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www.kuwaittimes.net NO: 16411- Friday, January 23, 2015 ProtestProtest asas Mubarak’sMubarak’s sonssons freedfreed

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Members of the Ahrar movement, a coalition of vari- ous Islamist groups, hurl smoke bombs during a demonstration yesteray on Talaat Harb Square in the capital Cairo following the release of ousted presi- dent Hosni Mubarak’s two sons (seen inset) pending their retrial on corruption charges. — AFP Local FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Scribbler’s Notebook The weekend effect

day just seems lighter, more laidback and less stressed follow the lives of the rich and famous, you’ll know this is By Jamie Etheridge out. not the case. Even those who could spend all their time Another definition of the weekend effect theory on a posh holiday island resort aren’t perpetually happy. argues a similar point. A study published in the January So the weekend effect isn’t all encompassing. Or 2010 issue of the Journal of Social and Clinical rather it’s less about having unlimited freedom and Psychology reported finding that people were happier instead about the balance weekend freedom after a busy [email protected] and felt better physically and mentally on the weekend. workweek creates. Unlimited freedom is just as bad as “They feel better regardless of how much money they overscheduled lives. When we are free to do whatever here is a theory in economics, known as the week- make, how many hours they work, how educated they we want, whenever we want, freedom loses much of its end effect, that says stock markets will close higher happen to be, or whether they work in the trades, the attraction. We only desire to fly because we cannot. Birds Ton Fridays and open lower on Mondays. Much service industry, or in a professional capacity. They feel soar without savoring the beauty of flight and would research has been conducted to understand why, and better whether they are single, married, living together, perhaps, if they could, dream to walk. there are different opinions. Some say it has to do with divorced or widowed. And they feel better regardless of Weekends are enjoyable precisely because they are short-selling by investors on Fridays. Others note that age,” according to the study. It noted that people associ- limited. They are short and give us something to look for- companies tend to dump bad news like poor quarterly ated weekends with higher feelings of freedom and ward to each week. They provide a balance to a long and earnings into the weekend news cycle in order to mini- closeness (as in closeness with family). stressful week. But alone they would be just as painful as mize coverage. This seems fairly obvious. But stop and think about a week full of work. It is the balance that gives the sweet- I think it’s also possible that, simply put, people are what this is really saying: Regardless of income, hours ness. So the next time you are procrastinating on a happier and more optimistic towards the end of the worked, education or industry, we are happier when we project, tackle it on a Thursday. Or if you need to speak week. I know I am usually in a better mood and more are free to choose our activities on the weekend. If true, with someone you dislike, do it on a Thursday. You are relaxed on Thursdays. There is still the same amount of then this should also mean that those with the resources more likely to feel a greater sense of positivity and be work to do as the rest of the week (sometimes more to live a life of leisure should be immensely happy and more relaxed as you are already looking forward to the since we produce the Friday Times on Thursdays and always feel more satisfied than the rest of us. But if you weekend. trust me, it’s a labor of love!) But even so, somehow the

Just kiddin’, seriously The cost of a shower in Kuwait

By Sahar Moussa

[email protected]

new proposal was suggested by the In Kuwait, the government is still in the Ministry of Electricity and Water to process of studying proposals in this regard Aincrease energy tariffs. The tariff earli- though no final date has been set. er was 2 fils for apartments in the invest- However, a new list has been issued which ment sector, commercial compounds and details how much people will pay for every the housing sector which was almost surreal kilowatt per hour and this is based on their compared to other countries like Lebanon, individual consumption of electricity. For Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf poses for a photo with fans at the Gate Mall yester- Jordan, India and others. Believe it or not, instance, for government-provided houses day. Assaf is in Kuwait to participate in the Hala February festival concerts. — Photo by free electricity and water is one of the main for citizens, from 0 to 6,000 kw per hour will Yasser Al-Zayyat things I brag about to my friends and family be charged 2 fils, from 6,001 to 10,000 is 6 when they ask “How can you live in Kuwait?” fils, and 10,000 onwards will cost 12 fils. You see, I come from Lebanon, and pay- Expats living in apartments will be paying 2 ing for electricity and water is a big hassle. It fils for 0 to 2,000 kw per hour, 6 fils for 2,001 is extremely expensive and people some- to 3,000 kw, and 12 fils for 3,000 kw times go without water or electricity for onwards. days because they cannot afford it. People As someone who really appreciates the who reside in the 8th floor or higher don’t value of electricity and water, I think this require a gym membership since the lack of will make people realize how heavenly their electricity means they get their cardio on country is in terms of basic necessities. This the staircase. Sometimes family members will also help our kids understand responsi- hold a draw to decide who gets to take a ble use of non-renewable energy. shower thanks to the water shortage. But on the other hand, I’m scared that Water and electricity - or the lack of it - this project will only make expats’ lives shapes your whole life. For instance, if you harder than it already is. The landlords will have an important meeting in the morning, use this as an excuse to increase rents again you should plan in advance when you want and blame it on the government this time. to shower, at what time and give advance Every step the government takes has a notice to the entire family to give you first domino effect on everything else. If the priority access to the bathroom. Electricity subsidies on electricity are removed and is allotted according to sectors and some prices rise, I hope that the extra money areas are lucky to have power 24/7 while that’s saved will be invested in infrastruc- some have it for eight hours a day and ture improvement and tourism a la Dubai. some unfortunate ones don’t have a Hala February is a great example of minute of it. Since one man’s loss is another Kuwait’s touristic potential and though it man’s gain, some people buy heavy-duty may be a small step, it is still the right step generators and “sell” electricity to people - towards new horizons and thinking outside which definitely doesn’t come cheap either. the box. Local FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Local Spotlight

By Muna Al-Fuzai Bachelors’ tax

The laws and the high cost of living do not make it easy nationalities, and the state should provide alternatives for [email protected] for an expat to bring his wife and children to live with him. the workers and leave it to everyone - whether single or Therefore, we have many “bachelors” who are married not - to decide where to live according to their financial back home yet are forced to live as singles here. abilities and wishes. The fact that someone is single does- f you’re a single person, male or female, then this I don’t believe single people should be isolated or n’t mean he or she is a threat. article is for you, because you have to pay your moved out. Yes, there are areas in Kuwait like Jleeb Al- People are equal before the law and should not be pre- Idues to this society, which is called bachelor’s tax. Shuyoukh and Khaitan where crimes and thefts occur judged because of their social status. They must not be The bachelor’s tax determines where you can live in because of the large percentage of singles of various forced to pay a bachelor’s tax. Kuwait, regardless of your desire, preference and choice. The tax does not allow you to live in any resi- dential area among families. It tells you what is appro- priate and inappropriate, and you have no choice but to comply. Why is that? The minister of state for municipal affairs and com- munications made a shocking media statement describing single people in residential areas amongst families as something that must be eliminated. He also stressed the need to confront this phenomenon quickly, without any compromise, describing it a tick- ing time bomb that poses a significant threat to social security in residential areas, in addition to being a great burden on services such as electricity, sanitation and water. He called for alternative solutions, and to speed up the construction of labor cities in the gover- norates of Jahra, Ahmadi and Farwaniya. The fault lies in portraying a negative image of all single expats, regardless of their status and position. We are not supposed to generalize an idea for every- one, as singles in Kuwait are not all alike. Some of them are poor workers who can barely feed them- selves and meet their needs, and these workers are hired by companies that should house them in suit- able labor cities as the minister demands. But there are those who are not workers and will not live in labor camps, like engineers, doctors, teachers, bankers and other professionals. Where are they sup- posed to stay if they are not able to rent a place in res- idential areas of their choice, and why are they seen as a threat? This is not fair.

KUWAIT: Monkeys at Kuwait Zoo play and groom each other while visitors watch. The zoo is one of the most popular win- ter destinations in Kuwait with more than 60 species of ani- mals including lions, bears, giraffes, elephants and a variety of desert animals. Opening hours are 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. — Photo by Yasser Al Zayyat Local FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Getting to know the model behind the cover

Filipina model works hard to reinvent herself

By Ben Garcia and the opportunity to wear the products you endorse. This is a privilege and I love it,” Ivy noted. ith the rising number of malls and shops catering to locals and expatriates, modeling is a thriving A Filipina face Wcareer option in Kuwait. Ivy Laughton, a popular As the Kuwaiti market is dominated by expatriates, Filipina model, entered this profession by accident. “It companies look for models of various nationalities. But started when a friend asked me to endorse a brand. I while agencies try their best to avoid discrimination, peo- thought he was kidding, but that was the beginning,” she ple do make snide remarks. Occasionally, Ivy feels offend- said. ed when people tell her she’s not a Filipina. “I attend Ivy was featured in the October 2013 issue of The events of the products I endorse, and people I meet there Avenues magazine, where she modeled jewelry (one of have an opinion about everything, including the models. I the sets was worth over a million Kuwaiti dinars). She was am never identified as a Filipina, which saddens me, on the cover of the magazine and on eight pages inside. because the truth is there are countless Filipina beauties The jewelry shop paid her a handsome amount for a year. around and we have won many international beauty pag- Ivy has also modeled for an expensive luggage brand and eants,” she said. a luxury watch brand too. “I am really very grateful and for- Ivy has high cheekbones and is of medium height, with tunate to get an opportunity to showcase my prowess in looks that are unmistakably Asian. “I am a proud Filipina, modeling,” she said. but I am always mistaken as Thai, Vietnamese or Ivy does not believe she is competing with anyone. “We Singaporean”. She has a good command of English with a have our own individuality; we’re all different. Beauty is in slight British accent, as she worked for many years as a the minds of people. If you feel beautiful, it will radiate on nurse at an international English school in Kuwait. your personality inside and out. Even if multiple models are endorsing the same brand, we still have different looks Hosts of talents and auras. We have different approaches, so there is no Ivy continues rediscovering herself and reinventing competition. At the end of the day, we are chosen to be paths to success. While working as a nurse, she found her- ambassadors of a brand, and the objective is to attract self taking photographs of people around her, and likes people and sell products,” she said. capturing smiles and the reactions of people. Her pen- The pay depends on the duration of the contract, either chant for photography led to her being hired for photo- one or two years. “You’ll get a monthly salary plus bonuses sessions by individuals and companies. “When I find time, I FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Local

take on photo-sessions for pregnant women, as they like remembering their pregnancy. Of course, women are not going to trust male photographers unless they are close friends or family members,” she said. Ivy is also a very talented singer. She’s well known among the Filipino community for having a fine voice that captures people’s attention. “I love singing; I sing at home and I sing at events. I love entertaining people. I was a finalist in a singing contest organized by the Filipino television channel in 2006,” she noted. Ivy is a proud blogger and Web designer too. “I post some of my photos to my blog and people like it. I am making money out of it and people also hire me to do Web designing,” she said. Ivy is keen to continue her modeling career if good offers come her way. “I was a nurse and this is a very reputable pro- fession, but I wasn’t really happy. Modeling makes my heart fill with joy and I will surely succeed,” she vowed. Ivy is happily married with an 8-year-old son. Local FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

A dog’s life for stray canines

By Nawara Fattahova Reports that lead to this action, however, are rare. According to the authorities, they receive reports of stray dogs nce a rarity, stray dogs in commercial areas in Kuwait in residential areas only two or three times a month. “It was are becoming more common. They are especially much more frequent about two years ago,” said the Oprominent in Shuwaikh and Al Rai near the Friday agent. “But we receive many calls reporting stray Market as well as industrial, desert or farming areas like dogs in areas such as Kabd and Wafra, Subhan or Wafra. The dogs, many of which have been aban- especially since there are many pens doned by owners or have escaped from the animal market, are and farms there, and some mostly not feral, but may attack humans if they feel threat- of these dogs may have ened. escaped and became Last year, Kuwait Times interviewed an official of the Public stray dogs,” he added. Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), The emergency call who stated that they are working on building a shelter for center also receives calls stray dogs in Kuwait. The official, who asked that his name be reporting abandoned wolves withheld, said that this project was in progress and that the and monkeys. “In such cases, dogs would not be killed by poison but rather trapped and we cooperate with the zoo, then transferred to the shelter. which sends its staff who Following up, however, Kuwait Times has learned that no tranquilize these animals PAAAFR shelter has been built and the authority continues to and then take them to the lay poison baits when stray dog sightings are reported. “When zoo. PAAAFR also has a tempo- someone calls us and reports seeing a stray dog near their rary quarantine for dogs - not house, our staff go to the place and put a piece of poisoned stray dogs but pets. When a dog meat near the house,” said a PAAAFR agent. “The caller has to attacks its owner, for instance, it’s sign a pledge that he will monitor the poisoned meat to make kept in this quarantine until the owner is sure that nobody else will consume it or take the meat,” he treated and collects his dog. If he doesn’t said. “When the dog is dead, we then come to remove the car- retrieve the animal, it is humanely destroyed,” cass. In the past, we used to shoot them, but the Ministry of concluded the employee. Interior banned it, so we now poison them instead,” he told People can call the PAAAFR emergency number 1800018 to Kuwait Times. report stray dogs in their area. Local FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 7

KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister visits the Jaber Causeway project yesterday. —KUNA PM inspects Jaber Causeway project

KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber the project and attended a briefing on the a fitting gesture to the achievements of the Subiya through a bridge across the Kuwaiti Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah visited yes- progress on the project, which is at 26 per- late Kuwaiti leader. Bay. He added that the bridge will be 36 km terday the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- cent completion rate currently. The prime Speaking about the project, Minister of long, noting that the causeway project is part Jaber Al-Sabah Causeway project (Subiya minister expressed his pride on how the proj- Public Works and Minister of Electricity and of the state’s development plan. The prime causeway) to check on its progress. The pre- ect is carried out, stressing that naming it Water Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim said that the minister was accompanied by a number of mier opened the visitor and media centers of after the beloved late Amir Sheikh Jaber was Sheikh Jaber Causeway links Kuwait City and senior state officials during his visit.—KUNA

Maltese mission opens in Kuwait

By Ben Garcia each other’s capitals with reinforced eagerness to venture into new avenues of cooperation, resident KUWAIT: The Republic of Malta opened its con- ambassadors were established in both capitals and sulate in Kuwait yesterday in Mubarak Abdullah Al- several agreements were concluded in a wide Jaber opposite the Australian College of Kuwait. range of fields,” he added. Maltese Foreign Minister Dr George Vella, the Vella noted that Kuwait and Malta have guest of honor, said the consulate will facilitate remained committed to bringing their respective people to people contacts through the provision regions closer to one another. “In Malta we do this of consular services, but will also continues to constantly, as in the European Union and other shape the excellent relations between the two Euro-Mediterranean frameworks, and I know countries. Kuwait is equally committed to this within the Gulf “Along the years we have come to look at each Cooperation Council,” he said. other as two genuine friends, who notwithstand- Malta is also the proud host of dozens of stu- ing their distinct characters, experiences and pecu- dents from Kuwait who have chosen it as their sec- liarities, struck the right chemistry to form a unique ond home to pursue studies at the University of relationship. This is a friendship based not on con- Malta. “A total of 150 students have enrolled at the venience but on the sound bases of mutual University of Malta since 2007, primarily in the respect, understanding and solidarity in time of areas of medicine, constituting the second largest need,” Vella told a gathering of dignitaries at. international student group in the university at the Vella also met First Deputy Prime Minister and moment,” he said. “True to our renowned hospital- Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled ity, we have invested heavily in the university’s Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and other local officials. “I will infrastructure to make sure that these young men be taking back with me the insights you have and women reach the peak of their academic shared with me and my country as a result of our potential and have an enriching experience in also KUWAIT: (Left) Dr George Vella, Malta Foreign Minister addresses dignitaries during frank and candid discussions.” he said. “Officials at becoming citizens of the world. Your students will inauguration of the Maltese consulate in Kuwait. (Right) Officials cut the ceremonial cake. the highest levels of political representation visited in no time be Malta’s best ambassadors,” he stated. — Photos By Joseph Shagra Local FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Omair launches Kuwait Oasis 2 campaign

KUWAIT: Minister of Oil and State for Kuwait) is being held under the Sheikh Ahmad said the voluntary gories, she noted. Minister for National Assembly Affairs Dr patronage of Omair. action has a great impact on the efforts KO is a non-profit agency affiliated to Ali Al-Omair on Wednesday commended The ceremony gathered Director to raise public awareness about the new the Environmental Voluntary Foundation the impact of the new environment law General of the Environment Public law and conservation of the environ- and aiming to increase the green foot- on the efforts to protect environment in Authority (EPA) Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah ment, commending the public-private print in the Kuwaiti desert. The KO team the country. “Beside the role of the law, Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, media coordinator partnership. Anzi reaffirmed the commit- is specialized in operations conducted in the voluntary efforts are crucial to envi- of the campaign Fatema Al-Anzi and rep- ment of the Kuwait Oasis (KO) team’s the desert that are intended to preserve ronment protection,” the minister said resentative of partner organizations such efforts aiming to expand greenery across and rehabilitate the environment. Its while inaugurating the second campaign as the Ministry of Interior, the the country. The team’s membership main projects include planting trees in of the Kuwait Oasis team. The campaign Petrochemicals Industries Co and Kuwait grew from 50 to nearly 250 members, desert areas, notably the Kuwait Green dubbed “Kollona lil-Kuwait’ (We are all Energy. male and female of various age cate- Wall Project. — KUNA Ghanem: Reverence of Prophet unparalleled Speaker against ‘foolish’ reactions

ISTANBUL: Kuwait’s National Assembly speaker said that publishing images offen- sive to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) under the pretext of free speech violates the sancti- ty of Muslims, but he also condemned the “reckless or foolish reactions” used by some in response. “Free speech is only applicable SEOUL: KPC International Marketing Managing Director when it comes to attacking Muslim sanctities Nasser Al-Mudhaf and SK Trading International CEO Harry and insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” Kim are seen at the signing ceremony. — KUNA Marzouq Al-Ghanem told lawmakers in a speech at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Parliamentary Union (PUIC) Kuwait, S Korea ink talks on Wednesday. “The world should know that our homage crude supply deal and reverence to this man (Prophet Muhammad, PBUH), who is dear to our SEOUL: State-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) signed a hearts, is unparalleled. ‘We sacrifice our souls long term crude oil supply contract with SK Group yesterday, a for him’ are words that were uttered by our deal that extends its strategic alliance with the South Korea- ancestors and will be uttered by our prede- ISTANBUL: Kuwait’s National Assembly chief Marzouq Al-Ghanem is seen at based conglomerate. KPC International Marketing Managing cessors. We have witnessed, in pain, what the PUIC meeting. — KUNA Director Nasser Al-Mudhaf signed the contract in the ceremony some malevolent souls have carried out by spreading caricatures and images that are tunity to argue that our faith (Islam) is one of account the realities of the age we live in”. on behalf of KPC, while SK Group was represented by SK Trading offensive to one of the symbols of complete murder, bombings, terrorism or fundamen- “We (Muslims) are not alone in this world. International CEO Harry Kim. humanity and morality - our Prophet talism”. We should be major players in it, and for us “KPC plans are to extend the longstanding and historical rela- Muhammad, peace be upon him,” he said in “Here I ask myself, who serves who? Do to be that, we should understand the lan- tionship with SK by renewing a long term contract. Our strategic reference to the French satirical magazine not both sides, in spite of their clear contra- guage and tools of this age,” he said, identi- partnership with SK preserves and expands Kuwait’s market share Charlie Hebdo. dictions, serve this absurd approach to fun- fying “comprehensive human development” of oil supply within the oil industry in South Korea,” Mudhaf said The lawmaker accused employees of the damentalism? This is why it should not be and “political reform” as another two of in a statement to KUNA after the signing ceremony. “The signing magazine of being “fundamentalists who permissible to forgive, overlook or disregard these ‘tools’. ceremony was held in parallel with KPC first customer’s reception have planted the seeds of hate, who nurture tackling terrorism, because it is a dangerous Factors that could have aided the spread in South Korea which will be hosted by KPC on Friday to extend terrorism and fuel violence and tension occurrence, because it targets the essence of of terrorism in the region could be “the huge the appreciation to KPC’s clients for the long-lasting and histori- between nations and peoples”, adding that, our faith and because it knows no geograph- impact of colonialism and occupation,” but, cal relationship,” he said. According to Mudhaf, as South Korea’s “the noble Prophet (PBUH) over whom we ical boundaries. It is dangerous because it he said, “this does not excuse us (Muslims) second-biggest crude oil supplier, Kuwait sold about 400,000 bar- are angry and pledge our souls and funds to endangers the interests of our (Islamic) from complacency, carelessness and inat- rels per day (bpd) of crude to the country in recent years. has taught how to stand for him and how to nations and peoples, and it serves other par- tention that has led to where we are now”. The ceremony was held in presence of Kuwaiti Ambassador deal with mockers”. ties whom are delighted that this violent “Blaming ‘the other’ as the sole responsible to South Korea Jasem Al-Budaiwi and KPC’s high level delegation Ghanem said Muslims should not image of Muslims is created,” said Ghanem. factor and excusing us of responsibility over included CEO Ali Al-Hajeri and International Marketing Deputy respond to these actions by “reckless or fool- He launched an attack on an “ancient what is going on should come to an end,” he Managing Director Jamal Al-Loughani. “Today we saw a long- ish reactions that give the enemy an oppor- and extinct discourse that does not take into said. — KUNA term commitment by Kuwait as a provider of crude oil to South Korea, which will benefit both sides in the long-run,” Budaiwi told KUNA, stressing that the contract definitely helps both Govt to solve problems economies and nations. “We look forward for further develop- ment of cooperation between KPC and SK Group, even in other facing students abroad areas, not only in crude oil but more cooperation in research, investment and refinery,” he added. LONDON: The government is willing to look Kim told KUNA that the signing the contract is a fact that SK into problems facing its student nationals and KPC are strategic business partners as well as good friends. abroad, finding solutions to enable them to “We need to take an advantage of the signing as a start to devel- focus solely on their studies, Kuwait’s Education op new and higher strategic alliance. We have built a very good Minister Dr Bader Al-Essa said yesterday. In a relationship over many years, and I would like to continue this statement to KUNA after his meeting with mem- good relations and business ties for wider areas,” he said. KPC has bers of the National Union of Kuwaiti Students shares in SK Innovation and SK CC according to Hajeri. “The meet- (NUKS) UK and Ireland branch, Essa said that the ing with Kim was a good chance to cement our relationship with ministry will work on finding solutions to prob- SK. We discussed how to expand our relations and investment in lems facing students abroad, affirming that this SK Innovation and SK CC,” he said. was a priority for the ministry. Despite its lack of domestic energy resources, South Korea is Members of the NUKS lauded the minister’s home to some of the largest and most advanced oil refineries in statements and indicated that such considera- the world. As South Korea’s largest refiner, SK Innovation, a family tion towards Kuwaiti students abroad will fuel their desire to fulfill their academic careers to of SK Group, operates two refineries with a combined capacity of help in the future development of Kuwait. Essa around 1.2 million bpd. It holds about 35 percent of South is in the UK to participate in a global forum on LONDON: Education Minister Bader Al-Essa meets students studying in Korea’s petroleum product market, excluding LPG. — KUNA electronic education. — KUNA Britain. — KUNA Local9 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Crime Report Man arrested with 247 liquor bottles

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Ahamdi detectives arrested an Asian with 247 liquor bottles, said security sources. Case papers indi- cate that a police patrol suspected the man who held a large plastic bag, and ran away on seeing them. Chasing the suspect to a barber shop, policemen found out he had been using the shop as a warehouse to store the liquor. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress.

Wanted man nabbed A simple traffic violation led the police to arrest- ing a citizen wanted for a KD 8,700 financial claim, said security sources, noting that a traffic police KUWAIT: A picture shows the headquarters of Al-Watan newspaper in Shuwaikh. — AFP stopped the man for riding a motorbike without a license plate, and on checking on him, he was found wanted. Info ministry revokes

Blaze contained A fire broke out in a fifth-floor apartment in Salmiya, Watan media license said security sources, noting that firefighters from Salmiya and South Salmiya rushed to the scene. The fire was in a bedroom and the entire building had to be evacuated during the process. Two of the tenants suf- KJA slams ‘abusive measures’ fered smoke inhalation and were treated onsite, while an elderly woman with special needs was rescued from By B Izzak Al-Watan challenged the decision course a couple of years ago and has the apartment next door. before the administrative court, which on become highly critical of government KUWAIT: A number of fast-paced devel- Wednesday heard the case and post- policies and decisions. The daily was opments took place yesterday regarding poned it to next week, but rejected a peti- ordered shut several times by court on Husband ‘loots’ safe the closure of Al-Watan newspaper and tion to suspend the closure until the ver- complaints by the information ministry A female citizen reported that her husband used publishing house as a judge ordered the dict is issued. But yesterday, a judge look- for allegedly violating the press and publi- a knife to threaten and force her to open a safe in building open and the government ing into urgent matters ordered that the cations law. The establishment has a their house to take the money in it, said security immediately filed an objection. The infor- newspaper building must be allowed to satellite television station which is still mation ministry meanwhile revoked the reopen until the case had been settled. running as usual. sources. The woman added that her husband also media license of the daily on the basis An order was immediately issued to Meanwhile, Kuwait Journalists took her ID, ATM card and passport before leaving that it has lost its commercial license and enforce the ruling to reopen the building, Association (KJA) yesterday issued a state- the house. A case was filed and further investiga- accordingly ceased to exist as a commer- but the government submitted an objec- ment expressing deep concern on the tions are in progress. cial company. The ministry decision also tion, thus stopping the implementation. freedom of the press in Kuwait and recent revoked the licenses of several other pub- Al-Watan’s lawyer Rashed Al-Radaan government measures seen as destabiliz- lications by Al-Watan establishment for described the government’s behavior as a ing Kuwait’s status as the head of the Man stabbed, robbed the same reason, according to the min- conspiracy against Al-Watan. He said he Arab Journalists Union and an effective A Lebanese was rushed to Amiri Hospital with serious istry. Information Minister Sheikh Salman will press to set a quick date to contest member of the International Journalists wounds he sustained when three unidentified people Al-Humoud Al-Sabah told reporters that the government’s objection and will con- Association. stabbed him in Qurtuba and stole KD 1,100 from him, the ministry took the decision to apply tinue to work on the main case to cancel Following a board meeting presided said security sources. The man said that the assailants the law. He however insisted on the min- the government decision to withdraw the by Chairman Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani, had followed him on his way out of the bank and istry’s concern to ensure freedom of press. commercial license of the newspaper, KJA expressed solidarity and support for stopped him, pretending to want to buy his vehicle. Al-Watan newspaper was shut down by which the administrative court will look any media establishment against any the ministry of commerce and industry on into on Wednesday. abusive measures, such as withdrawing Monday after the ministry scrapped its Al-Watan newspaper is owned by Al-Watan’s license. “which ought to be Passenger busted with hash commercial license because its losses Sheikh Ali Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, a member done through proper legal channels and A citizen was arrested on arrival at Kuwait airport exceeded 75 percent of its capital. Under of the ruling family, and is managed by on a court order”. The statement with the possession of 10 hashish joints, said securi- Kuwaiti law, the ministry of commerce his elder son Sheikh Khalifa. The daily was expressed full trust in Kuwait’s judiciary as ty sources. Case papers indicate that customs has the right to scrap the commercial for years a staunch supporter of the gov- the main protector of the constitution’s inspectors suspected the young man who acted license of such a company. ernment, but appears to have changed guaranteed liberties. strangely, and on searching him, they found the joints. A case was filed and the suspect was referred to relevant authorities.

Couple arrested over drugs A female citizen and her Arab boyfriend were arrest- ed with the possession of 250 gm of hashish and 2,500 Captagon tablets, said security sources. Case papers indicate that narcotics detectives had been tipped off concerning the citizen’s activity in selling drugs. A search warrant was issued and the suspect’s house was raided and searched. On finding the drugs, the suspect confessed that they belonged to her and her boyfriend for personal use as well as trade. The boyfriend was ambushed and arrested with a hashish joint. He con- KUWAIT: Within the activities of the 21st Qurain Cultural Festival, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters firmed his girlfriend’s confession. A case was filed and (NCCAL) assistant secretary general for arts Mohammed Al-Assousi inaugurated the Al-Qurain’s Comprehensive further investigations are in progress. Formative Art Exhibition with the participation of 55 artists at Ahmed Meshari Al-Adwani art gallery. — KUNA FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Egypt court frees Bloody bus attack Execution looms Mubarak sons in Ukraine for Australians pending12 retrial kills14 over 41 in Indonesia18

LONDON: A general view shows a meeting of members of an anti-Islamic State coalition (IS) at Lancaster House in London yesterday. Top officials from 21 countries kicked off talks in London yesterday on pushing back Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria and tackling the growing threat of homegrown jihadists in Europe. —AFP Anti-IS talks focus on jihadist threat 21 countries in talks to address ‘the challenge of our time’ LONDON: Top officials from the US-led coali- need to step up and lead,” he added. The US Tokyo to pay a $200 million ransom for the is as important as the military campaign tion against the Islamic State group met in official also said that members of the coalition release of two Japanese hostages. Tokyo itself,” he said. London yesterday for the first talks since the would now meet on a monthly basis, but not believes the deadline will expire at 2:50 pm Across town in Downing Street, Prime Paris attacks with the threat posed by home- necessarily at a ministerial level. A US state (0550 GMT) today. Japanese Foreign Minister Minister David Cameron also held talks with grown jihadists high on the agenda. department official said jihadists leaving Fumio Kishida will not be at the London Iraqi counterpart Haider Al-Abadi. Abadi US Secretary of State John Kerry and British home to fight with IS would be a “real focus” meeting, but held talks with Hammond on defended his country’s efforts to repel IS, say- Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond co-hosted of the meeting and that an expert working Wednesday as Japanese Prime Minister ing the “Iraqi people have sacrificed their discussions involving 21 of some 60 countries group would be formed on sharing informa- Shinzo Abe admitted it was a “race against lives” to halt its advance. that are working together to tackle the mili- tion to stop militants travelling. time” to free the men. Speaking to the BBC “We have reversed, some time ago, the tant IS group in Syria and Iraq. One of the The Paris attacks rekindled fears about the before the talks, Hammond warned that the advances of Daesh (IS) and we are very keen three Paris attackers trained with Al-Qaeda’s dangers posed by well-trained homegrown Iraqi army might be months away from to push them back from the whole of Iraq,” he Yemeni branch, according to Yemeni intelli- jihadists returning from foreign battlefields. mounting a sustained fightback against IS. told Cameron. Ministers will also discuss mili- gence. Another said he was inspired by European police agency Europol estimates up “We are renewing and regenerating the tary efforts to support both Iraqi and Kurdish Islamic State jihadists. to 5,000 EU citizens have gone to join the Iraqi security forces-re-equipping them, armed forces, how to cut IS financing, and Kerry said taming IS was “the challenge of ranks of militants in Syria and Iraq. retraining them, reorganising them-but it will supply aid for those caught in the crossfire. our time”. “Their goal is to suppress and to Meanwhile, Belgian authorities on be months yet before they are ready to start The countries confirmed to be at yester- take over and to expand a very nihilistic, Wednesday charged a sixth person with ter- significant combat operations against (IS),” he day’s conference are Australia, Bahrain, unbelievably oppressive sense of how people rorism following a series of raids in Belgium said. But he stressed that the conference was Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, ought to live,” Kerry said. “We’ve seen them last week that foiled a plot to kill police. “about the other strands of this campaign” Germany, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, the carry it out in the most egregiously horren- and not just military operations in Iraq. “We’re Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, dous fashion with public beheadings, they’re ‘Race against time’ very clear that undermining the narrative of Spain, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. now threatening two Japanese hostages. Looming over the meeting is also the ISIL, interdicting the flow of foreign fighters, The coalition last met in Brussels in “It’s the challenge of our time. And we deadline set by members of the IS group for stopping the flow of financial funding to ISIL, December. — AFP International FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Saudi to again postpone flogging of blogger

DUBAI: Rights group Amnesty International said yesterday that Saudi Arabia would postpone the flogging of blogger Raef Badawi, whose case has sparked international criticism, for a second week on medical grounds. “The planned flogging of Raef Badawi will be suspended this Friday after a medical committee assessed that he should not undergo a second round of lashes on health grounds,” the London-based watch- dog said in a statement. He has been sentenced to 1,000 lash- es for insulting Islam and is serving a 10-year jail term. His wife Ensaf Haidar, who has sought asylum with her chil- dren in Canada, told AFP by telephone that Amnesty had noti- fied her of the latest delay but she had no other details. Badawi, 30, received the first 50 lashes of his sentence outside a mosque in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on January 9. He was expected to undergo 20 flogging sessions to complete the punishment but last Friday Haidar said the second round had been delayed on medical grounds. She also said her hus- band’s case has been referred to the supreme court, possibly paving the way for an appeal. A committee of several doctors carried out a series of tests at a Jeddah hospital on Wednesday and recommended against a new session of caning, Amnesty said. But “there is no way of knowing whether the Saudi Arabian authorities will disregard the medical advice and allow the flogging to go ahead,” Said Boumedouha, Amnesty’s deputy Middle East and North Africa director, said in the statement. Amnesty called for the blogger’s immediate and BAGHDAD: Iraqi protestors set the French flag on fire during a demonstration yesterday outside the French embassy in unconditional release, protest against a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) that was published by the French satirical magazine Charlie “instead of continuing to Hebdo last week. — AFP torment Raef Badawi by dragging out his ordeal”. Badawi co-founded the Iraqis burn French flag to now-banned Saudi Liberal Network along with women’s rights campaign- protest ‘abuse’ of prophet er Suad Al-Shammari, who was also accused of insult- ing Islam and arrested last BAGHDAD: A group of about 20 Iraqis pictures. Held under tight security, the terrorism, we fought terrorism, and our October. The charges burnt the French flag near the country’s demonstrators, many of them journal- religion is a religion of tolerance,” he against Badawi were embassy in Baghdad yesterday in ists, carried banners that read: “We said. brought after his group protest at a Paris weekly’s “abuse” of demand the French authorities apolo- Ali Issa, an employee of the same criticized clerics and the the Prophet Mohammed. French satiri- gize to all Muslims,”and “No, no, channel, said all Muslims should protest, kingdom’s notorious reli- cal magazine Charlie Hebdo has printed France”. because “abuse of the prophet is abuse gious police, who have cartoons depicting Mohammed, includ- Hassan Jumaa, director of Al-Nahar of humanity and abuse of Muslims.” Al- been accused of a heavy- ing one on the cover of its “survivors” television, said he wanted France to Qaeda’s Yemen-based branch claimed handed enforcement of issue published after jihadist gunmen issue an apology and “stop this abuse of responsibility for the January 7 attack by sharia Islamic law. attacked its Paris offices, killing 12 peo- the prophet and all religions.” two brothers, saying it was “in revenge ple. Islam bans showing the prophet in “We reject terrorism, we are against for the prophet of God.”— AFP SAUDI ARABIA: A file picture tak- Global denunciation en in 2012 in Jeddah and made Yesterday the European available by the family on Union said it was closely In Mosul, Islamic State turns January 16, 2015 shows Saudi following developments in blogger Raef Badawi who was the case. “The EU calls on sentenced in May 2014 to 10 the Saudi Authorities to captured city into fortress years in prison, 1,000 lashes and a suspend further corporal fine for “insulting Islam”. — AFP punishments,” said Catherine Ray, spokes- Survivor of Islamic State Sharia Court woman for European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini. “This type of act is not in keeping with international conventions on human BAGHDAD: In a government building in stands at the centre of the group’s aim to week, Islamic State in Mosul posted on the rights, notably the convention against torture, which Saudi Mosul, a handful of Iraqi contractors gath- carve out a modern caliphate from large Internet its version of justice: the stoning of Arabia ratified,” Ray said, in comments made before reports of ered to compete for a tender last month. It parts of Syria and Iraq. Interviews with 11 a woman accused of adultery; two men the latest postponement. The United States, Sweden, and was the kind of routine session that hap- Mosul residents, several of whom fled this crucified, accused of armed robbery; and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have denounced the flog- pens in cities everywhere-except here the month, reveal how Islamic State has creat- two men thrown from a building for ging as a horrific form of punishment, saying Badawi was contract was for fortifications ordered by ed a police state strong enough to weather allegedly being homosexual. Reuters inter- exercising his right to freedom of expression. the new rulers in town, Islamic State. One severe popular discontent and military set- viewed Raheel, a 71-year-old Christian Canada has also condemned the sentence and called for a member of the radical Islamist group backs, including the deaths of senior lead- woman, who was brought before the court grabbed a map and explained to those ers. Along with the planned trench, the this fall and forced to convert to Islam. pardon. UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has present what was required. militants have sealed Mosul’s western Taken from a senior citizens home in urged ailing Saudi King Abdullah to pardon Badawi, saying “Under Islamic State’s tender docu- entrance with giant cement walls. They Mosul, Raheel and nine others appeared flogging is “cruel and inhuman” and prohibited under interna- ment, a trench two meters in depth and also blew up a bridge that Kurdish fighters before a bearded judge. Armed guards tional human rights law. Global reaction to the sentence even two meters in width needs to be dug could use to attack Mosul. “They will fight stood in the room. “The judge began his spread into the world of professional football this week, when around Mosul,” said a source in the city to the last drop of blood defending Mosul, speech, in a soft and elegant manner, and German politicians criticized Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich close to the tendering process. The win- and for them this battle could define their he was citing verses of the Koran and say- for playing a friendly match in Saudi Arabia while criticism of ning contractor will be paid the equivalent existence. Losing Mosul means a final ings of the Prophet Mohammad,” Raheel the kingdoms rights record swirls. of $4,000 for each kilometer of trench, the defeat for Islamic State in Iraq,” said a told Reuters. On Tuesday, Austria’s chancellor threatened to withdraw source said. retired army general living in Mosul. “He said that Islam is the true religion support for a Saudi-financed religious dialogue centre unless The tender demonstrates Islamic State’s and that we must embrace it or we would it condemns Badawi’s public flogging. The same day, in an determination to defend the city that it Life under sharia die as infidels,” she said after her freedom open letter published by British newspaper the Independent, conquered in June, as the extremists In Mosul’s city centre, in the old provin- was obtained this month in an arrange- 18 Nobel prize winners called on Saudi academics to con- grabbed a large area of territory from cial council building, sits Islamic State’s reli- ment between Islamic State and Chaldean demn Badawi’s punishment. — AFP Baghdad. Rich in Muslim history, Mosul gious court. Verdicts can be ruthless. Last church representatives.—Reuters International FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Egypt court frees Mubarak sons pending corruption retrial The release of the Mubaraks presents a dilemma for Al-Sisi

CAIRO: An Egyptian court ordered yesterday the release of ousted announcement, several dozen alleged Islamist protesters tried to president Hosni Mubarak’s two sons pending their retrial on corrup- hold a protest in central Cairo but police dispersed them, an interior tion charges, a judicial official said. Their lawyer Farid al-Deeb told ministry official told AFP. AFP Alaa and Gamal Mubarak were free to leave prison after the Sisi massively won election last year after overthrowing the divi- court order because they had served the maximum pretrial deten- sive Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Morsi, a leader of tion period. Earlier this month, an appeals court ordered their retrial, the Islamist opposition under Mubarak, is himself now on trial over along with their father, overturning a lower court conviction that violence during the 2011 uprising in which protesters torched saw the two given four-year jail sentences. police stations across the country. Critics say such charges-pinning Deeb said the elder Mubarak, who is in a military hospital, would the blame of police violence during the revolt on Islamists-are a revi- also be a free man, but state media reported that there had been no sion of history that tars the uprising as a plot by Islamists and foreign orders yet for his release. In November, a court also dropped murder powers against Egypt. charges against the former president over the deaths of some of the Sisi himself has dismissed such allegations-and wary of appear- roughly 800 protesters killed during the uprising that unseated him ing as a Mubarak-era loyalist himself-has said he would decree legis- in 2011. Along with Mubarak, seven security commanders were lation banning “insults” to the uprising as well as the 2013 protests acquitted of involvement in those deaths. that prompted the army to remove Morsi. Mubarak ruled for 30 Alaa and Gamal still face a separate trial for stock market manip- years with a seemingly iron grip. The turbulent years since his ulation. The release of the Mubaraks presents a dilemma for departure have caused many Egyptians to remember his relatively CAIRO: In this Aug 12, 2014, photo provided by Jacqueline President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, a former army chief whom oppo- stable rule with nostalgia and to support Sisi as a self-styled tough Rodriguez, a man glues the beard part of King Tutankhamunís nents accuse of reviving Mubarak-era practices. After the court’s leader who would restore stability. — AFP mask back on at the Egyptian Museum. — AP Beard of Egypt’s King Tut hastily glued back on with epoxy

CAIRO: The blue and gold braided beard on the burial mask of famed pharaoh Tutankhamun was hastily glued back on with epoxy, damaging the relic after it was knocked during cleaning, conservators at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo said Wednesday. The museum is one of the city’s main tourist sites, but in some areas, ancient wooden sarcophagi lay unprotected from the pub- lic, while pharaonic burial shrouds, mounted on walls, crumble from behind open panels of glass. Tutankhamun’s mask, over 3,300 years old, and other contents of his tomb are its top exhibits. Three of the museum’s conservators reached by telephone gave differing accounts of when the incident occurred last year, and whether the beard was knocked off by accident while the mask’s case was being cleaned, or was removed because it was loose. They agree however that orders came from above to fix it quickly and that an inappropriate adhesive was used. All spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of professional reprisals. “Unfortunately he used a very irreversible material - epoxy has a very high property for attaching and is used on metal or stone but I think it wasn’t suitable for an outstanding object like Tutankhamun’s golden mask,” one conservator said. “The mask should have been taken to the conservation lab but they were in a rush to get it displayed quickly again and used this quick dry- ing, irreversible material,” the conservator added. The conservator said that the mask now shows a gap between the face and the beard, whereas before it was directly attached: “Now you can see a layer of transparent yellow.” Another muse- um conservator, who was present at the time of the repair, said that epoxy had dried on the face of the boy king’s mask and that CAIRO: Members of the Ahrar movement, a coalition of various Islamist groups, take part in a demonstration yesterday a colleague used a spatula to remove it, leaving scratches. The at Talaat Harb Square following the release of ousted president Hosni Mubarakís two sons. — AFP first conservator, who inspects the artifact regularly, confirmed the scratches and said it was clear that they had been made by a tool used to scrape off the epoxy. Egypt’s tourist industry, once a pillar of the economy, has yet Egypt’s Sisi calls for global to recover from three years of tumult following a 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Museums and effort to counter militancy the opening of new tombs are part of plans to revive the indus- try. But authorities have made no significant improvements to DAVOS: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi called on world “We should provide a proper environment for respecting reli- the Egyptian Museum since its construction in 1902, and plans to leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum yesterday to gion.” As army chief, Sisi overthrew elected Islamist president move the Tutankhamun exhibit to its new home in the Grand unite against the global threat of terrorism. “It is one battle Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013. Egyptian Museum scheduled to open in 2018 have yet to be (against terrorism) that attacks us to impose its view,” he said. Sisi, Security forces then killed hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood divulged. leader of the most populous Arab country, has repeatedly called supporters in the streets and arrested thousands of others in a Neither the Antiquities Ministry nor the museum administra- for concerted efforts to counter militancy in the Middle East and campaign that drew fire from human rights groups. Egypt, a tion could be reached for comment Wednesday evening. One of the West. The threat of Islamist militancy came into sharp focus strategic ally of the United States, is also confronting Islamist the conservators said an investigation was underway and that a when gunmen killed 17 people in three days of violence in Paris insurgents based in the Sinai Peninsula who support Islamic meeting had been held on the subject earlier in the day. The bur- this month that began with an attack on the offices of a newspa- State, the group that seized large parts of Iraq and Syria. ial mask, discovered by British archeologists Howard Carter and per that had published satirical images of the Prophet In Davos, Sisi reiterated that Egypt was serious about making George Herbert in 1922, sparked worldwide interest in archaeolo- Mohammad. life easier for foreign investors, who are vital for strengthening an gy and ancient Egypt when it was unearthed along with Egypt, which has wide influence in the Arab world, has fought economy battered by turmoil since a popular uprising toppled Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb. “From the photos circulating Islamist militancy for decades, mostly through security crack- autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Experts and diplomats say Egypt among restorers I can see that the mask has been repaired, but downs, which have weakened radical groups but not eliminated and other countries in the region need to create jobs and boost you can’t tell with what,” Egyptologist Tom Hardwick said. them. “The whole world, not just Muslims, needs to stand and economies in order to remove the conditions that help militants “Everything of that age needs a bit more attention, so such a review many points that provoke the feelings of others,” said Sisi. gain recruits. — Reuters repair will be highly scrutinized.”— AP International FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Hezbollah chief to speak on Israel air strike on Golan

BEIRUT: The chief of Lebanon’s Shiite militant neither Tehran nor Hezbollah has confirmed group Hezbollah is to speak next week to react that toll. Tensions have been running high since to an Israeli air raid that killed six of his fighters in the raid, which an Israeli security source said hit Syria, the group said yesterday. Hassan Nasrallah, “terrorists” preparing to attack the Jewish state. who rarely appears in public for fear of assassina- Al-Manar said the group was targeted as it car- tion by Israel, “will speak on Friday, January 30 to ried out field reconnaissance in Syria, where commemorate the martyrs of Quneitra”, the Hezbollah and Iranian forces are fighting along- group’s Al-Manar channel said. It added that the side President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime against comments would be at a “public ceremony”, an uprising. without giving a venue or timing. Israel’s January The raid came just days after Nasrallah 18 air raid on Quneitra in the Syrian-controlled threatened to retaliate against Israel for its sector of the Golan Heights killed six Hezbollah repeated strikes on targets in Syria. Israel occu- fighters, including Mohamed Issa, a commander pied parts of Lebanon for 22 years until 2000, of the group’s Syria and Iran operations, and with Hezbollah claiming credit for its withdrawal Jihad Mughniyeh, son of assassinated former following persistent guerrilla attacks, and the SANAA, Yemen: Shiite Huthi militiamen wearing uniforms confiscated from the Yemeni army commander Imad Mughniyeh. two countries are still technically at war. In July- stand near a government tank in the area around the house of the country’s president in the Iran has also that a member of its elite August 2006, Israel fought a bloody war against capital Sanaa yesterday. — AFP Revolutionary Guards, General Mohamed Ali Hezbollah that killed more than 1,200 people in Allahdadi, died in the attack. According to other Lebanon, mostly civilians, and some 160 Israelis, Yemeni tribesmen fight sources, as many as six Iranians were killed, but most of them soldiers. — AFP Houthi rebels in oil province

SANAA: Clashes erupted in central Yemen yester- light crude to the Red Sea. day, with local tribesmen saying they were pushing The Houthi rebels yesterday welcomed pro- back fighters from the Shi’ite Muslim Houthi clan posed concessions by the government on power- who were trying to capture an army base in Marib sharing but their gunmen still held positions out- province. Marib, which is home to a significant por- side the residence of President Abd-Rabbu tion of Yemen’s oil fields and other energy infra- Mansour Hadi, who remains a virtual prisoner structure, has been a flashpoint in recent months there. Tribal leader Sheikh Hamad bin Waheet said as the Houthis expanded their influence across the local tribes had agreed with Marib’s governor and country, taking the capital Sanaa and becoming de the head of the army to protect the province from facto national powerbrokers. Houthis or other aggressors. “Armed tribesmen “The Houthis came with many fighters with from Bayda province and Al-Jawf are also coming the aim of storming the base of the 7th Brigade and we’ll defend Marib,” he said. and tribesmen are fighting them back,” one trib- The Houthis want to replace the governor, who al leader told Reuters. Half of Yemen’s oil and they say is too close to Sunni Saudi Arabia and to more than half of its electricity are produced in General Ali Mohsen, a Sunni Islamist-leaning gener- Marib, which is also where the main gas fields al. They also want army units to be sent in to pro- are located. Its chief export pipeline carries tect vital installations there, Houthi official Ali Al- BEIRUT, Lebanon: Lebanese Hezbollah supporters carry the coffin of militant Jihad around 70,000-110,000 barrels per day of Marib Imad told Reuters. — Reuters Mughniyeh during his funeral in a southern Beirut suburb on January 19, 2015. — AFP International14 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Prince Andrew makes first appearance since sex claims

DAVOS: Britain’s Prince Andrew will make his first public appearance yesterday since he was accused in court docu- ments of having sex with an underage girl introduced to him by a disgraced US financier. The prince, 54, second son of Queen Elizabeth, will host a reception focused on entrepreneurship at the World Economic Forum in Davos, his first official engagement after he was named in allegations of sexual crimes filed in a Florida Court. A royal source told Reuters Andrew could make a brief ref- erence to the sex claims when he delivers his speech, but was unlikely to add more to denials already issued by Buckingham Palace. According to the allegations, a woman identified only as Jane Doe #3 but named as Virginia Roberts by some British media, said she was forced as a minor by Andrew’s friend Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with several people including the prince. Buckingham Palace has denied the accusations. “It is emphatically denied that HRH The Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia DONETSK: Leader of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic Alexander Zakharchenko (left) stands next to kneeling Roberts,” a spokesman said earlier this month. Andrew, fifth in captive Ukrainian soldiers at a bus stop where 13 people were killed in a trolleybus shelling in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, line to the throne, is not a defendant in the Florida lawsuit, yesterday. — AFP which mainly centres on his former friend Epstein, but he does appear in the lengthy court documents. — Reuters France takes battle Bloody bus attack in against radical Ukraine kills over 41 Islam into schools PARIS: France announced new measures yesterday aimed at Troops abandon airport amid raging battle helping schools combat radical Islam, racism and anti- Semitism in reaction to deadly Islamist attacks two weeks DONETSK, Ukraine: At least 41 people the bloodiest incidents involving civil- shed. The talks had been held against ago. were killed in Ukraine’s east yesterday, ians in recent months in a conflict that the unpromising backdrop of fresh The moves, including more teacher training and civic and one of the deadliest days in the sepa- has devastated the ex-Soviet republic’s clashes and after Ukraine’s president ethics education in the country’s secular curriculum, come ratist war, with a bloody bus shelling in industrial heartland and brought accused Moscow of fuelling the war after dozens of schools complained of pupils refusing to join Donetsk as government forces aban- Ukraine’s economy to its knees. with fresh troops and tanks. a Jan 8 nationwide minute of silence for the victims. French doned their defense of the city’s strate- Stunned Donetsk residents gathered The four top diplomats in their state- symbols such as the flag and national anthem will be explicit- gic airport. In a graphic illustration of the around the shredded remains of the ment could agree to “call on all sides ly celebrated and one day, Dec 9, set aside as a “Day of degenerating nine-month conflict, pro- bus, with bloodied bodies of elderly vic- involved to cease hostilities and to Secularism”. Poor pupils will receive more grants and efforts Russian rebels also paraded some 20 tims sprawled in their seats hours after withdraw heavy weapons” back from a will be made to make school intakes more socially diverse. captured Ukrainian soldiers through the attack and local militias cautiously demarcation line agreed in the widely While millions of French marched to defend freedom of Donetsk and forced them to kneel inspecting the damage. An official with flouted September truce signed in expression after the killings at satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, before enraged locals who threw snow- the city’s emergency services said 12 Minsk. others have described its cartoons of the Prophet balls and glass at them, some of it from people died in the bus while another German Foreign Minister Frank- Mohammad (PBUH) as offensive and rejected the “Je suis the shattered bus. was killed in a passing car. Walter Steinmeier said the main The trolleybus shelling in the rebel Russian Foreign Minister Sergei achievement was that all sides had Charlie” (“I am Charlie”) movement of national unity. bastion city was the day’s bloodiest inci- Lavrov called the attack “a monstrous agreed that the demarcation line In an unprecedented indictment by a French leader of the dent, with 13 civilians killed and Kiev crime” whose ultimate responsibility agreed in the Minsk pact would form country’s failure to integrate large immigrant populations alleging that ultimate blame for the rested with “‘the party of war’ in Kiev the basis for the pull-back of heavy from North Africa and elsewhere, Prime Minister Manuel Valls tragedy rested with Russia. and its foreign sponsors.” Ukrainian arms on both sides. said this week the aftermath of the attacks demonstrated The violence came only hours after Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk made The talks had “tested the patience of that a form of “social and ethnic apartheid” existed in France. peace talks in Berlin called for a ceasefire similar charges against Moscow, accus- all participants”, he said after meeting “Secularism must be applied everywhere, because that is and as the toll from the conflict sur- ing the insurgents of committing “a his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, how everyone will be able to live in peace with each other,” passed 5,000 dead, with a million peo- horrible act against humanity.”. “And who left the talks first, as well as Valls told a news conference.—Reuters ple also forced from their homes. responsibility for this is borne by the Ukraine’s Pavlo Klimkin and Laurent Another 10,000 have been wounded Russian Federation,” Yatsenyuk said. Fabius of France. by rocket and mortar strikes raining The strike occurred just south of US Secretary of State John Kerry down daily on the industrial region’s Donetsk’s city centre far from the front accused the rebels of attempting “a bla- residential districts, Michael Bociurkiw of line, with concerns having been raised tant land grab”, while Washington’s UN the Organization for Security and Co- over shelling that has at times moved envoy Samantha Power said Russia was operation in Europe told Ukrainian closer in from the airport northwest of pursuing an “occupation plan” in the radio. With intensifying clashes rocking the city, putting civilians in increasing east. Ukrainian President Petro Donetsk airport in recent days, Ukraine’s danger. Poroshenko, speaking on Wednesday at military said early Thursday that its Later in the day, the Ukranian prison- the World Economic Forum in Davos, troops had abandoned most of the site. ers were paraded around the city, some said the upsurge in fighting after a The airport had become the symbolic of them injured, bandaged and limping, nearly month-long lull was prompted prize of the conflict, with the army and and were forced to kneel before angry by a new surge of Russian forces and rebels continuously battling for control. residents for five to 10 minutes at the weapons. SOUTHAMPTON: Car carrier Hoegh Osaka is towed back Defence officials said fighting continued scene of the bus shelling. “We have more than 9,000 troops of into port at Southampton southern England yesterday as around the ruins of the air hub once one the Russian Federation on my territory, a decision was made earlier to bring the 51,000-tonne of eastern Europe’s most modern and ‘Testing patience’ including more than 500 tanks and ship back into Southampton, after salvos had successfully busiest-but they admitted that govern- Yesterday’s violence came hours heavy artillery and armed personnel reduced its list to five degrees. The Singapore-registered ment forces controlled little more than a after the foreign ministers of Russia, carriers,” he said. vessel, which has a cargo of 1,400 cars and 105 pieces of few isolated buildings on its outskirts. Ukraine, Germany and France ended a Moscow strongly denies supporting construction equipment, was beached deliberately on crisis meeting in Berlin with a joint call the insurgents despite NATO satellite Bramble Bank sandbank, near Southampton Jan 3 after it ‘A monstrous crime’ to cease hostilities, but no break- imagery purporting to show its forces’ began listing as it left Southampton. — AP The trolleybus shelling was among through agreement to stop the blood- presence in Ukraine. — AFP International15 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Father of Colorado shooting victim finds solace in officer

EVERGREEN, Colorado: Ian Sullivan visits his daughter’s grave on her birthday every year since a gunman burst into a crowded Colorado movie theater and shot the 6-year-old as she sat with her mother in the third row. And every year he finds a birthday card, put there by the man who was with Veronica when Sullivan wishes he could have been: The police officer who carried the dying girl out of the theater in his arms. Sullivan’s is one of the many horror stories that emerged from the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, in suburban Denver, where James Holmes killed 12 people, including Veronica, and injured 70 others in July 2012. Since then, sur- vivors have been trying to reconstruct their lives, finding com- fort in each other or seeking a higher purpose. A couple, wounded, got married. A father who lost his son became a gun control advocate. Others turned to faith. Sullivan, 28, cut his ties to many of those who were closest HAVANA: US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Roberta S Jacobson (in orange suit a left) and to him before the attack, retreating to a home in Colorado’s the Director of the North America Department of Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, Josefina Vidal (third right), head their respec- mountains. A lifeline has been the police officer whom he only tive delegations during the second day of closed-door talks between Cuba and the United State, at the Convention knows by his first name, Mike. Palace in Havana yesterday.—AFP The officer, Mike Hawkins, declined to comment, citing a judge’s gag order barring anyone - defense attorneys, officers, prosecutors, witnesses - from talking to the news media about US, Cuba begin historic talks the case. The officer still checks in on Sullivan with texts on the days that are the hardest - holidays, the birthday, Sullivan said. “It’s on restoring diplomatic ties not so much all he was able to tell me, but more so the under- standing that I was not alone,” he said. Veronica was born when Sullivan was 19. He said he had been far from a perfect Two countries to open embassies teenager, getting into trouble with the law. He and Veronica’s mother, Ashley Moser, weren’t necessarily ready for the HAVANA: The United States and Cuba say they hope Cuba will agree to reopen States on a path toward removing eco- responsibility of parenting, he said. began historic discussions on restoring embassies and appoint ambassadors in nomic sanctions and a 53-year-old trade But he was proud when he saw his newborn daughter. “It diplomatic relations yesterday, aiming each other’s capitals in coming months. embargo against Cuba. dramatically changed my life to have her,” he said. The couple to reach agreement on the opening of The United States also wants travel US Secretary of State John Kerry said divorced when Veronica was 3, but he still saw her regularly. embassies in each other’s countries. curbs on its diplomats lifted and for on Wednesday he looked forward to for- He reveled in their time outdoors. A high point came in May The meeting began at about 9 am Cuba to hand over US fugitives. mally opening a US embassy in Cuba. 2012, when she caught her first fish, a trout. She gutted it her- EDT (1400 GMT) led by US Assistant Meanwhile, Cuba wants the United Kerry also said he was prepared, when self. Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson and States to remove it from the US list of the time was right, to meet his Cuban One recent afternoon in a cramped, basement computer Josefina Vidal, director of US affairs at state sponsors of terrorism, a move that counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez, with room where he spends much of his time these days, he the Cuban foreign ministry. is under review by the US State whom he has only talked by telephone. flipped through photos of her. Veronica holding a fish by the Seated opposite each other at sepa- Department. During talks on “And when it is timely, when it is lure. On a sandy beach. In a race car. On the first day of kinder- rate tables both women were flanked by Wednesday, the Americans vowed to appropriate, I look forward to traveling garten. She flashes a toothless grin beneath her sandy blonde their chief of missions in Havana and continue to grant safe haven to Cubans to Cuba in order to formally open an hair and Hello Kitty earrings. Washington. They made no public with special protections denied to other embassy and begin to move forward,” Upstairs in his kitchen, he pushed a button on a photo remarks. Both sides have appeared cau- nationalities. Cuba complained the US Kerry told reporters in Washington. frame she gave him a month before she was killed, and her tious ahead of the talks, the first since law promotes dangerous illegal immi- In his annual State of the Union voice filled the room. “I love you, Daddy,” she cooed, stum- US President Barack Obama and Cuban gration and protested against a separate speech on Tuesday, Obama urged bling over a Father’s Day greeting. To keep Veronica’s memo- President Raul Castro announced on US program that encourages Cuban Congress to start work on ending the ry alive, he tries to do the things he used to do with her. He Dec. 17 they would work to restore doctors to defect, calling it a “reprehen- embargo, but critics say Obama first hikes. He skis. He works on cars - she used to hand him diplomatic ties snapped by Washington sible brain drain practice”. needs to win concessions on a list of wrenches while he was under the chassis, he said. in 1961. Jacobson’s visit is the first to Cuba by issues. They include: Cuban political He tries to stay busy to keep his mind from wandering into A contentious session on immigra- a US assistant secretary of state in 38 prisoners and democratic rights, the darker thoughts. It doesn’t always work. “I wasn’t there to pro- tion on Wednesday, led by Vidal and years. She is the highest-ranking US visi- claims of US citizens whose property tect her,” he said. —AP Jacobson’s deputy, Alex Lee, accentuat- tor in 35 years. was nationalized after Cuba’s 1959 revo- ed the difficulties in overcoming half a Despite resistance from some in lution, and US fugitives who have century of hostilities. Senior US officials Congress, Obama has set the United received asylum in Cuba. —Reuters Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush to meet privately in Utah

WASHINGTON: Leading potential a bid have made the path to the White former President George H W Bush, and Republican presidential candidates Jeb House tougher for potential Republican Romney are competing for support from Bush and Mitt Romney, who are rivals, including Romney who ran unsuc- the establishment part of the engaged in a behind-the-scenes compe- cessfully in 2008 and 2012. Other 2016 Republican Party. While the specific rea- tition for dollars and support among hopefuls include New Jersey Governor son for the meeting was not given, the party loyalists, are to meet in Utah. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor session will give the two men a chance A Bush spokeswoman, Kristy Mike Huckabee, and Florida Senator to take a measure of each’s intentions Campbell, said the former Florida gover- Marco Rubio. when it comes to 2016. It was scheduled nor is “looking forward to catching up The Utah meeting takes place as before Romney made his desire for a with Governor Romney” on Thursday many potential candidates prepare to third run public. “I’d say this is a highly and that the meeting has long been trek to Iowa for the Iowa Freedom unusual move because these are two scheduled. Romney, a former governor Summit, a forum organized by Iowa potential presidential contenders,” of Massachusetts, announced he is seri- Republican Representative Steve King. A Republican strategist Ron Bonjean said EVERGREEN: Ian Sullivan stands on his deck reminiscing ously considering a third presidential variety of potential candidates are to of the meeting. “The fact that they are about the short life of his late six year old daughter campaign last week, about a month speak there in Des Moines tomorrow. meeting is significant because it could Veronica, who was murdered in the 2012 Aurora movie after Bush declared he is actively consid- Both Bush, the brother of former lead to some decisions on the future of theater shooting attack, in Evergreen, Colorado.—AP ering a candidacy. Bush’s moves toward President George W. Bush and son of their candidacies.” —Reuters International FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Modi launches drive to tackle dwindling number of girls

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi even as the economy has grown and other ical journal the Lancet found that as many as The problem is worse in urban areas, num- condemned the blight of India’s dwindling social indicators like maternal mortality have 12 million Indian girls may have been selec- bers show. In 2011, Delhi, the capital region, number of girls yesterday, launching a cam- improved. The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” tively aborted between 1980 and 2010. had one of the lowest child sex ratios of any paign to address the problem the United (Save the Daughter, Teach the Daughter) This trend, in a deeply patriarchal society state, with 871 girls born for every 1,000 boys. Nations has said amounts to a national emer- campaign is aimed at improving India’s child where daughters can be seen as a financial New Delhi is part of a swathe of northern gency. “In our neighborhood, girls are com- sex ratio - the number of girls born for every liability, has led to an uptick in crimes includ- India where pre-birth sex selection has been monly killed in their mothers’ wombs and we 1,000 boys - and gender equality through ing rape, trafficking and the emergence of especially pervasive, including Haryana, don’t feel the pain,” Modi said in a speech in access to education. “wife-sharing” in villages where the sex ratio where Modi kicked off the new campaign. the northern state of Haryana. India’s child sex ratio dropped from 964 in is low, experts say. “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” will focus on 100 “We don’t have a right to kill our daugh- 1971 to a low of 918 in 2011, according to UN “For every 1,000 male child births, there gender critical districts where the child sex ters,” he said. data. Between 2001 and 2011, the decline should be 1,000 girl child births,” Modi said ratio is particularly low by enforcing existing Despite being banned, selective abortion was seen in more than two-thirds of the dis- yesterday, adding that placing importance on laws that criminalize pre-birth gender selec- is a growing problem that results in a steady tricts in the nation. sons above daughters is “a psychological ill- tion, and by improving girls’ school atten- decline in the number of girls being born A 2011 study published in the British med- ness of the entire country”. dance, among other measures. — Reuters Modi rolls out red carpet for new buddy Obama Defining time US-India relationship: Official

NEW DELHI: Barack Obama arrives in India this weekend for an unprecedented sec- ond visit by a serving US president, the honored guest of his new friend Narendra Modi who was a Washington outcast only a year ago. As well as holding bilateral talks, the leaders of the world’s two largest IMPHAL: Indian rights activist Irom Sharmila (center), who democracies will address CEOs, appear on has been on hunger strike for fourteen years, is greeted a radio phone-in and watch a spectacular by her supporters following her release from a hospital parade together in a visit that underscores jail in Imphal, India’s northeastern Manipur state. — AFP their closeness. The US president and wife Michelle will also travel to the Taj Mahal, India court frees activist with hundreds of photographers on hand to snap the first couple’s visit to the ulti- on 14-year hunger strike mate monument to love. Obama’s courtship of Prime Minister GUWAHATI, India: An Indian court yesterday reordered the Modi is evident from his three-day itiner- release of a campaigner staging a hunger strike for more than 14 ary, the first time an incumbent president years to protest human rights abuses in the country’s remote has returned to India. While recent swings northeast, her lawyer said. Irom Sharmila, known as the Iron Lady through Asia have included multiple of Manipur for her unwavering and non-violent protest, has spent stopovers, India is Obama’s only destina- years in judicial custody over her fast, intended to draw attention tion this time, despite the risk of offending to abuses allegedly committed by the military. neighboring Pakistan. NEW DELHI: Workers cover themselves from rain as they walk past tableaux The court in Manipur state capital Imphal struck down charges “There’s no question this is a defining during a media preview displaying a glimpse of culture of different parts of against Sharmila of attempting to commit suicide by fasting, said time in the US-India relationship,” US India, in New Delhi yesterday. The tableaux will be part of the Indian Republic lawyer Khaidem Mani. “The court has ordered the release of Irom Ambassador Richard Verma said in New Day parade on Jan 26. — AP Sharmila as the prosecution failed to prove the charges,” he said Delhi Wednesday. “Things not only feel dif- India’s military showcases everything from Modi pledged to make India “the easiest by phone. ferent, they are different.” tanks to its camels. “For President Obama place” to do business. The 42-year-old was expected to be released later today or Modi’s election in May 2014 was a to be invited as the first US president to Obama and Modi will make a joint tomorrow from a makeshift cell in a hospital, where she has been potential headache for the US, which had attend as the chief guest sends a very address to company bosses on Monday in force fed via a nasal drip for years. Sharmila was briefly freed last blacklisted the Hindu nationalist for more important message to the world,” US an event organized by the US-India year after the court also set aside the charge, sparking celebra- than a decade after deadly communal riots Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Business Council. “With business sentiment tions from human rights activists and her family. But she vowed in Gujarat when he was state chief minis- Rhodes told reporters in Washington. at an all-time high, the timing could not be to continue her fast and was quickly rearrested after police ter. He was only brought in from the cold “There is extraordinary potential in this better,” said the organization’s acting head slapped her with a fresh charge. last February when Verma’s predecessor relationship... Our goal is to lead this rela- Diane Farrell. US Ambassador Verma said Supporters urged police to leave her alone this time, pointing travelled to Gujarat once it appeared Modi tionship in a fundamentally different place bilateral trade was now running at around to the junior home minister’s statements in December that the was likely to end the centre-left Congress than it was when President Obama took 100 billion dollars a year-five times the lev- government would decriminalize attempted suicide. “The judg- party’s 10-year rule. The transformation office and when Prime Minister Modi took el of a decade ago-and saw no reason it ment must end the farcical cycle of arrest and re-arrest that this since has been spectacular, with both men office. “We believe we have a unique couldn’t grow by another five times. brave activist has faced for so long,” Amnesty International pro- heartened by their meeting of minds on a moment of opportunity to have that type Officials in Washington have admitted a gram director Shemeer Babu said. “Authorities must (instead)... range of issues in Washington in of breakthrough.” Observers are not certain degree of surprise over the engage with the issues she is raising.” September. The US website Politico expecting major policy announcements, upswing in ties. The rapid escalation of a Babloo Loitangbam, a long-time Sharmila supporter and described their summit as a “love-in” and although a deal on intelligence sharing is row over the strip-search of an Indian rights activist, said he was hopeful she would finally see real free- predicted Modi could become “America’s on the cards and decade-old defense diplomat in New York in late 2013 — which dom, but added that the government has not yet removed the new best buddy”. cooperation pact is expected to be saw the Stars and Stripes torched on the clause from the criminal code. “The government has told parlia- upgraded. “I think strengthening our ties streets of Delhi-hinted at a latent anti- ment it will move on this, but so far it hasn’t been gazetted,” he Twitter invite with US, with the already existing frame- American sentiment in a country that still said. Sharmila began her hunger strike in November 2000 after Modi’s November invitation “to have a work enhancing its scope, is definitely ben- sees Russia as its most reliable ally. witnessing the army kill 10 people at a bus stop near her home in friend over” was issued via Twitter and eficial to the country,” Defense Minister But both sides share a common goal in Manipur, which is subjected to the draconian Armed Forces Obama’s quick-fire acceptance underlined Manohar Parikar told Indian television. wanting a counter-balance to China, even Special Powers Act. a sense of coordination. One cloud was lift- Speaking at a conference organized by the if President Xi Jinping beat Obama to a The act, which covers large parts of the northeastern India and ed in November when the two govern- Brookings India think-tank, former foreign Modi invite. Modi did not eat with Obama the restive region of Kashmir, gives Indian forces sweeping pow- ments resolved a row over food subsidies secretary Kanwal Sibal said there were in Washington as he was observing a reli- ers to search, enter property and shoot on sight, and is seen by that had been blocking a global trade unlikely to be other big breakthroughs in gious fast. But reports say Modi will host critics as a cover for human rights abuses. agreement. Obama’s top diplomat, Sunday’s talks as “we have not given our- his first private dinner for Obama at his Looking frail and with a drip hanging from her nose, the Secretary of State John Kerry, even called selves enough time since September.” Delhi home and has asked about the activist and poet has regularly appeared in court over the years Modi a “visionary” on an advance visit last Climate change and Afghanistan are dream menu of the president-who once and been asked whether she is ready to end her fast. She has week. Obama will be the main VIP at expected issues on the agenda, while par- learnt how to cook the Indian staples of always replied “No” and, flanked by police officers, been returned Monday’s Republic Day parade when ticular focus will be on the economy after daal and keema. — AFP to custody. — AFP International FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Ousted Thai PM slams impeachment vote

BANGKOK: Ousted Thai premier Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday attacked impeachment proceedings against her ahead of a crunch vote that could see her banned from politics for five years and deepen the country’s bitter divide. Yingluck, the kingdom’s first female premier and the sister of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled from office by a controversial court ruling shortly before the army staged a coup in May. She faces impeachment Friday by the junta-picked National Legislative Assembly over her administration’s populist rice sub- sidy program, which funnelled cash to her rural base but cost bil- lions of dollars and inspired protests that felled her government. Yingluck arrived at heavily policed Parliament House in central Bangkok accompanied by a handful of her party members. “There is no position to remove me from as the Constitutional Court has already removed me as prime minister,” she told assembly mem- bers, also saying she should not be impeached for violating a con- stitution that no longer exists under junta rule. Yingluck robustly defended the rice scheme as an attempt to support Thailand’s rural poor, who historically receive a disproportionately small slice of government cash. “I am not corrupt, I was never careless,” she said, rejecting accusations that had been levelled against her and urging members to consider her case with fairness and “without TOKYO: Marzuki Darusman, the United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic being guided by anyone”. A successful impeachment needs three- People’s Republic of Korea (right) speaks with Japanese Abduction Issues, National Public Safety, Disaster Prevention fifths of the 220-strong assembly to vote in favor when they meet Minister Eriko Yamatani (left) at the latter’s office in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP today. A guilty verdict would bring an automatic five-year ban from politics and risks enraging her family’s ‘Red Shirt’ supporters, who have laid low since the coup. Clock ticking for two ‘Red Shirt’ leader urges caution Speaking before the hearing yesterday, Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the Red Shirts, cautioned against street protests on Japanese IS hostages his television show, after noting signs he believed would “lead to impeachment”. “From tomorrow, we will see more clearly... If we are not patient, Red Shirts will be accused of being responsible for bad things,” he said on Peace TV. “It is not over on the 23rd, Tokyo working to release tomorrow is not the end. Time will tell... We have to be patient,” Jatuporn urged his viewers. Experts say the impeachment move is the latest attempt by Thailand’s royalist elite and its army backers TOKYO: The clock was ticking yesterday at 2.50pm (0550 GMT) today. The Islamists of bafflement, reflected in pieces in news- to nullify the political influence of the Shinawatras, whose parties towards a deadline imposed by Islamist have linked the ransom to the amount of papers and on television seeking to have won every election since 2001.Thailand’s National Anti- militants threatening to kill two Japanese cash Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he answer the question: “Why Japan?”. Corruption Commission (NACC) has led the probe into the rice nationals unless Tokyo pays a $200 million would be earmarking to help countries Meanwhile, social media has seen an program, which paid farmers up to twice the market rate for their ransom. The Japanese government said it dealing with the influx of refugees fleeing eruption of doctored images in which the grain but left Thailand with a mountain of unsold rice. —AFP was working to secure the release of free- fighting between IS and regular forces. picture of the armed militant looming over lance journalist Kenji Goto and self- The black-clad figure said the money two kneeling men is altered-one montage employed contractor Haruna Yukawa, but amounted to fighting against IS. Part of replaces the knife he wields with a banana, with less than 20 hours to go, admitted it Japan’s strategy in dealing with the crisis while others play on video game themes. had still not spoken to the Islamic State appears to be regularly stressing the non- A supportive narrative was building group. military, humanitarian nature of this pay- around Goto, a respected and experienced “We have not been able to confirm ment. “They are totally wrong about our war reporter whose work has sought to their safety,” Chief Cabinet Secretary position,” Suga told journalists. highlight the plight of children in conflict Yoshihide Suga told a press conference. “We wish not to fight against the world zones. In video footage he filmed around Jihadist footage posted online Tuesday of Islam, we want to help the more than the time he entered Syria, he holds identi- showed a knife-wielding militant looming ten million refugees in the region. This is fication papers and his Japanese passport over two kneeling Japanese men, appar- humanitarian and non-military support. and explains that he is aware of the risks. ently in a desert in Syria or Iraq. We want them to understand this, and “Whatever happens, I am the one who is In a chilling echo of the group’s video- free the hostages immediately.” responsible,” he says. “I am asking you, taped beheadings of five western Japanese people, do not place responsibil- hostages last year, the man, who speaks Doctored images ity on the people of Syria. Please. I am English with a British accent, says the two There have been a variety of public sure I will come back alive, though.” captives’ fate hangs in the balance. reactions in Japan to the unfolding drama, Ko Nakata, Islamic law scholar and visit- BANGKOK: Thailand’s former Prime Minister Yingluck “You now have 72 hours to pressure with some of Abe’s domestic opponents ing professor of Doshisha University, who Shinawatra (center) leaves parliament in Bangkok yester- your government into making a wise deci- tying it to his more assertive foreign policy also goes by the name Hassan, told day. Thailand’s military-appointed legislature is set to sion by paying the $200 million to save the drive and saying it highlights the risk of his reporters he was happy to mediate in talks vote on impeachment against Yingluck over a govern- lives of your citizens,” he says. brand of international engagement. between the Japanese government and ment’s rice subsidy scheme today. — AP Tokyo believes the deadline will expire Among the general public there is a sense the jihadists. —AFP Philippines condemns China island building MANILA: The Philippines’ foreign minister yesterday Rosario told reporters. Beijing dismissed Manila’s con- reefs in the Spratly group, which the Chinese call slammed China’s attempts to build islands in the dis- cerns yesterday, saying that “small countries” should Nansha. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, puted South China Sea, prompting Beijing to accuse not play up disputes. China’s retort came after US assis- a claim which conflicts with those of ASEAN members Manila of making “trouble out of nothing”. Albert del tant secretary of state Daniel Russel commented on the Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam as well as Rosario repeated a warning that Beijing was reclaiming dispute that “bigger nations can’t bully the small”. non-member Taiwan. land around isolated reefs in the South China Sea to Asked about the remarks, Chinese foreign ministry Beijing has previously rejected Philippine protests, turn them into islands which could hold fortified posi- spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular briefing: saying that the land reclamation was being conducted tions or even airstrips. The Philippine foreign secretary “China always maintains that countries, big or small, are in Chinese sovereign territory. A People’s Liberation said the Chinese actions in the Spratly islands would equal in international relations. Army Major General Luo Yuan defended China’s impact freedom to navigate the strategic mineral-rich “We are opposed to big countries bullying small actions as “justifiable” in state media. waters, through which large volumes of the world’s ones, and meanwhile, we believe that small countries While the Philippines and Vietnam have been vocal trade pass. “I will re-emphasize this and invite the con- cannot make trouble out of nothing,” she added. in accusing China of aggressive actions, other ASEAN cern of the Association of South East Asian Nations Manila accused Beijing last year of reclamation work in members have been reluctant to criticize the regional (ASEAN) states because it is a threat to all of us,” del the Cuarteron, Johnson, Johnson South and Gaven giant. —AFP International FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

DENPASAR: Australian death-row prisoner Andrew Chan (center) is escorted by Indonesian police officers at Denpasar district court in this file photo and (right) his alleged co-ring- leader Myuran Sukumaran. — AP Execution looms for two Australians on death row Indonesian president rejects clemency plea

DENPASAR, Indonesia: An Australian drug cy, typically the last chance of a death row con- resort island of Bali. Australian Foreign Minister Julia Bishop said that smuggler on death row in Indonesia has lost his vict to avoid the firing squad, removed the final Both men were sentenced to death in 2006, Canberra would “continue to make representa- appeal for presidential clemency, an official said hurdle for authorities to put the pair to death. and sought presidential clemency after losing tions at the highest level” to save the two yesterday, meaning he could soon face the fir- The Indonesian government, which enforces appeals to Indonesia’s Supreme Court in 2011. Australian drug smugglers. While an appeal for ing squad alongside a compatriot also convicted some of the toughest punishments for drug traf- They are jailed in Bali’s Kerobokan prison. The presidential clemency is normally the last of trafficking. fickers in the world, previously said that Chan other seven members of the “Bali Nine” were avenue open to death row convicts, The news came after Jakarta at the weekend and Sukumaran had to be executed at the same given lengthy jail terms. Sukumaran’s lawyer said Thursday he was mak- executed six drug offenders, including five for- time as they had committed their crime togeth- ing the unusual move of seeking a fresh judicial eigners, prompting a furious Brazil and the er. Sukumaran’s appeal for presidential clemen- Fresh appeal review of the case. Netherlands-whose citizens were among those cy was rejected last month, and authorities had A spokesman for the district court in the Speaking in Denpasar, Todung Mulya Lubis put to death-to recall their ambassadors. been waiting for the outcome of Chan’s appeal. Balinese capital Denpasar said he had received a said he was trying to sort out “technicalities” Indonesia’s new president has been a vocal sup- Following news Chan’s appeal had been reject- “presidential decree on the rejection of clemen- and hoped to file the fresh appeal next week, porter of capital punishment for drug offenders, ed, a spokesman at the Indonesian attorney cy for Andrew Chan”. The letter, which was adding he did not believe authorities had given and fears have been growing the two Australian general’s office said no date or location had signed on January 17 and seen by AFP, said: a good reason to reject the clemency appeal. leaders of the “Bali Nine” drug-smuggling gang, been fixed for their executions. Chan and “After careful consideration of the clemency Lubis is also the lawyer for Chan. However, he Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, could be Sukumaran, as well as other members of the appeal of the convict as listed in the presidential made the remarks about the fresh appeal before next. drug-smuggling group, were arrested in 2005 decree, it is assessed that there is not enough news emerged that Chan’s clemency request The news yesterday that President Joko for attempting to traffic eight kilograms (18 reason to grant clemency to the had been rejected, and could not immediately Widodo had rejected Chan’s appeal for clemen- pounds) of heroin out of the popular Indonesian convict.”Following last week’s executions, be contacted for further comment. — AFP Malaysian IS detainees Divers find bodies belted in isolated after preaching to prisoners seats near AirAsia fuselage KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities have removed detainees suspected of supporting the Islamic State group PANGKALAN BUN, Indonesia: investigators are analyzing them. moments before the plane disappeared (IS) from the general jail population after some were Indonesian divers yesterday recovered Indonesian Transport Minister off the radar, the pilot had asked to found preaching the extremist IS ideology to fellow six bodies, some still belted into their Ignasius Jonan said this week that the climb to avoid a major storm but was not inmates, the home minister said yesterday. seats, near the main section of an AirAsia plane climbed abnormally fast before immediately granted permission due to “They have been found to influence other criminals in plane that crashed into the Java Sea last stalling and plunging into the sea. Just heavy air traffic. — AFP joining the ideology,” Zahid Hamidi told reporters, saying month, but failed again to reach the the IS suspects were being housed in dedicated cell fuselage. Flight QZ8501 went down on blocks. “These are hardcore people who want to go and December 28 in stormy weather with fight in Iraq and Syria. We want to neutralize them.” 162 people on board as it flew from the Authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia have expressed Indonesian city of Surabaya to increasing alarm as scores of the country’s citizens have Singapore. A total of 59 bodies have so either gone abroad to join the IS jihad or been arrested for far been recovered. supporting the group or seeking to travel to Syria. Zahid “We have found six bodies, four of said 67 Malaysians are known to have gone to Syria and whom were females and two males, all Iraq and that five had been killed fighting for the cause. adults,” SB Supriyadi, a rescue agency Malaysia was holding 120 people with suspected IS official coordinating the search, said. He links or sympathies, including both men and women, said said they were found among debris, with Zahid, who is in charge of domestic security. some still strapped into their seats, not Zahid was speaking to reporters after a meeting with far from the jet’s main section. Daniel Russel, the US Assistant Secretary of State for East They had been flown to Pangkalan Asian and Pacific Affairs, who is on a brief visit. Malaysia Bun town on Borneo island, the search has traditionally observed a moderate brand of Islam and headquarters. The main body of the kept a lid on extremists. Airbus A320-200 was spotted on the But the IS ability to lure Malaysian Muslims, along with seabed by a military vessel last week fol- thousands of others worldwide, to join its bloody jihad has lowing an arduous search in shallow rattled authorities and brought new attention on increas- Indonesian waters, but strong underwa- ingly conservative Muslim views in Malaysia as its long-rul- ter currents and rough seas have pre- ing government’s tight grip has eased somewhat over the vented divers from reaching it. years. Malaysia plans to soon introduce a new anti-terror- Search and rescue teams again failed ism law to counter a potential IS-related security threat as to reach the fuselage yesterday, fears grow that recruits may return home to spread mili- Supriyadi said. The jet’s black boxes-the PANGKALAN BUN: Indonesian military personnel unload the bodies believed tant Islam. — AFP cockpit voice recorder and flight data to be the victims of AirAsia Flight 8501 from a helicopter at Iskandar Airport in recorder-were recovered last week, and Pangkalan Bun yesterday. — AP January 21,2015.—AFP Berlin Autumn/Winter2015/16in Perbandt attheMercedes-BenzFashionWeek A modelpresentsacreationbyEsther

of Stallone atop ‘Rocky’ steps ‘Rocky’ atop Stallone of FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 www.kuwaittimes.net T ourists get knockout photo knockout get Tourists Page 21 Lifestyle FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

New Kids On The Block and TLC members, from left, Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas, Joey McIntyre, Tionne New Kids On The Block members, from left, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg, ‘T-Boz’ Watkins, Danny Wood, Donnie Wahlberg, Jonathan Knight and Jordan Knight announce Jonathan Knight and Jordan Knight. their ‘The Main Event’ tour at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. — AP photos New Kids on the Block: New boy bands can learn from us ew Kids on the Block are ready to take new boy bands on go on sale Jan 31. In the last few years, boy bands have resurged, more than 30 years ago. They said they’re excited to share a stage the block to school. The Boston-based veteran group, with One Direction leading the pack, followed by 5 Seconds of with one of the top-selling female groups of all-time and the mul- Nwhich announced a summer tour with TLC and Nelly this Summer. Others, from The Wanted to Mindless Behavior, have tiplatinum Nelly. week, said contemporary boy bands should check out their live had some success. Donnie Wahlberg, 45, said the decades-long “It’s always nice to go out onstage and know there might be concerts to learn from the experts. “As far as boy bands, you bond between New Kids on the Block and their fans makes it some people out there that haven’t seen what you do, so you’re know, we dance, we perform. I mean, I hate to sound like an old worthwhile. engaging with them. It keeps it fresh for you,” McIntyre said. “It fogey, but these kids don’t know what they’re missing nowadays “I would rather have the credibility of thousands of fans and just adds to the juice of the night, and we’re ready to do that.” because we got to sing and dance for our supper, you know what have them be happy. That’s what we’ve learned and that’s why The 42-date tour wraps July 2 in Buffalo, New York. — AP I mean, and we love to do that,” Joey McIntyre, 42, said in an inter- we’re still here,” Wahlberg said. “We keep it alive because it stays view Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City. alive between us and our fans. It’s a real relationship now.” “So maybe a few kids could come to the show and see how it’s Wahlberg and McIntyre, along with bandmates Danny Wood and done.” The Main Event tour kicks off May 1 in Las Vegas. Tickets brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, began playing together Pharrell, Smith, Legend to perform at Grammys ne sings about being “Happy,” the other croons about being sad: Pharrell and Sam Smith will perform at the OGrammys next month. The Recording Academy announced Wednesday that Usher and Miranda Lambert also will take the stage at the Feb 8 show in Los Angeles. Common and John Legend will perform their Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated song, “Glory,” from the movie “Selma.” Smith, Pharrell and Beyonce are the Grammy leaders with six nominations apiece. They will battle Beck and Ed Sheeran for the top prize, album of the year. Previously announced performers include Madonna, AC/DC, Ariana Grande, Eric Church and Sheeran. LL Cool J will host the 57th annual Grammy Awards, which will air live on CBS from the Staples Center. — AP Blur frontman writes Alice in Wonderland musical lur frontman Damon Albarn has written the score for a musical Caterpillar were the most threatening characters of my childhood. I version of “Alice in Wonderland” which re-imagines the classic was genuinely very frightened of them as a kid,” he said of the origi- Btale of a girl’s fantasy world in the Internet era. The nal characters. “wonder.land” musical will premiere at the Manchester International Albarn previously experimented with virtual reality by creating Festival in July before heading to London’s National Theatre later in the band Gorillaz, whose members were imaginary even if the music the year and the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris in 2016. The National was real. Albarn, 46, became one of the most identifiable faces of Theatre, announcing “wonder.land” as it revealed its upcoming sea- Britpop as the frontman of Blur in the 1990s but has since experi- son, said the musical would offer a modern, high-tech twist to Lewis mented widely in format and has written two operas, “Dr Dee” and Carroll’s 1865 novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” in which the Chinese-inspired “Monkey: Journey to the West.”Stage produc- young Alice falls into a rabbit hole and discovers a strange new uni- tions can often be unforgiving to musicians used to strong album verse. In “wonder.land,” written by Moira Buffini, the girl Aly is bullied sales. Sting’s Broadway musical, “Last Ship,” is closing Saturday after at school but goes online as Alice and finds self-confidence in a just three months, even though the singer stepped in to try to revive world of virtual reality and struggles to discern what is real. sales. — AFP Sam Smith performs on stage at the 42nd annual “I’m fascinated by the idea of going down a rabbit hole, the other- American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre LA Live in Los worldliness and what that might mean,” Albarn said in a statement. Angeles. — AP “Alice aside, the Queen of Hearts, the Duchess, White Rabbit (and) Lifestyle FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Tintin comic cover stars at Brussels art fair ntrepid boy hero Tintin stars at one of Europe’s top art fairs next week when the orig- Iinal cover of his 1942 “Shooting Star” adven- tures goes on sale for 2.5 million euros. The yel- lowing sketch by Belgian creator Herge shows Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy on a barren rocky beach looking in astonishment at a huge mushroom. In its finished form, brightly colored, the red-and white capped mushroom looks like a well-known and very dangerous psychedelic fun- gus. The drawing has attracted huge interest from fans and collectors alike who are increasingly pre- pared to pay huge sums for such iconic works. A rare 1939 Tintin cartoon sold for 539,880 euros in December while in May, a two-page spread depicting Tintin across various adventures was bought for 2.65 million euros in Paris, a world record equal to $3.58 million at then prevailing In this Jan 17, 2015, photo provided by Peter Rowe, Rowe, right, takes a selfie with friends exchange rates. It was all very different not so Jacob Kerstan, left, Andrew Wright, third from left and actor Sylvester Stallone in long ago. “Twenty-five years ago when you went Philadelphia. — AP to a comic strip creator like Tardi ... to buy a cover, they would look at you oddly as if to say ‘and A woman looks at the original artwork on who on earth is interested in that’,” said Alain the cover of “Tintin et L’etoile Mysterieuse” Huberty, part-owner of the local gallery selling (Tintin And The Shooting Star) by late Tourists get knockout photo of the cartoon at the Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts Belgian cartoonist Herge at the BRAFA, the Fair. Brussels Antiques and Fine Art Fair, in Stallone atop ‘Rocky’ steps The “Shooting Star” cover-”L’Etoile Brussels, on January 20, 2015. — AFP Mysterieuse” in the original French is just one of that there could be a “bubble” building in prices group of tourists who ran up the “Rocky” greater Los Angeles. Rowe recently graduated five still in the hands of private collectors while for second-rank works but not for the greats such steps got a knockout photo at the top - a from the university and moved to the Lancaster the bulk of Herge’s work is now held by a family as Herge. Aselfie with Rocky himself. Peter Rowe said area, about 60 miles west of Philadelphia. foundation set up after his death in 1983. In the United States there is huge interest in he and two friends had just finished racing up Yet in all the time spent in LA, Rowe said, cartoon books, elevated to pop art form by the the staircase at the Philadelphia Museum of Art they never saw a famous person. “What are the Exceptional price for exceptional piece iconic paintings of Roy Lichtenstein and provid- on Saturday when they saw Sylvester Stallone. chances of meeting him, that celebrity, right Such cartoons first attracted collectors in the ing the inspiration for a cast of superheroes and “He said to us, ‘Man, you guys are fast. You’re there?” he said of the Stallone encounter, calling 1980s who would often sell them on to specialist villains likely to be on a cinema screen near you making me look bad!’” Rowe said on Tuesday. it “an unreal experience.” Stallone is in bookshops, eventually drawing in the public and right now. A near-flawless edition of the first Stallone then posed for a selfie with the Philadelphia for the shooting of “Creed,” the lat- then the auction houses as their creators won book featuring Superman dating from June 1938 trio, putting up one fist. “Look tough, guys!” he est installment in the series. It stars Michael B. recognition as artists in their own right. Herge fetched $3.2 million in June, according to online said, according to Rowe. Stallone made the art Jordan, who appeared in “Fruitvale Station,” as was among the first sought out, followed by oth- auction site e-Bay. The seller Darren Adams, a col- museum’s steps famous in his first turn as fic- the grandson of early Rocky foe Apollo Creed. A er major talents in the Franco-Belgian stable such lector in Washington state, described it the time tional boxer Rocky Balboa, who used them as representative handling casting for the Stallone as Franquin, responsible for Spriou and Gaston as possibly the “best copy in existence”, the “Holy part of his training regimen. Thousands of peo- movie did not immediately reply to a message LaGaffe, Peyo who gave the world The Smurfs Grail” of comic books. ple now visit the steps each year to re-create the asking about the photo on Tuesday.—AP and Jacques Martin with Alix. Many in Belgium might dispute that claim and run and to take pictures with a Rocky statue, “The price is determined first by the name and be prepared to back their view with hard cash. which originally was a prop in “Rocky III.” Rowe’s then by the quality,” said Huberty. “An exception- The Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts opens 24 friends, Jacob Kerstan and Andrew Wright, were al piece can command an exceptional price, as January for a week. — AFP visiting him from Azusa Pacific University in the Tintin sales show.” At the same time, Huberty cautioned against getting carried away, warning

‘Mortdecai’ Film Review hould the recent surge in male facial hair as a fashion accessory for a character: As presented here, at least, Mortdecai is certainly daft, atlas graphics-from London to Moscow to Los Angeles and back stall in 2015, barbers would be within their rights to blame but not in the singularly absurd way that makes Wodehouse’s Bertie again, with a hammy side of thickly accented heavies in tow. S“Mortdecai,” a perky but obstinately unfunny heist caper with a Wooster, say, a distinctly human figure of fun. Rather, he’s an amal- The outcome is neither surprising nor especially smart; Koepp, hero irksome enough to make any happily mustachioed man recon- gam of easy-target toff characteristics-a preening, lily-livered aristo- whose last directorial outing, “Premium Rush,” demonstrated his sider his life choices. Directed (but, unusually, not written) by an off- crat of indeterminate provenance, forced to live by his unreliable wits occasional knack for unabashed gee-whiz silliness, is more concerned form David Koepp, the film shoots for the swinging insouciance of as his fortune supposedly runs dry. with keeping the story at an active simmer. In that respect, ‘60s farce, but this story of a caddish art dealer enlisted by MI5 to assist Not that there’s any evidence of financial strain in his immaculate “Mortdecai” succeeds; even at its emptiest, it’s hardly inert. But rather in a knotty theft case is longer on frippery than quippery: There’s a country pile or his equally polished trophy wife, Johanna (Gwyneth like Michael Hoffman’s ill-fated, Coens-scripted “Gambit”-a slightly fatal shortage of zingers to supplement its exhausting zaniness. Only Paltrow, game but under-challenged), whose plainly superior intellect more disarming attempt at comparable genre throwback territory-the particularly dedicated devotees of Johnny Depp’s latter-day strain of hasn’t yet inspired her to leave this dolt and head up a posh adven- film is only frenzied, never fizzy. —Reuters mugging-here channeling Austin Powers by way of P.G. Wodehouse- ture franchise of her own. If push came to shove, meanwhile, it seems will delight in this expensive-looking oddity. Mortdecai would sooner lose Johanna than his quietly hulking Eric Aronson’s script-his first feature-length effort since 2001’s lit- Cockney manservant, Jock Strapp (these are the jokes, people), played tle-cherished Lance Bass starrer “On the Line”-is based on Kyril by a creatively if not-quite-happily cast Paul Bettany; our man remains Bonfiglioli’s 1973 novel “Don’t Point That Thing at Me,” the first in a too self-absorbed, however, for any upstairs-downstairs bromance to moderately popular comic series centered on the amoral trickster take root. Charlie Mortdecai. Mortdecai’s twitchy ‘stache was enough of a char- acter trademark to feature in the title of the series’ final chapter; while Eye-watering value it might be stretching a point to call Depp’s daintily upturned walrus Mortdecai’s usual subsistence strategy of art-related con jobs- whiskers the film’s best joke, it’s certainly its hardest-working one, passing off tat as treasure, in much the same way he passes himself serving as the impetus for several long-running gags. (If auds aren’t off as a gentleman-is taken up a notch when Security Service agent tickled the first time Mortdecai’s upper-lip rug triggers a woman’s gag Martland (Ewan McGregor) comes knocking. A former college frene- reflex, the film reasons, they’ll warm to the idea with repetition.) my who still carries a torch for Johanna, Martland reluctantly recruits the rogue to assist in their search for a missing Goya masterwork of Indeterminate provenance eye-watering value. No prizes for guessing the decoys and double- Johnny Depp signs memorabilia for fans at the premiere If that’s not much to build a comedy on, it’s an even flimsier basis crossings that ensue as the action zooms-literally so, with bouncy 3D of the feature film ‘Mortdecai’.—AP Lifestyle FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 After terror attacks, the show must go on for Paris fashion

here was a subdued atmosphere at the first day of Paris Fashion Week menswear Raf Simons gets raw Tshows - which began in earnest following There is an increasing rawness and informali- the French capital’s worst terror attacks in ty at prominent Belgian designer Raf Simons’ decades. The mantra was: “The show must go shows. It’s perhaps to do with the new standing- on.” Designer Walter Van Beirendonck’s collec- only policy where guests huddle haphazardly tion featured clothes with “Stop Terrorizing Our together, which does away with the elite hierar- World” emblazoned on the front and showed chy that the seated collections bring. But in that even in its elite bubble the fashion world Wednesday’s fall-winter show, the rawness isn’t completely immune to world events. appeared again in the deconstructed nature of Actor Louis Garrel arrived late at Valentino the clothes and the unfinished set: metal scaf- and joined “The Hobbit” star Luke Evans and folding which featured beam lights and messy pop star Stromae in the front row. But it was a colored film. pared-down celebrity pack at this, the day’s In the 41 looks, edges were often frayed on biggest show, following previous seasons’ big- long, voluminous column silhouettes in gray hitters such as Will Smith. Here are the high- and blue, broken up with flashes of crimson and lights of day one of the fall-winter 2015 shows, canary yellow. Flappy beige trench coats had including show reviews for Valentino, Raf sleeves torn off. White chemistry-class aprons Simons and Julien David. featured hand-drawn doodles. And hair was made to look like it was styled by a greasy and The show must go on rebellious adolescent. Down points included the Fashionistas chatted away to each other at repetition of a hummingbird motif which Valentino of half-empty planes from New York seemed uninspired and frayed holes in high- and eerily silent Paris hotels. Others dramatized school-style knitted tank tops that didn’t look stories of their relatives imploring them to avoid particularly original, or classy. But Simons got Paris altogether after the attacks that left 17 vic- top marks for some highly original silhouettes: tims and three gunmen dead this month, which like a sartorial, minimalist jerkin that hung down included a strike on satirical newspaper Charlie like a college dandy. — AP Hebdo. “Of course, the show must go on - but I hope even in this quite privileged milieu we keep an eye on everyday reality,” said fashion designer Alessandro Sellaretti, attending the Valentino show inside the posh Hotel de Rothschild. “The catwalk is a window for the collections and they’re designed to make people dream, but it’s also there to boost fashion’s economy, as it’s also taken a hit. You can’t completely cover things up,” he added. Others were more defiant. “I’ve had a lot of people tell me this week ‘Don’t go to Paris!’ But if I didn’t come, then the terrorists have won,” photographer Ed Kavishe said. One 22-year-old fashion student, Dumitrita Negoita, was blase: “Can I tell the truth? Well, I think that fashion is a business, so nobody cares.” Fashion designers Nicolas Ghesquiere, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and model Caroline de Maigret have expressed their support for journalistic freedom by posting “Je suis Charlie” and the symbolic image of a pen on social media.

Valentino’s bold patterns The starting point for Valentino’s diverse show was the 1920s’ Ballets Russes. The Russian movement’s famed founder Sergei Diaghilev worked with the greatest artists of the time, including Pablo Picasso, to create incredible costumes and sets. And in this menswear show, the Italian house drew on the strong, color-rich geometry of these artistic collaborations - with a dash of the Sixties. Designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli produced an angular, often sharp, and pattern-rich display - with myriad references including Scottish tartan and the now-signature militaristic camouflage. There were some envi- able looks: like the luxuriant green and brown shot silken fitted suits, or the oversize statement coats. Geometric patterns on sweaters and in fas- tidiously detailed coats, elsewhere, came across sometimes as Sixties, and, elsewhere, as almost Balkan. It further explored the current mania for ethnic-looking motifs. Bold colors - mid-blues, golden brown and burgundy - set the patterns Models present creations by Valentino during the men’s Fall/Winter 2015 ready-to-wear col- alight. But was the palette a tad too bold for the lection fashion show on January 21, 2015 in Paris. — AP/ AFP photos average Joe? Lifestyle FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Models wear creations by Belgian fashion designer Raf Simmons during his men’s fall-winter 2015/2016 fashion collection presented in Paris, France.

Rihanna wins battle with Topshop over use of her image op singer Rihanna yesterday won her legal had approved it. Topshop appealed, with lawyer battle with British high street giant Topshop Geoffrey Hobbs arguing that the item was a “dec- Pafter it sold a T-shirt bearing her image with- orated T-shirt” similar to those featuring images of out first requesting permission. Three judges at stars such as Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Prince. London’s Appeal Court upheld a ban on selling He also argued that it was wrong to assume the garment after ruling that the clothing retailer “only a celebrity may ever market his or her own had been “passing off”-using a personal image for character”. All three Appeal Court judges dis- marketing purposes without authorization. missed the appeal, but experts explained that the Rihanna had reportedly sued for $5 million (4.3 ruling would not necessarily open the floodgates million euros), although that figure was not men- to similar claims. tioned in the written judgment. The 26-year-old “The court was very keen to stress that there Barbadian singer, who has sold over 150 million were specific facts that made Rihanna’s case albums worldwide, had sued Topshop’s parent stronger than usual,” copyright lawyer Paul company Arcadia for the sleeveless T-shirt featur- Joseph told the BBC. These included photographs ing a picture taken during the filming of a 2011 being spread on social media showing the singer video. wearing Topshop clothes, suggesting there was In 2013, High Court judge Colin Birss found in an official collaboration. — AFP Rihanna’s favor, concluding that some people would buy the item on the “false belief” that she Nominee for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Rihanna arrives on the red carpet at the Staples Center. — AFP 24 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Food

A speedy chicken breast that packs flavorful, crunchy punch

By J.M. HIRSCH

his is the chicken breast recipe you’ve been searching for. Because it will taste nothing like those flavor- less, dry breasts you’ve grown to tolerate. The gist is simple - chicken breasts are sliced thin, then Tpounded even thinner. Sure, this is a process that by way of violence renders the meat pretty tender. But the real magic is in the cooking. Chicken this thin - about 1/4 inch - cooks so fast it barely needs heat. And that means the breasts stay moist. But we’re not done yet. These chicken cutlets also get a sweet-spicy-crunchy coating thanks to a quick dredge through breadcrumbs seasoned with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper and - ready for the secret ingredient? - sugar. While you could quickly pan-fry these breaded cutlets, I like to ease of the oven. Very fast and no mess. What happens next is up to you. I like to eat them just as is, but you also could slap the cutlets between slices of sourdough bread with a bit of mayo. They also are terrific sliced and tossed with a Caesar salad, or mounded over a pile of barley. 25 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Food

Sweet-and-spicy panko-crusted Chicken Start to finish: 30 minutes or rolling pin to gently pound each cutlet until uniformly Servings: 4 about 1/4 inch thick. Ingredients: One at a time, dredge each cutlet through the egg- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs flour mixture until lightly coated. Shake off any excess, 1/4 cup sugar then dredge the cutlet through the seasoned bread- 1 teaspoon garlic powder crumbs. Set the cutlet on the prepared baking sheet, then 2 teaspoons smoked paprika repeat the process with the remaining chicken. Mist the 1 teaspoon onion powder tops of the cutlets with cooking spray. 1 teaspoon kosher salt Bake for 7 minutes, then flip the cutlets and bake for 1 teaspoon chili powder another 5 to 7 minutes, or until lightly browned and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper cooked through. — AP 2 eggs 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Preparation: Heat the oven to 450 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat it with cooking spray. In a pie pan or a large, shal- Nutrition information per serving: 310 low bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, sugar, garlic calories; 50 calories from fat (16 percent powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, chili powder of total calories); 5 g fat (1.5 g saturated; and black pepper. Set aside. Crack the eggs into a similar 0 g trans fats); 190 mg cholesterol; 32 g bowl, then lightly beat them with the flour. carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 32 g Carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally protein; 620 mg sodium. to create 2 thin cutlets. To do this, place each breast on a cutting board. Hold the breast in place with the palm of one hand while using a knife to carefully slice across the length of the breast horizontally. One at a time, place each cutlet between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet Lifestyle FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Hip cutting boards from Solo Home Design The Bicycle Collection, created by up created with bicycle rims and salvaged cycling discarded bicycle rims, pedals and wood. frames.

A handle bar fashioned into a coat hook. This photo provided by SOLO Home Design Hilary Nagler calls her art “Bicycle shows inner tubes that are manipulated into Taxidermy”. clever recycled doormats at Solo Home Design.

This photo provided by Phillips Collection shows The Bicycle Collection, created by upcy- cling discarded bicycle rims, pedals and frames. —AP photos Decorating with bikes

ikes have become part of hipster culture. There are bicycle-themed dining, hotels and restaurants. drinking and shopping establishments from Portland, Oregon, to Brooklyn, There’s a chair made out of wheels, with soft rubber tires as arm rests and han- BNew York, and dozens of bike-friendly burgs in between. While the rides dlebars as the feet. Seats and backs are padded in black or paint-box-bright yel- themselves are often tricked out with colored tires, swanky seats and vintage bas- low, red or blue vinyl. Some versions are outdoor-friendly, great seating for a kets, there are also those who see more than the sum of two wheels, a frame and a beachside cottage or city balcony. seat. Designers and artists are creating furnishings and art that give bicycles a A stylized table is comprised of swirls of aluminum and steel rims, with the radi- whole new way to roll down Cool Street. ating spokes covered with glass. The collection’s got a mix of Deco, midcentury and contemporary vibes, which make the pieces versatile. Some of the best: Solo Home Design, a collective in Chicago, has an oversize cotton throw pillow Canadian cyclist and metal artisan Gilbert VandenHeuvel turns out all sorts of trimmed in inner-tube fringe. Inner tubes form a great outdoor mat, and are also reworked bicycle art and accessories from his studio in Goderich, Ontario. “The woven into coasters. Here too is a wooden cutting board fashioned out of a slab of sexy sprockets, curvy rims, flexible rubber and sturdy frame make for endless wood and a bike rim. Spokes are reworked into a neat trivet. design possibilities,” he says. Bikes are “almost begging to be reborn, reshaped “With cycling being a major part of Chicagoans’ lives, including ours, we feel it’s into something surprising and beautiful.” our duty to help with some of the waste that comes from it,” says Meg Leese, co- His online shop offers wall hooks crafted from gear sprockets, mirrors made owner and designer at Solo. “We’ve been collecting scrap from The Bike Lane, a from spoked wheels, clocks crafted from drive trains and chain rings, and sleek local bike shop, for a couple of years now and we’ll be adding a second bike shop chrome “urban antlers,” with the bike seat as the “skull’ and the handlebars as the in the new year. antlers. Designer Hilary Nagler of Santa Barbara, California, plays with a similar “There’s an industrial vibe in our designs, and bicycle parts are a perfect fit. idea, making “bicycle taxidermy” by mounting handlebar “horns” on a basswood Gears, tires, inner tubes, spokes, chain. We try to use it all. They’re not always the plaque. Ebonizing the handlebars gives them a rustic patina and vintage aesthetic. easiest materials to work with, but the different textures add something extra to Nagler says the pieces are a “sentimental nod to my beloved childhood Schwinn,” each piece, and knowing we’re helping the planet is the most rewarding feeling,” while also tipping an artsy hat to Picasso’s bull’s-head motif. she said. And finally, from the Phillips Bicycle Collection of upcycled rims, pedals In Marquette, Michigan, designer and former bike mechanic Andy Gregg has and frames, a fireplace screen made of welded wheels makes a functional and combined his skills to make high-style furniture that’s found its way into homes, striking piece.—AP Lifestyle FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Japan’s chrysanthemums More than symbol of autumn ‘Kiku: The Art of the Japanese Garden’

Photo shows a life-size doll decorated with chrysanthe- mums at a local festival in Tokyo called Yanaka Kiku Photo shows a display of chrysanthemums with spidery Photo shows a bright yellow chrysanthemum plant dis- Matsuri.—AP photos petals at the Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo. played in front of a home in Tokyo.

hen Americans think of flowers and local talent. There are a few examples of an old Japan, we think of cherry blossoms. tradition of decorating life-size dolls with the WBut to the Japanese, there’s a flower flower, and of course, potted mums to buy and for every time of year, and right now, it’s the display at home. chrysanthemum, celebrated in festivals, shows and home displays. Like the cherry blossom, the Prescribed methods chrysanthemum, called “kiku” in Japanese, sym- While that custom is familiar to Americans, bolizes the season, but more than that, it’s a the forms that some of these take is not. Unlike symbol of the country itself. The monarchy is the cherry blossom, which is mostly appreciated referred to as the Chrysanthemum Throne and in its natural state, the kiku is the focus of an the imperial crest is a stylized mum blossom. elaborate horticultural tradition rarely practiced That seal is embossed on Japanese passports. outside its native country, where the plant is The flower is also a common motif in art, and it’s grown into unusual shapes by prescribed meth- seen in everyday life depicted on the 50-yen ods of care and pruning. coin. A simple cascade-shaped example could be Originally introduced from China, this flower bought for home display at the Yanaka festival, came with a legend about longevity, the story but where you will see this art at its peak are at of a town whose residents all lived to over 100 larger shows in late October and November. years old, where the water came from a moun- What’s most remarkable about these displays is tain spring surrounded by chrysanthemums. that each is a single plant, coaxed into shape by Through selective breeding, the original simple months of labor. “You can have either three sin- Photo shows the Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum at flower was developed into many forms that gle blooms with flowers 10 to 12 inches in diam- Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa, part of an annual most Americans wouldn’t recognize as a eter, or, through a series of different techniques, mum festival that returns to Longwood this year for four chrysanthemum, such as a type with long, thin, take that same variety and grow it into a single weeks beginning Oct 25. spidery petals, and another that’s said to look plant 8 to 10 feet across with hundreds of indi- like a paintbrush. vidual blooms on it - the ‘thousand blooms’ Perhaps the most unusual mum is what’s style - all starting from a single cutting,” says called the Edo variety. “They start off looking Hachadourian. These forms can take up to 11 like a normal chrysanthemum, with petals lying months to create, with a single cascade taking flat, almost a daisy kind of form, but as the flow- 65 hours of work. The technique is reminiscent ers age, the petals will twist and spiral around of bonsai, but as evanescent as the cherry blos- the center of the bloom,” says Marc som. Hachadourian, director of the Nolen “There’s a lot of similarities to bonsai in the Greenhouses at the New York Botanical Garden. exacting technique to get the eventual effect, “It continually changes its shape till eventually but a bonsai can be trained over hundreds of the petals wind in a perfect spiral around the years, so if it doesn’t look good this year, you center of the flower.” The New York Botanical can fix it over the next 10 years,” says Garden, located in the Bronx borough of New Hachadourian, whose garden is one of the few York City, hosts a show called “Kiku: The Art of in the US that practices the traditional methods. the Japanese Garden.” “In the 11 months of training the thousand At this time of year in Japan, you’ll even find blooms, if one of the branches breaks, that’s it. chrysanthemum petals in your food, in sim- You can’t start over.” Not only that, after all mered and pickled forms. Fall is also the season those hours of work, it’s done at the end of the for a range of festivals and shows celebrating season: “At the end when the flowers are done, the flower. Small local festivals, like the Yanaka we cut them and start all over again.”—AP Photo shows a chrysanthemum plant in Tokyo grown with a Kiku Matsuri in mid-October, are more or less an long train of flowers for sale at a local festival called Yanaka excuse for a party, with stands selling festival Kiku Matsuri. foods, games for children, and performances by Features FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Canada’sCanada’s PowderPowder HighwayHighway 11 stunningstunning circuit,circuit, 88 skiski resortsresorts

Photo shows visitors at Red Mountain in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada, with a rack of skis. Features FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

For many in the skiing world, the resorts of Canada’s Powder Highway in British Columbia’s Kootenay region are secrets they’d rather not share with the public. The circuit links eight mountain resorts and many times more Nordic, heli- and cat-ski operations across 677 kilometers (420 miles). “There’s very little out there that can rival the quality and terrain in the Kootenays,” says Ian Johnston, a Vancouver transplant to Rossland where he skis at Red Mountain.

f you want powder, you go to are rated at advanced or expert. Right the Kootenays,” he says. “If at the edge of the Rockies, the resort “Iyou go to party, you go to offers some of the most stunning Whistler,” referring to the better- mountains views in North America. known and massive ski resort that For hardcore powder aficionados hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, a looking for rides through hefty pow- nine-hour drive from Rossland. Like der fields, Kicking Horse - aka “The most locals, Johnston grudgingly Champagne Powder Capital of agrees that those along the Powder Canada” - and Revelstoke are the des- Highway need to share their light, airy tinations of choice. Located outside powder bonanza with the world. the charming Alpine-themed former mining town from which it takes its Skiing is a passion name, Kimberley offers 2,465 vertical The laid-back resorts offer miles of feet (751 meters) of skiing served by trails, massive quantities of vertical five lifts. feet, heli-skiing and communities Panorama offers 2,847 acres (1,152 where skiing is a passion passed from hectares) of terrain covering the spec- generation to generation by friendly trum from wide-open fall line cruisers locals. The gems along the highway to powder-filled tree lines. The area’s through the pristine valleys of the Taynton Bowl, once a heli-skiing oper- western slope of the Rockies and the ation, is avalanche-controlled and no Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges backcountry gear is needed. Get your are, starting in the East Kootenay, ski legs warmed up first, though, as Fernie Alpine Resort near the mining the bowl is all black runs, but a great town of Fernie; Kicking Horse place to find powder stashes days

Photo shows skiers on a snowy landscape at Red Mountain in Rossland. Mountain Resort west of the entrance after a dump. to Yoho National Park; Kimberley Revelstoke proclaims itself to be Alpine Resort outside the picturesque the only resort worldwide to offer lift, city of Kimberley; Panorama cat, heli- and backcountry skiing from Mountain Resort outside Invermere; one village base with a vertical drop and Revelstoke Mountain Resort west of 5,620 feet (1,712 meters). (Cat-ski- of Kicking Horse. ing uses snowcats or snowmobiles to Moving into the West Kootenay access off-trail areas.) Powder region, Red Mountain Resort is min- Magazine calls Whitewater “one of utes from the cities of Rossland and the best powder mountains on the Trail, and Whitewater Ski sits above continent” though some would say the trendy lakeside city of Nelson. it’s a toss-up between Whitewater Fernie averages 37 feet (11 meters) of and nearby Red Mountain. snow a year and boasts a season from Whitewater offers 2,044 vertical feet December through April, as do most (623 meters) of riding serviced by four This undated photo shows ice- and snow-covered trees turned into delicate winter sculptures at Red area mountains. With a vertical rise of lifts serving 81 Alpine runs and 13 Mountain in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada.— AP photos 3,550 feet (1,082 meters), it offers 142 Nordic trails. drop on 110 runs serviced by seven tree skiing I have ever seen in my life,” powder-crazy looking to shred the runs including five Alpine bowls and lifts. For the powder-seekers, look no Johnston said, who prefers the pow- deep, there’s heli-skiing or cat-skiing tree skiing. Best deep-tree skiing farther than the aptly named Paradise der there to southwestern US offer- to be found throughout the province Nearby Nelson is a year-round section of Granite Mountain where ings at Snowbird, Alta and Sun Valley. but mainly on the Rockies eastern Advanced or expert tourist destination in itself. Its down- locals or the mountain’s Snow Hosts Also on the Powder Highway: slope around Revelstoke and Golden. At 4,133 feet (1,260 meters), town streets are lined with art and (look for their jackets) can direct skiers Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, which Cat skiing is also run through a num- Kicking Horse boasts the fourth-high- Alpine equipment stores and fantastic to the runs rich with the deep stuff. offers, in addition to winter skiing, ber of the mountains along the est vertical drop in North America. It little eateries. Red Mountain offers “No crowds, good snow. Red natural hot springs that make it a Powder Highway and is a great way to boasts 120 runs, 60 percent of which 2,919 feet (890 meters) of vertical Mountain has some of the best deep- draw year-round. And, for the truly explore off-piste terrain. — AP Features FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

This March 21, 1965 file photo shows Martin Luther King, Jr and his civil rights marchers crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in elma,S Ala, heading for the capitol in Montgomery. (Right) In this Sunday, Jan 18, 2015 file photo, Oprah Winfrey locks arms with David Oyelowo, left, who portrays Martin Luther ingK Jr in the movie “Selma,” Ava DuVernay, the direc- tor of “Selma” and rapper/actor Common, far left, as they march to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in honor of Martin Luther King Jr, in Selma, Ala. Movie ‘Selma’ sparks interest in historic Alabama City he 50th anniversary of the civil rights the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, including “Everybody has seen pictures of Dr King segregationists, and Viola Liuzzo, who was shot marches in Selma and the movie that a walk across the bridge March 8. leading the march. Those people behind him by Klansmen while taking marchers back to Ttells the story are expected to bring are what we are focusing on,” historian Sam Selma. Other sites include the Greyhound bus thousands of visitors to this historic Alabama Register to vote Walker said. State Sen. Hank Sanders, Selma’s station where Freedom Riders seeking to inte- city this year. Visitors can still walk across the The event marks the 50th anniversary of first black senator since Reconstruction and a grate interstate transportation were beaten by bridge where voting rights marchers were the “Bloody Sunday,” when law enforcement founder of the National Voting Rights a white mob in 1961, a museum commemorat- beaten in 1965 and see the churches where used billy clubs and tear gas to rout marchers Museum, said Selma’s location an hour’s drive ing Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus they organized protests. “There are certain intent on walking 50 miles (80 kilometers) to west of Interstate 65, a major route to Gulf Boycott that King led in 1955, and the Dexter Montgomery on March 7, 1965, to seek the Coast beaches, will help attract more visitors Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where right for blacks to register to vote. A new to the museum this spring and summer. King served as pastor before moving to Atlanta march, led by Martin Luther King Jr, began to lead the Southern Christian Leadership March 21, 1965, and arrived in Montgomery State trooper Conference. on March 25, with the crowd swelling to After touring Selma, visitors can drive the Sentell, the state tourism director, sug- 25,000 by the time they reached the Capitol. march route along US 80 to the halfway point in gests at least a day in each city. Visitors can Those events and others helped lead to pas- White Hall, where the Park Service has a much also drive 90 miles (145 kilometers) to sage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which larger interpretative center about the events. Birmingham to see the church bombing site opened Southern polling places to millions of Then they can complete the 50-mile (80-kilo- featured in the opening of “Selma” and that blacks and ended all-white rule in the South. meter) trip to Montgomery. There visitors can city’s Civil Rights Museum. Alabama’s gover- The movie “Selma” won Oscar nominations tour the Capitol, where King made the emo- nor, Robert Bentley, said the movie and the for best picture and best song. Today, the tional speech that ends “Selma,” and see a 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act are bridge and adjoining downtown business dis- monument and museum dedicated to civil opportunities to relive history and see how trict look much as they did in 1965, except rights martyrs. The Civil Rights Memorial Alabama has changed. “Alabama is a different many storefronts are empty and government includes three victims featured in the movie, place than it was 50 years ago. We need to buildings are occupied largely by African- Jimmie Lee Jackson, who was shot by a state always remember our history, but we can’t American officials. Attractions related to the trooper; James Reeb, who was beaten by white live in the past,” he said. — AP protests are all within walking distance of the bridge. They include the First Baptist Church, where many protests were organized, and Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, where marchers congregated before going to the bridge and where they sought safety after being beaten. Near the bridge, a free tour of an interpre- tative center built by the National Park Service offers photographs of the events and emo- This March 4, 2012 file photo shows the tional video interviews with people who were Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of the on both sides of the issues. Nearby is the “Bloody Sunday” civil rights march from Ancient Africa, Enslavement and Civil War Selma to Montgomery across the bridge in Museum, where visitors can see how slaves Selma, Ala. — AP photos were captured, sold and exploited, including a depiction of what it was like to be on a slave place names in American history where signif- ship bound for America. icant, history-making events took place, like “You have to know about slavery to know Gettysburg, Valley Forge and Vicksburg, and I why we didn’t have the right to vote,” said think because of this film, Selma becomes one Faya Rose Toure, one of the museum’s of the place names that stands as a significant founders. Then tourists can retrace history by milestone in American history,” Alabama walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to a tourism director Lee Sentell said. park and the National Voting Rights Museum Oprah Winfrey, other actors from “Selma” on the opposite side. Museum artifacts and hundreds more marched to the city’s include surveillance photos taken by state Edmund Pettus Bridge this past weekend on police. One feature that stands out is the the eve of Martin Luther King Jr Day. But a white plaster footprints of the largely bigger event is expected to attract more than unknown participants in the march and their In this March 7, 1965 file photo, tear gas fumes fill the air as state troopers, ordered by 40,000 people - including present and former personal stories about being part of history, Gov. George Wallace, break up a demonstration march in Selma, Ala, on what is known as government officials - in Selma March 5-9 for from facing danger to treating blistered feet. Bloody Sunday. Leisure FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

DOWN 1. Diving ducks of North America having a bluish-gray bill. CROSSWORD793 2. Eurasian plant cultivated for its seed and as a forage crop. 3. The state of being unsure of something. 4. Satisfy (thirst). 5. 4-wheeled motor vehicle. 6. Before noon. 7. A Spanish unit of length (about a yard) having different values in different localities. 8. Physicist honored for advances in solid state electronics (born in Japan in 1925). 9. A desert in southern Israel. 10. An island state in the West Indies in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. 11. The organ of sight (`peeper' is an informal term for `eye'). 12. Being four more than seventy. 13. A shaft on which a wheel rotates. 14. Roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 BC - AD 17). 19. Being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expect- ed time. 23. Moving toward a position ahead. 24. A doughnut-shaped chamber used in fusion research. 26. Covered with a roof. 28. An international organization created in 1949 by the North Atlantic Treaty for purposes of collective security. 30. A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event. 32. Capital and largest city of Colombia. 33. Wild geese. 35. Tropical American tree producing cacao beans. 36. An honorary arts degree. 39. The brightest star in Cygnus. 41. A statement that deviates from or perverts the truth. 43. A genus of temperate and arctic evergreen trees (see spruce). 47. A river in central Brazil that flows generally northward (with many falls) to ACROSS join the Tocantins River. 1. An honorary degree in science. 51. (Norse mythology) Ruler of the Aesir. 4. Clean refuse from. 53. A deep bow. 12. Of or relating to a member of the Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong 54. The quarter of many North African cities in which the citadel is located. river in Laos and Thailand. 56. Unknown god. 15. The sound made by a pigeon v 1. 57. The capital and largest city of Lithuania. 16. A monastery for lamas. 59. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 17. Being five more than twenty. 60. White crystalline compound used as a food additive to enhance flavor. 18. (zoology) Pertaining to alulae. 62. Noisy talk. 20. East Indian cereal grass whose seed yield a somewhat bitter flour, a staple in 63. Framework for holding objects. the Orient. 65. A river in western Asia. 21. Being one more than forty. 66. A town in north central Oklahoma. Yesterday’s Solution 22. A member of a Turkic people of Uzbekistan and neighboring areas. 67. Costing 10 dollars. 25. A perceptual structure. 70. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian 27. Russian choreographer (1834-1905). Islands in the Pacific Ocean. 29. Be obliged to pay or repay. 71. An emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artifi- 31. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense vermilion velvet-textured cial respiration. blooms and yielding a yellow dye. 75. A person who announces and plays popular recorded music. 34. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar. 37. Old World wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from Yesterday’s Solution which most domestic swine come. 38. The principal bullfighter who is appointed to make the final passes and kill the bull. 40. A British peer ranking below a Marquess and above a Viscount. 42. Make secure by lashing. 44. The ending of a series or sequence. 45. Trade name for a drug containing an antihistamine and a decongestant. 46. A state in midwestern United States. 48. Sweet pulpy tropical fruit with thick scaly rind and shiny black seeds. 49. Tear down so as to make flat with the ground. 50. American frontiersman and Tennessee politician who died at the siege of the Alamo (1786-1836). 52. Surface layer of ground containing a matt of grass and grass roots. 55. The cry made by sheep. 58. Discrimination against middle-aged and elderly people. 61. Type genus of the Pyralidae. 64. Not asked for. 68. A plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots. 69. Any of various plants of the genus Albuca having large clusters of pale yel- low flowers. 72. A group of southern Bantu languages. 73. Being one hundred more than two hundred. 74. Extinct order of jawless vertebrates. 76. The shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object. 77. A secret society of white Southerners to resist Black emancipation. 78. A great raja. 79. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice. Challenging Maze Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution TV listings FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

03:40 Dallas Car Sharks 01:40 Jungle Junction 20:20 Liv And Maddie 19:00 Live From E! 05:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 04:05 How It’s Made 01:50 Jungle Junction 20:45 Liv And Maddie 19:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On 06:00 Hard Time 04:30 How It’s Made 02:05 Jungle Junction 21:10 Wolfblood 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 07:00 Caught In The Act 05:00 Dual Survival 02:15 Jungle Junction 21:35 Gravity Falls 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 08:00 One Ocean 06:00 Outback Truckers 02:30 Violetta 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 09:00 Pirate Patrol 00:30 Eastenders 06:50 Classic Car Rescue 03:10 The Hive 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 22:00 E! News 10:00 Predator CSI 01:00 Doctors 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 03:20 Art Attack 23:00 Live From E! 11:00 Plastiki 01:30 Shame About Single Mums 08:30 Auction Hunters 03:45 Art Attack 23:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 12:00 Fight Science 02:20 The Mimic 08:55 The Liquidator 04:10 Jungle Junction 13:00 Ancient Secrets: Mystery of 02:45 Sherlock 09:20 Dallas Car Sharks 04:20 Jungle Junction The Silver Pharaoh 04:15 The Weakest Link 09:45 How It’s Made 04:35 Jungle Junction 14:00 Megacities 05:00 Cbeebies Stories 10:10 How It’s Made 04:45 Jungle Junction 15:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 05:05 The Green Balloon Club 10:35 Airplane Repo 05:00 Art Attack 16:00 Mega Breakdown 05:30 Gigglebiz 11:25 Street Outlaws 05:25 Art Attack 00:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 17:00 Live Free Or Die 05:45 Boogie Beebies Hamptons 12:15 Extreme Car Hoarders 05:50 Mouk 00:05 Chopped 18:00 Hunter Hunted 06:00 Nina And The Neurons: In The 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 13:05 Auction Hunters 06:00 Dog With A Blog 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes 19:00 Mega Factories: Supercars Lab 01:25 Keeping Up With The 13:30 The Liquidator 06:25 Liv And Maddie 01:45 Amazing Wedding Cakes 20:00 Mega Breakdown 06:15 Cbeebies Stories Kardashians 13:55 Dallas Car Sharks 06:50 So Random 02:35 Siba’s Table 21:00 Live Free Or Die 06:20 The Green Balloon Club 02:20 E! News 14:20 Outback Truckers 07:15 I Didn’t Do It 03:00 Siba’s Table 22:00 Hunter Hunted 06:45 Gigglebiz 03:15 Giuliana & Bill 15:10 Classic Car Rescue 07:40 Jessie 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 23:00 Plastiki 07:00 Boogie Beebies 04:10 E!ES 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 08:05 Austin & Ally 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 07:15 The Weakest Link 05:05 E!ES 16:50 How It’s Made 08:30 Sonny With A Chance 04:40 Reza, Spice Prince Of Vietnam 08:00 Dad’s Army 06:00 Keeping Up With The 17:15 How It’s Made 08:55 Suite Life On Deck 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:30 The Omid Djalili Show Kardashians 17:40 Dual Survival 09:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of Vietnam 09:00 Eastenders 06:55 Keeping Up With The 18:30 Fast N’ Loud 09:45 Hannah Montana 05:50 Siba’s Table 09:30 Doctors Kardashians 19:20 Kindig Customs 10:10 That’s So Raven 06:10 Sweet Genius 10:00 Shame About Single Mums 07:50 Style Star 20:10 The Liquidator 10:35 Princess Protection Program 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 10:50 The Weakest Link 08:20 E! News 20:35 What’s In The Barn? 12:15 Austin & Ally 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Stewart 11:35 Dad’s Army 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 21:00 Overhaulin’ 12:40 Jessie 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:00 Two And A Half Men 12:05 The Omid Djalili Show 10:15 E!ES 21:50 Kindig Customs 13:05 I Didn’t Do It 08:15 Chopped 01:30 Family Guy 12:35 2 Point 4 Children 11:10 Pop Innovators 22:40 Highway To Sell 13:30 So Random 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 02:00 The League 13:10 Eastenders 12:05 E! News 23:30 Overhaulin’ 13:55 Liv And Maddie Basics 02:30 Sean Saves The World 13:40 Doctors 13:05 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 14:20 Austin & Ally 09:30 Farm Kings 03:00 The Neighbors 14:10 Shame About Single Mums 13:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 14:55 Jessie 10:20 Recipes That Rock 03:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Mimic 14:05 Fashion Bloggers 15:20 Liv And Maddie 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of Vietnam 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 15:25 Dad’s Army 14:30 Fashion Bloggers 15:45 Liv And Maddie 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Jimmy Fallon 15:55 The Omid Djalili Show 15:00 House Of DVF 16:10 Violetta 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 05:30 My Boys 16:25 The Weakest Link 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 17:00 Wendy Wu: Homecoming 12:00 Chopped 06:00 Last Man Standing 17:10 My Family Hamptons 00:00 Violetta Warrior 12:50 Siba’s Table 06:30 The Simpsons 17:40 Doctors 17:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 00:45 The Hive 18:40 Austin & Ally 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:10 Casualty Hamptons 00:50 Art Attack 19:05 Spooksville 13:40 Mystery Diners 08:30 My Boys 19:00 Blackadder II 19:30 Violetta 18:00 E! News 09:00 The Neighbors 19:30 The Mimic 01:15 Art Attack 14:05 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook Off 09:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 20:00 Sherlock 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 21:30 Ideal 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Live At The Apollo 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 22:45 Watson & Oliver 15:45 Farm Kings 16:35 Chopped Jimmy Fallon 23:15 Blackadder II 12:00 Last Man Standing 23:45 The Weakest Link 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 17:50 Reza, Spice Prince Of Vietnam 13:00 My Boys 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:30 The Simpsons 18:40 Siba’s Table 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 14:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 19:30 Mystery Diners 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 19:55 Burger Land 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 00:05 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 20:20 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 16:00 Two And A Half Men 00:50 Food & Drink Cook Off 16:30 Last Man Standing 01:15 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Notebook: London 22:00 BBQ Crawl 18:00 The Neighbors 01:40 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 22:25 BBQ Crawl 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 02:10 Sweet Baby James 22:50 Pizza Cuz 19:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 02:35 Celebrity MasterChef 23:15 Pizza Cuz 19:30 The Goldbergs 03:25 Come Dine With Me 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:50 Planet Cake Jimmy Fallon 04:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 05:00 Food & Drink Stewart 05:25 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 00:40 The Hungry Sailors 21:30 Two And A Half Men Notebook: London 01:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of 22:00 Silicon Valley 05:50 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill Dogs 22:30 Silicon Valley 06:15 Sweet Baby James 02:00 Emmerdale 23:00 Sean Saves The World 06:45 Celebrity MasterChef 02:25 Emmerdale 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:35 Planet Cake 02:55 Coronation Street 08:00 Bargain Hunt 03:25 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 08:45 Come Dine With Me 04:20 Keep It In The Family 09:10 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 09:55 Food & Drink 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 10:20 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 07:05 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of 01:00 American Idol Notebook: London Dogs 02:00 24: Live Another Day 10:45 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 07:30 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 03:00 Mistresses 11:10 Sweet Baby James 08:25 Keep It In The Family 04:00 Suits 11:35 Celebrity MasterChef 09:20 Big Star’s Little Star 05:00 The Flash 12:25 Bargain Hunt 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 08:00 Psych 13:10 Come Dine With Me 11:10 Emmerdale 09:00 American Idol 13:35 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 11:35 Emmerdale 10:00 The Flash 14:20 Food & Drink 12:00 Coronation Street 11:00 Suits 14:45 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 12:00 Emmerdale Notebook: London 13:25 The Jonathan Ross Show 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:10 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 14:20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of 14:00 Psych 15:35 Fat & Fatter Dogs 16:00 Emmerdale 16:30 Celebrity MasterChef 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:20 Bargain Hunt 15:35 The Great Fire 18:00 Psych 18:05 Come Dine With Me 16:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 19:00 Once Upon A Time 18:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 17:25 Big Star’s Little Star 20:00 Grey’s Anatomy 19:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 21:00 American Idol 20:00 How To Cook Like Heston 19:10 Coronation Street 22:00 American Horror Story: Freak 20:25 Come Dine With Me: South 19:35 The Great Fire Show Africa 20:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 21:15 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 21:25 Big Star’s Little Star 21:40 Celebrity MasterChef 22:20 Coronation Street 22:30 Bargain Hunt 22:50 Emmerdale 23:15 Come Dine With Me 23:15 Emmerdale 23:40 The Hairy Bikers USA 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 00:00 Crisis 01:00 Good Morning America 05:00 Good Morning America 07:00 Emmerdale 10:00 Emmerdale 13:00 Crisis 15:00 Live Good Morning America 00:20 Street Outlaws 00:00 One Ocean 18:00 Crisis 01:10 The Fighters 01:00 Pirate Patrol 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 02:00 Predator CSI 21:00 Crisis 02:50 Auction Hunters 03:00 My Dog Ate What? 22:00 Devious Maids 03:15 The Liquidator SCARY MOVIE 5 ON OSN MOVIES PREMIERE 04:00 Storm Worlds 23:00 Justified TV listings FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

14:00 Men At Work-PG15 Spring-FAM 15:00 ICC Cricket 360 16:00 The Little Rascals Save The 07:00 The Sapphires-PG15 16:00 Story of the World Cup 1992 Day-PG 09:00 Frozen-PG 17:30 Australia v England ODI 10:45 The Great Gatsby-PG15 Highlights 13:15 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 21:30 ICC Cricket 360 00:00 Live MSNBC Now With Alex 00:00 Trans World Sport 00:00 Shaft 15:00 The Wolverine-PG15 01:00 Live Cricket 22:00 Ranji Trophy 17:15 Frozen-PG Wagner 02:00 Kill Em All 01:00 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 04:00 Avengers Confidential: Black 19:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 09:30 Hero Indian Super League 01:00 All Is Lost-PG15 02:00 Live MSNBC Politicsnation Widow & Punisher 21:00 The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty Highlights 03:00 Ain’t Them Bodies Saints- 23:00 Drive-18 03:00 Live NBC Nightly News 06:00 Bad Company 03:30 ABC World News With David 10:00 Golfing World 08:00 Darkman PG15 05:00 Special Forces-PG15 Muir 12:00 European Tour Weekly 09:45 Jack Reacher 07:00 Almost Christmas-PG15 04:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 12:30 Live PGA European Tour 12:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation Animal Planet HD 09:00 Everything Must Go-PG15 Hayes 16:30 Hero Indian Super League 14:00 Bad Company 11:00 Special Forces-PG15 05:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel Highlights 4:25 Tanked 16:00 Darkman 13:00 Dawn Rider-PG15 Maddow Show 17:00 Sevens World Series 5:15 Treehouse Masters 17:45 The Grandmaster 15:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 01:00 The Happy Cricket 2 06:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word Highlights 6:02 Africa’s Super Seven 20:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation Dawn Pt. 2-PG15 02:45 The Nut Job W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 18:30 NFL Gameday 6:49 Natural World 22:00 Iron Man 19:00 Golfing World 17:00 Everything Must Go-PG15 04:30 Barbie And The Magic Of 07:00 NBC Nightly News 7:36 Swamp Brothers 20:00 NFL Road To The Super Bowl 19:00 Promised Land-PG15 Pegasus 07:30 ABC World News With David 8:00 Swamp Brothers 21:00 The Citizen-PG15 XLIX 06:00 Ploddy Police Car Muir 8:25 Too Cute! 22:45 Barney’s Version-18 08:00 The Great Bear 07:57 NBC Nightly News 21:00 Super Rugby Final Highlights 9:15 Borneo’s Pygmy Elephants 10:00 Escape From Planet Earth 08:18 ABC World News With David 22:30 Futbol Mundial 11:30 The Apple & The Worm Muir 23:30 Inside The PGA Tour 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 00:00 Kill Em All-PG15 13:00 The Nut Job 08:39 Live ABC Nightline 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 02:00 Avengers Confidential: Black 14:30 Everyone’s Hero 09:06 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow 11:05 Treehouse Masters Widow & Punisher-PG15 16:00 Shark Bait Show 12:00 Animal Cops Miami 04:00 Bad Company-PG15 01:15 Jennifer Eight-18 18:00 Escape From Planet Earth 10:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 12:55 Too Cute! 06:00 Darkman-PG15 03:30 Timer-PG15 20:00 Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & A Lawrence O’Donnell 00:00 Live PGA Tour 13:50 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 03:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 07:45 Jack Reacher-PG15 05:15 Drift-PG15 Baby 11:00 Live ABC World News Now Warriors 10:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 07:15 Spiderwick Chronicles-PG 22:00 Everyone’s Hero 11:30 Live ABC World News Now 03:30 NFL Gameday 14:15 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 12:00 Bad Company-PG15 09:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 23:30 Shark Bait 12:00 Live NBC Early Today 04:00 Snooker The Masters 14:00 Darkman-PG15 11:00 Citizen Gangster-PG15 12:30 Live ABC America This 07:00 Golfing World Warriors 15:45 The Grandmaster-PG15 13:00 Bully-PG15 Morning 08:00 Futbol Mundial 14:45 Natural World 18:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 15:00 Escape From Polygamy-PG15 13:00 Live ABC America This 08:30 Trans World Sport 15:40 Tanked 20:00 Iron Man-PG15 17:00 Son Of Rambow-PG Morning 09:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 16:35 Wildest Africa 22:15 Resident Evil: Retribution-18 19:00 Sense And Sensibility-PG 13:30 Live ABC America This 10:00 PDC World Darts 17:30 Snake Crusader With Bruce 21:30 The Perks Of Being A 00:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers I Morning Championship George 19:00 WWE Superstars Wallflower-PG15 01:30 Someday This Pain Will Be 14:00 Live ABC America This 17:55 Snake Crusader With Bruce 23:30 Another Happy Day-18 Useful To You-PG15 Morning 20:00 WWE SmackDown George 03:30 The Lone Ranger-PG15 14:30 MSNBC First Look 22:00 NFL Road To The Playoffs 06:00 Despicable Me 2-PG 15:00 Live NBC Today Show 18:25 Treehouse Masters 00:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 08:00 Hope Springs-PG15 18:57 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris 19:20 Yankee Jungle 02:00 The Parole Officer-18 09:45 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers II Matthews 20:15 Tanked 04:00 LOL-PG15 11:00 The Lone Ranger-PG15 19:38 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow 21:10 Safari Sisters 06:00 All In Good Time-PG15 00:00 2 Guns-18 13:45 Life Of Pi-PG Show 05:00 Big Bash League T20 21:35 Safari Sisters 02:00 Limitless-PG15 08:00 The Little Rascals Save The 16:00 Hope Springs-PG15 20:19 MSNBC The Last Word W/ Highlights 22:05 Treehouse Masters Day-PG 04:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 18:00 Skyline-PG15 Lawrence O’Donnell 06:30 Live Australia v England ODI 23:00 Yankee Jungle 10:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 Heroes Of Tomorrow-PG 20:00 Scary Movie 5-PG15 21:00 Live MSNBC Ronan Farrow 14:30 New Zealand v Sri Lanka ODI 23:55 Adrift: 47 Days With Sharks 12:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 05:45 Curious George: Swings Into 22:00 Rush-18 Daily Highlights

G.I. JOE- RETALIATION ON OSN MOVIES ACTION Stars FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

COUNTRY CODES Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 You might feel a bit rudderless this sunday. Try to avoid making Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 really important decisions. This is an excellent time to tend to chores and pre- This sunday is a much better time for working on a single task than it Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 pare for the workweek ahead. Communicating and getting your message is for long-range planning. There is an interest now in social activities and pursuits Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 across to others is at a high this monday. Your timing for business consulting like religion and volunteer work. If you channel the energy you receive this monday, Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 should be perfect and those around you find you most spontaneous and you can continue to use this same talent to become influential. Your timing should Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 enthusiastic. This tuesday you will attract positive support for most anything be perfect and those around you should find you most spontaneous. When you fin- Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 you want to accomplish. Joint activities that take place at this time should be ish your work this tuesday, you may find that you need to put in a request for some Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 both well-attended and successful. Contact with faraway people and places important changes to happen so that whatever happened this time will not have Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 will play a bigger role for you this wednesday. Higher education may demand the chance to be repeated. You have always wanted to go into business for yourself Australia 0061 Mali 00223 travel and study in foreign affairs. Your professional opinion may be asked and after years of working for someone else you may feel that you have the experi- Austria 0043 Malta 00356 many times this thursday. Problems and obstacles that have previously been ence to do just that this wednesday–create a business. You could be most persua- Bahamas 001242 Marshall Islands 00692 confounding should find easy explanation under your keen examination. sive with others and winning in your communication skills this thursday. Bahrain 00973 Martinique 00596 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritania 00222 Barbados 001246 Mauritius 00230 Belarus 00375 Mayotte 00269 Belgium 0032 Mexico 0052 Belize 00501 Micronesia 00691 Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Benin 00229 Moldova 00373 Bermuda 001441 Monaco 00377 If you give your best effort this sunday, in any sort of project, Bhutan 00975 Mongolia 00976 considerable success will follow. This could involve helping young people You are impulsive and restless this sunday morning and you Bolivia 00591 Montserrat 001664 with homework, working in the yard, helping a neighbor, cleaning out a clos- may want to hold off on important decisions at this time. A rash decision may Bosnia 00387 Morocco 00212 et or garage, etc. If you are in sales this monday and the sales have not been prove unfortunate. Your imagination and creativity is strong this monday and Botswana 00267 Mozambique 00258 going well–stand back, they will be multiplying soon. Mental endeavors are when it comes to ideas and thinking–you seem to have an answer for all the Brazil 0055 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 favored as is communication with friends and loved ones. Be as flexible as problems you detect. You go after any unsolved mystery or problem in the Brunei 00673 Namibia 00264 possible. You make plans this tuesday toward consolidating your resources workplace with eagerness this tuesday. Another kind of mystery that may Bulgaria 00359 Nepal 00977 for future success. Playing the game of chance, whether it is a card game or attract you could be the deep-rooted feelings that cement your favorite rela- Burkina 00226 Netherlands 0031 some other game of chance will find you with a great deal of luck on your tionship. This wednesday you will be able to show off your talent and teach Burundi 00257 Netherlands Antilles 00599 side. You research and study what is wrong this wednesday and you know others. Customers that purchase what you sell want to know how to use the Cambodia 00855 New Caledonia 00687 how to make the changes necessary that will make positive things happen. product or how to install the product. You have lots of patience to help. You Cameroon 00237 New Zealand 0064 Ambition, practicality, and achievement are admirable. can see the road ahead this thursday and make the right choices. Canada 001 Nicaragua 00505 Cape Verde 00238 Nigar 00227 Cayman Islands 001345 Nigeria 00234 Central African 00236 Niue 00683 Chad 00235 Norfolk Island 00672 Chile 0056 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) China 0086 North Korea 00850 Colombia 0057 Norway 0047 This sunday is one of those days when you have the help you You may find yourself alone much of this sunday, but you will Comoros 00269 Oman 00968 need and the equipment or tools you need to mend the fence, fix the leak or do well to tend to the household duties, maybe even preparing food ahead Congo 00242 Pakistan 0092 adjust the antenna on your roof. Most of the chores you set out to do will only for the workweek to come. There is concern this monday about the future of Cook Islands 00682 Palau 00680 need a little tweaking. You can turn a difficult task into something quite business. If you relax this morning and think about these upcoming decisions, Costa Rica 00506 Panama 00507 uncomplicated this monday. This is a good time to lead the way on a project– you will overcome difficulties. A strong pull of the planets make this tuesday a Croatia 00385 Papua New Guinea 00675 you are able to move things forward quickly. This tuesday is a good day to good time to learn something new. You will also enjoy quiet gatherings in the Cuba 0053 Paraguay 00595 clean off your desk. Stick to the routine tasks and avoid starting something afternoon with friends or family. You see what is wrong this wednesday and Cyprus 00357 Peru 0051 new for now. A problem with a customer this wednesday may take some qui- you know what to do. This means cooperation and organization, authority Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Philippines 0063 et thought. It has been said that those who control their tongue will have a and discipline, responsibility–and all these things are what it takes to get you Czech Republic 00420 Poland 0048 long life; a quick comeback can ruin everything. Action toward your goals this where you know you must go. Communication is the key word this thursday. Denmark 0045 Portugal 00351 thursday is important but so is the planning on how to make them come true. Communicating and getting your message across to others is at a high this fri- Diego Garcia 00246 Puerto Rico 001787 You owe someone a phone call or a letter–this evening is the right time to get day. Your timing for business consulting should be perfect and those around Djibouti 00253 Qatar 00974 those things done. you should find you most spontaneous. Dominica 001767 Romania 0040 Dominican Republic 001809 Russian Federation 007 Ecuador 00593 Rwanda 00250 Egypt 0020 Saint Helena 00290 El Salvador 00503 Saint Kitts 001869 Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) England (UK) 0044 Saint Lucia 001758 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Pierre 00508 More than most times, this sunday you may be of a mind to gain Eritrea 00291 Saint Vincent 001784 You may have a mad desire to do nothing but communicate and Estonia 00372 Samoa US 00684 exchange ideas this sunday. You demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to the more insight toward friends and family. Companionship with others is most rewarding and you should take every opportunity to be with friends and family. Ethiopia 00251 Samoa West 00685 needs of others. There are plenty of opportunities to gently visit with new people Falkland Islands 00500 San Marino 00378 from new places. The satisfaction of a job well done this monday is one of your great- In the workplace this monday you will find good conditions and good commu- nication among co-workers, particularly with the opposite sex. This tends to be Faroe Islands 00298 Sao Tone 00239 est incentives and higher-ups know you will have good results from your hard work. Fiji 00679 Saudi Arabia 00966 The weather or some high expectations of this tuesday may find you a bit stressed. a productive day in practical affairs. A time element is in place this tuesday and you may be the floater that ties up loose ends in many different areas. The ener- Finland 00358 Scotland (UK) 0044 This is a day that you can enjoy your creative side. However, this wednesday there is France 0033 Senegal 00221 a puzzle to work out. The answer is small and big at the same time. This thursday is a gies are working toward speed and accuracy and you make sure it all happens. A meeting this wednesday morning will give you a better focus of what is French Guiana 00594 Seychelles 00284 great time of sudden personal growth that may correspond to changes in your French Polynesia 00689 Sierra Leone 00232 romantic life. Try not to be too demanding when encouraging others–they will come expected now. Your position is not always easy to pinpoint as far as routine is concerned but it is getting better. In a negotiation this thursday, you could be Gabon 00241 Singapore 0065 around. This friday may present an opportunity for you to teach some new hi-tech Gambia 00220 Slovakia 00421 equipment to a prospective buyer that has never used the equipment you sell. fooled. You may be tempted to keep a secret in order to make things run smoothly. Try to keep your feet planted as firmly as possible. Georgia 00995 Slovenia 00386 Germany 0049 Solomon Islands 00677 Ghana 00233 Somalia 00252 Gibraltar 00350 South Africa 0027 Greece 0030 South Korea 0082 Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Greenland 00299 Spain 0034 Grenada 001473 Sri Lanka 0094 Guadeloupe 00590 Sudan 00249 A radio show may attract your attention this sunday morning You are apt to obtain success financially through the power of attraction this sunday. If you are shopping and looking at antiques or some fun Guam 001671 Suriname 00597 and a different point of view is amusing and may open your mind to new busi- Guatemala 00502 Swaziland 00268 ness. If you are working for someone else, be sure to let them know you have things in a consignment store or a flea market, you might just come across Sweden 0046 something that is worth more money than the price tag says. This monday is an Guinea 00224 ideas and give examples this monday. On a more mundane level, it is an excel- Guyana 00592 Switzerland 0041 lent day to sign papers and connect with new contacts. Energy and ego com- excellent time to sway others to your cause through speeches or clever argu- Syria 00963 ments–your thinking is most lucid. At home this tuesday afternoon, you have Haiti 00509 bine to help you attain your ambitions this tuesday. Full speed ahead! You Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Serbia 00381 express a love of life that manifests itself in good cheer and generosity. You much energy to complete a pet project you may have been working on lately. Taiwan 00886 The completion of this project may bring you an offer of either status or financial Honduras 00504 may usually be fairly lucky but you should not bet the farm this wednesday. Hong Kong 00852 Tanzania 00255 Work is engaging and you dive in and do what is needed. If you work in a nice wellbeing. You may want to be on a television series and there is a chance this Thailand 0066 wednesday, that you will manage to succeed at this or in having your own show Hungary 0036 hotel, you may take in quite a few tips when you find ways to grant favors. Work Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Toga 00228 issues are easy to handle this thursday–there are plenty of delays, however– accepted on cable with good review possibilities. You may think hard on the Tonga 00676 expectations you set for yourself this thursday. Iceland 00354 patience. It is easy to see what you care about and value. Your sense of appreci- India 0091 Tokelau 00690 ation is in high focus. Trinidad 001868 Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 This sunday should be one of those great days during which This sunday marks a period of introspection and evaluation of Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 you feel good and so does everyone else. You could experience a sudden and goals. You may feel lonely and self-critical at this time, but do not be too hard on Japan 0081 USA 001 unexpected change of scenery in the workplace this monday. This may entail yourself–focus on self-discovery. This monday you may find relations with a Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 getting a new boss or new co-workers, embarking on a totally different project spouse or business partner are on a solid ground. Expressing affection should Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 or a new field of work. This tuesday finds you undertaking the completion of come easily and can do much good for your character. A new recipe is worth Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 any unfinished business. You may be working out of your home–with your own your attention. You will enjoy just about everything you do this tuesday, Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 business. This is a good time to use the home for business matters. This whether work or play. It is just that kind of day. After this wednesday workday Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 wednesday you are aware that you and the person you help need a contract has ended, find some type of exercise that will work up some perspiration on Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 between you, whether you are a lawyer or not. The person you help would your brow. Perhaps some floor work at an indoor health club. Stimulating con- Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 appreciate a written plan and not necessarily promises. You are beginning to versations start your day this thursday. There is an opportunity to show off your Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 feel that difficulties can be put behind you this thursday. Whatever feelings skills in the workplace. Your problem-solving abilities may almost become a fun Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 underscore your life generally will be felt more strongly now. You can get a activity. Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 great deal closer to your ambitions and goals this friday. Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 HEALTH FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Poor headed for better lives in 2030: Gates

NEW YORK: The lives of the poor will improve faster in the next 15 years than at any time in history, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and his wife Melinda say. In their annual letter released yes- terday, the couple laid out their upbeat vision for a technology- driven wave of change that will lift hundreds of millions out of poverty by 2030. The major breakthroughs will be most notice- able in health, but also in agriculture, digital banking and online education, where the Gates Foundation is planning to pour in resources. “Our big bet is that in the next 15 years, the lives of the PERTH: Four-year-old Xavier Hames is seen with (from left to right) his mother Naomi, father Shaun and clinical nurse poor are going to improve more than at any time in the history of consultant Annette Hart at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. — AFP the world,” Melinda Gates told AFP in an interview. Child deaths are predicted to be cut by half, polio will be wiped out while the fight against malaria, a major killer in Africa, will Australian boy gets make strides with vaccines and a single-dose cure. Africa can achieve food security by 2030 with access to innovation in agricul- ture to help farmers, the Gates said in their letter, a vision state- ment that has been released annually since 2009. “Seven out of 10 artificial pancreas adults in Africa are farmers. When they get new seeds that are drought-resistant and as the climate changes, they can still get more yield off their farms,” said Melinda. “It means they can feed their families and put the crops on the market.” SYDNEY: A four-year-old Australian boy has been fitted with an The attacks are sparked by low glucose levels and mostly take Mobile banking has been popularized in Kenya, but the Gates artificial pancreas in what researchers said was a world first treat- place at night when patients may not be able to react or recognise Foundation is working to bring the financial tool to the poor in ment for managing type 1 diabetes. Xavier Hames became the first the potentially fatal episode, said Professor Tim Jones of Perth’s Tanzania, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Uganda. She sees patient following clinical trials to use the new device, which looks Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, where Hames was fitted potential for poverty reduction through online education and the like an mp3 player and is attached to his body using several tubes with the system. “This device can predict hypoglycaemia before it development of software, especially for cell phones to help teach- inserted under the skin. The insulin pump system is meant to happens and stop insulin delivery before a predicted event,” Jones, ers and students. replace the need to closely manage the impact of the disease - one of the lead doctors involved in the research, said in a state- which occurs when people do not produce insulin, a hormone that ment. “This coupled with the fact that the pump automatically Confounding the Skeptics regulates blood sugar - such as through daily injections. resumes insulin (delivery) when glucose levels recover is a real The Gates’ “big bet” that the world will be a better place in “The technology mimics the biological function of the pancreas medical breakthrough.” 2030 comes at a time of gloom in international circles with to predict low glucose levels and stop insulin delivery,” Western Hames’ mother Naomi said the device had already improved humanitarian agencies struggling to help a record number of peo- Australia’s health department said in a statement issued late the life of her son, who has been suffering from the disease since ple displaced by conflicts. The letter acknowledges that there are Wednesday. “This in turn avoids the serious consequences of low he was 22 months old. “Having the pump gives us the reassurance skeptics and that “we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that a hand- glucose such as coma, seizure and potential death.” It was not clear that Xavier is safe when we are all asleep at night, and during the ful of the worst-off countries will continue to struggle”. But when the procedure was carried out. The Juvenile Diabetes day,” she said. “It is also waterproof meaning that he can enjoy Melinda said her numerous fact-finding missions on the ground in Research Foundation (JDRF), a non-profit organisation which fund- water sports and activities as much as his friends and family.” The Africa and Asia - along with a clear faith in “the new tools of sci- ed the research that led to the procedure, said the technology device was developed after five years of clinical trials at the Princess ence” - were feeding her optimism. “Bill and I see progress tracks glucose levels and stops insulin delivery up to 30 minutes Margaret Hospital for Children and at other Australian hospitals. It because we see the global statistics,” she said. “We see child mor- before a predicted hypoglycaemic attack happens. is reported to cost about Aus$10,000 (US$8,100). — AFP tality going down. And then you go out and travel.”—AFP FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (22/01/2015 TO 28/01/2015)

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News in brief

Al-Hilal Bank says CEO Berro resigns

ABU DHABI: The chief executive of Abu Dhabi government- owned Al-Hilal Bank, Mohamed Jamil Berro, is leaving for per- sonal reasons, a spokeswoman for the bank confirmed yester- day. Sarie Ahmed Arar, currently the executive vice president of wholesale banking, will assume the role of acting CEO, the spokeswoman added. Two sources had earlier told Reuters that Berro was leaving. The sharia-compliant bank was found- ed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, an investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government, and Berro joined as its first CEO in February 2008. He was previously the global head for Jordan-based Arab Bank’s personal banking group. Prior to that, Berro held senior positions at National Bank of Kuwait and Credit Agricole in Egypt.

IDB unit partners to offer Islamic finance KUALA LUMPUR: The International Islamic Trade Finance Cooperation, a financial institution and member of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), will provide trade financ- ing in a joint venture with PT Bank Danamon Indonesia. The two companies, which signed the agreement yester- BEIJING: A balloon vendor waits for customers along a road in Beijing yesterday. China’s economy grew at its weakest day, expect to provide $1 billion in financing within five for almost a quarter of a century in 2014, official data showed. — AFP years, beginning with $200 million in 2015, a statement yesterday by Bank Danamon said. Indonesian authorities have put efforts into building the country’s Islamic finance industry by encouraging consolidation and reforming Egypt’s economy seen laws, as the sector looks to catch-up to the more mature markets in Malaysia and the Middle East. growing 3.5% in 2014/15 Egypt’s pound hits new low of 7.39 per dollar CAIRO: Egypt’s pound weakened to 7.39 per dollar from 7.34 the previous day at a central bank auction yesterday, the Inflation seen at 10.4% this fiscal year weakest level it had been allowed to reach since auctions began in December 2012. It was the fifth official depreciation CAIRO: Egypt’s economy is set to grow by ond quarter of this fiscal year, according to the budget and inflation in Egypt, an this week, prompted by the widening gap between the black 3.5 percent this fiscal year, according to the central bank. Egypt is targeting growth importer of wheat, oil and many consumer market and the official rate. The bank offered $40 million and economists polled by Reuters who raised of 4 to 5.8 percent over the next three goods. The central bank cited falling oil sold $38.4 million at a cutoff price of 7.3901 pounds per dollar, their forecasts based on a stronger set of years, according to the finance minister. prices in its decision to cut interest rates by the central bank said. The rates at which banks are allowed to recent growth data and improving busi- That target largely exceeds analysts’ expec- 50 basis points last week. Analysts cut their trade dollars are determined by the results of central bank ness confidence. The forecast is in line with tations that growth would accelerate to inflation forecasts for this financial year to sales, giving the bank effective control over official exchange the government’s target for the 2014/15 just under 4 percent in the next fiscal year. 10.4 percent from 11.8 percent in the pre- rates. But there remains an active black market in the pound fiscal year that began in July and would While growth is forecast to rise, analysts vious poll. They predicted inflation would that is used by businesses and individuals, and the gap represent a modest rebound for Egypt, revised down their expectations of infla- ease to 9.2 percent in 2015/16. between this and the official rate had been widening for which has struggled to restore growth dur- tion, boding well for the economy. Urban consumer inflation rose to 10.1 months. ing four years of political turmoil. Though subsidy reform raised inflation percent in December from 9.1 percent the The 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni in the first half of 2014/15, falling global oil month before. Core inflation fell to 7.69 Oil above $49 ahead of Mubarak hit the economy hard, discourag- prices are expected to reduce pressure on percent in December. — Reuters ing investors and tourists and slashing ECB bond buying move growth to below 2 percent in 2010/11. Real GDP growth in the fiscal year Oman’s Bank Dhofar mulls LONDON: Brent crude oil crept above $49 a barrel yesterday 2009/2010 was 5.1 percent. However, ahead of an expected decision by the European Central Bank Egypt has received billions of dollars in aid $300m capital raising (ECB) to start buying bonds, a move which could push the dollar from Gulf states since ex-army chief Abdel to new highs and put downward pressure on commodities. Fattah Al-Sisi ousted president Mohamed DUBAI: Bank Dhofar, Oman’s third-largest said. Its plans are subject to approval by The ECB’s Executive Board has proposed a program that Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood in July lender by assets, plans to raise its capital shareholders, the central bank and other would allow it to buy 50 billion euros ($58 billion) of bonds a 2013. The aid has kept the economy afloat by up to $300 million at the earliest oppor- regulatory approvals, it said. Bank Dhofar month starting in March, a euro-zone source said. The expected as the government introduces reforms, tunity, with a Tier 1 capital-boosting bond had a total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of stimulus program has pressured the euro and sent the dollar, seeking to balance between restoring its preferred method, the bank said in a 12.93 percent at the end of September, seen as a safe haven, soaring. growth, controlling inflation and curbing statement yesterday. It is the latest Gulf down from 13.17 percent at the same A strong dollar, buoyed by an expected US interest rate hike its budget deficit. In July, Egypt slashed lender to consider capital instruments as a point of 2013, according to its third-quar- and an American economy that is growing while Europe and Asia energy subsidies that have long weighed way to sustain strong growth, diversify ter financial statement. In comparison, slow, dents demand for dollar-priced commodities by making on state finances, causing price rises but sources of funding and prepare for new Bank Muscat, Oman’s largest bank, had a them expensive for holders of other currencies. signalling that the government was ready banking rules known as Basel III. Should CAR of 15.6 percent, while National Bank of Oil prices have already more than halved since June last year to take tough decisions. The consensus of Bank Dhofar pursue a Tier 1, or core, capi- Oman, the country’s second largest bank due to oversupply and a fall in global demand. Brent crude 13 economists polled by Reuters in the tal-raising bond, it would be the first such by assets, had a CAR of 13.8 percent at the futures traded at $49.53 a barrel by 1045 GMT, up 50 cents. US past two weeks was for economic growth issue by an Omani bank. end of September. The format still needs the approval of crude was up 15 cents at $47.93. of 3.5 percent in the fiscal year ending June In September, Bank Dhofar raised $75 the sultanate’s central bank, meaning any million in debt to bolster its Tier 2, or sup- CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson said the expected ECB 2015 - slightly above the 3.3 percent fore- issuance was likely to take more time to plementary, capital. Unlike European peers so-called “quantitative easing” policy, printing money to buy sov- cast in a poll published in October. arrange than other options it was consider- that have been dogged by capital con- ereign bonds, was unlikely to affect oil prices in the long term. Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP) ing to raise its capital, Bank Dhofar said. cerns in recent years, Gulf banks have “I find it difficult to think that anything the ECB announces grew 2.2 percent in 2013/14, up only Those options included issuing non-voting increasingly turned to capital-enhancing today is really going to alter the supply-demand dynamics with slightly from 2.1 percent the previous year or preference shares, convertible bonds, or bonds for positive reasons, seeking to respect to oil prices,” he said. “We may get some intra-day and not sufficient to create enough jobs a rights issue, the latter two amounting to build on existing growth and diversify their volatility, but will it change the overall direction of the oil price? for a rapidly expanding population of 87 around 100 million rials ($259.8 million), it sources of capital. I doubt it.”—Reuters million. It reached 6.8 percent in the sec- Business FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Royal Mail shares lifted by parcels progress

LONDON: Britain’s Royal Mail announced an improved per- formance at its key parcels business over a busy Christmas period, helped by price promotions, the Black Friday retail rush and its own longer business hours in an increasingly competitive market. The company’s shares have dropped by about 28 percent from their post-privatization peak on concern over a squeeze on parcel prices caused by rising competition, the emergence of a rival letter-delivery service and regulatory disputes, but yesterday’s update suggests that restructuring and improve- ments to its parcels service are improving its fortunes. Group revenue growth slowed as expected, from 2 percent at the half-year to 1 percent for the nine months to Dec. 28, but rising parcel volumes and sales gave investors cause for optimism, lifting the shares 4.3 percent to 449 pence by 1013 GMT. “UK parcel volumes have improved slightly and December flows were particularly strong, but the main improvement is in revenue,” Cantor analyst Robin Byde said, though he reiterated a “sell” rating, citing rising competition expected in 2015. Royal Mail’s efforts to compete more effec- tively in parcels have seen it extend its network’s hours and those of collection offices. This and a drop in prices helped the UK parcels business, worth half of group sales, to lift volumes by 3 percent for the nine months.Parcels revenue was flat NEW YORK: Royal Bank of Canada announced yesterday that it will purchase US financial group City National against the same period last year, representing an improve- Corporation, which serves high net worth and commercial clients, for $5.4 billion. — AFP ment from the 1 percent decline recorded at the half-year mark. In December Royal Mail delivered 120 million parcels, more than some competitors handle in a year. S Korea CB suggests Tough market Though expanding rivals remain a concern, the competi- tive nature of the market was highlighted when courier City Link went into administration in December, while others suf- rate cuts on hold fered reputational damage after struggling to handle the Black Friday demand spike. Rival UK Mail said this month that it handled record parcel volumes in the build-up to Christmas. SEOUL: South Korea’s central bank gover- Royal Mail Chief Executive Moya Greene said the Christmas nor yesterday appeared to rule out any performance and tight control on operating costs meant it further rate cut in the short term, and said was confident of meeting full-year expectations but warned the bank’s decision to slash its 2015 eco- of tough times ahead in parcels delivery. “The conditions of nomic growth was no cause for pes- overcapacity and too many players chasing traffic is going to simism. After two rate cuts last year, the continue to put pressure on prices for the next couple of Bank of Korea’s benchmark rate is current- years,” Greene told Reuters. ly at a record-equalling low of 2.0 percent- In November Royal Mail said growth in the UK parcels mar- a level not seen since 2009-10 when Asia’s ket would fall from 4-5 percent to 1-2 percent for at least two fourth-largest economy was seeking to years as key player Amazon delivers more of its own packages recover from the global financial crisis. and others add capacity to deal with rising online retail Some analysts have predicted a further demand. The improved parcels performance included a slight cut of 25 basis points in the coming boost from City Link’s demise but was offset by a slowdown in months to help boost tepid domestic con- letters, where 1 percent revenue growth at the half-year sumption and ease deflation concerns slowed to flat for the nine months on volumes down 3 per- stemming from low oil prices. But BOK cent. Its European parcels arm, GLS, fared better with revenue governor Lee Ju-Yeol indicated there was up 8 percent. Royal Mail said that analyst consensus for full- no immediate need to try and stimulate year operating profit, before transformation costs, is 585 mil- the economy by releasing more money lion pounds ($885 million). — Reuters into the system. “We cut interest rates twice last year, so SEOUL: Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-Yeol speaks during a press conference the level of monetary easing is greater in Seoul yesterday. South Korea’s central bank governor appeared to rule out US jobless claims fall than before,” Lee told journalists. “Now, any further rate cut in the short term and said the bank’s decision to slash its we have to wait and see how the effects of 2015 economic growth was no cause for pessimism. — AFP after strong surge the cuts we took last year will pan out,” he falls in government infrastructure invest- potential,” he added. Exports, which added. Last week, the BOK slashed its eco- ment due to shortfalls in tax revenues. account for about half of the South’s econ- WASHINGTON: New claims for US unemployment insurance nomic growth forecast for next year to 3.4 “This does not mean our economic out- omy, grew 1.2 percent year-on-year in the benefits, an indicator of the pace of layoffs, fell last week after percent, down from an earlier forecast of look has become more pessimistic”, he fourth quarter of last year, slowing from a surge the prior week, the Labor Department said yesterday. 3.9 percent. But Lee stressed this was said. “The 3.4 percent growth forecast is 3.6 percent in the third quarter and 3.2 Initial jobless claims totaled 307,000 in the week ending because of “exceptional factors” including largely in line with the country’s growth percent in the second quarter.— AFP January 17, down 10,000 from the previous week’s revised level, the agency said. The prior week’s claims reading was revised up by 1,000 to 317,000, the highest level since early Air France heading for more job cuts June. Analysts had expected a larger decline last week in claims, to 302,000. The Labor Department said there was no special factor affecting the seasonally adjusted data, but ana- PARIS: Air France told union leaders ground staff by 500 and cabin stewards way after issuing a profit warning last lysts pointed out that weekly seasonal adjustments after the yesterday that the heavily-indebted and stewardesses by 300. The Air month. November-December holiday shopping season can prove dif- French airline would shed more jobs, France-KLM group, which lost 1.8 billion A strike by Air France pilots last year ficult. The four-week moving average, which helps to smooth reportedly offering new voluntary euros in 2013, hasn’t turned a profit cost the airline some 400 million euros out week-over-week volatility, was 306,500 last week, reflect- departure incentives to 800 ground per- since 2010. Air France and its sub- and drove a spike through manage- ing an increase of 6,500 from the previous week’s upwardly sonnel and cabin crew. No figures were sidiaries employ some 65,000 people. ment’s plans to improve competitive- revised average of 300,000. A year ago, the moving average provided publicly by the management Further details could come out dur- ness by expanding a low-cost unit. was higher, at 335,000. The new claims number marked the of the airline. Despite shedding 8,000 ing the next meeting between Air The company aims to reduce its debt second straight week that claims have been above 300,000. jobs over the past three years, the France management and union leaders to 4.5 billion euros at the end of 2015, “The rise is too small to date to signal an uptrend, but the AirFrance-KLM group looks set to con- on February 5, or when the airline group from 6.5 billion at the beginning of data merit watching,” said Jim O’Sullivan, chief US economist tinue losing money. releases its 2014 results on February 19. 2012. Analysts expect it may adopt oth- at High Frequency Economics. —AFP But union sources said plans would Air France-KLM executives have been er cost savings measures such as delay- seek to reduce the number of Air France hinting that more job cuts were on the ing purchases of new aircraft. — AFP Business FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Ukraine requests fresh IMF bailout

DAVOS: Ukraine has asked the IMF for a new and broader rescue package, and will seek to renegotiate its debt with bond holders, officials said on Wednesday as the war-torn country fights to save its reeling economy. IMF chief Christine Lagarde met Ukrainian Petro Poroshenko on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos and said Ukraine requested that the Washington-based IMF deepen its relationship with Kiev. The meeting took place soon after Poroshenko told an audi- ence of the world’s financial elite in Davos that 9,000 Russian troops were backing Ukrainian separatist fighters. “President Poroshenko informed me today that the Ukrainian authorities have requested a multi-year arrangement with the Fund... to replace the existing... arrangement,” the IMF said in a statement. “We will consult with the IMF Executive Board on the authori- ties’ request,” Lagarde said. The IMF, which last year granted Kiev $17 billion (around 14 billion euros at the time) in financial aid over two years as part of a broader $27 billion global rescue package, has expressed fears that the former Soviet country may need an additional $15 billion in immediate aid. The Ukrainian government said the request was key to turning around the war-torn economy, which shrank 7.5 percent in 2014 and is projected to contract by another 5 percentage points this year. Ukraine’s reserves more than halved in 2014 and dipped to less than $10 billion for the first time in five years as the authori- ties sought to prop up the hryvnia and fund their eight-month DAVOS: India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley attends a session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in campaign against pro-Russian separatists in the industrial east. Davos yesterday. — AFP ‘Extraordinarily committed’ The new IMF program “will allow us to gain access to addition- Lagarde defends Europe al resources, which in turn will enable us to return to economic growth, restore adequate foreign exchange reserves, and ensure economic and financial stability going forward,” said Ukrainian in heated Davos debate Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko. Kiev added that as part of an effort to stabilise its finances, it will “consult with the holders of Ukrainian international sovereign debt so as to improve Ukraine’s medium term sustainability”. Euro-zone economy comes under attack Asked for details on the debt restructuring, Jaresko told AFP that “there’s no perimeter to discuss” until the IMF talks are over. DAVOS: It was supposed to be a serious debate about the German failures “When we finish our discussion with the IMF agreement, then I merits of monetary stimulus, but instead a panel in Davos yes- “It is the failure to recognize that a one-off model that would expect the next step to be these consultations-we would terday featuring IMF chief Christine Lagarde, quickly degener- worked to produce export-led growth for Germany in the ear- be listening to and talking with our sovereign creditors to talk ated into a skirmish over the European economy. “There is a ly part of the decade will lead to an outcome that is worse for about how we can improve the debt sustainability of the coun- general expectation to compare the US economy and the euro everyone now,” said former US treasury secretary Lawrence try,” she said. —AFP area and I don’t think that’s a reality,” Lagarde said after an Summers. onslaught from her largely American co-panelists, including “It is the error of assuming that the strategy that worked for the CEO of megabank Goldman Sachs. one once, when applied universally will work,” he said. Privacy is dead, Hand-wringing over the fate of a wobbly Europe has Lagarde however doubted that there was that much space for become a Davos tradition, ever since debt-wracked Greece Germany to do anything to help out its neighbors and that lit- tle room existed for more public spending. Davos hears Options were limited “given that we’re in a high-unemploy- ment, high-debt environment, and given that structural DAVOS: Imagine a world where mosquito-sized robots fly reforms are fine but effectively what we need the most is around stealing samples of your DNA. Or where a depart- demand, and not many in the euro-zone have fiscal space to ment store knows from your buying habits that you’re preg- do that,” she said. nant even before your family does. That is the terrifying Summers decried a “lack of imagination” by the Europeans dystopian world portrayed by a group of Harvard professors to solve their problems, bringing a sharp rebuke from Ana at the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday, where the Patricio Botin, the new CEO of Spain’s Banco Santander, assembled elite heard that the notion of individual privacy is Europe’s biggest bank by assets. “So you say Europe is less effectively dead. imaginative than the US?,” she called out to Summers, who “Welcome to today. We’re already in that world,” said now teaches at Harvard University. Margo Seltzer, a professor in computer science at Harvard “I’m much less negative on Europe than most Americans. University. “Privacy as we knew it in the past is no longer fea- We raised nine billion dollars and a lot of that came from sible... How we conventionally think of privacy is dead,” she Americans and may I say that was very smart money,” she said. added. Another Harvard researcher into genetics said it was Speaking moments later at a panel on Europe, German Vice “inevitable” that one’s personal genetic information would Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said the reforms Germany passed enter more and more into the public sphere. Sophia Roosth almost a decade ago “took a long time to implement”. said intelligence agents were already asked to collect genetic “Some of these reforms that countries like Italy (and) France information on foreign leaders to determine things like sus- have to take are much larger than what we had to take,” ceptibility to disease and life expectancy. Gabriel, a social democrat said sympathetically. “We are at the dawn of the age of genetic McCarthyism,” DAVOS: Managing director of the International Monetary Gabriel acknowledged that the “task for Germany today ... she said, referring to witch-hunts against Communists in Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde speaks during a session of through its own polices, its own investment is to support the 1950s America. What’s more, Seltzer imagined a world in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting yester- EU,” he said. But the challenge was to “persuade countries that which tiny robot drones flew around, the size of mosquitoes, day in Davos. — AFP extracting a sample of your DNA for analysis by, say, the gov- they will benefit from structural reforms. That their children ernment or an insurance firm. Invasions of privacy are “going threatened to destroy the euro-zone in 2010. This year was no will be better served by them,” he said. to become more pervasive,” she predicted. “It’s not whether different, especially with Greek elections set for Sunday and Speaking later to AFP on the Davos sidelines, Eurogroup this is going to happen, it’s already happening... We live in a the imminent decision by the European Central Bank to chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem praised the authorities in France surveillance state today.” unleash a massive bond-buying scheme despite the opposi- and Italy but warned the task was not yet over. Political scientist Joseph Nye tackled the controversial tion of the bloc’s most powerful member, Germany. “The present governments in France and Italy are much subject of encrypted communications and the idea of regu- But unlike Greece, or other usual targets France and Italy, it more ambitious in terms of reforms but it still has to be done,” lating to ensure governments can always see even encrypted was Germany that stirred debate, blamed for a blind push for said Dijsselbloem, who is also finance minister of the messages in the interests of national security. —AFP austerity and imposing its singular economic vision on others. Netherlands. — AFP Business FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 ECB holds key rate steady at 0.05% Landmark sovereign bond-buy plan to resume

FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank held state of Bavaria, Markus Soeder, have all its key interest rates unchanged yesterday at warned of the “dangerous consequences” of its first policy meeting of 2015, but said it QE this week. would announce new monetary policy meas- German Chancellor Angela Merkel also ures. warned that the wrong signals could be sent As widely expected, the ECB said in a state- regarding the necessity of economic reforms. ment that it was holding its main “refinancing” In order to placate such concerns, there has rate steady at 0.05 percent, and its two other been some speculation that a revised scheme rates-the marginal lending and the deposit had been devised under which the national rates-at 0.30 percent and minus 0.20 percent central banks will only be allowed to buy the respectively. “Further monetary policy meas- sovereign debt of their respective countries ures will be communicated by the president of and Germany, Europe’s paymaster, will not be the ECB at a press conference,” the statement on the hook to bail out another country. added. Nevertheless, French Finance Minister The ECB agreed to embark on a quantita- Michel Sapin said the ECB had a task to do and tive easing (QE)program that will see it print Germans should be mindful of the central money to buy up 60 billion euros worth of bank’s independence. sovereign bonds from March until the end of September next year. Not a cure-all The money will include some from existing So far, expectations had centered around a programs. Countries under a bailout program, QE program of a magnitude of around 500 bil- such as Greece, will be included but with some lion euros ($579 billion). additional criteria. But the latest media reports suggest the The ECB is launching the program with a ECB is now considering purchases of 50 billion view to buoying the flagging euro zone econ- FRANKFURT: The logo of the European currency Euro in front of the European Central euros of bonds per month until the end of omy, where inflation has turned negative and Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. — AFP 2016, amounting to 1.0 trillion euros in all, or - at minus 0.2 percent - is far below the central around 10 percent of euro-zone GDP. bank’s target of just under 2 percent. The expected program of sovereign bond tively a license to print money to get govern- If the program turns out to be smaller, “Under this expanded program the com- purchases, known as quantitative easing (QE), ments out of debt. Economists are also divid- financial markets could be disappointed, said bined monthly purchases of public and private comes after euro-zone inflation turned nega- ed as to whether quantitative easing can really Capital Economics economist Jonathan sector securities will amount to 60 billion tive in December, stoking fears that the region work in a single currency bloc made up of 19 Loynes. “A program of 500 billion or less euros,” ECB President Mario Draghi said at a is on the brink of a dangerous spiral of falling economies in very different states of health. would now be a serious let-down,” he said. news conference. prices. “Regardless of the precise details, though, it “They are intended to be carried out until Draghi and his colleagues on the ECB’s German resistance is worth remembering that the international end-September 2016 and will in any case be executive board have been busy priming the The greatest fear in Germany, Europe’s pay- experience of QE has been mixed at best and conducted until we see a sustained adjust- markets for action ever since. master, is that the measure will take the pres- that there are reasons-not least the weakness ment in the path of inflation.” Global Following rate cuts and a range of unprece- sure off governments to reform their of the banking system and already low levels investors are anxiously waiting for ECB chief dented measures to pump liquidity into the economies and get their finances in shape. of bond yields-to think that it might be less Mario Draghi to unveil the details of a massive financial system, QE is seen as the ultimate Leading German economic figures, including effective in the euro-zone than elsewhere. In bond-buying program which the ECB is draw- weapon in the ECB’s arsenal. However, the former Bundesbank chief Axel Weber, the short, QE is coming but don’t expect it to cure ing up to stimulate the struggling euro-zone German central bank or Bundesbank believes ECB’s own former chief economist, Juergen all of the currency union’s troubles,” Loynes economy. QE takes the ECB outside its remit and is effec- Stark, and the finance minister for the regional warned. — Agencies Canada rate cut offers hope to PM Venezuela hikes wages, keeps multiple exchange rates LONDON: A stunning rate cut by the Bank of Canada my or fearful of a looming recession could decide may be the just the thing Canadian Prime Minister the federal election. While the voting is set for Oct. CARACAS: With Venezuela’s economy in crisis, President Nicolas Stephen Harper needs to preserve a promised budg- 19, Harper has the freedom to change the date. His Maduro on Wednesday announced a 15-percent hike in the minimum et surplus as he heads into an election campaign office has denied persistent speculation that he’ll wage, and plans to keep a multi-tiered exchange rate system in place. dominated by plunging oil prices and faltering econ- move the vote to April. “This whole exchange system is a transitional system,” the president omy. The central bank’s move to cut overnight inter- Indeed, Harper might benefit from a later vote, said in an annual address in which many Venezuelans-exhausted by 64- est rates to 0.75 percent from 1 percent - the first given the Bank of Canada’s new prediction that the percent inflation; food shortages and rationing-had hoped for news of rate move since September 2010 - could stimulate economy will start recovering in the second half of major economic policy changes. Canada’s plodding economy and lower the govern- the year, as the weaker Canadian dollar and lower Maduro did not give much detail on the exchange rates other than ment’s debt costs just enough to preserve Harper’s energy costs boost manufacturing and exporting, to say that one-for food and medicine-would be at 6.3 to the US dollar. long-promised budget surplus. offsetting the pain of the slowing oil sector. The black market rate is about 177 bolivars to the greenback. His eco- “The symbolism of being able to campaign on a Craig Fehr, Canadian market strategist at Edward nomic team will speak on the rate system soon, said Maduro, the social- surplus is very important to the Conservatives, which Jones, said the rate cut will be a boon for business ist successor of the late Hugo Chavez. is why they may go (to the polls) before October,” investment. “The impact will be pervasive across the Venezuela was already mired in economic woes before oil began its said Duane Bratt, a politics professor at Mount Royal economy,” Fehr said. “We could see businesses recent slide, but the sharp downturn in crude prices has been especially University in Calgary. “There may be a sweet spot in become more confident, be willing to invest in punishing for a country that relies on oil for 96 percent of its foreign the fiscal year where they can say they have a sur- future projects, expand into new markets and have currency. Analysts say the South American country, which sits on the plus that may not exist in the rest of the year.” the ability to access capital at low interest rates.” biggest oil reserves in the world, needs oil to sell at $100 a barrel to The Conservative government, seeking a fourth Harper’s main political opponent, Liberal Leader maintain its budget. Yet oil “is not going back to 100 dollars a barrel,” straight term in this year’s election, this week said it Justin Trudeau, seized the chance on Wednesday to Maduro acknowledged, also raising the issue of the need to discuss rais- would delay its budget until April because of finan- tell reporters that Harper had no backup plan for the ing prices for subsidized gasoline-the world’s lowest priced . cial market volatility. The rate cut by the central economy beyond pumping oil. In 2013, Caracas spent 15 billion dollars on that subsidy alone. It is a bank, which sets policy independent of the govern- With the resource sector on the ropes in Harper’s highly sensitive issue in Venezuela where people feel a birthright to ment, and its statement that lower oil prices would stronghold of Alberta, Trudeau sees Harper’s eco- cheap gasoline (petrol). be “unambiguously negative,” sent the Canadian nomic leadership - long a strength for the trained The price has not been raised since 1989. Back then, a hike in gaso- line and transport costs helped trigger a deadly wave of protests, riot- dollar slumping and cast doubt on Conservative economist - faltering. A spokesman for Harper did ing and looting remembered here as the Caracazo. Hundreds were reassurances the economy was doing relatively well, not respond to a request for comment. killed, and some analysts say as many as 2,000. but boosted odds of a federal budget surplus. Although the Liberals are the third party in Economist Jesus Casique tweeted that Maduro’s three-hour address “This does improve the likelihood of the kind of Parliament, most polls put them ahead of Harper’s was “populism” and “disconnected from economic reality.” With the outcome that the government was betting on in center-right Conservatives and the official opposi- precipitous drop of oil in recent months, Maduro has traveled in recent order to generate that budget balance,” said Michael tion left-leaning New Democrats, who compete days to Algeria, China, Iran, Qatar, Russia and Saudi Arabia as he makes Gregory, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. for the same segment of the electorate as the an urgent appeal for cash. —AP Whether Canadians feel confident in the econo- Liberals. — Reuters Sports FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Donald debuts in three-course PGA desert event

LA QUINTA: Britain’s Luke Donald, trying to regain the Honolulu start in five years. He will play at Torrey Pines and time with Pat.” Donald expects scores to go low this week form that made him world number one in 2011 and 2012, Riviera next month but skip the Match-Play event starting as usual in the event. plays this week’s PGA Humana Challenge as part of in late April in San Francisco, saving energy for playing “Perfect conditions, the par-5s are pretty reachable for changes in strategy. more later in the year in European Tour events to keep his all the field,” Donald said. “The courses certainly aren’t easy The 37-year-old Englishman skipped the Middle East to rights there. but they give you a lot of opportunities. If someone’s play- play last week in Hawaii and makes his debut in the three- “That’s the one difficult thing about skipping the Middle ing well, they’re going to make a lot of birdies so you have course California desert event starting Thursday over the East,” he said. “Missing those out, it will just make my fall a to get up there with that mentality, going low and not PGA West’s Nicklaus and Palmer courses and the La Quinta lot busier.” Donald, who went winless in 2014, has reunited being afraid to make some birdies.” Country Club layout. “I wanted to play a little more on the with former coach Pat Goss after a year working with Chuck Defending champion Patrick Reed, who opened with West Coast,” Donald said. “The last few years I played a lot Cook. “In the end some of the things he was trying to get back-to-back 63s last year, won earlier this month at the in the Middle East. With the new wrap around schedule, I me to do physically I just don’t think I could really do very Tournament of Champions in Hawaii for his fourth US tour feel like in previous years (next week’s Phoenix event) has well,” Donald said. “I could have kept persevering and title. he is paired with fellow American Matt Kuchar, who been kind of my first event of the year and I feel like I’m get- maybe tried to do it, but certainly the last six months of last was third last week. Phil Mickelson, trying to bounce back ting left behind a little bit. Some guys have played eight season were very frustrating in terms of my consistency and from his first winless campaign since 2003, makes his first and nine events and I’m playing my first or second event.” results. start of the season. The US left-hander, playing alongside Donald, ranked 34th in the world and living across the “It was he had very hard to break down 25 years of golf- last season’s US tour playoff champion Billy Horschel, seeks United States in Florida, was 51st last week in his first ing DNA, so the logical thing for me was to go back full- his third crown in the event after 2002 and 2004. — AFP Court says Srinivasan guilty of conflict of interest

NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court ordered yes- elections in six weeks time for a second term or terday world cricket chief Narayanaswami give up his stake in the Chennai Super Kings. Srinivasan to give up his stake in the Indian The court had barred Srinivasan from carrying Premier League if he wanted to be re-elected head out his duties as BCCI president, a post he held of the country’s powerful board. since 2011, until it delivered its final verdict. The court found Srinivasan guilty of a conflict The court also appointed yesterday a panel of interest for having commercial dealings in the headed by a former chief justice of India to recom- sport while head of the Board of Control for Cricket mend changes to BCCI rules to avoid any future in India (BCCI) by owning an Indian Premier conflict of interest by its members. League franchise. The court agreed with the Mudgal panel that “Srinivasan or any other administrator can’t Srinivasan’s son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan took contest elections (to the BCCI) (while) they have part in illegal betting while a team official of the those interests,” the two-judge bench was quoted Chennai Super Kings, as did Raj Kundra, owner of as saying by the Press Trust of India. the Rajasthan Royals. The court was ruling on the findings of a panel The court, however, recommended no punish- it appointed last year to investigate betting and ment for the two franchises even though IPL rules other scandals in the lucrative Indian Premier state that a franchise can be suspended if any offi- League (IPL). Srinivasan, 70, is managing director cial indulged in unlawful activities. ADELAIDE: Rohan Dennis of Australia reacts as he wins stage 3 of the 2015 Tour Down Under of India Cements which owns the Chennai Super The sixth IPL season last year was mired in con- cycling competition in Adelaide yesterday. The Tour Down Under is being held between Kings franchise captained by India skipper troversy after police launched legal proceedings January 18 to 25. — AFP Mahendra Dhoni. against several officials and cricketers, including Srinivasan had asked the court to allow him to former Test fast bowler Shanthakumaran be reinstated as BCCI chief after the panel, headed Sreesanth, for illegal betting and spot-fixing. The Dennis upstages Evans by former judge Mukul Mudgal, cleared him of IPL, a domestic tournament which began in 2008, corruption charges in November. features the world’s top players signed up for Although the court on Thursday absolved huge fees by companies and high-profile individ- on 3rd stage Down Under Srinivasan of any specific wrongdoing, it struck uals in a mix of sport and entertainment. down an IPL rule which allowed BCCI members to International news organisations including ADELAIDE: Rohan Dennis upstaged BMC team- stayed with Clarke until 12 kilometres from the fin- own a team in the popular Twenty20 tournament. Agence France-Presse have suspended on-field mate and race favourite Cadel Evans to take the ish when he fell away, with Clarke hanging on for Srinivasan, appointed International Cricket coverage of matches hosted by the BCCI since third stage of the Tour Down Under and claim the another four kilometres until he too was swallowed Council chief last year, has not yet commented on 2012 after the board imposed restrictions on pic- ochre leader’s jersey yesterday. Dennis took the up by the peloton. whether he will run for the BCCI president’s post at ture agencies.— AFP overall lead from fellow South Australian Jack The brutal finish entailed a 1.5km climb up Bobridge, who faded to finish 42 seconds back on Paracombe Hill and all the big names were in good the 143.2-kilometre stage from Norwood to the position at the beginning of the ascent. tiny town of Paracombe. Former Tour De France winner Evans is riding Surprise attack his last race before retiring, with his BMC team Evans attacked immediately and he was joined determined that he leaves the sport a winner. by Porte, Dumoulin and Pozzovivo. Thursday’s result means BMC will now have to With 300 metres to the summit the four were make some major strategic decisions on how to caught by the chasing group. Dennis then took approach the last three stages of the season-open- everyone by surprise when he attacked, holding on ing UCI World Tour race. for his first individual win since he claimed the third On the first really hot day of this year’s Tour, stage of the Tour of Alberta in 2013. Dennis finished in 3hr 35min 8sec, three seconds Dennis later admitted he was meant to attack at ahead of Evans and Dutchman Tom Dumoulin the bottom of the climb to take the sting out of (Giant-Alpecin). Richie Porte’s legs. Another race favourite, Tasmanian Richie Porte “I was caught a bit back at the lead-in (to the (Sky), finished five seconds behind Dennis along- climb) and I thought don’t panic and don’t try to go side a group of riders including Frenchman into the red zone before the hill,” he said. “The plan Maxime Bouet (Etixx-Quick Step) and Italy’s was for me to attack at the bottom and put the oth- Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R La Mondiale). In er guys under pressure and let Cadel sit back, but another fascinating day’s racing, Australia’s Will obviously I was a bit too far back to follow that Clarke from the local Drapac team broke away early plan. and rode solo until he was joined by Calvin Watson “I saw Cadel get away with four guys so I just sat MELBOURNE: In this photograph taken on June 26, 2014, then-newly elected and first ICC (Trek Factory Racing), Lasse Norman Hansen in behind one of the Movistar riders and hoped chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan of India talks to the media during the ICC Annual (Cannondale-Garmin) and Axel Domont (AG2R La he’d bring me back. “Cadel in my eyes is still the Conference week along with other Associate and Affiliate Members at the Melbourne Cricket Mondiale). leader,” he added. “I’m not sure how the team Ground (MCG), in Melbourne. India’s Supreme Court yesterday ordered world cricket chief The four stayed away for much of the race until meeting will go tonight.” today’s 144.5km fourth Narayanaswami Srinivasan to give up his stake in the Indian Premier League if he wanted to one by one they began to feel the pinch, with first stage runs from beachside Glenelg to the Adelaide be relected the head of the country’s powerful board. — AFP Domont and then Hansen dropping off. Watson Hills town of Mt Barker. — AFP Sports FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Shooters arrive in Kuwait, begin training HH the Amir Grand Prix begins tomorrow

By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Kuwait Shooting Sport Club contin- ues its preparations for the launch of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah Fourth International Grand Prix to start on Jan 24 and continues until Jan 31 at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex

Hamad Al-Ruwaisan.

Delegations who are participating in the tournament began arriving in Kuwait, while some teams arrived in Kuwait much earlier to Shooters seen practicing at the training camps. hold training camps ahead of the Grand Prix especially that many Olympic and world training camps as shooters continually partici- Al-Ruwaisan said the Grand Prix will see 31 come out as expected at the officiating level, champions are participating. pated in many foreign tournaments and referees and officials 29 of who are Kuwaiti, as club officials provide all what is necessary Kuwait shooters who are participating in events following the Asian games in Korea, one Emirati and a Libyan. He said the commit- to ensure success. the Grand Prix have completed their techni- which was followed by the Asian tee organized a workshop to discuss the latest Head of the Air gun competitions Salem cal preparations as 51 Kuwaiti shooters both Championship in Al-Ain, UAE, then the Arab changes in the laws as introduced by the Al-Dahesh said preparations continue while male and female are participating and were Championship in Doha, Qatar, and then they International Shooting Sports Federation. delegations began to arrive and train to get trained in a way to enable them win the continued their usual training. He said the presence of a large number of accustomed to the conditions in Kuwait. largest number of medals despite the pres- Meanwhile head of the shotgun referees world and Olympic champions will ease the Al-Dahesh said the Kuwaiti shooters are ence of many Arab, Asian and European Hamad Al-Ruwaisan said the officials commit- task of officials and jury as those shooters are used to participate in various arenas both champions. tee is now ready and a boosting course for highly experienced and know the laws very domestically and abroad as expected from Kuwait shotgun teams did need to hold referees who will officiate in the Grand Prix. well. Al-Ruwaisan hoped the competitions them. Blackhawks claim shootout for rare win at Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH: Jonathan Toews and screened Anderson. With 4:40 remain- the NHL All-Star break. Trailing 2-1, Patrick Kane beat Marc-Andre Fleury in ing, Karlsson scored his second of the Colorado, which went 0-6 on the power a shootout to lift the Chicago night to make it 4-2. Van Riemsdyk play, pulled Varlamov for an extra Blackhawks over the Pittsburgh scored with 1:23 left, but Toronto was attacker with just over two minutes Penguins 3-2 on Wednesday night. unable to complete the comeback. remaining. In a scramble in front of the Toews flipped a shot between Fleury’s net, O’Reilly lifted a backhanded shot legs in the first round, and Kane fol- Ducks 6, Flames 3 over sprawled goalie Tuukka Rask to tie lowed with a wrist shot over Fleury’s Ben Lovejoy had a goal and an assist, it. Boston got even 1-1 on Krug’s goal at glove to help the Blackhawks win in Frederik Andersen made 30 saves, and 6:18 of the second. Pittsburgh for just the second time in 17 Anaheim headed into the All-Star break years. David Rundblad and Marian on a five-game winning streak with a Sharks 4, Kings 2 Hossa scored in regulation for Chicago. victory over Calgary. Kyle Palmieri and Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski Corey Crawford made 33 saves and held Patrick Maroon scored in a three-goal scored power-play goals to send San Pittsburgh’s David Perron and Sidney first period for the NHL-leading Ducks, Jose into the NHL All-Star break on a Crosby in check in the shootout. Zach who beat the Flames in Anaheim for the winning note with a victory over Los Sill and Steve Downie scored for 20th consecutive time since Jan. 19, Angeles. Logan Couture scored twice Pittsburgh. Fleury stopped 24 shots but 2004. Calgary has won at Honda Center for the Sharks, who had lost five of their the Penguins limped into the All-Star just once in this century. Ryan Getzlaf, previous six home games. Antti Niemi break with their fourth straight loss. The Tim Jackman and Ryan Kesler also made 15 of his 26 saves in the third peri- Penguins played without defenseman scored as Anaheim (31-10-6) opened a od.Dustin Brown and Jeff Carter scored Kris Letang and center Evgeni Malkin. three-point lead on Nashville atop the for the Kings, who have lost seven of overall standings entering the break. eight, although four came after regula- Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 Mikael Backlund, Sean Monahan and tion. Jonathan Quick made 21 saves. Erik Karlsson scored two goals to lead Joe Colborne scored as the Flames’ four- With the teams locked in a one-goal Ottawa over struggling Toronto. Mike game winning streak ended in the finale game in the third period, Pavelski gave Hoffman and Mika Zibanejad also scored of a five-game Pacific Division trip. the Sharks some needed insurance after PITTSBURG: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Paul Martin (7) upends Chicago for the Senators (19-18-9), and Craig Drew Doughty negated a Los Angeles Blackhawks’ David Rundblad (5) as he crosses the blue line during the Anderson stopped 37 shots. David Avalanche 3, Bruins 2, SO power play by high-sticking Couture. third period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh Wednesday. The Clarkson, Nazem Kadri and James van Ryan O’Reilly tied the game with Riemsdyk had goals for the Maple Leafs 1:45 left in regulation, and Nathan Jets 4, Blue Jackets 0 Blackhawks won in a shootout, 3-2. — AP (22-23-3), who head into the NHL All-Star MacKinnon had the only goal in the Jets rookie Michael Hutchinson Star break. Winnipeg scored on its first (20-22-3) has been shut out three times break on a six-game skid. James Reimer shootout as Colorado rallied to beat made 29 saves, and Winnipeg stretched two shots, with Blake Wheeler netting this season. Columbus goalie Sergei made 22 saves and lost for just the sec- Boston. Jarome Iginla also scored for its winning streak to a season-high five his 13th at 1:08, and Evander Kane Bobrovsky, slated to play in his first All- ond time at Ottawa (8-2). Toronto made Colorado, and Semyon Varlamov games with a shutout victory over adding his 10th at 6:06. Jim Slater and Star game, was replaced by Curtis things interesting when Kadri’s power- stopped all three Boston shots in the Columbus. It was Hutchinson’s second Chris Thorburn scored second-period McElhinney near the midway point of play goal at 2:36 of the third period cut tiebreaker. Torey Krug and Brad shutout of the season and the Jets’ third goals for the Jets (26-14-8). Winnipeg’s the second period. He was helped off the Maple Leafs’ deficit to 3-2. Kadri took Marchand had Bruins goals in regulation as Winnipeg outshot Columbus 30-29 in previous home shutout was a 3-0 win the ice after he stretched to stop a wide a pass from Morgan Rielly and beat a in the final game for both teams before the teams’ last game before the NHL All- over Buffalo on Dec. 31, 2013. Columbus shot by Michael Frolik. — AP Sports45 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Radwanska ruthless under coach Navratilova

MELBOURNE: Sixth seed Agnieszka “She’s helped me a lot, on the court and The win builds on a 6-3, 6-0 win over conserve energy for the tournament’s latter Radwanska proved she has become a gen- off the court,” Radwanska said of the Czech Japan’s Kurumi Nara in the first round, stages. “I think being fresh is one of the most uine Australian Open threat under coach great, now based in the United States. meaning Radwanska has dropped only four important things, so I’m happy to play short Martina Navratilova yesterday when she “We’re working on a couple of things games in her opening two matches. and good and really close out that match thrashed Sweden’s Johanna Larsson 6-0, 6-1. right now. So far so good.” Radwanska took “I don’t think I’d want to play against pretty quickly,” she said. The drubbing took Radwanska into the just 44 minutes to brush aside Larsson, myself,” she joked when quizzed about her “Especially (since) the conditions can be third round and placed the spotlight on the ranked 71 in the world, in the most one- hot run of form. very tough, so I think it’s much better than Pole, who has flown under the radar so far at sided match yet at this year’s tournament. The Australian Open is Radwanska’s playing and being there for three hours.” this year’s tournament. “From the warm up I just felt great and I real- strongest Grand Slam. She made the semi- Radwanska will meet either Varvara The 25-year-old hired 18-time Grand ly saw the ball very well,” she said. finals at Melbourne Park last year and has Lepchenck of the United States or Australia’s Slam champion Navratilova last month to “Even in the hot conditions today, every- reached the quarter-finals another four Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round. “I just bolster her quest for a maiden major of her thing was working for me, so I’m very happy times. hope I can play the same good tennis I own. about that.” She said quick results would help her played today,”she said. — AFP Azarenka makes loud statement at Melbourne

MELBOURNE: The fluorescent yellow outfit Victoria Azarenka wore as she dismantled Caroline Wozniacki at the Australian Open yesterday was a one-word fashion statement-loud. A defiantly single-tone ensemble matching a skirt with a long-sleeve top, Azarenka made a huge impression on social media even before a racket was swung at Margaret Court Arena. Though the look was polarising, Azarenka’s game was any- thing but. The universal verdict after her 6-4 6-2 win over the eighth-seeded Dane was that the Belarusian was back, and back in a big way. Unseeded, undercooked but under no pressure, Azarenka dictated play like a traffic cop in a high-visibility suit. The night was not overly cool, but the long sleeves stayed on as if the former world number one had hardly raised a sweat in the 98- minute clash. It was tempting to link Azarenka’s performance with the stunning colour of her clothes and the Belarusian agreed she was out to make impressions. “That’s the key. That’s the whole point, the outfit,” she smiled as she spoke to reporters, wear- ing a still-loud pair of leggings and a ‘trucker’s cap’ perched MELBOURNE: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland hits a return to Marius Copil of Romania in their men’s singles match on day backwards on her head. four of the 2015 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP “I didn’t take off my outfit, so the energy and intensity stayed there with the outfit. But really, that’s how I play. I try to imply that intensity. I play aggressive. I think that’s one of my trademarks. Not the outfit, but the intensity.” Serena joins rampant Azarenka played less than 30 matches through an injury- blighted 2014, but appears hungry for another five at Melbourne Park, where she reigned supreme in 2012 and Djokovic in third round 2013. Having mowed through her opening matches against American Sloane Stephens and Wozniacki, she next plays a MELBOURNE: Serena Williams was slow 6-4, 6-2 as her comeback from injury gath- gressed, as did Czech fourth seed Petra very winnable match against Czech 25th seed Barbora to get going before finding her groove to ers steam. Kvitova. Zahlavova-Strycova. The chance of a potentially mouthwater- bulldoze into the Australian Open third Williams said she only started finding ing clash against last year’s finalist Dominika Cibulkova fol- round yesterday, joining rampant fellow her range when she relaxed. “She started The perfect game lows. After finishing off Wozniacki, she clenched her fist, grit- world number one Novak Djokovic and out really well, she was really aggressive Men’s top seed Djokovic came out of ted her teeth and held a steely gaze at her player’s box. She comeback queen Victoria Azarenka. and I was a little too passive,” said the blocks firing against Kuznetsov, who said felt the love for Melbourne Park flowing through her. With the temperatures again sizzling Williams, the top seed. had no answer to his booming serve and “I love the energy of people here. Really, I think the whole around 33 Celsius (93 Fahrenheit) at “Once I got down I thought ‘Serena, powerful groundstrokes in a masterclass country is like sport nation,” she said. “I guess I’m going to Melbourne Park, the American 18-time you’ve done so well here you’ve got noth- performance. “Overall I executed the adopt an Aussie kid or something like that.” —Reuters Grand Slam champion took time to adjust ing to lose, just have fun and enjoy your- game plan,” said the Serb. “Everything I to the sauna-like conditions against self’-then I started to play a lot better.” intended to do, almost 100 percent, from Russian veteran Vera Zvonareva. While the old guard of Williams and every second in my game, serve, baseline She had to save two set points before Maria Sharapova are safely into the third play, aggressive shots and aggressive exploding into action in the second set to round, the new generation of Eugenie returns.” In contrast Wawrinka, who beat easily win 7-5, 6-0 and keep alive her Bouchard and Simona Halep have looked Rafael Nadal in last year’s final, was put dream of a sixth Australian title. more impressive in the early rounds. through his paces by Copil and was glad Djokovic, gunning to be crowned Sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska is to get off court after three sets. champion a fifth time, was on fire in his also in ominous form after hiring former “The court was quite fast and he was showdown against Andrey Kuznetsov, great Martina Navratilova as her coach. really aggressive on serve and I was hap- crushing the hapless Russian 6-0, 6-1, 6-4, The Pole, a semi-finalist last year, took py to get through in three sets,” said while defending champion Stan just 44 minutes to brush aside Sweden’s Wawrinka. Fifth seed Nishikori was forced Wawrinka had to work hard to get past Johanna Larsson 6-0, 6-1 and has only lost to four sets by Croatia’s Ivan Dodig, dig- Marius Copil. four games in two matches. “She’s helped ging deep to keep his dream of a maiden The Romanian took the fourth seed to me a lot, on and off the court,” Radwanska major title alive with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 two tiebreakers before the Swiss star tri- said of Navratilova. (7/0) win in front of a noisy pro-Japanese umphed 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. Japan’s Williams faces a tricky third round crowd. MELBOURNE: Victoria Azarenka (L) of Belarus greets Kei Nishikori also went through. match against another of the new young “It was very warm conditions today Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark after beating her in their In a blockbuster evening clash, two- guns in Spanish world number 24 Garbine and he was playing really well, very women’s singles match on day four of the 2015 Australian time champion Azarenka crushed close Muguruza, who beat Daniela Hantuchova aggressive, good returns and it was a Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday.— AFP friend and eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-1, 0-6, 6-1. Her sister Venus also pro- tough battle,” Nishikori said.—AFP Sports FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Iraq-Iran play for Asian semifinal spot, Japan vs UAE

ADELAIDE: Neighbors and fierce rivals Iran and Iraq will 2007 when it won the Asian Cup against the odds, with its “Two days is too short for recovery,” Honda said. “We meet in the Asian Cup quarterfinals today, while defend- homeland in the midst of war. have to deal with it but I don’t agree with this schedule. It ing champion and title favorite Japan will face the United “I see it as a tough game,” Iraq midfielder Yaser Kasim is very difficult, a tough schedule. Arab Emirates. said. “They are a good side. We played them in a friendly “We shouldn’t think we will create many chances already, so we got a test how to play against them, and against them. They are strong physically, have speed and Here are some things to watch: how they play. It’s going to be a massive, massive game many talented players.” IRAN VS. IRAQ (0630 GMT): The winner-takes-all and a great rivalry, so hopefully we can put on a show for The Emirates’ chances of pulling off a surprise win will match in the Australian capital Canberra will be fiercely the people.” rest largely on the shoulders of young playmaker Omar contested between two teams that both believe they Abdulrahman, whose performances in this tournament have the edge on their opponent. Japan Vs United Arab Emirates have demonstrated why some of Europe’s big clubs are Iran’s form has been faultless, with three wins from Four-time champion Japan starts as a favorite against tracking his progress. three in the group stage, keeping clean sheets in every the UAE, and the Blue Samurai are living up to their billing The UAE’s strength is a coherence born of having the game. With experienced and highly regarded coach Carlos as the team to beat for the title. same group of players coming up through the ranks from Queiroz in charge, the Iranian’s belief in their title chances Coach Javier Aguirre, who is working under the cloud under-17s, but Abdulrahman is the standout. Japan cap- is growing. Iran, which beat Iraq in a pre-tournament of an ongoing match-fixing investigation relating to his tain Makoto Hasebe, as the ball-winning midfielder, will friendly, clinched top spot in its group with a stoppage- time in Spanish club football, was not letting his players have the chief responsibility of negating the Emirati star. time winner by Reza Ghoochannejhad which delivered a get ahead of themselves going into the Melbourne match. “He gets a lot of the ball from his teammates and we know 1-0 win against the UAE. “From my experience in the Copa America, World Cup he is the key player,” Hasebe said. “He is a playmaker more “The spirit is great in our team,” Ghoochannejhad. “The and the Gold Cup, I can say that our chances are the same than a finisher and we have to take care of the way he dis- chemistry and spirit in this team is amazing and we hope as the other seven teams remaining,” Aguirre said. “From tributes the ball. “I have seen some of their games and to continue and get good results in the future.” now we start from zero.” they are dangerous going forward. They have a lot of play- Iraq’s form has not been quite as convincing, beating Japan will have had only two days’ rest since its last ers that have come through younger age groups together Jordan and Palestine while losing a tightly-fought match group game - one day less than the UAE - and star attacker and are a complete team. But, that said, on our day I think against Japan. Iraq, though, still has vivid memories of Keisuke Honda was not impressed with the timing. we are a better team.” — AP Cahill scores twice as Australia beat China

BRISBANE: Tim Cahill came to Australia’s rescue only revived Australia’s title hopes but instantly again yesterday, scoring two goals, one of them breathed new life into the tournament. Sixteen among the most spectacular ever seen at an Asian minutes later, Cahill scored again, killing off China’s Cup, to lead the host-nation into the semi-finals. hopes of going any further in the tournament, With his team mates all fluffing their chances in when he neatly headed the ball into the corner of front of goal, Cahill took it upon himself to calm the net after a cross from Mathew Leckie, who also Australia’s jitters and secure a 2-0 win over China in had a fine match. Already Australia’s all-time lead- the quarter-finals at Brisbane’s Lang Park. Both ing score, Cahill’s brace lifted his international tally goals came in the second half but it was the first, to 39 goals from 80 appearances and saved his four minutes after the re-start, that will be remem- country’s blushes. bered for years to come and go viral on the inter- The Australians will now play either Japan or net. Cahill has made a habit of scoring stunning the United Arab Emirates in next week’s semi-finals. goals for his country-most memorably his volley South Korea will face Iran or Iraq in the other semi. against the Netherlands in last year’s World Cup- The Australians, beaten 1-0 by South Korea in their but Thursday’s eye-popper was perhaps his finest. last group match, dominated possession against When China failed to clear the ball from an the Chinese but squandered a series of clear Australian corner, Ivan Franjic innocuously headed chances to score with Cahill the lone exception. MELBOURNE: South Korea’s and Uzbekistan’s players compete during their AFC Asia Cup the ball into the box in the direction of Cahill, who They also provided their supporters with some quarterfinal soccer match in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. — AP seemingly had nowhere to go with a defender heart flutters, carelessly giving the ball away on a breathing down his neck. handful of occasions and allowing China to threat- But the 35-year-old, displaying the sort of ath- en on the counter attack. The Australian captain ‘Sonaldo’ sinks Uzbeks leticism of a teenager, leapt into the air and per- Mile Jedinak, returning to the side after missing the formed a perfect overhead bicycle kick, angling the last two group games with an ankle injury, was ball across the six-yard box past the astonished among the worst offenders and allowed his frustra- as S Korea reach semis Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei. tions to get the better of him when he was booked It was a moment of theatrical magic that not for a reckless tackle on Ren Hang.—Reuters MELBOURNE: South Korea’s golden boy Son they were all dead. Now our biggest issue is med- Heung-Min struck twice in extra time to give the ical.” South Korea, World Cup semi-finalists in 2002 Taeguk Warriors a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in a nail- but seeking to end 55 years of hurt in Asia’s show- biting Asian Cup quarter-final yesterday. The man case tournament, had to toil for their victory dubbed “Sonaldo” by his team-mates scored with a against 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan in diving header after 104 minutes and slammed Melbourne. Goalkeeper Kim Jin-Hyeon raced off his home a second moments before the final whistle, line to deny Sanjar Tursunov during the early skir- leaving on a stretcher with exhaustion as the mishes as Uzbekistan’s aerial assault caused havoc Koreans set up a meeting against either Iran or Iraq in the Korean defence. in the last four. “There was big pressure on us,” South Korea Lucky escape coach Uli Stielike told reporters after coaxing his At the other end, Son’s curling effort was team of walking wounded to a fourth straight win. clawed away brilliantly by Ignatiy Nesterov. “If we’d lost, we would have been on the plane Striker Lee Jeong-Hyeop’s header forced anoth- home and face a lot of criticism.” Injuries had er acrobatic save from Nesterov five minutes after already ruled out winger Lee Chung-Yong and the break, but moments later Kim’s attempted midfielder Koo Ja-Cheol, while superstar Son has clearance almost ricocheted into the Korean goal yet to fully regain fitness after being floored by a flu after cannoning off defender Kim Jin-Su’s backside. bug earlier in the competition. “No other team has The Koreans continued to press, a mazy run had to show such mental strength and sacrifice as from Son taking him past three players only to be our boys,” added Stielike. “To lose two of their lead- robbed by a last-ditch tackle as he prepared to pull ers and still pick them themselves up. I nearly didn’t the trigger. An air-shot from Nam Tae-Hee with the pick Son because of his illness-he’s still not 100 per- goal at his mercy added to South Korea’s frustra- cent. “I told the players this morning that we are all tion, though the Red Devils were lucky to escape BRISBANE: Australia’s Nathan Burns takes a shot on goal as China’s Jiang Zhipeng and Ren human and everyone has a shitty day. The problem when Lutfulla Turaev contrived to miss an open Hang, right, attempt to block during the AFC Asia Cup quarterfinal soccer match between is getting to 90 minutes and still being ready to goal after 78 minutes after being picked out by China and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, yesterday. — AP push through. The boys played 120 minutes and Sardor Rashidov.—AFP Sports FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 47 Under-fire Marseille look for Nice lift

PARIS: Title challengers Marseille will look to last of their ten Ligue 1 titles — and include “Marseille are a ‘big, big’ challenge,” “But they are human like us: they have put their legal woes behind them and that of French international striker Andre- admitted Bautheac. “They are, however, two arms, two legs. And if we do the right reclaim top spot in Ligue 1 when they travel Pierre Gignac, the club’s top scorer. slightly less efficient than they were in the things on the pitch, there will be no prob- to Nice in today’s early French league match. The southern giants however face another first half of the season, and it’s up to us to lem.” Marseille-just one point behind leaders challenge at Mediterranean neighbours Nice, seize the opportunity. Bielsa will be forced to reorganise his Lyon after 21 games-visit mid-table Nice just who have gotten their year off to a bright “It’s even better that they won Sunday defence with Rod Fanni and Benjamin Mendy days after French police arrested ten people start with wins against Bordeaux and Lorient. (against Guingamp), so at least they won’t be suspended, and Nicolas Nkoulou on Africa as part of an enquiry into suspect transfers Nice midfielder Eric Bautheac and defend- coming to us with the knife between their Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon. Winger involving the club. er Jordan Amavi, who have both been report- teeth.” Amavi added: “(Steve) Mandanda is a Romain Alessandrini also remains uncertain The transfers under investigation date ed Marseille transfer targets, will get an good goalkeeper. Gignac scores every week- after picking up an ankle injury in last week- back to 2010 — the year the club won the opportunity to impress coach Marcelo Bielsa. end. They are stuffed with talent. end’s 2-1 win against Guingamp.—AFP

Tottenham’s Adebayor back in favour, not with fans LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor was restored to the starting lineup as captain against Sheffield United in their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday but left the pitch to a chorus of boos from the home fans. The controversial Togo forward lasted 65 minutes of his side’s unconvincing 1-0 first leg win at White Hart Lane before being replaced by Spaniard Roberto Soldado, another of the club’s international pedigree forwards struggling for form. The change at least brought the winning goal, with Soldado controlling the ball in the area before United defend- er Jay McEveley inadvertently handled to concede a penalty that was tucked away expertly by Andros Townsend after 74 minutes. Asked about the booing when Adebayor was substituted Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters: “I didn’t hear the crowd’s reaction. For me I am focused on the game. I’m happy with his performance. He was good.” Adebayor has hardly featured this season and Saturday’s substitute appearance in the 2-1 Premier League home win over Sunderland was his first in nine weeks because of injury, illness and compassionate leave to sort out family problems. The 30-year-old former Metz, AS Monaco, Arsenal, BARCELONA: FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, duels for the ball against Atletico’s Godin, right, during a Quarterfinal Copa Manchester City and Real Madrid striker is an enigma. On his del Rey soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. — AP day the tall, gangly Adebayor can be a deadly finisher who brings fear to defences with his all-action game. At other times he drifts through matches, making little impact and Messi scores late as looking as if he would rather be somewhere else. Controversy has followed Adebayor throughout his career. He had a bust-up with fellow Arsenal striker Niklas Bendtner during a League Cup tie at Spurs in 2008, and who could for- Barca beat Atletico get his goal celebration for Manchester City the following year in front of the baying Arsenal fans who pelted him with objects. BARCELONA: Lionel Messi finished off Soriano also scored with five minutes to often in his first season at Barcelona, the The striker’s time at Spurs has also been fraught with prob- his own missed penalty with five min- play when he curled home a free kick. Uruguay forward ended up falling to his lems and he was frozen out by the club’s former manager utes left to give Barcelona a 1-0 win over Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao drew 0-0 knees and hiding his face in his hands Andre Villas-Boas reportedly because he refused to remove a Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their at Malaga. The winner of that contest after he sent Ivan Rakitic’s superb beanie hat he was wearing during a team meeting. Copa del Rey quarterfinal on will move on to face Sevilla or Espanyol. lobbed pass over the bar from inside the His brief appearance against Sunderland was his first since Wednesday. Barcelona provided a flash of what it six-yard box. a home defeat by Stoke City in early November, after which he Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak does best just four minutes after kickoff, The counterattacking connection upset the Spurs supporters by saying the team would rather blocked Messi initial spot kick, but he when Messi and Dani Alves worked a between Griezmann and Fernando play away due to the pressure being put on them at White couldn’t recover in time to stop Messi mesmerizing one-two before Luis Torres had proven key in eliminating Hart Lane.—Reuters from rushing forward to slam home the Suarez laid the off for Neymar to draw a Real Madrid in the round of 16, and the rebound and ignite the Camp Nou. one-handed save from Oblak. two almost linked up again on the break Messi was set up to get the winner after Diego Simeone’s side then imposed a in the 41st - only for Gerard Pique to Juanfran Torres fouled Sergio Busquets slower pace and got what it wanted: A intercept Torres’ pass. in the area. number of set pieces that it usually In the second half, Barcelona was “I still see the tie as 50-50, and we will excels at executing. able to increase the tempo. Its only go into the second leg aiming for a win,” But Barcelona’s improvement in reward, though, was Andres Iniesta’s Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said. Just defense- it has conceded a league-low shot into Oblak’s arms in the 74th, and two weeks ago he was under intense nine goals- was evident when Atletico its frustrations with the referee earned pressure following a loss and the firing failed to convert its five corner kicks into Suarez and Javier Mascherano bookings of Barcelona’s sports director, but the shots on goal, leaving it with Antoine for protesting. But it was soon the turn coach has since been bolstered by a sec- Griezmann’s header over the top in the of Atletico’s players to argue when the ond victory over Atletico in 10 days fol- 35th minute for its only clear chance of whistle blew after Busquets went down, lowing its 3-1 win here in the league. the night. “Barcelona has been working having been fouled from behind by Atletico went undefeated in six meet- hard at defending,” Simeone said. “It Torres in a scrum for the ball after ings with Barcelona last season en route was tough for us to get out and launch Messi’s free kick had hit the defensive to winning the league and reaching the our attack, even though we had the wall. Champions League final. game under control. “We were closer Oblak guessed that Messi intended LONDON: Tottenham’s Kyle Walker, leaps for the ball with The return leg at the Vicente than we were the other day at least as to strike the resulting spot-kick to the Sheffield Unitedís Stefan Scougall during their English Calderon will be next Wednesday, with far as the result goes. But it won’t goalie’s left side. But Messi was the League Cup semifinal 1st leg soccer match between the winner of this series advancing to change how we play in the return leg.” quickest to the ball to take the victory Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United, at the White meet either Villarreal or Getafe. Villarreal Suarez had a golden opportunity a with his 29th goal in all competitions Hart Lane stadium in London. — AP beat Getafe 1-0 after midfielder Bruno minute after Griezmann’s miss. But as so this season. — AP Djokovic inthird round Djokovic inthird round

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Serena joinsrampant Serena joinsrampant www.kuwaittimes.net yesterday.—AP Melbourne, Australia, championship in Australian Opentennis round matchatthe during theirsecond Hantuchova ofSlovakia against Daniela ebrates apointwon Muguruza ofSpaincel- MELBOURNE: Garbine Page 45