head would have Later she recalled waking up to the sound of loud bangs. made it impossible for Steenkamp to scream, Pistorius bowed Burger’s husband, Charl Johnson, also took the stand, telling his head and folded his hands behind his neck. judge Thokozile Masipa that a woman’s screams woke him up “The person with that brain damage will have no cognitive and that he ran to his balcony, less than 200 metres from response,” continued Roux. “It cannot be. She could not have Pistorius’s home. screamed.” Prosecution lawyer Gerrie Nel interjected to say it “At that point the fear and intensity of her voice escalated was the last of four shots that struck Steenkamp’s head, the first and it was clear that this person’s life was in danger,” he said. three hitting her right side, the wall and her shoulder. ST PAUL: Reto Berra No. 29 of the Calgary Flames looks on as Torrey Mitchell No. 17 of the Minnesota Wild controls the “That’s when the first shots were fired,” although Johnson could Meanwhile, across the court, one of Steenkamp’s relatives puck during the second period of the game. —AFP not recall how many. Both Johnson and Burger also said they touched a photo of the budding reality TV star, as a man put his heard a male person shout for help, a point that was seized arm around her. Proceedings are expected to resume today upon by the defence as evidence Pistorius was calling for help. with Charl Johnson retaking the stand and facing cross exami- Sabres, Flames Pistorius, 27, a double amputee known as the “Blade nation. The trial is expected to last three weeks. —AFP suffer defeat

DALLAS: Alex Chiasson broke a for the first time in 25 days due to the win. The Blue Jackets completed a third-period tie with his first goal in Olympic break, the Wild also three-game season sweep of 13 games, and Lindy Ruff earned his improved to 14-4-2 since the new Toronto. Mason Raymond had the 600th NHL coaching victory with a 3- year began while welcoming captain lone goal for Toronto, bringing the 2 win over his former team, the Mikko Koivu back from injury. Maple Leafs within a goal with 4:15 Buffalo Sabres, on Monday night. Zach Parise gave the Wild some remaining. Toronto made a late flur- Jamie Benn’s slap shot from the blue insurance by deflecting a shot past ry after goalie James Reimer was line deflected off Chiasson and past Reto Berra with 5:16 remaining for his pulled for an extra skater, but could- goalie Jhonas Enroth for a power- 21st goal. Just 77 seconds later, Mark n’t tie it. Reimer, in his first start play goal at 10:25 of the third. Ruff Giordano scored to bring the Flames since Jan. 25, made 31 saves. posted his first 571 wins with the back within a goal. But Kuemper Toronto had won five of six before Sabres before joining the Stars. hung on to raise his record to 11-3-2. the Olympic break. Defensemen Jordie Benn and Alex Mike Cammalleri, playing perhaps Goligoski both scored their third goal his last game for the Flames with the KINGS 2, CANADIENS 1 of the season for the Stars, who over- NHL trade deadline looming on Jeff Carter scored his 250th came a 1-0 deficit. Benn had been Wednesday, tied it 1-1 in the second career NHL goal on a power play, scoreless for 11 games, and Goligoski period. Mikael Granlund had two Jonathan Quick made 17 saves to had gone 48 without a goal. assists while playing in the NHL for remain unbeaten since the Olympic Tyler Ennis scored twice for the first time against his brother break, and Los Angeles beat Buffalo, with Matt Moulson assisting Markus Granlund. Montreal for its fifth straight victory. on both goals. The second got the Jake Muzzin scored an early goal Sabres even at 3:23 of the third. BLUE JACKETS 2, MAPLE LEAFS 1 for the Kings, who have won four Enroth made 36 saves, and Dallas’ Dalton Prout and Artem Anisimov games in six days since the break to Kari Lehtonen had 21. scored second-period goals, and solidify their playoff position in the Columbus held off Toronto. The Pacific Division, 10 points ahead of WILD 3, FLAMES 2 Maple Leafs dropped their third fourth-place Vancouver. Jared Spurgeon’s power-play goal straight since the Winter Olympics. Los Angeles hung on to an early in the third period helped Minnesota They had won seven consecutive at lead for its first home victory over beat Calgary and notch its season- home, their best stretch there since a the Canadiens since March 8, 2003. high fifth straight win. nine-game run in the 2006-07 sea- PK Subban scored and Peter Budaj Kyle Brodziak also scored, rookie son. stopped 20 shots for Montreal, Darcy Kuemper stopped 21 shots Prout, a defenseman, and which had won five of six. The during his 15th start in a row, and the Anisimov scored less than three Canadiens opened a four-game Wild raised their record at home to minutes apart for Columbus. Sergei West Coast trip with their first regu- 22-7-2. Playing in front of their fans Bobrovsky made 28 saves in the lation loss since Feb. 2. —AP

NHL results/standings

Columbus 2, Toronto 1; Dallas 3, Buffalo 2; Minnesota 3, Calgary 2; Los Angeles 2, Montreal 1. Western Conference Eastern Conference Pacific Division Atlantic Division W L OTL GF GA PTS Boston 38 17 5 188 137 81 Montreal 34 22 7 160 154 75 Anaheim 43 14 5 202 150 91 Tampa Bay 34 22 5 177 156 73 San Jose 39 17 6 188 151 84 Toronto 32 23 8 186 193 72 Los Angeles 35 22 6 152 134 76 Detroit 28 20 12 159 165 68 Vancouver 28 25 10 150 166 66 Ottawa 27 23 11 174 199 65 Phoenix 27 23 11 169 180 65 Florida 23 31 7 151 197 53 Calgary 23 31 7 141 185 53 Buffalo 18 35 8 124 183 44 Edmonton 20 34 8 154 204 48 Metropolitan Division Pittsburgh 40 16 4 192 149 84 Central Division Philadelphia 32 24 6 174 180 70 St. Louis 40 14 6 200 139 86 NY Rangers 33 26 3 162 157 69 Chicago 36 12 14 213 166 86 Washington 29 23 10 184 186 68 Columbus 31 25 5 180 170 67 Colorado 39 17 5 188 164 83 New Jersey 26 23 13 148 153 65 Minnesota 34 21 7 153 150 75 Carolina 26 26 9 151 173 61 Dallas 29 22 10 173 171 68 NY Islanders 23 32 8 173 215 54 Winnipeg 30 26 6 174 178 66 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the Nashville 26 25 10 150 185 62 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 SPORTS Heat beat Bobcats

MIAMI: LeBron James scored a career- Denver lost its sixth straight and has high 61 points, breaking Glen Rice’s dropped 11 of 12 overall. franchise record, and the Miami Heat Kevin Martin added 22 points for defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 124- the Timberwolves, including four clutch 107 on Monday night. free throws in the final 11.7 seconds. James made 22 of 33 shots from Minnesota finished with a huge advan- the field, including his first eight 3- tage at the foul line, making 52 of 64 point attempts. His career best had (81.3 percent) to Denver’s 16 of 25 (64 been 56 points, on March 20, 2005, for percent). Cleveland against Toronto. Rice scored 56 to set the Heat LAKERS 107, TRAIL BLAZERS 106 record on April 15, 1995, against Kent Bazemore threw an alley-oop Orlando. James had 24 points at half- to Wesley Johnson for the go-ahead time, then added 25 in the third quar- dunk with 6.9 seconds left to lift Los ter. The record-breaker came with 5:46 Angeles over Portland. left, when James spun through three Pau Gasol scored 22 points and the defenders for a layup that fell as he Lakers won their second straight, snap- tumbled to the court. ping the Trail Blazers’ five-game win- Al Jefferson had 38 points and 19 ning streak. Jodie Meeks added 21 rebounds for the Bobcats, his huge points. night merely an afterthought. The Lakers led by 15 in the first When James checked out with 1:24 quarter and pushed the lead to 97-86 in left, the entire Heat roster met him the fourth, but Wesley Matthews’ fade- near midcourt for high-fives and hugs, away jumper tied it at 105 with 1:10 left. and the sellout crowd gave him a Damian Lillard hit one of two free standing ovation. A second huge roar throws to give Portland its first lead followed when he waved to the crowd, since the first quarter. But the officials as “M-V-P” chants rained down. reversed a possession call with 7.1 sec- Charlotte has allowed the two onds left, giving the ball to the Lakers. biggest single-game scoring totals in Bazemore lobbed to Johnson for the the NBA this season. Carmelo Anthony dunk and Lillard missed a 3-pointer as had 62 points for the New York Knicks time ran out. Robin Lopez had 19 against the Bobcats on Jan. 24. Miami points and 16 rebounds for the Blazers. was without guard Dwyane Wade, Infiniti Red Bull racing who got a night off to rest. BUCKS 114, JAZZ 88 Ersan Ilyasova scored a season-high NETS 96, BULLS 80 31 points on 13-of-14 shooting, and Formula One Show Run Jason Collins played the final min- Milwaukee hit a blistering 57 percent utes of a winning home debut with from the field to beat Utah. on the streets of Kuwait the Brooklyn Nets, who cooled off Zaza Pachulia added 14 points, six Chicago. Finally playing at home more rebounds and five assists, and five KUWAIT: It’s not every day you get to played and fired up around various than a week after returning to the NBA Bucks scored in double digits. The NBA’s see a Formula One car, never mind a locations in Kuwait as well as other as the league’s first openly gay player, worst team improved to 12-47 and World Championship winning one. activities such as the Red Bull Pitstop Collins checked in with 2:41 remaining MIAMI: Charlotte Bobcats’ Anthony Tolliver (43) blocks Miami enjoyed a rare breather at home. That’s exactly what the people of Kuwait Game. This event is sponsored by to a standing ovation from a sellout Heat’s Ray Allen (34) during the second half of an NBA basket- Enes Kanter had 27 points to lead will see when the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Infiniti, Pirelli and is held with the crowd of 17,732 that included former ball game. —AP Utah, mired by a mistake-prone third Formula One Show Run Team visits cooperation of KMRC. NBA Commissioner David Stern. quarter in which the Bucks regularly led Kuwait on Friday March 28, 2014 Red Bull Show Runs take place at Collins committed a foul just 5 seconds GRIZZLIES 110, WIZARDS 104 was also missing forwards Kevin by at least 20. between 2pm and 5pm. The Quadruple racing circuits, on city streets, at festi- later and missed his only shot as the Tayshaun Prince scored a season- Seraphin (sore right knee) and Martell NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul- Constructors’ Championship winning vals and exhibitions. Often playing to Nets won their third straight. high 21 points and Memphis withstood Webster (sore back). Jabbar took in some of the action. machine will be driven by Red Bull Junior crowds measured in hundreds of thou- Collins’ original 10-day contract will a late rally to snap Washington’s win- Drafted No. 1 overall by the Bucks in driver Carlos Sainz Jr. who will perform a sands, they give fans the chance to wit- expire Tuesday and the Nets plan to ning streak at six. TIMBERWOLVES 132, NUGGETS 128 1969, Abdul-Jabbar was in town to pro- full repertoire of donuts, burnouts and ness the contained ferocity of a sign him to a second deal on Zach Randolph added 16 points and Kevin Love scored 33 points and mote a tourism ad for the state of speed stretches in front of an expected Formula One car at very close quarters. Wednesday. He has appeared in all five 10 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who tied a season high with 19 rebounds for Wisconsin that played off his acting role 25,000 racing fans that will line the Formula One is a great sport for TV, but games since he signed on Feb. 23. improved to a season-high nine games his NBA-best 50th double-double this in the movie “Airplane.” streets next to the Kuwait Towers. there’s no substitute for the ear-split- Deron Williams scored 20 points above .500 and pulled within one game season, and Minnesota beat skidding Fans will welcome the Infiniti Red ting roar of the engine, the haze of tyre and Joe Johnson had 19 for the Nets of the eighth and final playoff spot in Denver for its third win in a row. PISTONS 96, KNICKS 85 Bull Racing World Champion Car on an smoke and aroma of burning rubber. the Western Conference. Memphis shot Love topped 30 points for the 11th (29-29), who got back to .500 for the Andre Drummond had 17 points 800-meter long urban track stretching The Show Run Team has been to 60 percent after the first quarter and time in his last 14 starts, helping the first time since they were 2-2 on Nov. and a career-high 26 rebounds as from Bneid El Gar signal light to the every inhabited continent, from cob- 5. outscored Washington 62-34 in the Timberwolves wrap up a 4-1 trip out Detroit surged past New York in a Kuwait Towers. The car which acceler- bled city streets in Europe to baking The sloppy Bulls turned it over 28 paint for the game. John Wall scored 23 west. matchup of slumping teams. times, leading to 30 Brooklyn points, points and Bradley Beal had 21 for the The Nuggets got a boost from the The Pistons had lost four straight ates from 0-100km/h in 2.4 seconds will deserts in the Americas. It conquered and had their four-game winning Wizards. return of Ty Lawson, who scored a sea- and seven of eight. New York has reach speeds of 250km/h and above. the highest road in the Himalayas, skat- streak snapped. They had a franchise- Washington had answered a chal- son-high 31 points with 11 assists in his dropped seven straight and 13 of 15. In addition to the Infiniti Red Bull ed on frozen rivers in Canada and drift- low three turnovers in their 109-90 vic- lenge by winning its first three games first game since breaking his left rib Carmelo Anthony scored 10 of his 28 Racing Formula One Show Run, Kuwait ed across golden Caribbean beaches. tory over the Knicks on Sunday and after losing starting forward Nene to a Feb. 8 at Detroit. But it wasn’t enough points in a first quarter in which the will get a glimpse of Chris Pfeiffer, a Infiniti Red Bull Racing is an Austrian had won nine of 10. knee injury, but this time the rotation to reverse their sagging fortunes. Knicks led by as much as 14. Detroit four-time World Stunt Riding Champion team based in Milton Keynes, England. reserves Rodney Stuckey and Will and one of the best Stunt Riders in the The team’s Formula One adventure began Bynum each scored 16 points, helping world who will be pushing the limits in 2005 and since then the team has won NBA results/standings their team’s bench outscore New York’s with his new tricks. four Constructors’ Championship titles (in 36-7. The Pistons started the fourth The hype for the Infiniti Red Bull 2010 - 2013). The teams’ driver Sebastian Memphis 110, Washington 104; Brooklyn 96, Chicago 80; Detroit 96, NY Knicks 85; Miami 124, Charlotte 107; quarter with eight unanswered points. Racing Formula One Show Run will Vettel has achieved four Drivers’ World Milwaukee 114, Utah 88; Minnesota 132, Denver 128; LA Lakers 107, Portland 106; Sacramento 96, New Amare Stoudemire had 22 points for begin a few days before the main Championships in 2010, 2011, 2012 and Orleans 89. the Knicks despite playing sparingly in event, when the team’s car will be dis- 2013. the fourth quarter. Eastern Conference Western Conference Atlantic Division Northwest Division KINGS 96, PELICANS 89 W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 45 15 .750 - DeMarcus Cousins had 23 points Toronto 33 26 .559 - Portland 41 19 .683 4 and 12 rebounds, Isaiah Thomas scored Brooklyn 29 29 .500 3.5 Minnesota 30 29 .508 14.5 22 and Sacramento beat slumping New NY Knicks 21 40 .344 13 Denver 25 34 .424 19.5 Orleans. Behind the scoring of Thomas, Boston 20 40 .333 13.5 Utah 21 39 .350 24 the Kings took the lead late in the third Philadelphia 15 45 .250 18.5 quarter and never trailed in the fourth Pacific Division while snapping a three-game losing Central Division LA Clippers 41 20 .672 - streak. Indiana 46 13 .780 - Rudy Gay added 14 points and Chicago 33 27 .550 13.5 Golden State 36 24 .600 4.5 Reggie Evans had 10 points and 13 Detroit 24 36 .400 22.5 Phoenix 35 24 .593 5 rebounds for Sacramento, which outre- Cleveland 24 37 .393 23 LA Lakers 21 39 .350 19.5 bounded the Pelicans 47-30. Milwaukee 12 47 .203 34 Sacramento 21 39 .350 19.5 Tyreke Evans scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and added Southeast Division Southwest Division 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Miami 43 14 .754 - San Antonio 43 16 .729 - Pelicans, who have dropped eight Washington 31 29 .517 13.5 Houston 40 19 .678 3 straight and 10 of 11. New Orleans All- Charlotte 27 33 .450 17.5 Dallas 36 25 .590 8 Star forward Anthony Davis shot 4 of 14 Atlanta 26 32 .448 17.5 Memphis 34 25 .576 9 and had 13 points. He missed his first Orlando 19 43 .306 26.5 New Orleans 23 37 .383 20.5 10 shots. —AP Carlos Sainz Jr. Nissan announces 2014 motorsports activities DUBAI: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan the frontal area of the car with the NISSAN GT- uniquely designed, something that hasn’t yet Supply and technical support of MO GT3 in the GT3 class of the Super Taikyu Motorsports International Co., Ltd. announced an R NISMO, cooling/heating and braking effi- been adopted by DTM machines. NISSAN GT-R NISMO GT3 Series. In addition, collaboration between outline of its motorsports activities for 2014. ciency have all been a key part of the develop- l Engine: As engines conforming to the new To complement the Championship-winning Nissan Technical College and KONDO RACING ment process. A number of Japan-specific rules are of a smaller displacement (2-liter, 4- speed shown in 2013 - Nismo’s 2014 model will continues this year, and sees participation in Le Mans 24 Hours/NISSAN ZEOD RC developments have also been incorporated, cylinder direct-injection turbocharged), and further improve reliability, pit work speed and the GT3 class by the ThreeBond Nissan The world’s fastest electric-powered racing car, including an adjustable pedal position for driv- maximum output levels are regulated safety, as well as extending the life of the car’s Technical College GT-R, where the season’s rac- the NISSAN ZEOD RC will take part in the 2014 er changes in SUPER GT, and air conditioning (100kg/h) based on fuel flow rate instead of air, engine to continue to reduce running costs. ing activities form part of the students’ motor- edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours under the due to the heat and humidity experienced in the amount of power that can be generated l SUPER GT GT300 Class: In addition, sports education. “Garage 56” category. The car will be the first to some of the rounds held in the Japanese sum- with the limited amount of fuel is key. One of Nissan/Nismo will provide technical assistance Australia V8 Supercars complete an entire lap of the Le Mans circuit on mer. Another difference from DTM is the mul- the main development objectives is to incor- and ongoing vehicle supply to customer Nissan Australia will continue to compete in nothing but electric power. The car will complete tiple tire brands in SUPER GT; therefore testing porate high output, reliability and high fuel teams competing with the NISSAN GT-R NIS- the Australian V8 Supercars Championship; the one electric lap per stint and then revert to the has seen increased cooperation and mutual efficiency and by combining obtained tech- MO GT3 in the GT300 class of SUPER GT, country’s premier racing series, after recording a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo DIG-T R engine that development of tires with each tire partner. nology from SUPER GT and Nissan’s direct- where they will also field an NDDP RACING historic 1st and 2nd in the 25th round of the series produces an incredible 400 horsepower despite l Aerodynamics: The 2014-spec NISSAN GT-R injection turbo, we are currently developing entry under the supervision of Team Principal in the inaugural year for the Altima. For year two weighing only 40kg. The NISSAN ZEOD RC is cur- NISMO GT500 features greatly improved aero- the new “NR20A” engine, which is already Masahiro Hasemi, with drivers Kazuki Hoshino Nismo will provide increased technical support for rently in development at Nissan bases around the dynamic efficiency while working very hard to proving to be competitive. and inaugural GT Academy champion Lucas engine and aerodynamic developments. world. Lucas OrdÛÒez was named as the team’s comply with the new regulations. Nissan/Nismo will continue to support cus- OrdÛÒez behind the wheel. first driver recently and his teammates will be con- Development of the rear fenders and lateral tomer teams this season racing with Nissan cars Nismo Global Driver Exchange/Nissan Driver firmed at a later time. ZEOD RC is part of the ramp duct areas of the car’s lower body have been and Nissan engines. NISSAN GT-R NISMO Development Program (NDDP) up towards Nissan’s intended entry to LMP1 in This season, Nissan/Nismo will return to the Nissan/Nismo will continue our commitment 2015. spiritual home of the GT-R with an official entry in to nurture and promote young drivers. The Nismo the Nurburgring 24 Hours with the NISSAN GT-R Global Driver Exchange started last year was SUPER GT (GT500 class) NISMO GT3, in a joint team with RJN, a com- aimed at giving drivers and Nismo athletes from l Vehicle: Since the Technical Regulations for petitor in the Blancpain Endurance Series. Details around the world a chance to gain experience at 2014 (excluding engines) have become will be announced in due course, including a line- an international level in order to hone their skills aligned with those of the DTM (German up of International Nismo athletes. This entry will and open doors for their future careers. The pro- Touring car Masters) we will take part in the not be a surprise to those that have followed the gram takes a dramatic step forward this year with series with a vehicle featuring a chassis and development of the road-going Nissan GT-R and full season exchanges for two Nismo drivers. engine newly developed by Nismo. Making most recently the Nismo version at the infamous Inaugural Nissan GT Academy winner Lucas use of the characteristic design of the Nissan Nurburgring. This is another example of Nissan Ordonez will race in the home of PlayStation as he GT-R, the base vehicle, we are carrying out and Nismo transferring knowledge between its participates in SUPER GT’s GT300 class, while design and developments aiming for a car road and race programs. NDDP participant Katsumasa Chiyo will contest with high levels of both speed and reliability. l Super Taikyu Series (GT3 class): Following the entire Blancpain Endurance Series. In addition, on from last year, Nissan/Nismo will continue selected Nismo athletes will participate in the new Main Areas of Development: to provide technical support to customer TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in the l Chassis: Together with a standardization of teams competing with the NISSAN GT-R NIS- United States. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 SPORTS Providence see light at the end of the tunnel

NEW YORK: Providence has put itself in the Big East tournament. Providence isn’t over Pittsburgh was huge for their NCAA returned from his fan-shoving suspension, Arizona State, another team clawing for an position to make the NCAA tournament the only team hanging by the bubble this hopes. Florida State was shaky before that, including a had-to-have-it victory over at-large bid. The Cardinal have a tough fin- for the first time in a decade with a strong late in the season. The 68-team bracket losing six of eight games after an 8-2 fifth-ranked Kansas on Saturday night. A ish, too: Against Colorado and Utah, two late-season run. The Friars know there’s has 36 at-large bids, but there are likely stretch. The Seminoles have an early sea- loss to Kansas State on Monday night hurt other teams fighting for bracket spots. still some work to do if they’re going to only a dozen or so not all but spoken for son win over VCU on their resume, but a little, but the Cowboys could be in good LSU. The Tigers’ bubble may have get it. “We know anything we get, we at this point. nothing else that really pops out and an shape with a win over Iowa State and a popped. They had a big opportunity to get have to work for,” Providence senior guard In other words, there’s still quite a few average RPI of 57, so they’ll need to close solid run in the Big 12 tournament. a statement win against top-ranked Florida Bryce Cotton said. “This is no different. We teams sweating it out. Here’s some that strong. A loss to Boston College on on Saturday and were never really in the are right there, right at the cusp. We see have helped their cause recently and a Tuesday night could put a big dent in their FALLING BACK game to lose for the fifth time in eight the light at the end of the tunnel, but we few that stumbled: chances. Missouri closes out the regular Missouri. The Tigers may need to finish games. LSU (17-11, 8-8) still has games left have to keep climbing to get there.” season against Texas A&M and Tennessee. the season strong after dropping two of against Vanderbilt and Georgia, but even Providence opened the season with 10 MOVING UP Oregon. The Ducks appeared to be their past three games and going 4-6 over winning those isn’t likely to turn selection wins in its first 12 games, then started 5-2 Arkansas. The Razorbacks have played doomed after a five-game losing streak in their past 10. Missouri is 20-9, but is so-so committee heads. Winning those and a in the Big East. Four losses in five games their way back into the bubble over the January spoiled a 13-0 start and a top-10 8-8 in the SEC, which isn’t exactly the deep run in the SEC tournament could be threatened to derail the Friars’ NCAA past three weeks. Arkansas has won five ranking. Oregon (20-8) has bounced back strongest conference in the nation this the Tigers’ only shot. chances, but they have bounced back straight and six of seven, including a will- with five straight wins, including a double- season. The Tigers do have a win over Richmond. The Spiders are losing sight with three wins in four games. look-good-to-the-committee overtime overtime road victory over UCLA on UCLA, but there aren’t really any other of the bubble after three losses in four Providence has a so-so RPI of 56, but victory over then-No. 17 Kentucky in Thursday that will look pretty good on the marquee wins on the resume. games, including a 23-point setback does have wins over Xavier, Creighton Lexington to complete a season sweep resume. The Ducks face a big week to Stanford. We know, the Cardinal were against Rhode Island on Saturday that’s not and St. John’s in Big East play. The Friars over the Wildcats. The Razorbacks (20-9, close out the regular season, playing among the teams moving up last week going to look too good. Richmond (18-11, also helped their cause with a must-win 9-7 SEC) have four victories over teams in Arizona State on Tuesday night and No. 3 and now they’re here. That’s how quickly 8-6 Atlantic-10) is 4-3 since leading scorer victory over Seton Hall on Friday to the RPI’s top 50, but could still use a Arizona on Saturday, both at home. things can change on the surface of this Cedrick Lindsay injured both of his knees. avenge an earlier loss. Providence still has strong finish against Ole Miss and Oklahoma State. The return of Marcus bubble. How did they get here? A sweep The Spiders have tough games against VCU a tough road left, though; the Friars close Alabama to avoid a pressure-filled SEC Smart has done the Cowboys a world of by the Arizona schools. Losing to No. 3 and Dayton left on the regular-season out the regular season against Marquette tournament. good. Oklahoma State (19-10, 7-9 Big 12) Arizona on the road isn’t too bad, but the schedule and will need to make some and No. 13 Creighton before playing in Florida State. The Seminoles’ road win has won three straight since the star guard Stanford could have used a win over noise in the A-10 tournament. —AP Djokovic defeats Murray at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic beat four days in Acapulco last week. Murray in high-top canvas sneak- and Mike Bryan insisted there Andy Murray 6-3, 7-6 (2) in an There were the obligatory exhi- ers that were more fashion than were no hard feelings, they one-off match at Madison Square bition shenanigans: between-the- function. respectfully disagree with his Garden on Monday, with the pair legs shots, pulling a kid from the The BNP Paribas Showdown opinion, and they played Monday mixed the usual exhibition hijinks crowd to play a point. In a bit of a opened with the Bryan brothers with the seriousness of an ATP with some long rallies reminiscent twist, Djokovic invited reigning beating the McEnroe brothers 8-3 Tour match. of their epic Grand Slam meet- Wimbledon champion Marion in doubles. John McEnroe added There was no aiming any slams ings. A born showman, Djokovic always has fun with the New York crowd at the U.S. Open. When on a game point Monday he shanked an overhead into the net, the Serb HH The Amir Grand Prix Higher Organizing Committee during the meeting did push-ups in penance. It was the first time playing at the Garden for both. “I was amazed by the size of it,” Djokovic said. “With the history in the world of sports and entertainment and music, it’s probably the most impressive and most important indoor facility in the world.” Murray grimaced more than once after an unforced error as if he were a few miles away at Flushing Meadows. But he also high-fived a fan after hooking in a winner down the line. And the Brit provides plenty of entertainment value simply with his ability to run down nearly every ball. Chasing a drop shot in the first set, Murray wound up all the way on Djokovic’s side of the court, bumping into a TV camera along the way. Djokovic went over and jokingly massaged Murray’s quad, lest he need a medical timeout. Eng. Duaij Al-Otaibi Mariam Irzouqi seen in this file photo During one changeover, they pulled their phones out of their bags and met at the net to take a Kuwait on target for couple of selfies. Both tweeted them during the next break. NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic stretches to return against Andy Murray in the BNP Paribas shooting tourney “We might never get the Showdown Tennis Tournament. —AP chance to play here again,” Murray By Abdellatif Sharaa to receiving delegations and training said. “Wanted to enjoy it. Hope Bartoli, who has since retired, a little sizzle to the meeting a few toward John’s head. Instead, they programs are set, and that Sheikh everyone who came along had a from the stands to briefly take his months ago when he made some picked on Patrick McEnroe’s vol- KUWAIT: The Higher Organizing Sabah Al-Ahmad Shooting Complex is good time as well. That was the place. Murray welcomed her by harsh comments about the cur- leys - he doesn’t play as much Committee of HH the Amir Sheikh hosting camps of six countries who whole point today.” launching a serve as hard as he rent state of doubles, suggesting these days as his more-successful And he’s in a good mood after could that had the Frenchwoman that top players today are the older brother. The twins needed Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will participate in both champi- his surgically repaired back held ducking. Bartoli then ably guys who weren’t athletic enough 44 minutes to win the single pro Third Annual International Grand onships. up well following four matches in exchanged groundstrokes with to make it in singles. While Bob set. —AP Prix held a meeting to discuss the lat- Meanwhile Kuwait shooters have est developments three days before intensified their preparations and the start of the championship, along daily training to come out with the Federer adds to Indian Wells buzz with the Asian. best results through competing with The meeting was chaired by participating countries, bearing in INDIAN WELLS: Roger Federer will seek to titles, the most recent of them in 2012 at Berdych, Britain’s Andy Murray and Australian President of Kuwait and Arab mind that competition will be tough. back up his Dubai title win on Saturday with Wimbledon. Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka, in his first Shooting Federations Eng Duaij Al- HH the Amir international Grand Prix a record fifth Indian Wells crown starting this event since capturing his first Grand Slam week which if successful would be his 79th CONFIDENT crown by beating Nadal in the Melbourne Otaibi in the presence of Secretary will be held simultaneously along career title. And based upon hard work in the off-sea- final. General of Kuwait and Arab with the Asian championship that Federer, though, will face a top class field son, Federer says he has a new spark of confi- Australian Lleyton Hewitt, 33, could become Federations Obaid Al-Osaimi, as well will be an important test for Kuwait with defending champion Rafael Nadal and dence. “I feel I am in good enough shape at only the third active player to crack the 600 as heads of sub-committees. shooters who are determined to get Novak Djokovic as the top seeds. The $12 least now and that’s very encouraging,” he said. match win mark, joining Federer and Nadal. Al-Otaibi said that representative the best results, as they receive the million ATP and WTA hardcourt event begins “I feel my best tennis is around the corner. I’ve On the women’s side, Sharapova will be test- of HH the Amir, Information Minister, full support from KSSC administra- today for the women-where Maria said that quite a few times, but I feel like this ed by 2012 Indian Wells winner Victoria State Minister for Youth Affairs tion that provided them with all they Sharapova is the defending champion-and time it’s really the case. I wake up with zero Azarenka, 2011 winner Caroline Wozniacki and Thursday for the men. pain. I’m excited playing tournaments. It’s a Australian Open champion Li Na of China. Li Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah need. Shooter Khalid Al-Subaie who Federer won titles at Indian Wells from good start to the season.” hopes to replace the absent Serena Williams at is interested in the activities of com- participates in the 10m air rifle said 2004-2006 and again in 2012 and showed Nadal, who has 13 career Grand Slam titles, the top of the world rankings. “I want to be mittees and follows all aspects of the Kuwait national team shooters are top form in reaching the Australian Open will try to match Federer as a four-time Indian number one in the world,” Li said. “It’s a goal, the championship. He said that he sup- able to get medals during the semi-finals and taking his sixth Dubai crown Wells champion, having won in 2007 and 2009 dream for all athletes. I will try as hard as I can.” ports all efforts as he stressed that all upcoming Asian championship. He which included beating Djokovic in the as well as last year. Williams has boycotted Indian Wells since 2001, cooperate so that success can be said the team includes Abdallah Al- semi-finals and coming from behind to beat Djokovic, the 2008 and 2011 Indian Wells when fans booed her as she won in a walkover achieved. Harby and Sultan Al-Osaimi. He said Tomas Berdych in the final. winner, will also be a contender, as will against sister Venus. —AFP “I think this is how you win your first title Al-Otaibi said that services must the team is training in an indoor again after a while, and then hopefully from be outstanding in all facilities, espe- camp at KSSC under the supervision here on it’s easier, especially closing out,” Davis and White out of worlds cially at the shooting ranges, and of coach Antone Balak. Federer said. provide all aspects of safety and Shooter Mariam Irzouqi said she is “There is a lot of pressure. Sometimes I COLORADO SPRINGS: Olympic gold medal- Davis and White became the first security. ready for the competition, and looks have been disappointed with my play when list ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White Americans to win Olympic gold in ice dance. He discussed preparations and forward to achieve best results for it really mattered. I was able to deliver when I will not compete at the world championships “We feel that our incredibly positive Olympic readiness, and promised to remove Kuwait. She said the Asian champi- had to. I was able to come up with the in Japan this month. experience is the culmination of and perfect goods. It was one of those tournaments I all that hinders their work to reflect onship is considered the strongest The Americans announced on Monday ending to a wonderful four-year cycle,” White kind of need this way right now.” they would not defend their world title in said in the release. Kuwait’s civilized image and ensure competition for the continents shoot- The 32-year-old Swiss star will have Stefan Saitama on March 24-30. As for their compet- The three women who represented the US the delegates comfort as long as ers, especially that Asia has the best Edberg with him as coach, one of four former itive future, White said in a news release “we in Sochi - Gracie Gold, Ashley Wagner and they stay in Kuwait. Al-Otaibi shooters in the world. Indian Wells winners on hand to guide oth- will leave our options open.” Polina Edmunds - will go to worlds. Gold was thanked everyone for the efforts Irzouqi who participated in several ers, with Michael Chang helping Japan’s Kei Alexandra Aldridge and Daniel Eaton will fourth at the Olympics and could contend for they exerted, as 750 shooters, and world championships said the cham- Nishikori, Boris Becker working with Djokovic take their spot after finishing fifth at the US a medal in Japan with Yuna Kim’s retirement. officials representing 48 countries pionship provides the opportunity to and Ivan Ljubicic coaching Canada’s Milos Championships in January. Madison Hubbell Four-time US champion Jeremy Abbott will Raonic. and Zachary Donohue, who were fourth, are skate at the worlds before retiring. He will be will be in Kuwait. compete with shooters who have “It has just been nice spending time with sidelined because Hubbell needs surgery on joined by Max Aaron, the 2013 US champ, Meanwhile, Obaid Al-Osaimi said highly advanced technical experi- him,” Federer said. “It’s clearly inspiring at a torn labrum in her left hip. who failed to qualify for the Olympics. committees are working as planned, ence. Shooter Sultan Al-Osaimi said this point just hearing him speak about the Madison Chock and Evan Bates and sib- In pairs, two-time US champs Marissa and “we are ready for the launch of the Kuwait shooters are geared up to win game.” Federer battled nagging injuries lings Maia and Alex Shibutani, who both fin- Castelli and Simon Shnapir, coming off a top- Grand Prix and Asian Championship. medals with the best and most mod- much of last year but sees himself in a ished in the top 10 at the Sochi Games last 10 showing in Sochi, will compete along with He said that all arrangements related ern training facilities. strong position to go far in events and add month, will also represent the United States Caydee Denney and John Coughlin, who to his record total of 17 men’s Grand Slam in ice dance. were third at the nationals. —AP WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 SPORTS Ukraine v US match to go ahead under ‘Peace for Ukraine’ slogan

KIEV: Ukraine’s soccer friendly against the Ukraine would not travel to Cyprus for the United States today in Cyprus will be friendly, originally scheduled to be played played under the slogan “Peace for in Kharkiv but moved because of Ukraine’s Ukraine!,” the Football Federation of unstable political situation and following Ukraine said on its website yesterday. US requests. Federation president Anatoliy Konkov “We cannot hold the national champi- earlier said Ukraine had changed its mind onship so what kind of football can we talk about cancelling the match as a sign of of at all? If we do not have an opportunity respect for the United States. to play on home soil, why shall we go to “After announcing our intention to can- Cyprus in these troubled times for our cel the flight to Cyprus for a friendly against country?” Konkov said. the US soccer team and with regard to the “We play for our people and country. military aggression of Russian Federation in Our team do not fly to Cyprus and stay at Ukraine’s autonomous region of Crimea, I home,” he told the ICTV channel. Ukraine’s received numerous phone calls from public Premier League has postponed the restart and football representatives who of the domestic championship after the expressed various views on this decision,” mid-season break following Russia’s mili- STUTTGART: Germany’s players practice during a training session prior to the international friendly soccer match between Konkov said. tary intervention. Germany and Chile. Germany will face Chile today. —AP Konkov held a series of meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin team coach Mykhaylo Fomenko and received permission from his parliament on Minister of Youth and Sport Dmytro Saturday to use military force in Ukraine. Bulatov. The stated purpose was to protect ethnic German WCup preparations “As a result we arrived on a common Russians following the ousting of Ukraine’s idea we should play the scheduled friendly Russian-backed president a week ago. with US soccer team as they represent the Putin got the green light from parlia- begin with Chile friendly country that stood up to defend our ment after Russian forces had already national interests and territorial integrity of gained control of Crimea, an isolated Black Ukraine,” Konkov said. Sea peninsula with an ethnic Russian STUTTGART: Germany begins its World Cup returned to action too recently for Loew were “We’ve begun the period of truth and clarity. “This is a very important decision to majority and where Moscow has long had a preparations in earnest with today’s friendly Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez,Dortmund’s Mats We have to make decisions that will hurt one raise the patriotic spirit of the Ukrainian naval base. against Chile in Stuttgart. Coach Joachim Loew Hummels and Marco Reus, and Schalke’s Julian player or another.” Germany’s group oppo- people. It must unite the country and show The United States is preparing to has been at pains to focus his players’ attention Draxler and Benedikt Hoewedes. Borussia nents at the World Cup are Ghana, Portugal the whole world how high our flag waves impose sanctions on Russia for its military on the World Cup with 99 days to go. Moenchengladbach forward Max Kruse and and the United States. and how proudly sounds the anthem of the intervention in Crimea, although no deci- Preparations to date have been far from ideal, Hamburg goalkeeper Rene Adler were dropped CONFIRMED STARTERS: Bayern’s Toni Kroos independent state.” sion had yet been made, the US State with key players injured, returning from injury because of poor form. Leverkusen defensive will definitely play against Chile, while Loew Konkov had said on Monday that Department said on Monday. —Reuters or simply not in form. Chile is also gearing up midfielder Lars Bender dropped out on Monday said Philipp Lahm would start in midfield, a role for the tournament in Brazil. Here are five things with a hamstring injury, while Lazio striker his captain has filled impressively when asked to know ahead of the teams’ seventh meeting: Miroslav Klose was fighting to recover from a to play there by Bayern coach Pep Guardiola. “I Kosovo set for debut NEW FACES: Loew called up four new play- bruised pelvic bone and abdominal muscle also have the chance to test the wing-back ers to assess his options. Freiburg defender problems. position in this game,” Loew said. Lars Bender Matthias Ginter, Hamburger SV striker Pierre- Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger, Dortmund had been an option. “But he won’t play now,” on international stage Michel Lasogga and Augsburg attacking mid- winger Kevin Grosskreutz and Arsenal forward said Loew, referring to the player’s injury. “Kevin fielder Andre Hahn are joined by Sampdoria Lukas Podolski are back in after recent injuries. Grosskreutz played this position in the first half MITROVICA: Kosovo make their debut on national coach Albert Bunjaki told Reuters defender Shkodran Mustafi, who was barely Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil’s of the season, also in the Champions League, the world soccer stage yesterday when they during a training session on Monday. “This is known in Germany before his call-up. Hahn form is a cause for concern. “The players have and he delivered strong performances. So my play Haiti in the ethnically-divided town of a journey, and we expect others to join us in thought somebody was pulling his leg when to do everything to get into top form. The time planning is leaning in the direction that he’ll Mitrovica, an encounter loaded with symbol- the future.” he received the call from one of Loew’s assis- before the tournament will be just as hard as at start on the right.” ism for the young Balkan country’s quest for Only one member of the 22-man squad tants. “When someone comes into the squad the World Cup,” Loew said. “Reality trumps the- FAMILIAR FACE: Juventus attacking mid- international acceptance. plies his trade in Kosovo. The rest were either for the first time and is still young, like ory. In theory we have a strong team, but in fielder Arturo Vidal will be well known to The friendly match marks the climax of a born in Kosovo or raised by Kosovar parents, Lasogga for example, there’s naturally a bit of reality it looks somewhat different.” many in the German squad from his time at long struggle for the right to play internation- but earn a living in the big-money European nervousness for the player,” Loew said. “That’s THE COUNTDOWN: “The clock’s ticking. Leverkusen. The Chile winger scored 21 goals al matches 15 years after NATO went to war leagues. why it’s very important to hold talks with the Only those who hear it have a realistic chance and set up 15 more in 117 Bundesliga appear- to wrest control of the region from Serbia and “It’s fantastic to be part of this team,” 17- players and show them the ropes. At the of being there,” Loew warned his players on ances over four seasons before his transfer to halt a wave of ethnic cleansing. Six years after year-old Manchester City forward Bersant World Cup we need the best players at the Monday. The coach, who is still seeking a Italy in 2011. Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli also it declared independence, majority-Albanian Celina, who grew up in Norway, told Reuters. time, not the best players in theory. Everyone major title with Germany, will name his pre- named Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez in Kosovo has been recognised by more than “It couldn’t be better than this,” he said, has the chance to get aboard the World Cup liminary squad for Brazil on May 8, before par- his 19-man squad. Chile was drawn in World 100 countries, but not Serbia or its big-power speaking in English. “I hope to get some play- train.” ing his selection to 20 outfield players and Cup Group B with defending champion Spain, backer Russia. Without a seat at the United ing time so I can show how good I am.” UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The coach has had three goalkeepers before FIFA’s deadline on beaten finalist the Netherlands and Australia. Nations, Kosovo is not a member of FIFA or All 17,000 tickets for the game were to tear up his first-choice lineup due to stars’ June 2. Germany will hold a training camp Germany and Chile have played six times, UEFA. snapped up within seven hours of going on injuries and inconsistency. On the injured list before that in South Tirol, Italy. “All players with the Germans winning four and Chile twice. Following negotiations with the Serbian sale. Some for the west wing of the stadium were midfielders Sami Khedira and Ilkay have to be completely fit and capable of tak- Germany won the last meeting 4-1 at the 1982 FA, FIFA ruled in January that Kosovo may were available on the black market for ten Gundogan, Bayern Munich’s Thomas Mueller and ing the load physically and mentally” by then, World Cup in Spain. Chile’s last win was in 1968 play friendlies against other nations as long times their original 10-euro price. Dortmund’s Sven Bender. Among those who Loew said last week. On Monday he added, in Santiago, Chile. —AP as no national symbols, including flags, are The game will be played in the former displayed or anthems played. mining hub of Mitrovica, split at the River Ibar The prospect has had soccer fans in between ethnic Albanians in the south and Kosovo compiling their own ‘dream team’ of ethnic Serbs, who reject Kosovo statehood, in Ryan: Australia on track European stars who trace their origins to this the north. small corner of Europe, a landlocked and Mitrovica has been a frequent flashpoint impoverished country of 1.7 million people. since the 1998-99 conflict, when NATO inter- LONDON: Mat Ryan insists Australia Canada and Costa Rica but with a He said: “There’s a different energy “It was pretty evident that we need- They may have to wait, however, to lure vened with 78 days of air strikes to drive out coach Ange Postecoglou has got the daunting group including Spain, about the squad now, with all respect ed to make a bit of a change after some the likes of Manchester United winger Adnan Serbian forces behind the killing and expul- Socceroos moving in the right direction Netherlands and Chile awaiting in to Holger. Ange likes to play a running of the bad results we had last year.” Januzaj or Swiss internationals Xherdan sion of ethnic Albanian civilians during a ahead of today’s international friendly June’s World Cup finals, Postecoglou’s game, plenty of movement and it’s an Postecoglou is anxious to see more Shaqiri (Bayern Munich), Valon Behrami counter-insurgency war. with Ecuador at the New Den, the home side know they must show continued all-action style. signs of his side developing the pattern (Napoli) and Granit Xhaka (Borussia The town remains the focus of a NATO of Millwall, in London. signs of improvement in the run-up to “We are all putting in and trying to of play they will take with them into the Monchengladbach). peacekeeping force that now numbers some Postecoglou takes charge for his Brazil. adapt to that style. It’s different to the World Cup in Brazil. They are part of a generation of Kosovars 5,000 soldiers. Police are expected to be out second game after replacing Holger And Ryan, the goalkeeper who is way we played under Holger. “Ange He said: “We want to win a certain whose families fled poverty and repression in in force. The stadium, named after revered Osieck who paid the price for successive expected to start against the South pioneered it during his time with way and just as importantly we want to the 1990s. Januzaj, courted by Belgium, Kosovo Albanian guerrilla fighter Adem 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France last year. Americans ahead of Mitchell Langerak Brisbane and Melbourne Victory and he play to our philosophy and make sure Albania and England, declined an invitation Jashari, is situated on the south side, a short Since those morale-sapping losses and Brad Jones, insists the arrival of the has brought that way of playing to the whatever we achieve out of the game is to take part in Wednesday’s match. “Kosovo distance from the river and within sight of Australia have rallied with victories over new coach has lifted the squad. Socceroos. by design and not by accident.” —AFP will always keep its doors open for them,” Serb homes in the north. —Reuters

Rising Stars lift KIFF Veterans Cup

KUWAIT: YRC Rising Stars came from a support and IFRA for officiating the goal down to beat FC Sparks 3-2 in an matches. absorbing final of the ‘Veterans Cup’ Fr. Franco Pereira handed over the organized by the Kuwait Indian Football award to Johnny for being the oldest play- Federation and played last Friday on the er on the field at 60, Amaldo handed over MOH ground in Shuwaikh. the best disciple team of the tournament The annual veterans tournament to Santos United, Fr. Britto a visiting priest organized for non registered players from India, Tony Correia, and Tony Dias above the age of 35 featured a total of 16 handed over the various trophies, while teams including FC Sparks, DHL FC, Eijaz was rightfully declared the man of Santos United, YRC Rising Stars, AVC the match and received his award from sports & Cultural Association, Kerala Lorry Pinto. The glittering winner’s trophy Challengers, Skynet Raiders, Kuwait Goan was handed over to the winners by KIFF Association, Indian Strikers A & B, President Fidelis Fernandes. Curtorcares, Malabar United FC, Real During the tournament which was well Betalbatim FC, United Goans Centre, Don attended, a bingo game was conducted Bosco Oratory and United Friends Club. by Bernard on behalf of KIFF while Kevin Rising Stars who have won this unique Vaz compered the day’s proceedings. The tournament more than any other team tournament was sponsored by Raymond found themselves down by a goal in the hands of Ronnie in the Rising goal. home from close range. Baheer scored visibly tiring Sparks’s defense. During the D’Sa, Tony Correia, Xavier Furtado, Damien very 4th minute of the first half when pro- Eijaz of Rising Stars however equalized again in the second half for FC Sparks, but brief presentation ceremony, KIFF D’Cruz, Tony Dias, Agnelo Fernandes, lific scorer Baheer scored directly from a immediately afterwards when he wrig- Abdulla and Muneer found the net for President thanked the participating Amaldo Fernandes, Pascoal Alphonso, free kick which eluded the outstretched gled his way past three defenders to slot Rising Stars as Rising Stars were all over a teams and the sponsors for their usual Mrs. Virginia Pinto and BM Viegas. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 SPORTS Puyol to leave Barcelona at end of season

BARCELONA: Barcelona captain Carles Puyol And having featured just 10 times this season know me know that I will not give up until the past decade as he won three Champions the goal that took his side to the final in South announced yesterday that he will leave the club in all competitions, he said it was time for a new end. I will continue fighting to help the team Leagues and six La Liga titles with his boyhood Africa with a 1-0 win over Germany. at the end of the season after a hugely successful challenge in a less physically demanding envi- improve and achieve our objectives this season. club. A number of Puyol’s teammates past and “Carles is an example for everyone on and off 15-year career at the Camp Nou. ronment. “After the last two operations it has “I don’t know what I will do on June 30. What present paid tribute to an historic figure in the field,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said The 35-year-old, who did not reveal whether been difficult for me to recover the level I need I do know is that I will need time to rest. I have Spanish football. “I will continue to enjoy being at yesterday. In total he has represented Spain 100 he will continue playing elsewhere, has been to be able to continue here, more than I expect- had four years without a break due to the your side until the end of this season. It has been times with his last appearance coming in a 3-1 plagued by injuries over the last couple of sea- ed and more than surgeons said. That is why I injuries. That is what I will do and then we will an honor. I wish you the best for what is to come. friendly win over Uruguay in February 2013, sons and has undergone three knee operations. have taken this decision.” see.” The announcement brings to an end an There is no one like you captain,” Andres Iniesta making him one of only eight players to have “At the end of the season I will leave FC extraordinary career in the Barcelona first team wrote on his official Facebook page. “Thanks won a century of caps with La Roja. Barcelona. The club are aware of this and we are DESTINATION UNKNOWN that began in 1999. Puyol is the club’s second captain for all you have taught me. Good luck,” “He is a natural leader, a person that when in agreement,” he said. “We will rescind the final Puyol didn’t reveal where he would go at the most decorated player of all-time, behind only Cesc Fabregas said in a tweet alongside a photo you hear his name you think of Barcelona,” added two years of my contract that were still to run.” end of the current campaign and insisted he will teammate Xavi Hernandez, having made 593 of the two of them just after Fabregas re-signed former Barca midfielder Thiago Alcantara, now of Puyol signed a new deal with the club in give everything in what remains of the season to appearances. for the club in 2011. Puyol was also a key part of Bayern Munich. “In the time I was there he was a January last year, but admitted in June that he help Barca succeed on three fronts. After beginning his career as a right-back, the Spanish sides that won the European reference on and off the pitch. Everyone knows would not stay if injuries continued to prevent “I am not leaving today, there are still three Puyol was converted into one of the most suc- Championship in 2008 and the country’s first him and whilst Puyol is in the world of football, him from playing a significant part on the field. months of the season remaining and those that cessful centre-backs in world football over the World Cup in 2010, memorably heading home he will be an example for everyone.” —AFP England plan experiments for Denmark friendly visit

LONDON: England manager Roy Hodgson will run the rule over his players for the last time before naming his World Cup squad when they tackle Denmark in a friendly today. Hodgson will not announce his 23-man selection and seven standby players for the World Cup until May 13, but the match at Wembley Stadium represents his final opportu- nity for experimentation before he does so. Having seen his side lose at home to Chile and Germany in friendly games last November, Hodgson is seeking to avoid becoming the first England manager ever to lose three consecu- JOHANNESBURG: Brazil’s soccer team members train in Johannesburg tive fixtures on home soil. However, with the ahead of a friendly match against South Africa today. —AP World Cup in Brazil looming on the horizon, he has hinted that he may use Denmark’s visit to examine some of the players on the fringes of Lots at stake for his first XI. “The Denmark game is very much a game where I’ve got to think about what experimen- South Africa, Brazil tations I need,” he said. “If we take Steven Gerrard, does he need to play against Denmark JOHANNESBURG: World Cup hosts and “It is an opportunity to get the players to prove to me that he needs to play against title favourites Brazil hope to maintain a and back-room staff together a final time Italy (in England’s first match at the World Cup)? perfect record against South Africa today in before naming the World Cup squad.” “Would I be better off playing somebody a Soweto football friendly with much at Brazil rely heavily on foreign-based stars else because I know what Steven Gerrard can LONDON: Denmark’s soccer head coach Morten Olsen speaks to the media during a stake. for the friendly, choosing 16 including do? He’s got 103 caps. Could (Wayne) Rooney press conference. Denmark is to play England today in an international friendly soc- For the South American stars it is a last Chelsea quartet David Luiz, Oscar, be in the same category as Gerrard? And Joe cer match at Wembley Stadium. —AP chance in the national strip to impress Ramires and Willian. Hart too?” with a knee problem. Martin Braithwaite due to injury, which prompt- coach Luiz Felipe Scolari before he names There are also two new faces among The 30-man squad that Hodgson “I think you always have to be on your toes ed Olsen to draft Jakob Ankersen, Jakob his 23-man tournament squad in early May. the 19 Brazilians who arrived in wet and announced for the game did not contain any and make sure that when you have opportuni- Poulsen and Simon Makienok into his squad. And only a victory can possibly save murky Johannesburg-Bayern defender major surprises, but Southampton left-back ties to play for your club or country, you take it With the Danish Superliga season having Bafana Bafana (The Boys) coach Gordon Rafinha and Manchester City midfielder Luke Shaw was awarded a first senior call-up. and show what you have to offer,” said the 20- only just resumed after its winter break and Igesund-labelled a ‘dead man walking’ by Fernandinho. The 18-year-old has both Leighton Baines year-old. most of Denmark’s players plying their trade in the media because of poor tournament After a recent six-hour grilling from and Ashley Cole ahead of him in the pecking “I don’t think I’m playing catch-up (in terms their homeland, Olsen concedes that England results. South African football chiefs, Igesund said order, but Cole’s lack of playing time at Chelsea of fitness). I’m a young player and I’m still learn- will have a physical advantage. Brazil have beaten South Africa twice in he got “a vote of confidence”, but the may hand Shaw an opportunity to gazump ing. When I get the opportunity, I always try to “The English players are in fantastic match Johannesburg, once in Soweto and most media told a different story. him. do my best.” condition, while some of our players can’t have recently in Sao Paulo, but all the victories City Press newspaper quoted an On the opposite side of the defence, a hip Having missed out on a place at the World the same level of match fitness as we have only were by one-goal margins. unnamed South African Football injury to Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle Walker Cup, Denmark will use the game to begin recently resumed our domestic league,” he said. A squad boasting star Barcelona striker Association (SAFA) official saying the end means that Liverpool’s Glen Johnson is likely to preparations for their Euro 2016 qualifying cam- “So this will be quite a match for them. We Neymar plus drawcards from Bayern was nigh for a coach whose contract win his 50th cap at right-back, while Everton paign. will need to perform as a team if we are to stand Munich, Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris expires in mid-year. centre-back Phil Jagielka is also absent. Morten Olsen’s side finished six points adrift a chance against them at Wembley.” Saint-Germain and Real Madrid start as “Even if he (Igesund) beats Brazil 5-0 it of Italy in World Cup qualifying and face a diffi- Denmark’s players will wear black armbands overwhelming favourites again. will not help his case. The decision has EAGER TO IMPRESS cult task to reach Euro 2016, having been drawn in tribute to Richard Moller Nielsen, coach of the Opposing them at the 90,000-seat already been taken that he should go.” Another player hoping to catch Hodgson’s alongside Portugal and Serbia in Group I. team that pulled off a shock triumph at Euro 92, Soccer City stadium are lesser known foot- Former South Africa coach Portuguese eye is Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade- Denmark must do without Tottenham play- following his death last month at the age of ballers from clubs like Bournemouth, Carlos Queiroz, ex-assistant to Alex Chamberlain, who has impressed in recent maker Christian Eriksen and Toulouse forward 76.—AFP Doncaster, Genk, Lech Poznan, Ostend and Ferguson at Manchester United who is weeks after missing the first half of the season Rostov. taking Iran to the World Cup, has been But they rose magnificently to the occa- linked with the post. sion at the same stadium last November When Igesund took over two years against World Cup and European title-hold- ago, he was mandated to reach the 2013 ers Spain, winning 1-0 through a Bernard Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and the Parker close-range chip. 2014 World Cup. Hopes of another shock win suffered a But Bafana were eliminated by Mali in double eve-of-match blow, though, when the Nations Cup quarter-finals and failed goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune to even reach the African World Cup play- and defensive midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi offs,, losing out to bottom seeds Ethiopia. withdrew injured. Igesund needed a good show at the Scolari,who steered Brazil to the last of 2014 African Nations Championship for five World Cup triumphs 12 years ago in home-based footballers to stem criticism, Japan, values the form of his galaxy of stars but a first-round exit led sports minister far above reputations. “We want to be Fikile Mbalula to call the squad “useless world champions again,” stressed the 65- losers”. year-old Brazilian, “and we are in South Both teams plan new looks for the Africa to win. game with South Africa donning a one- “Bafana Bafana beat Spain recently so off, all-white strip while Brazil wear two they will provide a good test. This match rep- World Cup outfits, changing at half- resents an important part of our build-up. time. —AFP Misfiring China look to seal Asian Cup spot SINGAPORE: China will expect to put an deal with the Chinese and Asian champions. unconvincing qualifying campaign behind Perrin, the well-travelled, 57-year-old for- them and reach their 11th straight Asian Cup mer Marseille and Portsmouth coach, arrives in front of new manager Alain Perrin when with none of the pedigree of the World Cup- they play former champions Iraq today. An winning Lippi. His greatest success was lead- MADRID: Italy’s coach Cesare Prandelli (centre) talks to the players during a training session. Italy will play Spain today in a away draw against lowly Indonesia and ing Lyon to the French double in 2008. But friendly soccer match. —AP defeat to Saudi Arabia have made for a diffi- after disquiet over the large sums reportedly cult path for China, who sacked highly paid paid to Camacho, the Chinese Football ex-Real Madrid manager Juan Antonio Association may have wanted a more afford- Costa to get taste of action Camacho midway through qualifying. But the able manager for the Asian Cup and the 2018 Asian giants-who, despite their size and World Cup qualifiers. Perrin will hope that resources, are ranked just 88th in the world- China’s new-found success in the AFC MADRID: Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa World Cup just three months away. are also expected to get the chance to further are in the box seat to progress in the second Champions League, after Guangzhou is set to make his long-awaited debut for “It will be a nice game because Italy is one their claims for a place in Del Bosque’s World automatic spot in Group C as qualifying ends. became the competition’s first Chinese win- Spain when the world champions host Italy of the biggest teams in the world. They have Cup squad. China lie second behind group winners ners last year, will start to translate into suc- today in their final match before both sides always had the utmost respect from the Italy will be out to avenge recent defeats to Saudi Arabia while Iraq, who lifted the trophy cess on the international stage. name their squads for the World Cup. Spanish national team, so I am sure the fans La Roja in the Euro 2012 final and on penalties in 2007, are two points further back, meaning China have only qualified for one World Ironically Costa also made his debut for the will enjoy it,” he said. in last year’s Confederations Cup semi-final. they need to win today in Sharjah to guaran- Cup, in 2002, and their last success in regional country of his birth, Brazil, against the Azzurri “The World Cup will be here before we However, they are more affected by injuries tee progression. competition was reaching the Asian Cup final just over a year ago. know it, so the players and fans are more and disciplinary issues as Mario Balotelli However, China can lose the game and against Japan on home turf in 2004. However, he has since switched allegiance motivated.” missed out on Cesare Prandelli’s 26-man still be confident of qualifying as the best- Lebanon will also be hoping China beat to his adopted country and having missed Del Bosque has yet to confirm who will be squad due to a shoulder problem. performing third-placed team, with closest Iraq and avoid the need to rack up a hatful of friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and his first-choice goalkeeper in Brazil. Captain Roma’s Daniele de Rossi was also left out challengers Lebanon then needing to beat goals against Thailand-although it is a feat South Africa in November due to injury, will Iker Casillas remains the favourite despite not due to Prandelli’s code of conduct after Thailand by at least six goals. they are well capable of after winning 5-2 at get his first taste of action for Spain at his club playing in La Liga with Real Madrid as he has punching Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi during Only two spots are up for grabs today with home last year. ground of the Vicente Calderon. been in fine form in the Copa del Rey and their 0-0 draw on Saturday. 13 teams, including hosts Australia and War-wracked Syria also have an outside The 25-year-old is expected to rival Champions League. Giorgio Chiellini has been called up despite defending champions Japan, already con- chance of going through as the best per- Manchester City’s Alvaro Negredo for the lone “I hope to play against Italy. To be in the missing the last three weeks due to injury, firmed and one place reserved for the win- forming third-placed team, but they have to striker’s role in Brazil later this year as coach national team is very important for me and I drawing the ire of Juventus boss Antonio ners of the AFC Challenge Cup in May. beat Jordan and hope both Iraq and Vicente Del Bosque has left out his previously am grateful for the confidence the coach has Conte who criticised Prandelli’s decision to According to state news agency Xinhua, care- Lebanon lose. Elsewhere Malaysia and Hong taker boss Fu Bo will take charge of China for Kong, who like Syria are on four points to preferred pairing of David Villa and Fernando shown in me,” Casillas told Spanish radio sta- include the defender after his side’s 2-0 win the last time with France’s Perrin expected to Lebanon’s five and Iraq’s six, will also be Torres from his 22-man squad. tion MelodiaFM. over AC Milan on Sunday. be watching from the stands. praying for a miracle when they take on Gerard Pique is Spain’s only big name Del Bosque has often used two goalkeep- Paris Saint Germain midfielder Marco Perrin was announced as a surprise choice Yemen and Vietnam away. Iran rounded off absentee through injury so Sergio Ramos will ers in friendly matches, though, so Barcelona’s Verratti returns to the squad for the first time of manager last week, after Guangzhou their campaign with a 3-2 win over Kuwait be partnered in central defence by either Javi Victor Valdes could also be involved. in a year, whilst Torino forward Ciro Immobile Evergrande’s Marcello Lippi had been hotly late on Monday. Both teams had already Martinez or Raul Albiol, and Ramos said the Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and in-form and Parma defender Gabriel Paletta could tipped. Lippi later signed a new three-year qualified. —AFP game will take on extra significance with the Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara make their debuts. —AFP Heat beat German WCup Bobcats preparations begin with Chile friendly

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 201416 18 England plan experiments for Denmark friendly visit Page 19

DHAKA: Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi (left) plays a shot as Bangladesh wicketkeeper Anamul Haque (right) looks on during the eighth match of the Asia Cup one-day cricket tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. — AFP Shehzad, Afridi take Pakistan to Asia Cup final

DHAKA: Shahid Afridi smashed the second fastest chase in a one-day was 322-6 against India at had captain Misbah-ul Haq for four. one-day half-century and Ahmed Shehzad hit a Mohali in 2007. Shehzad completed his fifth one-day hundred hundred to give Pakistan a three wicket win over Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq praised Afridi as but was bowled by Abdur Razzak, after hitting 12 Bangladesh yesterday and a place in the Asia Cup “hero.” “He’s really playing well and he’s cashing fours and six. Shehzad added 105 runs for the final. The 34-year-old, who hit two consecutive six- into his form which is really good for us,” said fourth wicket with Alam. es to give Pakistan a one-wicket win over India on Misbah. “Everybody knows the kind of player he But Alam and Afridi broke the hearts of a capac- Sunday, was once again Pakistan’s saviour as they (Afridi) is when he is in full swing and nobody can ity home crowd after Bangladesh had been given a chased down their highest-ever target of 327 in stop him.” Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim chance by their batsmen. Anamul and Imrul Kayes 49.5 overs in Dhaka. admitted Afridi snatched the game. “When Afridi (59) put on 150 for the opening stand and cashed Afridi overshadowed a brilliant 123-ball 103 by plays like that there was very little we can do. He onto some sloppy fielding and bowling by opener Ahmed Shehzad and a sedate 74 by Fawad took away the game,” said Rahim. Pakistan. Alam who both set the tone for the chase, but it Before Afridi’s blitz, it was a remarkable turn- Afridi went for 64 runs in his ten overs while was the aggression of Afridi which helped Pakistan around for the hosts who suffered a shock upset paceman Mohammad Talha conceded 68 in seven overcame a tough resistance from the hosts. defeat against new-comers Afghanistan in their and Umar Gul 76 in his 10. Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka in Saturday’s final. second match on Saturday. But it was the left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, Afridi, who went into bat with Pakistan needing Bangladesh made several changes after their brought in as one of two changes in Pakistan’s 101 off 52 balls, smashed paceman Shafiul Islam for 32-run loss, the most prominent being all-rounder squad, who suffered the worst fate as he was sus- a four to reach fifty off just 18 balls, one short of Shakib Al Hasan’s return after he was suspended pended from the attack over dangerous bowling. one-day cricket’s fastest-ever half-century record for three matches over indiscipline. He became the first bowler in international held by Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, made against That paid off as a revamped batting line-up led cricket to concede eight runs without bowling a Pakistan in Singapore in 1996. by Anamul bettered Bangladesh’s previous high- legal delivery. Kayes hit five boundaries and two He equalled his own record of second fastest est-ever total of 320-8, made against Zimbabwe in sixes off 75 balls. Anamul hit six boundaries and one-day fifty, set twice by him. He scored an 18- Bulawayo in 2009. four well-timed sixes before he was caught off SCOREBOARD ball fifty during his 37-ball hundred against Sri Pakistan too got a solid 97-runs by the 21st over Saeed Ajmal who took 2-61. Lanka in Nairobi in 1996 and another 18-ball fifty with Mohammad Hafeez (52) and Shehzad in a Mominul (51), Rahim (51 not out) and Shakib DHAKA: Complete scoreboard in the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and Bangladesh against the Netherlands at Colombo in 2002. punishing mood. But they were derailed by left- with a 16-ball 44 comprising six fours and two six- played at Sher-e-Bangla stadium yesterday. In all, Afridi took seven sixes and two bound- arm spinner Mominul Haque (2-37) who dismissed es, made the final touches as Bangladesh scored aries off just 25 balls. Pakistan’s previous best run Hafeez and Sohaib Maqsood (two), while Shakib 121 in the last 10 overs.— AFP Bangladesh: Fawad Alam run out 74 Anamul Haque c Shehzad b Ajmal 100 Abdur Rehman c Zia b Mahmudullah 8 Aussies on top as Smith fails Imrul Kayes c Akmal b Talha 59 Shahid Afridi run out 59 SCOREBOARD Mominul Haque c Hafeez b Ajmal 51 Umar Akmal not out 14 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 51 Umar Gul not out 0 to produce farewell innings Shakib Al Hasan not out 44 CAPE TOWN: Close of play scoreboard on the fourth day Extras: (b1, lb3, w9) 13 of the third and final Test between South Africa and Extras: (lb3, nb3, w15) 21 Total: (for seven wkts; 49.5 overs) 329 CAPE TOWN: South African captain edging a lifting delivery onto his thigh Australia at Newlands yesterday. Total: (for three wkts; 50 overs) 326 Fall of wickets: 1-97 (Hafeez), 2-102 Graeme Smith was out for three in his last pad, with the ball looping to short leg Fall of wickets: 1-150 (Kayes), 2-204 (Haque), Australia, first innings, 494-7 dec (Misbah), 3-105 (Maqsood), 4-210 (Shehzad), Test innings as South Africa lost three Alex Doolan for an easy catch. 3-249 (Haque) South Africa, first innings, 287 5-225 (Rehman), 6-294 (Afridi), 7-325 (Alam) Australia, second innings (overnight 27-0) quick wickets after being set a massive The Australians stood to salute Smith Bowling: Hafeez 10-0-27-0, Gul 10-1-76-0 C. Rogers run out (Steyn) 39 511 to win on the fourth day of the third as he left the ground and his teammates (7w), Rehman 0-0-8-0 (3nb), Alam 2-0-12-0, D. Warner c De Villiers b Abbott 145 and final Test with Australia at Newlands gathered on the pavilion steps to Talha 7-0-68-1 (5w), Ajmal 10-0-61-2 (1w), Bowling: Islam 5-0-49-0 (3w), Hossain 6.5-0- A. Doolan c Abbott b Morkel 37 yesterday. applaud him off. Afridi 10-0-64-0 (2w), Maqsood 1-0-7-0 50-0 (2w), Shakib 10-2-53-1 (2w), Razzak 9-0- S. Watson c Duminy b Abbott 25 South Africa were 15 for three at tea Smith kissed the badge on his helmet 72-1 (2w), Haque 9-1-37-2, Mahmudullah 7- M. Clarke c sub (De Kock) b Abbott 0 but finished the day on 71 for four in and waved to the crowd before disap- 1-47-1, Nasir 3-0-17-0 S. Smith not out 36 Pakistan: front of a sparse crowd, which was a sur- pearing into the dressing room. It ended Note: Pakistan’s Abdur Rehman bowled B. Haddin not out 3 Ahmed Shehzad b Razzak 103 prise after Smith’s announcement on a poor last series for Smith, who scored Mohammad Hafeez c Kayes b Haque 52 three no-balls and conceded eight runs. He Extras (b3, lb12, nb3) 18 Monday that this would be his final inter- only 45 runs at an average of 7.50 in the Total (5 wkts dec, 58 overs) 303 Misbah-ul Haq b Shakib 4 was suspended on dangerous bowling. national game and on his home ground. three matches. Sohaib Maqsood c Anamul b Haque 2 Result: Pakistan won by three wickets. Fall of wickets: 1-123 (Rogers), 2-188 (Doolan), 3-245 Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers defied He finished his 117-Test career with (Watson), 4-257 (Clarke), 5-290 (Warner) the bowlers for more than two hours in a 9265 runs at an average of 48.25. He hit Bowling: Morkel 13-1-67-1 (1nb), Abbott 14-2-61-3, fourth wicket stand of 53 before Amla 27 centuries and 38 half-centuries. He on the defensive. his fifty off 41 balls with six fours and a six Philander 6-0-42-0 (2nb), Duminy 19-3-76-0, Steyn 3-1-24- was leg before wicket to James Pattinson was captain in a world record 109 Tests. Warner came into the match after over long-on off off-spinner JP Duminy. 0, Elgar 3-0-18-0 20 minutes before the close. Dean Elgar was bowled by Johnson with being fined for controversial remarks Warner and Doolan consolidated with a Australia’s declaration at 303 for five what proved to be the last ball before tea. after the second Test in Port Elizabeth. second wicket stand of 65 before Shane South Africa, second innings was set up by a dashing second century Warner followed up his first innings “I’ve been brought up to be honest,” he Watson and Steve Smith scored at better A. Petersen lbw b Harris 9 of the match by David Warner. There were 135 with 145, made off 124 balls. His last said, although he acknowledged he than a run a ball either side of Clarke’s dis- G. Smith c Doolan b Johnson 3 a potential 144 overs remaining in the 45 runs were scored off 32 balls before he needed to work on “not giving you guys missal for a first-ball duck, driving to mid- D. Elgar b Johnson 0 ammo to write things.” off. H. Amla lbw b Pattinson 41 match after the declaration, leaving edged Kyle Abbott to de Villiers going for A. de Villiers not out 16 South Africa needing to fight an extend- another big shot. He hit 13 fours and four But Warner said he enjoyed being in After the early flurry of wickets, Amla K. Abbott not out 1 ed rearguard action in order to avoid sixes. When Warner was on 79 he reached the heat of battle. “When there’s extra and De Villiers settled for resolute Extras (nb1) 1 defeat. 1000 runs in eight Test matches during pressure on I do find another gear,” he defence as South Africa sought to emu- Total (4 wkts, 41 overs) 71 Smith was given a guard of honour by the southern hemisphere season. said. “When I get out there and they start late their great escape in Adelaide in Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Petersen), 2-12 (Smith), 3-15 (Elgar), 4- the Australian players but soon lost Alviro The left-handed opening batsman fin- giving me a bit of banter I love that, I’m in 2012/13 when they batted out 148 overs 68 (Amla) Petersen, his opening partner, who was ished the three-match series with 543 a contest then. If they’re not going to talk to earn an unlikely draw, having gone Bowling: Harris 8-5-10-1, Johnson 13-3-31-2, Pattinson 9- leg before wicket to Ryan Harris, the runs at an average of 90.50, hitting three to me I will try and niggle at them.” into the last day with four wickets down. 6-13-1, Lyon 5-3-3-0, Watson 3-2-1-0 (1nb), Smith 3-0-13-0 100th Test wicket for the fast bowler. centuries and two fifties. Warner - who lost his opening partner “There’s still hope,” said coach Russell Match situation: South Africa need 440 to win with six Chris Rogers for 39 - was in sparkling Domingo. “We’ve got some batting to wickets remaining. Six balls later Smith fell for the fourth He scored at a strike rate of 86 runs per time in the series to Mitchell Johnson, 100 balls, frequently forcing Smith to go form at the start of the day and reached come.” — AFP Saudi business activity growth slows to 3-month Page 22

China’s urban drive risks Business digging economic hole Page 25 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 Automakers Al-Sane & Sons Group launches online travel platform cast wary eye toward Russia Page 26 Page 23

WASHINGTON: Members of the press take photos and video of copies of the Obama Administration’s proposed budget in the Senate Budget Committee hearing room yesterday in Washington, DC. — AFP Obama 2015 budget focuses on growth $4 trillion fiscal blueprint covers 13.5m in tax credit

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama unwrapped a near- Republicans are expected to retain co ntrol of the House of san showd owns in re ce nt years. painful tax increases and spending cuts needed to signifi- ly $4 trillion budget that gives Democrats an election-year Representatives and might capture the Senate majority. Instead of the annual fight over spending limits - which cantly reduce deficits. playbook for fortifying the economy and bolstering White House aides say Obama’s blueprint would obey last year helped produce a 16-day partial gove rnment shut- Thus, the president’s budget will not renew last year’s Americans’ incomes. It also underscores how pressure has overall agency spending limits enacted in December that fo l- down - Murray and Ryan’s bipartisan compromise set an offer - hated by many fellow Democrats to save money by faded to launch bold, new attacks on federal deficits. lowed a pact between Republican Rep. Paul Ryan and overall agency spending cap for the next two years. That has slowing increases of Social Security retirement benefits. The Obama’s 2015 fiscal blueprint, which he sent Congress Democratic Sen Patty Murray, the heads of the House and eliminated the need for lawmakers to do anything but pro- White House says that plan was advanced only to entice con- yesterday, was expected to include proposals to upgrade Senate budget committees. Yet Obama will propose an addi- vide the details in later spending bills, easing the threat of gressional Republicans into deficit-reduction talks and was aging highways and railroads, finance more pre-kinder- tional package of $56 billion in spending priorities, the aides another federal closure. excluded this year after GOP leaders refused to reciprocate garten programs and enhance job training. The White House say, half for defense and half for domestic programs. It would Also missing this year is a need to extend the gove rn- by offering tax increases. To live within curbs Congress has said it would also enlarge the earned income tax credit to be fully paid for by cutting spending and narrowing tax loop- ment’s debt limit, which in the past has sparked battles imposed on agency spending, Defense Secretary Chuck cover 13.5 million low-earning workers without children, holes, such as boosting collections from US firms doing busi- that threatened economy-jarring federal defaults. Hagel has said the Pe ntagon would reduce the Army’s size to expand the child care tax credit for some parents and make it ness overseas, they said. Congress has given Treasury authority to borrow money levels last seen before World War II. The Navy would buy few- easier for workers to contribute to Individual Retirement Th at package, like much of the president’s plan, seemed into next March, eliminating a must-pass legislative vehi- er ships and a new round of base closings would begin in Accounts. A revamping of corporate income taxes and high- sure to draw catcalls from Republicans. Their recipe for accel- cle that either side might use to make demands. Obama is three years. er tobacco levies would help pay for some of the initiatives. erating economic growth includes cutting taxes or overhaul- delivering his proposal to lawmakers as federal deficits, Republicans have complained that Pe ntagon co ffers have But with the Democratic-led Senate and Republican-run ing the entire tax code, and they criticize higher spending as though still sky-high, have fallen dramatically. Last year’s been whittled dangerously as the Iraq war ended and the US House gridlocked, much of Obama’s plan is likely to go wasteful. Obama’s budget starts what should be a relatively shortfall of $680 billion was far smaller than initially presence in Afghanistan has shrunk. Such cries have only nowhere in Congress or be whittled down. Lawmakers want peaceful year on Washington’s fiscal front lines. That is expected and ended a skid of four straight years in which amplified in recent days as Russia seized control of Ukraine’s to avoid anything that would help the other party or hurt because land mines embedded in the budgetary landscape the annual red ink exceeded $1 trillion. Th at has made it Crimea peninsula and Republican lawmakers demanded that their own prospects in this November’s elections, when have been defused this time around after cliffhanger, parti- easier for lawmakers to avoid considering the politically Obama stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin. — AP

Zain Group finalizes $800m Gates once again world’s richest person

NEW YORK: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is once again record number of women made the list this year, with 172 revolving credit facility the world’s richest person. Forbes magazine announced its women joining, up 25 percent from last year. Altogether ranking of the world’s billionaires Monday. Gates, who led 100 people dropped out of the rankings, while 16 passed the list for 15 of the past 20 years, won the spot back from away. The US was the country with the greatest number of KUWAIT: Zain Group, the pioneer of mobile telecom- Mexican telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helu, who had topped billionaires at 492, followed by China with 152 and Russia munications across the Middle East and Africa, the list for the past four years. Gates’ net worth is estimated with 111. Billionaires from four new countries joined, announces the successful closing of a $800 million 5- at $76 billion; Slim Helu follows at $72 billion. Spanish adding Algeria, Lithuania, Tanzania and Uganda to the year amortizing syndicated revolving credit facility (the clothing magnate Amancio Ortega, known for the Zara geographic mix. — AP “Facility”). The Facility is for general corporate purposes. retail chain, maintained his No 3 spot and came out ahead The Facility, which was initially planned for $600 mil- of famed US investor Warren Buffett, who ranked fourth. lion was upsized to $800 million following an excep- Larry Ellison of Oracle came in fifth. tionally strong response from banks. A total of 11 Forbes says a record 1,645 billionaires made the list lenders participated, illustrating the high level of sup- this year, with an average net worth of $4.7 billion. That’s port for Zain Group among the regional and interna- up from 1,426 billionaires last year with a net worth of $4.2 tional financial community. billion. Total net worth of this year’s list was $6.4 trillion, up Al Khalij Commercial Bank (al khaliji) QSC, Arab Bank from $5.4 trillion last year. PLC, Arab Banking Corporation (BSC), The Bank of The magazine said that 1,080 of the billionaires were Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD, CrÈdit Agricole Corporate self-made, 207 inherited their wealth and 352 inherited a and Investment Bank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi PJSC portion but are still growing it. The largest net worth gain- er on the list was Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, who more - Kuwait Branch, National Bank of Kuwait, Natixis, than doubled his fortune to $28.5 billion as the value of his Samba Financial Group, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc company’s stock soared. He ranks 21st on the list. and Union National Bank PJSC acted as Arrangers of the The social media giant helped bring a few notable new- Facility. CrÈdit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank comers to the list, including Facebook’s Chief Operating also acted as Coordinator and is the Facility Agent. Officer Sheryl Sandberg and WhatsApp founders Jan Koum Commenting on the facility, Zain Group CEO Scott and Brian Acton, who recently sold their business to Gegenheimer said: “The response to this facility is a tes- Facebook for $19 billion. tament to Zain’s strong relationships with the banking Forbes said 268 billionaires were new to the list, beat- community, and their confidence in the company’s Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates Zain Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer ing out a prior high of 226 newcomers in 2008. And a financial health and future business plans.” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 BUSINESS

News Saudi business activity growth in brief slows to 3-month low in Feb Aldar raises synergy estimate from merger DUBAI: Abu Dhabi-listed developer Aldar Properties has raised its estimate of the value of UAE activity growth edges up, Egypt flat synergies from its merger with another property firm, Sorouh, by 45 percent to 145-150 million dirhams ($39.5-40.9 million) annually. “The compa- RIYADH: Growth in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil business activity East and North Africa at HSBC. “This is a sweet spot in the The Egyptian economy has been unstable since a popu- ny’s initial per annum synergy estimate of 90-110 slowed to a three-month low in February as increases in UAE’s economic cycle.” UAE firms saw output growth rise to lar uprising ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011. It million dirhams by 2015 was derived principally output and new orders moderated, but it was still faster 59.7 points in February from January’s 58.7. New orders fell grew a mere 2.1 percent in the fiscal year ending June from operational efficiencies and interest savings than in most months last year, a survey showed yesterday. to 65.2 from 65.8, but growth in new export orders rose 2013 and only 1 percent between last July and September, on acquired debt,” it said in a statement yesterday. The seasonally adjusted SABB HSBC Saudi Arabia sharply to 60.1 points in February, the highest level since according to latest government data. The figure has been revised “based on stronger Purchasing Managers Index dipped to 58.6 points in the series began in 2009. Political instability continues, with Egypt’s interim gov- than expected operational synergies and revised February from 59.7 points in January, remaining well Employment creation across the UAE’s non-oil private ernment resigning last week. A new cabinet, including lower cost of debt acquired in the acquisition, a sig- above the 50-point mark that separates expansion from sector accelerated to 52.9 points in February. But output some previous ministers, was sworn in on Saturday, and a nificant proportion of which will start to be realized contraction. price inflation decelerated further to 50.3 points in presidential election is expected later this year. in 2014.” The merger occurred in June last year. Output growth slowed slightly to 62.8 points from 63.2, February, while input price growth slowed to a six-month The army had installed the government in July after while new orders growth tumbled to 66.4 points from 68.5. low. Both purchase prices and staff costs rose at slower deposing Islamist President Mohamed Mursi - freely elect- Egypt forex reserves at But the increase in new export orders accelerated for a sec- rates than in January. ed in 2012 after Mubarak’s ouster - following mass protests $17.307bn at end Feb ond straight month. Output prices rose for the sixth month Consumer price inflation in the UAE, one of the world’s against his rule. Political disorder and street and militant CAIRO: Egypt’s foreign reserves rose to $17.307 bil- in succession, and at a faster rate than in January, while the top oil exporters, edged up to 1.5 percent on an annual violence, on the rise since the army’s overthrow of Mursi, lion in February from $17.105 billion in January, the rates of increase for input prices, both staff costs and pur- basis in January, the highest rate since June 2011. have further discouraged tourists and investors already central bank said yesterday. Reserves have been chase costs, slowed from the previous month. Employment Business activity in Egypt was unchanged in February unnerved by the 2011 uprising, leaving Egypt largely sharply falling since a 2011 uprising that ousted growth slowed slightly in February. after the previous month’s deterioration, a survey showed dependent on Gulf aid. President Hosni Mubarak but were lifted in July Business activity growth in the United Arab Emirates’ on Tuesday, a sign the economy remains fragile after years The PMI survey of around 350 private sector firms when Gulf Arab states sent billions of dollars after non-oil private sector edged up in February from a three- of political and economic turmoil. showed an increase in output, the index for which rose to the army took over power from elected Islamist month low in the previous month as output picked up, a The HSBC Egypt Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for 51 points in February from 47.3 points a month earlier. The President Mohammad Morsi. purchasing managers’ survey showed yesterday. the non-oil private sector stood at 50 points in February, index for new orders also reached expansionary territory at The adjusted HSBC UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index, up from 48.7 points in January. Readings below the 50 50.2 points, up from 47.8 points in January. New export Dubai’s Du gets $1.17bn in which measures the performance of the manufacturing point mark show deteriorating business conditions. The orders fell for the first time since October at 48.7 points in refinancing, fresh loans and services sectors, rose to 57.3 points in February from index had been below 50 for 13 months through October. comparison with 51.1 points in January. Businesses cut DUBAI: United Arab Emirates telecommunications 57.1 in January. The index remains above the 50-point “The pick up in the score is welcome, but the gains are- staff at the steepest rate since September, with the firm du has borrowed $1.17 billion in three separate mark which separates growth from contraction, the survey modest and come off a low base,” said Simon Williams, employment index falling to 48 points from 49.5 points in deals to refinance existing debt and fund equip- of 400 private sector firms showed. Middle East Chief Economist at HSBC, in an accompanying January. Output prices rose, albeit at a slower pace than in ment purchases, the company said yesterday. The “Output growth is strong, new orders are rising and statement. “The weak new orders reading and continued January, with the index standing at 50.1 points last month, deals include a $720 million package reported by employment is gaining speed, so far without driving up contraction in employment point to an economy yet to down from 51 points. Egypt’s urban consumer price infla- Reuters last month and agreements with Standard prices,” said Simon Williams, chief economist for the Middle build momentum.” tion hit an annual 11.4 percent in January. — Reuters Chartered Bank and DBS Singapore to refinance and top up existing loans. “The move lowers the company’s funding costs, saving approximately $9 million over the term of the loan due to the favor- able margins agreed with the banks involved,” du Australian said in a statement. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia’s CB keeps rates Samba Financial Group have provided du with a $720 million five-year facility. Standard Chartered Bank has provided a $300 million facility, which on hold includes the refinancing of the existing $100 million facility plus an additional $200 million of new facili- SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank yesterday kept inter- ties. est rates at a record low 2.5 percent for a sixth straight month despite continued weakness in the economy, Al-Salam Bank launches and suggested it was likely to hold fire for some time. Asian Islamic REIT “In the board’s judgment, monetary policy is appropri- MANAMA: Bahrain’s Al-Salam Bank has launched a ately configured to foster sustainable growth in listed sharia-compliant real estate investment trust demand and inflation outcomes consistent with the target,” Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn (REIT) that will invest in a portfolio of Asian proper- Stevens said. ties, the lender said yesterday. The REIT will invest in “On present indications, the most prudent course is between 15 and 35 properties and be managed by likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.” Swiss-based B&I Capital AG, with Al Salam provid- Stevens said consumer demand was firming, a solid ing seed capital for the fund. The Islamic lender did expansion in housing construction was expected and not reveal the expected size of the fund. Al-Salam some indicators of business conditions and confidence said the REIT would offer a more liquid tool to were showing improvement. invest in real estate, an asset class favored in Islamic At the same time, resources sector investment finance, which follows religious guidelines such as spending is set to decline “significantly” as Australia’s bans on tobacco, alcohol and gambling. “The fund decade-long Asia mining investment boom drops off aims to deliver benefits of diversified real estate while there is little sign of improvement in other parts ownership in Asia while avoiding many of the pit- of the economy. He also warned that demand for labor falls of holding physical property and real estate MANILA: A rice farmer plants in the mud of his field in suburban Manila yesterday. Rice is a staple food in the remained weak and the unemployment rate was developer equities,” said deputy chief executive Southeast Asian nation but rice farmers have been left behind by the country’s economic resurgence which has expected to edge up from the current 6.0 percent, which is already the highest in a decade. Anwar Khalifa Al-Sada. largely benefited other groups like overseas workers, the retail industry and workers in the booming business process outsourcing sector. — AFP “Looking ahead, the bank expects unemployment to rise further before it peaks,” he said. “Over time, growth is expected to strengthen, helped by contin- ued low interest rates and the lower exchange rate. Inflation is expected to be consistent with the 2-3 per- Attijariwafa Bank to boost Islamic finance cent target over the next two years.” October-December economic growth data is due to RABAT: Attijariwafa Bank, one of the biggest banks in North allowing conventional banks to offer a limited set of Islamic Islamic finance was more expensive than conventional bank- be released today. Stevens also said the Australian dol- Africa, will boost its Islamic subsidiary as soon as the Islamic financial services in 2010. Last year the unit, Dar Assafaa, ing. lar remained too high. The unit fell to 89.21 US cents finance bill passes parliament, its managing director said. signed a deal enabling it to offer Islamic financial products Islamic finance banks are called participative banks under after the rate announcement from 89.46 cents before. Morocco’s parliament has started to discuss a bill regulating to 42 percent of state employees ahead of the approval of the Moroccan legislation. Moroccans seem to be attracted by Capital Economics’ Asia analyst Daniel Martin said the Islamic banks and sukuk issues after months of delays, after the draft bill when foreign rivals could step in. “In order to participative finance, but it is almost impossible to have decision to stay on hold was never in doubt, but tipped the Islamist-led government adopted it last month. transform Dar Essafa into a participative bank, we will need products with the same prices as the conventional finance, another rate cut before the end of the year. Parliament’s approval will be the last step before fully- to increase its capital by 150 million dirhams ($18.40 million), at least initially, Douiri said. Standard and Poor’s has estimat- “The RBA appears confident that its earlier rate cuts fledged Islamic banks can be established in Morocco, and subsequent investments will depend on how the market ed that if Islamic products were proposed at higher costs in will lift growth over the coming quarters,” he said. “We whether they are subsidiaries of domestic banks or foreign develops,” Attijariwafa bank’s Managing Director Ismail North Africa, it would probably attract only limited demand. are not so sure, and suspect more support will be owned, a measure which could bring in more Gulf Arab Douiri told Reuters in an interview. Over the past few years, Morocco’s banks have started to needed later in the year, if mining investment contin- investment. “We have a very competitive market, and Moroccans are tap the low income banking segment which is by nature ues to weaken as surveys of firms’ investment commit- Attijariwafa bank, controlled by the royal family’s invest- too sensitive to product prices, so I don’t expect a revolution more sensitive to pricing, the agency said in a report last ments suggest it will.” He added: “Overall, we still think ment holding company SNI, has been the only Moroccan in the Moroccan banking sector,” he said. He said banking month. “Attijariwafa Bank may seek a foreign partner for its there is a strong chance that the RBA will cut its cash bank to create an Islamic subsidiary since Morocco began activities would expand by only a few percentage points as Islamic subsidiary, but it is not a top priority. —Reuters rate again later in the year. A rate hike is certainly not on the horizon.” — AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Philippine Peso 0.006522 0.006802 Syrian Pound 2.985 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Malaysian Ringgit 86.870 Singapore Dollar 0.218808 0.224808 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.290 South African Rand 0.019872 0.028372 Japanese Yen 2.743 Australian Dollar 250.84 247.84 Thai Bhat 9.625 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001894 0.002474 Indian Rupees 4.555 Canadian Dollar 259.80 260.80 Turkish Lira 127.300 Taiwan 0.009223 0.009403 Pakistani Rupees 2.686 Swiss Franc 321.17 319.17 Thai Baht 0.008314 0.008864 Srilankan Rupees 2.162 Euro 391.03 392.03 Nepali Rupees 2.853 US Dollar 282.40 285.40 Bahrain Exchange Company Arab Singapore Dollar 222.950 Sterling Pound 470.62 473.62 Bahraini Dinar 0.744605 0.752605 Hongkong Dollar 36.474 Japanese Yen 2.82 2.84 CURRENCY BUY SELL Egyptian Pound 0.037193 0.040293 Bangladesh Taka 3.636 Bangladesh Taka 3.629 3.898 Europe Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000080 Philippine Peso 6.270 Indian Rupee 4.516 4.816 Belgian Franc 0.007360 0.008360 Iraqi Dinar 0.000184 0.000244 Thai Baht 8.626 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.162 2.597 British Pound 0.462133 0.471133 Jordanian Dinar 0.395147 0.402647 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 2.840 3.375 Czech Korune 0.006027 0.018027 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.682 2.790 Danish Krone 0.047689 0.052689 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 UAE Dirhams 76.96 77.42 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024445 0.048445 GCC COUNTRIES Euro 0.380685 0.388185 Bahraini Dinar 751.63 753.70 Norwegian Krone 0.042077 0.047277 Nigerian Naira 0.001198 0.001833 Saudi Riyal 75.537 Egyptian Pound 40.55 41.15 Qatari Riyal 77.931 Romanian Leu 0.085006 0.85006 Omani Riyal 0.729422 0.735102 Jordanian Dinar 401.92 407.57 Slovakia 0.008113 0.018113 Qatar Riyal 0.077064 0.078277 Omani Riyal 735.840 Omani Riyal 734.42 741.72 Swedish Krona 0.039947 0.044947 Saudi Riyal 0.074870 0.075570 Bahraini Dinar 752.360 Qatari Riyal 77.98 78.53 Swiss Franc 0.307729 0.317929 Syrian Pound 0.002170 0.002390 UAE Dirham 77.142 Saudi Riyal 75.44 75.84 Turkish Lira 0.124159 0.131159 Tunisian Dinar 0.171256 0.179256 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.124159 0.131159 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.600 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia UAE Dirhams 0.076109 0.077258 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.250 Australian Dollar 0.240697 0.252197 Yemeni Riyal 0.001286 0.001366 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.321 New Zealand Dollar 0.227727 0.237227 Tunisian Dinar 176.200 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 400.010 US Dollar 283.600 America Al Mulla Exchange Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.900 Canadian Dollar 261.685 Canadian Dollar 0.248318 0.256818 Syrian Lira 2.018 Sterling Pound 466.275 US Dollars 0.279050 0.283400 Morocco Dirham 35.394 Euro 386.095 US Dollars Mint 0.279550 0.283400 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Swiss Frank 311.250 US Dollar 282.600 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 748.845 Asia Euro 388.650 US Dollar Transfer 283.150 UAE Dirhams 77.190 Bangladesh Taka 0.003511 0.004111 Pound Sterling 470.250 Euro 387.920 Qatari Riyals 78.745 Canadian Dollar 255.000 Chinese Yuan 0.045458 0.048958 Sterling Pound 470.600 Saudi Riyals 76.495 Indian Rupee 4.528 Canadian dollar 254.750 Jordanian Dinar 399.680 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034383 0.037133 Egyptian Pound 40.246 Turkish lira 130.960 Egyptian Pound 40.678 Indian Rupee 0.004163 0.004564 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.159 Swiss Franc 315.660 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.168 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Bangladesh Taka 3.635 Australian Dollar 250.160 Indian Rupees 4.607 Japanese Yen 0.002655 0.002835 Philippines Peso 6.260 US Dollar Buying 281.950 Pakistani Rupees 2.687 Kenyan Shilling 0.003282 0.003282 Pakistan Rupee 2.685 Bangladesh Taka 3.643 Korean Won 0.000254 0.000269 Bahraini Dinar 752.450 GOLD Philippines Pesso 6.276 Malaysian Ringgit 0.082376 0.088376 UAE Dirham 77.000 20 Gram 240.000 Cyprus pound 696.580 Nepalese Rupee 0.003075 0.003245 Saudi Riyal 75.500 10 Gram 121.000 Japanese Yen 3.715 Pakistan Rupee 0.002425 0.002705 *Rates are subject to change 5 Gram 62.500 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 BUSINESS

The New Ferrari California T is on display at the 84. Geneva International Motor Show.—AP The New Maserati Alfieri is on display at the 84. Geneva International Motor Show.—AP Automakers cast wary eye toward Russia Geneva Auto Show GENEVA: European automakers cast a wary eye toward Russia on the first day of the Geneva Auto Show yesterday, poised for a quick strategy rethink as the threat of sanctions hangs over the country because of its intervention in Ukraine. Russia has been a key market for reces- sion-battered European automakers that have looked to expand sales and find part- ners for lucrative joint ventures. But new uncertainty has been raised by growing tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. “There is always going to be a surprise out there. Ukraine is an example. You have to be flexibile,” the CEO of Ford Europe, Stephen Odell, told journalists on the Geneva Auto Show’s opening press day. With three plants and annual sales vol- umes around 120,000 units, Russia is important to Ford Europe’s goal of return- ing to profitability by 2015. Odell says the The new Mercedes S-Class Coupe.—AFP People visit the Geneva Motor Show yesterday.—AFP company is not giving forecasts for 2014 volumes in Russia “ and frankly, given the volatility we have to wait and see.” The key Carmakers bank on small SUVs as next big thing going ahead, Odell said, is to have a plan but not be so rigorous in the face of GENEVA: Carmakers are banking on the per year, said Mike Manley, president and Urquhart. Citroen has rethought the interi- not kind to manufacturers who do take changing realities. fast-growing demand for small SUVs to CEO of the Jeep brand. But the Renegade or, moving away from the drive column to risks. “ Toyota Europe chief Didier Leroy says earn new customers in the US and help also will go after small SUVs in the US such push buttons for drive, reverse and neu- he is in frequent touch with his team turn around their businesses in Europe’s as the Kia Soul and Nissan Juke. tral. The French carmaker, part of PSA T-ROC leader in Ukraine, where Toyota has 33 still-fragile market. US carmaker Chrysler’s Manley said the price will be competi- Peugeot Citroen, also has raised the digital Volkswagen’s T-Roc concept car is an Toyota and five Lexus dealership, and Jeep brand launched the Renegade and tive enough to entice not only consumers speedometer and odometer to sit on the SUV on the popular Golf platform, which watching developments in Russia, where France’s Citroen introduced the funky looking to buy a small SUV, but also attract dashboard instead of embedded in it, and would allow all available VW drive trains, Toyota Europe sold 172,000 cars last year. Cactus at the Geneva Auto Show yester- those who were considering subcompact put a tablet-like interactive screen at near- from gasoline to diesel combustion “Things are moving very quickly,” Leroy day. And they are just the start of a long sedans or hatchbacks. ly eye-level for entertainment, in-car tele- engines to plug-in hybrid electric technol- said. “It is difficult for us to have any fore- list of carmakers looking to “come to the To get better mileage, the Renegade phone as well as temperature control. The ogy that it is rolling out now with the Golf. casts.” Leroy said that while the recovery in party,” said IHS analyst Tim Urquhart. will have 16 engine and transmission con- glove box opens trunk-like from the top, a The concept boasts a fast, sloping roofline car sales in Europe had begun, it would be They are coming big and small. Mighty figurations for different markets around simple solution to prevent contents from with 3-dimensional tail lights, white slow. “ The competition will stay very, very Volkswagen, aiming to become the globe’s the world, including the first nine-speed spilling out when opened on the go. wheeled arches and sculpted precision severe.” No 1 automaker by 2018, has rolled out automatic transmission in a small SUV. “The Cactus is a bit of a brave thing. I lines. Like the Jeep Renegade, if offers the the concept T-Roc while South Korea’s Transmissions with more gears generally would put it on the same level as the Fiat possibility to remove a panel and drive DIGITALIZATION fourth automaker SsangYong will launch help engines run more efficiently, especial- Multipla,” said Urquhart, referring to the open top. Among the models carmakers were the XLV sport utility vehicle next year, with ly at highway speeds. Two diesel engines now-phased-out Fiat utility wagon that sat “Over the past 24 months, Volkswagen presenting at the Geneva show, a big focus the goal of doubling European volumes will be offered in Europe, but not the US. three across a front bench that inspired has presented a cavalcade of new SUVs,” was on connecting the car to the smart- from 3,000 last year to 6,000 in 2015. The The Renegade also will be capable of both ridicule for its distinctive front-end Volkswagen’s Heinz-Jakob Nuesser told phone and making apps easier and safer market for small SUVs is growing just going off-road like other Jeeps. The bump and fierce loyalty for its practicality. reporters Monday evening. “We would like to use. Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo about everywhere across the globe. It’s Renegade combines a rugged, outdoorsy “I hope it doesn’t suffer the same fate as to build the T-Roc. It would be the logical are previewing Apple’s iPhone technology among the fastest-growing market seg- feel that is part of the brand, combined the Mulitpla. The history of the industry is extension to the Golf.” — AP for cars this week. ments in the US, where young people and with splashes of color and the latest tech- Volkswagen is one of the carmakers downsizing baby boomers are attracted to nological interfaces to appeal to young working with Google Inc. to turn Android the tall cabin, big cargo area, fuel efficien- buyers. The vehicle includes dual pop-out phones into an essential part of cars. cy and maneuverability. And in Europe roof panels, a return to the sun-roofs of Google hopes to finish work on its system small SUVs have proven themselves more yesteryear. for tethering Android phones to cars by the recession-resistant than most. The 2015 Renegade will be assembled end of this year. VW chief Martin Winterkorn Here’s a glance at some of the models in Italy on a Fiat platform and available said in Geneva that cars are becoming on the stands at Geneva. first in Europe in the fall and in the U.S. in mobile computers with “revolutionary con- late December or early January. sequences for future operation.” He said in JEEP RENEGADE the future customers may be able to update The Renegade, with Jeep’s classic verti- CITROEN CACTUS car software in their own garage. cal grille and round headlamps, can’t The Citroen C4 Cactus developed from Winterkorn predicted that digitalization arrive soon enough for the brand’s owner, a concept car and it retains that funky any- will disrupt model cycles, with customers Chrysler Group LLC. It’s the well-known thing-goes heritage. The car has a bold demanding “the right car with the right brand’s first serious small, fuel-efficient shape with rubberized panels on the side technology at the right time,” forcing car- contender. It is considered key to Jeep’s doors - handily scratch proof for when makers to consider shortening the normal goal of reaching 1 million in sales this year, European parking gets tight. seven or eight year cycle to develop a car. an increase of nearly 40 percent over 2013. But the real ingenuity is inside, where “Over the next few years, our industry will In Europe, for instance, the market for Citroen challenges design themes “that go face one of the greatest upheavals since DETROIT: Peugeot Brand CEO at PSA Peugeot Citroen Maxime Picat presents small SUVs has grown to 1.1 million sales back to the horse and carriage,” said the invention of the automobile.” —AP the Peugeot’s 108.— AFP Cheaper energy pulls down euro-zone factory prices Deflationary pressures to keep ECB on alert BRUSSELS: A steep fall in energy costs brought showing its biggest slump since December December. There were only five euro-zone down euro zone producer prices faster than 2009 when prices fell 3.0 percent. Producer countries were prices at factory gates rose in expected in January, data showed yesterday, prices are an indication of inflationary pressures January month-on-month, led by a 1.1 percent underlining deflationary risks ahead of the early in the pipeline because unless absorbed growth in Estonia and followed by the bloc’s European Central Bank’s policy meeting tomor- by retailers, they eventually translate into con- newest member Latvia showing a 1.0 percent row. Prices at factory gates in the 18 countries sumer inflation, which the European Central increase. sharing the single currency dropped 0.3 percent Bank wants to keep below, but close to 2 per- In Europe’s largest economy Germany pro- in January against December mainly because of cent. ducer prices fell 0.1 percent in January, after a a 1.4 percent fall in costs of energy, the EU’s sta- The ECB is poised to take action tomorrow to 0.1 percent rise in the previous month. In the tistics office Eurostat said. Analysts polled by ease lending conditions and drag consumer bloc’s southern periphery, which is slowly Reuters expected prices to ease 0.1 percent on inflation out of a “danger zone” below 1 percent regaining competitiveness through years aus- the month. year-on-year, that threatens the bloc’s fragile terity policies, the picture was mixed: prices in MOSCOW: A woman looks at a screen with diagrams and tables at Moscow Compared with the same period of the last recovery. Greece grew 0.3 percent month-on-month Interbank Currency Exchange (MICEX) yesterday. Moscow’s two main exchanges year, producer prices fell 1.4 percent against Adjusted for energy, producer prices rose 0.1 while Spain saw a 1.3 percent drop in January were up about three percent in the morning yesterday while the ruble regained market expectations of a 1.3 percent drop, on the month in January after being flat in against December. — Reuters some of its value.—AFP Russian, Ukrainian assets bounce back

LONDON: Russian equities, bonds and the ruble strategist at RBS. “The biggest concern has been 12 percent on Monday. news the finance ministry had suspended dollar bank,” Narain said. “Now the central bank is send- soared yesterday and Ukraine’s assets rallied after the possibility of the conflict spilling into eastern Average sovereign Russian bond yield premi- purchases for a wealth fund. UBS strategist Manik ing the message that they have reached the limit Russian moves that investors took as a sign of an Ukraine.” Putin skirted questions about Russian ser- ums over US Treasuries fell 2 percentage points on Narain said the central bank had made it tougher and will push back against speculation in the easing in East-West tensions. Russian President vicemen taking control of the Crimea region, say- the EMBI Global index. Russian debt insurance to run short-ruble positions by upping implied 12- ruble.” In central Europe, the zloty and the forint Vladimir Putin said Moscow would only use force ing armed men who seized buildings were local costs fell 24 basis points to 208 basis points, month ruble yields to 8 percent, higher than the rose nearly 1 percent to the euro . Both currencies in Ukraine “as a last resort” after ordering troops forces. But in a further positive development, according to Markit, after surging to nine-month Indian rupee and only slightly below the Brazilian got help from the previous session’s robust PMI involved in a military exercise in western Russia Russia’s top gas producer Gazprom offered a $2-3 highs on Monday. Ukraine’s CDS tumbled 108 bps real’s 9 percent. “One reason why the ruble has data, which had been overshadowed by the back to base. billion loan to Ukraine to repay its gas debt to the to 1110 bps and the hryvnia rose 4 percent. been under so much pressure is that at a time events in Ukraine. The Budapest stock market rose “There has been a visible decrease in geopoliti- Russian firm. Russian and Ukrainian dollar bonds The ruble rose 1 percent after getting a boost when so many emerging central banks were mov- 2.9 percent and shares in Ukraine-exposed bank cal tensions in the region and the market has taken rose by as much as 6 cents on the dollar, and from a 150 bps emergency rate rise on Monday, a ing to a strong defense of their currencies, Russia OTP jumped more than 5 percent after sliding 10 the news very positively,” said Tatiana Orlova, a Russian stocks climbed 6.5 percent, after plunging higher pace of central bank interventions and was coming through as a laissez-faire central percent on Monday. —Reuters BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 Asian shares mixed, focus on Ukraine

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mixed points, to 2,071.47 after rallying almost one ble political and economic isolation, with the question. “The economic stakes of the that saw the contract’s price see-sawing yesterday after the previous day’s global sell- percent on Monday. And Seoul gave up 0.54 Washington and the European Union saying crisis are not that great for the rest of the throughout the day. The contract is sitting at off, but investors remain on edge as they percent, or 10.58 points, to 1,954.11. “The they were looking at a range of sanctions. world, either.” In foreign exchange trading its strongest levels since the end of await world leaders’ response to Russia’s immediate and likely largest impact from As Ukraine accused Russia of giving its the dollar rose to 101.74 yen compared with December. Gold fetched $1,338.06 an ounce decision to send forces into Ukraine. the risk-off sentiment due to the crisis in the forces in Crimea an ultimatum to surrender, 101.44 yen in New York Monday. at 0700 GMT compared with $1,347.10 late While the international community anx- Ukraine may have already passed,” Norihiro US President Barack Obama said Moscow The euro bought $1.3751 and 139.93 yen Monday. iously watches events in Eastern Europe, Fujito, senior investment strategist at was on the “wrong side of history” in the against $1.3737 and 139.34 yen. The yen had analysts said the fact that the crisis had not Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, region’s biggest crisis since the Cold War. surged on Monday as investors scurried into In other markets worsened had provided a buying opportuni- told Dow Jones Newswires. The United States has also suspended safer investments in response to the events Taipei fell 0.55 percent, or 47.44 points, to ty. The dollar also clawed back some of World shares tumbled on Monday after military cooperation with Russia. In Moscow in Europe. Oil prices were mixed after jump- 8,554.54. Taiwan Semiconductor Monday’s losses against the yen as a certain Russia’s parliament voted to allow President the MICEX closed down 10.79 percent and ing on fears that Russia, a key supplier to Manufacturing Co was 0.46 percent lower at degree of confidence returned to the mar- Vladimir Putin to send troops into Crimea, a the other main Russian market, the RTS, Europe, could switch off its pipeline to the Tw$107.5, while leading chip design house ket, while oil prices edged back a touch after mainly Russian-speaking peninsula in the closed down 12.01 percent, while the ruble West. MediaTek dropped 1.11 percent to hitting multi-month highs. southeast of the ex-Soviet state. sank to record lows against the dollar and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate Tw$445.0.Wellington added 0.52 percent, or Tokyo rose 0.47 percent, or 69.25 points, It came in response to last month’s oust- euro. However, David Baran, co-CEO of for April delivery eased 23 cents to $104.69, 25.86 points, to 5,033.26. Trade Me was up to 14,721.48, Sydney added 0.29 percent, or ing of the pro-Russian government in Kiev of Symphony Financial Partners, a Tokyo-based having touched its highest level since early 1.02 percent at NZ$3.95 and Fletcher 15.9 points, to close at 5,400.2 and in the Viktor Yanukovych, after weeks of protests in hedge fund, said: “The Russian-Ukraine October. Brent North Sea crude for April Building gained 1.06 percent to close at afternoon Hong Kong was 0.73 percent the capital. Russia’s move was met with standoff may drag on, but a military con- gained two cents to $111.22 in volatile trade NZ$9.55. — AFP higher. Shanghai shed 0.18 percent, or 3.76 world condemnation and warnings of possi- frontation with the West is likely well out of

KARACHI: Pakistani stockbrokers watch the latest share prices on a digital board during a trad- ing session at the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) in Karachi yesterday. The benchmark KSE-100 index was 26083.88, with increase a 230.34 points in mid of the day’s session. — AFP

Oil falls below $110 as Ukraine worries ease

LONDON: Oil fell more than $1 yesterday to puts a question mark over about 50 percent below $110 a barrel after President Vladimir of northwest Europe’s crude imports, a rise in Putin recalled troops to base from military the risk premium is justified,” he said. exercises in western Russia near its borders “But Russia is such a critical supplier of oil with Ukraine. and gas to Europe and the world that the April Brent crude was down $1.47 at odds of sanctions impacting these flows $109.73 a barrel by 0900 GMT. It closed the remains small.” Russia paid a heavy financial previous session at its highest since Dec 27. price on Monday for its military intervention US crude for April delivery fell as low as in Ukraine. Stocks, bonds and the rouble $103.60, after reaching a 5-1/2-month high at plunged as investors dumped riskier assets in $105.22 on Monday. The contract was cur- favour of commodities such as gold and oil. rently down $1.11 at $103.81. In the gas market, a mild winter and Russia invaded Ukraine’s autonomous improved infrastructure mean Europe and Crimea region at the weekend, and the Ukraine are less reliant on Russian supplies United States and the European Union have than in past years, easing worries that the threatened sanctions if Moscow does not escalating crisis in Ukraine could lead to withdraw its troops. shortages. Investors were also looking to This prompted fears that supply out of weekly US oil inventory data later and today Russia, the world’s second-biggest crude oil to assess demand in the world’s largest oil exporter, could be disrupted or subject to consumer. US commercial crude oil invento- sanctions. Putin’s order to recall troops raised ries are expected to have risen by 1 million investors’ hopes, however, for a peaceful reso- barrels on average last week, while stockpiles lution between the two, with Asian and of refined oil products probably dropped, a European equities turning higher and com- preliminary Reuters poll of five analysts modities such as oil and gold falling. showed. There was no word on the movement of The American Petroleum Institute will Russian forces that have effectively occupied release its data yesterday at 4:30 pm EST much of Crimea. Imports of Russian oil are so (2130 GMT). The government’s Energy crucial for Europe that it is unlikely sanctions Information Administration will publish its will be imposed, said Seth Kleinman, head of data today at 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT). - energy research at Citi. “As this dispute now Reuters Gold prices fall 1% as tensions ease

LONDON: Gold prices fell 1 percent yesterday, Monday at $1,354.80 an ounce. However, its gains retreating from the previous day’s four-month could be vulnerable to economic data releases lat- high, after President Vladimir Putin ordered troops er this week, VTB Capital analyst Andrey involved in a military exercise in western Russia Kryuchenkov said, including ADP jobs figures on back to base, easing fears of war in Ukraine. Wednesday, a statement from the European The precious metal rallied nearly 2 percent on Central Bank on Thursday, and US nonfarm pay- Monday as the threat of escalating tensions in rolls on Friday. Ukraine’s Crimea region spurred investors to seek “Gold is a sell ahead of macro headlines this refuge in bullion and government debt. Crude oil week, bar geopolitical tensions, with an overhang futures climbed while stock markets plunged. of speculative longs, easing physical flows and a Those moves went into reverse early yesterday, potentially stronger dollar,” he said. with world shares and hard-hit Russian assets In the physical market, dealers in Singapore recovering some lost ground as immediate ten- noted selling, which kept premiums for gold bars sions in the East-West crisis over Ukraine abated. unchanged at 80 cents to $1 an ounce to spot There was no word, however, on Russian forces London prices. “The current price premiums ... that have effectively occupied much of Crimea, show that consumer demand is tapering,” said and financial assets failed to retrace the entirety of Joyce Liu, investment analyst at Phillip Futures in the sharp moves seen globally on Monday. Singapore. Spot gold fell as low as $1,336.54 an ounce and Weakening differentials between 99.99 per- was down 0.8 percent at $1,339.70 by 1036 GMT. cent purity gold on the Shanghai Gold Exchange US gold futures for April delivery were down and cash gold were likely to crimp demand from $10.50 an ounce at $1,339.80. “Gold’s moves are China. India’s trade minister said on Tuesday he clearly headline-driven,” Commerzbank analyst had raised the issue of easing some curbs on gold Daniel Briesemann said. “What we’re seeing this imports with the finance ministry, as the restric- morning is profit-taking after gold yesterday tions were encouraging smuggling and hurting reached a four-month high on the back of increas- the gems and jewellery industry. ing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.” India lost its spot as the world’s biggest gold “The conflict looks like it could well last some consumer to China last year, after the government time, so gold should be able to defend its current imposed the restriction on imports to narrow the price level.” Putin declared at the weekend that he current account deficit. had the right to invade Ukraine to protect Russian Among other precious metals, silver was down interests and citizens following months of popular 0.5 percent at $21.28 an ounce, while spot plat- unrest. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has a base in inum was down 0.5 percent at $1,447.99 an ounce Ukraine’s Crimea region. But the military exercises and spot palladium was down 0.2 percent at in central and western Russia, which raised fears $744.60 an ounce. that Russia might send forces to Russian-speaking South Africa’s Association of Mineworkers and regions of east Ukraine, were completed on Construction Union yesterday lowered its wage schedule. demands for the first time, raising hopes of a Gold remains up nearly 1 percent this week, breakthrough after nearly six weeks of strikes at having reached its highest since Oct. 30 on the world’s top platinum producers. — Reuters BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 China’s urban drive risks digging economic hole Urbanization drive aimed at boosting growth

ANSHUN, China: After a lifetime of farming and mining in the hills of southwest China, Zhang Zongfu was thrust into subsidized housing clos- er to town, and into a monumental urbanization drive aimed at boosting growth. Zhang likes his newly built digs, which are effectively free, but city life has been harder to settle into. The 48- year-old villager lacks job skills or prospects- putting a major wrinkle in Beijing’s blueprint for prosperity. “Without work I’m in trouble,” he said in his living room, overlooking neat rows of freshly SAHARA: Chairman of Sahara India Pariwar Subrata Roy, his face smeared with ink painted apartment blocks on the edge of thrown by a lawyer, walks into the Supreme Court in New Delhi yesterday. — AP Anshun in Guizhou, one of China’s poorest provinces. “The house is fine. But if you have a house to Sahara chief ordered live in and can’t feed yourself, what’s the point?” he asked. Zhang’s situation illustrates the devel- opmental dilemma facing China as its rubber- to remain in custody stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress, meets this week. Economic growth and rising prosperity are key to the Communist Roy attacked with ink at court Party’s claim to a right to rule, and the legislators will put their imprimatur on reforms it has prom- ised. By 2030, projections say a billion Chinese Former rural residents in their new high-rise apartments near the city of Anshun, Guizhou NEW DELHI: India’s highest court yesterday was less than the 51.2 billion rupees ($826 will live in cities-up 300 million from now, nearly Province. — AFP directed that the head of the Sahara con- million) it deposited with SEBI. equal to the population of the United States. glomerate, Subrata Roy, remain in custody Beijing hopes that if the urban influx earn and ing their own food. Just in case, Zhang and his year-old Nuo Mingsheng. “It’s too far away, the over the group’s failure to comply with its ‘Serious doubts’ spend more it will both reduce poverty faster wife-who heaved a basket packed with vegeta- land has not been cultivated, the farming tools orders to repay investors in an outlawed The Supreme Court yesterday questioned and help switch the economy to growing bles up four flights of stairs to their apartment- are gone, the houses have been dug up. multi-billion-dollar investment scheme. the veracity of investor documents provided through consumption rather than investment. have filled one of their three bedrooms with “Right now I’m living off the farming tools Roy, 65, was arrested on Friday after he by Sahara. “Documents and affidavits pro- But if local governments simply build the shells giant sacks of rice. and other things I sold from my old home, and did not appear last week at a Supreme duced by the contemnors themselves would of cities with no economy that former farmers I’m not sure what I’ll do after that,” he said. For Court hearing - which he says he missed to apparently falsify their refund theory and cast can participate in, they may simply be digging a ‘There’s no way to go back’ urbanization to work local authorities will have attend to his ailing mother - in its long-run- serious doubts about the existence of the so- deeper investment hole-and creating neighbor- Under Xi Jinping the Communist party has to adapt to reality, said University of Washington ning battle with India’s securities regulator. called investors,” it said. hoods full of idle inhabitants. “This is certainly promised to speed up changes to a “hukou” resi- professor Kam Wing Chan. Sahara is best known as the former main “All the fact finding authorities have something I’ve seen in other places, where you dency system which denies rural incomers equal With some exceptions, he said, “Local bureau- sponsor of India’s national cricket team, as opined that majority of investors do not exist,” have have people cut off from the way they’ve access to services such as schooling and health- crats are very bureaucratic, they just follow the well as owner of New York’s Plaza Hotel and the court said in its order. Sahara had offered made their living their entire life. Then there’s care. But specifics are still pending and cities, plan without seriously considering the local situ- London’s Grosvenor House. It has a net to give SEBI title deeds of properties it said nothing really that they can do,” said Tom Miller, especially large and crowded ones, have resisted ation.” But the trend of urbanization is inexorable, worth of $11 billion and more than 36,000 were worth 200 billion rupees as security, but the Beijing-based author of China’s Urban Billion. lifting hukou restrictions and spending more on especially among young people, said Jonathan acres of real estate, according to its web- the regulator has said the properties were far “And if this happens on a grand scale across migrants. Experts call such reforms critical, as a Woetzel, a Shanghai-based director at consultan- site. “Non-compliance of the orders passed over-valued. Sahara’s core business includes the country, then potentially you’re building up social safety net would encourage migrants to cy McKinsey and Company and co-chair of the by this Court shakes the very foundation of selling financial products, largely to small enormous problems,” he said. “That’s the fear, if spend more and better education would Urban China Initiative. Even without a job guar- our judicial system and undermines the investors in towns and rural areas. It was two you look 10 to 15 years ahead.” improve the prospects of the next generation. antee or hukou reform, he pointed out, “it hasn’t rule of law,” the court said, ordering that such products, later ruled illegal, that drew Guizhou is constructing 180 sites to resettle Relocated villagers in Anshun complained stopped anybody from migrating so far”. Roy and two other directors be held until SEBI’s attention. two million people by 2020, surpassing even the that government officials promised compensa- “As productivity increases you expect to see the next hearing on March 11. Critics, including activist groups, argue 1.3 million relocated for the vast Three Gorges tion and jobs but, since the move in June 2013, better standards of living,” he said. Yet back in The court said the next appearance Sahara’s investment products are designed to Dam. But while the first batches of villagers have have only provided a few days’ training on Anshun, Guo Taifu, a 43-year-old former miner, could be brought forward if an acceptable evade regulatory oversight and that it lacks been taken to their new white-trim homes in smarter farming. wondered how he would support his three chil- proposal is offered. Sahara did not have transparency on the source and use of funds. Anshun, it has not yet taken the countryside out Several ridiculed the idea, saying they had dren. Officials had offered work at a construction immediate comment after the hearing. Roy Police went looking for Roy on Thursday at his of the villagers. left their land and sold their farming equipment. site but villagers considered the pay too low, he is prone to public shows of patriotism and sprawling Sahara Shaher estate in the north- Several said they missed the security of grow- “There’s no way to go back and farm,” said 60- said. — AFP full-page newspaper ads defending Sahara ern city of Lucknow. He turned himself in on against the authorities. He is often pho- Friday and denied he had been “absconding,” tographed with Bollywood stars and crick- saying he was meeting doctors over the con- eters. He was driven the roughly 500 km dition of his 92-year-old mother, as well as a from Lucknow to appear yesterday at the lawyer, and was taken to a government guest court in New Delhi. When Roy arrived, a house on the outskirts of Lucknow. Roy start- man threw ink on his face and was taken ed out from the city of Gorakhpur in the hard- away by police. scrabble east of Uttar Pradesh state and styles The Securities and Exchange Board of himself a man of the people, though he India (SEBI) brought contempt proceedings makes a show of opulent living. Like many against Sahara for failure to comply with a Indian business leaders, he is perceived to be 2012 court order to repay billions of dollars close to politicians. He is often described in to investors. Sahara has said it repaid most the media as a billionaire, but last year said his investors and that its remaining liability assets were less than $1 million. —Reuters Australian Centre for Islamic Finance sets up sharia advisory board SYDNEY: The Australian Centre for Islamic increased complexity of financial products Finance has set up an advisory board to and commercial transactions needs spe- help local businesses conduct sharia-com- cialists.” The scholars have backgrounds in pliant transactions, including developing Islamic law and hold Islamic finance financing options such as Islamic bonds, degrees from Melbourne’s La Trobe the centre’s director told Reuters. The University, while the board also aims to three-member board is the latest sign the guide local Muslims on commercial mat- industry is making headway despite ters. “Their work will not be limited to cor- Australia’s lack of regulation catering to porate finance and auditing for sharia Islamic finance, which follows religious compliance but will also serve the wider principles such as bans on interest and community in Australia with regards to all pure monetary speculation. issues regarding finance and commercial The centre’s sharia board members transactions,” Colan said. Last month, FRANKFURT: A display showing the German stock market index DAX is seen at the stock exchange in Frankfurt yesterday. — AFP might not have the global name recogni- Melbourne-based First Guardian launched tion as some of their Gulf-based peers, but an Islamic pension fund in collaboration familiarity with Australian law would with local Muslim organizations to tap the EU moves to close bank bonus loophole appeal to local firms, said Almir Colan, country’s private pension system, the director of the centre, an education and world’s fourth largest. Sydney-based fund BRUSSELS: The European Commission stepped by pay in a single institution. to get the bonus limit rules scrapped. training body. manager Crescent Wealth plans to launch up efforts yesterday to prevent banks getting The RTS allows banks to challenge the risk British Finance Minister George Osborne has “We need people who will be able to an Islamic fund investing in commercial around EU limits on bonuses, by introducing taker designation but this has to be then warned repeatedly that the cap on bonuses is apply classical fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) property this year as it continues to new standards to identify traders and invest- cleared with the European Banking Authority impractical and counter-productive. The RTS principles within a modern context - the expand its range of products. — Reuters ment professionals who can make or break a based in London. Britain, home to one of the system now goes to the European Parliament lender. world’s largest financial markets in London, has and EU leaders for review for up to three Such staff, dubbed “material risk takers”, gone to the European Court of Justice seeking months, after which it comes into force. — AFP UK watchdog sees poor must comply with EU rules which limit banker bonuses, the extra payments blamed for sales practices at banks encouraging the reckless risk-taking which sparked the 2008 global financial crash and US home prices rose at LONDON: Some of Britain’s banks are still FCA Chief Executive Martin Wheatley said it then the debt crisis. The rules, effective from offering their staff pay incentives that could would take time to see if improvements January, state that a bank can pay a bonus of trigger more mis-selling of financial prod- seen so far become part of a genuine cul- up to one year’s salary and, in exceptional cir- solid pace in January ucts, the country’s markets watchdog said tural change or whether other pressures cumstances, twice that amount, but only with shareholder approval. yesterday. The Financial Conduct Authority put on staff replace sales incentives with WASHINGTON: US home prices rose in January recovery could pick up once the spring buying (FCA) said significant progress had been the same harmful effects. To get around this limit, some banks have begun paying extra allowances to top staff, after three months of declines. A tight supply of season begins, though likely at a slower pace than made in stamping out poor selling prac- The watchdog’s follow-up work found homes might have helped boost prices and offset last year. A measure of signed contracts was booking them as overall salary rather than tices, but found around one in 10 of the banks were not checking for spikes in sales sales slowed by cold weather. Real estate data unchanged in February. Signed contracts usually companies it examined still had risky sales by individuals, which can be a sign that bonus payments. “Some banks are doing their provider CoreLogic says prices rose 0.9 percent in lead to a finished sale in one to two months. And practices. poor sales practices are being used. Face- utmost to circumvent the remuneration rules,” January after dipping 0.1 percent in December. builders broke ground on 16 percent fewer The issue of mis-selling remains sensi- to-face sales conversations were also being EU Internal Markets Commissioner Michel Over the past 12 months, home prices have risen homes in January than in December, the govern- tive in the wake of a series of scandals. UK poorly monitored in some cases and some Barnier said in a statement. “The adoption of 12 percent, the biggest year-over-year gain in more ment said last month. That was the second banks have for instance set aside more firms were failing to recognize that pay these technical standards is an important step than eight years. CoreLogic’s price figures aren’t straight decline. Other price gauges are falling. than 20 billion pounds ($33.4 billion) to wholly linked to sales increases the risk of towards ensuring that the ... rules on remunera- adjusted for seasonal patterns, such as winter The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home compensate customers for mis-sold insur- mis-selling. tion are applied consistently across the EU,” weather, which can depress sales. price index dipped in December, the latest period ance on loans such as mortgages. The FCA However the FCA was not planning any Barnier said. Snowstorms and low temperatures contributed for which data are available, and its year-over-year fined Lloyds Banking Group Plc 28 million further regulation for the time being. “These standards will provide clarity on who to a sharp drop in sales of existing homes in gain slowed. January. The National Association of Realtors said Nationwide, home prices are still 17 percent pounds last December for the way it “Given the progress made, we are not pro- new EU rules on bonuses actually apply to, sales plunged to their lowest level in 18 months. lower than at the peak of the housing bubble in encouraged staff to sell 2 billion pounds of posing any changes in our rules at this time which is key to preventing circumvention,” he said. “The Commission will remain vigilant to Still, the number of homes for sale remained low, a April 2006, according to CoreLogic. Prices have set products that customers may not have but financial incentives will remain on our factor that might have helped increase prices. highs in three states: Louisiana, Nebraska and needed. Incentives included a change to agenda in 2014,” the watchdog said in a ensure that new rules are applied in full,” he added. The Regulatory Technical Standards Home sales and construction have faltered Texas. They are within 10 percent of their peaks in win 1,000 pounds, known as a “grand in statement. over the winter, partly because the weather has 19 additional states. The five states with the your hand”. Another was called the “cham- The FCA was launched in April 2013 (RTS) system will identify staff whose profes- sional activities have a material impact on an likely discouraged many Americans from house- biggest price gains in January, compared with a pagne bonus”. with a remit to protect consumers after hunting. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage year earlier, were Nevada, where prices rose 22.2 Britain’s regulators published a review of several mis-selling scandals spanning years, institution’s risk profile in a consistent way across the EU, the statement said. is also about a percentage point more than it was percent; California, 20.3 percent; Oregon, 14.3 per- selling practices in September 2012 and on from endowment mortgages to pensions. last spring, which means buying costs are higher. cent; Michigan, 13.7 percent; and Georgia, 13.4 Among the criteria listed, such risk takers Tuesday unveiled results of follow-up In April it will also start supervising thou- Most recent housing reports suggest that the percent. Mississippi was the only state to report a checks that looked at 400 firms, nearly 800 sands of consumer credit firms and will be would be those with a total annual salary of market is slowing. Economists think the housing price decline. — AP incentive schemes and 12 company visits. checking their sales practices. — Reuters 500,000 euros or in the top 0.3 percent of staff WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 BUSINESS

Al-Sane & Sons Group launches first comprehensive online travel platform

KUWAIT: Al-Sane & Sons Group of companies in future with an existing expansion plan to competitive with the major hotel wholesale is a leader in the field of hospitality in Kuwait, market the online travel portal across the GCC providers covering more than 125 cities with one of the most well recognized luxury countries by the beginning of 2015 for phase worldwide. hotel properties in Kuwait, “The Regency Hotel two of this project. 3- Transportation services: Providing both of Kuwait.” The Al-Sane Travel Agency was www.alsougha.comwill be providing com- basic and luxury chauffeur transportation established in 1974 as one of the first IATA prehensive travel services to serve the local services around the world form all major air- approved travel agencies in Kuwait, recogniz- community with a variety of travel services ports to city centers or specific hotel locations ing and acknowledging the undeniable move- using a user friendly online travel portal and a in over 100 cities. ment within the travel sector towards online local payment gateway to offer the following 4- Rent-a-car services: Utilizing multiple travel platforms and satisfying the require- services: and major rent a car companies to always ments of local travel sector in Kuwait . 1- Air Flight reservations: Providing very guarantee the biggest selection of cars and Al-Sane Travel Agency and under the competitive rates on all major airline carriers the best available rates in over 125 cities umbrella of its mother company Al-Sane & with ease of access to the booking and pay- worldwide. Sons group of companies proudly announced ment process in addition to all the other auxil- 5- Sport & event tickets: The first online and the launch of the first comprehensive online iary services from assigning seating, meal completely automated Sport ticket booking travel portal in Kuwait yesterday. The portal, in selection and adding frequent flyer numbers and delivery portal for all major sport events phase one aims to target online savvy con- and with immediate confirmation and auto- worldwide with immediate confirmation and sumers in Kuwait. With its multi-currency mated e-ticket notification to the customer. either local or hotel address delivery of tickets. availability and payment gateway capabilities 2- Hotel Bookings: With over 1,500 proper- Coming soon additional service will also the company also plans to develop multi-lan- ties worldwide, www.alsougha.com will be include: Cruise ship bookings, Travel insur- guage display portal and mobile application offering amazing prices that would be very ance. Al-Sayer Group holds second raffle draws on gold campaign ‘Gold Is Our Gift For You’

KUWAIT: Al-Sayer Group held Alajmey, Mohammad Saeed Faraj, recently its second raffle draw as a Ehab Khaled Moqabalah, Fatmah part of the Gold Campaign promo- Salman Alali, Ali Thnayan Al tion, celebrating the occasion of Ghanem, Abdulrahman Ahmad 60th Anniversary. This is the first Jaafar, Bandr Boty Alagamy, Khaled and the largest campaign in Kuwait Mohammady, Nourah Olayan on Gold during 2014 organized by Alharbi, Metheeb Alotaibi, Alshqha Al-Sayer group. “Gold Is Our Gift For Khalaf Al Dehani, Saeed Ali You” second electronic raffle draws Mohammed, Walied Khaled Alazmy, have been successfully done on Mohammed Ahmed Abdulrahman, February 19 & 20, 2014 at Ministry Santah Dhabian Shallal, Asmaa of Commerce - Industry premises Aied Al Enazy, Khaled Waled and attended by its representative Alshuaib, Meshari Ali Elaj, Bandar Abdulaziz Ashkenani and an official Mohammad Alenezi, Samer representative from Al-Sayer Group. Mohammad Mahmoud, Ali Saad The raffle draws were on 285 gold Alajmay, Talal Mohd Bu Rubai. coins “22K” distributed on 55 win- Names of winners who have ners. Electronic raffle draw system purchased Certified Cars are: provides equal and fair chances of Kulthum Feroz Bandari, Abdul Ibrahim Al-Mansour wins KD 125,000 winning to all customers of Al- Rahman Rasn Awaid, Najeeb Nazir in NBK’s Al-Jawhara draw for February Sayer Group. But, Alaswad Ahmed Almagdy, In the second raffle draw, 225 Mohammad Abdalrahman Zayed, KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) his happiness in winning Al-Jawhara gold coins were distributed equally Mishary Al Shammary, Ghanem announces the winner for February’s KD monthly prize. “Winning KD 125,000 came over 45 winners who have pur- Sultan Fadel, Hamed Hmoud Al 125,000 Al-Jawhara monthly prize, Ibrahim as a complete surprise. I truly thank NBK for chased a new Toyota or Certified Anzi, Shabaan Abdul Ellah Mansour Al-Mansour. The draw was held its great services and offers and for always car during the campaign. Add to Abdulkareem, Ameen Bader under the supervision of the Ministry of being number one in the market,” he said. that another 60 gold coins were Buabbas, Hosam Al Deen Trade and Industry. All prizes are automatically credited to distributed to 10 qualified winners Mohamed, Khaled Eid Alhutaitha, NBK re-launched Al-Jawhara account the winners’ accounts the day after the who have purchased Toyota gen- Shaaf Nader Alotaibi, Hamed offering customers more chances to win draw. The more money held in your Al- uine spare parts or serviced their Mohammed Alajmi, Ghanim Mudhi bigger prizes; KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 Jawhara account, the greater your chances cars. Salman. monthly and a grand prize of KD 250,000 of winning. Al-Jawhara accounts are avail- Names of winners who have Names of winners who have quarterly draw. able to both Kuwaitis and expats and can purchased a new Toyota are: purchased Toyota genuine spare Al Jawhara account offers numerous be opened at any one of NBK’s branches Madallah Aman Alenazi, Ahmed parts and serviced their cars are: benefits to NBK customers. Not only is it an around Kuwait. Al-Homedi Al-Muteri, Aby Abraham Veshwanth Vasodivan, Fahed Abdulmohsen. many raffle draws still to come. interest-free account with regular deposit NBK pioneered many firsts in both the Thomas, Khaled Abdullah Abdullaha Al Azmi, Basem Qasem The Gold Campaign “Gold Is Our Campaign is valid for the following and withdrawal privileges, but also entitles local and regional markets by offering Alrsheide, Maha Matar Al- Abdulwahid, Latifah sanad Khalifah, Gift For you” continues to offer a sectors within Al-Sayer Group: account holders to enter the weekly, innovative products and value added serv- Shammari, Halema Mohamed Abdullah Hajab Bader, Fesal Souad big opportunity for winning 570 Toyota Cars New or Certified, monthly and quarterly Al-Jawhara draws. ices. For more information please contact Hussein, Fakhreyah Sanat Alkhaldi, Almuteri, Finojolan Lkshmie, Walaa gold coins. The campaign is only Toyota Genuine Spare Parts and Each KD 50 in an Al-Jawhara account enti- Hala Watani 1 801 801 or log onto Ismail Mahmoud Maeeth Husen Hasan Afifi, Abdul Aziz Alotaibi, valid until March 15, 2014 with Toyota Service. tles the customer to one chance in any of www.nbk.com For further information the draws. Ibrahim Al-Mansour, the winner kindly visit www.nbk.com, or call Hala of February’s KD 125,000 draw expressed Watani at 1801801. ALLANASONS - IFFCO at Gulfood 2014 Australian opportunities in GCC ullfood exhibition is more than a show. It’s one of the world’s largest meeting in focus at The Capital Club Gplaces for businessmen to showcase their products and get into deal with thousands of DUBAI: The Capital Club, Dubai’s premier prospective global business clients. Due to the private business club and member of the tremendous increase in exhibitors and trade visi- ENSHAA group of companies, recently host- tors, the duration of the show has been ed a business lunch forum organized by the increased from 4 days to 5 days in the year 2014. Australian Business Council Dubai. The Gulfood 2014 during the 23-27 February Speaking about the event, Emma Cullen, reiterated its significance by the participation of The Capital Club’s General Manager, said: more than 4,500 exhibitors and 85,000 trade vis- “The business opportunities for foreign firms itors from various segments in the food and bev- in Dubai and the GCC region at large are erage industry. growing at a phenomenal rate, a trend that is The Allanasons and its sister concern increasingly drawing the attention of the International Foodstuffs Company (IFFCO) is one world’s major economies. As the central of the major exhibitors since the inception of meeting place for Dubai and the UAE’s busi- Gulfood. ness community, The Capital Club is Allanasons Ltd is world’s largest producer and extremely pleased to be able to contribute to exporter of frozen halal boneless buffalo meat, operative, retail outlets, hotels, restaurant and Noor spreadable flavored mayonnaise, Igloo creating dialogue between stakeholders Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to as well the India’s largest exporter of frozen wholesale with IFFCO brands. IFFCO group con- muhallabia and cream caramel ice creams etc. from a diverse range of sectors from across the UAE and Qatar, speaks meat, processed or frozen fruits, coffee, fruit con- tinues to invest in brands that build value for the Therefore it is no surprise that they have been the World and we look forward to hosting Australian business interests in Dubai and centrates and purees. Allanasons is also a lead- consumer. The brands like Allana, IFFCO, London consistently exhibiting their products at Gulfood many more similar events, aiming to further the GCC, HE Pablo Kang remarked: “In terms ing exporter of frozen marine products and cere- Dairy, Tiffany, Tiffany Break, Noor, Rahma, Igloo, with a well-integrated stand amply supported encourage the growth of Dubai’s business of Australia’s strategic interests we are very als from India. International Foodstuffs Company Khaleej and Al Baker enjoy the confidence of with advertisements to capture the attention of interests.” much focused on this part of the world. (IFFCO), based in United Arab Emirates, which consumers all over the world. every visitor to the exhibition. Over the years The forum explored bi-lateral opportuni- There is enormous potential for more two- manufactures and markets a well-integrated With a well-defined vision of being “The pre- Gulfood has proved as an important marketing ties between Australia and the countries of way interaction in the fields of trade, invest- range of mass-market food products, related ferred provider of essential and value added platform for Allanasons and IFFCO to “Step the GCC on both a State and Federal level ment, education, and tourism between derivatives, intermediates and services with a food to everyone, everyday & everywhere” the Forward” to their strategic vision of being the and included an address by Pablo Kang, Australia and the Gulf States.” broad segment of impulse foods, agri-business, Group has been making substantial investments preferred provider of essential and value added Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar, The Australian Ambassador went on to oils and fats, packaging and sales and distribu- in creating world-class integrated food process- products to everyone, everyday and everywhere. in addition to a panel discussion mediated point out that Australia already has an 11 bil- tion. Over the last three decades since establish- ing facilities as well in developing a wide range The specific achievement for IFFCO during by Gerard Seeber, Senior Trade lion dollar trade relationship with the GCC, ment in 1975, IFFCO has grown consistently by of value added products and brands. 2014 Gulfood is the winning of 2 prestigious Commissioner for the Middle East and North which could be significantly higher if negoti- building complimentary businesses supported Due to the diversity of products, facilities, awards issued by DWTC for the Al Baker multi- Africa, which featured Pablo Kang, who also ations on an Australia, GCC free trade agree- by acquisitions in the UAE and internationally. brands and innovations, they are always keen to grain attaflour on the best healthy food category stands as Queensland Trade and Investment ment were to conclude. He commented on This model of sustainable growth has seen showcase all their products under one roof and and Noor Oil “I want the best” campaign, for the Commissioner Middle East, Donna Massie, the possibilities in the field of education, IFFCO’s transformation from a local company to communicating the mass line of products and best marketing category. New South Wales Trade and Investment remarking: “Australia ranks fourth in the a dynamic group of international companies services it can provide to the Global customers. During these years the group is also acting as Commissioner Middle East, Moin Anwar, world on the Times Higher Education World with operation and manufacturing facilities in During the year 2013, IFFCO launched a number a key sponsor to the organizers of the exhibition, Victorian Commissioner Middle East, Turkey University Rankings in terms of the number UAE, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tunisia, Turkey, of new products and brands like Yonkers peanut Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), by sponsor- and Africa, John Butler, and Western Australia of Universities in the top 400 and currently Indonesia, China and Australia etc. IFFCO got its chocolates, Almonday Chocolates, Happy Break ing the lanyards of entry badges, T-Shirts for Commissioner Middle East and Africa, Pankaj six per cent of all international students own distribution network named as IFFCO wafer chocolates, Soft cookies, Noor margarine their staff at venue and advertising on prime Savara. Commenting on the outlook for study in Australia”. Kuwait WLL for the last five years, serving the co- portion packs, Al Baker multigrain attaflour, locations of the venue. technology WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 Dish, Disney deal envisions Internet-delivered TV

LOS ANGELES: Dish Network and Disney have Corp. agreed to disable - for three days after the ini- AutoHop function, which had threatened to cut announced a technology partnership with rival reached a landmark deal that envisions the day tial broadcast - a function on its Hopper digital into the revenue of media companies like Disney satellite TV company DirecTV to launch a system when Dish will offer a Netflix-like TV service to peo- video recorders that allows people to automatically by stripping out ads. Dish hasn’t made public how that helps target political ads to viewers based on ple who’d rather stream TV over the Internet than record and strip out commercials from prime-time many of its 14 million subscribers use the Hopper. where they live. put a satellite receiver on their roof. weeknight programming. But that’s only for pro- Dish customers will also gain access for the first Dish and Disney said they are looking at dynam- The deal announced late Monday paves the way grams on ABC, which is owned by The Walt Disney time to Disney’s WatchESPN, Watch Disney, Watch ically inserting ads into programming based on for Dish to offer live local broadcasts from ABC TV Co. ABC Family and Watch ABC apps, which allow for viewer data, developing new ways of advertising stations and programming from ABC Family, Dish CEO Joseph Clayton said in a statement the live and on-demand program viewing on mobile on mobile devices, and measuring viewing for Disney Channel, ESPN and ESPN2 over mobile deal was “about predicting the future of television.” devices in or out of the home. longer than the current industry standard that devices, set-top boxes and other means, similar to Anne Sweeney, co-chairman of Disney Media Dish is also picking up a slew of new channels includes the live broadcast plus three days of DVR how Netflix’s video streams are delivered today. Networks, said in a statement that both Disney CEO including Disney Junior, Fusion, ESPN Goal Line, viewing. No start date for such a service was announced. Bob Iger and Dish’s majority shareholder, Charlie Longhorn Network and the upcoming SEC ESPN The two sides have been quietly negotiating a It is likely that Dish will have to cut similar deals Ergen, were directly involved in carving out “one of Network when it launches sometime this fall. It also new deal since before the last one expired at the with other programmers to make such a service the most complex and comprehensive” deals ever. gains more access to more on-demand Disney pro- end of September, deftly avoiding a signal blackout attractive. A Dish spokesman refused to speculate “We planned for the evolution of our industry,” gramming. like the one between CBS Corp. and Time Warner on what the offering would cost. she said. With the deal, both sides are dropping a The companies said they would work together Cable Inc. last August that caused massive sub- As part of the new rights deal, Dish Network legal battle between them over the so-called on new advertising models. Last month, Dish scriber defections. - AP Apple dials up effort to meld iPhone with cars Apple CFO to retire, successor named

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple is accelerating the race to make smartphone applications easier and safer to use in cars. Ferrari, Mercedes- Benz and Volvo are previewing Apple’s iPhone technology for cars this week at an auto show in Geneva. The partnerships give Apple an early lead over Google’s loosely knit family of Android phones in a duel to make mobile applications more accessible while drivers are behind the wheel. Apple’s iOS mobile software and Google’s Android operating system power most of the smartphones in the world. Just two months ago, Google Inc. announced it is working with several major SAN FRANCISCO: This photo provided by Brondell shows a rendering of a Swash automakers to turn Android phones into an 1000 Advanced Bidet Toilet Seat. The award-winning Swash 1000 toilet seat, made essential part of cars. Google hopes to finish by the San Francisco-based Brondell company, is to be a standard option on the new work on its system for tethering Android Gulfstream G650 jets. — AP phones to cars by the end of this year. Apple Inc. announced its automobile ambitions nine months ago when it unveiled Computer-driven trade to grab its “iOS in the Car” initiative - a reference to the operating system that powers the iPhone and iPad. Now that the idea is moving closer market share in 2014: Study to reality, Apple is renaming the technology LONDON: Smaller asset managers and amount of commission paid to broker- “CarPlay.” The system announced Monday enables hedge funds will drive an increase in the ages had slipped as funds routed less iPhones to plug into cars so drivers can call use of computer-driven equity trading business through them. up maps, make calls and request music with GENEVA: A visitor presses the new Apple’s CarPlay touch-screen commands inside the Volvo Estate con- strategies in 2014 as brokerages cut back “Sparse resources are forcing brokers voice commands or a touch on a vehicle’s cept car displayed at the Swedish carmaker during the press day of the Geneva Motor Show in Geneva, on the services they offer to less prof- to restrict services to only the most prof- dashboard screen. By making smartphones yesterday. Apple announced that autos will roll out this year with CarPlay technology making iPhones itable clients, a study shows. itable clients. But as the brokers become work more seamlessly with automobiles, helpful road-trip companions, complete with Siri tending to messages. Ferrari, Volvo, and Mercedes- Margin pressure among brokers has more selective, liquidity is pooling in both Apple and Google are hoping to Benz will show off the technology this week at a car show in Geneva, but the long list of auto makers forced them to focus on servicing big- ever more exclusive clubs,” the study immerse their services even deeper into peo- incorporating it into models included Honda, BMW, Toyota, and General Motors. — AFP paying clients at the expense of the rest, said, referring to the way in which larger ples’ lives. In doing so, the companies expect many of whom will now look to use so- asset managers trade large-cap stocks to make money by selling advertising, appli- called “low touch”, computer-based using standardised algorithms. cations and upgrades on smartphones that Toshiba develops TransferJet strategies to fill the gap, a study by con- This trend will force more asset man- will become even more indispensable. sultants TABB showed on Tuesday. agers to use technology “whether they compatible 3D ultra-thin coupler Fifty-five percent of the 58 funds sur- are willing participants or not” in an Fingertips veyed by TABB in the second part of its effort to get deals done, and mean they “IPhone users always want their content at TOKYO: Toshiba has developed the world’s small- advanced design capabilities enabled it to secure a their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use annual European equity trading bench- rely less on so-called “high-touch” trad- est wireless communication module and thinnest low module with excellent performance. The new mark study said they planned to increase ing, where a human broker matches buy- their iPhone in the car with minimized dis- traction,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice pres- flexible printed circuit (FPC) coupler compatible thin FPC coupler is fabricated with an innovative spend on algorithmic trading in 2014, led er and seller. “While technological lead- with TransferJet, the close-proximity wireless trans- process that uses molecular bonding technology. by asset managers who pay less than $45 ers will continue to remain at the fore- ident of iPhone and iOS product marketing. Automakers are hoping vehicles that are fer technology. In combination and applied to A potential problem with small, thin modules million each in annual commissions, the front, it will be the shift to technology by mobile devices, such as smartphones, they achieve formed with 3D integration technology is a para- study said. the moderate majority which will deliver compatible with the top-selling smartphones will be easier to sell to consumers who can’t a maximum data transfer rate of 375Mbps. sitic capacitance increase that often degrades per- This could see low-touch execution’s greatest radical change throughout the fathom living without the devices. TransferJet continues to win attention as a low- formance. The frequency response of TransferJetis share of the commission wallet reach 40 industry,” the report said. “Hold on to Cars of recent vintage increasingly feature power, high-speed communication standard, and particularly sensitive to this, as has a wide signal percent for the first time. The first part of your seats, low touch domination is set electronics designed to cater to drivers’ high- is expected to find wide acceptance because of its bandwidth, 560MHz. Toshiba identified potential the report, dated Feb. 4, showed how the to take off.” — Reuters tech desires, but those systems still haven’t uniquely simple approach to connectivity. Since problems with parasitic capacitance, and solved attracted a widespread following. That has the already high data volumes handled by individ- them with the design of the module structure and led more automakers to conclude that it uals are expected increase explosively in the near tuning transmission signals’ waveforms inside the makes sense to work directly with technolo- future, TransferJet is a highly promising solution for LSI. TV decoder maker Pace gy companies such as Apple and Google to high-speed communications between electronic The new FPC coupler is fabricated with molecu- turn their cars into smartphone extensions. devices in close proximity. This will fuel demand for lar bonding technology, which secures enough forecasts 2014 revenue CarPlay requires Apple’s latest mobile soft- TransferJet, modules and couplers that can be easi- adhesion of FPC by covalent bond of a thin molec- ware, iOS 7, and an iPhone 5, 5C or 5S. Ferrari ly implemented in consumer products. ular layer. The coupler is electrically evaluated with is previewing CarPlay on its four-wheel-drive LONDON: British TV decoder maker Pace Faster pace FF model. Volvo plans to feature the iPhone Toshiba’s small module, only 4.8mm x 4.8mm x the module and excellent transmission RF signals Plc posted a 22.5 percent rise in full-year Pace said adjusted earnings before system in its redesigned Volvo XC90 sports 1.0mm, and ultra-thin FPC coupler, only 0.12mm have been observed. It has quarter thickness of core earnings, driven by soaring demand interest, tax, and amortisation (EBITA) utility vehicle. Mercedes-Benz isn’t disclosing thick, achieve a maximum physical layer transmis- conventional couplers. for its next-generation media servers in rose to $193.6 million for the year which models will get CarPlay, but expects sion rate of 522Mbps (effective data transfer rate of This module and coupler are ideal for small, thin North America, and the company fore- ended Dec. 31 from $158.1 million, a both its S-Class large sedan and C-Class mid- 375Mbps). Module miniaturization was realized by mobile devices, and Toshiba expects them to be cast 2014 revenue above analysts’ esti- year earlier. size sedan should be compatible with the employing 3D integration technology to embed a widely adopted. The module is now ready for sam- mates. Revenue increased 2.7 percent to system. TransferJet-compatible LSI in the module sub- ple production and the coupler will be ready for Shares in Pace rose as much as 11 per- $2.47 billion. Revenue in North A long list of other automakers, including strate. Such embedding usually requires a higher sample production this month. — AFP cent yesterday, making the stock one of America, which accounts for more General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and module to maintain performance, but Toshiba’s the top percentage gainers on FTSE-250 than 60 percent of the company’s total Honda, also are drawing up plans for CarPlay, Midcap index. revenue, rose 16.9 percent. according to Apple. Pace, whose customers include Pace said in January that it expect- So far, GM, Honda, Hyundai and Audi have Comcast Corp, AT&T Inc and DirecTV, said ed adjusted EBITA to rise to at least signed up for Google’s “Open Automotive it expected revenue of about $2.70 bil- $190 million, on revenue of $2.46 bil- Alliance” for Android. GM and Honda lion this year, with an operating margin lion. declined to comment on their CarPlay plans. of around 8.5 percent. The Yorkshire, Northern England- Ford said it will deploy CarPlay as one of several options for making its cars work more Analysts on average were expecting based company had raised its full-year smoothly with smartphones. The automaker 2014 revenue of $2.60 billion, according forecast in July after first-half profit already features a voice-control system called to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Pace has more than tripled. “Sync” made by Microsoft Corp. in some of its seen a significant rise in earnings over Operating margin rose 1.2 percent- cars. Ford also offers its own touch-screen the past 18 months as more consumers age points to 7.8 percent. Barclays technology in its vehicles. The different choic- in North America look to share content raised its rating on Pace’s stock last es are designed to ensure “you don’t have to between multiple devices. month, saying it expected the compa- make a $30,000 decision about what car Media servers connect TV and inter- ny’s margins to grow more than 10 you’re going to buy based on your $200 net broadband content with any screen percent, helped by the acquisition of smartphone,” said Raj Nair, Ford’s global prod- at customers’ homes, including smart- US-based network gear maker Aurora uct development chief. phones, laptops, set-top boxes and Networks Inc in October. Meanwhile, Apple’s longtime Chief tablets. Pace bought Aurora for $310 mil- Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer will “Because of this pressure of trying to lion in a bid to diversify the products retire in September and he’ll be replaced by gather more consumers, everyone it provides to cable customers. the company’s corporate controller. (Pace’s customers) is moving very very “Acquisitions won’t stop there - we The announcement yesterday comes one quickly around technology, and I don’t expect them to do more of the same day after Goldman Sachs named see this slowing down for the next cou- on a near annual basis,” Jefferies ana- Oppenheimer as one of its 13 board mem- bers. Oppenheimer, who has been CFO for ple of years,” Chief Executive Mike Pulli lyst Lee Simpson wrote in a note. the past decade, will begin transferring told Reuters. Pace said it could look at regions responsibilities to Luca Maestri in June. The global market for set-top boxes such as eastern Europe, India, the Apple CEO Tim Cook says the company totalled $4.6 billion in the fourth quarter Middle East and Africa for expansion. knew Maestri would ultimately succeed of 2012, market research firm Infonetics The company raised its final dividend Oppenheimer when it recruited him as cor- Research said in a report in April. This by 20 percent to 3.66 cents per share, porate controller a year ago. Maestri has market is expected to grow to $26 billion taking full-year dividend to 5.49 cents. more than 25 years of experience in senior by 2017. Pace’s shares, which had risen 77 financial management. Pace replaced Cisco Systems Inc as the percent in the year to Monday’s close, He has served as CFO at both Nokia leader of the global set-top box market touched a high of 446.9 pence yester- Siemens Networks and Xerox. Oppenheimer ST PETERSBURG: A file picture taken in Russia’s second city of St. Petersburg on November 1, 2013, shows a view of a building where the social network VKontakte (In Touch) rents an office space. Pavel by revenue in the second quarter of day. The stock was up 8.3 percent at joined Apple in 1996 as controller for the Durov, who launched VK (originally called VKontakte) in 2006, created last year Telegram, a new mes- 2013, Infonetics said in another report 437 pence at 1234 GMT on the London Americas. Apple Inc. is based in Cupertino, California. — AP saging app that offers speed, security and features such as secret chats with end-to-end encryption last October. Stock Exchange. — Reuters and self-destructing messages. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

FASTtelco partners in national project for detection of breast cancer KUWAIT: FASTtelco the leading corporate citizens. and helping the project to success by its in the sector of providing high speed “In addition to our technical and services and advanced technologies. internet and data transfer services informative role in executing the national Regarding the importance of such announced its participation in the early project of early detection of breast cancer events, Al-Salmi said that the specialized breast cancer detection national project which was launched by the Health min- workshops in digital scanning and diag- which was launched on February 20 by Ali istry, we in FASTtelco understand and nosis of breast cancer and awareness ris- Al-Obaidi, the Minister of Health in Bait appreciate the health and human meas- ing of the risks of cancer are playing a Othman museum in the presence of Dr ures of this project and its importance in huge role in decreasing the possibility of Khaled Al-Sahlawi, the Undersecretary of keeping Kuwaiti women healthy and getting breast cancer in one hand. Also Health. detect the symptoms of cancer and treat- they are raising the awareness so the Hamad Al-Salmi, Public Relations ing it”, Al-Salmi added. Kuwaiti lady citizens will be more aware Manager in FASTtelco said that the com- Al-Salmi said: “It is important for and they will do routine checkups and pany’s role in this national project is pre- FASTtelco to be a partner in such project consult with doctors regularly, since early sented in connecting and transferring the which is launched and supported by the diagnosis is one of the most effective data between the five different centers in Ministry of Health with the goal of raising ways in fighting breast cancer. Kuwait’s governorates and the main cen- the awareness and educating the public The national project for the early ter in Faisal bin Issa which is specialized in of the dangers of having breast cancer.” detection of breast cancer is getting a X ray and Radiotherapy treatment. By Al-Salmi emphasized that the company very positive feedback from females in using the latest, international innovative will share all of its expertise in executing Kuwait that are showing how much they technologies in data transfer which is any initiative that could serve health of care about a healthy lifestyle, with no adapted in this sector. Which will signifi- individuals, the community, and that deceases, although the project will cantly ease the health information and could raise the quality of the healthcare include residents in its next phase. test results collecting, connecting, and products and services. FASTtelco urged all females to partici- transferring between the centers and will During the project launch reception, pate in the project and go to the nearest positively reflect on the path of the cam- FASTtelco was thanked and appreciated center in each province to do the required paign which has a goal of 147,000 female for its role and participation in executing tests and to make sure they are healthy. Anger outbursts linked to swift heart attacks 5 episodes of anger a day would result in heart attacks

PARIS: People who have outbursts of anger are son without many risk factors for cardiovascular emerged from all of them, the authors said. at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke disease, who has only one episode of anger per Previous attempts to clarify the question were in the two hours immediately after the episode, month, has a very small additional risk, but a based on small sample sizes where few patients European researchers said yesterday. person with multiple risk factors or a history of reported having outbursts of anger, they said. As The study-a big review of published papers-is heart attack or stroke, and who is frequently a result, the picture was fuzzy or lacked credibili- the first to give powerful statistical backing to angry, has a much higher absolute excess risk ty. The paper was not designed to explore why suspicions that strong emotions can drive car- accumulated over time.” anger is so clearly linked to heart attack. The diac risk, although the underlying biological authors point to previous research which found causes remain unclear. Risk rises that psychological stress increases heart rate In the two hours immediately after an angry The researchers calculated that one extra and blood pressure. Changes in blood flow can outburst, an individual’s risk of myocardial heart attack per 10,000 people per year can be cause blood clots and may stimulate an inflam- infarction or acute coronary syndrome rose expected among people with low cardiovascular matory response from the immune system. nearly five-fold, to 4.7 percent, compared to risk who are angry only once a month. Further research is needed to pinpoint this times when the person was calm, the study This rises to an extra four per 10,000 people mechanism and to finetune options for doctors found. with a high cardiovascular risk. Among people mulling whether the best treatment should be The risk of stroke tripled, to 3.6 percent, it also who were frequently angry, five episodes of drugs to lower cholesterol or blood pressure or found. There were also higher risks for arrythmia, anger a day would result in some 158 extra heart psychological help or physical exercise to curb KABUL: This picture taken on February 23, 2014, shows a patient (L) being searched or an erratic beating of the heart. The risks rose attacks per 10,000 people with a low cardiovas- dangerous anger episodes-or perhaps a combi- by a security guard after he had a visit from relatives at the Jangalak hospital in proportionately if the person had a history of cular risk per year. nation. Kabul. The Jangalak hospital is a government runned hospital with a capacity of 300 cardiovascular problems or was frequently The tally would increase to around 657 extra In an independent commentary, US special- beds, that receives drug users for a 45 days treatment period, to cure their addiction angry. “Although the risk of experiencing an heart attacks per 10,000 among those with a ists Suzanne Arnold and John Spertus from the on different types of drugs, mostly heroin. — AFP acute cardiovascular event with any single out- high cardiovascular risk. University of Missouri and Brahmajee burst of anger is relatively low, the risk can accu- The paper, published in the European Heart Nallamothu of the University of Michigan said mulate for people with frequent episodes of Journal, looked at nine previously published the findings called for an all-round approach. Chance of new life at Kabul anger,” said Elizabeth Mostofsky at the Harvard studies covering wide groups of people whose “Treating anger in isolation is unlikely to be School of Public Health in Massachusetts. anger profile was known. The data trawl found impactful,” they wrote in the journal. “Instead, a clinic for drug addicts “This is particularly important for people who more than 5,000 cases of heart attack and at broader and more comprehensive approach to have higher risk due to other underlying risk fac- least 800 of stroke. treating acute and chronic mental stress, and its KABUL: It is a spartan life of dormitory The latest UN survey has found that opi- tors or those who have already had a heart The methodology used in these published associated psychological stressors, is likely to be beds, communal eating and prayer, but the um poppy cultivation rocketed to record attack, stroke or diabetes. “For example, a per- papers varied, but an unmistakeable association needed to heal a hostile heart.” —AFP Jangalak treatment centre in Kabul offers a levels last year with a 36 percent increase rare glimmer of hope for heroin addicts compared to 2012. caught in Afghanistan’s spiralling drug Addiction levels have also risen sharply- problem. from almost nothing under the 1996-2001 Haze shrouds Malaysian About 250 male addicts at a time under- Taliban regime, to more than one million go a 45-day course at the government cen- heroin addicts today, according to UN fig- tre, with 70 percent of all patients success- ures. Patients at Jangalak often arrive filthy, fully staying off heroin after they leave. unkempt and mentally distressed. They are capital amid drought Earlier this year, the UN drug and crime washed, shaved and issued with new agency chief Yury Fedotov described the clothes before their treatment begins. rapid rise of drug addiction in Afghanistan Doctors supervise medication as the KUALA LUMPUR: Haze shrouded Malaysia’s capital and its as a “national tragedy” in a country that is addicts detoxify. The daily routine includes surroundings yesterday, causing “unhealthy” air quality due the world’s largest producer of opium, the psychological support, regular exercise, to fires from a drought that has led to water rationing. raw form of heroin. games and prayer sessions. While dry spells are common in the tropical nation, the cur- Efforts to cut opium production have Staff say the bonds that develop rent two-month heatwave has been unusually long, spark- failed completely in the 13 years since US- between recovering addicts are crucial to ing bushfires and water supply cuts to more than two mil- led forces arrived in Afghanistan, with their chances of rebuilding their lives. AFP lion people as reservoirs threaten to run dry. Taliban insurgents often benefiting from photographer Nicolas Asfouri followed The air pollution index rose as high as 150 yesterday in the lucrative trade. some course members attending the clinic. seven areas-mostly in Kuala Lumpur and the central state of Selangor, the country’s economic hub which surrounds the capital. A reading of 100 to 200 means air quality is “unhealthy”. Friends common source Visibility was lower than one kilometre in central Malaysia early yesterday, where the iconic Petronas Twin Towers were shrouded in smog that forced city residents to wear of abused meds: Study face masks. “The moderate haze the country is experiencing is due CHICAGO: Most people who abuse deaths involving these drugs more than to internal sources resulting from land and forest fires in a addictive prescription painkillers get tripled from 1999 to 2010, with more few states,” the department of environment said in a state- them for free from friends or relatives, than 16,000 deaths that year. By contrast, ment. while drug dealers are a relatively overdose deaths that involved heroin Haze in the past has originated in neighbouring uncommon source for those at highest and cocaine totaled less than 8,000, and Indonesia, where one province declared a state of emer- risk for deadly overdoses, a US govern- deaths that involved often-abused pre- gency last week after being blanketed in thick haze from ment study found. scription drugs that include anti-anxiety forest fires. People who abuse the most frequent- medication totaled about 6,500. Last year Malaysia and neighbouring Singapore choked KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian man wears a face-mask while travelling in a train as ly often doctor-shop; more than 1 in 4 on the worst haze in more than a decade caused by fires in haze shrouds Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Haze shrouded Malaysia’s capital and its sur- who used these drugs almost daily said Prescription Indonesia, mainly on Sumatra island due to the slash and roundings yesterday, causing “unhealthy” air quality due to fires from a drought that they had been prescribed by one or A separate study in the same journal burn method of land clearance for cultivation. — AFP has led to water rationing. — AFP more physicians. Almost as many said presents Tennessee - among states hard- they got them for free from friends or rel- est hit by prescription drug abuse - as a atives; only 15 percent of the most fre- snapshot of the problem. From 2007 Escargot could follow the dodo, scientists warn quent abusers said they bought the through 2011, one-third of Tennessee’s drugs from dealers or other strangers. population filled an opioid prescription PARIS: Snails, one of France’s signature species in the world as it has a relent- Tuesday, a team of French experts said where the temperature is moderate. Those abusers “are probably using at each year, the study found. Nearly 8 per- dishes, could be off the menu if the less appetite for native snails and earth- DNA tests had confirmed their worst Tests have shown the worm can much greater volumes and simply asking cent had used more than four prescribers country fails to stem an invasion by a worms in places where it has been fears: Platydemus manokwari has survive temperatures down to 10 a friend for a pill now and then is not and these abusers were more than six slimy worm from Southeast Asia, scien- introduced. Workers at a botanical gar- arrived in Europe. “This species is degrees Celsius (50 degrees going to be sufficient,” said Dr. Leonard times more likely to have fatal overdoses tists warned yesterday. dens in Caen, Normandy, called in sci- extraordinarily invasive,” said Jean-Lou Fahrenheit), which gives it a good Paulozzi, a researcher at the federal than the least frequent users. The warning is being sounded over entific help after they spotted a Justine of the National Museum of chance of surviving in temperate, snail- Centers for Disease Control and The larger nationwide study included a voracious species called the New strange, dark, flat-as-a-pancake worm Natural History. “I really hope it can be friendly parts of Europe. Prevention. data from annual government health Guinea flatworm. It is already on a list among their greenhouse plants. stopped at the earliest stages.” He “Platydemus manokwari represents According to the study, two-thirds of surveys for 2008-2011 that included of the 100 most dangerous invasive Reporting in the journal PeerJ on added: “All snails in Europe could be a new and significant threat to biodi- abusers said they used the drugs infre- questions about use of these powerful wiped out. It may seem ironic, but it’s versity in France and Europe, which quently and well over half of these users painkillers. “Nonmedical use was defined worth pointing out the effect that this hosts hundreds of species of snails, said they got them free from friends or as use without a prescription or use with will have on French cooking.” some of which are endangered and relatives. a prescription for the feeling or experi- P. manokwari measures about five protected,” said PeerJ, a publisher of Paulozzi and CDC colleagues analyzed ence caused by the drug,” the researchers centimetres (two inches) long by five peer-reviewed studies. four years of nationwide health surveys said. millimetres (a fifth of an inch) wide. “It is therefore important to consid- The back is black olive in colour, with a er the implementation of eradication on nonmedical use of pain relievers Paulozzi said the data don’t indicate whether friends and relatives who pale white belly where its mouth is and control of this flatworm.” P. manok- including oxycodone and hydrocodone. located. The head is elongated, with wari has a distant cousin, the New offered free drugs shared their own pre- These include the brand-name pills two prominent black eyes. Zealand flatworm (Arthurdendyus tri- OxyContin and Vicodin, in a family of scriptions or had obtained the medica- It has been introduced, sometimes angulatus), which has triggered an drugs called opioids - chemically similar tion in some other way. deliberately, in more than 15 countries invasive-species scare in western to opium. Public health messages have urged and territories in the Pacific. Biologists Europe. It has invaded the whole The study was published online patients with legitimate prescriptions for are alarmed by its appetite for snail. northern British Isles, and is blamed for Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine. addictive painkillers not to share the The worm can even pursue gastropods big reductions in earthworms which Paulozzi said overall prevalence of non- drugs and to turn in any leftovers to des- up tree trunks-and when supplies of play an essential part in aerating and medical use of prescription opioid ignated drop-off sites. snails run out, it can tuck into other soil fertilising the soil. Other European painkillers has held steady in recent The new data suggest a need to CAEN: A handout photo released by the Museum national d’Histoire species, including earthworms. The countries have set in place monitoring years, at about 12 million, or 1 in 20 peo- strengthen messages to doctors to be on naturelle yesterday shows part of an invasive New Guinea flatworm worm’s ancestral habitat is the moun- measures in a bid to prevent it being ple aged 12 and older. the watch for signs of prescription mis- “Platydemus manokwari” (C, white), a specimen collected in a green- tains of New Guinea, at altitudes of imported through plants and agricul- But previous CDC data show overdose use, Paulozzi said. —AP house in Caen, north-eastern France, as it eats a snail. — AFP 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) and above, tural products. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 , 2014

British Council, HSBC teaches children the value of money

ritish Council and HSBC have con- “Educating children on money manage- various activities to highlight the value of jects, in this case the value of money, which leaves’ - bringing together their suggestions ducted a joint session to teach chil- ment improves their knowledge of using money. The family day included two popu- are important for both their own personal for how money could be spent to help the Bdren about the value of money. money appropriately and emphasizes the lar children’s stories, ‘The Great Pet Sale’ by development and for society than through world’s poor. Managing your money was the theme of importance of saving. The community event Mick Inkpen and ‘Master Money the a partnership between the British Council, In the three years it’s been running, the the ‘Kids Read’ community event organized around the theme of the ‘Value of Money’ Millionaire’ by Allan Ahlberg & Andre the world’s experts in English, and HSBC British Council’s award-winning ‘Kids Read’ by HSBC and British Council on Saturday 1 has been designed to ensure we help devel- Amstutz. Both stories encouraged the chil- one of the leading financial institutions? The programme has reached 35,000 children March, 2014 at British Council Kuwait, op such understanding in our children. The dren to think about issues surrounding Kids Read programme has been in Kuwait directly and indirectly across the MENA Mansouriya. story books not only reflect the theme but money, including choosing how to spend it, for the past two years and has involved over region and in Pakistan and it continues to In line with Kuwait celebrating National also allow our volunteers to take part in and whether it can really buy happiness. 6000 children. “ grow in popularity. Each event uses books and Liberation Days, British Council and spreading this important message’ said Andrew Glass, Director British Council In addition to the stories, the event to encourage children to think about impor- HSBC are pleased to mark the event by Simon Vaughan Johnson, CEO of HSBC in Kuwait, said: “What better way to foster a included some fun hands-on activities. The tant social issues. adding fun and educational activities for Kuwait. love of reading at an early age and to help children designed their own bank notes, as children and their parents. Children and their parents took part in young people learn about important sub- well as creating a money tree with ‘idea ‘Kalikkalam’ formation 2014 Congratulations hrissur Association of Kuwait (TRASSK) which will be opened at the earliest for our Abbassiya Area A and B joined to form children to expand their knowledge and read- T‘Kalikkalam’ committee for 2014. The ing habits. Akshaya Sunil Dutt read the committee was formed on February 25, detailed Area report of 2013. The old commit- 2014,in the presence of Trassk President T tee was dismissed and a new committee were Venugopal, Vice President and Kalikkalam formed for the year 2014 coordinator Prabish, Suresh, Manikuttan Vaishanavi Mahesh (Joint Secretaries), Vanitha Coordinator Shiny (Convener)Sreelakshmi(Abbassiya Area Frank, Joint Secretary Rema Vijayan, Secretary) Kalikkalam Abbassiya Area convener Kumar Marshal BijuKadavi(joint Convener) Eric Meenakshi Sreekumar, Secretary Akshaya David, Hanna Tresa Wilson, Ayesha Sunil Dutt, Abbassiya Area A Convener Shahul Fatimam,HridyaBabu (Executive Members) Hammed Chettuva, Abbassiya Area B Joint MeenakshiSreekumar , Akshaya Sunil Dutt Convener Raveendran, Abbassiya Area A (Central Committee members). Vanitha Coordinator Maya Sreekumar and Felicitation Speech was given by Vice Area B Coordinator Shoba Rajan. Kumari President Prabish, Area Convener Shahul and Meenakshi Sreekumar welcomed the Trassk Raveendran, Vanitha Coordinator Shiny Frank members and kalikkalam children Trassk and Joint Secretary Rema Vijayan. President T Venugopal addressed the public GreeshaShenny gave a vote of thanks to all and gave a good advice and support for the the Kalikkalam children and Trassk members. children. He also mentioned about the Library

Congratulations to Maryam and Mohammed Sherif for scoring good marks in their exams. Best wishes come from your parents, relatives and all your friends.

Announcements NBTC Winter Carnival 2014 estivity at NBTC was paramount on The unique event among the corporate Stedisson and group and very own chil- General Manager. Sports meet winners Embassy Of India February 25 afternoon when Sunil houses turned out to be an evening of dren of NBTC, Jai Ho Group. Anoop were presented with the trophies and he Embassy will remain closed on the follow- FJain, Ambassador of India released merriment, fun, games, music, dances Shankar, one of the most promising medals. Alex Joseph welcomed the ing date in the month of March 2014. Holi, 17 balloons to the skies marking the open- that entertained everyone. Indian playback singers of the modern gathering and Reshma George coordi- TMarch, 2014 Monday. ing of NBTC Winter Carnival ‘14. While the crowds were busy with sat- era, mesmerized the audience with his nated the function. Mind blowing events The celebration organized at the isfying their taste buds, and the sun set- melodious musical performances in the made the evening short - mouth water- Hala Baisakhi office premises on Tuesday was one of ting at the western end, everyone was company of local talents, Rafi, Neelima ing delicacies left no gap in everyone’s ndian Cultural Society Kuwait presents “Hala the landmark events of NBTC and dis- brought to their feet with the flash mob and Sumi. tummy - Smile on the parting crowd Baisakhi Celebration” a show that will bring played culinary skills of employees, staff presented by the NBTC new gen. The Earlier the event was inaugurated by heightened the joy with gratitude and Ithree dimensional entertainments on Friday and families. The food stalls displayed cultural bonanza continued with the Sunil Jain, Ambassador of India to Kuwait signaled their hope for the next event. 28th March at 4pm at AIS auditorium. With support diverse and varied but yet distinguished dance performances by the budding film in the presence of K G Abraham, from Sardar Swaran Singh Ji group, ICS brings a by rich dishes from different countries. actress and noted dancer Mahalakshmi, Managing Director and Ahmed Ismail, family comedy show featuring Aanjan Srivastav, Himani Shivpuri, Vibha Anand, Sachin & Piyush along with Live Concert by Charming playback singer Shibani Kashyap accompanied by Kuwait”s own talent for Baisakhi Gidda, Bhangra & folk.

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Write to us Send to What’s On YMCA Kuwait conducts picnic upcoming events, birthdays or MCA Kuwait organized a family picnic at Fintas activities were conducted for the members under the tension. All the winners were awarded prizes. A grand celebrations by email: Garden. Picnic was inaugurated by Babu Johnson leadership of Varghese Cherian, James Varghese, lunch was also arranged for all the participants. Picnic [email protected] Y(President). Parimanam Manoj (General Secretary) Satheesh John & Koshy Alexander. ended with vote of thanks by Ajosh Mathew (Treasurer). Fax: 24835619 / 20 welcomed all the members to the picnic. Sports & It was a great opportunity for all members to mingle games, different types of competition and various other with each other and a great relief from job stress and WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 , 2014

Adel Al Amir with employees and their families Hudhud holds open day at Remal International Festival

udhud, one of Kuwait’s leading advertising and Hmarketing firms, held its annual open day for employees and family at the world’s largest sand sculpture festival, Remal International Festival on February 28, 2014. The Open Day aimed to sup- port familial relations amongst Hudhud employees and provide a unique family getaway from the day-to-day activities. Attendees were served with a first-class buffet in a sectioned- off area surrounded by dazzling sand sculptures. Managing Director of Hudhud, Adel Al-Amir, affirmed that its employees are the foun- dation of the company’s success Nader Bayer - Omar Bayer - Adel Al Amir - Raymonda Mettry Night scene at Remal International Festival as one of the field’s top market- ing firms. He went on to high- light management’s apprecia- tion for the company’s creative and ambitious culture which has enabled it to offer valuable serv- ices to the market for nearly 25 years. Hudhud offers full-service marketing solutions for medi- um-to-large sized businesses using a tested approach charac- terized by rich marketing knowl- edge, innovative thinking and a high-sense of responsibility towards clients. It enjoys a dis- tinguished track record with many of Kuwait’s leading brands in the automotive, retail, bank- ing & finance, dining and FMCG sectors. Festival performers Ahmad Kasba - Ashraf Rizk - Virginia Ashraf - Raymonda Mettry National Day celebrations at The Sunshine Kindergarten

South African elections

he SA Embassy in Kuwait would like to inform all SAC’s that the SA General Elections 2014 verything and everybody olds showed everyone that they Twill take place at the SA Embassy, Villa No 3, turned red, green, white and knew how to celebrate in style. House No 91, Street 1, Block 10, Salwa, on Eblack last week, as children During the day the children sat Wednesday, 30 April 2014 from 07h00 to 19h00 from The Sunshine Kindergarten down for some traditional Arabic (and not on 7 May being voting day in SA). (TSK) in Salwa celebrated Kuwait fare, sent in by their mums and dads, RSA citizens who are registered to vote and who National Day dressed in Kuwaiti and then went on to the school intend to cast their ballots in Kuwait must notify IEC national dress or the colours of the Atriums, which were decorated in on-line of their intention to vote in Kuwait. Kuwaiti flag. As the celebrations Kuwaiti flags and colours, to dance This must be done by completing an on-line VEC began, parents and teachers stood to the sounds of ouds, tanbarahs 10 template, which is available on for the Kuwait National Anthem, and habbans! A great day was had www.elections.org.za. The completion of the on- played by the BSK Junior Band and by all. line VEC 10 templates must be done by midnight on led by their music teacher, Gary All TSK Teaching Team members 12 March 2014. Embassy staff cannot accept com- Rushton. Then the TSK children start- and TSK students joined in the fun, pleted notification forms on behalf of the CEO nor ed their parade, accompanied by regardless of their nationalities. For accept responsibility for the delivery of completed Kuwaiti music, hand clapping, that special day, everyone enjoyed whistling and plenty of cheers from being Kuwaiti! VEC 10 forms to the CEO. their parents and friends. Miss Joanne, the TSK Principal, It is important to note that on voting day, SAC’s The parade was held around a and the whole TSK Teaching Team must have their original Green Bar-coded Identity giant home-made Kuwaiti flag in the say Mabrouk Kuwait! Document / valid SA Temporary Identity Certificate TSK car park. The children walked What a fantastic way to start a / Smartcard ID, as well as a valid SA Passport. If a and danced their way around the holiday. person does not have these documents, then they enormous flag to the echoes of tra- If you are interested in learning will not be allowed to vote. ditional Kuwaiti music. Parents were more about The Sunshine For further information about elections and treated to Kuwaiti tea and coffee as Kindergarten we are available on about the IEC in general, please visit www.elec- the temperatures soared and still www.tsk.edu.kw, Facebook, Twitter tions.org.za the fun continued, as the 2 to 4 year or Instagram. TV PROGRAMS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

06:00 Sons Of Guns 08:20 That’s So Raven 07:00 You Have Been Warned 08:45 Jessie 07:50 Flying Wild Alaska 09:05 Good Luck Charlie 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 09:30 Shake It Up Why Elijah Wood is 00:20 Doctors 09:30 Border Security 09:55 Austin & Ally 00:50 New Tricks 09:55 Auction Kings 10:15 A.N.T. Farm 01:40 My Family 10:20 Dallas Car Sharks 10:40 Dog With A Blog feeling optimistic 02:10 Walk On The Wild Side 10:45 How Do They Do It? 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 02:40 Being Erica 11:10 How It’s Made 11:25 Jessie about the film biz? 03:25 Spooks 11:35 Gold Rush 11:50 That’s So Raven 12:25 Alaska Gold Diggers 04:15 The Weakest Link 12:15 Hannah Montana onsidering his intercontinental travel itinerary 05:00 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 13:15 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 12:35 Hannah Montana 05:20 Balamory 14:05 Border Security and late night work schedule over the past 13:00 Good Luck Charlie month, it’s actually a wonder that Elijah Wood 05:40 Nina And The Neurons 14:30 Auction Kings 13:25 Austin & Ally C 05:50 Bobinogs 14:55 Dallas Car Sharks 13:45 A.N.T. Farm only had a cold the other day. He was in New York City 06:00 The Large Family 15:20 North America 14:10 Jessie to promote his new thriller, “Grand Piano,” alert 06:15 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 14:35 Dog With A Blog between sneezes, despite what you have to figure was 06:30 Balamory 17:00 Ultimate Survival 15:00 Good Luck Charlie a pretty intense jet lag from trips to Utah (to premiere 06:50 Nina And The Neurons 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 15:25 Gravity Falls three films at Sundance) and then all over Europe for 07:05 Bobinogs 18:40 You Have Been War 15:50 Austin & Ally his first tour as a DJ. Yes, Elijah Wood, a mainstay of 07:15 The Large Family 20:20 How Do They Do It? 16:10 Violetta  20:45 How It’s Made American cinema since the late ‘80 s and an icon to 07:25 The Weakest Link 17:00 Dog With A Blog geeks around the world, is also a professional DJ. The 08:10 My Family 21:10 Auction Kings 17:20 Austin & Ally 08:40 Little Britain 21:35 Dallas Car Sharks mini-tour, as he called it, sent him from Wales to Berlin, 17:40 Gravity Falls Istanbul, Copenhagen and then London, where he 09:10 Eastenders 22:00 Manhunt 18:10 Jessie 09:40 Doctors 22:50 Survive That! entertained club crowds with an eclectic mix of music, 18:30 Good Luck Charlie  10:10 Call The Midwife 23:40 Yukon Menned 18:55 A.N.T. Farm including “a bunch of 70 s New York disco records, 11:00 New Tricks 19:30 Sons Of Guns 19:20 Violetta African 12 reissues and some like, boogie stuff and 11:55 The Weakest Link 20:05 Jessie then some actual 45s.” 12:40 My Family 20:30 Good Luck Charlie “The Lord of the Rings” star, who a few years ago 13:10 Little Britain 20:50 Dog With A Blog called the state of film dismal, is feeling more optimistic 13:40 Eastenders 21:15 Gravity Falls about it these days, thanks in part to new distribution 14:10 Doctors 21:40 Shake It Up options for indies like “Grand Piano” and “Cooties,” the 14:35 Call The Midwife 22:00 Austin & Ally 00:40 Weird Or What? latter which he produced with his horror label, 15:30 New Tricks 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 01:30 Weird Connections SpectreVision. While studios concentrate on comic 16:25 The Weakest Link 22:50 Good Luck Charlie 02:00 Food Factory 17:10 Eastenders 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place book movies, sequels and franchises, the remainder of 02:25 Tech Toys 360 17:40 Doctors 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place movies are “basically $5 million and below,” which 18:10 Being Erica 02:50 Man-Made Marvels China Woods finds frustrating. 19:00 Last Of The Summer Wine 03:45 Nyc: Inside Out “But I also think it’s kind of an exciting time for inde- 19:30 The Vicar Of Dibley 04:35 Da Vinci’s Machines pendent cinema,” he told TheWrap. “People are able to 05:25 Through The Wormhole With 20:00 Call The Midwife stretch dollars to make extraordinary things for less 20:50 Mistresses Morgan Freeman 06:15 Food Factory 00:00 Chelsea Lately than a million. I feel like the distribution model is so 21:40 The Omid Djalili Show open, there’s no one particular model now, so people 22:10 Stella 06:40 Tech Toys 360 00:30 The Dance Scene 07:05 Engineered 01:25 Style Star are trying all kinds of different ways to get movies 08:00 Building The Future 01:50 Style Star released.” “Grand Piano,” for instance, was first released 08:50 Eco-Tech 02:20 THS on video on demand, and will move into a limited 09:40 The Gadget Show 03:15 Extreme Close-Up number of theaters March 7. The actor, who met direc- 10:05 Tech Toys 360 03:40 Extreme Close-Up tor Eugenio Mira at Austin’s Fantastic Fest, made the 00:00 The Planners 10:30 Test Case 04:10 E!ES movie in Spain. In it, he plays a world-class concert 00:50 Extreme Makeover: Home 10:55 Bigger, Better, Faster, 05:05 THS pianist who is spooked out of performing by making a Edition Stronger 06:00 THS 01:35 Come Dine With Me 11:25 Engineered 07:50 Style Star major mistake while playing an exceedingly difficult 02:25 MasterChef 12:20 Da Vinci’s Machines 08:20 E! News piece, and haunted by then error for years. 03:20 Cash In The Attic 13:10 Through The Wormhole With 09:15 Opening Act When his actress wife ropes him into making a high- 04:05 Fantasy Homes By The Sea Morgan Freeman 10:15 Married To Jonas ly publicized comeback attempt, he runs into the wait- 04:50 Extreme Makeover: Home 14:00 Nyc: Inside Out 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays ing scope of a sniper (John Cusack) who tells him that Edition 14:50 Weird Connections 11:10 The Wanted Life he’ll blow his head off if he plays even one wrong note. 05:35 Bargain Hunt 15:20 Food Factory 11:35 The Wanted Life HELLBOY ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION The assassin’s motivated by more than sheer love of 06:25 Come Dine With Me 15:45 Tech Toys 360 12:05 E! News perfect performance, of course, but his goal is left a 07:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 16:10 Man-Made Marvels China 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 14:00 House At The End Of The mystery for much of the film. It was a technically chal- 08:00 Cash In The Attic 17:00 Through The Wormhole With 13:35 E!ES Street-PG15 lenging shoot, because much of the movie focuses on 08:45 The Planners Morgan Freeman 14:30 Style Star 16:00 4 Wedding Planners-PG15 09:35 Bargain Hunt 17:55 Da Vinci’s Machines 15:00 Keeping Up With The 18:00 Steel Magnolias-PG15 Wood playing piano, alone in front of a distant audi- 00:00 The Goodwin Games 00:00 Grassroots-PG15 ence, reacting to the voice of the menacing Cusack 10:20 Celebrity MasterChef 18:45 Engineered Kardashians 00:30 The Daily Show Global 02:00 Not Suitable For Children- 20:00 Trouble With The Curve-PG15 10:50 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 19:35 Test Case 16:00 Keeping Up With The Edition PG15 22:00 The Awakening-18 piped into his ear. 11:15 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 20:00 Bigger, Better, Faster, Kardashians 01:00 The Colbert Report Global 04:00 Mad Buddies-PG15 Notebook: London Stronger 17:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On Edition 06:00 Scrooged-PG15 11:40 Come Dine With Me 20:30 Unchained Reaction 17:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On 01:30 Hello Ladies 08:00 Rookie Of The Year-PG 12:30 Gok’s Fashion Fix 21:20 Punkin Chunkin 2010 18:00 The Drama Queen 02:00 Eastbound & Down 10:00 Chasing Liberty-PG15 01:00 Top 14 13:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 22:10 Food Factory 19:00 E! Entertainment Special 02:30 Enlightened 12:00 Mad Buddies-PG15 03:00 Super Rugby 14:05 Antiques Roadshow 22:35 Tech Toys 360 20:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 03:00 1600 Penn 14:00 The Sisterhood Of The 05:00 Super Rugby 15:00 Extreme Makeover: Home 23:00 Unchained Reaction 20:30 Giuliana & Bill 03:30 1600 Penn Traveling Pants-PG15 07:00 Premier League Darts Edition 23:50 Punkin Chunkin 2010 22:30 Fashion Police 04:00 Seinfeld 16:00 Chasing Liberty-PG15 10:30 ICC Cricket 360 16:25 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 23:30 Chelsea Lately 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 18:00 Bowfinger-PG15 Notebook: London 11:00 Super Rugby Jimmy Fallon 20:00 Grabbers-PG15 13:00 Super Rugby 16:50 Bargain Hunt 05:30 Seinfeld 22:00 Grassroots-PG15 17:35 Cash In The Attic 15:00 PGA Tour Highlights 06:00 The War At Home 16:00 PGA European Tour 18:20 Antiques Roadshow 06:30 Friends 19:15 Homes Under The Hammer Highlights 00:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:10 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 17:00 Golfing World 00:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 00:35 House Gift 08:00 Seinfeld Notebook: London 18:00 Super Rugby 00:45 Sonny With A Chance 01:30 Emmerdale 08:30 Seinfeld 20:00 Trans World Sport 20:35 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 02:25 Coronation Street 09:00 1600 Penn 01:05 Sonny With A Chance 02:00 The Tall Man-PG15 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:00 Food & Drink 02:55 Celebrity Coach Trip 09:30 2 Broke Girls 01:30 Suite Life On Deck 03:45 Wrecked-PG15 21:30 Top 14 Highlights 21:30 Come Dine With Me 03:25 Please Marry My Boy 10:00 Trophy Wife 01:50 Suite Life On Deck 05:30 Taken Back: Finding Haley- 22:00 Premier League Darts 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 04:20 Paul Ogrady: For The Love Of 10:30 Friends 02:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place PG15 23:15 Bargain Hunt Dogs 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 02:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 07:15 The Trial-PG15 04:45 White Van Man Jimmy Fallon 03:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 09:00 Wrecked-PG15 05:15 Ade In Britain 12:00 Two And A Half Men 03:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 11:00 The Wild Hunt-PG15 03:45 Sonny With A Chance 06:10 House Gift 12:30 Seinfeld 13:00 Oh Christmas Tree-PG 01:00 PGA Tour Highlights 04:05 Sonny With A Chance 07:05 Celebrity Coach Trip 13:00 Seinfeld 15:00 The Key Man-PG15 02:00 PGA European Tour 04:30 Suite Life On Deck 07:30 Please Marry My Boy 13:30 Arrested Development 17:00 The Intouchables-PG15 Highlights 00:30 Gold Rush 04:50 Suite Life On Deck 08:25 Paul Ogrady: For The Love Of 14:00 1600 Penn 19:00 Silver Linings Playbook-PG15 03:00 Live NHL 01:20 Alaska Gold Diggers 05:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place Dogs 14:30 2 Broke Girls 21:00 4:44 Last Day On Earth-18 06:00 WWE Experience 02:10 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 05:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:50 White Van Man 15:00 Trophy Wife 23:00 Being Flynn-18 07:00 Super Rugby 03:00 You Have Been Warned 06:00 Austin & Ally 09:20 Ade In Britain 15:30 The Daily Show Global 09:00 PGA Tour Highlights 03:50 Border Security 06:25 Dog With A Blog 10:15 May The Best House Win Edition 10:00 PGA European Tour 04:15 Auction Kings 06:45 Suite Life On Deck 11:10 Emmerdale 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Highlights 04:40 Dallas Car Sharks 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 12:00 Coronation Street Edition 11:00 Golfing World 05:05 How Do They Do It? 07:35 Wolfblood 12:30 House Gift 16:30 Two And A Half Men 12:00 Super League 05:30 How It’s Made 07:55 Gravity Falls 13:25 Ade In Britain 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers “‘Grand Piano’ was all set, or a bulk of it, was set to 14:00 Premier League Darts 14:20 May The Best House Win 18:00 The Simpsons 01:00 Kill For Me-18 music,” Wood explained. “It’s all set to a very strict time 18:30 Raising Hope 17:30 ICC Cricket 360 code, all the shots were pre-determined, there was a 03:00 Sleepy Hollow-18 18:00 PGA Tour Highlights 19:00 The Crazy Ones 05:00 Shark City-18 clip track that we were listening to, I’ve got an earpiece 19:30 Trophy Wife 19:00 PGA European Tour listening to John Cusack’s voice, I’ve got certain bars of 07:00 Wild Card-PG15 Highlights 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 09:00 Me And You-PG15 music that I’m going to play at a certain time, it was Jimmy Fallon 20:00 Snooker 10:45 The Last Samurai-PG15 23:00 NHL super technical, really enjoyable, too.” (The man knows 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 13:15 Hidden Crimes-PG15 his music; he ran a record label, Simian Records, for a Stewart 14:45 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 few years, though he said, “it’s sort of in flux at the 21:30 The Colbert Report 16:45 The Last Samurai-PG15 22:00 The Big C moment,” adding, “I’m not really sure what I’m going to 19:15 Angels Crest-18 do with it, I haven’t done anything with it in a few 22:30 South Park 21:00 Breaking And Entering-18 years.”) 23:00 Enlightened 23:00 The Grey-18 00:00 Asia Cup Highlights 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 01:00 Asia Cup Highlights Wood talks about Mira in adoring terms, praise that 02:00 Asia Cup Highlights was clearly authentic, judging by the way he leaped 03:00 Big Bash League Highlights into his friend’s arms when he wandered into the room. 04:00 Big Bash League Highlights Wood will also be seen soon as the star of “Open 01:00 Dream House-PG15 05:00 Big Bash League Highlights Windows,” which was directed by his and Mira’s friend 00:00 Warehouse 13 03:00 The Good Doctor-PG15 07:00 Asia Cup Highlights Nacho Vigalondo. All of the film’s action takes place on 01:00 Strike Back 05:00 Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds 08:00 ICC Cricket 360 02:00 The Blacklist a computer screen, which was another technical chal- Away-PG 08:30 Asia Cup Highlights 03:00 The Americans lenge requiring him to talk to a camera. The two films 07:00 Red Lights-PG15 09:30 Asia Cup Highlights 04:00 Revenge represent entries into a new chapter in his career, 09:00 Paranorman-PG 10:30 Asia Cup Highlights 05:00 Betrayal which also includes movies he had at Sundance: 11:00 Drew Peterson: 10:45 Live Asia Cup 06:00 Warehouse 13 “Cooties” and “A Girl Walks Home Alone in the Night,” Untouchable-PG15 19:00 ICC Cricket 360 07:00 Parenthood 13:00 Of Two Minds-PG15 19:30 Asia Cup Highlights both produced his SpectreVision label. 08:00 Switched At Birth 15:00 Fastest-PG15 20:30 Asia Cup Highlights Wood runs the company with two friends, Daniel 09:00 Revenge 17:00 Paranorman-PG 21:30 Asia Cup Highlights Noah and Josh C. Waller, with the aim of providing an 10:00 Parenthood 19:00 Mirror Mirror-PG15 22:30 ICC Cricket 360 alternative to the low-budget mainstream horror - 11:00 The Blacklist 21:00 Iron Man 3-PG15 23:00 Asia Cup Highlights think the “Saw” franchise and the many found footage 12:00 Emmerdale 23:15 Killing Them Softly-18 12:30 Coronation Street films - currently being made in America. “The genre 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show tends to get dominated by a cycle of some kind. 14:00 Switched At Birth Prior to [found footage], it was torture porn films,” 15:00 Warehouse 13 Wood said. “It always tends to run in a cycle, once 16:00 Emmerdale 00:00 Pawn Stars UK something becomes really successful, they try to make 16:30 Coronation Street 01:00 The Apple & The Worm 01:00 Haunted History a lot of movies similar to that. We’re trying to do the 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:30 Back To The Sea 02:00 Storage Wars 04:15 The Lucky Dragon opposite.” “Girl Walks Home” is a black and white, 18:00 Switched At Birth 02:30 Storage Wars Iranian, Farsi-language vampire western - it has that 19:00 The Fosters 06:00 The Apple & The Worm 03:00 Pawn Stars 08:00 Toyz Goin’ Wild category all to itself - and will obviously attract a largely 20:00 Grey’s Anatomy 03:30 Pawn Stars niche audience. It was made for just $250,000, though, 21:00 Mistresses 09:45 Thunderstruck 04:00 Pawn Stars UK 22:00 The Killing 11:30 The Lucky Dragon 05:00 Haunted History which makes it a good indicator of the sort of penny- 23:00 The Americans 13:15 Home Alone: The Holiday 06:00 Pawn Stars pinching and hustle that Wood is embracing with Heist 06:30 Storage Wars SpectreVision. 14:45 The Little Rascals 07:00 Storage Wars Texas But without wide domestic theater distribution, 16:15 Pacific Pirates 07:30 Counting Cars film to make compromises. “The thing that sucks now 18:00 Thunderstruck 08:00 Pawn Stars is that movies are financed on pre-sales,” he lament- 20:00 Titan A.E. 08:30 Pawn Stars ed. “This is a bummer because what that basically 22:00 The Little Rascals 09:00 Ancient Aliens 00:00 Devil’s Bridge-PG15 23:30 Pacific Pirates means is that it has to be a package that has foreign 02:00 Seconds Apart-PG15 10:00 Storage Wars Texas value, and that largely rests on the cast. And that 04:00 Ice Quake-PG15 10:30 Counting Cars puts you in a box, you know. “When you’re trying to 06:00 Ultraviolet-PG15 11:00 Pawn Stars 11:30 Pawn Stars put together a film and let’s say you’re a director and 08:00 Men In Black 3-PG you want your ideal cast and your foreign sales agent 10:00 Howard The Duck-PG 12:00 Storage Wars 02:30 Rock Of Ages-PG15 12:30 Storage Wars says they don’t have value, it becomes a frustrating 12:00 Hellboy-PG15 04:45 Magic Journey To Africa- 14:00 Men In Black 3-PG 13:00 Pawn Stars process,” he said. “It becomes a name game to get the PG15 13:30 Pawn Stars kind of money you need to get your film off the 16:00 Kung Fu Hustle-PG15 06:30 Dead Lines-PG15 18:00 Hellboy-PG15 14:00 Ancient Aliens ground, and that’s a frustrating thing.” Still, he said, 08:00 4 Wedding Planners-PG15 15:00 Pawn Stars UK 20:00 Bait-PG15 10:00 Perfect Plan-PG15 “film always finds a way.” —Reuters 22:00 Kung Fu Hustle-PG15 16:00 Pawn Stars KILLING THEM SOFTLY ON OSN MOVIES HD 12:00 Trouble With The Curve-PG15 16:30 Pawn Stars Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (27/02/2014 TO 05/03/2014)

SHARQIA-1 NON-STOP (DIG) 10:00 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:15 AM NO THU 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED Special Show “3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG)” 7:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 5:15 PM THU 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:30 PM FANAR-5 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:05 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:05 AM CODE RED (DIG) 2:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED POMPEII (DIG) 4:45 PM 360º- 1 SHARQIA-2 THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 2:00 PM THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 9:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 4:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 11:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 5:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 11:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:15 PM MARINA-1 PATRICK (DIG) 1:15 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:30 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 4:00 PM SHARQIA-3 WER (DIG) 6:30 PM 360º- 2 WER (DIG) 12:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:15 PM PATRICK (DIG) 2:45 PM WER (DIG) 11:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 4:45 PM WER (DIG) 4:45 PM WER (DIG) 1:00 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:15 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM WER (DIG) 8:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:15 AM PATRICK (DIG) 10:45 PM MARINA-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED WER (DIG) 12:45 AM ROBOCOP (DIG) 1:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 3:30 PM 360º- 3 MUHALAB-1 PATRICK (DIG) 5:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 7:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) 3:15 PM POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:15 PM PATRICK (DIG) 12:05 AM THE MOVIE (DIG) 4:00 PM NO THU+FRI+MON NO SUN+TUE+WED OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: BHIMAVARAM BULLODU (DIG) (Telugu) 5:15 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 6:00 PM THU+FRI+MON MARINA-3 AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 8:15 PM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 10:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 10:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:45 PM WER (DIG) 1:15 AM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 6:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-2 NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM WER (DIG) 2:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 PATRICK (DIG) 4:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM POMPEII (DIG) 12:45 PM WER (DIG) 6:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG) 5:15 PM WER (DIG) 10:00 PM AVENUES-1 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM MUHALAB-3 THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:05 AM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 12:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: NO SUN+TUE+WED NON-STOP (DIG) 3:00 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 5:15 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: AL-KOUT.2 POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 5:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 2:00 PM family of professionally color, full options (sunroof) NON-STOP (DIG) 9:45 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 7:00 PM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 4:00 PM LOST qualified doctors/medical excellent conditions. KD ROBOCOP (DIG) 9:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:00 PM student (preferably MD). 1950. Tel: 66729295. FANAR-1 ROBOCOP (DIG) 12:05 AM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:00 PM Original document Policy Interested may contact at: (C 4652) PATRICK (DIG) 12:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 10:00 PM 633001470/633001464/633 Email: [email protected] PATRICK (DIG) 3:15 PM AVENUES-2 PATRICK (DIG) 12:15 AM 002341/633000763/633000 WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 5:15 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 2:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED (C 4654) Mitsubishi Lancer 2010 828 of Muhammad Afzal 4-3-2014 PATRICK (DIG) 7:30 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 4:45 PM GLX (CC 1800) golden PATRICK (DIG) 9:45 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:15 PM AL-KOUT.3 Mughal by the State Life PATRICK (DIG) 12:05 AM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 9:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:00 PM Insurance Corporation of Christian Orthodox par- colour, excellent conditions, THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 12:15 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:30 PM Pakistan, Gulf Zone is ents from Central KD 1650. Tel: 50994848. FANAR-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 5:45 PM (C 4653) 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM reported to have been lost. Travancore, residing at KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 4:00 PM AVENUES-3 NON-STOP (DIG) 10:30 PM Anyone finding the same or Tiruvalla invite proposals 1-3-2014 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM claiming any interest in it for their daughter 25 years, KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED should communicate with 5’7” (M.Tech Structural 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 10:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:15 PM State Life Office Kuwait Tel: Engineering from NIT 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:30 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:45 PM AL-KOUT.4 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 11:15 PM WER (DIG) 1:00 PM 22452208. (C 4655) Calicut) from well to do and FANAR-3 WER (DIG) 3:00 PM 4-3-2014 settled boys having Prayer timings WER (DIG) 1:00 PM AVENUES-4 WER (DIG) 5:00 PM M.Tech/B.Tech/CA/MBA. ROBOCOP (DIG) 3:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:30 PM CODE RED (DIG) 7:00 PM Preferably from GUNDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 5:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:45 PM WER (DIG) 9:00 PM MATRIMONIAL Fajr: 04:51 WER (DIG) 8:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 6:00 PM WER (DIG) 11:00 PM Orthodox/Jacobite family. WER (DIG) 10:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM WER (DIG) 1:00 AM Interested may contact Shorook 06:10 WER (DIG) 12:45 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED Marthomite parents invite email at NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM marriage proposal for their [email protected]. Duhr: 12:00 FANAR-4 BAIRAQ-1 daughter 26 years, fair (MD 2-3-2014 NON-STOP (DIG) 1:15 PM AVENUES-5 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM Asr: 15:20 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:45 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 3:00 PM Radiology) studying in a NON-STOP (DIG) 5:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 3:00 PM WER (DIG) 5:15 PM reputed Medical college in FOR SALE Maghrib: 17:50 NON-STOP (DIG) 7:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:15 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:15 PM India. Looking for a suitable proposal from God fearing Nissan Altima - 2008, silver Isha: 19:06

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 5/3/2014 QTR 1078 Doha 13:55 Departure Flights on Wednesday 5/3/2014 FDB 058 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time CLX 792 Hanoi 14:45 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:15 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 790 Madinah 14:25 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 QTR 1084 Doha 00:55 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:35 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:30 DLH 637 Dammam 01:10 IRC 6692 Mashhad 14:35 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:30 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:20 IRC 6693 Mashhad 15:35 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:10 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:00 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 THY 764 Istanbul 02:15 KNE 460 Riyadh 15:55 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 KAC 774 Riyadh 16:05 JZR 555 Alexandria 02:25 KAC 538 Sharm el-Sheikh/Sohag 16:05 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 463 Madinah 16:35 JZR 267 Beirut 02:30 UAE 857 Dubai 16:40 QTR 1085 Doha 04:15 KNE 481 Taif 16:40 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 FDB 068 Dubai 04:40 JZR 238 Amman 16:55 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:45 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:35 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:50 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:50 JZR 560 Sohag 06:20 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:45 UAE 858 Dubai 17:50 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 17:25 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 FDB 067 Dubai 04:00 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 765 Istanbul 07:05 ABY 128 Sharjah 18:05 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 JZR 357 Mashhad 17:55 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 FDB 069 Dubai 05:50 KAC 542 Cairo 18:05 KAC 537 Sharm el-Sheikh/Sohag 08:10 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 JZR 529 Asyut 06:20 RBG 553 Alexandria 18:15 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 JZR 266 Beirut 18:50 BAW 157 London 06:40 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 BAW 156 London 08:45 RBG 554 Alexandria 18:55 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:45 QTR 1080 Doha 18:40 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JZR 554 Alexandria 19:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:45 KAC 671 Dubai 09:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 QTR 1081 Doha 19:40 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:55 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:10 KAC 791 Madinah 09:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 382 Delhi 07:55 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:30 KAC 117 New York 10:00 FDB 062 Dubai 20:45 KAC 344 Chennai 08:35 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 521 Al Najaf 10:05 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 102 New York/London 19:35 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:05 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:55 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 FDB 056 Dubai 10:20 ABY 120 Sharjah 21:00 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 MSC 405 Sohag 20:05 IRM 1187 Tehran 10:30 KAC 361 Colombo 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:05 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:45 MSC 404 Asyut 21:05 IRM 1186 Tehran 09:15 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:10 QTR 1071 Doha 10:55 KAC 351 Kochi 21:10 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ABY 129 Sharjah 20:20 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:10 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 20:25 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 QTR 1070 Doha 09:55 AXB 489 Kochi/Mangalore 20:35 IRA 602 Shiraz 11:45 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 JZR 356 Mashhad 11:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 IRA 603 Shiraz 10:45 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 IAW 158 Baghdad/Al Najaf 12:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 IAW 157 Al Najaf/Baghdad 11:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 103 London 12:20 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:25 ETD 920 Abu Dhabi 22:25 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:35 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:30 TMA 213 Beirut 12:10 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSC 403 Asyut 12:20 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 MSC 406 Sohag 13:20 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:35 IRM 1188 Mashhad 12:40 KNE 480 Taif 21:45 JZR 788 Riyadh 13:35 FDB 060 Dubai 22:40 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:00 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 381 Delhi 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 12:55 QTR 1074 Doha 22:00 TMA 223 Dubai/Beirut 13:45 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 JZR 481 Istanbul 22:15 IRM 1189 Mashhad 14:05 QTR 1075 Doha 23:10 IYE 826 Sanaa/Mukalla 13:30 JZR 239 Amman 22:20 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 528 Asyut 23:25 KAC 522 Al Najaf 13:45 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 JZR 480 Istanbul 14:20 JZR 502 Luxor 23:30 FDB 057 Dubai 13:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:20 IYE 827 Mukalla/Sanaa 14:30 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

CROSSWORD 477 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Ok, time has passed and the negative parts of last year are behind you. You will want to dive in and tackle whatever work project is available this Don’t be so afraid to take a chance with new people. Move with the ener- morning. You are ready to get the day started. There is an air of seriousness in all your deal- gies of this day. You may gain through a legal maneuver or some dealings with legal types ings with partners. This is a good time to practice discretion. Financial matters are definite- soon. Your desire to succeed is strengthened, not only financially, but personally as well. ly getting better! Some sort of financial windfall is in the cards this week-possibly today. You are likely to hear some good news today regarding a matter of importance to you. Think about a plan for investing in the future. You have an inclination to engage in new The afternoon is a good time to relax by doing something totally different from the usual. projects or invest in what are best described as shaky investments. Care should be taken This may mean learning to skate, learning a new dance step or creating a piece of music when undertaking anything new but planning ahead is a good thing. This afternoon you for a loved one. You feel unique and proud of your accomplishments. This evening you will will be feeling more secure with your spouse or business partner. Expressing affection enjoy the company of a treasured friend. should be easy and can do much for a close relationship.

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

All that effort you have been putting into your career is beginning to pay. You may be experiencing confusion over your financial affairs at this time. It Co-workers come to you for answers and you are feeling confident. This, however, is a time just seems to be that time of the year when most of your friends are filing income taxes or when you may be busy thinking and working at pulling in extra finances. Sensible have filed and now there is talk of wise investments. Take steps that will bring your budget thought must be given to the practical use of money. Complaints or your recognition of into a better balance. You may find romantic distractions in the workplace, but it would things out-of-balance will keep you on your toes today. Patience and attention to details benefit you to keep your mind on business. This time of the year favors you in the enter- all afternoon will put you out front in the workplace. You continue to work on that creative tainment world-perhaps a sideline. You may even consider being involved with a commu- project of yours this evening. Tomorrow and the next few days bring opportunities to pull nity or neighborhood musical group or theater company. A fun get-together with friends in some extra money. This can be an expansive, creative and even romantic phase, a time is in the making. The people you care about will be grateful for your nurturing and kind you will look back on with pride and fondness. ways this evening.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There could be a disagreement concerning travel or home this morning; Professional responsibilities increase at this time. You have a natural sense however, by this evening there will be an acceptable compromise. You can of what the public wants and you are willing to take chances. You can only handle many subjects at once today, jumping easily from one to the other. Be wise in not fit so much into one day so it would be a wise move to call a halt to any additional extending your energies too far. You will have wonderful opportunities to observe and demands on your time later this afternoon. Do not respond by impulse during the day. ACROSS tivity theory to quantum mechanics and pre- report on some professional situation. Whether you are working on a thesis report, or Respond with thorough investigation and close scrutiny. You are most persuasive in your 1. An informal term for a father. dicted the existence of antimatter and the studying young children, your opinion is important to others and will gain attention. communications. Your emotions or the feelings of those around you may be very clear. A 4. A mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia positron (1902-1984). There are wonderful opportunities for you to counsel others. Success for you is in the special item you have been wanting for a long time is within your reach now. There is cur- (20,870 feet high). 2. Any property detected by the olfactory sys- recognition of some discovery or insight. Medicine and research, science, technology and rently constant input into ideas that will increase your finances. It is up to you to act on this information. Regardless of the weather, there are fun things to do tonight. 11. An open vessel with a handle and a spout tem. psychology are worth your consideration when it comes to vocations. for pouring. 3. The brightest star in Cygnus. 15. A strong emotion. 4. Muslims collectively and their civilization. 16. Surrounded or enclosed by the sea. 5. A unit of length of thread or yarn. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. Knowledge gained through tradition or 6. Immature of its kind. Cancer (June 21-July 22) anecdote. 7. How long something has existed. Good practical job-related thoughts and ideas are available to you now. You may feel it necessary to contact an authority figure before your work- 18. A Chadic language spoken in northern 8. The location of something surrounded by Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is day begins. This may mean that a stray animal is loose in your neighborhood or some oth- concerned. You very much want to become organized and you work to get things accom- Nigeria. other things. er difficulty is present. You put lots of energy into your professional chores and your 19. A city in southern Texas on the Rio Grande. plished in a quick manner. You have the ability to communicate with superiors or describe 9. A person to whom a promise is made. progress is successful. You create your own circumstances these days without much con- what you see. Progressive people and idealistic groups or concepts play an important role 21. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic pro- 10. The local time at the 0 meridian passing sideration of other people’s comments. You know what you do best and you manage to in your life. You will be experimenting as well as teaching new concepts and putting away tozoa that form temporary pseudopods for through Greenwich, England. direct yourself into successful positions. Determined to reach your personal goals, as well a few old ideas and routines. Keep a low profile on your extra-curricular spending and feeding and locomotion. 11. Resembling or characteristic of or appropri- as your professional goals, you proceed with your personal activities in the same deter- leave your credit cards and check book at home for the next few days. Emotions, yours or 23. Distributed or sold illicitly. ate to an elegy. mined manner. Intense concentration in work and play leaves little time for relaxation, not others’, may be very clear just now. Today, as most days, is a good day. 25. Alternatively, a member of the family 12. Involving the entire earth. to mention receptive input. Think on these things today. Nymphaeaceae. 13. A member of an Iroquoian people formerly 27. Small yellowish moths whose larvae feed on living on the south shore of Lake Erie in north- wool or fur. ern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and west- Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 28. A silvery ductile metallic element found pri- ern New York. Sudden loss in business may occur through no fault of your own today. marily in bauxite. 14. Tall woody perennial grasses with hollow This morning you may take some time to copy an article to give to your 29. Large genus of tropical subshrubs or herbs co-workers, or spread some type of good news. There are new opportunities that are pre- However, you may also see an increase in business or finances through unexpected slender stems especially of the genera Arundo avenues. Music, in cooperation with math, fascinates you. Music may occupy your some of which yield fibers of mucilaginous sub- and Phragmites. sented to young people now that will help them get into college. Everything points to your taking the lead in the area of helping, guiding and answering questions. You could thoughts this afternoon. This could include anything from learning a new instrument to stances. 20. Advanced in years. working out some difficult math problems as you listen to music. Your mind could be 32. Stout-bodied insect with large membranous feel that your co-worker friends are willing to rotate the work with you in order to make 22. A Chadic language spoken in northern things easier; but you will probably first need to ask for their help. An attitude of grateful- quite clear and natural just now. Ideas are flowing and could come with ease. You can talk, wings. Nigeria and closely related to Hausa. talk, talk. Basically, you have a warm, enthusiastic, loyal and expressive nature that gives 36. One thousandth of a second. ness is catching. A friend or business associate will give you some new ideas on money- 24. An agency of the United Nations responsi- making opportunities. It is possible that you will join a club this afternoon-an opening generously to those you feel would appreciate you. You appreciate an imaginative 38. Solid swollen underground bulb-shaped ble for programs to aid education and the awaits you. Any form of creativity may be enjoyed tonight. approach and may value advanced ideas. stem or stem base and serving as a reproduc- health of children and mothers in developing tive structure. countries. 40. Genus of European subshrubs or herbs hav- 26. South African term for `boss'. Virgo (August 23-September 22) ing pink or purple or yellow solitary or clustered 30. Noisy quarrel. Pisces (February 19-March 20) flowers. 31. A former unit of electric current (slightly You may be surprised when someone requests you for a particular job this 41. Cattle that are reared for their meat. There are reasons for rules although a few of the older rules undisputedly smaller than the SI ampere). day. Ask questions, take notes and stay focused . . . You will see a successful need changing or deleting. One cannot necessarily change everything in one day but you 43. A diagrammatic representation of the 33. Complacently or inanely foolish. outcome. Others may find you notably witty and eccentric this day. You have a good earth's surface (or part of it). may be able to devote some of your spare time this birthday time to changing laws for the 34. 1 conto equals 1,000 escudos. sense of humor and people enjoy working with you. Later today you may have insights or better. Petitions, volunteering to work for politicians, taking on the subject of old laws in a 44. A long pointed rod used as a weapon. 35. (`lief' is archaic) Very willing. breakthroughs regarding your living situation. Ideas about additions or repairs to the per- school project or another means of making a better city in which to live is one of your 47. The wool of a sheep or similar animal. 37. The compass point that is one point east of manent building construction keep buzzing ‘round your head. You will find projects and interests that are taking shape at this time. You like to see positive changes happen. It is 49. The Palestinian uprising (beginning in 1987) due south. problems running in a smooth manner before the day ends. Make note of any changes also fun to think you are the one who got others inspired to do the same. This evening you against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank you want to make so that you can become better organized. Your charm is showing this may enjoy your many friends and family as you come together in friendly fun. Enjoy kick- 39. The ending of a series or sequence. evening-there is plenty of time and energy for romance. and Gaza Strip. 42. Any wingless blood-sucking parasitic insect ing up your heels with a party! Happy birthday! 51. Moth having nonfunctional mouthparts as noted for ability to leap. adults. 45. Germanic barbarian leader who ended the 52. The corporate executive responsible for the western Roman Empire in 476 and became the operations of the firm. Word Search first barbarian ruler of Italy (434-493). 53. A genus of delicate ferns belonging to the 46. Gully or streambed in North Africa and the family Osmundaceae. Middle East that remains dry except during 56. Lower in esteem. rainy season. 59. A Powhatan Indian woman (the daughter of 48. King of Wessex whose military victories Powhatan) who befriended the English at made Wessex the most powerful kingdom in Jamestown and is said to have saved Captain England (died in 839). John Smith's life (1595-1617). 50. A member of an Indian people formerly liv- 62. Vigorous and active. 67. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in ing along the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas. Turkey). 54. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 68. Usually elongate cluster of flowers along the 55. A port in northern Belgium on the Scheldt main stem in which the flowers at the base river. open first. 57. Conforming to truth. 71. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flow- 58. Unpleasantly stern. ers. 60. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in 72. A bachelor's degree in theology. Turkey). 73. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat 61. A sock with a separation for the big toe. trimmed off. 63. A small cake leavened with yeast. 75. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 64. According to the Old Testament he was a from aba cloth. pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel 76. Of or relating to or characteristic of Thailand (9th century BC). of its people. 65. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agriculture 77. Genus of slender often treelike spiny cacti and patron of scribes and schools. with solitary showy nocturnal white or pink 66. (British) Traditional jazz as revived in the flowers. 1950s. 78. A partially opened flower. 69. To make a mistake or be incorrect. 70. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant DOWN white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits. 1. English theoretical physicist who applied rela- 74. Being one more than one.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 information

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

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Osaka to host all-star concert on Int’l Jazz Day

erbie Hancock reckons he’s performed more Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has “Satchmo of Japan” by Louis Armstrong. During World launch in 2012. often in Japan than in his hometown of chosen Osaka as the host city for International Jazz War II, the government unsuccessfully tried to ban UNESCO said Jazz Day events were held last year in HChicago during his professional career. The Day 2014, which will be celebrated around the world jazz, but the music flourished during the American all 196 member countries despite political, financial pianist will be back next month for an all-star concert on April 30. occupation. and security challenges. The organizers reached out at Osaka Castle Park highlighting the third annual Hancock, a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, says it’s “I was introduced to jazz while playing in a dance beyond official organizations to work with hotels and International Jazz Day. The United Nations an opportunity to show appreciation for Japanese hall as a teenager during the American occupation by restaurants, embassies, schools and musicians. In jazz fans who have been among the world’s greatest a Japanese jazz fan and record collector. He played Damascus, Syrian musicians gathered to screen the supporters of the music. He first performed in Japan Teddy Wilson’s ‘Sweet Lorraine,’ and I was hooked,” said global concert live from last year’s host city of with Miles Davis’ quintet in 1964, and has toured there pianist-composer Toshiko Akiyoshi, who will be per- Istanbul, Turkey. In the new country of South Sudan, a with his own electric and acoustic groups for decades. forming with her husband, saxophonist-flutist Lew cafe in the capital, Juba, organized a jazz perform- “Japanese audiences are very loyal,” said Hancock, Tabackin, at the Osaka concert. ance. In the Pacific Island nation of Nauru, a radio sta- interviewed ahead of official announcement of the Akiyoshi, who came to the US in 1956 to study tion broadcast jazz throughout the day. International Jazz Day program. “In Japan, art is really jazz, gained worldwide acclaim first as a bebop pianist “I was deeply moved talking to many of these placed on a high level, and jazz is really honored and and later as the leader of her own big band, often courageous people who are trying to keep music accepted as being a fine music - much more in com- writing compositions that drew on traditional alive,” said Mika Shino, the Monk Institute’s Director, parison to the States.” Japanese music. After a daylong series of educational International Jazz Day Program and Global Outreach. Osaka was chosen as the host city because it programs and performances at the Osaka School of “So many people, in places like Niger, Mali, Myanmar, “played a leading role in the early days of jazz in Music, the International Jazz Day festivities conclude Iran and Iraq, thanked us for recognizing them as Japan” in the 1920s and its jazz scene remains lively with a free outdoor concert for up to 12,000 people in someone worthy of partnership. They get plenty of today, said Tom Carter, president of the Thelonious the park set against the backdrop of historic Osaka calls for interviews to talk about poverty, conflict and Monk Institute of Jazz, who is partnering with Castle. It will be live streamed worldwide. war, but never about including them in a global cele- UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova to present The lineup includes such jazz stars as Hancock, bration.”— AP International Jazz Day. Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Terumasa Hino, Dee After American and Filipino bands introduced jazz Dee Bridgewater, Gregory Porter, Roy Hargrove, to Japan, Japanese musicians began playing jazz in Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding, Earl Klugh and File photo shows US musician Herbie Hancock performs during a concert, Osaka’s dance halls. They included trumpeter Fumio John Scofield. Hancock said International Jazz Day has part of the 10th edition of the Panama Jazz Festival, in Panama City. — AP Nanri, who toured the US and was dubbed the “gone beyond our wildest expectations” since its Sony to release new DVD/CD of legendary Dylan tribute concert

n the fall of 1992, a group of music industry leg- Broadcast live at the time as a pay-per-view row of the arena, mesmerized as he watched the ends converged on New York City to pay tribute event, the 25-song, four-hour show had to end by other performers. “I felt like  we were in the room Ito Bob Dylan by performing his songs at a con- 11 pm. Some of the most potentially intriguing with maybe 10 of the 12 apostles,” Vedder said in a cert that has come to be seen as one of the most planned performances were lost to rock history. new backstage interview included in the set. “It exciting in rock history. This week, Sony Music Clapton and Dylan prepared a new version of “It was incredible.” Entertainment will release “Bob Dylan The 30th Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train to Cry,” and Anniversary Concert Celebration,” a new, high-defi- Neil Young, whose sonic take on “All Along The Dylan’s great contribution nition DVD/CD edition of the concert at Madison Watchtower” was a concert highlight, also planned In late 1992, Dylan’s career was foundering, Square Garden. The show marked Dylan’s 30-year to perform “Forever Young” on a pump organ. according to biographers. A series of poorly recording career with Columbia Records, now a At sound checks on the day of the show, Pearl reviewed 1980s albums had renewed debate division of Sony. PBS will begin airing the new ver- Jam’s Eddie Vedder sat alone in the empty front among critics over whether Dylan’s career was over. sion beginning March 4. It wasn’t even clear whether the mercurial artist The lineup that night included Beatle George would show up that night, according to liner notes Harrison, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan in the new release. But Dylan did emerge that Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty & The night to perform several songs, including “Song To Heartbreakers and members of The Band and Pearl Woody,” his heartfelt ode to late folk singer Woody Jam. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Lou Reed, Guthrie, written when he was 19. Richie Havens, John Mellencamp, Tracy Chapman, The performance moved Guthrie’s daughter, The Clancy Brothers, Booker T and the MGs, and Nora, who sat in the front row, to tears, according G.E. Smith also performed. to Dylan biographer Howard Sounes. Later, “It was incredible,” Smith, a former Saturday Harrison, Clapton, Petty, Young and Byrds lead File photo shows singer Kanye West as he arrives for the Givenchy men’s Fall-Winter Night Live bandleader, recalled last week. “I’ve singer Roger McGuinn emerged to trade verses 2014-2015 fashion collection in Paris.óAP done a lot of things but never anything like that, with Dylan on “My Back Pages,” before the house with so many great people in the same place. gave him a standing ovation. Because it was for Bob Dylan, it felt like it really “The really remarkable contribution of Bob meant something to everyone there.” Smith said Dylan is that he took black, rural blues and white Jay Z’s Roc Nation to the artists’ competitive spirits and reverential folk music, rock and roll and the kind of Allen respect for Dylan produced some of the most Ginsberg beat poetry literary sensibility and com- remarkable performances he had ever seen. “It was bined them all,” veteran producer Don Was said in manage Kanye West surreal,” he recalled. “Every two minutes something another new backstage interview. “He was really magical happened.” the first to do that. His synthesis was the basis for is throne continues to build: Jay Z’s albums, and the two eventually collaborat- Over the years, new details have emerged all rock and roll that came subsequently,” Was said. Roc Nation will now manage Kanye ed on various songs and albums. West offi- about the event, and new interviews with perform- In the ensuing 22 years, Dylan released several HWest. The management company cially launched DONDA in 2011, and it is ers and producers offer fresh glimpses into what of the most critically acclaimed albums of his and West’s label announced Monday that named after his late mother, Donda West. went on, and what didn’t, backstage at rehearsals. career, wrote a best-selling memoir, won an Roc Nation will work alongside West’s pro- The rapper has used the company to Elvis Costello was to perform “Positively Fourth Academy Award, a Pulitzer prize, the US. duction house, DONDA, on managing the design the technology for his latest tours Street,” but visa problems delayed him. Black Flag Presidential Medal of Freedom, and seven of his 11 Grammy-winning superstar’s music and to produce the “Cruel Summer” short singer Henry Rollins was invited to perform Grammys. At 72, he continues to perform and endeavors. Izvor Zivkovic will continue to film.-AP “Subterranean Homesick Blues” backed by Pearl record. — Reuters manage West as well. Jam, but the plan fell through, production sources Roc Nation manages Rihanna, Shakira, told Reuters last week. Timbaland and other acts. West burst on the music scene as a producer on Jay Z’s ‘300: Rise of An Empire’ Review: More of the same, but slightly less

lthough it probably works just as well as its 2006 prede- called noble death. The great thing about the first film is that it that Gerard Butler was one when he starred in “300,” and it cessor, “300: Rise of An Empire” seems a lot siller than never lets you forget you’re hearing a story - a kind of bermen- remains to be seen whether Hollywood figures out how best to A“300,” perhaps because it takes itself a lot more seriously. sch myth-making that excites soldiers and inspires nationalism utilize him elsewhere. But he’s a formidable presence on screen, Working from a script by the original “300 team of Frank Miller, regardless of the odds that are being faced. and there’s an appealing consciousness behind his eyes that Kurt Johnstad and Zack Snyder, director Noam Murro (“Smart elevates him above the ranks of the industry’s aspiring action People”) inherits the first film’s gold-dipped, speed-ramped Dramatic license heroes; he’s a next-gen Russell Crowe without quite the same camerawork and its penchant for heroic largesse. But “Rise of Indeed, it’s only because of the fire in the few survivors’ bel- depths of simmering intensity. an Empire” lacks director Snyder’s shrewd deconstruction of car- lies at the end of the first “300” that the film feels remotely like a Otherwise, “Rise of an Empire” is all Eva Green’s show, and toonish hagiography, undermining the glorious, robust triumph: sure, 299 of their best men got slaughtered, but now she clearly relishes the opportunity to not only match but escapism of testosterone-fueled historical reenactment with an their lesser-trained backups are super pissed-off, readying exceed her male counterparts’ supposedly indefatigable tough- underdog story that feels almost too reflective to be rousing. themselves to fight and, if necessary, to die in defense of their ness. Though Green sees more action in this film than Headey’s Taking place concurrently with the first film, “Rise of an country. As told by Dilios (David Wenham), the term “dramatic Queen Gorgo did in “300,” the earlier heroine offered a promis- Empire” stars Sullivan Stapleton (TV’s “Strike Back”) as license” doesn’t begin to cover the level of hyperbole he applies to undermine the gritty enjoyment of watching people get dis- ing template for female leadership, commanding respect while Themistocles, an Athenian general who resorts to battling to King Leonidas’ defense of Sparta. membered in spectacular slow motion. When we’re meant to, always remembering her place in this man’s world. But Green Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his conquering Persian armies But even if the events of “Rise of an Empire” take place at vir- like, care about the fact that these people are human, it’s not as demolishes the era’s gender dynamics with a performance that only after exhausting all efforts to unite Greece as a democratic tually the same time as those in “300,” they’re being regaled to fun. That said, Murro hasn’t turned fans’ beloved “300” into some plays like an act of revenge upon all of the bs love-interest roles nation. Refused help from Sparta by Queen Gorgo (Lena audiences seven years later - and to present them with a similar kind of solemn eulogy for antiquity’s lost soldiers; far from it. she’s ever been offered.—Reuters Headey), Themistocles assembles a small army of free men and kind of propagandistic zeal might seem irresponsible given the But the broader edges of Snyder’s tale, which was populated by employs naval strategy to impede the Persians from striking seemingly inexhaustible supply of America’s real-world con- giants, monsters and mystics, have been pared away to focus land. flicts. As such, Murro presents Themistocles’ wartime position as on the mettle of “real” men making the ultimate sacrifice, as But after finding his ranks decimated by the sheer volume of a counterpoint to Leonidas’, as he champions democratic ideals, awesomely as humanly possible, on behalf of their country. forces being controlled by Queen Artemisia (Eva Green), Persia’s agonizes over the prospect of sending free men to war, and most formidable general, Themistocles begins to reconsider the sees little glory in their deaths. Formidable presence on screen actual cost to his men - and to his country - of pursuing a so- Oddly, the very respectability of that narrative choice tends For better or for worse, Stapleton is a star in the same way

(From left) Actors Annette Bening, Ed Harris and Jess Weixler arrive at the English opera star Paul Potts poses during a press conference to promote American singer Katy Perry arrives for a photo shoot at the launch of her Screening of IFC Films’ ‘The Face of Love’ at LACMA in Los Angeles, his film ‘One Chance’ in Seoul yesterday. The film will open in South Korea Prismatic world tour in Sydney yesterday. Katy has announced that the Prismatic California. — AP on March 13. — AFP world tour will head to Australia in November 2014 with live performances at concerts in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane. — AFP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

File photo shows Famed Syrian filmmaker ‘held’ at border Syrian film mak- er Mohammad Malas attending yria’s best-known filmmaker was taken in for ques- Syrian-Lebanese border,” his friend said on condition of tary entitled “Everything is Fine” which dealt with the the closing cere- tioning by Syrian intelligence forces at the border as anonymity. issue of political prisoners in the country. For decades, mony of the She made his way to a Geneva film festival yesterday, Last year Malas’s 1990 film “The Night” was named as Syria’s regime has systematically stifled expression, 10th Annual a friend told AFP. Mohammad Malas was travelling to one of the 10 best Arab films in a review by the Guardian including the arts, frequently imprisoning intellectuals, Dubai Beirut to take a flight to Geneva, where his latest film newspaper. The film was banned for four years in Syria. At journalists, artists and peaceful dissidents. — AFP International “Ladder to Damascus” is set to feature in the Swiss city’s the start of Syria’s revolt against President Bashar Al-Assad Film Festival in upcoming film festival. Malas “phoned me to tell me he is in 2011, Malas sympathized with the peaceful uprising. the Gulf emirate being held for questioning by Syrian intelligence at the The filmmaker, who still lives in Syria, made a documen- of Dubai. — AFP DeGeneres’ Oscars pizza party sparks sales surge for Big Mama’s & Papa’s

scars host Ellen DeGeneres’ decision to serve bit” from the Oscars frenzy, Big Mama’s & Papa’s is still pizza to her famous audience members on moving its delicious, cheesy ware - not least of all to OSunday night was, not surprisingly, a boon to DeGeneres herself. “This morning they just ordered the pizzeria she ordered from - causing a spike in the more pizzas,” Agakhanyan noted. mid six-digits, a representative for the pizza company told TheWrap on Monday. “I would say [sales DeGeneres helps TV increased] 300, or 400, or 500 percent,” Big Mama’s & ratings to 10-year high Papa’s Pizza franchiser Aro Agakhanyan told TheWrap. Oscars telecast ratings hit a 10-year high, prelimi- “We got a lot of orders, a lot of online orders. We had nary data showed Monday, as Ellen DeGeneres won over 60,000 visitors on our website in one hour; there plaudits for her slick hosting of Hollywood’s biggest were a lot of things happening.” night-and broke a Twitter record. The 86th Academy The boost in sales was particularly impressive, giv- Awards were seen by 43 million Americans Sunday, en that Oscars night is one of the busiest nights of the drawing the biggest audience of any entertainment year for pizza deliveries. “Some of the busiest nights program since the finale of hit sitcom “Friends” in May for pizzas are Super Bowl, Halloween and Oscars,” 2004, according to estimates by ratings service Agakhanyan added. “So Oscars are a pretty busy night Nielsen. The three-and-a-half-hour show averaged a anyway, but it got even busier.” According to 12.9 rating for adults aged 18-48, according to the Agakhanyan, DeGeneres is “a regular customer” at the preliminary figures cited by ABC, the Oscars broad- local pizzeria chain’s Burbank location, which is near caster. the studio where she tapes her daytime talk show - DeGeneres, hosting the Oscars for the second however, the delivery order for the Oscars telecast time-seven years after her first turn-ordered pizza, was placed Sunday at a different location, due to its took a star-studded selfie and poked fun at her audi- Singer Pharrell Williams performs onstage.—AFP closer proximity to the Dolby Theatre. ence at Hollywood’s biggest night of the year. “She just called over there - just made a pizza deliv- Following in the footsteps of celebrated Oscars hosts ery order,” Agakhanyan recalled. “And then the person such as Billy Crystal and Bob Hope, the 56-year-old Pharrell sells his giant Grammys who took the delivery, actually, he is the franchisee of mixed wry, deadpan humor and cracked jokes at the the location. It was so busy that he took the delivery expense of her A-list audience. himself.” The franchisee, Edgar Martirosyan, was as sur- Her celebrity selfie with stars including Brad Pitt, prised as anyone to see the highly televised pizza par- Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence had nearly hat to Arby’s for $44,100 ty go down: Though it’s likely DeGeneres had planned 100,000 retweets within five minutes, and over 2.8 the stunt well in advance, the call for the pies didn’t million by Monday morning. The show’s ratings were rby’s asked for its hat back when Pharrell Williams wore When TheWrap asked the company about its charitable come in until about 5 pm on Sunday. up some six percent from last year’s show, hosted by a big, brown buffalo hat to the Grammy Awards in acquisition, it was unclear how the hat would be utilized. “He had no idea that he was walking to the front comic Seth MacFarlane, who was accused of bad taste AJanuary. And the fast food company revealed on “Arby’s is still determining exactly where the hat will go next, stage - he was not aware of that,” Agakhanyan. in some of his jokes. — Agencies Sunday that it finally got its hands on the headwear - for but we’re very happy to have it back,” a spokesman said. “We (According to Agakhanyan, 10 pizzas were ordered, $44,100. An eBay auction for the viral item ended the same are looking forward to future opportunities to work with but only three of them made it to the stage, with the day Williams performed his Oscar-nominated song “Happy,” Pharrell and his foundation to raise the visibility for our shared remainder staying backstage.) While Agakhanyan and Arby’s took all the credit on Twitter when the singer cause of improving the lives of youth.” acknowledged that business is “dying down a little thanked the winning bidder for making a donation to his Williams wore a similar hat while bringing the Oscar audi- charity, From One Hand To AnOTHER. ence inside the Dolby Theatre to their feet during his perform- “Thank you to whoever bought my Grammy hat on @eBay ance of his Best Original Song nominee from the “Despicable for $44,100. Your donation benefits From One Hand To Me 2 soundtrack. Though the hat he wore at the 86th annual AnOTHER.,” Williams tweeted after the auction. “.@Pharrell Academy Awards was black. — Reuters You’re welcome. We’re HAPPY to support a great cause & get our hat back. Good luck at the #Oscars tonight!” Arby’s tweet- ed back. Turkey bans ‘Nymphomaniac’

urkey’s Islamic-rooted government has banned Danish lowing an uproar by artists and the culture minister. EU hopeful director Lars Von Trier’s controversial movie Turkey’s ban created a storm of anger on social media, with T“Nymphomaniac” from theatres for its extensive nudity prominent artists denouncing the move. “I strongly condemn and no-holds-barred sex scenes, drawing accusations of censor- the ban on the film ‘Nymphomaniac’ while there is in fact a poli- ship. The film, which premiered to cheers at the Berlin film festi- cy in place on age limit,” tweeted Turkish director Nuri Bilge val last month, was due to premiere in Turkey on March 14 with Ceylan, winner of Cannes’ Best Director Prize in 2008 for his fami- a warning against children under age 18 watching it. ly drama “Three Monkeys”. But Turkey’s cinema board, which includes representatives Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) government is from the culture, interior and education ministries, banned the already under fire from rights groups and the European Union movie outright by a majority vote six in favor and two against on for its crackdown on Internet sites and the media. Critics accuse Monday. “The board decided to ban the commercial circulation Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has dominated of the movie at theatres because of its explicit sexual scenes,” the Turkey’s political scene for 11 years, of moving away from board’s general director Cem Erkul told AFP. reform. This has fuelled a long-running debate over what some “This film is in the porn category,” he said. “It also depicts see as a hidden agenda to Islamize the predominantly Muslim extreme violence against women”. However Yamac Okur, a dis- but staunchly secular nation. senting member of the board, said the decision was tantamount Erkul said criticism was normal in a democratic country and to censorship. “Barring any cinema movie from commercial that Turkey was not implementing an absolute ban on the film, screening is unacceptable,” he wrote on Twitter on Monday. “It which would be screened at the Istanbul Film Festival in April. could have been displayed by age rating. Otherwise, it is censor- He said it would not be appropriate to show it at cinemas in ship.” “Nymphomaniac” tells the story of a woman’s sexual awak- Turkey, which are mostly in shopping centers. — AFP ening from childhood to age 50. It stars Charlotte Gainsbourg alongside Stellan Skarsgard and Shia LaBeouf. In January, EU member Romania said it had lifted its own ban on the movie and fired the official responsible for barring it fol- Host Ellen DeGeneres with pizza delivery man in the audience during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre. — AFP Oscar’s success puts British film industry in limelight

ritain’s film industry is celebrating a com- in as good shape as the American industry right makers too. ing of age on after the British-made now,” added Cuaron, who picked up the Best That combination of factors helped to attract B‘Gravity’ and the British-directed “12 Years Director award. There was more praise from nearly £870 million ($1.45 billion, 1.05 billion a Slave” dominated the Oscars. Space drama Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein ahead of euros) of foreign investment to productions that ‘Gravity’ owed many of its seven Oscars to the the Oscars ceremony. began principal filming in Britain in 2013, stunning special effects produced by London- While championing “Philomena”, which his according to the BFI. It argues that British tax- based company Framestore, and its US stars company distributed, Weinstein said the British payers are ultimately getting a good deal, esti- Sandra Bullock and George Clooney were film industry as a whole had enjoyed “a hell of a mating that the British film industry is worth strapped into harnesses to be filmed ‘in space’ at year”. “It’s the best period for British film I’ve £4.6 billion a year to the economy. Shepperton Studios outside the British capital. seen,” he told The Observer newspaper on A BFI spokeswoman told AFP: “We are now The searing brutality of “12 Years a Slave”- Sunday. part of the international filmmaking industry, winner of three Oscars including the coveted Success ‘deep-rooted’ but with a British accent. “Films like ‘Philomena’ Best Picture award-was masterminded by British The British Film Institute (BFI), a charitable and the ‘Invisible Woman’ (about Charles filmmaker Steve McQueen and starred London- body set up to promote the industry, was pop- Dickens’ lover) are not British films trying to ape born Chiwetel Ejiofor. The success did not stop ping the champagne corks on Monday. “Our Hollywood. “These are British stories being told there as two other films nominated for best pic- industry continues to punch above its weight,” with a very British sensibility and audiences ture had strong British roots. said its chief executive Amanda Nevill. The around the world are responding to that.” “Philomena”, featuring Judi Dench as an Irish British film industry has had some false dawns in Sylvain Despretz, a French ‘storyboarder’ who woman searching for her baby son who was giv- the past, but the BFI says its current success has has worked on blockbusters including en to an American family by nuns, is completely deep roots, and is based on a range of factors. “Gladiator” and “Alien”, told AFP that Britain’s suc- British-funded, while Somali pirates hijack drama Substantial investment through the National cess is due to “a combination of brainy decisions “Captain Phillips” was directed by Britain’s Paul Lottery has funded training of technicians and and some simple economics”. “London is the Greengrass. But Sunday night’s big winner was screenwriting, while Film Four, the movie arm of right size, and works in the right language, and “Gravity” and its Mexican director Alfonso the independent Channel Four broadcaster, and can sustain the right amount of great talent, so it Cuaron-a London resident himself-was quick to BBC Films have helped develop productions. finds itself at the crossroad of film, TV, commer- praise his adopted homeland. One of the biggest factors has been tax relief cial, and pop promo productions destined to be “Definitely the amazing know-how, quality for productions based in Britain, which has used all over the world. “And London is always and sophistication of the British film industry helped attract productions from California. The busy. There is no down time there,” he told made this film happen,” Cuaron said on the government said in December it would make AFP.—AFP Oscars red carpet. “I’m talking specifically about the terms even more advantageous. The BFI also companies like Framestore or the amazing crew points to the studio facilities available at that I worked with. “This is the third film that I Shepperton-home of “Gravity”-and Pinewood, Director Alfonso Cuaron , winner of Best Achievement in Directing for ‘Gravity’, and have done in the UK. I have done more films in where the new “Star Wars” films are in produc- actress Angelina Jolie pose in the press room. — AFP the UK than in any other country in the world. tion. The natural beauty of locations such as the “The great thing is that the British film culture is Scottish Highlands is an obvious draw for film- lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 FASHION Rihanna fails to pass unseen

igh fashion equals high drama, as proved by the Stella McCartney has fun least. Rich dark merlot and emerald came along slim latest installment of Paris Fashion Week on with zippers, stirrups, rope cinched-waisted gowns sometimes in a vintage look- HMonday. McCartney’s show brimmed with ideas and plays on ing degrade and some business-minded suits. The sta- A hooded Rihanna tried her best to pass unseen at utilitarian features. Zippers featured as abstract ple, frothily-effervescent light silks were replaced by the Stella McCartney show but caused yet more may- embroidery all over coats and suits that glistened like their darker, sexier sister in black with small flashes of hem at the fall-winter ones. Meanwhile, the world’s ripples of water. This sporty theme - a McCartney signa- colors provided by prints of flowers. Elis Saab packs no most influential fashion critic, Suzy Menkes, ture - was seen again as mountaineering cords used as surprises but remains hugely popular. announced she’s ditching newspapers after a quarter embroidered motifs on storm gray tweeds. Menswear of a century. Then, there was Swinging Sixties icon pants sported stirrups and elastic gymnastic bands Giambattista Valli perfumes Marianne Faithfull who lambasted a reporter after get- were wrapped under platform shoes - hybrids of an the air, but not the clothes ting squashed at a show. Here are the highlights and office shoe mixed with a sneaker in red, black, beige, Sweet rose perfume wafted through the air. But it reports from the ready-to-wear collections. gold and a beautiful pale blue. Apart from a spattering was misleading. Giambattista Valli’s fall-winter show, in Paris Fashion of tie-dye looks that appeared a bit washed out, it was fact, took a turn away from the saccharine, feminine Rihanna fails to pass incognito a great collection. Only a class designer such as styles that have graced recent seasons. And the collec- at Stella McCartney McCartney can pull off using a sporty, outdoorsy and tion was all the all the better for it. The first looks were Try as she might to be discreet - enveloped in a menswear muse - and still produce a feminine show. the strongest, a series of complex black and white mot- green-brown Stella McCartney hooded coat with huge tled gowns with A-line skirts. They showcased great peaked retro shades - Rihanna just had no luck. Within Elie Saab’s goes dark, not light, textural play with optical patterning that at times seconds of her arrival she unleashed her star-power after Angelina Jolie coup resembled the markings of a butterfly, alongside exag- magnetism on the paparazzi, who followed her back- After the red carpet coup of dressing Angelina Jolie gerated proportions. (The butterfly effect is an on- stage where she hobnobbed with British model of the for the Academy Awards in a greige, embellished cou- trend style also seen at the Celine and Chloe shows.) moment Cara Delevigne. A radiant Stella McCartney, ture tulle gown, the Lebanese designer should be in The show’s flower prints weren’t that new or inspiring, meanwhile, hugged the pops tar and exclaimed: “She is high spirits. However the fall-winter show saw the but Valli perfected a beautiful new silhouette feature, amazing.” Lebanese designer in a dark mood, in the colors at comprising of open fabric swirls at the hip. — AP

Barbadian singer Rihanna poses as she arrives to attend Stella McCartney 2014/2015 Autumn/Winter ready-to-wear col- lection. — AP/AFP photos ELIE SAAB lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 FASHION

Elie Saab

Stella McCartney Giambattista Valli Centrepoint launches its characteristic spring summer 2014 collection entrepoint the leading fashion retailer in Kuwait brings you this spring summer a Cwide array of vibrant and stylish new designs. Whatever your summer needs be it summer wear or accessories, footwear, kids wear or even those delightful gifts for your home. Centrepoint has them all...the one stop shopping destination to cater to all of your needs. This Spring Summer, Juniors has launched its 2014 collection for children aged zero through to 16 years, giving moms the perfect excuse to update and add a new flavor to their kids’ wardrobes. For girls, the collection reflects tropical and festival flair with a few tribal boho and tie-and-dye influences adding to the mix. The boys range offers the well- ing the chart, your tiny tots will get you established varsity look or sporty items like choose more than just one. 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Its color hair accessories-a whirlwind of global fashion Cooper and its in-house brand Giggles also gowns, dresses with metallic effect, embellish- changing options sets the mood right for scene wraps up in eye-feasting must-haves. sport interesting colours and designs in their ments and textures prompting you to channel every occasion. Available in pretty pink and Invoke the Goddess of the Sea with acces- new collections. your inner goddess. Classic combinations like sparkling white hues, Adore’s ultrasonic aroma sories in timeless pearls and bold bijoux plus The Splash fashion is all about shifting moonlight white on white will impart an ethe- diffusers available across Lifestyle -Stand alone mother of pearl detail that plays surreal in sea ideas and changing moods and with each sea- real feel, while dazzling blues will lend a burst Store at Farwaniya , Al-Rai ( Star Mall) ,Fintas colors. Dig into Old Treasures for a nostalgic son the desire to add the most covetable of royalty. Summing up the season at Splash (Liwan Mall) and at all Lifestyle in Centrepoint vibe that encapsulates materials to set the trends or the must have pieces to our and primarily a high summer trend that takes stores. and holiday inspired trends that are outstand- mood in warm colors, coupled with floral wardrobes is a necessity. This SS’14 Splash col- motivation from the West Coast surf sports This is going to be no ordinary Spring ing and relevant at the same time. Eye-catch- nuances and crafted looks in pastel shades to lection interprets the trends that were the and skate wear look, ‘California Surf’ is all Summer’ 14 with Shoe Mart launching its out- ing shoe wear with a strong style quotient, reflect the season’s trends. Exquisitely detailed fashion world’s talk and launches them with a about retro motifs, hippy Hawaiian prints of- the-league trends that explore the realms Shoe Mart SS’14 collection for men sets the and unassumingly simplistic, these trimmings high street perspective. From aqua inspired which are mixed with tribal geometry and of the extraordinaire for women. With a stylish pace for your fashion journey. are bound to get on every girl’s wishlist. Shoe florals to bold geometric patterns, head-to-toe sporty accessories. upgrade on fabrics and textures on platforms, For kids this season’s collection has been Mart’s Spring Summer 2014 accessories collec- white to bespoke sports the Splash collection The weather is perfect to invite friends wedges, flats and heels, this season; Shoe Mart designed keeping in mind the maturing tion is dominated by this season’s fashion is an interesting mix of dramatic atmosphere home and enjoy an evening together. brings together a coveted collection of the trends amongst kids’ footwear whilst main- statement of minimalism, with a subtle touch and varied styles. Highlighting the very pulse Celebrate the season with Adore’s ultrasonic most irresistible pairs crafted in unique taining the comfort factor. The girls’ collection of floral glamour opening all doors to glitz and of high-street fashion , the Splash SS’14 collec- aroma diffuser from Lifestyle that creates a palettes and styles. Emphasized in classical rig- will leave you spellbound, with some enticing elegance! tion picks on key trends like ‘Eden’, ‘Nostalgia’ perfect ambiance! This soothing aroma dif- or, original and detailed; Shoe Mart launches colors and on trend styles. Sandals adorned Centrepoint has it all this spring summer and ‘Rational’, ‘Creed’ for women and ‘Nautical fuser uses ultrasonic technology to deliver a its Spring Summer men’s collection that’s with neon colors and straps, Ballerinas season. So stop by at any of the stores located Play’, ‘Earthy paradise’, ‘Sports Goth’ and mesmerizing, therapeutic mist to your home. crafted to become an instant hot choice with designed in laser cut materials are statements at Al-Rai, Hawally, Salmiya, Kuwait City, ‘California Surf’ are key for men. Simply add a few drops of your favorite essen- the urbane. The new collection reflects on the to look out for. Boys will have some serious fun Fahaheel, Jahra, Fintas, Sulaibikhat and The With SS’14 comes the warmer weather and tial oil diffuse your space with a delicate, heav- fashion needs of the modern man with styles this season with the arrival of visual textures Avenues for a wonderful shopping experience this calls for lighter textures and materials but enly scent. Designed in an elegant shape, this symbolizing rational simplicity, urban retro on strapped shoes. With Winnie the Pooh rul- that will last for the time to come. Famed Syrian filmmaker ‘held’37 at border WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

Revelers of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school perform during the second night of carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil yesterday. — AP/AFP photos Rio Carnival twists and shouts to Beatlemania eatlemania gripped the Rio Carnival on Monday as we have to keep finding bigger places to play,” joked “John,” Imagine,” she confided as “John,” leaped around the stage But the Carnival has been a joyous occasion and more than 130,000 revelers twisted and shouted to in reality illustrator Daniel Gnattali. and strummed a guitar adored with red and white roses. A Monday’s event was no exception. Having already played at Bsamba versions of the Fab Four’s greatest hits. Street “I never even used to like Carnival,” Gnattali told AFP. “But dancer dressed up as Paul McCartney kept a respectful dis- the Olympic Park ahead of the 2012 London Games the band Sargento Pimenta-Sergeant Pepper in Portuguese- my sister joined the music group and my mum wanted to tance from the ‘couple.’ David Spector, one of the group’s band also have an invitation to star in pre-Rio 2016 Games belted out more than three hours of Beatles classics as the see her. I realized I knew most of the group and they said founders, told AFP they are now a mainstay of Carnival. events. When Sgt Pepper came out in 1967, Brazil was just five-day fiesta prepared to reach its climax today. ‘come on in.’ It’s awesome!” The Beatles’ legendary multi mil- “Fans everywhere love the Beatles and we said when we three years into a military dictatorship which would only More than 100 musicians, including a whole battalion of lion-selling Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album started off, ‘wouldn’t it be cool to perform their stuff in end in 1985 For choreographers Mateus Xavier and Felipe percussionists, did more than just get by with a little help predated Lennon’s marriage to Yoko Ono by two years. But Carnival?’ “The idea suddenly arose-Beatles, Brazilian Reznik the Beatles have a message which resonates beyond from their friends-”John Lennon” and “Yoko Ono.” They pro- Sargento Pimenta paired 28-year-old Gnattali with their rhythms. The biggest band in the history of the world meets music. “Yes, it is a happy, fun album but the Beatles made pelled the gathering just off Rio’s Flamengo beach into a “Yoko” in the shape of Lian Tai, a 30-year-old Brazil-born the biggest party in the world. “And Sgt Pepper is a such political songs too. That’s what made them great. Yes, we can frenzy as nostalgia for the Beatles and hippies took over. actress with a Taiwanese father and Shanghainese mother. multicolor, happy album.” Three months out from the World work it out, yes it is a long and winding road,” Reznik reflect- The group, its theme “Imagine the (World) Cup” in a nod to “Daniel’s been a friend of mine a long time. It was obvi- Cup, Brazil is struggling to be ready on time and some ed. “Carnival is when Brazilians forget about their troubles Lennon’s Imagine ballad, first played in 2010 to a crowd of ous we could match up like this,” she told AFP. “I love the protests against the cost of the event and shoddy public and cares,” said Xavier. Such is the group’s popularity it is barely 5,000 people. “But interest has mushroomed since- Beatles-All My Loving is my favorite, but also Lennon’s services have turned violent. now a year-round concern employing 23 people. — AFP

Revelers of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school perform. Revelers of the Uniao da Ilha do Governador samba school perform. Revelers of the Portela samba school perform. Singapore world’s costliest city

he soaring cost of cars and utilities as third most expensive destination for utility well as a strong currency have made costs,” the report said. It also noted that TSingapore the world’s most expensive Singapore is the priciest place in the world to city, toppling Tokyo from the top spot, buy clothes, as malls and boutiques in its according to a survey yesterday. Tokyo’s popular Orchard Road retail hub import lux- weakening yen saw it slide to sixth place, the ury European brands to “satisfy a wealthy position previously occupied by Singapore, and fashion-conscious consumer base”. in the 2014 Worldwide Cost of Living survey Singapore has one of the world’s highest by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). concentrations of millionaires “Singapore’s rising price prominence has relative to its 5.4 million population. Its been steady rather than spectacular,” said a per capita income of more than $51,000 in report accompanying the survey by the research firm. It said a 40 percent rise in the Singapore dollar along with “solid price infla- tion” pushed the country to the top of the twice-yearly survey from 18th a decade ago. The survey, which examines prices across 160 products and services in 140 cities, is aimed at helping companies calculate allowances for executives being sent over- seas. The report said Singapore’s curbs on car People stand along the Marina Bay promenade in Singapore yesterday. — AFP photos ownership, which include a quota system and high taxes, made it “significantly more turally expensive European cities combined and Melbourne came in at fifth and sixth expensive than any other location when it with the continued rise of Asian hubs means respectively owing to a strong Australian that these two regions continue to supply dollar. comes to running a car”. A new Toyota A woman pushes a trolley of recycle waste most of the world’s most expensive cities,” Caracas was tied at sixth with Melbourne, Corolla Altis costs $110,000 in Singapore past a luxury car on the street in A luxury car drives past City Hall. Jon Copestake, the editor of the report, said Geneva and Tokyo, but the EIU said the compared to around $35,000 in neighboring Singapore. Malaysia. in a statement. Venezuelan capital’s position was largely due sive city, joining other South Asian cities including Overall transport costs in Singapore are 2012 masks a widening income gap between The report said European cities were to the imposition of an artificially high offi- Karachi, New Delhi and Kathmandu in the bottom almost three times higher than those in New the richest and poorest. In Europe, Paris rose among the priciest in the recreation and cial exchange rate. “If alternative black mar- of the pile. The five most expensive cities were York, it said. “In addition, as a city-state with six places to become the world’s second entertainment categories, reflecting “a ket rates were applied Caracas would com- judged to be Singapore, Paris, Oslo, Zurich and very few natural resources to speak of, most expensive city, a trend the EIU said was greater premium on discretionary income”. fortably become the world’s cheapest city in Sydney in descending order. Caracas, Geneva, Singapore is reliant on other countries for indicative of recovering European prices and New York, which serves as the base city for which to live,” it said. India’s financial centre Melbourne and Tokyo were tied at sixth place while energy and water supplies, making it the currencies. “Improving sentiment in struc- the survey, was ranked 26th, while Sydney Mumbai was ranked the world’s least expen- Copenhagen was tenth. — AFP