Kuwait Warns It May Halt Recruiting Indian Workers

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 SAFAR 11, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Palestinian In Hezbollah ‘Comfy Slippers’ Leonard envoy hails kids’ mag, book signing leads Spurs ties with not fairies held at The over 76ers Kuwait2 but14 fighters Yoga39 Center 109-10320 Kuwait warns it may halt Min 06º Max 23º recruiting Indian workers High Tide 09:37 & 21:16 New expat fees mulled • Mudej grilling delayed • Sheikh Talal loses posts Low Tide 03:12 & 15:10 40 PAGES NO: 16361 150 FILS By B Izzak and Agencies

KUWAIT: The National Assembly yesterday voted to give its health and labor panel one month to complete a draft law on the establishment of a company for the recruitment and employment of domestic workers. The vote comes amid controversy over an Indian decision demanding a $2,500 (KD 730) bank guarantee from those wanting to employ Indian domestic helpers. The head of the residency and passports department Maj Gen Mazen Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah was quoted as saying yesterday that Kuwait may consider halting recruitment of manpower from India in retaliation for the Indian bank guarantee move. The Indian decision infuriated a number of MPs who blasted the Indian embassy and called for retaliatory actions against New Delhi, including halting recruitment of manpower from India. MP Khalil Abdullah yesterday joined KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- those MPs by describing the Indian decision as a breach of Jaber Al-Sabah (right) is welcomed at the airport by the law, diplomatic norms and the Kuwaiti law and consti- HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- tution. The lawmaker said that preserving the rights of Jaber Al-Sabah after the Amir returned home yester- Kuwaiti citizens, expatriates and foreign workers in Kuwait day following a private visit to Morocco. — KUNA is the duty of the Kuwaiti government and not the Indian embassy. He said the decision is a flagrant interference in the sovereignty of the state of Kuwait, warning that accept- conspiracy theories ing the decision would encourage similar measures by other embassies. Along with the government’s moves to increase petrol Guarantee is and cooking gas prices next year, another move is to increase the fees collected on expatriates’ transactions such no guarantee as issuing work permits and companies’ computerized pay- roll lists, reported Al-Watan. KUWAIT: Commerce and Industry Minister Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej (center) is seen during a session at the Continued on Page 13 National Assembly yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

By Badrya Darwish Lebanon detains wife of IS leader

[email protected] Saudi supporters claim they shot Danish man BEIRUT: The Lebanese army detained a arrest was “a powerful card to apply pres- was found with a fake passport, officials read the news about the Indian government’s wife and daughter of Islamic State leader sure” in negotiations to secure the release said. Investigators were questioning her decision to require a bank guarantee of around Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi as they crossed of 27 members of the Lebanese security at the Lebanese defence ministry. IKD 730 ($2,500) for every Indian domestic helper from Syria nine days ago, security officials forces captured by Islamist militants - a US officials said they were looking into you recruit in Kuwait, be it a driver, cook, nanny or said yesterday in a move seen as likely to view shared by other Lebanese officials the reports from Lebanon. One official maid. This prompted a senior Kuwaiti official yester- put pressure on the Islamist chief. The who confirmed the arrest. A senior said that if one of Baghdadi’s wives or day to warn the state may halt recruiting manpower woman was identified as Saja Al-Dulaimi, Lebanese security official said Baghdadi’s children were detained, the US believes it from India. an Iraqi, by a Lebanese security official wife had been travelling with one of their could positively identify them, though What pushed the Indian government to take and and a senior political source. The daughters, contradicting earlier reports the official would not say how. There was implement such a decision? Of course we cannot Lebanese newspaper As-Safir reported that it was his son. DNA tests were con- no immediate reaction from Islamic State deny that many domestic helpers have been ill-treat- she had been detained in coordination ducted to verify it was Baghdadi’s child, websites, although some supporters ed in Kuwait unfortunately by some people. Not all with “foreign intelligence”. the official said. They were detained in rejected the report. people or employers are bad, but it takes only one Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi A Lebanese security source said the northern Lebanon after Baghdadi’s wife Continued on Page 13 bad apple to spoil it for all. And no one ever talks about the people who do so much to help their maids, and instead talk about the bad ones. The issue is bigger than the KD 730 guarantee and it needs to be approached in a totally different way. Shabaab kill 36 Kuwait lacks a law regulating domestic labor rights. If the government was stricter with people who mis- treat their servants and if there was no room for Kenya workers wasta or connections and the law was applied even- ly, people would be afraid and abide. Because people are people be they in London or Lebanon. The other day I was watching a Lebanese TV pro- Security chiefs ousted gram also discussing setting rules for domestic NAIROBI: Somali Al-Shabaab militants and says it will keep up the violence to helpers who come from wherever to Lebanon, as killed 36 non-Muslim workers at a quarry persuade Kenya to pull its troops out of some are being abused. The most interesting part in northeast Kenya yesterday, prompting neighbouring Somalia, where its forces was when the broadcaster told a story of an the president to sweep out his top secu- have joined African troops battling the Ethiopian maid who on her way back home was rity officials to tackle a relentless wave of militants. stopped at the airport by the customs officer when violence. Kenyans have grown increas- In yesterday’s attack, gunmen crept he noticed she had a stack of receipts with her. He ingly critical of President Uhuru Kenyatta up on dozens of workers sleeping in asked her why was she carrying these receipts in for failing to do more to defend the tents, a resident said, in the same area Arabic, since she cannot read Arabic. The maid nation from the incessant militant near the Somali border where a bus was explained that these were the receipts from her attacks, which have killed well over 200 hijacked just over a week ago and 28 sponsor for the money he sent to Ethiopia every PARIS: Leftwing members of parliament applaud after French lawmakers voted people since 2013. Shabaab has claimed passengers killed. month. The customs guy felt very bad and sympa- in favor of recognizing Palestine as a state yesterday at the French National responsibility for much of the bloodshed Continued on Page 13 thized with her, explaining that what she had were Assembly. — AFP not bank records but electricity bills of the house where she worked. She had been robbed for two years. French MPs vote to So stories like this or worse than this happen in every country. But the difference between us and the West is that rules and regulations there are strictly recognize Palestine enforced on the employment of domestic helpers - for both employer and employee. And this is what PARIS: French lawmakers voted yesterday further, officially recognising Palestine as a we need in Kuwait. in favor of recognizing Palestine as a state, state in a controversial move that prompt- There is no use to put a bank guarantee of KD 730 sparking an immediate angry reaction from ed Israel to recall its ambassador. But the or KD 150 or whatever. It’s not going to solve the Israel which said such “unilateral measures” French vote result still prompted a swift and problem. Actually when you talk money, it becomes would harm efforts towards Middle East angry response from Tel Aviv, which said it like human trafficking. First of all, those who should peace. Following hot on the heels of similar would send the “wrong message” to the be put under the microscope are the recruiting agen- votes in Britain and Spain, French MPs vot- region and would be counterproductive to cies in both countries. Be it India-Kuwait or ed 339 to 151 in favor of a motion urging the drive towards peace. “Israel believes Philippines-Kuwait or Timbuktu-Kuwait or whatever. the government to recognize the state of that the vote in the National Assembly... will Most of these agencies are corrupt in both countries Palestine as a way of achieving a “definitive reduce the possibility of achieving a deal and with the blessing or the blind eye of the govern- resolution of the conflict”. The vote - which between Israel and the Palestinians,” its ments and officials. is non-binding on the government but embassy in Paris said in a statement. So if you solve this problem, no need to pay any highly symbolic - comes as European coun- A solution to the conflict will be guarantee. Because paying this guarantee is a kind of tries seek alternative ways to restart the achieved “only with honest and direct talks corruption. MANDERA, Kenya: Bodies are seen of some of the victims of an attack on quarry stalled Middle East process. between the parties and not by unilateral workers near this town in northern Kenya along the border with Somalia. — AFP Sweden’s government has gone even Continued on Page 13 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy photos Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (Right) HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah during their separate meetings with IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano. — KUNA Deputy Amir, Prime Minister receive IAEA Chief

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir General of the International Atomic First Deputy Minister, Minister of Foreign role IAEA plays in peacemaking, and Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, while and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano, and Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad boosting global stability and security, HH Sheikh Jaber met with Sir Suma Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the his accompanying delegation. Both meet- Al-Sabah. wishing him success and further progress. Chakrabarti, the President of the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak ings took place separately at Al-Seif HH the Deputy Amir praised the sin- Also yesterday, HH Sheikh Nawaf European Bank for Reconstruction and Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received Director Palace yesterday, and were attended by cere efforts exerted by Amano, and the received HH Sheikh Nasser Al- Development. — KUNA FM leaves for Arab-Russian Forum

KUWAIT/BRUSSELS: First Deputy Prime Dehani, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Sudan the NATO’s Contact Partners of the Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Talal Mansour Al-Hajeri, and a number of International Alliance, which kicks off Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah is set foreign ministry officials. today. Jarallah is leading a delegation to depart to Khartoum, Sudan today to Meanwhile, Sheikh Sabah Khaled is that comprises his office’s chief head Kuwait’s delegation partaking in the also scheduled to head to Somalia next Ambassador Ayham Al-Omar and several Second Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum. Thursday alongside an Arab ministerial senior officials of the Foreign Ministry. The Forum is to discuss ways to boost delegation, which includes Mauritania’s Kuwait shares strong relations with Arab-Russian relations in all areas that Minister of Foreign Affairs and the NATO, cooperating with the organiza- serve cooperation, coordination, and Cooperation Ahmad Ould Teguedi and tion on different levels. The country is partnership prospects between the two Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al- part of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative sides, in addition to latest developments Araby, for a one-day official visit as part of (ICI) with NATO, alongside Qatar, Bahrain KUWAIT: Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah, Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub and diplo- in the Middle East and a number of Kuwait’s presidency of the current 25th and the UAE. Cooperation between mats in a group photo. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat regional and international issues. Arab Summit and Mauritania’s presidency Kuwait and the NATO had further devel- The participating Kuwaiti delegation of current session of the Arab League oped by the signing of an agreement on includes Sheikh Sabah Khaled’s Officer Council. exchange of secret information in 2006 Envoy hails ties with Kuwait Director Ambassador Sheikh Dr Ahmad and the creation of NATO-ICC regional Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Director NATO meeting center in Kuwait. of the Foreign Ministry’s Arab World Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry The meeting will be held under chair- on Palestinian anniversary event Department Ambassador Abdulhamid Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah arrived manship of US Secretary of State John Al-Failakawi, Kuwait’s permanent repre- in Brussels yesterday to head Kuwait’s del- Kerry and attended by 60 ministers from Kuwait stands by Palestine to attain legitimate rights sentative to the Arab League Aziz Al- egation participating in the meeting of different world countries.—KUNA

Khaled Al-Jarallah makes his Ambassador Rami Tahboub Poet Bushra Abo Sabrah recites a address at the event. addresses the audience. poem at the ceremony. By Faten Omar and agencies ried by KUNA yesterday. Ministry is in constant contact with UN He urged permanent members of the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon over the KUWAIT: The Palestinian embassy cele- UN Security Council to pressure Israel to conference, but Kuwait’s hosting the brated the twenty-sixth anniversary of abide by international laws and the Arab event “has not been decided yet,” Jarallah the Palestinian declaration of independ- Peace Initiative that stipulate establishing told reporters. ence and the International Day of an independent and sovereign Kuwait is keen on seeing the pledges Solidarity with the Palestinian people on Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as made by donors reach those in need of Monday at Dasma Theater. In his opening capital. the Syrian people, Jarallah said. “A num- speech, Palestinian Ambassador to He also voiced Kuwait’s welcome of ber of countries did not pay their pledges Kuwait Rami Tahboub said: “We are glad Sweden’s “historic” decision of recogniz- and this is a major issue of this (to-be- to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the ing Palestine, as well as commending held) conference,” he added. Kuwait host- Palestinian Declaration of Independence positive and supportive stances ed the first and second international con- and the International Day of Solidarity expressed in this regard inside the British ferences to support the Syrian people in with the Palestinian people. The House of Commons. Furthermore, 2013 and 2014. Total pledges were Palestinian relationship with Kuwait is Jarallah lauded efforts of the United around $3.6 billion, or which Kuwait con- steady, strong and well-established for States in bid to re-launch the peace tributed $800 million. almost a century, marked by honesty and process and France’s exertions to hold an purity that connects the two brotherly international peace conference. Palestinian folklore nations with love and loyalty away from Yesterday’s show fused the Palestinian the fleeting interests.” Donors conference folk dance “Dabkah” by Aryaf for Tahboub added: “The celebration Separately, Jarallah announced that Palestinian folklore and amazing poetry comes under very complex political con- Kuwait’s hosting of the third international with Palestinian poet Bushra Abo Sabrah, ditions in the region in general and donors conference for the Syrian people set to a soundtrack of traditional Palestine in particular.” He slammed the “has not been decided yet.” The Foreign Palestinian music. Israeli occupation in its aggression on the Palestinian people, and the barbaric assault on the Gaza Strip this summer that resulted in the deaths of more than 2,200 people and left more than 10,000 wounded, destroyed tens of thousands of homes and the displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Tahboub also mentioned that Kuwait’s support for the Palestinians never stopped even under most difficult circumstances, whether that support came directly from institutions based inside or outside the occupied lands, the latest of which was to contribute $200 million for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and An exhibition held as part of the event. the adoption of Palestinian political causes and raise them at international forums.

Kuwait’s support Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Jarallah, Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary, reiterated that Kuwait’s government and people stand by Palestine and are willing to offer all kinds of support for it to attain its legitimate rights. “The Middle East peace process is still tumbling due to Israel’s stubbornness and persistence on violat- ing international legitimacy resolutions through settlement building, attacking holy places and ongoing attacks on Al- Aqsa Mosque,” he said in statements car- A Palestinian folklore ‘Dabkah’ dance. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Minister Hind Al-Subaih and VSA Arts Executive Director Minister Hind Al-Subaih and artist Thuraiya Al-Baqsami watch a partic- Participants at a paper cutting workshop.—Photos by Joseph Shagra Munira Al-Mutawa view paintings at the exhibition. ipant at the drawing workshop. VSA Arts launched at Bayt Lothan

By Nawara Fattahova People with Disabilities held from Dec 3- Munira Al-Mutawa, Executive Director world is celebrating the International Day Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith in 1974 14. of VSA arts of Kuwait and the Vice Chair of Persons with Disabilities’ on Dec 3, so in Washington. Its mission is to promote KUWAIT: The Kuwait Society for Such festivals show the creativity of and Secretary General of KSH said that the we decided to hold this festival at this talents of students and artists with dis- Handicapped (KSH) launched the Fifth disabled children. “These activities pro- main reason for holding this event is to time particularly,” added Mutawa. abilities in various artistic fields such as Very Special Arts Festival (VSA arts) on vide the disabled with the opportunity to integrate the disabled through arts and KSH aims to give disabled children an visual arts, creative writing, performing Monday at Bayt Lothan. The three-day fes- express their skills and abilities though artistic activities in all fields. “We also aim opportunity to express their feelings arts, music, drama, etc. These programs tival welcomed children with various dis- art. Also, this festival highlights the care to spread our message and raise aware- through arts. “Through this festival we are held in different areas of the US in abilities to participate in this event, and given to them which strengthens their ness by introducing various activities for aim to introduce the skills and abilities of addition to 80 other countries. other children are welcome to join them. self confidence, and that a disability does- the disabled and their value in the com- these children to the community and The fifth VSA arts festival is open for The festival is being held under the aus- n’t mean an inability to do other things. munity,” she noted. highlight the importance of supporting the public from 10:00 am-12:00 noon and pices of the Minister of Social Affairs and The attention given to artistic needs is no “The VSA arts Kuwait is celebrating the them and integrating them in the social, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. It includes draw- Labor and State Minister for Planning and less important than mental, health, psy- 20th anniversary of joining VSA arts inter- cultural and economic life of the society,” ing workshops, paper cutting, creating Development Hind Al-Subaih, who chological and intellectual needs. And national this year, and it coincides with she further said. accessories and many other handicrafts praised this festival which coincides with Kuwait is always known for securing their naming HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- VSA arts of Kuwait is an affiliate of VSA and art activities under the supervision of Kuwait’s celebrations of the International needs in all parts of life,” stressed Subaih Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a International Organization on Arts and popular artists, in addition to music and Day for the Disabled and the Arab Day for during the launch ceremony. ‘Humanitarian Leader’. In addition, the Disability since 1994. It was established by poems.

Works displayed at the event.

Kuwait’s Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah presenting the honoring token to Zain’s CEO Omar Al-Omar during the Zain Group Chairman Assad Al-Banwan and Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Al-Omar during their participation in Zain Football Tournament. conclusion ceremony. NUKS USA honors Zain for 31st conference’s sponsorship

KUWAIT: The National Union of Kuwaiti in which prominent Kuwaiti sports figures dis- consecutive year. The tournament was a way to Students in the United States (NUKS USA) hon- cussed issues relevant to the domestic sporting engage with youth and share a family-like ored Zain, the leading telecommunications scene. atmosphere with the students. company in Kuwait, for its Platinum sponsorship During the closing ceremony of the confer- Zain’s participation in NUKS USA reinforces of the Union’s 31st annual conference that was ence, the Kuwaiti Ambassador to the US, Sheikh the company’s commitment to the youth of held recently in San Francisco under the patron- Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, presented a Kuwait and its desire to see them reach their full age of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- token of appreciation to Zain Kuwait’s Chief potential. The event brought together distin- Mubarak Al-Sabah. Executive Officer, Omar Saud Al Omar in the guished national figures from across Kuwait who As in previous years, Zain took the opportuni- presence of Zain Group’s Chairman, Assad have had a significant impact on the country’s ty to recognize and honor the top 15 Kuwaiti Ahmad Al-Banwan and other prominent mem- political, economic, cultural and sporting life, students studying in the US during a Gala dinner bers of Kuwaiti society. and is a rare blend of intellectual and social con- that the company sponsored as part of the con- Zain also sponsored several sporting activi- tent for the attendees. ference, with the aim of shedding light on ties held in conjunction with the event, where Zain is committed to continuing to support accomplishments of leading students. The com- Omar Al-Omar took the opportunity to honor NUKS USA as well as other worthy initiatives that look to highlight and aid the progress being pany also organized several activities for stu- winning teams of “Zain Football Tournament”, Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Al-Omar honoring one of the top students. dents; as well as sponsoring a sports symposium which the company sponsored for the second made by young Kuwaitis around the world. Lu&Lu Hypermarket announces ‘Dreamt it, Drive it’ winners KUWAIT: The largest retail and lifestyle shopping destination in Kuwait, Lu&Lu Hypermarket, ended its raffle draw promotion on 1 December after more than a month, at three of its outlets, in Al-Rai, Dajeej and Al-Qurain. Lu&Lu Hypermarket, the immensely popular chain among discerning shoppers across the Gulf region, gave its customers a chance to enter lucky draws to win up to three Chevrolet Trailblazers for every purchase amounting to KD5. The promotion closed on an excited note for the third lucky winner, when Ahmad Al Mohammed from the Ministry of Commerce picked the name for a Chevrolet Trailblazer in the last draw. The hypermarket’s raffle draws, which ran from 25 September through 29 November, had announced the first draw for the Chevrolet Trailblazer on 30 October, and subsequently, two lucky winners won two more prized cars, meanwhile 60 more customers received a KD 50 voucher each. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

KUWAIT: Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Phoning Key Langsy, hosted a reception at Crowne Plaza Hotel on the occasion of 39th national day of his country. High ranking officials, diplomats and media personalities attended the event. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Nepal acting envoy confirms suspension of sending maids to Kuwait, Gulf countries

By Ben Garcia He explained the suspension was temporary and problem first and we hope to agree on matters that that the Nepalese government would like see the re- will benefit everyone,” he said. KUWAIT: Bishal Bhattarai, Charge d’affairs of the deployment once again. Bhattarai said during the According to figures provided to the Nepali Nepal Embassy in Kuwait, confirmed the temporary period of suspension the two sides will work hand- Embassy by the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait, there suspension of deploying their domestic helpers to in-hand to reach a possible agreement beneficial to are at least 61,000 Nepalese in Kuwait, of which Kuwait. Speaking to Kuwait Times on the issue, all. “The government of Nepal agreed to temporarily 27,000 are domestic helpers. Yesterday, Kuwait Times Bhattarai said the decision was taken by the govern- suspend deployment until a new agreement with quoted Kantipur newspaper in Kathmandu which ment to protect their workers after pressure from the Kuwaiti government and other GCC countries is reported that the Nepali government has requested parliamentarians, non-governmental organizations signed. We are now working on the draft of the Kuwaiti authorities not to issue visas to Nepali and human rights groups. agreement,” he reiterated. women as housemaids before the countries reach an “There has been some clamor from the Nepali agreement on the matter. parliament about it. Many of our housemaids who Illegal recruitment Kantipur said Nepal’s State Minister for Labor and went back to Nepal were interviewed by NGOs and Part of the decision is related to illegal recruit- Employment Tek Bahadur Gurung wrote to Kuwaiti community organizations, who felt there have been ment from Nepal. “In Nepal we have no recruitment Social Affairs and Labor Minister Hind Al-Subaih dur- lapses on the part of our government to protect agencies responsible for domestic helpers. I some- ing the Abu Dhabi Dialogue - a consultative meeting them. Because of this pressure, the government has thing happens to workers, it will be a sole problem of of Asian countries sending and receiving labor - held temporarily suspended the deployment of our the workers - they are coming through illegal means in Kuwait on Nov 26. “It is imperative for both Nepal housemaids,” Bhattarai explained. and we want to correct this problem because we are and Kuwait to reach a special agreement on the issue “The suspension was placed three months back sure there are small lapses on the part of the Nepali of letting Nepali women seek jobs of housemaids in throughout the GCC countries. When our labor min- government,” he mentioned. Kuwait. I would like to request the Kuwaiti govern- ister visited Kuwait during the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, He said in the case of visa 18, they have legal ment not to issue visas for Nepali housemaids before he formally informed his counterpart about the sus- manpower recruitment companies responsible for any agreement between the two countries is KUWAIT: Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Khaled Al-Khoder held pension of the issuance of visas for our domestic them, but with visa 20 or domestic helpers, most of reached on the matter,” said Gurung. According to talks yesterday with the visiting head of Africa and Middle East Section of the French helper. But the labor minister of Kuwait said she will them come individually through illegal means. “In the Nepalese embassy in Kuwait, Gurung held sepa- Defense Ministry General Jean-Christophe. During the meeting, they discussed a deliver the official request to the proper government Kuwait there is agency, but from Nepal they are rate talks with ministers of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE number of issues and matters that concern the State of Kuwait and France, mainly in authority responsible for the visa issuance. We are being sent here through middlemen - it is done out- and Qatar on the issue of Nepali migrants’ security the military field, the Kuwaiti Army’s Moral Guidance Directorate said in a statement. working closely with them about it and the draft side the law of Nepal,” he said. He also requested and their work environment. Bhattarai said that the The Kuwaiti general lauded deep cooperative relations between the two friendly agreement has been in the works and we hope to employers here to stop dealing with middlemen and two-day dialogue centered on security and rights of countries, pointing to mutual willingness to promote and cement bilateral ties, it come up with a feasible agreement for all stakehold- to employ their people legally. “The housemaid, migrant workers, their capacity building and added. — KUNA ers,” Bhattarai added. sponsor and middleman have problems - we’ll fix the exploitation by manpower agencies. Private hospital fined for ‘forgetting’ surgical napkin inside woman’s womb

KUWAIT: The comprehensive court yester- had severe abdominal pain, so her doctor day sentenced a private hospital to com- returned her to the operation theatre to pensate an expatriate woman with the find out the reason for the pain but failed. sum of KD 10,000 for ‘forgetting’ a surgical He added that his client had been in napkin inside her womb when she under- pain for months during which she kept went a Caesarian surgery to deliver her going to the same hospital, where they baby. The woman’s attorney, Mohammed only gave her painkillers, until forensic Al-Ajmi, had argued that his client went to medicine discovered the reason for the a private hospital seeking better medical pain - a surgical napkin had been left service and that she only found negli- inside the woman’s womb during the sur- gence and terrible services instead. He gery, turning her life into agony and pre- explained that after undergoing the sur- venting her from living a normal life with gery and delivering her baby, the woman her newborn baby. —Alaan Task force teams to monitor charities’ violations

KUWAIT: The committee in charge of moni- legality, said the statement. toring the work of all charities in Kuwait has It added that the two teams should be KUWAIT: The two sides seen during the meeting. — KUNA put together two task force teams entrust- watchful of charities that employ undocu- ed with keeping a close eye on any viola- mented workers or those with question- tions of laws governing charitable dona- able documentation, with the aim of ensur- Kuwait, Cambodia discuss tions, an official statement said yesterday. ing that only qualified employees work for The statement issued by the Ministry of these charities whose work qualifications Social Affairs and Labor urged the two are above board and legal in every respect. relations, manpower teams to stop the work of any charity that Yesterday’s committee meeting was the does not have an official license to carry fifth and was chaired by undersecretary of out its charitable activities, namely collect- the ministry of social affairs and labor KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Cambodian Minister of Commerce and Deputy eight of the memorandum, regarding sending ing donations of money from the public. Abdulmuhsen Al-Mutairi and was attended Minister of State for Planning Affairs and Chairman of the Council for the Development of trained Cambodian workers to Kuwait. Part of the two teams’ monitoring activi- by representatives from the ministries of Development Hind Al-Subaih praised yesterday Cambodia Sun Chanthol and other officials exe- The meeting was attended by Director ty is to vet ads in the media, including foreign affairs, interior, commerce, awqaf, the strong relations between Kuwait and cution of the memorandum of understanding, General of the Public Authority for Manpower social networks, that ask for donations and information, in addition to the Central Bank Cambodia. signed between the two countries in 2009. She Jamal Al-Doussari and Chairman of the foreign establish their origins and validity if not of Kuwait and others. — KUNA Subaih said that she had discussed with the added that they had discussed article number relation department at the Ministry. — KUNA Crime Report Man arrested for ‘sectarian’ photos

KUWAIT: A young Kuwaiti man arrested for posting alleged ‘sectarian’ photos on social media has been interrogated by criminal detectives. Hussein Ashour was arrested after he posted a photo of himself on social media holding firearms along with sentences that carried a sectarian tone. He said he will replace policemen to protect religious sites in case they come under attack. The publication of the pictures created controversy and drew reactions of a sectarian nature, while many people demanded to know the truth. People close to Ashour said the weapons are fake, while others said the pictures were taken in Iraq. Inciting sectarian strife is a punishable crime in Kuwait. Detective sources said Ashour confirmed the weapons are real and he owns them, and that the pictures were taken in Iraq and the weapons remain there. Visa violators arrested

Alleged kidnapping By Hanan Al-Saadoun detectives carried out a campaign in Al-Rai and Meanwhile, security authorities in Hawally cases, seven persons in an abnormal condition A citizen accused her ex-husband of kidnapping their arrested 60 violators. They were sent to con- arrested 25 persons who were not carrying IDs, with a bottle of liquor, two roaming vendors child. The man asked his estranged wife to allow him to KUWAIT: A security team of residency affairs cerned authorities for further action. six visa violators, three wanted persons on civil and 14 traffic citations. take the one-year-old child and spend a day with him, so she obliged, but the father did not return the child. The woman failed to reach her ex by phone, so she 5 MPs propose ban on women joining judiciary went to the Farwaniya police station and filed a case. Police are working on the case. KUWAIT: Despite the constitution that Rahman Al-Jeeran, Mohammed Tana, made to prevent women from joining diction between different laws,” the law- emphasizes gender equality and Fares Al-Otaibi and Ahmed Muttee pro- the judiciary, which matches sharia reg- makers stressed in their proposal, point- despite allowing women to join the posed to add a condition to those need- ulations,” said the MPs’ proposal. ing out Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Thief identified judiciary as prosecutors, five lawmakers ed for recruitment in the judiciary, not- The five lawmakers also said Kuwaiti saying that “It is forbidden for a woman An American expat identified a thief who was among five made a proposal to add a new clause to ing that recruits will have to be ‘males’. family laws fully observed sharia in not who believes in Allah and the Last Day others who stormed his residence, beat him up and took article 19 of the decree law number “Since the Islamic sharia is the main allowing women to get married on their to travel for a one day and night journey his mobile phone. The American who lives in Mahboula 23/1990 pertaining judiciary regulations source of legislation and since the con- own and in prioritizing men, deeming without a mahram,” and that women told police that five men came into his flat and beat him up with the ultimate aim of preventing stitution’s explanatory charter holds the them responsible for families and chil- had never been appointed as judges before stealing his phone. The American said he knew one women from joining the judiciary. parliament responsible for observing dren. “Appointing women in the judici- during the days of the Prophet (PBUH) of the attackers, who will be asked to identify the four oth- MPs Humoud Al-Hamdan, Abdul sharia regulations, this proposal was ary places legislatives in a lot of contra- nor those of the caliphs. — Al-Jarida er suspects. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Reem Al-Raadwan, Director of the Blood Transfusion Services Department at the Ministry of Health, Dr Mubashar Riaz Sheikh, UN Resident Coordinator, and Dr Hind Al-Shoumer, Chairperson of the AIDS Data and Statistics Office at the Ministry of Health. (Centre) The participants show awareness brochures. (Right) A general view of the audience. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat UN Kuwait office marks AIDS Day Disease controllable, no longer horrific: specialists

KUWAIT: UN office and staff in Kuwait are work- Control Committee, added. Thanks to medica- The Ministry of Health offers all possible care positive case three years later, she said, adding only,” she made clear. Meanwhile, Director of the ing hard on disseminating AIDS awareness as tions, AIDS patients can now lead largely a nor- for the HIV patients and spares no effort in pre- that the prevalence rate in Kuwait is still very lim- Health Sciences Center of Kuwait University well as seeking solutions to help patients enjoy a mal life and merge in the society, she said. venting its spread, Shoumer said. “AIDS is not ited. On the initial infection with HIV, she said a Professor Wedad Al-Naqib said the center was normal life, UN Resident Coordinator Dr This year, the World Health Organization only a health issue but a social and humanitarian person may experience a brief period of influen- selected by the WHO as a cooperation partner, Mubashar Riaz Sheikh said yesterday. (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region marks one as well. Therefore all civil society institutions za-like illness. As the infection progresses, it HIV specialized center, and a regional center for Sheikh, also Resident Coordinator of the UN World AIDS Day under the slogan “HIV treatment should contribute to the combat against the dis- interferes more and more with the immune sys- the Middle East in 1982. “The Center maintains Development Program (UNDP), made the state- controls the virus. Treat for Life. Prevent for Life”. ease,” she added. “People now look differently on tem, and the infection spread to other persons close cooperation with international peers, thus ment to KUNA on the sidelines of a ceremony Shoumer said. The first AIDS case in the world HIV patients after medication for the disease through sexual contact, blood transfusion or forming an integrated network for realizing the held at the UN office in Kuwait to mark the World was discovered in 1981, and the first in Kuwait became available,” she said, adding that the HIV body fluids. WHO targets,” said Naqib, who chairs the techni- AIDS Day, December 1. The ceremony was organ- was in 1984, she added, noting that the rate in patients are now more able to integrate with the The late symptoms of the infection are cal committee on AIDS. He added that the Center ized in cooperation with the Kuwait Central Kuwait is still insignificant. society than ever. referred to as AIDS. This stage is often complicat- has eminent academic cadres who develop ten Blood Bank and the Ministry of Health AIDS Dr Shoumer noted the KWA headquarters ed by an infection of the lung known as pneu- scientific papers a year. Awareness and Information Committee. Awareness and support was selected as venue of the launching of the mocystis pneumonia, severe weight loss, a type “Besides, the Center organizes annual work- Not only is AIDS a health problem, but also a Shoumer was also among speakers at a lec- campaign against AIDS due to the significance of of cancer known as Kaposi’s sarcoma, or other shops and modernizes its facilities and equip- development and social one in the context of ture organized by the Ministry of Health at the role of writers and intellectuals in raising the AIDS-defining conditions, she added. ment constantly in order to keep abreast with human rights, Chairperson of the AIDS Data and Kuwait Writers Association (KWA) on Monday, public awareness about this issue. She added On the preventive measures, Dr Shoumer rec- the world’s latest developments in combating Statistics Office at the Ministry of Health, Hind Al- who concurred that people with HIV could sur- that the World Health Organization (WHO) chose ommended conducting pre-marital HIV tests, the communicable diseases. Shoumer, told the event. vive since the infectious disease is not as horrific “closing the gap in HIV prevention and treat- avoiding extramarital sexual relationships and “The Center, in collaboration with the WHO, The way the society regards an AIDS patient as before. The lecture was part of the events to ment” as the theme of the World AIDS Day 2014 conducting antiviral tests before blood transfu- carries out a national project for conducting the has changed a lot, compared to the time when mark the World AIDS Day which aims to raise celebrated on December 1. sion. “Under Act No 63/1992, the Ministry of premarital HIV tests and the surveillance,” he said, the disease was discovered long ago, Shoumer, awareness about HIV and show support for peo- The world’s first infection case with HIV was Health, while conducting HIV tests, keeps the pri- noting that the project cost KD 125,000 over the also Rapporteur of Kuwait’s National AIDS ple living with it. detected in 1981 while Kuwait reported the first vacy of a patient and could inform their spouse last three years. — KUNA NBK sponsors Kuwait University Public Administration Club

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) sponsors the first Public Administration Club established by the students of faculty of business administration in Kuwait University. NBK will participate in official opening of the Club on Wednesday 10th December 2014 at the faculty of business administration in Kuwait University. “NBK’s sponsorship and support to this club comes in line with the bank’s customary and ongoing spirit of corporate citizenship as well as the vital role it plays in supporting all students, youths and educational initiatives,” said NBK Public Relations Manager, Abdul Mohsen Al-Rushaid. Rushaid added “NBK is committed to supporting youths and empowering them to realize their Abdul Mohsen potentials. NBK provides career Al-Rushaid and training opportunities to encourage youths to assume roles and obtain the required tools to create an environment ripe for their leadership.” NBK Annually promotes a range of philanthropic missions and social welfare programs as part of the humanitarian dimensions of its corporate social responsibility (CSR). As part of this responsibility, NBK offers many training programs including NBK Academy, Shabab program, Summer Internship Program and the first of its kind NBK High Fliers Program. NBK also organizes executive training programs in line with the bank’s commitment to developing and investing in its key resource and human capital. Kuwait University Public Administration Club is a non- profit club that seeks to serve and help business administration students at the university. The club helps in advanc- ing the interests of business administration students voca- tionally and academically. It aims at presenting a clear view of activities through providing lection and seminars, or participating in exhibitions and conventions. KUNA, Prensa Latina sign agreement

KUWAIT: The Latin American News Agency, Prensa Latina, and Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA) signed a cooperation agreement in an official ceremony at KUNA headquarters in Kuwait. According to a press release, both agencies will exchange news services through their available media. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mubarak Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah, President of KUNA, and Cuban Ambassador in Kuwait, Andres Gonzalez, who conveyed a message addressed by President of Preisa Latina, Luis Enrique Gonzalez. In his message, the Prensa Latina President expressed pleasure for the signing of this first agreement with a Kuwaiti media outlet on occasion of the 55th anniversary of the foundation of Prensa Latina. Meanwhile, President of KUNA expressed great satisfaction for the signing of the agreement aimed at a fruitful exchange of professionals and information between the two agencies. Kuwait celebrates Int’l day for the disabled

KUWAIT: Kuwait celebrates the International Day for Persons with Disabilities today, aiming to raise awareness towards the needs and rights of this category of society. Kuwait has been working on providing special needs people with all social and medical services required, while also giving them the opportunity to be part of all activities and events in the country to develop their experience and abilities in all fields. In 2010, the country issued article number 8 regarding the rights of the disabled, following different international laws and agreements to achieve equality for these people. Kuwait also established the Supreme Council for Disabled Affairs in accordance with article number 16/49 for 1996. The Council works on setting policies to fulfill the needs of the disabled, and monitors measures taken to provide them with their rights. Moreover, the country established the Public Authority for Special Needs Affairs, which cooperates with the private sector in executing projects benefitting the disabled and providing them with job opportunities. The General Secretariat of Awqaf also works on funding projects related to people with special needs, in cooperation with both public organizations and NGOs. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest Hasty decision

By Dr Shamlan Al-Essa

he ministerial decision taken by Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- TKhalid with regards to driving licenses for non- Kuwaitis is slapdash, not well-studied, will have negative results and will not solve the traffic problem. What are the most important decisions taken by the minister? He introduced core amendments to the traffic law and its implementation rules and they include that all traffic licenses issued to non-Kuwaitis are linked to the validity of their iqama. He also stipulated that age, health fitness and passing a driving test conditions be met, and all are realistic and required, but he stipulated that the non-Kuwaiti should be a holder of an iqama for at least two years and his monthly salary should not be below KD 600, besides being a holder of a university degree. I do not know so far what are the justifications and motivations of the unrealistic ministerial decision which does not care for the declared state plans to turn Kuwait into an international financial and commercial center. Is the reason behind the decision traffic jams and many accidents? There are many reasons for traffic jams in Kuwait that have nothing to do with driving licenses of noncitizens, such as:

1- Citizens and expats lack of compliance with the law. Implementing the law strictly will reduce the problem. 2- The ease of purchasing cars, and this is linked to the country’s open economy. 3- The cheap fuel prices that allow everyone to roam the streets day and night. 4- The lack of a wide-ranging transportation system, because if the state provides the public comfortable means of transport, citizens and expats will not need to use their private cars.

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, witnessed suffocating traffic jams a few years back, so the political leadership took a wise and quick decision to solve the problem by providing modern air-condi- tioned buses, clean and cheap taxis, a metro system, In my view and now Dubai completed the first stage of the express train network, and the problem was solved. Dubai receives millions of foreign tourists and shoppers from Understanding Hezbollah in Lebanon Gulf countries who can drive there as long as they have a valid driving license. I do not understand why the validity of the driving By Justin Salhani license is linked to the validity of the foreigners’ iqa- mas? This strange condition has not been taken by any n American policy making circles, the members are also parliament members with the party’s arsenal - arguing that only the several others, in 2005. Hezbollah has state that respects itself. I studied in the US and name Hezbollah cuts a shadowy figure of the Hezbollah bloc - which counts 12 out of state should have access to such arms. refused to cooperate with the controversial received a driving license after passing written and Ia radical Islamist terrorist group, hell-bent the 128 MPs. Hezbollah’s alliance with March Opponents use an incident named the probe that it labels a western plot to target road tests and no one asked me about the period of my on Israel’s destruction. 8 makes it able to veto government deci- “May 7 events” of 2008 as basis for their them. Hezbollah has also drawn heavy criti- stay because the driving license has nothing to do with Hezbollah, which translates to “Party of sions and - as was the case in 2011 during claims. During this period, Hezbollah and cism in the last three years for their military nationality or iqama, as it is a given right for any human God,” describes itself as a Shiite-Muslim polit- Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s reign - collapse it other pro-Syrian parties forcibly took over support of President Bashar Al-Assad in the ical and social movement that first emerged being who complies with the rules and conditions of should it see fit. areas of Sunni-dominated west Beirut. The Syrian Civil War. in 1982 with funding from the Iranian gov- Hezbollah enjoys large support at home conflict started when Hezbollah’s political “The meddling of Hezbollah in Syria’s war passing the driving license test. ernment. The US State Department labels by providing social services to many of its opponents discovered a private communica- has divided Lebanese over its role and its Now, did the person who thought about linking the Hezbollah a terrorist group but in Lebanon supporters. The Lebanese government is tions network built by the party and immedi- arms and created a Sunni - Shia division renewal of the driver’s license with the iqama think that the party participates in elections, has minis- generally weak outside of Beirut and the ately demanded its dismantling - as well as since the Sunnis consider its intervention in we have in Kuwait around 3 million expats who work in ters in government, representatives in parlia- northern suburbs, leaving an open path for the dismissal of an airport employee alleged Syria an act in support of the Syrian regime,” all sectors of economy, but I do not know how many of ment, and widespread support - predomi- non-state actors like Hezbollah to step in and to have ties to Hezbollah. Hezbollah argued Mouzahem said. “The party justifies a pre- them have driving licenses. Let us suppose that one nately from the Lebanese Shia community. build patronage networks by providing jobs the network was crucial to its intelligence emptive war to protect the Shia in Lebanon million individuals have driving licenses and each Lebanon is a country slightly smaller than and building hospitals and schools. battle against Israel and said the govern- and Syria and their shrines from the Salafi license is linked to the iqama. What will be the bureau- the state of Connecticut with a religiously Politically, Hezbollah is a key player in the ment’s decision was a declaration of war. takfiri’s assaults.” cratic problems that will face those people every year diverse population of around 4 million. While pro-Syrian/anti-Western March 8 alliance. Eventually, Hezbollah resorted to using force Under Lebanon’s last president Michel in their attempt to renew the iqama and then the initially a conflict of ideologies, the civil war Sleiman, the Lebanese government adopted license?! (1975-1990) eventually led to the collapse of the Baabda Declaration which demands The flagrant contradiction in impromptu decisions is state institutions and reinvented Lebanon as Currently, Hezbollah controls the indus- domestic peace be maintained by no local that we want and work towards reducing traffic con- a sectarian killing ground where Christians party taking sides in the Syrian civil war. gestion, but we will for sure create a larger problem in and Muslims fought each other and often try ministry, led by Hussein Hajj Hassan, Hezbollah’s open participation in Syria on the crowds to renew the iqama, then the license at the among themselves as well. the side of the regime openly violates this interior ministry without regard to the simplest of The war also dragged in its ambitious and one of the state minister positions, declaration. humanitarian requirements with regards to people’s neighbors, Syria to the north and east, and comfort. Israel to the south. Both countries occupied occupied by Mohammad Fneish. Existential threat Finally, I do not know why we are so good in Kuwait parts of Lebanese land for years after the end While critics argue Hezbollah is doing the of the war. While Hezbollah emerged out of bidding of Iran in Syria, supporters and offi- at creating hatred and animosity against our govern- Iranian funding, its support base can largely Other March 8 parties include the Shia-domi- against their political opponents. cials believe in an existential threat as a ment and have expats complain against it. They make be attributed to the role it played in oppos- nated Amal (Hope) movement and the Free Hezbollah’s military funding and weapons minority group in the Middle East. The ‘tak- up the backbone of Kuwait’s economy, and without ing Israel’s occupation of south Lebanon. Patriotic Movement -a predominately come largely from Iran. Hezbollah fighters firi’ is a term used for a Muslim who accuses them everything in the country will collapse. Respect Today, Israel is considered an enemy state Christian party. March 8 is opposed by the often travel to Iran for training as well. other Muslims of being apostates. In this the humanity of people who work in our country, by the Lebanese government. Hezbollah and pro-Western and pro-Saudi Arabia March 14 Hezbollah’s Lebanese, regional, and even case, Hezbollah points to group like the bru- because we depend on them for everything, because Israel last engaged in armed conflict in July party, which includes the mostly-Sunni international critics -many of whom are tal Islamic State and the Al-Qa’ida-aligned hasty and impromptu decisions encourage the spread 2006, and tensions still run high between the Future Movement, the Lebanese Forces and based in Washington DC— argue that the Al-Nusra Front as takfiri groups they are of wasta, bribes, corruption and hurting simple and two parties. Hezbollah frequently accuses the Phalangists (both Christian groups). Both group’s primary loyalty lies with Iran and not fighting. “Hezbollah has presented itself as poor people working for us. the Israeli army of forays into Lebanese terri- March 8 and March 14 also include other Lebanon. Saudi Arabia, France, and the the first line of defense against the spread of — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Watan tory. smaller parties. United States have all recently pledged mon- Sunni extremists into Lebanon,” said Shane ey to the Lebanese Army in hope that the Farrell, a security analyst based in Dubai Home support Military force national entity’s increased stature may act as with intimate knowledge of Lebanon. “They But while Israel, like the United States, Hezbollah also boasts a highly-trained a balance to Hezbollah’s current power. use this to justify their presence in [Syria’s] kuwait digest considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization, and battle-hardened military wing within the Qalamoun [on the border with Lebanon], a Hezbollahis less clearly-defined as such at organization. European countries distinguish Supporting the Syrian regime narrative that gained traction after Nusra home. “Although it is a military group, the between Hezbollah’s political and military Critics also accuse them of being com- and the IS briefly took control of Arsal in ear- Rulers party is popular among most of the Shia as wings - only labeling the military faction a plicit in a number of assassinations targeting ly August. Their relationship with the well as some Christians, Sunnis and Druze,” terrorist organization. Hezbollah, though, politicians or journalists politically opposed Lebanese army is cooperative, particularly Dr Haytham Mouzahem, a Lebanese political says there is only one united faction that to the Syrian regime. around the border region. However, cheering peoples analyst and an expert on Islamist move- includes both the political and military Hezbollah’s biggest ally in the region, Hezbollah is cautious not to be seen as too ments, said. “The group has participated in departments of the organization. Hezbollah’s after Iran, is Syria. Five members of close to the army, as it is antagonizing con- By Saad Al-Motesh the Parliament since 1992 and in the govern- military capabilities put those of the Hezbollah are currently on trial in absentia servative Sunni voices.” ment since 2005.” Lebanese Army to shame. at the UN-backed Special Tribunal for The duality of Hezbollah’s role in will never blame other Arabs for expressing amazement at Currently, Hezbollah controls the industry But despite enjoying large support Lebanon (STL) on terrorism related charges. Lebanon, both as democracy participant the love GCC peoples have for their rulers because of some ministry, led by Hussein Hajj Hassan, and one among the Shia community, there are many The STL was set up to look into the assassi- and non-state actor, ensures it will maintain IArab rulers who had assumed power through deceiving of the state minister positions, occupied by who hold a scathingly negative opinion of nation of former Lebanese Prime Minister a controversial status inside and outside their people and leading revolutions with the excuse of pre- Mohammad Fneish. The two Hezbollah Hezbollah. Its political opponents object to Rafik Al-Hariri who was killed, along with Lebanon. — The Media Line serving and protecting their ‘nation’s wealth’, but the minute they came to power, they forgot all about it and broke all their promises. They actually started intimidating their peoples. In my view Stories of the leaders of such Arab gangs who came to power in this way are many. However, let me tell you two stories about mutual love The four-year journey between GCC leaders and their peoples. The first one is about HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. He is the Amir of humbleness with everybody. He treats us all fatherly. By Saleh Al-Shayji Anyone can meet him on various social occasions and ask to take a photo with him, which is unlike other rulers whose fter around four years of litigations, had been preparing their ‘guillotines’ for ‘penalty’ or verdict they wish to be passed questions. They had already developed people ever see them except through the media! the former Egyptian president four full years that they spent in sharpen- - innocent, death penalty, lifetime impris- such attitudes and aspired for certain ver- The second story took place in UAE. All Arabs know that a AHosni Mubarak was acquitted of all ing their blades and daggers waiting for onment, etc. dicts driven by the feelings they had citizen has to show loyalty and devotion to the ruler but the the charges he had been accused of. I am the ‘great day of slaughter’, but were even- People outside courts, including those towards those behind bars and thus they story is different in Abu Dhabi where Sheikh Mohammad bin not concerned with commenting on the tually disappointed and got furiously who welcomed the verdict and those who had already decided to hail it and cheer it if Zayed reversed this equation that sounds too absurd for court ruling, rejecting or accepting it, angry! The judiciary is a fully independent rejected it, had already and emotionally matched such aspirations, and if it did not, those who exploited their people only to reach power and cheering up or feeling sad, because ‘The power that has its own veteran icons, laws, aspired to a certain verdict that would they would condemn it claiming that jus- then become tyrants. All Arab media members who have vis- heart knoweth its own bitterness; and a tice was not delivered and they would start ited Abu Dhabi have surely been to the diwan of the late stranger doth not intermeddle with its questioning the verdict, slandering and Mohammed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, which is a daily cultural and joy’. I do understand that some may A court is not a restaurant where customers can accusing those who made it of dishonesty. media one dedicated to discussing various literary and cultur- rejoice over this acquittal because every- Those awaiting the defendants to be al issues. After Mazrouei was killed in an accident, people body does when loved ones ‘get off the review menus and choose whatever ‘penalty’ or indicted deemed guilty would start curs- thought that this diwan would be closed forever. hook’. What I really do not understand is ing and protesting and those awaiting However, HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed gave the verdict they wish to be passed - innocent, death whole world a lesson in how a ruler can love and be devoted why so many got angry. acquittal would also start questioning the to his people. He ordered that the diwan remain open as usu- For four whole years, many court hear- penalty, lifetime imprisonment, etc. verdict as if the judges were mere ‘ser- al under the supervision of the deceased’s brother Fares ings had been convened, hundreds of vants’ following orders from them as ‘mas- Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, who has the same passion for literature. thousands of documents had been ters’. Congratulations to all those who In many Arab countries, the people are asked to cheer the reviewed and meticulously scrutinized, rejoiced with the acquittal and to all those ruler, but thanks be to Allah, our GCC rulers are the ones who hundreds of witnesses testified, many art, rules and ins and outs. Passing a ver- match their feelings and political attitudes. who were angered by it. I say: Life is ahead cheer us. A very good example of this is manifested in HH the facts were discussed, many judges were dict is usually done according to such They had already acquitted or condemned of you - never look back because the Amir’s speech to the nation on being honored by the UN as a appointed replacing many others and laws, studies and findings, not according those on trial on their own without even death of a very old man will not make you ‘Humanitarian Leader’ in which he thanked them all. God many lawyers presented their arguments to people’s wishes and aspirations. A court reading a single document, hearing a sin- happy! save our rulers and our love tof them. Say Amen! in court till the acquittal verdict was made. is not a restaurant where customers can gle lawyer’s argument or being stormed — Translated by Kuwait Times — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa This ruling strongly angered those who review menus and choose whatever with the public prosecutor’s interrogative from Al-Anbaa WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

HK protest founders Netanyahu calls for early election, fires ministers to ‘surrender’ Page 8 Page 12

BRUSSELS: NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg (C-L) speaks with US Secretary of State John Kerry (C-R) as they pose for a family photo during a NATO foreign ministers at the NATO headquarters in Brussels yesterday. NATO foreign ministers firmly backed Ukraine in its stand-off with Russia, approving aid to Kiev to modernise its military and urging Moscow to back a ceasefire and stop supporting rebels.—AFP NATO charts course on Ukraine, Afghanistan Alliance plots new course after ‘year of aggression’

BRUSSELS: NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels yes- eastern members such as the Baltic states and Poland— terday aiming to plot a new course after a “year of ag- once ruled from Moscow—by rotating aircraft, ships and gression” from Ukraine to the Middle East and the end of troops through the region to demonstrate its commit- the alliance’s combat mission in Afghanistan. ment to their defence. New chief Jens Stoltenberg said as he arrived that US For Ukraine itself, the foreign ministers are expected Secretary of State John Kerry and other ministers from to approve four trust funds to finance its military mod- the 28-nation group would discuss how to “drive our alli- ernisation as government forces battle the rebels in a ance forward in a changing world.” conflict which has claimed more than 4,000 lives. “Nato must be strong today and strong tomorrow However, the question of NATO membership for to deal with any challenges from the east or from the Ukraine will be strictly off limits, diplomatic sources south,” said the Norwegian, who took over from Den- said. Kiev’s new government wants to restart the mem- mark’s Anders Fogh Rasmussen on October 1. bership process interrupted by ousted leader Viktor Ya- Stoltenberg said he expected four outcomes from the nukovych—but President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly meeting: an agreement on boosting forces in the east to warned such a move would be an unacceptable threat counter a rising Russia; a deal on an interim NATO quick to Russia’s security. reaction force; more support for Ukraine; and to sign off “We want to avoid talking about that,” one source a deal on a support mission in Afghanistan. told AFP, adding: “Nobody thinks it is a good idea; it risks He insisted NATO would continue to back Ukraine making things worse rather than calming them down.” and pressed Russia to live up to its commitments after it The US ambassador to NATO, Douglas Lute, said sepa- backed a ceasefire and peace plan agreed between Kiev rately on Monday that the alliance did not solicit new and pro-Moscow rebels in the Belarus capital Minsk in members and it was first of all up to an individual coun- September. try to apply for membership, setting in train a lengthy “The challenge is that the separatists and Russia are admission process. not respecting” the Minsk accords, he said as he arrived for the meeting at NATO’s Brussels HQ. Speaking Mon- Anti-IS meeting day, Stoltenberg had described 2014 as “a year of ag- Ministers close the meeting yesterday in the pres- gression, crisis and conflict.” ence of new Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and chief executive Abdullah Abdullah as the alliance’s longest ever ‘Spearhead’ force combat operation ends in a few weeks. The NATO ministers’ agenda will be topped by an in- NATO will replace it with a training and advisory force terim rapid-reaction force capable of meeting the new of some 12,500 troops, mostly US, compared with its and more unpredictable threats that the transatlantic peak combat presence of 130,000. alliance faces. Ghani told Stoltenberg on Monday that this new part- Accustomed to long-term threats, NATO’s 28 leaders nership was based on a shared interest and that Europe agreed at a September summit to launch a “spearhead” and North America had been made safer by the war force of around 4,000 troops by 2016 in response to new against the Taliban, who were ousted in 2001 by US-led challenges of hybrid warfare and political upheaval. forces after the 9/11 terror attacks. But they will discuss an even faster, smaller force to be Many of the foreign ministers return again Wednes- operational by early 2015, with Germany and the Neth- day to NATO HQ in Brussels but this time with Kerry in erlands willing to contribute troops. the chair for a meeting of the 60-strong US-led coalition Ministers will also review NATO efforts to reassure against IS. —AFP 77 killed in attacks on Nigerian cities BAUCHI: At least 77 people died in attacks by suspected Haram extremist group were brought to the hospital, Islamic extremists who struck two northeast Nigerian according to a morgue worker, who also insisted on state capitals, health workers said yesterday. anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to The deaths from Monday’s attacks bring the toll to at the press. The casualties indicate heavy fighting after least 247 people reported killed in a week of increasing scores of insurgents invaded the town before dawn violence from an Islamic uprising in the northeast of Monday and fought for several hours. The heavy fighting Africa’s biggest oil producer. prevented the attackers from taking the governor’s Double suicide bombings at a bustling market in office, which includes a military armory, said residents. Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, killed at least 16 people, Several buildings were bombed and destroyed, according to workers at two hospitals who spoke on including a rapid-response police base and several condition of anonymity because they are not authorized structures at the university and the hospital residential to speak to reporters. The bodies included those of the compound, said police. Two doctors were killed and two young women who set off the explosions.Two other three abducted in the attack on their residential young women blew themselves up at the same market compound, reported the Hospital Management Board. last week, killing at least 70 people. Yobe Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam praised security forces for In Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, the corpses of 33 doing “a great job,” in a statement issued yesterday by police officers, six soldiers and 20 members of the Boko his office.— AP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Kurdish female fighters on the frontline

KOBANI: On the front lines of the The Kurdish men and women fight- autonomy. Aided by a small Iraqi Kurdish ing a gun. She didn’t know that he battle for Kobani, Kurdish female ing in Kobani are determined not to Nearby, one of Pervin’s comrades peshmerga force and Syrian rebels, too had decided to fight. fighters have been playing a major lose the town to the extremists. saw something moving amid the they have been stubbornly defending Her mother is a refugee in Turkey, role in helping defend the Syrian An exclusive report shot by video- destroyed remains of central Kobani the town since mid-September and her only brother studying in Algeria. town from an onslaught by the journalist Jake Simkin inside Kobani and opened fire. have been aided by over 280 “Honestly when I heard my father Islamic State extremist group. late last month offered a rare, in- Pervin left home and took up arms airstrikes by the US-led coalition. is fighting on the western front with Pervin Kobani, the 19-year-old depth glimpse of the destruction that two years ago as the overstretched “We won’t allow the terrorist the YPG I was so proud of him, and it daughter of a farmer, is one of them. more than two months of fighting forces of Syrian President Bashar groups in until the last drop of our made me want to fight more,” she She is part of a team holding an east- has inflicted on the Kurdish town in Assad withdrew from Kurdish areas in blood,” Pervin said. After half a year said. Her father, Farouk Kobani, joined ern front-line position that comes northern Syria by the Turkish border. northern Syria. She joined the Syrian serving away from her hometown, the town’s defenders in mid- under regular attack from the It also illustrated what life is like Kurdish women’s self-defense force, she returned with Kurdish forces two September, when IS launched their extremist fighters, who have been for fighters like Pervin, who says she known by its Kurdish acronym YPJ. months ago to Kobani. attack. He was delighted to see his trying to seize the town since mid- doesn’t really have dreams beyond The female YPJ fighters are now inte- Most fighting happens at night. daughter that day three weeks ago, September. the present. grated with the men’s units, the YPG. The fighters can only sleep during after months without news. The Islamic State group has “We must save our love for Apo, “I didn’t really have any other the day, with a rotating two hour sen- Last week, Simkin traveled with declared a self-styled caliphate in and Kurdistan and our martyrs,” she ambitions. I just wanted to live a free try watch. Three weeks ago, Pervin Pervin to the western front, to see her areas under its control in Iraq and said, referring to Kurdish rebel leader life, as a woman, (to) be able to see bumped into her father on a street father once again. She says he is now Syria, governing it according to its Abdullah Ocalan, whose group has our reality, and have our rights and corner. her comrade first - but she hugs him violent interpretation of Shariah law. been fighting Turkey for Kurdish just live,” she said. She was surprised to see him hold- like a father anyway. — AP Netanyahu calls for early election, fires ministers PM’s coalition in crisis over 2015 budget JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called yesterday for early elections as he fired two key ministers in his coalition for opposing government policy. The sackings were the latest move in a political crisis that will come to a head today when lawmakers vote on a bill to dissolve the parliament, or Knesset. That would set the stage for a vote expected in March or April, in what would be Israel’s second general election in just over two years. “I will not tolerate any opposition in my government,” Netanyahu said of the sacking of Finance Minister Yair Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni. “I won’t accept ministers attacking the policy and head of the government from within,” he said in a statement. Netanyahu said he would call for parliament to be dissolved “as soon as possible to go to the people and get a clear mandate to lead Israel”. Cracks in Netanyahu’s right-leaning coali- TUNIS: Tunisian parliament members take their oath of office during the inaugural tion emerged over the 2015 budget and a session of the newly elected Tunisian parliament in Tunis, yesterday. This is the first contentious bill aimed at enshrining Israel’s national assembly meeting since the October 2014 legislative elections that resulted status as the Jewish state in law, a move in a victory for opposition secular parties.— AP critics say could harm its Arab minority. The JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sits next to Israeli Justice Minister Jewish state bill was strongly opposed by Tzipi Livni during an award ceremony honoring those in the fight against human trafficking, at Tunisia new parliament Lapid, a crucial coalition partner who heads the Presidential compound Jerusalem yesterday. Netanyahu today fired centrist ministers the centrist Yesh Atid party, and by Livni Tzipi Livni and Finance Minister Yair Lapid from his coalition government and said he’d act to who chairs HaTnuah, also centrist. The two dissolve the parliament ahead of new elections. “I will not tollerate an opposition in my gov- holds historic first session parties account for 25 of the coalition’s 68 ernment,” he said. — AFP seats. continue - including agreement to freeze ing wave of unrest and deadly “lone wolf” TUNIS: Tunisia’s new parliament held its lar Nidaa Tounes party 86 seats, beating The coalition was pieced together after a his own flagship initiative for zero percent attacks. With peace talks firmly off the agen- inaugural session yesterday, a landmark in moderate Islamist movement Ennahda into January 2013 general election, with the value-added tax on first home purchases, da, Israel has seen a steady slide to the the country’s often fraught transition to second place with 69 seats. next poll theoretically not due until democracy since the 2011 revolution which Under Tunisia’s electoral system, the par- and to support the Jewish state bill. right. And as chatter has grown about the November 2017. To pass, the vote on dis- Lapid refused, accusing Netanyahu of possibility of early elections, Netanyahu has sparked the Arab Spring. ty with the largest number of votes has a solving parliament will need an absolute After the singing of the national mandate to form a coalition government. “irresponsibly” pursuing personal interests taken an increasingly hardline stance, majority within the 120-member Knesset, over those of the public, saying he “decided throwing his weight behind controversial anthem, National Constituent Assembly Media reports have suggested a possible requiring support from members of the rul- (NCA) speaker Mustapha Ben Jaafar grand coalition between the top two par- to take Israel to unnecessary elections”. rightwing initiatives, notably the Jewish ing coalition. opened the gathering of 217 members of ties. Nidaa Tounes has said it will not form a Abraham Diskin, a political scientist at the state bill. Critics say that law, which has yet parliament who were elected in October. government before the second round of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said recent to be put to a vote, would come at the “Tunisia has managed to secure a presidential voting is completed at the end Netanyahu Likely to Return polls showed strong support for rightwing expense of democracy and would institu- peaceful power transfer in a fluid and of December. Sources in Netanyahu’s Likud party told parties. “They have a majority in public tionalise discrimination against minorities. civilised manner that will ensure the grad- The anti-Islamists’ leader Beji Caid AFP that members of the coalition were opinion polls, and that means that there is a Analysts say Netanyahu’s support for the ual introduction of democratic traditions,” Essebsi leads incumbent Moncef Marzouki likely to support the bill. “The trend within very good chance Netanyahu will continue bill is a gesture to Likud hardliners ahead of he told deputies. after the first round of voting. Marzouki, Likud and within the coalition in general is to be prime minister”. Should the right chalk party primaries in January. In the last elec- Ben Jaafar then made way for the oldest who was elected president at the end of to vote in favour,” said one, speaking on up gains in a new election, it would dimin- tion, Likud ran on a joint ticket with the member of the new parliament, Ali Ben 2011 by the NCA under a coalition deal condition of anonymity. The political ten- ish even further the chances of resuming hardline Yisrael Beitenu, securing a narrow Salem, who was cheered by fellow lawmak- with the then ruling Ennahda, was not sions peaked on Monday after Netanyahu- dialogue with the Palestinians after the col- victory of 31 seats, followed by Yesh Atid ers and political party leaders invited to invited to attend Tuesday’s session, his Lapid talks aimed at heading off the crisis lapse of US-led peace talks in April. with 19. But the alliance was dismantled ear- attend. campaign manager said. collapsed. Netanyahu demanded Lapid give The political crisis comes amid increasing lier this year, leaving Likud with just 18 seats In keeping with tradition, Ben Salem Tunisia has avoided the bloodshed rav- in to five demands for the government to tensions with the Palestinians, with a grow- and Yesh Atid the largest party. — AFP was to preside over yesterday’s session, in aging other Arab Spring states such as which deputies were to vote for a new par- Libya and Yemen. But it faces significant liamentary speaker. Official results from the challenges, including a jihadist threat, a October 26 general election gave the secu- weak economy and social unrest. —AFP ‘Nightmare’ for 1.7m Syrian Egypt prosecutor to appeal refugees as UN cuts food aid dropping of Mubarak charges BEIRUT: Aid workers fear a major humanitarian cri- nightmare for refugees,” Hadi told AFP. “Those peo- can’t expect a lot from a country that was already sis for millions of Syrian refugees in the Middle East ple are depending on the WFP to feed them, most suffering a financial crisis before hosting hundreds CAIRO: Egypt’s public prosecutor said yes- Cairo’s Tahrir Square-the epicentre of the after funding gaps forced the United Nations to cut of them are totally dependent on us. They have no of thousands of Syrians,” added the 30-year-old, terday it would appeal a court ruling that anti-Mubarak revolt-chanting slogans food assistance for 1.7 million people. income.” from the southern Syrian province of Daraa. dropped a murder charge against ex-presi- against the government of President Abdel The UN’s World Food Programme said Monday it Many refugees struggle to make ends meet dent Hosni Mubarak over the deaths of Fattah al-Sisi. needed $64 million (51 million euros) to fund its even with international aid, and in Lebanon and Latest in string of cuts protesters during the country’s 2011 upris- Resulting clashes left two people dead food voucher programme for December alone, and elsewhere they often live in squalid informal The announcement from WFP is the latest in a ing. and several wounded.The court’s ruling has that “many donor commitments remain unfulfilled”. camps, exposed to the heat of summer and cold of series of cuts made by agencies and NGOs assisting “The prosecutor general has decided to come under fire from Mubarak opponents, The announcement came as aid groups struggle to winter. Across the region, they also face increasing more than three million Syrian refugees. appeal,” it said in a statement, after a Cairo critics and some leftist leaders, and sparked prepare millions of refugees for the impending tension with host communities angry about the They say funding pledges have not materi- court on Saturday ordered the dropping of accusations that the authorities are inter- winter, particularly those living in informal camps strain that the refugee influx has put on sparse alised, and “donor fatigue” is beginning to set in, murder and corruption charges against fering with the courts. in cold, mountainous areas. local resources. “We are suffering more-and-more, nearly four years after the conflict in Syria began Mubarak, who ruled for three decades until The government has denied any “It’s going to be a devastating impact. This day-by-day. The world is ignoring our misery,” Abu with anti-government protests in March 2011. Last being driven from office. involvement in court rulings and on couldn’t come at a worse time,” said Ron Redman, Yaman, a Syrian refugee living in Ramtha in north year, UNHCR announced it was cutting some of its “The ruling was marred by a legal flaw,” Sunday Sisi ordered a review of the criminal regional spokesman for the UN refugee agency Jordan, told AFP. “The Jordanian government helps aid to more than a quarter of refugees in Lebanon, the prosecutor’s office said, adding that its code to prevent any legal irregularities. UNHCR. “We’re trying to get everyone prepared for us, but Jordan is already a poor country and we partly due to funding shortfalls.—AFP decision to appeal was “not influenced by In his first comment on the verdict, Sisi, winter and if you look at the conditions particularly disputes among political groups”. Mubarak who was Mubarak’s intelligence chief, said in Lebanon in some of these informal settlements, is serving a three-year sentence in a sepa- Egypt was charting a new course. “The new the conditions are already very bad.” rate graft case. Egypt... is on a path to establish a modern “We’re doing everything we can... to keep their Seven of Mubarak’s security command- democratic state based on justice, freedom, shelters at least warm and as dry as possible. But ers, including feared ex-interior minister equality and a renunciation of corruption,” you can be warm and dry, but if you don’t have Habib al-Adly, were acquitted on Saturday he said. food, you’re in big trouble.” over the deaths of roughly 800 protesters The military last year overthrew WFP’s food vouchers were helping nearly two during the 2011 revolt. Corruption charges Mubarak’s Islamist successor, Mohamed million refugees scattered in countries around the against Mubarak’s sons Alaa and Gamal Morsi, following mass protests. Middle East. were also dropped. A government crackdown targeting Each refugee receives a card that is topped up The Court of Cassation, the country’s Morsi’s supporters has since left at least with money each month. The amount differs from highest court, can now either confirm 1,400 people dead and thousands impris- country to country, but is intended to allow each Saturday’s ruling or decide to cancel it, in oned. refugee to buy food equivalent to 2,100 calories which case it would consider the case itself. Dozens of Morsi supporters have also per day. But for most of the agency’s recipients, An appeals court had previously over- been sentenced to death or lengthy jail December’s top-up has not arrived. ‘ turned an initial life sentence for Mubarak terms after speedy mass trials, which the in 2012 on a technicality, ordering the retri- United Nations says is “unprecedented” in A nightmare for refugees’ al that saw the charges dropped on recent history. Worst-hit in the region is Lebanon, where more Saturday. Critics accuse Sisi of instituting a regime than 800,000 of the 1.1 million Syrian refugees in His lawyer has said the 86-year-old even more authoritarian than Mubarak’s- the country were receiving WFP food voucher sup- could now see an early release from the stifling dissent and counting on the support. military hospital where he is being held, as port of a public exhausted by years of insta- In Jordan, some 450,000 refugees will get no he has already served two-thirds of his sen- bility. money this month, though around 90,000 living in tence when time held in preliminary deten- They say the judiciary, which includes the UN’s Zaatari and Azraq camps will continue to tion since his arrest in 2011 is taken into many judges hostile to Morsi’s Muslim BEIRUT: A Syrian refugee woman sells chewing gum as her children sit on a street in the receive assistance. In Turkey and Egypt, there are account. Brotherhood, has become one of the gov- Lebanese capital Beirut yesterday. Aid workers fear a major humanitarian crisis for millions of sufficient funds to provide aid until December 13 After Saturday’s verdict, more than 1,000 ernment’s main instruments of quashing Syrian refugees in the Middle East after funding gaps forced the United Nations to cut food but not beyond, said WFP’s Regional Emergency protesters gathered at an entrance to dissent. — AFP assistance for 1.7 million people. — AFP Coordinator Muhannad Hadi. “It’s going to be a INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Dozens of French tourists hurt in Cuba road accident HAVANA: Forty-one French tourists and two locals greater or lesser extent, but only seven of them are in monument that holds the remains of the Argentine- Radio Ciudad de la Mar, a local station, said the were injured in Cuba Monday when the bus they a condition deemed serious or grave,” the official said. Cuban guerrilla fighter. Cuban television said the bus driver was traveling at an excessive speed. were traveling in hit another vehicle, media reports Romain Bail, mayor of the French town of Ouistreham, rolled over and slid several meters. Locals used a The accident came during the busy season for and diplomatic sources said. the home base of the travel association that organ- crane to lift the bus and help the injured, it said. Cuban tourism, in which thousands of visitors from In addition to the tourists, the Cuban driver and ized the trip, said two of the injured underwent “Apparently it was a truck that caused the acci- Europe, Canada and Latin America flock to the island. tour guide were also hurt, said the news agency amputations and a third suffered serious facial burns. dent,” Bruno Menu, an official with the R-Evolution Tourism is one of Cuba’s main sources of revenue. The Prensa Latina. Seven of the French nationals were in All 43 injured were taken to a hospital in Cienfuegos, Voyages travel agency in Havana that arranged the government has forecast it will receive around three serious condition after the accident in central Cuba 250 kilometers (160 miles) southeast of Havana, the trip, told AFP. “According to everyone here, the driver million visitors this year. More than 500 people have following a visit to a monument to Che Guevara, said diplomat said. The bus struck a vehicle traveling in the has a reputation for being very cautious. He succeed- been killed in road accidents in Cuba during the first an official at the French Embassy. same direction as the bus was returning to Varadero ed in braking but the bus hit the truck which was at a nine months of this year, according to an official “All the passengers and the driver were injured to a from Santa Clara, where the tourists had visited a virtual standstill, and overturned,” he said. count. — AFP American Indian groups argue over settlement money

WASHINGTON: American Indian groups are fighting a plan to create a new charitable foundation with more than $380 million in federal money left over from a 2011 government discrimination settlement. US District Court Judge Emmet G. Sullivan yesterday was to review a proposal by plaintiff’s attorneys to form the new foundation with money unexpectedly left over after the Obama administration settled a class-action suit filed by American Indian farmers. The farmers said they had lost out on decades of farm loans because of government discrimination. If the judge eventually approves it, the foundation could be the largest charity Indian country has ever seen. The judge is not expected to make a final decision until next year. The settlement agreement approved three years ago FORT YATES: In this Nov. 10, 2009 file photo, George and Marilyn calls for any leftover money to be distrib- Keepseagle talk about the lawsuit, at their kitchen table, in Fort Yates, uted to American Indian farmer organi- N.D. American Indian groups are fighting a plan to create a charitable zations, but the lawyers said none of foundation with almost $400 million in federal dollars left over from a those groups was set up to handle so 2010 government discrimination settlement. A federal judge will review WASHINGTON: Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, yester- much money - thus the idea for one large the matter today. — AP day, before a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on the impact of President Barack Obama’s executive foundation, headed by Indian leaders, ugly feeling,” the Keepseagles wrote in a It was difficult for the government to pay action on immigration. — AP says Joseph Sellers, the lead lawyer for March letter to Sullivan. “A feeling that out claims because the Agriculture the American Indian plaintiffs. non-Indian suits or lawyers have no clue, Department did not keep records of Homeland chief faces The government has not opposed the unless a large sum of money is entailed who was denied loans, Sellers says. And it plan, but American Indian groups - and then all the suits suddenly get it and turned out that many potential recipi- including the plaintiffs themselves - have go to work and determine what is best ents had died, lost any evidence of dis- split with the lawyers originally repre- for Indians.” The Keepseagles say the crimination or felt too distrustful of the critics on immigration senting them and opposed the idea, say- remaining money should be redistrib- government to even apply. Lawyers ing the money should be spread out uted to the members of the class-action expected around 10,000 people to file among existing American Indian chari- suit, including themselves. The Choctaw claims, but the number was around half Some lawmakers pushing a different approach ties as originally intended or the case Nation of Oklahoma has petitioned the that. Some of the American Indian should be reopened for another round of court to allow the money to be distrib- groups say that process may not be the claims. George and Marilyn Keepseagle, uted to existing charities as the settle- most efficient way to direct the settle- WASHINGTON: Homeland Security Republican lawmakers returned to upcoming must-pass spending bill, forc- the lead plaintiffs in the case first filed in ment originally called for, submitting its ment to farmers who for years struggled Secretary Jeh Johnson is defending Congress from a weeklong Thanksgiving ing a confrontation with Senate 1999, wrote Sullivan two letters earlier own charity plan to the court. Another to farm while government loans went to President Barack Obama’s executive holiday break still divided on how to Democrats and potentially Obama. this year saying they felt like they had group, the newly formed Association of white neighbors. actions on immigration even as stop Obama. The issue is tied in with the All agreed they must stop Obama taken a “back of the bus” role as the American Indian Farmers, is calling for a “It should be paid to farmers directly, Republican lawmakers work to find the need to pass a government funding bill after the November elections in which lawyers and the court - or the “suits” as second round of claims. not to indirect services provided by non- best way to stop them. by Dec. 11, or risk a shutdown. they retook control of the Senate and the Keepseagles referred to them in their The government hasn’t agreed to any profits,” said Kara Brewer Boyd, president Johnson was to appear before the Conservatives have been agitating to increased their majority in the House of letter - decided what to do with the mon- of those options, so all parties are wait- of the Association of American Indian House Homeland Security Committee use any government funding bill to Representatives. “The president’s deci- ey. “Being discriminated against is an ing to see how Sullivan handles the case. Farmers. —AP yesterday in the administration’s first tes- block Obama’s moves, but Republican sion to bypass Congress and grant timony on the issue since Obama Party leaders fear that could result in a amnesty to millions of unlawful immi- announced plans two weeks ago to veto by Obama and a subsequent gov- grants is unconstitutional and a threat to shield some 4 million immigrants in the ernment shutdown, a scenario they are our democracy,” the Homeland Security US illegally from deportation and offer determined to avoid. Committee chairman, Rep. Michael them work permits. The action applies to Instead some lawmakers are pushing McCaul said in a statement. “I will use people who’ve been in the country more a different approach: a full-year spend- every tool at my disposal to stop the than five years and have children who ing bill for most government agencies, president’s unconstitutional actions are citizens or green card holders with combined with a shorter-term measure from being implemented, starting with permanent residency status. for departments that deal with immigra- this oversight hearing.” “The reality is that, given our limited tion. But conservatives want more and Obama also expanded an existing resources, these people are not priorities circulated bill language Monday stipu- program that grants work permits and for removal. It’s time we acknowledge lating that no money or fees “may be deportation deferrals to immigrants that and encourage them to be held used by any agency to implement, brought to the US illegally as children, accountable,” Johnson said in prepared administer, enforce or carry out any of and reordered law enforcement priorities testimony. “This is simple common the policy changes” announced by to focus on deporting new arrivals and sense.” His testimony came as Obama. They hope to include it in any people with criminal records. — AP Obama weighs slimmed-down list for Pentagon chief

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is weighing a Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson was consid- slimmed-down list of candidates to become his next ered for the Pentagon post, but has told the White House defense secretary, as top contenders pull their names from he’d rather stay put, according to people familiar with the consideration for what is typically a highly sought-after process. Michele Flournoy, one of Obama’s top choices, Cabinet post. quickly took her name out of contention, in part because of The short list to replace outgoing US Defense Secretary concerns over the tight rein the White House has tried to Chuck Hagel now includes longtime public servants who keep on the US Defense Department. have deep Pentagon experience, but may be less likely to And Senator Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat and give Obama’s national security agenda the jolt that critics - West Point graduate, also made clear within hours of Hagel’s and increasingly some supporters - say is needed. Among resignation that he wasn’t interested. the possible nominees are Ashton Carter, the former deputy Defense analyst Anthony Cordesman said that as Obama defense secretary who left the administration in late 2013, approaches the end of his presidency, the Cabinet post is and Robert Work, who now holds the Pentagon’s No. 2 job. “not particularly desirable” for anyone with broader political That’s a far shorter list than some in the White House had ambitions. hoped for when Hagel resigned last week under pressure from Obama. Problems and uncertainties “It’s very unlikely you will get political visibility or credit for being the secretary,” said Cordesman, who works at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “There are just too many problems and uncertainties.” Among them: questions about the effectiveness of Obama’s military campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Russia’s continued provocations in Ukraine, tensions between the White House and US Defense Department over closing the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention center, and concerns at the Pentagon over the impact of deep spending cuts. Hanging over all of those policy concerns is the uneasy relationship between the White House and the Pentagon throughout Obama’s six years in office. His first two defense secretaries, Robert Gates and Leon Panetta, have been bit- ingly critical about White House efforts to micromanage the Pentagon. And Hagel is said to have grown frustrated by the White House’s drawn-out policymaking process and lack of clarity in the president’s eventual decisions. Lawrence Korb, a former U.S. assistant defense secretary, said that with just two years left in Obama’s presidency, the next Pentagon chief will be hamstrung in efforts to shape the administration’s policies and the department’s relationship with the White House. “The clock is ticking in terms of being able to make significant changes,” said Korb, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a think tank closely aligned with the White House. Mindful that the window on Obama’s administration is closing, some White House officials are pressing the president to name Hagel’s replacement quickly. He could try to have a nominee in time for a previously scheduled meeting today in Washington with combat commanders and other military leaders, though officials said that as of Monday, Obama has not made a final decision. — AP p10 2_Layout 1 12/2/14 9:16 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Swedish PM could resign if loses budget vote

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s prime minister right Alliance, meaning the government’s Sweden Democrats having a decisive backing from the Left Party, but the the four centre-right parties have said yesterday he might quit his post if finance bill would fail. influence in Swedish politics,” Lofven told prime minister still has options. rebuffed Lofven’s post-election overtures. the opposition wins a budget vote today “It is out of the question that I stay on broadcaster SVT. He could send the budget back to A last resort would be to call a snap with support from the anti-immigration to administer it if that budget were to The Sweden Democrats, Sweden’s committee to be reworked to get back- election, causing a period of political and Sweden Democrats. win,” daily Dagens Nyheter quoted Lofven third largest party, will announce a deci- ing from the centre-right. Should the market uncertainty. Analysts say none of The threat of a budget defeat has saying. On Swedish TV, Lofven was less sion later on Tuesday. In Sweden, each Alliance refuse to compromise, they the parties have much to gain from that overhung the minority centre-left gov- clear, saying his resignation was one of party or coalition can put forward a could be seen as tacitly supporting the option. The centre-right and centre-left ernment of Stefan Lofven since it took several options should the Sweden budget proposal and the one backed by Sweden Democrats, risking voters’ ire. are running neck and neck in polls, but power just two months ago. Shunned by Democrats say they will support an the most votes wins. “The spotlight would be on the the biggest opposition party, the other parties, the Sweden Democrats opposition budget. “It depends on how Lofven’s Social Democrats and their Alliance,” said Peter Esaiasson, professor Moderates, effectively lack a leader. The hold the balance of power in parliament the four Alliance parties respond to this,” allies the Greens do not have the votes to at Gothenburg University. Lofven could Sweden Democrats’ charismatic chair- and could push through a budget to be he said. “We have always been open ... for force a budget through parliament also resign and try to broaden his govern- man, Jimmie Akesson, is on long-term put forward by the four-party centre- cooperation in order to prevent the against a united opposition even with ment to get a parliamentary majority. But sick leave. — Reuters British MPs urge tougher line on HK

LONDON: British MPs urged the govern- billion (1.2 billion euros, $1.5 billion) a ment to take a tougher line with China in month in 2013. an emergency House of Commons debate “Where we have differences... we discuss yesterday after a group of them was those types of issues alongside and as part refused visas to visit Hong Kong. of the full range of bilateral relations,” he Members of the Foreign Affairs said. But members of the committee speak- Committee were declined visas to visit ing in the debate said the government was Hong Kong later this month by Chinese not going far enough. authorities who accused the former colo- Andrew Rosindell, a member of nial power of seeking to interfere in pro- Cameron’s Conservative party, urged that democracy protests. the Chinese ambassador be summoned to While Prime Minister David Cameron’s the Foreign Office to explain what had hap- government says the situation can be pened. He described the visa ban as smoothed over with talks, it has caused “shameful” and “nothing short of an out- outrage among lawmakers who want min- rage”. “Britain has to decide whether we tol- isters to take a firmer stance. erate and simply accept China’s behav- The refusal complicates British efforts to iour... or whether we’re prepared to recon- reset relations with China that were sider” the nature of the relationship, plunged into difficulties after Cameron met Rosindell added. Another Conservative, the Dalai Lama at Downing Street in 2012. John Stanley, said he was “very disappoint- During the rare debate, Hugo Swire, a ed” that the British foreign ministry had not Foreign Office minister, called China’s ban made a stronger protest, while senior “wholly unjustified” but stressed the need Labour lawmaker Keith Vaz insisted on the to “pursue dialogue in issues even when we need for a “very clear response” from the disagree”. ministry. “We have an indispensable relationship Mass pro-democracy demonstrations with China,” he told the Commons. “It’s have been taking place in Hong Kong since important that this relationship is based on September. The original founders of the mutual understanding and respect.” Occupy movement said Tuesday they were DONETSK: People walk past a burnt car in the Petrovskiy district controlled by Donetsk People’s Republic rebels in the eastern Ukrainian city of Cameron’s official spokesman also set to “surrender” but it is thought unlikely Donetsk where fighting is still reported between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian troops in spite of ceasefire talks yesterday. — AFP downplayed fears that the ban could affect that the students who make up the bulk of trade between Britain and China. British the protestors will listen to their call for a exports to China were worth an average £1 retreat. —AFP Ukraine, pro-Russian rebels agree new truce Conflict has killed more than 4,300

DONETSK: Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels Western leader who won a May election vowing forces since May-has witnessed months of often “agreed in principle” on a ceasefire in one sepa- to reunite his crumbling state-facing growing fierce clashes that have claimed civilian lives on ratist province and were working to conclude a domestic condemnation over the climbing toll an almost daily basis. broader truce yesterday that would end nearly of the war. Ukraine’s military said Monday it had agreed eight months of bloodshed. The Organisation for Security and with a top Russian general the terms of a tempo- The latest push for peace in the former Soviet Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said that a round rary truce for the territory surrounding the dev- country was being spearheaded by European of unannounced negotiations produced the out- astated air hub. negotiators alarmed at the unravelling of a lines of a truce agreement in Lugansk-one of But a top Donetsk separatist leader told AFP September 5 peace deal as tensions between two pro-Russian provinces under rebel control. that no final agreement was expected before all the Russia and the West reach a post-Cold War “All agreed in principle to a total ceasefire sides sat down for crunch negotiations yester- high. along the entire line of contact between day afternoon. The Ukrainian conflict has killed more than Ukrainian Armed Forces and those under control The rebel source said the talks would involve 4,300 people and seen NATO fortify defences to of the (Lugansk People’s Republic), to be effec- senior Ukrainian military figures and General help protect former Soviet satellite nations from tive from 5 December,” the OSCE said in a state- Alexander Lentsov-the deputy head of the PARIS: French former president and the newly elected head of the French right-wing what it sees as the Kremlin’s new expansionist ment released late Monday. Russian ground forces. opposition UMP party Nicolas Sarkozy (L) shakes hands with UMP party member and threat. “They also agreed that the withdrawal of “They will concern an end to fighting in all former French prime minister Francois Fillon after a meeting at the UMP headquarters Foreign ministers from the Western military heavy weapons would start on 6 December,” the the hotspots,” the source said. Yet several earlier in Paris yesterday. Sarkozy came first in the party election on November 29 with a less- alliance were meeting in Brussels on Tuesday to statement added. truce agreements lasted no more than a few than-desired 64.5 percent, placing him at the head of the deeply-split party which is chart a course after what they have dubbed as a Lugansk separatist chief Igor Plotnitsky told days. The armed rebels are comprised of numer- hoping to turn its back on bitter leadership tussles and financial scandals. —AFP “year of aggression” by Russia against its smaller the Interfax-Ukraine news agency that the talks ous units that often refuse to acknowledge the neighbour. were held on Saturday and produced a deal to orders issued by their political leaders in Moscow denies helping the separatists in establish a military buffer zone. Lugansk and Donetsk. eastern Ukraine and sees the West as trying to The cordon “will be 15-20 kilometres (9-12 And Ukrainian forces include volunteer fight- undermine Russia’s rightful influence in the for- miles) wide,” Plotnitsky said. ers-many of them hardcore nationalists who led India nears deal for mer Soviet bloc. protests in Kiev that toppled a pro-Russian The Russian foreign ministry issued a furious ‘Very tense’ regime in February-who reject truce terms that French fighter jets statement on Monday accusing NATO of “trying The progress in Lugansk coincided with a cede any ground to the separatists. to destabilise the world’s most stable region” by new round of negotiations about a broader Heavy shelling echoed across Donetsk yester- sending extra defences into countries such as truce agreement between Ukrainian forces and day morning despite Ukraine’s announcement of NEW DELHI: India is close to an agreement to modernize its military. Major arms manu- the three tiny Baltic states. rebels in the neighbouring industrial region of the truce at the airport. The Donetsk mayor’s to buy Rafale fighter planes from France, an facturers are wooing the country as it But the diplomatic standoff comes with Donetsk. office said the security situation remained “very Indian defense spokesman said yesterday. replaces its obsolete Soviet-era weapons and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko a pro- The Donetsk city airport-held by Ukrainian tense”. — AFP The 12 billion euro ($15 billion) deal for 126 of buys new equipment. India already has a fleet the jets would be France’s first foreign sale of of the older Mirage jets, France’s last big- the combat-tested planes. name fighters. India’s air force has around 700 France and French manufacturer Dassault fighter aircraft and is exceeded in size only by Cameroon soldiers desperate Aviation have been trying for years to sell the the United States, Russia and China. Growing jets abroad without success. The Rafale has worries about China’s fast-expanding military been in service for the French Air Force since and the decades-old mistrust of Pakistan 2006. Defense spokesman Sitanshu Kar said have fueled India’s impetus to add heft to its for help in Boko Haram fight Tuesday that Indian Defense Minister defense forces. Manohar Parrikar met his French counterpart, The Rafale has struggled to find an export YAOUNDE: Boko Haram is increasingly a siege to an army position in Amchide, a town ‘Operation Alpha’ Jean-Yves Le Drian, on Monday as part of an market because of its high cost, complexity regional threat and the battle against the that straddles the frontier, while also attacking The 2013 abduction within Cameroon of official visit to India. and a design that was a marked shift from the Nigerian Islamist sect is meant to be a regional Limani in the north. French national Tanguy Moulin-Fournier and his “All issues related to defense were dis- Mirage. Competing jets from the United campaign-but that’s not the way it feels for “Fighting of rare violence” left 107 Boko family by Boko Haram led to a change in strate- cussed, including the Rafale,” Kar said. “Both States and Russia, such as the General Cameroon’s soldiers on a desperate frontline. Haram members and eight Cameroonian sol- gy. sides decided to adopt a fast-track approach Dynamics F-16, McDonnell Douglas F-15 and “We are fed up with fighting this war all diers dead, the defence ministry said, while a The hostages were freed, as were two Italian wherever there are differences.” Sukhoi Su-27, have grabbed a large slice of alone,” a Cameroonian officer said as he police officer told AFP that before the battle, the priests and a Canadian nun seized early this described his army’s resistance against Boko year. But Cameroon’s President Paul Biya A French defense official, who was not the market. Deals for Brazil, Libya and Islamists “cut the throat of many civilians, 30 at authorized to discuss the matter publicly, also Switzerland to buy the Rafale have all fallen Haram and the lack of military support from ordered substantial military reinforcements to least”. said that the two defense ministers agreed to through, often at the last minute. neighbouring governments. the far north to tackle the armed fundamental- accelerate negotiations. “We can say this In 2007, Morocco opted for F-16s instead “The attacks against our territory come from “We’re on our own at the front,” said a com- ists in “Operation Alpha”. morning that the negotiations are on the of Rafales, with French media blaming bun- a neighbouring country, which calls itself sover- mander of the elite Israeli-trained Rapid Some 2,000 men were deployed, but security cusp of conclusion,” the French official said. gled negotiations by the French government eign and does nothing,” said a defence ministry Intervention Brigade (BIR). officials stress that more troops are needed to India has become the world’s biggest arms involving the lack of a single dedicated coor- official who asked not to be named. Across the border in northeastern Nigeria, control the long, porous border. importer, with an economic boom enabling it dinator to handle talks with Rabat.— AP The official complained that Cameroon had Boko Haram controls swathes of territory aban- “We hope that aid from here and there, from been drawn into a “proxy war” against Boko doned by the authorities, leaving the local pop- the international community, will enable us to Haram, which has stepped up massacres of vil- ulation to its fate. bring the swiftest possible end to this aggres- lagers in Cameroon’s far north at the same time In Amchide, Cameroon’s army faces enemy sion,” government spokesman Issa Tchiroma as killing and maiming in Nigeria. Bakary said recently. forces dug in around the far end of a bridge Last Friday alone, suspected Boko Haram During talks in Paris in May, Nigeria and three fighters slaughtered at least 120 people in a sui- marking the border. Boko Haram routed local neighbouring countries- cide bomb and gun attack on the central Nigerian troops and now is only separated from Cameroon, Chad and Niger-came up with a mosque in the north Nigerian city of Kano. Cameroonian soldiers by a dusty and deserted battle plan. Cameroon’s army has been stretched in its no man’s land. They agreed to share information and coor- attempt to check cross-border incursions by the When 500 Nigerian troops crossed into dinate their intelligence work, to keep joint group, whose name loosely translates as Cameroon in early August, the army command watch over their borders and to develop the “Western education is a sin”. said the soldiers were “charging through the capacity to intervene swiftly in response to And that task has become harder as Boko borders in a tactical manoeuvre”. threats. Haram fighters grow in strength and ambition. But Cameroon is getting used to seeing Each of the four countries pledged to send “Each time Boko Haram captures a town in Nigerian soldiers arriving for a quite different 700 troops to the Lake Chad region, where their Nigeria, it recovers all the military equipment reason-fleeing Boko Haram, which is estimated borders all come close together. However, that there. So now they really have heavy weaponry,” to have killed more than 13,000 people since promise has yet to be fully honoured. a source in the intelligence services said. 2009. At the same time, Cameroon has come “Cameroon has already sent 300 men from under criticism from neighbouring countries the navy. Chad and Niger are well disposed to LONDON: Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall watches a lesson ‘On our own’ and former colonial power France for not doing provide troops, but it’s less certain where for older school children on how graphics are used in TV at British TV station Sky dur- In mid-October, Islamist fighters equipped enough to stop Boko Haram from using its terri- Nigeria is concerned,” a Cameroonian military ing a visit, in London, yesterday. — AP with a tank and a booby-trapped car bomb laid tory as a rear base for its war in Nigeria. source said. —AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Buddhist monks warn of violence during S Lanka polls

COLOMBO: An influential party of Buddhist monks up, so will the violence,” he added. Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) says decade have been marred by campaign-related warned yesterday of violence during Sri Lanka’s The JHU has just three seats in the 225-member there have been at least eight serious polls-related violence, including assassinations and bomb upcoming presidential election, two weeks after it parliament, but the monks are considered influen- incidents since Rajapakse called the election two attacks. Rajapakse remains popular with voters defected from the coalition government. tial among the country’s majority Buddhist com- weeks ago. from the Sinhalese majority after he won a 37-year The JHU, or National Heritage Party, said it munity. The party campaigned for Rajapakse to “About half a dozen people have been admitted war against Tamil separatists in 2009, but critics say feared President Mahinda Rajapakse’s regime become president in 2005 and backed his re-elec- to hospital and many more had been hurt in clash- he has become increasingly authoritarian. would resort to violence as it tried to cling to pow- tion in 2010, but ditched him last month over gov- es unleashed by government supporters,” CAFFE He called the snap election after his party suf- er. The warning came as a private election monitor- ernance issues. director Keerthi Tennakoon told AFP. fered a sharp drop in support, losing over 21 per- ing group said there had already been several inci- Yesterday the party entered a pact with the “The unique feature is that police have failed to cent of the vote in September’s local elections. dences of pre-election violence and accused police main opposition candidate, Maithripala Sirisena, arrest a single person in connection with these Rajapakse’s party has also seen a series of defec- of inaction. who has promised to “restore rule of law” if he wins attacks although CCTV and photographic evidence tions in the past two weeks, and he is struggling to “This election has the potential to be one of the the January 8 poll, which Rajapakse called two had been provided on the perpetrators,” he added. avoid international censure over claims his troops most violent,” said the JHU’s Udaya Gammanpila, a years ahead of schedule. Police have said they are investigating. killed 40,000 Tamil civilians in the bloody finale of former provincial minister. “As the campaign picks The private election monitoring group Almost all Sri Lanka’s elections of the past the fighting. — AFP Nepal court jails workers for raping autistic girls

KATHMANDU: A Nepal court has jailed for those working at other orphanages in two men who worked at a prominent Nepal,” she said. orphanage in Kathmandu for repeatedly The defendants’ lawyer, Ganesh raping three autistic girls in their care, an Adhikari, told AFP that he planned to file official said yesterday. an appeal at a higher court within a month. A judge at the district court in The case underscored the problems facing Kathmandu found the two men guilty of Nepal’s orphanages, some of which have rape on Monday evening in a fast-track been hit by allegations of sexual abuse, case that has cast a spotlight on Nepal’s corruption and fraud in recent years. massive orphanage industry. The impoverished Himalayan nation has “Justice Pashupati Acharya has sen- 797 orphanages, according to official tenced Rabin Shrestha and Rabin Chalise records, but activists claim the actual figure to 16 and a half years of imprisonment is much higher, with employees passing off each,” said court spokesman Shree Prasad children-whose families are cheated into Sanjel. “He also ordered both of them to sending them to the centres for a good give 100,000 rupees ($1,000) as compensa- education-as orphans in a bid to raise tion to each of the victims,” Sanjel told AFP. donations from foreigners. Shrestha, 43, worked as head of adop- “Many orphanages here are unregulat- tions at Bal Mandir orphanage, while ed and unregistered...the government Chalise volunteered as a fund-raiser for the should draw up a serious action plan to institution. The girls, aged 13, 14 and 15, monitor these institutions so such inci- complained to a rights group which alert- dents are not repeated in the future,” ed police in June to the attacks. Tamang told AFP. Activist Salina Tamang, 29, whose group Police in February arrested the owner of Action for Child Rights International Kathmandu’s Happy Home orphanage on DHAKA: British journalist David Bergman speaks to journalists outside the International Crimes Tribunal court building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, pushed the case, said the verdict sent a charges of fraud, kidnapping and torture. yesterday. A court in Bangladesh dealing with war crimes committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence has found Bergman guilty clear warning to other orphanage employ- In August 2012 British charity worker of contempt for questioning the official death toll of that conflict. — AP ees against wrongdoing. Simon Jasper McCarty pleaded guilty to “We are happy with the court’s deci- sexually abusing three boys he met in sion...I believe this verdict can be a lesson Kathmandu. — AFP Bangladesh court convicts British reporter of contempt

Bergman’s lawyer says court verdict a big disappointment

DHAKA: A Bangladesh court yesterday found tice, even four decades later. “David Bergman has never been against the an award-winning British journalist guilty of con- But critics say her government has deliber- process of the tribunal. As a matter of fact, he tempt for questioning the official death toll of ately exaggerated the death toll as a way of brought attention to the issue of prosecuting three million in the country’s 1971 independ- intimidating her opponents and countering persons having committed war crimes in 1971 at ence war. Judges from a special war crimes court unease from abroad about a trial process lacking a time when the rest of the world was on the ruled that a blog and two other articles written any international oversight. verge of forgetting this issue.” by David Bergman “hurt the feelings of the Most of the war deaths have been blamed on The 49-year-old Bergman won a British televi- nation” and ordered him to pay a 5,000 taka troops from Pakistan, which ruled over sion award in 1995 for a documentary exposing ($65) fine or go to prison for a week. Bangladesh from 1947 — when the territory was alleged war criminals who had taken refuge in The case was seen as a test of the country’s known as East Pakistan-until 1971. the United Kingdom. commitment to free speech after Bergman cast But Hasina’s government says Bangladeshi Lawyer Abul Kalam Azad, who filed the peti- doubt on the official version of one of the most militants were behind some of the most brutal tion against Bergman, told AFP the judgement contentious issues in Bangladesh’s short history. killings, including the massacre of intellectuals. was “fair and right”. Delivering the verdict in the capital Dhaka, Most independent estimates say the actual toll “No one has the right to question the three presiding judge Obaidul Hassan told the court- of war dead is in the hundreds of thousands. million death toll in the 1971 independence war. room that “freedom of expression can be exer- It is a settled issue,” he added. cised in good faith and public interest”. ‘No scope to appeal’ Bergman, who is an editor of local English- “David Bergman neither has good faith nor Bergman’s lawyer Mustafizur Rahman said language daily New Age and also writes for SRINAGAR: Kashmiri voters queue at a polling station in Handwara, about 70 kms an issue of public interest,” the judged added. the court verdict was a big disappointment but Britain’s Daily Telegraph, has been living in north of capital Srinagar yesterday. Indian Kashmir headed to the 2nd phase of polls The International Crimes Tribunal, a domestic there was “no scope” to launch an appeal. Bangladesh for more than a decade. He is mar- under tight security with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party eye- court which has found several top opposition “It was our submission before the tribunal ried to a top human rights lawyer. ing power for the first time in the tense and disputed Muslim-majority state. — AFP leaders guilty of mass murder, asked the govern- that the laws of Bangladesh permit constructive His conviction came when Bergman was writ- ment to probe Bergman’s reporting on its work. criticism of court orders and proceedings in a ing a series of reports in the New Age on the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has justified the restrained language by a person having knowl- alleged involvement of the country’s security trials on the grounds that the scale of bloodshed edge of its affairs,” Rahman told AFP. forces in the abduction and disappearance of 19 in Bangladesh’s war of secession from Pakistan “It was our submission before the tribunal opposition activists before disputed elections Pakistan air strikes demands that perpetrators be brought to jus- that David Bergman acted within those bounds. held in January of this year. — AFP and ground fire S Korea ship sinks in kill 24 militants Bering Sea, 50 missing SEOUL: South Korean officials expressed fear yesterday of a PESHAWAR: The Pakistan military said post in Tirah,” a second security official huge death toll after rescuers failed to find any of the more than yesterday it had killed at least 24 mili- told AFP. 50 fishermen who went missing when their ship sank amid high tants in air strikes and ground fighting in It was not possible to verify the num- waves in the freezing waters of the western Bering Sea. northwestern tribal areas bordering ber of casualties or their identity as the Authorities rescued seven crew members and recovered one Afghanistan, as part of ongoing offen- media are banned from visiting the area. body, but weather and water conditions complicated the search sives in the region. Rights groups say the military often for the others, an official from the South Korean fisheries and A ruling party politician in the south- exaggerates the number of dead and oceans ministry said on condition of anonymity because of office western province of Baluchistan mean- civilians are often killed too. rules. while narrowly escaped with his life The North Waziristan operation began Rescue workers found an empty lifeboat yesterday near the when a roadside bomb detonated out- in mid-June, when jets and artillery site of the accident that might have belonged to the sunken side his home as he left the building. began targeting rebel strongholds Oryong 501, said Kim Kang-ho, an official with Sajo Industries, the canned tuna company that owns the ship. Air strikes took place in the restive before ground forces moved in.P The crew included 35 Indonesians, 13 Filipinos, 11 South North Waziristan tribal district, where the The army says it has killed more than Koreans and one Russian inspector, the fisheries and oceans min- 1,100 militants and lost more than 100 army launched a major operation in June istry official said. Russian authorities said there were 62 people targeting Taleban and Haqqani network soldiers since the start of the operation. aboard the ship, which sank in the western part of the Bering Sea, militants. An AFP tally based on regular updates near Russia. The strikes came as ground troops from the military puts the militant death The ministry official said it’s believed that the ship, which was traded fire with militants in Khyber toll at more than 1,500, with 125 soldiers catching pollock, began to list after stormy weather caused sea- BHOPAL: Bhopal Gas disaster survivor Hazra Bee breaks down as she stands in front agency, where Taliban and Lashkar-e- killed. water to flood its storage areas. Kim said the 2,000-ton vessel was of an old photo of a friend she lost in the disasterm at the Remember Bhopal Islam fighters are based. “In early morn- Also yesterday, Sardar Raza 36 years old. The seven people who were rescued had symptoms Museum in Bhopal yesterday.— AFP ing precise aerial strikes in North Muhammad Barrech, a member of south- of hypothermia and couldn’t talk in length about what exactly Waziristan Agency today 17 terrorists western Baluchistan’s provincial parlia- happened, he said. Protests as Bhopal marks were killed including some foreigners,” a ment, narrowly escaped a roadside senior security official told AFP. bomb near his home in Quetta that Search to continue 30th anniversary of disaster Local intelligence officials confirmed destroyed his car, senior police official An official from South Korea’s foreign ministry, who refused to the air strikes and said they took place Abdul Razzaq Cheema told AFP. be named, citing office rules, said yesterday morning that the NEW DELHI: Protesters in the Indian city of physically and mentally disabled children. near Miranshah, the main town of North Barrech’s party, the Pakhtunkhwa Milli death toll was expected to rise because rescuers failed to find any Bhopal yesterday burned effigies represent- For decades, survivors have been fight- Waziristan. Awami Party, is part of the ruling coali- of the missing passengers. Four fishing ships that were operating ing Dow Chemicals and displayed placards ing to have the site cleaned up, but they say “There are five Uzbek and two tion in the province and stands against nearby were continuing to search for survivors, but harsh weath- demanding justice as they marked the 30th the efforts were slowed when US conglom- Haqqani network militants among those Taleban militants. er conditions have limited their mobility, the official said. anniversary of the world’s deadliest indus- erate Dow Chemical took over Union who have been killed in the air strikes,” Provincial home minister Sarfraz Bugti South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won told a Cabinet trial disaster. Carbide in 2001. an intelligence official told AFP. said Barrech was the target of the bomb- meeting that the government would work with Russia to speed Some held old black and white photo- “We want justice,” read one placard fea- Separately in Khyber’s Tirah valley, a ing and security would be beefed up for up the rescue efforts. graphs of loved ones lost on the night of turing the chilling photograph of a hand stronghold of Taliban militants, seven members of cabinet. Authorities in the Russian port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky December 2, 1984, when a cloud of highly scraping earth from the head of a partially militants were killed during a gunfight Nobody immediately claimed the said the rescued fishermen were well and would be taken to toxic methyl isocyanate gas spewed from a buried dead baby, the best-known image of that erupted after up to 60 militants responsibility for the attack. Baluchistan, South Korea once the weather improves. Union Carbide factory in Bhopal and blew the disaster. stormed a security check point. Pakistan’s largest but least developed “The condition of the fishermen who were rescued is fine,” across the city. “Dow shall assume liabilities for the con- “Seven terrorists were killed in an and most sparsely populated province, is Artur Rets, chief of the rescue center at the Petropavlovsk- More than 3,500 people were killed in tinuing disaster in Bhopal,” read another. exchange of fire with security forces in racked by Islamist militants, banditry, a Kamchatsky port, told the RIA Novosti news agency. Kim, the the immediate aftermath and as many as Activist groups have long demanded that Tirah in Khyber Agency. Reportedly separatist revolt and sectarian violence Sajo official, said the ship left for the Bering Sea from Busan, 25,000 are estimated to have died in the Dow award additional compensation to the about 50-60 terrorists raided a check between Sunnis and Shiites. — AFP South Korea, on July 10 to catch pollock, a winter delicacy in years that followed. Many of those who victims and clean up the accident site, South Korea. — AP were exposed to the gas have given birth to which they say is still contaminated. —AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Canadian, Indonesian on trial over Jakarta school sex abuse

JAKARTA: A Canadian and an has also seen cleaning staff accused of paedophiles, we would be the first to place. who originally confessed have since Indonesian teaching assistant went on raping a young boy and the revelation know,” said Maya Lestari, who has two “We assume this is motivated by recanted, claiming they were beaten by trial yesterday accused of sexually that a suspected serial paedophile children at the school and was coordi- money,” he told reporters. “If we uphold police. Their trials are continuing. assaulting children at a prestigious sought by the FBI used to teach at the nating the rally. justice properly, how can you try a case At the South Jakarta District Court Jakarta school, but parents of students school. “We’re innocent,” Bantleman, a 46- when the prosecutors have no idea yesterday, Bantleman appeared in court rallied outside court and proclaimed But Bantleman and Tjiong, who face year-old school administrator, told jour- when the crime happened?” first to hear the charges against him at their innocence. up to 15 years in jail if found guilty, have nalists from a holding cell at the court in The family of one nursery school boy the start of his trial. Tjiong appeared in Neil Bantleman and Ferdinand Tjiong received strong support from the school the Indonesian capital before his trial. allegedly abused are suing the school court for a separate hearing after deny committing abuse at the Jakarta and parents, and their lawyer suggested As he entered court, Tjiong said: “I and seeking $125 million in damages. Bantleman. International School (JIS), which has the case could be motivated by money. have come here to prove the truth, to The first allegation that cleaners had They are accused of abusing three long been favoured by expatriates and About 60 supporters, mostly parents, end this slander.” raped a nursery school boy emerged in young children at the school. Both wealthy Indonesians in the capital but is turned up outside court Tuesday waving After the court hearings, Hotman April, after which more parents made hearings were held behind closed now facing the worst crisis in its 60-year banners that read “Free Neil and Ferdi” Paris Hutapea, a lawyer for both men, abuse claims. doors. Under the Indonesian legal history. and “Reject the invented JIS case”. said the charges against them were The first trials began in August, with system, people accused of a crime are They are the most prominent figures “They are the victims of slander, we vague and did not even specify an exact five cleaners facing charges of child sex only formally charged in court at the caught up in a wide-ranging case that are 1,000 percent sure. If they were really date when the crimes allegedly took abuse. However several of the cleaners start of a trial. —AFP

Taiwan president gives up party post as KMT in crisis

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s president yesterday said The party of Chiang Kai-shek that he was stepping down as chairman of the retreated to Taiwan after losing the Chinese ruling party in a widely expected move that civil war in 1949 is seen as friendly to China comes after the Kuomintang was trounced even though Beijing has never renounced in local elections on the weekend. the use of force to take back the island. President Ma Ying-jeou’s resignation Since 2008, when Ma came to power, reflects the crisis that has gripped the KMT, economic ties have flourished. which lost key cities in northern and central However, in the past year, suspicion Taiwan in the polls, despite pushing poli- about Taiwan becoming too reliant on cies that ushered in detente and deeper China economically at the cost of the economic ties with China, which views the island’s political autonomy has manifested island as a breakaway province. itself in demonstrations. Ma’s resignation from the party post In March, thousands of protesters, does not affect his position as president. He blocked the ratification of a cross-strait is serving his second, and final, four-year trade services agreement in an unprece- term as president, which ends in 2016. dented sit-in in parliament. But the pace of improvement in cross- Hundreds of people, many of them young, gathered in Taipei’s Liberty Square in October to rally in sympathy with pro- democracy protesters in Hong Kong. “As the chairman, Ying-jeou is willing to take the biggest responsibility,” Ma said in a statement issued by the KMT, referring to himself. He will formally resign during a HONG KONG: Pro-democracy activists Benny Tai (C) attends a press conference with Chan Kin-man (L) and Chu Yiu-ming (R) in Hong Kong yes- KMT central committee meeting on terday. The three original founders of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy Occupy movement tearfully announced they would “surrender” by turning Wednesday. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, themselves into police and urged protesters still on the streets to retreat. — AFP which handles Taiwan matters for Beijing, said in a statement cross-strait, peaceful development was the “mainstream public opinion” for “compatriots” on both sides. HK protest founders to ‘surrender’, The KMT lost its hold on Taipei for the first time in 16 years when an independent candidate, who was backed by the pro- urge students on streets to retreat PANAMA CITY: In this Tuesday, July 1, independence opposition Democratic 2014 file photo, Taiwan’s President Ma Progressive Party, won the vote for mayor. Demonstrators feel ‘abandoned’ by the move Ying-jeou listen question during a pri- The win in the capital was seen as a show of vate interview with foreign journalist in no confidence in Ma’s China-friendly poli- HONG KONG: The original founders of Hong solid achievement.” disobedience campaign, including through edu- Panama City. — AP cies. Within days, two vice chairmen of the Kong’s pro-democracy Occupy movement tear- Teenage protest leader Joshua Wong paid cation and a new social charter. KMT resigned and on Monday, Ma’s cabinet fully announced yesterday they would “surren- tribute to Tai and said the student groups lead- Experts say that the students are unlikely to formally stepped down, following der” by turning themselves in to police and ing the movement would “discuss” Occupy’s listen to the Occupy Central leaders’ call for strait relations could slow next year as Ma is Saturday’s resignation of the premier to urged protesters on the streets to retreat. request. retreat. “The students have always thought that not likely be able to effectively steer policy take responsibility for the election loss. But frustrated demonstrators at the city’s “If Benny Tai did not publicise the idea of civil they were the major protagonists of the move- within the ruling party and in government. “The KMT must undergo a revolutionary main protest site said they felt “abandoned” by disobedience at the beginning, then there ment and that Benny Tai and so forth have “This is the worst crisis for the KMT since change otherwise it won’t survive,” said the move. The announcement came after hun- would be no umbrella movement today,” said always been riding on their coattails,” political we fled to Taiwan,” said Li-Keng Kuei-fong, a Alfred Lin, at 24, the youngest member of dreds of pro-democracy protesters clashed with Wong, who began a hunger strike on Monday in analyst Willy Lam said, though he added that member of KMT’s central committee. the KMT’s central committee. — Reuters police late Sunday, leaving dozens injured in one a last-ditch attempt to force the government this was an important turning point in the of the worst nights of violence since rallies into further talks. movement nonetheless. began over two months ago. “This will be a watershed, the fact that they “As we prepare to surrender, we three urge A ‘watershed’ moment are surrendering themselves means that, for the Taiwan develops the students to retreat-to put down deep roots Academics Tai and Chan Kin-man and Baptist Occupy people, they think that phase one of this in the community and transform the movement,” minister Chu Yiu-ming founded the Occupy civil disobedience movement is over...and they said Occupy Central leader Benny Tai. Central civil disobedience group in early 2013 to are now conserving their strength for phase two, Tai said the trio would surrender to police push for political reforms, but have increasingly whatever that may be.” new missiles today in a commitment to the rule of law and taken a backseat as more radical student groups Student-led demonstrators are demanding “the principle of peace and love”. came to the fore. free leadership elections for the semi- LUNGTAN: Taiwan arms developers said pound in northern Taiwan. In the short film Protesters who have blocked three major Tai praised the bravery of those at the front- autonomous Chinese city.China’s communist yesterday that new surface-to-air missiles two Tienkung III missiles were fired from intersections in the city since late September to line of the mass occupations and criticised the authorities insist that candidates for the 2017 would defend its airspace for “up to 20 vertical launchers at the Chiupeng air base, demand free leadership elections in the semi- police as “out of control”, but added that it was vote must be vetted by a loyalist committee, years” as it aims to update weaponry to soaring into the sky and destroying targets. autonomous city, said that they cannot leave time for protesters to leave “this dangerous which the protesters say will ensure the election counter a perceived military threat from Huang declined to give specifications of until their demands have been met. place”. “Surrendering is not an act of cowardice, of a pro-Beijing stooge. China. the new missile, aimed at replacing the “The demand for civil nomination and true it is the courage to act on a promise. To surren- The main protest camp continues to block a Production of the Tienkung III (Sky Bow ageing US-made Hawk missiles-but media democracy has not been achieved and this site der is not to fail, it is a silent denunciation of a long stretch of a multi-lane highway in III), the most advanced model in a line of speculated that Tienkung III has a range of has not been cleared. Now they say they are heartless government,” Tai said. Admiralty district in central Hong Kong. Violent locally-developed air defence missiles, is up to 200 kilometres (124 miles). turning themselves to police, the only thing I While there is no specific warrant out for the clashes broke out there Sunday night in a fresh slated to last from 2015 until 2024. The project is part of the island’s efforts can say is that they abandoned us,” a 17 year old founders’ arrest, Hong Kong and Chinese author- escalation of tensions, with officers firing pepper Parliament recently approved the budget to build an air defence shield against any protester who only identified herself as Wong ities have consistently slammed the protests as spray at angry students trying to surround gov- for the Tw$74.8 billion ($2.5 billion) project. Chinese attacks. told AFP. illegal. Tai said he did not know how police ernment headquarters. “The missile is capable of intercepting According to Taiwan’s defence ministry, “Now they talk about retreat. It is a betrayal of would respond to their surrender, but that the The city’s leader Leung Chun-ying warned short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles China has more than 1,500 ballistic and what we have insisted for all along,” said 24-year- three were prepared for any consequences. Monday that the “intolerable” protests will come and fighter jets,” a senior official in charge cruise missiles trained on the island. Taiwan old protester Raymond Tsang. “We should not He said the Occupy movement would now to nothing and hinted that further police action of the missile project at Chung-Shan split from China in 1949 after a civil war, consider an end to the campaign until there is a take a different direction to promote the civil may take place. —AFP Institute of Science and Technology, the but China sees it as part of its territory island’s arms development hub, told AFP. awaiting reunification-by force if necessary. “Together with US-made Patriot mis- Ties between China and Taiwan have siles, Tienkung III system will guard Taiwan’s improved markedly since Beijing-friendly Three turn themselves in as probe airspace in the next 15 to 20 years,” said the President Ma Ying-jeou took office in official, surnamed Huang. 2008 and strengthened trade and other involving Thai princess’s kin widens The institute also released a video to links, but fears of a Chinese invasion reporters visiting the tightly-guarded com- remain. —AFP BANGKOK: Two Thai army officers and a civilian harsh lese-majeste laws for allegedly citing the The king remained silent during the latest cri- have answered a police summons, police said, in monarchy for personal benefit. sis which began last year when the government a widening corruption investigation that has of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also led to the arrest of high-ranking policemen Charges tried to push through an amnesty that would and relatives of Princess Srirasmi, the wife of the The suspects have not been allowed to com- have pardoned her brother, exiled former pre- Crown Prince. ment publicly on the charges, which include mier Thaksin Shinawatra. The investigation comes at a time of height- money-laundering and oil smuggling. Police last Thaksin, a populist former telecommunica- ened sensitivity surrounding the palace months week displayed slides showing antique Buddhist tions tycoon, was ousted in a 2006 putsch and after the military launched a coup. The revered statues, gold bars, stacks of cash and cars seized faces a two-year jail term for graft. Thailand has but ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 86, was at safehouses allegedly linked to some of the been divided for a decade between Thaksin and admitted to hospital in October and underwent suspects. the Bangkok-based royalist-military establish- an operation to remove his gallbladder. There is mounting concern over the health of ment, which sees him as a threat. Last week, some senior police officers and King Bhumibol who is seen by many as the Thaksin’s critics accused him of republican civilians were arrested in the crackdown into father of the nation - a unifying figure who has leanings, which he denies. He has strong sup- alleged police graft including charges ranging intervened in times of political crisis. port among poor rural and urban voters.— AP from bribery to defaming the monarchy. Among them were three people with the Akrapongpreecha surname, the royal name bestowed on Srirasmi’s family when she married Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn in 2001, police said. Witthaya Theskhunthot, a civilian, and army officers Sergeant Nathakorn Yasri and Sergeant Thiraphong Chochampi, were the latest suspects to surrender to authorities. “Altogether three people turned themselves in,” Major-General Chanthep Saesawet, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, told Reuters. “The two army officers are being detained by the army and one civilian surren- dered to police on Monday night at a television broadcasting station.” The men turned themselves in three days after Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn asked the government to strip his wife Srirasmi’s family of the TAOYUAN CITY: Local journalists look at a model of Tienkung III (Sky Bow III) missile royal name. (front) and a Hsiungfeng III missile (back) at The Chungshan Institute of Science and Police say Lieutenant General Pongpat Technology in Lungtan district of Taoyuan city yesterday. The most advanced home- Chayapan, a former head of the Central BANGKOK: Thai soldiers in ceremonial uniforms take part in a parade ahead of King Bhumibol produced surface-to-air missiles can help defend Taiwan’s airspace against Chinese Investigation Bureau, was the ringleader. Adulyadej’s 87th birthday in Bangkok yesterday. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday will attacks for up to 20 years, the arms project developer said. — AFP Pongpat and several others were charged under be celebrated throughout the country on December 5. — AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

Shabaab kill 36 Kenya workers Continued from Page 1 mate aim of this atrocious campaign is to create an extremist caliphate,” he said. “We will not flinch or relent in “The militia separated the Muslims, then ordered the the war against terrorism in our country and our region. non-Muslims to lie down where they shot them in the We shall continue to inflict painful casualties on these ter- head at close range,” Hassan Duba, an elder at a nearby vil- rorists until we secure our country and region. Our stabili- lage, said. A witness said at least two of the victims were ty and prosperity depends on a secure neighbourhood.” beheaded. As with past attacks, Shabaab militants said they were Public pressure had been mounting on Kenyatta to punishing Kenya for sending troops to join African peace- sack police chief David Kimaiyo and Interior Minister keepers battling the Islamists in Somalia. In a statement, it Joseph Ole Lenku since Shabaab’s attack on Nairobi’s put the death toll at 40 and called the victims “Kenyan cru- Westgate shopping mall last year that killed 67 people and saders”. “We are uncompromising in our beliefs, relentless after subsequent violence. Addressing the nation, in our pursuit, ruthless against the disbelievers and we will Kenyatta said he had accepted Kimaiyo’s resignation and do whatever necessary to defend our Muslim brethren suf- nominated a new interior minister, Joseph Nkaissery, a fering from Kenya’s aggression,” spokesman Ali Mohamud retired major general, urging parliament to speedily Rage said. approve his choice. He called on opponents, who have Kenya’s government and a witness said 36 people were criticised his handling of security policy, to unite in fight- killed. The government cited survivors saying about 20 ing the militants. “Our bickering only emboldens the ene- fighters attacked the quarry, about 15 km from the town my,” the president said. of Mandera. One person died in another attack on the Kenyatta vowed Kenyan troops would stay put in northern town of Wajir late on Monday. Western diplomats Somalia, where they are now part of an African Union say Kenya’s security services, which receive support from forces battling the Shabaab and supporting the war-torn Britain, the United States and others, are hobbled by poor country’s internationally-backed government. “This is a coordination. “We need to look at this as a systematic fail- war and a war that we must win, we must win it together,” ure, rather than as an individual one,” Mandera County he said, calling the Shabaab “deranged animals” who had Governor Ali Roba told Reuters of the latest attack and killed more than 800 people in attacks inside Kenya, called for an overhaul of Kenya’s security operations “from including 500 civilians and 300 security officers. “The ulti- the grassroots up”. — Agencies

French MPs vote to recognize Palestine Continued from Page 1 meeting. “If these efforts fail. If this last attempt at a negotiat- ed settlement does not work, then France will have to do its measures taken by one of the parties or by third parties,” it duty and recognise the state of Palestine without delay and said. The Palestinian leadership, meanwhile, expressed its we are ready to do that,” Fabius told MPs on Friday. “gratitude” for the vote and urged Paris to “translate its parlia- At a pan-European level, the European Parliament is ment’s vote into action”. Palestinians are seeking to achieve expected to hold a vote later this month on recognising statehood in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank with Palestine and EU foreign policy supremo Federica east Jerusalem as the capital. With little progress on reaching Mogherini is also pushing for the creation of a Palestine a settlement, they have been lobbying foreign powers for state. “Governments and parliaments are taking action. That international recognition. momentum will grow,” said United Nations chief Ban Ki- The Palestinian Authority estimates that 135 countries moon last month. However, lawmakers in Paris were more have now recognised Palestine as a state, although that divided on the issue than their British and Spanish counter- number is disputed. During a debate on the issue Friday, parts, reflecting the sensitivity of the debate in France, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Paris would recognise which is home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim com- Palestine if diplomatic efforts failed again and urged a resolu- munities. An Indian naval band performs during a rehearsal for the forthcoming Navy Day celebrations in front of the tion to the Middle East conflict within two years. France is Senior lawmaker Christian Jacob of the opposition UMP Gateway of India in Mumbai yesterday. — AFP spearheading a drive at the United Nations to unfreeze the party told MPs ahead of the vote: “Who are we kidding? We moribund peace process and the Palestinian envoy to the are kidding the French people if we think that the parlia- UN said earlier yesterday a draft resolution could be submit- ment will have any influence at all” on the peace process. Lebanon detains wife of IS leader ted to the Security Council by mid-December. France was the scene of several pro-Palestinian demonstra- Riyad Mansour told AFP the text was set to lay out a time- tions during this summer’s 50-day offensive by the Israeli Continued from Page 1 video claiming to show the shooting of a Danish national by frame for negotiations on a final peace deal and possibly a army in Gaza that killed more than 2,000 Palestinians and its “supporters” in Saudi Arabia last month, US-based moni- deadline for Palestinian statehood. It would also pave the dozens of Israelis. Some of these turned violent with looters Fawaz Gerges, a Middle East expert at the London toring group SITE said. Denmark has confirmed that one of way for a last-ditch international conference that France has in July destroying Jewish businesses and shouting anti-Israel School of Economics, said the arrest indicated that the its nationals was shot and wounded in the Saudi capital offered to host. This European initiative was expected to be obscenities in the Paris suburb of Sarcelles - sometimes American-led coalition seemed to have solid intelligence in Riyadh on Nov 22. A nearly three-minute video distributed discussed in Brussels when US Secretary of State John Kerry known as “Little Jerusalem” for its large community of Syria and Iraq. on social networks Monday by Al-Battar Media Foundation holds talks with European ministers during this week’s NATO Sephardic Jews. — AFP “I talked to a few people who told me this was a coordi- opens with a title reading: “Supporters of the Islamic State in nated arrest between American intelligence services and the Land of the Two Holy Mosques,” a name used to refer to the Lebanese army,” he told Reuters. “If I were Abu Bakr Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest shrines. Kuwait warns it may halt recruiting... Baghdadi, I would be very anxious that they are getting very It carries an audio recording allegedly by Baghdadi close,” he said. “This is a development ... that is very alarming telling Saudis: “You have the head of the snake and the Continued from Page 1 Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah affirmed for ISIS, in particular the top leadership.” The US embassy in source of the disease, so do not forget to sharpen your yesterday that the legal status of Sheikh Talal Al-Fahd Al- Lebanon said: “This was an operation by the government of swords.” Saudi rulers will see “no more security or rest,” he Director of the Manpower Public Authority (MPA) Jamal Ahmad Al-Sabah has been adjusted. In statements during Lebanon.” It had no further comment. threatens, and “there is no longer a place for polytheists” in Al-Doussary said that MPA has formed a special committee the regular National Assembly session, Sheikh Mohammad Dulaimi was one of 150 women released from a Syrian the Arabian Peninsula. His speech is followed by another to review the new amendment and fee increases which said that Sheikh Talal is no longer holding two posts con- government jail in March as part of a prisoner swap that led recording attributed to IS spokesman Abu Mohammed Al- aim at rationalizing the recruitment of expatriates and limit- currently at sports clubs’ boards, sports associations and to the release of 13 nuns taken captive by Al-Qaeda-linked Adnani urging Muslims to attack Westerners by any means, ing it to qualified, well-trained, technical and vocational the Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS). militants in Syria, according to media reports at the time. A even if only to “spit on their faces”. workers. Doussary added that the committee was also con- The law bans being a board member at any of the source with contacts with Iraqi intelligence said the cap- The video then shows a clip of an individual shooting sidering imposing new fees on what he described as ‘out- abovementioned bodies and concurrently a leader in tured woman was an Iraqi wife of Baghdadi’s, but could not from the backseat window of a vehicle at the driver of a standing e-services’ provided to expats through the e-gov- another. “Sheikh Talal is no longer holding concurrently the confirm the name. There was cooperation between Iraqi white car on a highway in a desert area. It identifies the driv- ernment website. He also noted that the committee, two posts of deputy chairman of PAYS and the President of and Lebanese authorities leading up to her capture, the er of the white car as Danish citizen “Thomas Hopner.” The formed around three months earlier, would report its rec- the Kuwait Football Association,” Sheikh Mohammad said. source said. Baghdadi has three wives, two Iraqis and one Dane was driving away from work at a company in Riyadh’s ommendations by Jan 25. He added that the government has taken many measures Syrian, according to tribal sources in Iraq. Al-Kharj Road area when he was shot in the shoulder from Meanwhile, the Assembly delayed the debate of the in the past years to improve performance and address An Islamic State fighter denied Baghdadi’s wife had “an unknown source”, according to the official Saudi Press grilling of Commerce and Industry Minister Abdulmohsen problems facing sports bodies. been arrested. “I have checked with our leaders and they Agency. General Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman for the Saudi Al-Mudej until Dec 16 at his request as the griller called on The Assembly also agreed to allocate two hours in said it was false news,” he said from inside Syria. Spillover interior ministry, told AFP yesterday that no suspect has the minister to resign. Under the law, the minister had the today’s session to debate the deteriorating situation in the from the Syrian conflict has repeatedly jolted neighbouring been arrested but the investigation into the shooting con- right to either debate the grilling yesterday or demand a sports sector in Kuwait following the early exit of Kuwait Lebanon. Militants affiliated to the Al-Qaeda-linked Nusra tinues. “We never excluded that the motive could be terror- two-week delay. He requested the delay and the Assembly national football team from the Gulf tournament last Front and Islamic State are demanding the release of ist-related,” he said. set the debate on Dec 16, while approving an extra session month after a humiliating 5-0 drubbing by lowly Oman. Islamists held by the Lebanese authorities in exchange for Danish Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard told reporters Dec 18 to compensate for the lost one. The Assembly also agreed to extend until next term the the captured members of the Lebanese security forces. The in Brussels yesterday that “the Dane is doing better”. He MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji, who filed the grilling request, work of a panel formed to probe the situation at the Kuwait United States is offering $10 million for information on said the embassy in Riyadh is in contact with Saudi author- called on the minister to resign because the documents he investment office in London and other investment offices Baghdadi, an Iraqi, whose real name is Ibrahim Awwad ities investigating the case. Thies Broegger, spokesman for plans to produce during the debate will be “scandalous” for overseas. MPs then began debating the development plan Ibrahim Ali Al-Badri Al-Samarai. In June this year, his group the Denmark-based dairy cooperative Arla Foods, con- the minister, who will have no answer for them. Turaiji has for the current 2014/2015 fiscal year, which is part of a large named him “caliph for the Muslims everywhere”. Although firmed to AP that one of its employees was shot after leav- accused the minister of a range of administrative and finan- number of projects planned under the five-year develop- he is rarely pictured, a video released in July showed him ing the office in Saudi Arabia, but declined to confirm the cial violations at his ministry and alleged that he failed to ment plan, which has already started. The lawmakers criti- preaching in a mosque in Mosul. Lebanese authorities have employee’s name or discuss the newly-released video. He protect public funds and shielded violators. Mudej’s grilling cized the government for submitting the plan late and after also detained the wife of Anas Shirkas, senior Nusra Front said Arla Foods has several hundred employees in Saudi is the first in this Assembly term which began late October. the fiscal year has almost finished, rendering the debate leader from Syria, officials said. Arabia, mainly local staff, and that security has been Separately, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh meaningless. The debate will however continue today. Separately, an IS-linked media group has released a stepped up. — Agencies WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Focus Humanitarian cargos to Gaza

n Nov 26, a Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft delivered to Amman a Gaza-bound Ohumanitarian cargo of medicine and medical equipment upon the Russian government’s decision in response to the Palestinian Authority’s urgent appeal as the situation in Gaza is more dramatic than ever due to the Israeli military operation of July-August. Russia is determined to continue comprehensive assistance to Palestine to improve its population’s life and address burning social and economic problems. Speech by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a joint news conference following talks with Splintered HK protests face ‘final showdown’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria Walid Muallem in Sochi on Nov 26, 2014: We are happy to welcome a delegation from the By Laura Mannering political expert Sonny Lo of the Hong Kong action is imminent. But talks between demonstrators and Syrian Arab Republic in Moscow led by the Minister of Institute of Education. “Some will give in the Hong Kong government in October Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Walid Muallem. ong Kong’s pro-democracy occupa- sooner or later, some will stay on and some ‘Pressure to Escalate ended in an impasse, with protest leaders Following a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, we tion is entering its death throes with will resist police action. There will be a real But with student leaders anxious not to saying authorities had little to offer. Three radical splinter groups pushing for risk of more violent confrontations by the walk away empty-handed, there are those student leaders were also denied permis- held intense talks with Mr Muallem. H more direct action but others urging more radical wing.” Student-led demonstra- who will refuse to go away quietly. Sunday sion to board a flight to Beijing last month We agree that the threat of terrorism and extrem- retreat, analysts said yesterday. But regard- tors are demanding free leadership elec- saw hundreds pushing through police lines where they hoped to bring their demands ism is the basic factor defining developments in the less of how the occupation ends, the tions for the semi-autonomous Chinese towards the government complex in for free elections to Chinese authorities. Middle East in general and Syria in particular. Terrorist protests have already had a lasting impact city. Their main protest camp blocks a long Admiralty, and in November windows of the The government and Beijing’s intransi- organisations primarily the Islamic State (ISIS), are con- on the city’s political landscape, mobilising stretch of a multi-lane highway in the legislature were smashed as some protest- gence may now trigger a trend towards sistently working towards their proclaimed goal of cre- unprecedented numbers and fostering Admiralty district of central Hong Kong. ers tried to break in. “The movement organ- more radical protest even after the current ating a caliphate based on extremist rules, and are political debate, they said. The largely Moderate pro-democracy legislators as isers are under pressure to escalate. But occupation ends, said Ma, in a city in which staging terrorist attacks in some regions of Syria and peaceful movement saw tens of thousands well as the “Occupy Central” founders two they are well aware that they can’t win by peaceful mass protest marches have long Iraq. The black ISIS flags have been raise in Lebanon, take to the streets at its height, but violent academics and a Baptist minister - have more confrontations and they have a hard been a regular occurrence. Libya and Egypt. We are convinced that the fight clashes between police and protesters long been leaning on the students to back time to think of a reason to retreat without “There is a possibility that future against this growing threat in the Middle East is a key Sunday highlighted frustrations as students away from confrontation, and now the gaining anything. It’s a dilemma,” said Hong protests will be more confrontational and priority of the international community. Russia will have failed to win concessions on political public is also growing tired of a movement Kong-based political analyst Ma Ngok. radical because people believe the more continue to assist Syria and other countries where this reform. that has brought parts of the city to a Lam added that while Joshua Wong’s conventional forms of demonstrations - ral- threat exists to strengthen their combat ability to Teenage protest hero Joshua Wong standstill. “It looks like we are seeing the tail hunger strike is a move away from more lies and petitions - will not have any effect resist terror. We firmly believe that the fight against and two other student leaders have end of this particular phase of the move- aggressive tactics, the movement may as the government will not listen to you,” terrorism must be based on international law and embarked on a hunger strike. But the origi- ment,” said political analyst Willy Lam of the swing into action again if the fast is ineffec- said Ma. But the occupation has also had a must be free of double standards. nal founders of the civil disobedience Chinese University of Hong Kong. “(Occupy tive. “When the hunger strike is finished, positive lasting effect on the level of politi- We have some questions about the activity of the movement took a step back yesterday, say- Central founder) Benny Tai and the pan- more students might tend towards radical- cal awareness and debate in the city, says coalition created by the United States, which has pro- ing that they would “surrender” to police democratic lawmakers have been putting ism... they will be telling everybody ‘we Lo. “It has had a tremendous impact on claimed the right to strike ISIS-controlled regions of and urging students to climb down. The pressure on them all along to have a volun- have tried everything, we have tried society - an unprecedented number of citi- Syria without the approval of Damascus. We believe Beijing-backed government has stood firm tary strategic retreat... and public opinion patient negotiation and then the hunger zens have been mobilised by this debate that this is contrary to the fundamental principles of against the protesters and as they scramble has turned further against continuation of strike, so what’s left except for escalation of over the Occupy movement to think about international law. to find an effective counter-strategy, ana- the occupation.” action?’” China’s communist authorities Hong Kong’s politics - in terms of the Washington’s clearly ideologically-driven refusal to lysts say that the fragmented occupation With one major protest site already insist that candidates for the 2017 vote educative function, it has achieved what cooperate with the Syrian Arab Republic against ter- movement has entered a decisive phase. cleared and an injunction now in place to must be vetted by a loyalist committee, core leaders announced (as their intention) “It is going towards the final showdown. clear parts of the main Admiralty site, the which the protesters say will ensure the last year - to educate the public, to mobilise rorism looks especially inappropriate in view of the When and how remains to be seen,” said authorities have suggested further police election of a pro-Beijing stooge. the public.” — AFP successful completion of Syria’s chemical disarma- ment, which has confirmed the Syrian government’s ability to reach an agreement. We denounce attempts to use extremist and even openly terrorist groups for the purposes of a regime change in Syria. In the long In Hezb kids’ mag, fighters not fairies run, terrorism threatens all reasonable people, including patriots in Syria who may have differing views on a By Mohamad Ali Harissi One recent edition of the magazine children to violence and teaches them that ty to a game encouraging children to crisis settlement in their country. featured stories set in the three decades their identity as Shiite Muslims takes prece- colour in grenades and automatic Mr Muallem and I found that we have the same t’s aimed at children, but instead of when Israel occupied southern Lebanon. dence over being Lebanese. “It goes too far weapons, nor to a puzzle in which readers opinion and have confirmed our position that there is princes and princesses, fairies and magi- One told of a fighter who detonated a in making guns and violence part of the draw a route around mines and bombs left no military solution to this conflict. We believe it of Icians, the heroes of Lebanon’s “Mahdi” bomb against an Israeli patrol in his occu- kids’ imagination. It’s something really dan- by the Israelis in south Lebanon. The maga- fundamental importance to make an effort, alongside magazine are the “fighters who fell resisting pied village, another of a “hero” Amer, who gerous,” said Fatima Charafeddine, an zine’s monthly circulation of 30,000 issues the anti-terrorist fight, to create conditions for resum- the Israeli enemy”. Produced by Lebanon’s confides in his mother that he will partici- author of children’s books. The magazine includes three editions one aimed at four- Hezbollah movement for the last 11 years, pate in “a martyrdom operation”. Amer also emphasises “religious identity with vir- to seven-year-olds, one at eight- to 12-year- ing the political process that must involve the Syrian Mahdi aims to teach a new generation the blows himself up, killing and wounding 25 tually no mention of their Lebanese identi- olds, and one for 13- to 17-year-olds. government and all patriotic, including opposition, militant Shiite group’s ideology of “resis- Israeli officers and soldiers, and his name is ty,” she told AFP. Eight-year-old Zahraa, who was born forces that want Syria to be a sovereign state where tance” to the Jewish state. Packed full of not revealed until 2000, when Nasrallah while her father was fighting in Hezbollah’s equal security and rights are guaranteed for all ethnic- stories inspired by the lives of Hezbollah praises his bravery. Hezbollah’s strong ‘Resistance and Fun Games’ ranks against Israel in 2006, told AFP she ities and confessions. militants, its cartoons represent bearded Iranian influence is also reflected in the Charara said Mahdi is not exclusively enjoyed Mahdi’s “stories on the resistance We are working to create conditions for the fighters and its puzzles teach children how magazine, with the Islamic republic’s focused on religious and political issues, and fun games”. “I like the stories about resumption of the political process. Lessons must be to avoid Israeli landmines. founder Ayatollah Khomeini hailed in its noting its articles on figures like Alexander imams, and especially those talking about drawn from the previous failed attempts such as the Critics accuse it of glorifying violence, pages in a feature on “the best leaders”. the Great, Victor Hugo, Albert Einstein and victory,” the veiled girl added, a smile on conference in Montreux and the subsequent two but its publishers insist the monthly maga- Critics have said the magazine exposes Thomas Edison. Still, there is little ambigui- her thin face.— AFP rounds of inter-Syrian talks. Russia has been working zine is not about indoctrination or military towards this end. We have reaffirmed our willingness propaganda. “What we want to do is teach to offer a venue in Moscow for meetings between rep- children the values of the resistance,” the resentatives of the Syrian government and a wide magazine’s general manager Abbas range of socio-political forces. Charara told AFP. “We don’t encourage car- Today we have expressed support for the activity of rying of weapons, we’re just making sure the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, they know about the exploits of the resist- including the mobilisation of international assistance ance,” he added. “We tell them: ‘Just as for a political settlement in Syria, where Syrians must these great people resisted and were victo- have the final say based on mutual accord. Russia and rious, so too can you resist and be victori- Syria also have a positive view of de Mistura’s initiative ous, and that starts with your education’.” on local freezes as a way towards a settlement. We The magazine is part of broad youth actively support this intention of the UN Special outreach - schools, scout troops and sum- Envoy, who plans to start implementing the freeze ini- mer camps - for Hezbollah, the powerful tiative at Aleppo. I am sure that the success of this movement that detractors accuse of being undertaking will prevent new casualties and help a “state within a state” in Lebanon. Established in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary thousands of peaceful civilians resume their lives. Guards, Hezbollah has been a key nemesis NOTE: This is a press statement by the Embassy of the for Israel. The group carried out numerous Russian Federation in Kuwait attacks against Israeli forces during their 22-year occupation of Lebanon, which ended in 2000 with a withdrawal that Hezbollah claimed as a victory.

All articles appearing on these ‘It’s Something Really Dangerous’ pages are the personal opinion of In 2006, Hezbollah’s abduction of two Israeli soldiers prompted a massive military the writers. Kuwait Times takes no response by the Jewish state, but it failed responsibility for views expressed to deal a death blow to the militant group. therein. Kuwait Times invites read- The group is the only party in Lebanon that failed to disarm after the country’s 1975- ers to voice their opinions. Please 1990 civil war, and it remains a powerful send submissions via email to: opin- political and military institution, with sup- [email protected] or via snail porters revering its leader Hassan mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Nasrallah. Mahdi is named after the ninth- century Imam Al-Mahdi, the last of 12 The editor reserves the right to edit imams venerated by Shiite Muslims who any submission as necessary. believe he will reappear as a saviour at the A graphic designer works on a layout for Lebanon’s “Mahdi” magazine produced by the Shiite Hezbollah movement on Nov 24, end of the world. 2014 in the capital Beirut. — AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 SPORTS

Froome to race in Tour Rabada in SA squad Park: Slump made me stronger LONDON: Chris Froome will compete in next year’s Tour de France despite ini- CAPE TOWN: South Africa have named teenage speedster Kagiso Rabada in a SEOUL: World number one Park In-bee believes a prolonged slump after her tial concerns over the lack of time trials in the race, the Team Sky rider said yes- 14-man squad for their three-match home test series against West Indies, breakout year in 2008 has made her a stronger golfer. The South Korean, who terday. The Briton, forced to withdraw from this year’s event with hand and Cricket South Africa announced yesterday. married her swing coach earlier this year, also told Reuters that 2014 had been wrist fractures, originally said he would consider his options after it was The 19-year-old, selected along with uncapped Lions team mate Temba the most consistent season of her career, even though she won just one major. announced the 2015 route is to include just 14km of individual time trials and Bavuma, is seen as a raw talent but one with a bright future and he could be Park was on a tear in 2013, winning three majors in a row and claiming six titles five mountain top finishes. However, the 2013 Tour winner has decided the given a run in the series with a busy summer of cricket for the Proteas that on the leading LPGA Tour. race will once again be his top priority. “Together with the team we’ve had to includes the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. “Of course, I had a great year last year, so this season’s three wins may prioritise some events over others but the Tour will remain my main focus for Bavuma has been rewarded for some good form with the South Africa A seem a little less compared to that, but I am very happy with myself this year,” side but is unlikely to play in the first test, with Stiaan van Zyl set to debut in 2015,” the 29-year-old Froome told Sky’s website (www.teamsky.com). she told Reuters. “The biggest accomplishment for me was that I consistently the place of the injured JP Duminy in the number seven batting position. “We made it to the top 10 more than previous years and showed a more consistent “It’s a climbers’ Tour next year so I’m going to have to work extra have been very pleased with the way the test squad has performed in its last hard in the mountains and spend less time on practising time tri- performance.” Park was a top 10 finisher in 17 of the 22 LPGA tourna- three outings in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe,” CSA selection convener Andrew ments she entered in 2014, six more that the previous year, a con- alling.” Kenyan-born Froome said the Tour would again be Hudson said in a media release yesterday. sistency that has brought her near the $10 million mark in earn- more important to him in 2015 than the Giro d’Italia or the “Part of this has been the result of consistency in the selection process and ings on the tour. Park burst on the scene in 2008 when at 19 she Tour of Spain. “The concept of doing all three Grand Tours also establishing a pecking order. Stiaan was the reserve batsman against became the youngest player to win the U.S. Women’s Open, but in a season has got appeal but, having said that, I know Zimbabwe so he is the logical choice to replace Duminy.” Left-arm spinner she failed to build on that success. Her next win on the US tour how hard it is to do two Grand Tours while targeting Robin Peterson has been called up in place of the injured Dane Piedt and took four more years to arrive though she found some suc- the overall win,” he added. ahead of Imran Tahir, with selectors believing he performs better in South cess on the Japanese tour. “I think everyone goes through “At this point in my career I feel the Tour takes pri- African conditions. Hudson said the selections of Rabada and Bavuma were that,” she said of her slump. “But I also think that I’ve ority. There may come a time at some point down made with an eye to the future. “We want to bring players whom we have been able to sustain this good run because I survived the line where other races may take preference but identified as having international potential into the team environment. This is the difficult times. “I rose, then fell to the very bottom, for 2015 it’s the Tour.” The Tour de France runs from a policy that has worked well in the past with the likes of Faf du Plessis, Dean but got back on top again and I think that has made July 4-26. — Reuters Elgar and Quinton de Kock, among others,” Hudson says. —Reuters me stronger.” — Reuters Kostner calls doping Ducks get past Bruins

charges ‘intolerable’ ANAHEIM: Devante Smith-Pelly scored the tiebreaking goal late in the second period, and Matt Beleskey ROME: Facing a lengthy ban, former 2010, although she maintains that she added his career-best 12th goal in the Anaheim Ducks’ figure skating world champion did not know he doped. 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Monday. Carolina Kostner claimed in an inter- However, published reports of Frederik Andersen made 32 saves and Sami Vatanen view yesterday that she had nothing Kostner’s testimony to prosecutors in also scored for the Ducks, who reclaimed the Western to do with the doping case involving Bolzano showed she admitted to lying Conference lead. The Ducks fell out of first place in the her former boyfriend and Olympic to inspectors from the World Anti- overall NHL standings last weekend with their first race walking gold medalist Alex Doping Agency who came to her back-to-back regulation losses of the season. Schwazer. Brad Marchand and Simon Gagne scored for the home in Germany looking for Bruins, who have lost three of four. Tuukka Rask The Italian Olympic Committee’s Schwazer on July 30, 2012 ‚Ä” days stopped 25 shots as Boston opened a tough four- anti-doping prosecutor recommended before Schwazer flew to London for game Pacific Division road swing without injured vet- Friday that Kostner be banned for four the Olympics. erans David Krejci and captain Zdeno Chara, who did- years and three months ‚Ä” longer than Ultimately, the WADA inspectors n’t make the trip. the 3 1/2-year ban that Schwazer is caught up with Schwazer in Italy and serving ‚Ä” for helping Schwazer evade that’s when he tested positive. LIGHTNING 6, RANGERS 3 a test and other infractions. “I had just a few seconds to decide Brett Connolly’s second goal of the game during a “If I knew Alex was doping I would what to do,” Kostner said. “I lied on his third-period power play lifted Tampa Bay to its third have convinced him to confess, for his request. But I never ‚Ä” never ‚Ä” cov- straight win over New York. own health,” Kostner told the Fatto ered for him, because I had no idea With Martin St. Louis off for slashing, Connolly scored past Henrik Lundqvist at 5:34 for his fourth of Quotidiano newspaper. “Being what he was doing.” the season. Tyler Johnson gave the Lightning a two- accused of aiding him is intolerable for Kostner was also questioned by goal lead 1:24 later with his second of the night, and me. I’ve never doped, I’ve never prosecutors about a banned altitude Ondrej Palat added an empty-netter with 26.4 sec- helped Alex dope and I knew nothing chamber that Schwazer slept with. “He onds left to give Tampa Bay its fourth consecutive vic- about it until the test came up posi- explained that it was to help his tory. Victor Hedman had three assists, and Ben Bishop tive. How is it possible that they seek a breathing,” Kostner said. “I was so hap- made 32 saves to improve to 8-0 against the Rangers - ANAHEIM: Daniel Paille No. 20 of the Boston Bruins is checked by Corey Perry No. 10 of the heavier ban for me compared to so py that he finally came to see me for a including three wins in 15 days. He even had an assist Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. —AFP many athletes banned for doping?” couple of days that I wouldn’t have on Connolly’s first. lift Columbus over Florida, ending a six-game losing finished with 24 saves. The prosecutor’s request was made lost time discussing it. Matt Carle added a goal for the Lightning, who streak. Matt Calvert also scored for the Blue Jackets, Panthers rookie Aaron Ekblad, the top overall draft as part of a widespread doping inquiry “Thinking it over, I shouldn’t have outscored the Rangers 15-7 in the three games - who had won only two of 17 to drop to the bottom of pick, scored his third goal of the season for Florida, set off when Schwazer tested positive had so much trust,” Kostner added. including 11 goals at Madison Square Garden. Kevin the Eastern Conference standings. Sergei Bobrovsky which has lost nine in a row to Columbus. -AP Hayes, Jesper Fast and St. Louis scored for the for EPO before the 2012 London “But when you see a machine you Rangers, who had won four of five. Lundqvist strug- Olympics. don’t associate it with doping.” gled and made only 15 saves. NHL results/standings The 27-year-old Kostner, the 2014 Kostner has also won two silvers Olympic bronze medalist and 2012 and three bronzes at the worlds, and is COYOTES 5, OILERS 2 NY Rangers 5, Philadelphia 2; Toronto 6, Washington 2; Tampa Bay 4, Ottawa 1; NY Islanders 3, world champion, is taking this year off a five-time European champion. It Tobias Rieder scored two short-handed goals in 58 New Jersey 1; Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 2. from competition but a long ban remains unclear if she could be seconds on the same penalty kill as Arizona handed would rule her out of the 2018 banned retroactively and stripped of Edmonton its 10th consecutive loss. Oliver Ekman- Western Conference Eastern Conference Olympics in Pyeongchang, South medals. “I could skate just for myself Larsson, Mikkel Boedker and Martin Erat also scored Pacific Division Atlantic Division for the Coyotes, who snapped a three-game skid and WL OTLGFGAPTS Tampa Bay 16 6 2 85 64 34 Korea, and could end her career. Her and do shows all over the world,” Montreal 16 7 2 65 63 34 case will now be decided by CONI’s Kostner said. However, a CONI ban won for the second time in seven games. They extend- Vancouver 16 6 1 72 61 33 ed their point streak against Edmonton to a franchise- Detroit 13 5 5 69 58 31 internal doping court. would likely prevent her from per- Anaheim 14 6 5 68 66 33 Boston 14 9 1 61 58 29 record 16 games. Jordan Eberle and Jeff Petry each Toronto 12 8 3 76 69 27 Schwazer, who won the 50-kilome- forming in shows supported by had a goal for the Oilers (6-15-4), who have not won at Calgary 15 8 2 78 64 32 ter walk at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, national or international sports federa- Los Angeles 12 7 5 65 57 29 Florida 9 6 6 45 53 24 home since October. They dropped to 0-12-3 against Ottawa 10 9 4 61 63 24 failed an out-of-competition test tions. Speaking at an anti-doping con- Western Conference opponents. San Jose 11 10 4 68 70 26 Buffalo 8 14 2 43 7618 before arriving in London and was vention Tuesday, CONI president Arizona 9 12 3 57 74 21 Metropolitan Division removed from Italy’s team before Giovanni Malago expressed sympathy CANADIENS 4, AVALANCHE 3 Edmonton 6 14 4 54 82 16 Pittsburgh 16 5 2 81 55 34 competing. He admitted using the for Kostner and displeasure with Max Pacioretty scored the tiebreaking goal late in Central Division NY Islanders 17 7 0 77 65 34 blood-boosting hormone EPO, and WADA’s rules, which punish those cov- the third period to send Montreal past Colorado. PK Nashville 16 5 2 64 46 34 NY Rangers 11 8 4 68 64 26 Subban and Andrei Markov each had a goal and an Washington 10 9 4 65 65 24 said he was quitting the sport. ering up doping more severely than St. Louis 16 6 2 66 51 34 New Jersey 9 11 4 58 71 22 Schwazer also admitted to consult- the dopers themselves. assist, and Jiri Sekac also scored for Montreal, which ended a three-game losing streak. Carey Price made Chicago 15 8 1 74 48 31 Philadelphia 8 12 3 61 74 19 ing with Lance Armstrong’s banned “As a friend of Carolina’s I think this Winnipeg 12 9 4 52 56 28 Carolina 7 13 3 54 68 17 26 saves for the Canadiens. Ryan O’Reilly, Daniel Briere Columbus 6 15 2 52 83 14 sports doctor, Michele Ferrari. Kostner situation is unfair,” Malago said. “But as and Tyson Barrie had goals for the Avalanche. Minnesota 13 9 1 65 55 27 has acknowledged accompanying CONI president, I realize we must fol- Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one Dallas 9 10 5 70 84 23 point in the standings and are not included in Schwazer on a visit to Ferrari’s office in low WADA’s rules.” — AP BLUE JACKETS 2, PANTHERS 1 Colorado 9 10 5 64 75 23 the loss column (L). Boone Jenner scored at 10:05 of the third period to

30 teams to race Red Bull Bar Bahr

KUWAIT: 30 teams will race head-toon the race day. 10 quads and 10 jet head in the first ever Red Bull Bar skis will form a class, the same rider Bahr event which will take place at must ride all rounds in case the the Khairan Pearl. It is a unique team qualified for the final round. motorsport relay race comprising of The winner will be the rider with the teams of two (one Jet Ski rider & one fastest time to complete the quad Quad Biker). The teams will race and the jetski race. against each other on their high pow- Pre-event scrutiny will be held ered machines on specially construct- from 11am to 12:30pm on the race ed tracks on land and in the sea. day. Riders briefing will take place at The contestants will be required the start line. Full riding gear for to negotiate a challenging track of both quads and jet skis is compulso- man-made obstacles such as ramps, ry. The event is organized by Basel mud, bumps and curves. The first Salem Al Sabah Motor Racing Club quad racer crossing the finish line and is sponsored by Ford Middle will hand his teammate the key of East, Kawasaki Kuwait, Road the jet-ski in order to start racing on Emergency, Sabah Al Ahmad Sea water. City and Public Authority for Youth & Entrance gates for all racing Sport. First place winner will win a quads and jetskis will close at 10 am Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra LX. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 SPORTS Dolphins ground Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD: The Miami Dolphins kept their playoff hopes intact by rallying for a 16-13 victory over the New York Jets on Monday when Caleb Sturgis made a 26-yard field goal with 1:57 remaining New York (2-10) rushed for 277 yards on 49 carries, but made enough key errors in the second half to lose. The Dolphins remained a factor in the wild-card race thanks to rookie Jarvis Landry’s eight receptions, Lamar Miller’s 4- yard TD run early in the fourth quarter, and plen- ty of defense when the Jets needed to pass. New York threw only 13 times, fewest in the NFL this season, and gained 49 yards. The usually reliable Nick Folk missed two field goals. All of that offset a season high on the ground as Chris Johnson had his best performance for the Jets with 105 yards. Sturgis also made field goals of 43 and 44 yards. After trailing most of the way, Miami tied it on Miller’s run with 10:24 remaining. That brought the loudest cheers of the night; thousands of Dolphins fans at MetLife Stadium braved the wet, windy conditions. Jets problems with penalties on special teams hurt them all night, and a holding call against Saalim Hakim set up the Dolphins at New York’s 39 on the tying drive. On the winning possession, backup tight end Dion Sims had catches of 18 and 17 yards. The MUMBAI: Indian cricket player Virender Sehwag holds the ICC World Cup trophy after Jets kept pounding the ball effectively. They its arrival in the country as part of its visit to competing countries. The ICC Cricket even got into field goal position after Miami World Cup 2015 will start on Feb. 14 in Melbourne. — AP made it 13-13. But Koa Misi’s sack pushed New York back to the Miami 27 and Folk missed wide left for the second time. Folk had made 18 of 20 Sehwag: Don’t ban bouncers entering the game. That’s the way the Jets’ season has gone, of course. MUMBAI: Banning bouncers following the met by quite a few bouncers. But it’s a weapon Early on, Greg Salas, with his fourth team in death of Australia’s Phillip Hughes would be for the bowlers so they should not be robbed four pro seasons, scored his first career touch- unfair on bowlers because batsmen always off it.” The flamboyant right-hander, who last down. But the receiver didn’t get it through the have the option of ducking under short- played for India in March 2013, was an integral air, instead scoring on a well-conceived reverse pitched deliveries, former India opener part of the country’s World Cup-winning team on which the Dolphins had no one close to him Virender Sehwag said yesterday. in 2011 on home soil. until he reached the 2. He dived into the end Hughes, who would have been 26 at the He has not given up hope of playing in zone to cap an 85-yard drive, but that ended his weekend, died last Thursday from an injury next year’s tournament in Australia and New night; Salas hurt a hamstring. EAST RUTHERFORD: Miami Dolphins tight end Dion Sims (80) is tripped up by New York Jets caused by a ball striking him on the back of Zealand and believes India have the strength Sturgis missed a 43-yard field goal on the inside linebacker David Harris (52) during the second quarter of an NFL football game. — AP the head during a domestic match, triggering to defend the trophy. Leading up to the World next possession for Miami, further boosting New a huge outpouring of grief in Australia and Cup, India will play a triangular one-day series York’s confidence. The Jets took the ball into will perform from week to week. And yes, that the one thing they always have done under Rex around the world. in Australia along with England but a four- Dolphins territory for the third successive series, has been true for some of the better clubs in the Ryan is play hard and physical football. This year, Restricting Sehwag in full flow has been a test series starting this month will be their and got more points on Folk’s 40-yard field goal. league. Defining what the Cowboys, Seahawks, they’ve barely showed up on a trip to San Diego very difficult task for bowlers over the years priority. Very strong at home, India’s problems As New York kept grinding away on the 49ers, Chiefs, Chargers and each team in the AFC and in two losses to Buffalo - the most recent but the 36-year-old, who has scored two triple on their travels have been well documented ground - it had 210 yards rushing in the opening North is has become an unsolvable puzzle. after the Bills were displaced by massive snow- centuries in tests, feels there should be no with the team losing 13 of their last 17 test half - it also ate up the clock. But Folk missed As for the tail enders, the two New York teams storms and forced to play a home game in clampdown on bouncers. “It was very sad that matches on foreign soil. They were thrashed from 48 yards and Miami took advantage on offer a case in point, which is surprising for the Detroit. Hughes died in such a way. But it’s part of 4-0 on their last trip Down Under. “I think we Sturgis’ 43-yard field goal to end the half. Giants, not so much for the Jets. Once reliable on defense, now they are fun- cricket and injuries are part of any sport,” have a very good chance of doing well in Sturgis added his 44-yarder to start the sec- Under Tom Coughlin, the Giants have had lots damentally weak. Their offense hasn’t been any Sehwag told reporters at a promotional event Australia because the conditions will not be ond half, and Folk followed with a 45-yarder that of ups and downs. But they’ve generally blocked good since Ryan’s first two seasons in New organised by MoneyGram to mark next year’s like in England where the ball swings and bounced off the crossbar and through, making it well for Eli Manning, had a substantial running Jersey (2009-10). Thus, ridiculously long negative 50-over World Cup. seams,” Sehwag said, referring to India’s series 13-6. Meanwhile, NFL coaches harp on the need game and a staunch pass rush filled with sack streaks fill the Jersey Meadowlands. Still, Ryan “You have an option to duck bouncers as a loss in England this year. “The only thing will for consistency. Regimen is everything. Yet the masters. The reasons they are in the midst of the and Coughlin would be less agitated if they had batsman. If you cut out the bouncers, then be the extra bounce and I am hoping our streakiness of some teams, and the unpre- NFL’s longest current slide is that all of those ele- any clue which team would suit up and take the there is no fun left in the game and it’s already team will be able to adjust to that and do dictability for others, has marked this football ments have failed. Yes, Coughlin always looks field. Shockingly, that’s also true for some of the a batsman’s game. “I have been hit on the hel- well.” — Reuters season. Now streakiness can be a good thing, as exasperated on the sideline, and he’s never had positive streaky teams. Such as Dallas. When the the Patriots (seven consecutive wins), Cardinals more reason to be so than this year. The only Cowboys were winning their six in a row, from (six) and Cowboys (six) proved. Of course, each consistent things about the Giants are their Sept. 14-Oct. 19, they ran the ball down oppo- of them lost in Week 13. inconsistency - and the steady losing. “It’s a loss nents’ throats - even against the likes of defend- And streakiness also can shatter a season, as that we feel we should’ve won,” Coughlin said ing Super Bowl champion Seattle. That allowed the losses piled up for the Raiders (10), Jets after the Giants blew a 21-0 lead and fell in them to be choosy in their passing game, and it (eight), Giants (seven), Jaguars (six), Titans (six) Jacksonville. “We’ve done this too many times. kept the defense off the field. Now that the and Panthers (six). What is most maddening for We just helped somebody beat us. Instead of Cowboys have dropped three of their past five, it coaches, general managers and players, though, forcing them to beat us, we helped them.” would be easy to presume their approach has is when they don’t have a clue how their team The Jets are even more befuddling because changed. It hasn’t really done so. —AP Gul’s return boosts Pakistan in New Zealand Twenty20s

DUBAI: Paceman Umar Gul’s return boosts former world champions Pakistan against an under-strength New Zealand in the two Twenty20 internationals starting in Dubai tomorrow. The 30-year-old returns from a knee problem which kept him away from international cricket since AUSTRALIA: A tribute reading: ‘Rest In Peace Phil’ written on a cricket bat hangs with the fifth edition of the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh green and gold ribbons by a sports field in the hometown of Australian cricket player in April this year. His inclusion will help Pakistan over- Phillip Hughes in Macksville. Mourners, led by Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke, come the absence of ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal who is suspended from international cricket after his bowl- are converging on the small rural town of Macksville ahead of today’s funeral service for ing action was found illegal in September this year. Hughes, as the test batsman’s birthplace becomes the epicenter of a nation’s grief. — AP Gul is the second highest wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game with 80 in 56 games, five No pressure on Australia behind Ajmal’s 85. He famously took 5-6 in a World Twenty20 group match against New Zealand at The Oval when Pakistan won the title in 2009. players for Adelaide Test Pakistan will hope their pace attack, which also includes the lanky 7 feet, one inch (2.1m) Mohammad SYDNEY: Cricketers and officials from around see how we go tomorrow, I guess. But this is Irfan supplement the bowling attack which has spin- Australia began converging on the small town of tough for some boys and it is going to be tough ners in Raza Hasan and Shahid Afridi. Pakistan had a Macksville, New South Wales for the funeral of for me. I will have to work it out when I get to miserable World Twenty20 in Bangladesh where they Phillip Hughes as the impact of his untimely Adelaide and see how we all feel. failed to reach the last four for the first time in five edi- death on the international game unfolded yes- “The boys who were there who witnessed tions of the tournament. That prompted captain terday. Hughes, who would have been 26 at the what happened I can’t speak for them because I Mohammad Hafeez to step down, giving the respon- weekend, died last Thursday from a catastrophic can’t imagine what they are going through.” sibility to all-rounder Afridi for a second stint. But HAMBANTOTA: Clouds hover over illuminated Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket injury caused by a ball striking him in the back of Sutherland said consideration had been giv- Afridi’s return as captain wasn’t auspicious as Pakistan Stadium as ground crew cover the field from rain. Sri Lanka and England will play their third the head during a domestic match, triggering a en to cancelling the Brisbane test, which is worth lost the only Twenty20 against Australia in Dubai in one day international cricket match of seven match series today. — AP huge outpouring of grief in Australia and around some A$20 million ($16.97 million) to Cricket October by six wickets. Afridi said Pakistan will not the world. Australia and will now be squeezed between the underestimate New Zealand who are without their Some 5,000 people are expected for the Adelaide and Melbourne tests from Dec. 17-21. dashing skipper Brendon McCullum who, along with Anyone for fast-forward funeral at 2pm local time (0300 GMT) on “To be honest it was close, there were only a few pacemen Tim Southee and Trent Boult, have returned Wednesday in the small coastal town halfway days in it, but in the end we’ve been able to get to New Zealand to prepare for the upcoming home between Sydney and Brisbane, where Hughes to a solution that I believe was optimal,” he said. series against Sri Lanka. tennis? Welcome to IPTL grew up on a farm producing bananas and beef. “I just hope everyone will understand the big “New Zealand is a dangerous limited over side and Among them will be his team mates from the picture here, these are tragic and extraordinary we will not underestimate them,” said Afridi. “We have SINGAPORE: It’s tennis, but not as we know per set, no advantages, no lets, coaching time- Australia squad, whose grief at his death caused circumstances.” Alistair Nicholson, chief executive to be at out best to beat them.” it. Singapore welcomed the International outs and a five-minute shootout if a match is the postponement of the first test of a four- of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), McCullum smashed a brilliant 202 to help New Premier Tennis League (IPTL) for the first time tied at 5-5. The matches, played under bright match series against India which was scheduled represented the players in the discussions about Zealand win the third and final Test in Sharjah on yesterday and while the initial turnout at the lights, are punctuated by loud music at key to start in Brisbane tomorrow. the rescheduling and said the solution satisfied Sunday, levelling the three-match Test series 1-1. Indoor Stadium was low, players and organis- moments with the audience asked to partici- Cricket Australia have re-jigged the schedule their two main concerns. “It was very important Kane Williamson, who has led New Zealand in ers were doing their best to create a party pate by tweeting ‘selfies’ that get flashed up with the series now getting underway in that the Hughes family were given a chance to three one-day matches and two Twenty20s will lead atmosphere. on the scoreboard and questions asked to Adelaide next Tuesday but are aware that even lay Phil to rest and the preparation time was also New Zealand while Ross Taylor, fast bowler Adam The four-team tournament kicked off in winning players in post-match interviews. that might still be too soon for some players. important,” he said. “It’s obviously going to be a Milne and batting all-rounder Anton Devcich return to Manila on Friday and will proceed to Delhi The tournament has be fortunate to get Chief executive James Sutherland said CA tough summer with four tests against India and the squad. Pacemen Mitchell McClenaghan and Kyle next before concluding in Dubai on Dec. 13, big names like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, would be understanding of players who still feel the World Cup but the players will now be able Mills and spinner Nathan McCullum will also boost the event mirroring its India-based cricket Andy Murray, Serena Williams and Ana uncomfortable about playing next week. to focus because there’s now certainty.” New Zealand. Pakistan have beaten New Zealand in counterpart by adding bright lights, glitz, Ivanovic to take part, and while some strug- “There’s a funeral tomorrow, let’s just under- In another tweak to the schedule announced six of their nine Twenty20s with three losses. After the glamour and audience participation to a fast- gled to adapt to the mixed-team format most stand that’s going to be difficult enough as it is,” on Tuesday, the venues for Australia’s ODIs second Twentyw20, also in Dubai on Friday, both paced format. warmed to the event in Manila. he told reporters at Sydney Airport on his way to against England on Jan 16 and Jan 18, which will teams will play five one-day internationals. Early signs coming out of the Philippines The Delhi-based Indian Aces have dominat- Macksville. “I’d encourage everyone to give play- also serve as World Cup warm-ups, have been suggest the tournament got off to a positive ed so far, winning all three matches in Manila ers their space and let them in their own way switched with Sydney now hosting the former Teams: start and once the audience get to fully under- and opening with a resounding 30-11 win over work through that. “It’s absolutely up to the indi- and Melbourne the latter. Sutherland also Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, vidual (whether they play), and any player that is expressed sympathy for India’s players, whose Mohammad Hafeez, Awais Zia, Anwar Ali, Haris Sohail, stand the complex scoring and in-game the UAE Royals in Singapore. A bigger crowd is not comfortable or doesn’t feel right, or there is preparations for the series have been severely Mohammad Irfan, Raza Hasan, Saad Nasim, Sarfraz nuances, the IPTL could establish itself as an expected in Tuesday’s late match between medical advice that it is not quite right, we will disrupted after the cancellation of one of their Ahmed, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab interesting addition to the regular tennis cal- Williams’ Singapore Slammers and the Manila obviously understand that.” two warm-up matches last week. A match Riaz. endar. The emphasis of the event is on speed, Mavericks in an event confident that its mod- against an Cricket Australia XI has now been New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey fun and noise with ties made up of five one- ern approach will afford it a big future in ten- EMOTIONALLY READY scheduled for Thursday and Friday at Glenelg Anderson, Dean Brownlie, Anton Devcich, Martin set shootouts in men’s and women’s singles, nis. However, one player looking in the past Pace bowler Ryan Harris later said he was not Oval in Adelaide, while India’s stand-in skipper Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell men’s and mixed doubles and a legends sin- was Serbia’s Ivanovic, who answered a tweeted sure he would be emotionally ready to bowl in Virat Kohli will be among the mourners at the McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam gles match with the team that wins the most question asking what decade she would have Adelaide. “Tomorrow is the day we are thinking funeral. “It will be a sad day, as every funeral is,” Milne, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Ross Taylor, games, not sets, declared the winner. liked to live in by saying “the 14th century, to about. In the back of our mind is Tuesday and we Hughes’s manager James Henderson told Daniel Vettori. Additional touches include a 20-second develop the world”. Her first task would have have got to do what we can to try to prepare for reporters in Macksville. “But it will also be a won- Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK) and Ahmed Shahab serve clock, a ‘Happiness Power Point’ joker been to invent the tennis racket as they did that,” he told reporters in Brisbane. derful celebration of a young man who achieved (PAK) TV umpire: Shozab Raza (PAK), Match referee: that scores double and can be played once not arrive until 200 years later. — Reuters “I’m still thinking about it and I’m not sure, so much in 26 years of life.” — Reuters Roshan Mahnama (SRI). — AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 SPORTS Stars look to make right waves in pool

DOHA: American great Ryan Lochte will bid along He then won four titles at the European with other stars to give swimming a positive spin at Championships in Berlin, setting a new world this week’s World Short-Course (25m) record in the 50m as well as being one of the British Championships in Doha following an uncomfort- mixed relay squad that set a new global mark. able few weeks for the sport. Last week it emerged Speaking days after Sun’s positive test emerged, that double Olympic and five-time world champion Peaty told AFP: “I know it has been published really Sun Yang had failed a drugs test, which revealed the late and I don’t know what is going on there. banned stimulant trimetazidine, back in May for “I don’t really have a personal opinion on it but which he received just a three-month ban. with drugs in general the penalties should be a lot There was also news of another Russian doping more steep. “I’m sure for people who are going to violation, months after sports minister Vitaly Mutko be racing him now that is going to be fuel for them admitted the country was “on the brink” of being to beat him.” Peaty will renew acquaintance with suspended from competition as the positive tests Van Der Burgh as well as Hungarian 200m Olympic continue to mount. champion Daniel Gyurta, runner-up behind Le Clos In October world governing body FINA provoked in the World Cup series this autumn, and German a backlash when they awarded Russian president European 200m title-holder Marco Koch. Vladimir Putin their highest honour - the FINA order “I am just going to go out there and fight as hard - an act described by the German Bundestag as as I can and use my skills as much as I can and “tastelessly provocative”. hopefully come back with quite a big PB (personal A proposal for the swimming finals at the 2016 best) because I think my long course is faster than Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro to be held late at my short course.” night in order to satisfy television demands has also While Peaty is starting out on his senior interna- met with resistance. Against this backdrop Olympic Ryan Lochte swims in this file photo. tional career, 30-year-old Lochte will be looking to and world champions will take to the 25m pool at Olympics and 2013 World Championships in Olympic title-holder Federica Pellegrini and double add to the 30 world short-course medals he has the Hamad Aquatic Centre from December 3-7. Barcelona - will also be in Qatar. Olympic and world silver medallist Mireia Belmonte. already claimed including seven two years ago in Those competing include 11-time Olympic Katinka Hosszu set five world records during the A swimmer who made a staggering break- Istanbul. Lochte is enter in six individual events and medallist Lochte and Olympic and world butterfly 2014 World Cup series, her Herculean programme through on to the international stage in 2014 was spearheads a 36-strong United States team which champion Chad le Clos as well as Florent Manaudou earning the Hungarian the nickname of the ‘Iron British breaststroker Adam Peaty. features four women who are still at high school. He and Cesar Cielo, 2012 and 2008 Olympic 50m Lady’. She will be joined by - among others - double Still only 19, Peaty beat Olympic champion told a teleconference: “Team USA - we are just going freestyle champions respectively. 2012 Olympic freestyle champion Ranomi Cameron van der Burgh en-route to the 100m to do what we always do and go out there and try Canadian Ryan Cochrane - runner-up behind Kromowidjojo along with triple European and dou- breaststroke title at the Commonwealth Games - to prove to the world we are the best and just get it Sun in the 1,500m freestyle at both the 2012 ble Commonwealth champion Fran Halsall, former one of three medals in Glasgow. done so I am excited to go.” — AFP Vettel lives childhood dream at Ferrari

ITALY: Quadruple Formula One world 11 or 12, trying to look over the fence and champion Sebastian Vettel says he is living trying to see a glimpse of Michael running a boyhood dream after completing his first on the track, well today I was the one run- weekend at Maranello as a Ferrari driver. ning,” said Vettel. “There are a lot of fairy- The German, who left Red Bull at the tales about Ferrari and how it feels to drive end of the season after losing his title to a red car and in the end I can only confirm Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, spent three these fairytales,” he added. days at the Italian team’s factory meeting “It’s not just a story, it’s a true legend key people and driving a 2012 car. The that exists and it feels really, really special Ferrari website said the 27-year-old met to become part of that and to be inside chairman Sergio Marchionne and new team the car, to see the people coming, running principal Maurizio Arrivabene on Monday to the track and trying to climb the walls after talks with engineers and time in the to see the car.” Vettel, who has agreed a simulator over the weekend. On Saturday, three-year contract, replaces Spaniard he completed nearly 100 laps of the Fiorano Fernando Alonso at Ferrari after the dou- test circuit-a place he visited many years ble champion made it clear he wanted to ago as a fan hoping to get a glimpse of his leave. Ferrari finished a dismal fourth over- hero Michael Schumacher at work. all this season, their first since 1993 with- “Looking back to the years when I was out a race victory. — Reuters Tiger makes comeback at World Challenge

ORLANDO: Tiger Woods returns to com- month following a split with swing coach petition after a four-month injury layoff Sean Foley in August. this week at Isleworth, the same gated “I’m excited to be back competing,” SRI LANKA: Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Joseph Blatter (center) the Chief Minister of Northern province C community where his historic golf career Woods tweeted two weeks ago when he V Vigneswaran (second left) and Sri Lankan Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage (seond right) take part in an opening ceremony for a began to unravel five years ago. announced he was working with Como. sports stadium in the Sri Lankan city of Jaffna. — AFP Woods, who has played only seven Woods underwent a microdiscectomy on events in 2014 due to a nagging back March 31 to ease pressure on a pinched injury, will make his comeback starting nerve, a surgery that caused him to miss Thursday at the Hero World Challenge, an the Masters and US Open. Blatter hopes to kick 18-player invitational event that benefits This year, Woods missed two cuts plus his charity foundation. a secondary cut at Torrey Pines and with- Seven of the world’s 11 top players will drew from two other events. He has fin- compete, including eighth-ranked ished 72 holes only twice this year shar- cricket in Sri Lanka Australian Jason Day in his return from a ing 25th at Doral in March in his final back injury and 11th-rated Jordan Spieth, event before surgery but wincing in pain coming off a victory in last week’s at shots and when bending to pick his COLOMBO: FIFA boss Sepp Blatter yesterday where FIFA will hold the Under-17 world cup in and discussed the improvements necessary. Australian Open, but not world number ball out of the hole and taking 69th at the vowed to make football Sri Lanka’s most popular 2017 with the participation of 24 teams playing “The President requested assistance from FIFA one Rory McIlroy. British Open in July. game by overtaking cricket in line with an 52 matches. “They (India) just started a profes- to bring down internationally-acclaimed players “We’re thrilled about the depth and Woods has not played since missing emerging trend in the giant neighbour India. sional league with former players, good players, to Sri Lanka and to help Sri Lankan players obtain talent of our field,” Woods said. Woods, the cut at the PGA Championship at The visiting world football chief told reporters but the right promotion will come in 2017,” experience abroad,” President Rajapakse’s office in Colombo that he saw no reason why football Blatter said. “It will be the first boom in a big said in a statement. Officials said FIFA had spent ranked 24th, moved the event this year Valhalla in August a week after tweaking could not be the number one game in Sri Lanka, cricket country.”Blatter said he was keen to help over 11.5 million dollars on improving football in from California to the same neighbor- his back in a stumble at a World Golf where the national cricket players are treated as Sri Lanka-which this week marked 75 years since the island in recent years. hood where he drove into a fire hydrant Championships event. demigods. the founding of the Football Federation of Sri Blatter said FIFA member countries received in late November of 2009. That began a To stress the point Woods is healthy, “Football is a more inclusive sport, relatively Lanka-to improve the game and make the sport a $250,000 bonus after the World Cup and he series of revelations unveiling a sex scan- his foundation tweeted a link to a Vine cheaper to play, and does not take a long dura- the most popular in the island of 20 million peo- hoped to pay another $500,000 to each mem- dal that led to Woods’ divorce from wife video Monday showing Woods hitting a tion,” he said after visiting the island’s former war ple. “I am not satisfied with the development of ber in January. However, he declined to answer Elin in 2010 and damaged his once-per- drive Monday and also tweeted the mes- zone of Jaffna to open a football stadium. the (football) game,” he said adding that the local questions on whether FIFA will publish the full fect image with major sponsors. Woods, a sage “He’s back.” “I urge all of you to take to football and look governing body of the sport needed to put in report written by a former US prosecutor 14-time major champion chasing the It’s the same two-word message that forward to the day when Sri Lanka competes more effort to attract young players. Michael Garcia into alleged corruption. “I can’t record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, NBA legend and Woods pal Michael internationally.” He said football was increasingly Blatter held talks with Sri Lankan President give any answer because it is against (the) ethic has not captured a major title since the Jordan used to tell the world he was end- becoming more popular in neighboring India Mahinda Rajapakse during his brief one-day visit of FIFA,” he added. — AFP 2008 US Open. ing his retirement, heralding a comeback Back, knee and leg injuries have hin- with the Chicago Bulls that doubled his dered his pursuit of Nicklaus in recent career total of NBA titles to six. Author claims to debunk years and Woods turns 39 later this Woods sponsors learning centers that month. No player has ever won more educate 15,000 students each year and than three majors beyond his 39th birth- scholarships that have sent more than day, something Woods must achieve if he 100 youth to college. “The foundation Pantani murder theory is to catch Nicklaus. provides the resources our kids need to The Challenge will be the first tourna- succeed,” Woods said. “Thanks to our ment for Woods since he named Chris amazing supporters we are able to make MILANO: Claims by a lawyer representing the with small subarachnoid hemorrhage, massive Lawyer Moreno Maresi told AFP in Rimini on Como as his new swing consultant last that happen.” — AFP family of deceased Marco Pantani that video evi- pulmonary congestion.” Monday: “We are starting to verify who has writ- dence of the crime scene investigation has left However the investigation was reopened by ten. It is only right people are allowed to protect more questions than answers have been reject- prosecutors in August after Pantani family their reputation.” ed by the author of a new book into the Italian lawyer Antonio De Rensis handed prosecutors Although not been aired in public, the film of cycling hero. fresh evidence supposedly supporting claims of the crime scene investigation was watched by “I have investigated this case since Pantani foul play. Pantani’s mother Tonina has always AFP in its entirety on Monday. It shows officers died 10 years ago, and although some questions maintained that her son was murdered and entering Pantani’s apartment at Hotel Le Rose at remain unanswered, almost all of the claims sug- Francesco Maria Avato, a professor at the 2247 on the evening of February 14, 2004, where gesting he was a victim of homicide can be Department of Biomedical Science at the they found the dead cyclist’s body on an upper explained,” Andrea Rossini told AFP. University of Ferrara, said last July that “huge floor of the mezzanine. Officers are heard mov- In his book-’Delitto Pantani-Ultimo Kilometro amount of drugs found in Pantani’s body sug- ing furniture and objects while on the lower lev- (Segreti e bugie) - The Pantani Crime - The Last gested the cyclist could not have possibly el of the apartment, as a doctor, on an upper lev- Kilometre (Secrets and Lies) — Rossini counters ingested the drugs, in such amounts, by tradi- el, inspects and moves Pantani’s body before almost every claim which suggests Pantani was tional methods”. removing a ‘ball’ of what is later confirmed as a victim of foul play. He added: “Pantani suffered Avato’s testimony helped fuel speculation cocaine wrapped in bread from a puddle of tremendously in the final years of his life and I that Pantani, whose previous doctor claimed he coagulated blood near the dead cyclist’s head think avoiding the truth and speculating about would buy up to 150 grammes of cocaine at a and under his torso. his demise and death helps none.” time, was killed by a third party who forced him After moving Pantani’s body, a bruise above However Italy, and the country’s obsession to ingests massive quantities of the drug. the left eye and larger bruises above the right with Pantani, who in 1998 became only the sev- De Rensis claims incidents during the investi- eye and on the nose are clearly visible. enth cyclist to win the Giro d’Italia and Tour de gation of the crime scene have left many ques- One of De Rensis’s claims is that Pantani may France in the same year, has been gripped by tions unanswered, and the Italian media have have been beaten by a third party - a suggestion the story into the man known as ‘Il Pirata’ (The been quick to seize on the story. pathologist Franco Tagliaro refuted Monday in a Pirate). Officially, Pantani died from a heart “There are still too many unanswered ques- statement sent to Rimini prosecutors and attack brought on by massive cocaine consump- tions about this case. We will keep on fighting obtained by AFP. “Marco Pantani was neither tion at the Hotel Le Rose in Rimini on the night until we come to a fair and proper conclusion,” assaulted nor hit before he died,” said Tagliaro. of February 14, 2004. he told AFP. On hearing of the release of Rossini’s book An autopsy, of which AFP has obtained a On Monday, faced with increasing scrutiny in debunking a homicide hypothesis which has copy, released two days after the 34-year-old’s recent months and claims they did not carry out added further mystery to the Pantani case LOUISVILLE: In this Friday, Aug. 8, 2014 file photo, Tiger Woods winces after tee shot death by state pathologist Giuseppe Fortuni, the investigation diligently, the officers released Tonina Pantani, issued a terse statement on her on the sixth hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tourna- said Pantani died from a “terminal cardiovascular a statement through lawyers threatening to Facebook page. “I don’t have time to lose, listen- ment. — AP collapse, edema and congestion of the brain launch defamation proceedings. ing to more lies,” she said. — AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 SPORTS Welbeck eager to stay on winning track

LONDON: Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck hopes to City last weekend will help defuse the anger of games, everybody’s going to be giving 100 percent,” for Wednesday,” said Koeman. “He’s now having a maintain the momentum generated by his match- those fans frustrated at Arsenal’s failure to keep he said. Southampton remain third despite the scan on his right leg, we have to wait and see the winning header at West Bromwich Albion when pace with leaders Chelsea. Welbeck is convinced the defeat at the hands of City and Wenger knows they results of the scan. Southampton visit the Emirates Stadium today. confidence generated by his much-needed goal will will pose a testing challenge. The Gunners boss has “We know exactly what Morgan means for our Welbeck’s header at The Hawthorns was his first help turn things around. been left with yet another injury headache ahead of team, he’s one of our key players and without key goal in seven games for Arsenal and secured a The striker, signed from Manchester United for the visit of Ronald Koeman’s team. players it’s always difficult for the rest of the team.” priceless victory for the Gunners as they attempt to £16 million ($26.6 million, 20.2 million euros) at the Defenders Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal are Southampton have already tasted victory at the force their way back into the Champions League end of the last transfer window, said: “I’ve had a cou- both doubtful after suffering injuries at West Brom, Emirates Stadium this season when they knocked spots. Successive league defeats had seen the ple blocked off the line [in recent games] and it just forcing Wenger to consider using Calum Chambers Arsenal out of the League Cup. north London club drop away from the leading wasn’t going my way, but I’ve got the goal and I’m or Laurent Koscielny as a makeshift left-back. “The previous result gives the confidence that we group, but after following up the Champions just looking forward to scoring more and helping Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is again can beat them, but Arsenal in the last two games League win over Borussia Dortmund with victory at the team to win games.” likely to miss out because of a hip problem but Alex have had two good results,” said Koeman. West Brom, Arsene Wenger’s side moved up to sixth, Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to recover from a “I think they are a little bit back with the spirit two points behind Manchester United in fourth. SCHNEIDERLIN SETBACK minor knock. Koeman criticised his side for the indi- about these two results. “It will be difficult, but you That wasn’t enough to satisfy some of the travel- Welbeck’s goal was timely as he attempts to vidual errors he believes were responsible for the always get space against Arsenal. They like to play, ling Arsenal supporters at the weekend who retain his position as Arsenal’s main striker following loss to a City side reduced to 10 men for the last 16 they like to play offensive. “I think it will be an open unfurled a banner demanding the veteran manager the return to fitness of Olivier Giroud. minutes. The Saints’ hopes of returning to winning game and, with our possibilities, we believe we will quit. Victory against a Southampton side still smart- “It gives the manager a good headache and he’s ways have not been helped by the loss of midfielder have chances for a good result,” added the former ing from a painful 3-0 home defeat by Manchester got a lot of options going forward. Going into the Morgan Schneiderlin due to injury. “He’s not ready Dutch international. — AFP Fernandinho forecasts City revival in title race

SUNDERLAND: Fernandinho is in no doubt but does not yet know the severity of the Manchester City are brimming with confi- problem. The absence of Mangala, the £32 dence and determined to record a fourth million ($51 million) pre-season signing successive victory to keep the pressure on from Porto, and Kompany would leave City Chelsea at the top of the Premier League. short on options at the heart of their The reigning champions have moved to defence. within six points of Jose Mourinho’s leaders Martin Demichelis is almost certain to as they begin to discover a consistency come into the starting line-up in front of they struggled to find in the early stages of another 40,000-plus attendance at the season. Sunderland’s Wearside home. City went second in the table with a 3-0 victory over Southampton, who were pre- OFF GUARD viously unbeaten at home, last weekend The Argentinian would be partnered by and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho either Bacary Sagna-whose natural position believes that result can serve as a state- is right-back-or Dedryck Boyata, a 24-year- ment of intent from Manuel Pellegrini’s old Belgian who has made just seven team. Premier League starts in five years for City. “This is a new time for us, and from now Fernandinho was confident City would until the end of the season I think you will cope with the changes in defence. see a different Manchester City,” said “We have two important players out but Fernandinho ahead of Wednesday’s trip to I am sure the boss will find another player Sunderland. to cover that position. “The most impor- “We didn’t start very well this season tant thing will be playing as a team, even but now we’re playing much better. Now without two important players.” we need to keep at this quality for the Meanwhile Sunderland will hope to whole year.“This win was also a very impor- remain unbeaten for a fifth straight game. tant victory because this week has been The Black Cats, beaten by City in last sea- quite tough for us, and this title fight is son’s League Cup final, earned plaudits for massive. When you win against a team that their defensive display in holding Chelsea is above you, it is much better,” he added, to a 0-0 draw at the weekend. with City having leapfrogged But Sunderland’s former City midfielder Southampton into second place. “We go Adam Johnson said they would look to into the next game at Sunderland with attack Pellegrini’s side at every opportuni- more confidence, and we are looking to ty.Sunderland have beaten Manchester win again.” City could be without both of City 1-0 at home in each of the last four LONDON: Manchester City’s Yaya Toure (right) celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game with his teammates in this file photo. — AP their first-choice central defenders for the seasons, and haven’t lost to them in front trip to the Stadium of Light. of their own fans for more than six years. Eliaquim Mangala is suspended after “You only have to look at the players Celtic looking to cement top spot being sent off during the victory against they have in their squad to see it will be a the Saints, and captain Vincent Kompany is difficult game,” Johnson said. “But we’re up GLASGOW: Celtic will look to cement their interest from a number of top European clubs. quarter-final visit last month when they were a major doubt, having left the field injured for the challenge against them just like we position at the top of the Scottish Premiership However, Norwegian manager Deila is hopeful reduced to 10 men early on. Ryan Stevenson, on Sunday. Pellegrini revealed the Belgian were last season, and maybe we can catch when they welcome Glasgow rivals Partick of keeping hold of Van Dijk to spearhead his who grabbed a double as Thistle knocked defender had suffered a hamstring injury them off guard once again.” — AFP Thistle to Parkhead today. four-pronged trophy assault. Hamilton out of the Scottish Cup on Saturday, Ronny Deila’s side return to league action “I will not be surprised if there is more inter- hopes his teammates give a better account of after a comfortable 4-0 defeat of Hearts saw est in Virgil. He is a fantastic footballer and is themselves this time out. “It’s a big game for us the Hoops progress to the fifth round of the improving all the time,” Deila said. on Wednesday. We went down to Celtic a cou- Scottish Cup on Sunday. The Glasgow giants “Virgil works hard in training and is more ple of weeks ago and didn’t do ourselves any now top the Premiership table on goal differ- focused. He’s going to be expensive but he justice,” the midfielder said. ence from Inverness Caledonian Thistle and loves to be here.”I really hope that we can keep “Winning breeds confidence and hopefully will move three points clear if they win him. That is the priority. If he is going I hope it we can take the confidence from Saturday into Wednesday’s game, which was delayed from is to the biggest clubs and not an average Wednesday. “It will be a difficult night for us, the start of the season. After a stuttering start Premier League team. but hopefully we can give a good account of to the current campaign, Celtic have won their “He has everything you need to do it at that ourselves and, if we can play as well as we can, past seven domestic matches in a row and are level. But I hope we can keep him to challenge you never know what can happen. still in with a chance of claiming four trophies. for four competitions. “That would be good for “It is hard enough with 11 men at Parkhead One of the players who has been crucial to him too. He is our player and we have him on a so when you go down to 10 it is extra difficult. Celtic’s progress this campaign is Virgil van long contract.” Partick will be hoping for an “We will learn from that. We can go there with a Dijk. The Dutch defender bagged a double improvement in fortunes when they visit Celtic bit of confidence and hopefully we can get a against Hearts on Sunday and has attracted Park. The Jags lost 6-0 on their League Cup result.” — AFP Pele out of intensive care

SAO PAULO: Five days after his condition was described as “clinically unstable,” Brazilian soccer legend Pele was out of intensive care Tuesday and walking around Chelsea as he recovers from a kidney problem. “The patient ... is doing well without medical complications. He is able to walk around his room,” the Albert Einstein clinic in Sao take on Paolo said, in a statement. “Following clinical analyses, resuming renal assistance was not necessary,” it added. Media reports said Pele requested a guitar to strum as he continues Spurs his convalescence. The clinic said 74-year-old Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known worldwide as Pele, is now receiving “semi-intensive” care but remains in the same bed as previously. The hospital said further kidney tests will be conducted tomorrow. Pele was “lucid and eating well” without breathing difficulties LONDON: Chelsea’s captain John Terry stands dejected in this file photo. while receiving antibiotics intravenously, the hospital said. LONDON: Chelsea will look to stretch but one is better than no points,” The clinic suspended renal assistance on one of the longest unbeaten sequences Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Sunday, six days after the three-time world in the top flight when the runaway lead- told the club website champion was admitted. Initial tests showed ers entertain arch-rivals Tottenham (www.chelseafc.com) on Monday. that Pele, widely regarded as the greatest Hotspur today. “If you score early then you know the player of all time, was suffering from a uri- There has been little love lost opposition have to come at you and nary infection requiring antibiotics. BRAZIL: In this June 15, 2014 file photo, soccer great Pele poses for photos during the inaugu- between the fans of both sides since there will be more space but we couldn’t Last Thursday, the hospital said the man ration of the Pele Museum. — AP Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley in do that and it was a difficult match.” nicknamed ‘O Rei’ (the king) had been STRUMMING BACK TO HEALTH He made his name with Santos and the first all-London FA Cup final in 1967. Chelsea are six points ahead of sec- placed in intensive care after his condition A hospital spokesman told AFP that Pele helped Brazil to World Cup titles in 1958, The Stamford Bridge club, however, ond-placed Manchester City after 13 became “clinically unstable,” alarming his had received a flood of get-well-soon mes- 1962 and 197. can boast a proud 24-year unbeaten Premier League games and Courtois is fans. Some Brazilian media reported that sages from well-wishers via social media. Pele achieved the first of his World Cup home streak against the team from hungry to keep churning out victories. Pele had septicemia, a blood infection, after And the Globo Esporte website said the for- triumphs at the age of 17, scoring twice in White Hart Lane, stretching back to 1990 “We don’t have to focus on clean sheets, he failed to respond to treatment. But on mer star was not just up and about but had the final win over hosts Sweden. But he was when Gary Lineker scored one of the the most important thing is to win Friday the clinic said he was responding to asked for a guitar to be brought to his room. instrumental in Brazil winning a third crown goals as the visitors triumphed 2-1 in the games,” he said. antibiotics while the star insisted via social Pele underwent kidney stone surgery in in Mexico in 1970, scoring in a 4-1 final romp old First Division. “Obviously it’s nice to keep a clean media he had simply been moved to anoth- the same clinic on November 13 and was over Italy. Chelsea have yet to taste defeat in 20 sheet but I’d rather win a match 2-1. It’s er room for more privacy. discharged two days later, joking to Pele ended his career with a spell in the matches in all competitions this season good that we haven’t lost a match but Pele has only one kidney after the other reporters that “I’m ready to play tomorrow” then embryonic US league with the New and, after dropping two points in a 0-0 we want to win rather than draw.” Spurs was removed following complications from and winding down his car window to greet York Cosmos alongside German legend draw at lowly Sunderland on Saturday, are in seventh place, 13 points adrift of a rib injury he suffered while playing for the fans. Named athlete of the 20th century by Franz Beckenbauer, who last week sent on Jose Mourinho’s men will be keen to Chelsea, and will go to Stamford Bridge New York Cosmos in the 1970s, his agent the International Olympic Committee in his best wishes for a speedy recovery. Pele instantly get back to winning ways. “I buoyed by their 2-1 comeback victory at Jose “Pepito” Fornos told AFP over the 1999, Pele was born in October, 1940 in the scored 77 goals in 91 games for Brazil and wouldn’t say we are happy with a point home to Everton on Sunday. —Reuters weekend. southeastern state of Minas Gerais. 1,281 in his career. — AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 SPORTS

Equatorial Guinea take center stage for CAN draw

MALABO: All eyes in Africa will be lean on the coaching leadership of focussed on Equatorial Guinea today dashing Frenchman Herve Renard who as the capital of Malabo plays host to led Zambia to their first title three the draw for the Africa Cup of Nations years ago. just weeks after Morocco were stripped Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and of the right to host the event. Roma striker Gervinho are key players The traditional ceremony to deter- for the Ivory Coast with a strong cast of mine the group matchups for the talent in place to support the 1992 January 17 to February 8 continental champions. showpiece, was initially set for Rabat Holders Nigeria and seven-time before Morocco asked for the tourna- champions Egypt failed to qualify leav- ment to be postponed because of the ing Algeria the danger team from hat devastating Ebola outbreak which has number two alongside 2013 finalists cost nearly 7,000 lives in west Africa. Burkina Faso, Mali and Tunisia. Morocco were instead not only The ‘Desert Foxes’ of Algeria reached stripped of the right to host the tour- the second round of the World Cup for nament but disqualified from the the first time this year, and are chasing event as Equatorial Guinea, the third a second African title after their only highest producer of petrol in Sub- success on home soil in 1990. Saharan Africa, stepped in at the final The country are enjoying a purple hour to save the day. patch with top club ES Setif recently Equatorial Guinea, who co-hosted winning the African Champions the 2012 event with Gabon, face a race League and the CAN providing a seri- against time to be ready with less than ous opportunity to increase their flour- two months until kick-off, and the ishing international reputation. draw is set to unveil further indications On paper, hat number four appears of progress on preparations. One stronger than the third set of teams aspect that hasn’t changed is the for- with former giants Senegal, Cameroon mat with four groups of four teams and Guinea joining the Congo while drawn in a round-robin first round line- Cape Verde, South Africa, Gabon and up shared between the cities of Democratic Republic of Congo com- Malabo, Bata, Mongomo and Ebebiyin. plete the 16-nation line-up in pot Ironically, Equatorial Guinea will be three. in the top seeded hat as hosts, just six Cameroon, now without former months after the former Spanish captain Samuel Eto’o, failed to qualify ITALY: Napoli forward Gonzalo Gerardo Higuain (left) and Sampdoria defender Alessio Romagnoli fight for the ball during a Serie A soccer colony were disqualified from qualify- in 2012 and 2013 which dropped their match. — AP ing after fielding an ineligible player ranking while Senegal have failed to during a preliminary round fixture get past the first round since 2006. against Mauritania. The ‘Indomitable Lions’ of Zapata on target for Napoli They will joined, as one of the top Cameroon, won the last of their four four seeds, by four-time champions African titles in 2002, when they Ghana, 2012 African winners Zambia defeated a Senegal team making their ROME: A goal by Colombian striker Duvan Zapata in something from the match when French defender said the 54-year-old Spaniard. and the Ivory Coast. lone appearance in the championship time added on rescued a 1-1 draw for 10-man Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off for a second book- Despite the late goal Sampdoria, coached by The ‘Elephants’ of the Ivory Coast, match. Napoli against Sampdoria on Monday and was able offence in the 85th minute. Serbian Sinisa Mihajlovic who played for them for who lost finals in 2006 and 2012 and 2015 CAN draw: enough to see them return to third in Serie A. However, Zapata thought otherwise and he four years in the 1990’s, have still lost just once this also reached the semi-finals in 2008, Pot 1: Equatorial Guinea (hosts), Zapata’s goal-after Eder had given the hosts the escaped the attention of Djamel Mesbah in the sec- season, through a last minute penalty against Inter remain a formidable force as the seed- Ghana, Ivory Coast, Zambia lead in the 57th minute extended his side’s unbeat- ond minute of time added on to score with a diving Milan. “That really hurts,” said 45-year-old ings were determined by previous CAN Pot 2: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, en run to 10 games in the league. However, while header. Benitez, who guided Napoli to the Italian Mihajlovic. “But football unfortunately is like that. results. Tunisia they moved above Sampdoria’s city rivals Genoa, on Cup trophy last season, took comfort from the One moment of lost concentration against a really Their glory teams of the past have Pot 3: Cape Verde, South Africa, goal difference, they are nine points adrift of leaders resilience his players had shown. good side is sufficient to cost you dearly. “However, undergone several changes in recent Gabon, DR Congo Juventus and six off second-placed AS Roma. Rafael “We continued to attack despite being down to we can take great pride in that we were superior to Benitez’s side looked to have lost all hope of getting 10 men against 11 and we succeeded in equalising,” Napoli.” — AFP years as they turn to life without Pot 4: Cameroon, Senegal, Guinea, retired legend Didier Drogba and now Congo. —AFP Balotelli sorry as FA probe ‘racist’ post

LONDON: Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli deleted the post following Balotelli apologised yesterday for post- criticism from other social media users, ing a message on Instagram that but after the FA confirmed it was looking appeared to contain racist and anti- into the matter, he wrote on Twitter: “I Semitic references and which has apologize if I’ve offended anyone. sparked a Football Association investiga- “The post was meant to be anti-racist tion. with humour. I now understand that out The Italy international reposted an of context may have the opposite effect. image of the Nintendo video game char- Not all Mexicans have moustache, not all acter ‘Super Mario’ on the photo-sharing black people jump high and not all website that contained the phrase Jewish people love money. “I used a car- “jumps like a black man and grabs coins toon done by someone else because it like a Jew”. The post was titled “Don’t be a has Super Mario and I thought it was fun- racist” and continued: “Be like Mario. He’s ny and not offensive. Again, I’m sorry.” A an Italian plumber, created by Japanese Liverpool spokesman told BBC Sport: people, who speaks English and looks “We are aware of the posting, which has like a Mexican.” The offending phrase fol- since been promptly deleted by the play- lowed. er. We will be speaking to the player about the issue.” Balotelli, who has been a victim of racism throughout his career, initially Matches on TV defended himself against accusations of (Local Timings) anti-Semitism, tweeting: “My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please.” The 24- year-old, born in Italy to Ghanaian par- English Premier League ents and then adopted by an Italian family, also described his decision to repost Everton c Hull City 22:45 the image as “my unlucky moment”. beIN SPORTS 7 HD Arsenal v Southampton 22:45 Simon Johnson, a former FA executive beIN SPORTS 12 HD and current chief executive of British Chelsea v Tottenham 22:45 organisation the Jewish Leadership beIN SPORTS 11 HD Council, said Balotelli should face action Sunderland v Man City 22:45 over his post. beIN SPORTS 4 HD “We call upon the FA to investigate this offensive social media post and to Italian Cup take action if appropriate if we are to Atalanta v Avellino 17:00 succeed in kicking racism out of foot- beIN SPORTS 3 HD ball,” he told the Daily Telegraph. Under Empoli v Genoa 20:00 the FA’s social media guidelines, the PORTUGAL : Porto’s Algerian midfielder Yacine Brahimi (left) controls the ball in this file photo. — AFP beIN SPORTS 7 HD minimum suspension for rule breaches related to race is five games. — AFP Algeria Brahimi voted BBC’s African Player of the Year

LONDON: Porto’s Algerian winger Yacine the current campaign. to thank them,” he added. “Then it’s thanks for Brahimi was voted the BBC’s 2014 African Brahimi has scored six goals in 15 appear- FC Porto-they allowed me to play in the Footballer of the Year on Monday. Brahimi is the ances for the Portuguese club, including a hat- Champions League, to play in big games and to first Algerian to win the award, which is chosen trick against BATE Borisov in the Champions have great performances. “The club has by members of the public, after a fine year for League. “First I won the award because of the allowed me to express myself and to perform club and country. people who voted for me. So once again I need well on the pitch.” — AFP After a record number of votes were submit- ted from fans in 207 countries, Paris-born Brahimi won the coveted award ahead of Cellino: I will never give Leeds up Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama, Gabon’s Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang and Ivory Coast duo LONDON: Italian Massimo Cellino has criticised the Cellino. The first, issued in March, was overruled by Gervinho and Yaya Toure, the Manchester City Football League’s decision to disqualify him from an independent committee the following month. midfielder who took the prize in 2013. owning Leeds United and says he will never give up Monday’s development is the latest in a com- the Championship team. plex saga which revolves around a court case when “It’s a big honour for me to receive this won- The league announced in a statement on Cellino was found guilty of an offence under Italian derful trophy. I owe it to my country, Algeria, and Monday that Cellino was being banned because he tax legislation relating to the non-payment of to all the people who voted for me,” Brahimi told had failed their “fit and proper person’s test” for run- import duties on a boat. BBC Sport. “It’s also a trophy for the whole of ning a club. In response, Cellino told Sky Sports tel- He was fined 600,000 euros ($749,200) for the Africa, because it rewards an African player. So I evision: “I promised the Leeds fans I’d look after the offence which is “spent” under Italian law on March am really very happy. “This trophy is going to club so I will go to any appeal. We are staying, we 18. “The steps the league wishes the club to take, to give me more strength, more desire to work, to are financing the club and we submit to the rules remove Mr Cellino only to reappoint him in three get better, to learn so that I can keep having but we think they have been unfair. months’ time, will be destabilising for the club, its great performances.” Brahimi impressed for “If I can still go (to games) as president, I will go supporters and sponsors and cannot be in the best Algeria at the World Cup, scoring his first inter- as president. If the law, and I’m not talking about interests of any party,” Leeds said in a statement. national goal in the group stage against South some lawyer that does not know what they are talk- Leeds were English champions in 1969, 1974 Korea, as the team reached the last 16 for the ing about, does not allow me to go then I will go as and 1992 and runners-up in the 1975 European first time. The 24-year-old had started the year at a supporter. I am never going to give up Leeds Cup final. They are 15th in the Championship after Spanish club Granada, where his strong per- United.” Leeds are seeking legal advice over the rul- beating leaders Derby County 2-0 on Saturday in NEWCASTLE: This is a Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 file photo of Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli formances earned him a move to Porto ahead of ing, the second from the league disqualifying front of 26,000 fans at Elland Road. — Reuters as he gestures during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP Ducks get past Dolphins Bruins15 ground16 Jets WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

Welbeck eager to stay on winning track Page 18

PHILADELPHIA: 76ers’ Michael Carter-Williams (bottom) dunks the ball past San Antonio Spurs’ Aron Baynes, of Australia, during the first half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Spurs roll over slumping 76ers

PHILADELPHIA: Kawhi Leonard scored a game- Friday against Oklahoma City. Rasual Butler scored 23, and Marcin Gortat added high 26 points and had a crucial three-point play in 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Wizards, who the final minute to help the San Antonio Spurs NUGGETS 103, JAZZ 101 never trailed and led by 21 in the first half and 25 in NBA results/standings defeat the winless 76ers 109-103, extending Ty Lawson had 15 points and made a double- the second. Chris Bosh led Miami with 21 points, San Antonio 109, Philadelphia 103; Washington 107, Miami 86; Denver 103, Utah 101; LA Philadelphia’s club-worst losing streak to start the pump jumper to beat the shot clock with 29.6 sec- and Dwayne Wade had 20 in his second game back Clippers 127, Minnesota 101. season to 0-17. onds left that boosted Denver over Utah. from an injured right hamstring. A night earlier, Eastern Conference Western Conference The Spurs (13-4) played without stars Tim The game heated up after Arron Afflalo was Wade returned after missing seven games and Duncan (rest) and Tony Parker (shoulder). Even with- ejected and the Jazz stormed back from a 22-point scored 27 points in a victory at New York. He played Atlantic Division Northwest Division out the duo’s more than 31 points out of the lineup, deficit to tie the game in the final minutes. 32 minutes in that game, and 27 on Monday. W L PCT GB Portland 13 4 .765 - San Antonio had little trouble dispatching Lawson, who also had 12 assists, made the game- Toronto 13 4 .765 - Denver 9 8 .529 4 Philadelphia. Aron Baynes scored 15 points and winner from the left wing between two Jazz defend- CLIPPERS 127, TIMBERWOLVES 101 Brooklyn 6 9 .400 6 Oklahoma City 5 12 .294 8 Manu Ginobili and Cory Joseph each added 14 for ers. Gordon Hayward was blocked and Trey Burke Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick each scored 23 points Boston 4 10 .286 7.5 Utah 5 13 .278 8.5 San Antonio, which won its eighth straight. Leonard missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer on the other before sitting out the fourth quarter as Los Angeles NY Knicks 4 14 .222 9.5 Minnesota 4 12 .250 8.5 also had 10 rebounds while tying a career-high in end before Darrell Arthur clinched the game with returned from the most successful road trip in club Philadelphia 0 17 0 13 Pacific Division points. two free throws with 4.2 seconds remaining. Alec history with a rout of Minnesota. Central Division Michael Carter-Williams had 24 points and 11 Burks dunk at the buzzer completing the scoring. DeAndre Jordan had 13 rebounds and 11 points Golden State 14 2 .875 - Chicago 11 6 .647 - rebounds and Alexey Shved chipped in 19 points Wilson Chandler scored 10, Afflalo had 14 and for the Clippers, who won their fifth in a row follow- LA Clippers 12 5 .706 2.5 Milwaukee 10 8 .556 1.5 for Philadelphia. The 76ers also were short-handed, Arthur added 12 for the Nuggets, who have won ing their 6-1 trip and beat Minnesota for the 10th Phoenix 10 8 .556 5 Cleveland 8 7 .533 2 as leading scorer Tony Wroten (knee) missed his eight of their last 10 games. Hayward scored 25 straight time. Shabazz Muhammad had 18 points Sacramento 9 8 .529 5.5 second straight game and rookie first-round pick points, Burks had 22 and Burke chipped in 18, but and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who beat Indiana 7 10 .412 4 Nerlens Noel (hip) sat after getting injured in Utah’s losing streak hit six games - the longest skid the Lakers 120-119 at Staples Center just three Detroit 3 14 .176 8 LA Lakers 4 13 .23510.5 Sunday’s practice. Philadelphia became just the since March 10-19 last season. nights earlier with the help of a missed 3-point shot Southeast Division Southwest Division fourth team in league history to open a season by Kobe Bryant at the final horn. Washington 11 5 .688 - Memphis 15 2 .882 - with 17 losses, joining the 1998-99 Clippers (0-17), WIZARDS 107, HEAT 86 Andrew Wiggins, the first overall pick in the draft, Atlanta 9 6 .600 1.5 Houston 13 4 .765 2 1988-89 Heat (0-17) and the 2009-10 Nets (0-18). John Wall had 18 points and 13 assists and scored all 14 of his points in the first half. Ex-Clippers Miami 9 8 .529 2.5 San Antonio 13 4 .765 2 The 76ers can tie the Nets for the worst start in Washington made its first seven 3-pointers to beat point guard Mo Williams, playing for his third differ- Orlando 7 12 .368 5.5 Dallas 13 5 .722 2.5 NBA history on Wednesday at Minnesota with a Miami. The Wizard held the Heat to 2 for 22 from ent club in three seasons since leaving Los Angeles, potential chance to break the record at home on beyond the arc for the game. had seven points and seven assists.— AP Charlotte 4 14 .222 8 New Orleans 7 8 .467 7 Bach sure Blatter will keep his word over Qatar WCup

LONDON: There will be no clash between the 2022 either hosting the finals in January and February or Olympics dates. Winter Olympics and the controversy-plagued November and December, with UEFA president “Our dates, they are clear. We are committed to World Cup finals to be hosted by Qatar the same Michel Platini among those voicing a preference the future organiser (Beijing or Almaty) and the year, International Olympic Committee (IOC) presi- for the former. Winter Games in particular you need to adapt to dent Thomas Bach told the BBC on Monday. “A clash would be bad for the international the weather conditions in a country so there is no Bach, who was elected to succeed Belgian audience who would have two major sports pro- real room to manoeuvre,” said Bach. Jacques Rogge in September 2013, said he was grammes broadcast worldwide, so the public’s “There is a situation which is not easy for foot- confident FIFA president Sepp Blatter would stick attention would be divided,” said Bach. ball, and reading recent statements by the secre- to his pledge that the finals, which are due to be “Also for the sponsors, there are some that are tary-general and president of Fifa they realise that switched from the searing heat of June and July, common to Fifa and the IOC. To manage these their situation at this moment is not the easiest would not take place in January and February two kind of programmes at the same time would one, and I think they will address this and hope when the Winter Games are pencilled in for. be very difficult, so in the end there would be no they will address this at their next board meeting.” “I have no reason not to believe (Blatter),” the winners. Bach, who won a team fencing Olympic gold 60-year-old German told the BBC. “He made it very “The athletes and the players would not get medal in 1976 for the then West Germany, said clear that a clash of these two great events is in the attention they deserve, and for all the other FIFA needed to reach conclusions as soon as pos- nobody’s interest.”And therefore his clear commit- sponsors and broadcasters being involved it sible from the inquiry into corruption allegations, ment was, and is, that there will not be such a would be very, very difficult to manage. “It’s in the surrounding the awarding of the 2022 finals to clash.” mutual interest that this is not happening and we Qatar and the 2018 edition to Russia. Bach, whose 2020 programme for taking the have this commitment.” Despite numerous calls to publish the report Olympic Movement forward will be debated by Bach, who wants to make the Games more compiled by American Michael Garcia into the NEW YORK: Actors Catherine Zeta-Jones (far left) and Michael Douglas (third the IOC members in Monaco next week, said if affordable, and encourage more flexibility over allegations, FIFA have refused to do so claiming from left) join Bermuda’s Premier Michael Dunkley (second from left) for a photo there was a clash it would not be good for either bidding and choice of sports, said that it was vir- it would violate Swiss law, where they are with the America’s Cup trophy. Bermuda will host 2017 America’s Cup — AP the Olympics or football. FIFA have been eying tually impossible for them to move the Winter based. — AFP S&P doubts Japan’s govt can tighten fiscal policy

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Venezuela faces hyperinflation threat

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Page 23 Ali Alghanim & Sons eyes record results for Sinking of gas project leaves south-east Europe high, dry Rolls-Royce Page 23 page 25

MADRID: People wait in line at a government employment office on Paseo de las Acacias in Madrid yesterday. Spain’s jobless queue shrank in November, ending three months of increases, as the economy slowly recovered after emerging in mid-2013 from a two year recession, the government said. The number of people in Spain registered as unemployed fell by 14,688 in November from the previous month to hit 4,512,116. —AFP Oil price fall ‘good news’ for world economy Falling oil prices pose huge challenges to GCC, exporters WASHINGTON: The plunge in oil prices since June may hurt some crude countries, amid weaker demand and increased supply and stronger US emerging markets, particularly in the ASEAN region, it noted. exporters but is overall a good thing for the world economy, International dollar. The impact of continued oil price weakness could put considerable Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said Monday. “There pressure on GCC economies and affect real GDP growth, unless they step IMF unfreezes aid for Mali will be winners and losers, but on a net basis it’s good news for the global up diversification efforts, added the latest Economic Insight report by the In another development, the International Monetary Fund has lifted a economy,” she said in Washington. Oil prices have fallen sharply since late Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). Cebr prepared the report block on aid to Mali, frozen for six months after the poor country lavished June, losing around 30 percent as supplies increase and global demand for for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a $40 million on a presidential plane. The IMF announced the resumption of oil grows more slowly. While some exporters are hurting from the price fall, world leading professional membership organization. disbursements under its $46 million credit for Mali, set in December 2013 to overall it will add significantly to global growth as consumers and businesses It said that according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected help the country as it emerged from a security and political crisis. Payments pay less for energy. 2015 breakeven prices, at which oil must sell in order to balance the had stopped in May after the government bought the extravagant aircraft “It’s likely to be an additional 0.8 percent (of growth) for most advanced budget, put Bahrain and Oman under the greatest pressure at $116 and and issued a $200-million state guarantee that allowed a private company to economies, because all of them are importers of oil, whether you look at $108 per barrel respectively. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait are better buy supplies for the army. Those deals raised questions about the authorities’ US, Japan, certainly Europe... and China,” she said. Crude oil exporters “are placed, thanks to large and mature domestic banking systems, access to commitment to good management of public finances, Christian Josz, the taking a hit, for some of them it’s a calculated hit,” Lagarde said, in a reference international markets and large sovereign wealth funds generating ample IMF mission chief in Mali said. to the Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia, which have been reticent to cut investment income, the report said. Under pressure, the government agreed to two independent audits production to firm up prices. In October, the IMF cut its forecast for global The Cebr report noted that a cut in production levels could be that revealed shortcomings, and undertook other reforms that were growth this year to 3.3 percent and to 3.8 percent in 2015, citing stagnation considered in response to falling prices, as done in the past by Saudi strong enough to persuade the IMF to move ahead, according to Josz. The in Europe and Japan and the slowdown in emerging economies. Lagarde Arabia. However, the spending plans suggested by the breakeven prices unfreezing of the program allows a new disbursement of $11.7 million. But was speaking at a conference of corporate chief executives sponsored by imply that most GCC hydrocarbon exporters do not have the flexibility the IMF said the country’s economic recovery remains fragile. “Prospects are the Wall Street Journal. to endure sustained reductions in either output or revenues. Latest clouded by a difficult security situation and the risk of an Ebola epidemic,” projections for 2016 government net borrowing in GCC countries, said deputy managing director Naoyuki Shinohara. “In order to restore Challenges to GCC according to the report, show Kuwait, UAE and Qatar with the highest business, consumer, and donor confidence, it is essential to tighten the Meanwhile, a recent economic report has expected falling oil prices surpluses; 24.1 percent, 9.8 percent and 6.6 percent of their respective implementation of budget and procurement rules, building on the results of to pose significant challenges to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) annual GDP. It also referred to good news in increased demand from recent official audits.”—Agencies Boeing and FAA blasted over 787 battery woes

NEW YORK: US investigators said the three-month grounding of the Boeing 787 in 2013 was due to a defect in the battery that was poorly addressed by manufacturers and regulators. The National Transportation Safety Board’s report divided blame for a pair of battery fire incidents in January 2013 that prompted a global grounding of the 787 Dreamliners. The planes were cleared to fly three months later when Boeing won approval for a battery fix. The NTSB concluded that the probable cause of fires on planes in Boston and Japan was an internal short-circuit in the battery, which led to a “thermal runaway” that resulted in smoke and fire. The report said Boeing’s management of contractors Thales Avionics, which designed the electrical conversion system, and GS Yuasa, which made the batteries, “did not ensure” that manufacturing was “consistent with established industry practices.” Also, Boeing incorrectly assumed that the impact of a short circuit in the battery would be limited. The aerospace giant did not consider the most severe effects of a short-circut, or how to mitigate such a risk, the report said. At the same time, the NTSB said the US Federal Aviation Administration also did not recognize the potential impact of an internal short circuit and, as a result, did not require adequate testing for it. Boeing endorsed the NTSB’s finding on what went wrong with the batteries. “We remain confident in the comprehensive improvements made to the 787 battery system following this event, and in the overall performance of the battery system and the safety of the airplane,” Boeing BOSTON: National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Joseph Kolly, holds a fire-damaged battery casing from the Japan Airlines Boeing said.—AFP 787 Dreamliner that caught fire at Logan International Airport in Boston, at the NTSB laboratory in Washington. —AP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 BUSINESS China’s carbon goal a tough sell in coal country

TANG COUNTY: The black slabs of coal burlap bags. “How will we stay warm in the next 20 years has as much impact as Finishing that transition, however, plants the worst polluters, he said. came in by the truckload through this the winter? This will only affect the all of the emissions of some countries, will mean ending business as usual in “The government isn’t regulating dusty valley in northern China, slated to common people.” Chinese President Xi like Saudi Arabia and Australia and polluted industrial swaths of China such everything,” Zhao said. “They can’t do it power cement and steel plants, heat Jinping officially pushed his country Canada.” With its sheer size, China now as Hebei, where nearby mines churn out 24 hours a day.” Tang County residents the houses of poor farmers and even into a less coal-dependent future on emits about twice as much carbon as millions of tons of cheap coal. So far, said they were most worried that cut- grill skewers of lamb and beef. Just a Nov 12 when he pledged to cap the the United States, the world’s second- Chinese authorities have tried to ting back on coal would hit their pock- few dozen miles from the capital of growth of China’s carbon emissions by biggest greenhouse gas polluter. And impose some controls on smokestack etbooks, even if it cleaned up the Beijing, in Hebei province, coal use has 2030. At the same time, Xi projected without major policy changes, China is emissions and other pollution from region’s notorious smog. For corn and long been a way of life here, with China would double the percentage of set to double its greenhouse gas emis- some of Hebei’s dirtiest plants, said wheat farmers who earn at best a few countless house-sized mounds of it its energy that comes from non-fossil sions by 2040, according to U.S. Energy Zhao Liang, a Beijing researcher for a thousand dollars a year, coal trucked in dotting the forest floor. Yet the soot- fuels by that year. Information Administration projections. nongovernmental organization called from neighboring Shanxi province is covered residents of Tang County said With coal burning by far the biggest Like Eckhart, Chinese authorities say Natural University who has been help- still remarkably affordable. A brick of they see change coming as Chinese contributor to air pollution and carbon they’re optimistic that coal use in China ing to monitor Hebei’s worst polluters. coal costs about a dime, with the aver- leaders pledge to cut back on the kind emissions in the country, China will will hit a ceiling as soon as 2020 and Municipal authorities this year fined one age house needing to burn four bricks of rampant coal use that has made this have to find other, cleaner ways to pow- then gradually fall over the next Hong Kong-owned chemical plant per day to heat each room. Some peo- country the world’s biggest emitter of er its giant economy if it’s going to meet decades. Eckhart said nuclear power about $240,000 because of its waste- ple in Tang County also burn corn greenhouse gases. its carbon targets. Coal produces 80 per- would likely go farthest in lightening water and air emissions. husks to supplement coal-powered Already, Beijing and other Chinese cent of China’s electricity and about 60 the country’s coal burden, as would But some factories have avoided heat. cities have been phasing out coal burn- percent of its total energy supply. ramped-up consumer efficiency. those controls by hiding their pollution, The government has yet to build the ing in an attempt to rein in clouds of China’s coal addiction is a top agenda Chinese authorities are also trying to such as letting off air emissions at night infrastructure for alternative fuels such toxic smog. With much of Beijing’s pol- item this week in Lima, Peru, for the last move the country’s booming economy when they’re harder to detect, Zhao as natural gas, though there are plans lution originating from surrounding major round of international negotia- away from polluting heavy industries to said. On a recent afternoon, several to build more natural gas pipelines into provinces, Zhao Wei, who works at a tions before an important UN climate lighter manufacturing and high tech- cement plants in Tang County appeared Hebei. “They’re not going to be able to coal distributor in Tang County, said it is change conference to be held in Paris nology. “You are seeing a decoupling inactive with their smoke stacks do what they do in Beijing here,” truck only a matter of time before those same next year. between addiction to coal and further unused. Residents there said air pollu- driver Zhao Zhen predicted, to nods of coal controls hit families here who “China’s policies on coal consump- economic growth,” said Li Shuo, tion just a day before was extreme with agreement from several people listen- depend on what remains the cheapest tion can have a world-scale implication Greenpeace East Asia’s senior climate vision limited to a few hundred meters ing to him on the side of the valley’s form of heat and energy available. and impact,” said Michael Eckhart, glob- and energy officer. “A big part of coal is (yards). Environmental authorities have main road. “We’re talking about poor “If we don’t burn coal, what are we al head of environmental finance for the being replaced by other sources. ... The yet to take steps to limit the kinds of people. There are no pipelines to bring going to do?” Zhao asked as his neigh- US-based financial giant Citigroup. “Just whole economy is based on less carbon- industry that’s allowed to operate in in natural gas. There’s no way they’ll bors shoveled coal into grinders and the variation in what China can do in intensive industries.” Hebei, with steel, cement and chemical replace coal.”—AP S&P doubts Japan’s govt can tighten fiscal policy Moody’s downgrades Japan after tax hike delay TOKYO: Standard & Poor’s yesterday cast doubt on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ability to repair Japan’s tattered finances less than two weeks away from a snap election, after Moody’s down- graded the country’s sovereign debt rating. Abe’s decision to delay a sales tax increase by 18 months may help the economy in the short term, but there is still no guarantee taxes will rise because the political dynamic could change after the election, Takahira Ogawa, director of sovereign ratings at S&P, told Reuters. The growing reservations about Japan come at an awkward time for Abe as he has called an election on Dec. 14 that has become a vote on whether he has done enough to fundamentally improve the prospects for growth. “I might be wrong, but judging by history I’m not optimistic Maserati signs an agreement to about getting a detailed fiscal plan,” Ogawa said. “In addition, if the government fails to imple- access airbus group innovations ment its plan, then it doesn’t make any sense.” S&P has an AA- rating on Japan, which is three MODENA: Luxury automobile manufactur- Technology Licensing. “Maserati is perfect notches from the top rating of AAA. S&P’s rating er Maserati signed a master agreement for an agreement of this type, as the com- on Japan has a negative outlook, meaning a providing access to technologies from pany is a benchmark in high-end automo- downgrade is possible. Ogawa, when asked, Airbus Group Innovations, the R&D hub of biles, while having production volume that declined to confirm if he was reviewing Japan’s the Airbus Group - a leader in aeronautics, is flexible enough to implement new tech- current rating for a possible downgrade. space and related services. Concluded at nologies.” Moody’s Investors Service on Monday down- Maserati’s Modena headquarters, this Hoeflich noted that Harald Wester has graded Japan to A1, one notch below S&P’s rat- agreement enables the company to make been personally involved in establishing ing, citing rising uncertainty over the country’s in-depth reviews of Airbus Group the Technology Transfer Framework ability to hit its deficit-reduction goal. The down- FUKUSHIMA: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party deliv- Innovations’ broad portfolio that covers arrangement. “He recognized the grade brings its Japan rating into line with that ers a speech to the crowd in Soma, Fukushima, northeastern Japan yesterday on the first day manufacturing processes, production Technology Transfer Framework’s value, of Fitch, which said last month it would com- of official campaigning for this month’s elections. —AP methods, metallics and composites expert- and is ready to lead his teams in making plete a review of Japan’s ratings by year-end, ise, systems integration and other know- the best use of the significant access to calling Abe’s decision to delay a sales tax hike a public debt burden, which is the worst in the be focusing on the extent of the losses and what how. Airbus Group Innovations know-how that “significant development”. Abe’s decision to world at more than twice the size of its $5 trillion steps Abe takes to revitalize his economic agen- “By evaluating this broad spectrum of comes with this agreement,” he added. delay a sales tax hike to 10 percent from 8 per- economy. da. Some economists worry the Bank of Japan’s technologies, Maserati can benefit from With the Technology Transfer cent may prove popular with voters, but some Even without the delay in the sales tax hike, purchases of government debt via its quantita- Airbus Group capabilities exploited in sev- Framework arrangement, overview access economists say it is now impossible to eliminate the government is not doing enough to correct tive easing could make the government compla- eral applications, such as airliners, helicop- is to be provided to Maserati across a wide the primary budget deficit in fiscal 2020, an the structural problems that make it difficult to cent on fiscal policy because yields are kept very ters and fast jets to spacecraft that are range of Airbus Group Innovations’ techni- important fiscal consolidation target. reduce debt, such as low growth, a shrinking low, or in some cases even go into negative terri- exploring the universe,” said Harald Wester, cal areas during a multi-year period, allow- The primary budget deficit excludes debt population and rising welfare spending, Ogawa tory. The bond market has largely shrugged off Chief Executive Officer of Maserati, and ing the company to identify technologies servicing costs and income from bond sales. said. “As long as Japan’s economy doesn’t grow, Monday’s downgrade by Moody’s, and stable Chief Technology Officer of Fiat Chrysler that could be “game changers” when uti- When asked about Moody’s downgrade, a gov- fiscal problems will not be solved,” he said. “There moves in financial markets show the BOJ’s mone- Automobiles. “We developed the lized under license and applied to its auto- ernment spokesman told reporters yesterday is still a lot more to do on the growth side.” S&P’s tary policy is not a concern now, S&P’s Ogawa Technology Transfer Framework with indus- mobile product line. The cooperation that Abe remains committed to fiscal discipline sobering assessment and Moody’s downgrade said. Japan’s economy unexpectedly slipped into try leaders such as Maserati in mind, and it between Maserati and Airbus Group and he will present a fiscal consolidation plan by are a negative for Abe, but his ruling coalition is recession in the third quarter, nearly two years is being selectively offered to a limited Innovations was supported by Cheers next summer. Ogawa worries the plan, like many expected to keep its lower house majority after after Abe returned to power promising to revive number of potential partners,” explained Interactive, the global partner of the Airbus in the past, will lack specific steps to cut spend- the vote as the opposition is in disarray. Abe’s the economy with his “Abenomics” mix of mone- Wulf Hoeflich, the Head of Airbus Group Group Technology Licensing initiative. ing and boost revenues needed to shrink Japan’s party could still lose some seats, so analysts will tary stimulus, spending and reforms.— Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Singapore Dollar 0.221607 0.227607 South African Rand 0.020565 0.029065 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001919 0.002499 Japanese Yen 2.463 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Australian Dollar 232.58 229.58 Taiwan 0.009341 0.009521 Indian Rupees 4.720 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 259.32 260.32 Thai Baht 0.008569 0.009119 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Swiss Franc 306.71 304.71 Turkish Lira 131.225 Arab Srilankan Rupees 2.220 Euro 366.70 367.70 Bahraini Dinar 0.768474 0.776474 Nepali Rupees 2.948 US Dollar 292.35 295.35 Bahrain Exchange Company Singapore Dollar 225.600 Sterling Pound 458.83 461.83 Egyptian Pound 0.038016 0.041116 Hongkong Dollar 37.675 Japanese Yen 2.49 2.51 Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 Bangladesh Taka 3.755 Bangladesh Taka 3.758 4.028 CURRENCY BUY SELL Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Philippine Peso 6.521 Indian Rupee 4.708 5.008 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.407985 0.415485 Thai Baht 8.917 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.216 2.651 Belgian Franc 0.007607 0.008607 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal transfer 59.000 Nepali Rupee 2.933 3.468 British Pound 0.451285 0.460285 Lebanese Pound 0.000144 0.000244 Irani Riyal cash 116.000 Pakistani Rupee 2.868 2.790 Czech Korune 0.005184 0.017184 Moroccan Dirhams 0.023893 0.047893 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 79.44 79.91 Danish Krone 0.044929 0.049929 Nigerian Naira 0.001184 0.001819 Saudi Riyal 77.938 Bahraini Dinar 775.91 777.98 Euro 0.359021 0.367021 Omani Riyal 0.752808 0.758488 Egyptian Pound 40.76 41.36 Qatari Riyal 80.294 Norwegian Krone 0.038121 0.043321 Qatar Riyal 0.079536 0.080749 Omani Riyal 759.420 Jordanian Dinar 415.39 421.04 Romanian Leu 0.083798 0.083798 Omani Riyal 758.15 765.45 Saudi Riyal 0.077270 0.077970 Bahraini Dinar 776.270 Slovakia 0.008531 0.018531 Qatari Riyal 80.50 81.05 Syrian Pound 0.001732 0.001952 UAE Dirham 79.594 Saudi Riyal 77.87 78.27 Swedish Krona 0.035372 0.040372 Tunisian Dinar 0.155137 0.163137 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.296491 0.306691 Turkish Lira 0.130279 0.137279 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.441 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Turkish Lira 0.130279 0.137279 UAE Dirhams 0.078560 0.079709 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.775 Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001319 0.001399 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.363 Australian Dollar 0.240461 0.251961 Tunisian Dinar 159.470 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.223225 0.232725 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 412.470 US Dollar 291.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.961 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Canadian Dollar 0.250882 0.259382 Syrian Lira 2.083 Sterling Pound 456.630 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) US Dollars 0.288050 0.292750 Morocco Dirham 33.580 Euro 366.500 US Dollar 291.550 US Dollars Mint 0.288550 0.292750 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 366.100 Asia US Dollar Transfer 292.150 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Pound Sterlng 461.000 Bangladesh Taka 0.003405 0.004005 Euro 366.360 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Canadian Dollar 259.500 Chinese Yuan 0.046161 0.049661 Sterling Pound 459.550 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Indian Rupee 4.710 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035582 0.038332 Canadian dollar 257.860 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Egyptian Pound 40.760 Indian Rupee 0.004465 0.004866 Turkish lira 131.690 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.215 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Bangladesh Taka 3.704 Swiss Franc 305.120 Japanese Yen 0.002396 0.002576 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Philippines Peso 6.515 Australian Dollar 250.660 Kenyan Shilling 0.003310 0.003310 Indian Rupees 4.716 Pakistan Rupee 2.870 US Dollar Buying 290.950 Korean Won 0.000254 0.000269 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Bahraini Dinar 776.350 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.083523 0.089523 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 UAE Dirham 79.450 20 gram 226.000 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Nepalese Rupee 0.002986 0.003156 Saudi Riyal 77.850 10 gram 116.000 Cyprus pound 715.865 Pakistan Rupee 0.002714 0.002994 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 59.000 Japanese Yen 3.480 Philippine Peso 0.006387 0.006667 BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Venezuela faces hyperinflation threat

CARACAS: Gloomily watching their economy. “We raise our prices practical- while remains at 6.30 bolivars, the level money shrink in value, Venezuelans ly every month,” a McDonald’s employ- Maduro vowed to keep it at a year ago. don’t need government statistics to tell ee told AFP, speaking on condition of “The deterioration of the currency out- them what they already know: their anonymity. “We’ve never raised them as look because of falling oil prices tradi- country is facing the looming risk of much as this year.” tionally puts pressure on the dollar. hyperinflation. Breaking its own regula- That makes the government slash tions, the Venezuelan central bank has Black-market dollars access to foreign currency (at the offi- stopped publishing the official inflation Exacerbating matters, there has cial rate) and forces people onto the rate, which stood at 63.4 percent at the been a shortage of foreign currency for black market,” said economist Pedro end of August. Since then, prices have almost two years now. Coupled with Palma. “That generates enormous only continued to rise, as the South declining domestic production, that uncertainty” and further fuels inflation, American oil giant feels the pinch of has caused chronic shortages of a host he said. falling crude prices and struggles to of basic goods including cooking oil, import the food and medicine it largely milk, flour, toilet paper, deodorant, Shortage of stats buys abroad. It is difficult to evaluate razors, shampoo and detergent. There is no set numerical definition just how much value the bolivar has Maduro’s government has tried to bol- of hyperinflation, but economists often lost in recent months. ster buying power by raising the mini- consider it to be a monthly inflation But one quick measure is the Extra mum wage three times last year and rate of more than 50 percent. Venezuela Value menu at McDonald’s: In three times this year. But the increase - is not at that threshold, but there are September 2013, a Big Mac combo 64 percent in 2014 — only feeds the warning signs. The monthly inflation meal cost 125 bolivars; by November inflationary beast. Families now rush to rate likely stands at around five percent 2014, the price had nearly doubled, to buy all they can at the start of the now, according to Henkel Garcia, head 245 bolivars. month in a race against prices. of consulting firm Econometrica. The US fast food giant is, paradoxi- The only refuge for their money is “In November, people’s salaries cally, a good place to track Venezuela’s the black-market dollar. But Venezuela, bought approximately 13 percent few- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro inflationary spiral. For one thing, it which gets 96 percent of its foreign cur- er products than 12 months ago,” he remains popular with Venezuelans, rency from oil sales, has also watched said. “The threat of hyperinflation risks directors there are considering a plan to stop sulting firms say. That is less than the past despite anti-”Yankee-lover” diatribes by its oil price fall by a third since July. That becoming a reality of the monetary dis- publishing inflation data altogether and only two years. But with the president’s approval President Nicolas Maduro, the political means fewer dollars, putting pressure order continues or gets worse, if there’s release it on request after vetting petitioners’ rating hovering around 30 percent, the gov- heir to late socialist firebrand Hugo on the black-market exchange rate, an abrupt fall in supply and if there’s a applications. The government has mean- ernment looks likely to crank up the printing Chavez. For another, it is one of the few which rose from 100 bolivars to the dol- lack of confidence in the currency.” while responded to the price pressures by presses again next year, when Maduro’s food businesses not to have been hit by lar to 150 last month-up from 40 a year According to the former research printing more bolivars. The money supply United Socialist Party of Venezuela faces leg- the shortages crippling the Venezuelan ago. The official exchange rate mean- chief at the central bank, Jose Guerra, will likely expand 55 percent this year, con- islative elections. — AFP Central Asians feel the pain of Russia’s economic downturn

DUSHANBE: Vali Salimov quit his job at a bles, her 23-year-old son Saidmaksud, a Moscow supermarket last month after his cook in the Russian city of Perm, recently salary was halved, and returned home to returned home because his work permit Tajikistan another migrant victim of Russia’s expired. economic downturn whose family liveli- hood now looks precarious. Salimov, like Safety valve millions of other migrants, used to send About 1 million Kyrgyz citizens and over much of his salary back home. So as he and 1 million Tajiks - about half each country’s others leave Russia, the economies of their workforce - work in Russia. For Tajikistan, a home countries - poor former Soviet state of 8 million bordering Afghanistan republics like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan - and China, having so many of its citizens are also feeling the pinch. earning a living in Russia has helped bring “I was paid 25,000 roubles (536 dollars) a stability following a 1992-97 civil war. The month. Then they started paying me just same goes for Kyrgyzstan, a country of less 15,000 roubles. My boss said his revenues than 6 million where two presidents have had dropped,” Salimov, a father of three been overthrown since 2005. The prospect who also supports his elderly parents, said of those workers returning home has raised in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. Nonetheless, not just concern about the economic the 35-year-old - who could only afford to impact but also worry that high unemploy- eat cheap instant noodles in Moscow - still ment could exert intense pressure on the hopes to return to Moscow in the spring. population. “Even partly losing this outlet No matter how stacked the odds look, he to Russia could give rise to social discon- has even less chance of finding work in tent domestically, particularly if the Russian Tajikistan. On a World Bank calculation, economic downturn is protracted,” said Lilit Tajikistan was the world’s biggest recipient Gevorgyan, senior economist at IHS Global of migrant workers’ remittances last year at Insight. 42 percent of gross domestic product. Worker remittances to Tajikistan The share in neighboring Kyrgyzstan dropped by $162 million to $2.517 billion MOSCOW: People walk at a street past exchange booth in downtown Moscow, Russia yesterday. Russia’s ruble hit a new all-time low, dropping was 32 percent, demonstrating a similar in January-September, IMF data showed. about 5 percent as declining oil prices and the conflict in eastern Ukraine weigh on the country’s economic prospects. — AP number of workers suffering the knock-on As a result, Tajik growth will slow to 6.5 effects of the crisis in Russia, which has percent this year from 7.4 in 2013, accord- seen its economic growth and currency col- ing to Jonathan Dunn, the head of an IMF lapse as a result of falling oil prices and visiting mission to Tajikistan. Tajikistan’s Western sanctions imposed over the crisis budget envisages GDP growth of 7 percent Russian economy to in Ukraine. Mukhayo Zhorobayeva, a 45- in 2015. But a Tajik official, declining to year-old teacher in southern Kyrgyzstan, give his name, said: “We hope for real relies on the 26,000 roubles a month that growth of 4 to 5 percent, and these are the her husband sends home from his job at a most optimistic expectations.” The reality is confectionery distributor in St Petersburg. that Russia’s economic problems are likely shrink 0.8% in 2015 “He was not paid in October. I don’t know to result in a worsening situation in why,” she said. “I watch the news and think Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. “Our view is that my husband’s problems could be linked to growth will decline further because we those sanctions - they are selling fewer expect the remittances will decline fur- Turkey, Russia look to shake up gas market sweets now.” Adding to the family’s trou- ther,” Dunn said. — Reuters MOSCOW: The Russian economy ministry in the region on Tuesday were counting the polit- the project’s collapse. Hungary in particularly slashed its economic forecast for 2015, announc- ical and financial cost of the shift. Turkey stands had been a proponent of the project, clashing India central bank keeps ing a contraction of 0.8 percent due to the pres- to benefit from the prospect of becoming a with the European Union, which was opposed sure of Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis major transit country for Russian gas. Turkish to its building amid concerns of allowing Russia interest rates on hold and falling oil prices. “The current forecast is Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said Tuesday his gov- to own a pipeline on the bloc’s territory. based on a drop in the GDP by 0.8 percent in ernment will study the Russian proposal. Yildiz Hungary’s opposition parties said Tuesday that MUMBAI: India’s central bank kept interest rates 8.0 percent since last January, to boost invest- 2015 against the previous forecast of growth by said the proposal would boost Turkish aims of Russia’s decision to cancel the South Stream unchanged yesterday despite growing calls to ment and consumer spending. But RBI governor 1.2 percent,” deputy economy minister Alexei becoming a world energy hub but said it was too pipeline shows Prime Minister Viktor Orban was ease monetary policy, saying a reduction would Raghuram Rajan said he wanted first to be sure Vedev was quoted by Russian news agencies as early to “pronounce a final word.” “It will be stud- wrong to cozy up to Moscow. The Liberal Party be “premature”. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that “the process of disinflation is for real”. “We saying. The sharply revised outlook was caused ied and the results of the study will be presented said it was an “ugly and spectacular” failure by said the benchmark repo rate-the level at which do not intend to flip flop on (our) interest rate by the ministry’s assumption that Western sanc- to our president and prime minister,” Yildiz said. the government. Hungarian Foreign Minister it lends to commercial banks-would remain at a stance,” he said. India’s central bank has said it tions will continue through 2015, he said. Real In the European countries that were prepar- Peter Szijjarto said the government will look for steep 8.0 percent, in line with analysts’ expecta- wants to “break the back of inflation”, which the incomes of Russians will shrink by 2.8 percent ing for the South Stream to cross their territo- new options to improve its long-term supply of tions. But it indicated that it could cut rates early country has battled for many years, before it next year instead of increasing by 0.4 percent, he ries, governments were assessing the fallout of energy. — Agencies next year if inflation continued to slide. moves to lower steep interest rates seen as said, saying the revision was due to inflation and The RBI has been under pressure from gov- keeping economic growth in low gear. slowing economic activity. ernment and business leaders to reduce rates, Rises in prices of food especially have He said the ministry expects the Russian econ- particularly after figures released last month caused huge hardship for India’s 1.2 billion omy to reach bottom in mid-2015 and begin a Sinking of gas project leaves showed economic growth had slowed in the population, of which nearly a quarter live in rebound on rising oil prices on which the Russian second quarter. “A change in the monetary poli- severe poverty, according to the World Bank. budget overwhelmingly depends. “We have a south-east Europe high, dry cy stance at the current juncture is premature,” Consumer inflation eased to 5.52 percent in feeling that there will be a correction (of oil the bank said in a statement after its regular October, while wholesale inflation hit a five- price), we believe we will return to the range of PRAGUE: The European Union’s diplomatic vic- ably a bigger one than Russia would like to monetary policy review. “However, if the current year low of 1.77 percent as fuel and food prices 85-95 dollars a barrel,” he said. Russia’s economy tory in forcing the Kremlin to cancel its South admit,” said Vaclav Bartuska, the Czech govern- inflation momentum and changes in inflation- fell, firing hopes the bank could finally start cut- has been hit by plunging oil prices which fell to Stream pipeline also gives Brussels a headache: ment’s ambassador for energy security. ary expectations continue, and fiscal develop- ting rates to spur stumbling economic growth. five-year lows on Monday before stabilizing early how to come up with an alternative source of But the decision was less welcome further ments are encouraging, a change in the mone- India said Friday the economy grew 5.3 percent Tuesday with US benchmark West Texas secure gas supply for south-eastern Europe. south, among the countries that depend almost tary policy stance is likely early next year.” in July-September year-on-year, significantly Intermediate for January delivery at $68.50, while Though it became politically toxic after the crisis entirely on imported Russian gas which is Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has indicated slower than the previous three months, adding Brent crude for January was at $71.75. in Ukraine, the pipeline made sense for countries shipped to them via Ukraine. For them, South he would favor a cut in borrowing costs, held at to the pressure on the RBI. — AFP Other factors weighing on growth are the such as Serbia, Bulgaria and Hungary because it Stream was an insurance policy against a repeat Western sanctions imposed over Moscow’s med- offered a supply of gas that did not pass through of January 2009, when a pricing dispute stopped dling in the pro-Russian separatist uprising in Ukraine and so was at less risk of disruption. gas transiting Ukraine, leaving them with fuel eastern Ukraine, and a record drop in the value of Other ideas have been floated that would shortages in sub-zero winter temperatures. At the ruble. The Russian currency experienced its give south-eastern Europe those secure alterna- the time in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, there worst slump since 1998 on Monday. After rally- tive supplies, but none are as far advanced as was panic buying of electric heaters, while in ing slightly Tuesday morning it lost most of its South Stream, leaving the countries in the Bulgaria, schools and kindergartens closed gains and was trading around 52.4 to the dollar region to face several years of uncertainty. because they had no heating. and 65.3 to the euro shortly after Vedev’s “Would it have been better had we had South “It’s a lose-lose for everybody. There is a remarks. Sped up by the ruble’s falling value, Stream? Absolutely?” Serbian Prime Minister bunch of countries, which really have a security inflation by the end of 2014 will be 9 percent, Aleksandar Vucic was quoted as saying by state of supply problem,” an EU source, who did not Vedev said, up from the previous estimate of 7.5 television. “We are paying the price of a conflict want to be identified, said of the decision not to percent. Russia’s growth has slowed dramatically between big powers.” go ahead with South Stream. In Bulgaria yester- in recent years, the rate falling to 1.3 percent in Russia said on Monday it was scrapping day, some officials appeared to be clinging to 2013 compared with 3.4 percent the previous South Stream. The project would have transport- the hope that South Stream was not dead, and year. ed Russian gas under the Black Sea, making that a compromise solution could still be Meanwhile, Turkey and Russia are looking to landfall in Bulgaria and then passing through reached. Economy Minister Bozhidar Lukarski shake up the energy market in southeastern Serbia and Hungary into Austria. The pipeline fell told reporters: “South Stream should not be con- Europe, after Moscow scrapped a multibillion victim to opposition from the European sidered suspended until Russia comes up with dollar pipeline project that was to cross the Commission, which had forced Bulgaria to put an official statement on the matter.” South region and instead sought to create a link to construction work on hold, as well as to stalling Stream also offered countries along its route - all Turkey. Spiraling tensions between Europe and European demand for gas and plunging energy of them struggling with budget deficits - the NEW DELHI: Indian laborers work at a construction site in northeast New Delhi yes- Russia were behind Moscow’s decision to scrap terday. Indian factory output rose at its fastest rate in nearly two years in November prices. “The decision shows that the outside prospect of much needed transit fees, and jobs the South Stream pipeline, which would have world does have an impact on Russia, and prob- from construction. — Reuters 2014, with consumer goods leading the way. — AFP traveled through many Balkan states. Countries WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 2014 BUSINESS Global shares take heart from oil bounce Promise of higher US rates prods dollar higher LONDON: Stock markets recovered from ing market currencies stabilizing against we’re more likely to drift up going into the rose 0.9 percent and Germany’s DAX 0.6 overall US prices. The pair painted a mostly their latest bout of oil and growth-related the dollar after gains overnight. end of the year than to drift down,” said percent. European bond yields rose, with rosy outlook, suggesting the Fed was not trauma yesterday, helped by promises from Brent crude prices were roughly steady Terry Torrison, managing director at strategists saying the bounce in oil prices letting energy markets distract it from lift- US policymakers and the head of the IMF and Europe’s main stock markets were Monaco-based McLaren Securities. on Monday had eased speculation that the ing rates. That helped the dollar gain that lower fuel costs would boost the world around 1 percentage point higher, driven IMF Managing Director Christine bank could even ease policy further this around a quarter of a percent against a bas- economy. A double-digit percentage fall in by gains for oil majors including BP, Total Lagarde said late on Monday that falling oil week. “The urgent need for the ECB to act ket of currencies. It rose 0.3 percent against oil prices last week sent a shockwave and Royal Dutch Shell. Traders said the mar- prices were a positive for the global econo- has disappeared in the background,” said the yen to 118.81 yen, within sight of through global financial markets, with ket might continue to improve into tomor- my as a whole. Although the drop in oil has Emile Cardon, market strategist at Monday’s seven-year highs of just above countries heavily dependent on oil prices row’s European Central Bank meeting, hit energy stocks, it has also given a lift to Rabobank. 119 yen. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia- such as Russia, Nigeria and Norway among watched for signs of the bank’s next steps travel companies and should have a posi- Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer and Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.6 per- the biggest sufferers. That had all eased to revive a moribund euro-zone economy. tive impact on consumer spending. New York Fed President William Dudley also cent yesterday. Buoyed by a relief rally in yesterday, with the Russian rouble, “The weight of money does seem to want London’s FTSE led gains in Europe, up more said at separate events on Monday that soft resource firms, Australian shares gained 1.4 Malaysian ringgit and many other emerg- to come back into the stock markets and than 1 percent, while France’s CAC index oil prices would only temporarily dampen percent.— Reuters

FRANKFURT: Traders sit behind their screens at the stock market in Frankfurt, Germany yesterday. The German stock index DAX climbed above 10,000 points. —AP Oil falls below $72

LONDON: Brent oil fell below $72 a barrel existing production targets. Analysts said yesterday, giving up some of its gains in the market was going through a volatile Monday’s sharp rally from five-year lows, as adjustment phase that would lead to errat- traders were uncertain over whether the ic price movements until a more stable market had reached a floor or would con- pricing environment is found. “Saudi Arabia tinue to fall. “I am not surprised the price is and OPEC no longer have the mechanism going down. The market is looking for a to balance markets from the supply side,” renewed sense of direction and trying to said Mark Keenan, head of commodities figure out if we have hit the bottom or if we research Asia at Societe Generale. are about to go lower again,” said Michael The bank cut its US crude and Brent Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets in forecasts to an average of $65 and $70, London. “I think there is a lot of ebb and respectively, for both 2015 and 2016. The flow, and at the moment there is a battle two benchmarks touched five-year lows on going on between the bulls and the bears Monday, with Brent dipping to $67.53 a in light of the really strong rally we saw yes- barrel and WTI touching $63.72, before terday.” Brent was down 90 cents at $71.64 recovering to settle up on the day. Analysts by 1120 GMT, after jumping 3.4 percent on say much lower oil prices may force some Monday. US crude was down $1.05 at producers out of the market. As crude $67.95 a barrel. prices tumble, offshore drillers are increas- Oil has fallen since June to reach its low- ingly considering “warm stacking” their rigs est since October 2009 on Monday as new to take them temporarily off the market. supplies of high quality, light oil from North The low prices also threaten unconvention- America have overwhelmed demand. The al producers that have come to the market Organization of the Petroleum Exporting when prices were still higher. New data Countries had been expected to trim out- suggested that a much anticipated slow- put at a meeting last week to try to rebal- down in the US shale rig count had started ance the market but agreed to maintain to take place. — Reuters Gold dips 1 percent

LONDON: Gold slipped around 1 percent yes- again yesterday. The dollar was up 0.3 percent terday as a firm dollar and signals the US against a basket of leading currencies, under- economy is benefiting from a decline in oil pinned by comments from Fed Vice Chairman prices renewed expectations the Federal Stanley Fischer and New York Fed President Reserve may start to tighten policy sometime William Dudley at separate events on in the middle of 2015. Spot gold dipped 1 Monday. Both said that soft oil prices would percent to $1,198.99 an ounce by 1108 GMT, only temporarily dampen the overall cost after gaining nearly 4 percent on Monday, its borne by consumers and painted a mostly biggest one-day jump since September 2013. rosy outlook, suggesting the Fed was not let- US gold futures fell 1.6 percent to $1,198.80 ting energy markets distract it from lifting an ounce. rates. An increase in interest rates faster and Spot prices traded in a $80 range on sooner than expected, which could continue Monday, first falling to a near three-week low to boost the dollar and hurt non-interest- after Switzerland voted against a proposal to bearing bullion. boost its gold reserves, and then rallying to Physical demand from Asian buyers $1,220.99, its highest in a month, as oil prices would also have to be strong for the rally to recovered. “There is extremely chopping trad- sustain. In top consumer China, local prices ing going in the year end ...concerns over the were trading at a premium of less than $1 an impact of lower prices on inflation and what ounce yesterday, lower than Monday’s $1-$2. lower inflation does to a central bank’s policy Prices even slipped to a discount early on are driving factors at the moment,” BofA Monday, hinting at sluggish demand. India, Merrill Lynch analyst Michael Widmer said. the second biggest consumer, eased import Bullion has fallen in tandem with oil in recent curbs last week in a surprise move but trade sessions on expectations that weaker crude sources said that overseas purchases may prices could further reduce inflationary pres- not be quick to emerge to due to adequate sures. The metal is usually seen as an hedge stocks in the country. Platinum lost 1.7 per- against oil-led inflation. cent to $1,212.00 an ounce. Silver fell 1.3 But crude oil jumped as much as 5 percent percent to $16.21 an ounce, and palladium on Monday, rebounding from five-year lows also edged 0.8 percent lower to $798.05 an with their biggest daily gain since 2012. It fell ounce.— Reuters

TOKYO: A man is reflected on a glass window as he looks at an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. Asian stock markets drifted yesterday, taking a negative cue from Wall Street as the economic outlook for next year clouds. Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock average was up 0.2 percent at 17,629.55. — AP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Business25 Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive eyes record results for

KUWAIT: Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the sole authorized dealer of TheWraith, the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history, has traditional Rolls-Royce Phantom family, which elegantly combines state-of- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Kuwait, is expecting to close a record year for had a significant contribution to the overall growth. Providing the Kuwait the-art technology and engineering with timeless contemporary design, sales of the brand in Kuwait by the end of 2014. The dealer has achieved a market with the ultimate driving experience, it is the sweeping fastback has continued to maintain its position as one of the most recognized and remarkable 29% increase in Year-to-Date sales of the ultra-luxury marque so design that gives the Wraith its unique character, along with the bold sought-after luxury cars in Kuwait. far (January to October 2014), a figure that is expected to grow even further lines, the tension in the panels and the raked rear screen, that all combine after the initial success of the all-new Ghost Series II that was launched to evoke the image of a world class athlete poised in the starting blocks. recently. Coach doors then open to reveal a sumptuous interior complete with Highlighting the increasing strength of the ultra-luxury brand in the the softest Phantom-grade leathers and ex- country, this sustained growth is a further indication of Rolls-Royce’s posi- panses of wood called Canadel tion in Kuwait as a leader both in luxury experiences, as well as automotive Panelling. excellence. Commenting on the results, Yousef Al Qatami, General Man- The Rolls-Royce Ghost ager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive said: “The year-on-year growth in also experienced high sales sales we have achieved for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reaffirms once again the this year, having been first brand’s position at the pinnacle of the ultra-luxury segment here in Kuwait. introduced to the market Such a unique luxury automobile deserves the very best customer service in 2009, and the recently- levels, both ahead of and after a sale, so this sustained growth is also a launched Ghost Series II testament to the bespoke customer service levels of the team in Kuwait is expected to generate that supports the increased appetite for world-class luxury automobiles further strong results in throughout the country.” 2015. In addition to this, the Oriental Insurance Fewer opportunities for graft; GM visits Kuwait Indonesia expands oil storage KUWAIT: The Oriental Insurance Com- ducing new products in the market” said pany Limited (OICL), a public sector Gov- Siddhartha Mukherjee. He assured the ernment of India undertaking and one of audience that the company has an added New govt to construct more refineries the largest general insurance companies responsibility of serving the Indian busi- in India along with their Chief Agents in ness community and providing insurance Kuwait; Bader Al Mulla & Brothers Com- solutions to NRI population in Kuwait, in pany WLL welcomed A K Mittal, General addition to the customers in Kuwait. Manager of Oriental Insurance Company Mittal informed the audience that the to Kuwait. Mittal was on an official tour entry of foreign companies in the Indian for three days in the country and arrived insurance sector gives more opportunity in Kuwait on 23rd November 2014. He for companies’ growth in India. Currently, visited the Indian Embassy in Kuwait and the insurance penetration in India is only also met with very important clients of 0.7%. “We are 67 years old company and the company in Kuwait. having a very strong capital, we still main- On 24th November 2014, the company tain our lead in the Indian insurance sec- hosted a client’s dinner for its clients for a tor”, he said. “We are expecting lot of pos- meeting with Mr. Mittal. Agency Manager itive changes from the new government of Oriental Insurance Kuwait, Ravikumar at the center. Our Prime Minister Modi’s Raizada hosted the event and welcomed projects such as ‘Jan-Dhan Yojana’ etc give distinguished guests to the dinner with a boost to the insurance sector especially GM. Various eminent personalities from in the rural areas. Since the rural popula- the business community in Kuwait at- tion is accessible to the banking service, tended the function. Indian Ambassador Insurance sector can penetrate more on to Kuwait, HE Sunil Jain, also graced the these areas”, he said. occasion along with his wife. He praised Hormuzda Davar, Director of Financial Siddhartha Mukherjee, Resident Manag- Services, Al Mulla Group informed that er of Oriental Insurance in Kuwait for his Oriental Insurance started their opera- great service in Kuwait. tions in partnership with Al Mulla Group “Oriental Insurance has a diverse port- in Kuwait in the year 1985 as Chief Agents folio with customer friendly insurance and today it is one of the largest foreign covers catering to the specific needs of insurance companies in Kuwait. He both Urban and rural population of India proposed the vote of thanks to all and JAKARTA: Two Indonesian vendors wait for customers at a traditional market in Jakarta. Indonesia’s inflation rate jumped and manu- and we are always in the process of intro- wished the company all the best. facturing activity sank to a record low after the country’s new president raised the price of fuel in Southeast Asia’s top economy, data showed. —AFP YOGYAKARTA: Indonesia’s new administra- Sudirman Said told reporters last week: “Ev- sidering investing in new refineries, despite Australia holds tion plans a major expansion of oil storage ery transaction that is hidden definitely has not having built one since 1994. The refinery and will construct more refineries as part of that potential (for corruption). Direct deals and storage development plans are not new sweeping energy reforms that will also help reduce that potential...and reduce the role under President Widodo but have been held in cracking down on any corruption in the of intermediaries.” Simson Panjaitan, Petral’s back for years by vested interests who profit interest rates 2.5% state oil trader. Sworn in just six weeks ago, head of finance, risk and general affairs, said from fuel imports, officials have said. SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank yester- weaker Australian dollar, which it be- President Joko Widodo launched the over- he supported the reforms being introduced day held interest rates at a record low 2.5 lieves is slowing a rebalancing of the haul of the scandal-tainted oil and gas sec- by the new president but dismissed sugges- Pushing aside the middleman percent, signaling its intention to keep an economy away from mining-led growth tor last Friday by sacking the entire board tions of corruption in his company. “There is The president’s plans will also likely side- accommodative monetary policy while as resources investment is expected to of state oil giant Pertamina and pledging a no evidence saying we are corrupt, that we line Hong Kong-based Pertamina Energy saying a weaker exchange rate was need- sharply fall off after an unprecedented comprehensive audit of its trading arm, Pe- are the mafia. It’s hard for me to believe,” he Trading Limited (Petral). The company, which ed to support growth. It was the 15th boom. “A lower exchange rate is likely to tral. In 2013, Indonesia’s oil and gas sector told Reuters after speaking at a conference conducts its trading business from Singa- consecutive meeting in which the Re- be needed to achieve balanced growth in made up over 7 percent of GDP in the $740 in the city of Yogyakarta. Indonesia plans to pore, holds a near monopoly on the trad- serve Bank of Australia has left the cash the economy,” Stevens said in comments billion economy, Southeast Asia’s largest. add a minimum of 9.4 million barrels of new ing of billions of dollars worth of crude and rate unchanged, and reflected opposing adding to previous remarks that said the When completed, the plan to increase fuel storage capacity by 2019, an increase of oil products in and out of the former OPEC pressures on the economy with a boom- currency “remains above most estimates storage and refining capacity will allow In- around 40 percent, at a cost of $2.44 billion, member. Petral reported revenue of $31.5 ing housing market and slumping com- of its fundamental value”. The Australian donesia to shift from buying gasoline and Pertamina officials said. billion and net profit of $47 million in 2011, modity prices. In a commentary on the dollar, which was trading at about 84.80 diesel on the opaque spot market to stable The country, which is expected to become the latest data provided on the company’s decision, bank governor Glenn Stevens US cents ahead of the statement, pushed long-term contracts with foreign producers. the world’s largest gasoline importer by 2018, website. But the lack of transparency from said “monetary policy is appropriately higher to 85.12 cents in the afternoon. That would also reduce opportunities for wants to increase its operational reserves to its oil trades has raised concerns that trans- configured to foster sustainable growth The RBA also noted the significant graft at Petral. “With limited storage, all you 30 days worth of fuel, up from the current actions can be easily manipulated by what in demand and inflation outcomes con- recent decline in commodity price can do is buy on the spot market and then 18-23 days. In the longer term, Pertamina the president calls the oil mafia, which is sistent with the target”. “On present indi- falls on the back of softer demand you are at the mercy of the market,” Ari So- is looking to upgrade its six refineries to in- believed to steal as much as $400 million a cations, the most prudent course is likely and a supply glut, which has hit Aus- emarno, a presidential adviser and former crease capacity to 1.5 million barrels per day year, according to presidential adviser So- to be a period of stability in interest rates.” tralian mining firms and government head of Pertamina said. Energy Minister from the current 1 million bpd. It is also con- emarno.—Reuters The bank reinforced its call for a coffers. —AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Business26 Burgan Bank completes Aviva agrees terms of $8.8bn capital increase Friends all-share takeover KUWAIT: Burgan Bank, Kuwait’s second largest commercial bank by assets, announced yesterday the successful completion of its capital increase through the rights issuance announced earlier. Burgan Bank shareholders have Deal sparked by UK pension changes subscribed in the capital increase during the designated period started from November 16, 2014 and ended on LONDON: British insurer Aviva agreed terms yesterday ment in March, insurers have focused on alternative and Norwich Union. Holders of Friends Life shares will November 30, 2014 in number of shares in excess of the for a 5.6 billion pound ($8.8 billion) all-share takeover products such as pensions drawdown which allow receive 0.74 new Aviva shares, valuing the company at shares offered for subscription. The capital increase has of rival Friends Life, responding to pressures caused by savers more freedom over the amount of money they 5.6 billion pounds, unchanged from last month’s initial been conclusively closed due to the full coverage of all pension industry reform. Pension providers are rushing withdraw each year, or “bulk annuites” - taking on the announcement. Aviva shares fell after last month’s to revise their product ranges after the government in risk of company defined benefit pension schemes. announcement due to uncertainties over the savings offered shares. Total Proceeds from the rights issuance March surprisingly removed obligations for people to numbers. reached KD102.6 million. The number of shares of Bur- buy an annuity, or income for life, at retirement, hurting Wilson’s strategy They were up 2.7 percent at 513 pence at 1035 GMT, gan Bank has increased by 216 million shares and was sales. Aviva said the merger creates a market leader Wilson said there would likely be job losses among while Friends Life was up 4.8 percent at 384.1 pence. priced at 475 Fils per share( 100 Fils nominal value + a with 16 million life insurance customers. It is expected the combined staff of more than 15,000 and savings The deal values Friends Life shares at 394 pence, based premium of 375 Fils ) , reflecting a 12.44% capital in- to generate 600 million pounds in excess cash flow from office moves but would not give any specific de- on the closing price on Nov 20. Credit Suisse analysts crease in Burgan Bank’s issued & paid- up capital from a year and about 225 million pounds in annual cost tails. Analysts have speculated that Friends Life would said they were neutral on the deal. “While it accelerates KD173,577,062.700 to KD 195,177,062.700. savings by the end of 2017. Andy Briggs, current group close its London office. The deal is a significant step for near-term cash generation and thus dividend recovery, The subscription was initially opened for practicing chief executive of Friends Life, will become CEO of Aviva Wilson, who was hired as CEO of general and life insurer it raises longer-term questions about growth once priority right to subscribe in shares, which was con- UK Life, with Mark Wilson continuing as CEO of the Aviva from Asian rival AIA two years ago. He has pushed initial synergies are extracted,” they said. Friends Life strained to shareholders recorded in the bank’s share- enlarged Aviva Group. through a restructuring, selling off businesses and cut- shareholders will also receive a second interim divi- holders register. The excess in shares to be allocated for Briggs told reporters that the two businesses worked ting costs. Analysts said the cost savings from the Aviva/ dend of 24.1 pence per share. Aviva plans to pay a final general subscription for shareholders and others. Majed well together. Friends Life’s corporate pension business Friends Life combination were higher than expected dividend of 12.25 pence for 2014, up 30 percent on last Essa Al Ajeel, the chairman of Burgan Bank commented: is skewed to larger firms, while Aviva focused on smaller but would take several years to be achieved. The year. Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Cazenove and Robey “We are very pleased with the results of the rights issue ones, alleviating any concerns about a reduction in merger has the backing of Clive Cowdery, who founded Warshaw advised Aviva. Friends Life was advised and grateful for both the support and the trust that our competition. “There’s a very good complementary fit,” Friends Life in 2008 when it was known as Resolution. by Barclays, Goldman Sachs and RBC Capital shareholders and investors have put in us. The shares he said. After the changes announced by the govern- Aviva is the product of a 2000 merger between CGU Markets.—Reuters were exercised by 125% from our existing shareholders which reflects their continuous trust in the bank’s performance and its future prospects.” “Burgan Bank has successfully issued $500 million in Special winter savings on certified Burgan Bank AT1 bonds in the third quarter and now the rights issue of KD102.6 million comes to complement the integrated pre-owned Mercedes-Benz models offers exclusive capital optimization plan we opted for to strengthen our KUWAIT: A R Albisher and Z Alkazemi Co – the exclusive “Our Proven Exclusivity program includes extra measures capital to comply with Basel 3 requirements and to fur- general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Kuwait - is bring- to ensure all vehicles have met and even exceeded a num- discounts for ther support our local and regional growth plans,” added ing certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles into the ber of technical requirements before being offered for re- Premier clients Al-Ajeel. Burgan Bank Group has one of the largest re- spotlight once again with a special winter savings. From sale,” said Michael Ruehle, CEO, Abdul Rahman Albisher & now until 31st December, customers will receive up to Zaid Alkazemi Co. gional branch networks with more than 233 branches KUWAI: Burgan Bank announced yester- KD 500 off any pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle via the “In many instances our pre-owned cars are almost on across Kuwait, Turkey, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Tunis, Leba- day that all Premier customers are now en- Proven Exclusivity program. Customers interested in pur- par with our newer vehicles offering our customers the non and Palestine. The wide footprint was achieved titled to an exclusive discounts program at chasing a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz can choose from a chance to purchase their ideal Mercedes-Benz at an af- after the bank’s decision to diversify into faster growth selected retail outlets ranging from popu- wide selection of models that have undergone rigorous fordable price, and with assured quality.” Mercedes-Benz markets. lar restaurants, health care facilities, spa, inspection to match the standards of pre-owned sale via is a world class brand and a leader in the luxury segment. The hotels to many more to ensure a whole- the Proven Exclusivity program. vehicles remain of the highest standards whether a few months some and luxurious experience. Extend- Under this program all vehicles go through a multiple old or a few years, and Mercedes-Benz ProvenExclusivity program ing the new rewards to its premier clients, China rate cut point technical check-up and service by certified techni- is about giving customers value for their money. The wide range Burgan Bank’s Visa Platinum Debit or Credit cians. In addition, a full service history and a 12 months of vehicles available can also be checked for various details cardholders can now avail special rates at ‘cold comfort’ warranty will be given to the customer. A R Albisher and on the Mercedes-Benz ProvenExclusivity website at www. more than 25 merchants across Kuwait Z Alkazemi Co are also offering financial service options. kuwait.pe-mb.com for developers such as: Sheraton Hotel Restaurants, Mais Al-Ghanim restaurant, Nino Gulf road res- HONG KONG: Property developers, among China’s most taurant, Royal Hayat Hospital, Tiba Clinic, heavily leveraged companies, will get a negligible lift Tijan International Dental center, Sympho- from the country’s first benchmark interest rate cut in ny Style Hotel accommodation, restaurants two years as sales slip and banks pull back on lending & Spa, Element Spa at Royal Hayat, Health to the sector. After a long bull run, China’s property mar- Club at JW Marriot, Alcorniche Club Spa, ket, which makes up about 15 percent of its economy Artecasa, Fayasel, Gulfnet, Alsharq dia- and is the main driver of demand in some 40 industries monds beside many other luxurious places. from cement to steel, has grappled with soft prices and Designed to suit the lifestyle of its distin- mounting inventories for at least six months. guished customers, the exclusive discounts That prompted China’s central bank to cut its bench- has been introduced as part of the bank’s mark lending rates by 40 basis points to 5.6 percent on wide range of valuable privileges and ben- Nov 21, reversing in part its drive to cool a sector that efits created and tailored to suit Premier many feared had become so bloated by speculative froth customers’ lifestyle needs. To find out more that it was crowding out other forms of investment. But about Burgan Bank’s latest promotions or the lowering of the lending benchmark will bring only any of its products and services, customers marginal relief to the sector’s biggest headaches - too are urged to visit any of the bank’s branch- much unsold stock and tight liquidity. “The fundamental es, or contact the call center on 1804080. problem of China’s housing market is over-supply,” said For more information, customers can also Ding Zuyu, co-president of real estate services firm E- log onto the bank’s website on www.bur- House China, and a few home buyers encouraged by the gan.com rate cut wouldn’t change that.—Reuters GCC aviation sees substantial growth KAMCO Report

KUWAIT: Aviation industry is highly correlated to the lower fuel prices. However, as fuel prices normalize dur- developments on the economic front and in return the ing future forecast period at around $90/barrel, EBITDAR sector plays a key role in the economic development. margin is expected to decline slightly as compared FY-14 It helps in achieving sustainable long term growth by levels but remain elevated as compared to historical lev- providing a rapid worldwide transportation network en- els. We see continued demand for LCCs that would sup- abling global markets integration along with various so- port ambitious fleet expansion plans in the near term. cial benefits. According to IATA, almost 1% of the global Further support comes from a favorable fund market GDP is expected to be spent on air travel, translating to resulting in low cost financing at favorable terms from close to $746 billion in 2014. The increase is fuelled by regional and international banks. The focus of would re- both demand-side factor like increase in the utility of air main higher utilization of aircrafts by maintaining 80% travel as well as supply side factors that result in higher plus load factor levels. An expanding fleet size coupled supply at a significantly lower price each year. with a load factor of above 80% despite new fleet ad- ditions helped both topline and profitability. Although Global aviation sector Middle East carriers has doubled in 10 years. In terms of by LCCs in 2013 as compared to a global average of 26%. average load factor has been declining marginally since Global airline revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) in- capacity addition, the Middle East region recorded the LCC market share in the Middle East got a major boost 2010 and was recorded at 80% during 2013, Air Arabia creased from 3.75 Tln Km in 2004 to 5.9 Tln Km in 2013, highest growth in ASK recorded at 12% as compared to after the financial crisis, which pushed the market share has consistently maintained it at above the 80% mark, resulting in a CAGR of 6.0% over the past ten years. The 2012. In fact, air traffic in the region has increased over significantly in the years that followed. which is essential for an LCC to run a profitable opera- two indicators (GDP and RPK) had a relatively strong cor- 3.5 times between 2003 and 2013 versus global air traffic tion. Nevertheless, we see no pressure on load factor relation measured at 65.6% based on the past 10-year doubling over a 15 year time. Tourism has played a key Air Arabia and it is expected to remain well above the average load performance. Data from IATA also suggests a strong RPK role in developing the sector with the number of tourists We are initiating coverage on Air Arabia PJSC with an factor of Middle East airline players, estimated to be at growth of 5.9% during 2014 as connection between cit- visiting the Middle East has doubled. Outperform rating and a price target of AED 1.64 per 72%. Further, based on YTD load factors for 2014, we ex- ies throughout the world increases. With RPKs expected to grow at an accelerated rate as share representing an upside of 10.3% on the stock. Air pect a slight improvement by the end of the year led by GCC Aviation Sector is expected to see substantial compared to the global RPK growth, the region offers Arabia operates one of the youngest fleet of aircrafts strong quarterly result during the first half of the year growth over the next decade on the back of higher de- ample opportunities in all three type of markets. Accord- with an average age of 2.5 years. This gives the company (Q2-14 load factor was reported at 84%). mand from global leisure travelers into the region, the ing to Airbus, the growth in RPK traffic in the Middle East a competitive edge in terms of fuel efficiency as well as increasing significance of gulf countries as a regional is expected to be 6.2% between 2013 to 2033 as com- type of aircraft. During 2007-08, the company placed or- Jazeera Airways transportation hub due to its geographical advantage pared to 4.7% for globally. Large airlines would continue der for 44 Airbus A320s valued at approximately USD 3.0 We are initiating coverage on Jazeera Airways K.S.C.P and due to the inherent demand from a rising popula- to focus on long haul markets, whereas the smaller and Bn. The Company expects that the delivery of the order with an Outperform rating and a price target of KWD tion from other nationalities residing in the region. The more efficient players would focus on medium haul and of 44 aircrafts would be complete by 2016. 0.501 per share representing an upside of 15.1% on the five-year CAGR for passenger-kilometers on scheduled short haul opportunities with an increasing number of The company’s topline grew at a five-year CAGR of stock. We believe that marginal increase in topline cou- services stood at a strong 15.9% for the GCC member low cost carriers serving the inter and intra-regional traf- 9.0% (2009-2013) supported by continuous fleet expan- pled with low fuel prices and a no-hedging policy would countries at the end of 2013 as compared to a global fic in this segment. sion that enabled it to increase passenger count. For the directly translate into better margins. During 9M-14, five-year CAGR of 6.0% for the same period as measured forecast period 2014-2018, we expect passenger rev- passenger revenue increased by 3.2%to KWD 47.6 Mn by ICAO. Low cost carriers enue and other revenue to increase at a CAGR of 10%. and leasing revenue increased by 2.9% to KWD 4.8 Mn, Total passenger kilometers increased by 12.6% dur- The low cost carrier (LCC) phenomenon is fast catch- We forecast a slight decline in yield per passenger for FY- resulting in a total revenue growth of 3.1%. ing 2013 to 447 Bn passenger kilometers as compared to ing up in the Middle East aviation market. The primary 14 and FY-15 and marginal increase for the remainder of For full year 2014, we expect 3% growth in passenger rev- a 5.5% growth on a global scale. The strongest growth in aim of the LCCs is to adopt a business model with mini- the forecast period. enues on the back of marginal increase in passengers flown terms of absolute RPKs was recorded in UAE which stood mal costs that significantly stimulates traffic. These play- Favorable market conditions during Q3-14 resulted in coupled with 1% increase in passenger fares. The increase in at 290.3 Bn Kms followed by Qatar at 79.8 Bn Kms and ers tend to drive down airline costs and pass on the sav- strong Q3-14 y-o-y revenue growth of 24.5% and higher average passenger fares is estimated to be modest due to Saudi Arabia at 49.3 Bn Kms. With the geographical ad- ing to customers. Although fuel costs remains the same average load factor during the quarter (80.3% in Q3-14 the low prevailing jet fuel prices as compared to 2013. Fur- vantage as the physical center of the earth, medium and for both LCCs and traditional network carriers, LCCs tend vs. 77.8% in Q3-13). In addition, an 11.5% increase in seat ther, the consistent decline in fuel prices during 2014 would long-haul routes between Middle East to Asia-Pacific or to optimize other operating costs including labor costs, capacity allowed the company to carry 15% more pas- directly translate into better margins. However, some of the Middle East to Europe represent the core growth mar- high load factors, and relying on direct sales. The share sengers during the quarter. The YTD-14 load factor also fuel price decline is already factored in base fares by compet- kets for traffic in the region. of LCCs in the Middle East remains well below the global increased to 81.6% as compared to 80.7% during 9M-13 itors resulting in a decline in topline. We expect fuel prices As a consequence, the share of passenger aircraft as average. According to Boeing, 12% of annual seats of despite 11.4% increase in capacity.We expect EBITDAR as a percentage of revenue to bottom in 2014 at 28% and a percentage of global passenger count operated by Middle East-domiciled airline companies were offered margins to increase to 28.5% for FY-14 on the back of gradually increase to historical levels by 2018. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft team Microsoft Kuwait promoting technology in education Microsoft, 7 partners showcase education solutions and latest technology

KUWAIT: As a long-term partner to the and are proud to work alongside them to able skills on the world’s most popular produc- Ministry of Education, Microsoft Kuwait develop the education sector in the country. tivity software. The MS Office subscription will recently participated in the annual Kuwait Along with our partners, we aim to provide last for as long as students are enrolled in Edutech Conference and Exhibition 2014 as a every child and educator in the State of Kuwait school”, he added. Diamond sponsor and Educational partner for with a matchless education experience, utiliz- Students can also make use of Office Online, the fifth consecutive year. In line with its coming technology as the main enabler to achieve which is a free, online version of Office that let mitment to broaden digital inclusion and pro- this.” “At Microsoft, we focus on creating oppor- them create, edit, and share documents with mote technology in education, Microsoft tunities for youth and enabling educators to classmates, even if they don’t have Office. They Kuwait along with seven partners - ZAK play a vital role in ensuring that digital natives can also save to OneDrive and work together in Solutions , ITWORX, NetSupport, become digital citizens. real time with full file fidelity, or save locally LanguageNut, SmartTech, HP, and DELL - Young people must be given access to a sol- and work offline with Office 365. All they showcased the latest education solutions and id foundation of skills that they can use as a require is a Microsoft account, which can be technology geared towards assisting educa- springboard to careers. For this, we are provid- created from their current school or university tional development in the classroom through ing students with Office 365 to have access to email address. Microsoft takes a holistic and digital literacy at the biggest event dedicated the latest version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, long-term approach to supporting education to Kuwait’s education sector. and OneNote for organization and note-taking, and is working closely with governments, edu- Charles Nahas, Microsoft Kuwait General and much more. This can be installed on up to cators, parents, students and NGOs in Kuwait Manager, said “At Microsoft, we are deeply five compatible PCs and Macs, plus five tablets to open up access to technology that can committed to supporting the vision of the including iPads. It can be used with OneDrive improve the quality of teaching as well as the Kuwaiti government and Ministry of Education for automatic device syncing and to gain valu- learning experience for students of all ages. US apex court mulls free speech, Facebook threats Justices weigh if Facebook threats can be prosecuted

WASHINGTON: US Supreme Court justices buffer zone ... because we don’t want to chill Curbing online ‘hate speech’ struggled Monday with the difficult question of innocent behavior,” she said during the hourlong Other groups petitioned the top court to whether threats made on Facebook can be pros- session. Lawyers for Elonis have argued that the uphold the conviction, saying it could help curb ecuted or are protected free speech. In a key test government failed to prove comments on what is often described as online hate speech. of freedom of expression in the Internet era, the Facebook showed the intent to commit a crime. Groups supporting victims of domestic violence nine justices heard arguments in the case of a Elonis has said he never seriously intended to also joined the government’s side. Chief Justice man convicted of making death threats on the make an attempt on his ex-wife’s life or carry out John Roberts questioned during the arguments social network against his estranged wife. The any of the other threats, and that without proof what impact the case might have on teenagers oral arguments came in the case of Anthony of such an intent, criminalizing his Facebook who make frequent posts on Facebook, or on Elonis, who was convicted for making threats in posts violates his First Amendment right to free rap artists like Eminem. “Should he (Eminem) be his comments posted in rap verse style and sen- speech. prosecuted?” Roberts asked. tenced to prison. On December 8, 2010, he was charged with Arguing for the government, Deputy “There’s one way to love you but a thousand threatening clients and employees of the park, Solicitor General Michael Dreeben said the con- ways to kill you. I’m not going to rest until your threats against his ex-wife, against police officers viction should not impact “freedom to engage body is a mess, soaked in blood and dying from and an FBI agent, as well as threats involving a in rap artistry” and asked the court to affirm the all the little cuts. Hurry up and die, bitch,” Elonis preschool class. During his trial, Elonis said he jury’s conviction based on its reading of the posted after the breakup ending seven years of was inspired by rapper Eminem in his posts, intent of the language. Justice Antonin Scalia marriage. Justice Samuel Alito commented that some of which contained lewd and violent pas- said the court needs to consider whether a gen- “this sounds like a roadmap for threatening a sages. A range of free-speech groups including uine threat is made, online or offline. Scalia cit- spouse... you put them in rhymes, you claim the American Civil Liberties Union and the liber- ed the possibility of “a warning that Al-Qaeda is you’re an artist then you’re free from prosecu- tarian Cato Institute supported Elonis, arguing going to assassinate a certain person, it con- tion.” But Justice Elena Kagan cautioned about that upholding the conviction could erode con- tains a threat.” Justice Stephen Breyer ques- any ruling that could infringe on rights stitutional guarantees. Press freedom groups tioned meanwhile whether the case involves enshrined in the First Amendment of the con- also joined in seeking to overturn the convic- “transmitting a true threat.” The justices are stitution. tion, claiming the case could impact journalists’ expected to decide the case at the end of their “The First Amendment requires a kind of ability to do their jobs. term in June. — AFP Cyber ring steals secrets for gaming the US stock market

BOSTON: Security researchers say they have fied the hackers or located them because they blame for economically motivated cyber espi- uncovered a cyber espionage ring focused on hide their tracks using Tor, a service for making onage. The United States has accused the Chinese CAPE CANAVERAL: This NASA photo shows access doors at Space Launch Complex stealing corporate secrets for the purpose of gam- the location of Internet users anonymous. FireEye government of encouraging hackers to steal cor- 37, in Cape Canaveral, Florida with the Orion spacecraft and Delta IV Heavy stack vis- ing the stock market, in an operation that has said it believes they are most likely based in the porate secrets, allegations that Beijing has denied, ible in its entirety inside the Mobile Service Tower where the vehicle is undergoing compromised sensitive data about dozens of United States, or maybe Western Europe, based causing tension between the two countries. launch preparations. — AFP publicly held companies. Cybersecurity firm on the language they use in their phishing emails, Weedon suspects the hackers were trained at FireEye Inc, which disclosed the operation on Weedon said. Western investment banks, giving them the Monday, said that since the middle of last year, She said the firm is confident that FIN4 is not know-how to identify their targets and draft con- NASA to launch new Orion the group has attacked email accounts at more from China, based on the content of their phish- vincing phishing emails. “They are applying their than 100 firms, most of them pharmaceutical and ing emails and their other techniques. knowledge of how the investment banking com- spacecraft on a test flight healthcare companies. Researchers often look to China when assessing munity works,” Weedon said. — Reuters Victims also include firms in other sectors, as CAPE CANAVERAL: NASA’s quest to send astro- sturdy enough and robust enough” to carry well as corporate advisors including investment nauts out into the solar system begins this week astronauts well beyond low-Earth orbit for weeks bankers, attorneys and investor relations firms, FBI warns of a ‘destructive’ with a two-laps-around-Earth test flight. The new and months at a time, said Lockheed Martin’s according to FireEye. The cybersecurity firm Orion spacecraft is not going to Mars just yet; Bryan Austin, a former NASA shuttle flight direc- declined to identify the victims. It said it did not Thursday’s debut will be unmanned and last just tor who will oversee Orion’s maiden voyage. know whether any trades were actually made malware amid Sony attack 41/2 hours. But it will be the farthest a built-for- “That’s how Orion really separates itself from based on the stolen data. Still, FireEye Threat BOSTON: The US Federal Bureau of industry of various cyber threat indicators humans capsule has flown since the Apollo the commercial field. They’re there to get you to Intelligence Manager Jen Weedon said the hack- Investigation warned US businesses that observed during the course of our investiga- moon missions, shooting 3,600 miles (5,800 kilo- station and back. Of course, we’re there to be ers only targeted people with access to highly hackers have used malicious software to tions,” he said. “This data is provided in order meters) out into space in order to gain enough hardened enough to sustain it for that long dura- insider data that could be used to profit on trades launch destructive attacks in the United to help systems administrators guard against momentum to re-enter the atmosphere at a tion.” For this orbital tryout, a Delta IV rocket will before that data was made public. States, following a devastating cyber attack the actions of persistent cyber criminals.” scorching 20,000 mph (32,000 kph). hoist Orion from Cape Canaveral Air Force They sought data that included drafts of US The dry run, if all goes well, will end with a Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:05 am, just after last week at Sony Pictures Entertainment. The It does not name victims of attacks in Securities and Exchange Commission filings, doc- five-page, confidential “flash” warning issued those reports. The report said the malware Pacific splashdown off Mexico’s Baja coast. Navy sunrise. The rocket, with Orion and its launch uments on merger activity, discussions of legal ships will recover the capsule for future use. This escape tower at the tiptop, stretches 242 feet (74 to businesses late on Monday provided some overrides data on hard drives of computers cases, board planning documents and medical technical details about the malicious software and can make them inoperable and shut initial Orion is rigged with 1,200 sensors to meters) high. Future Orion launches will use the research results, she said. “They are pursuing sen- gauge its durability for the day when astronauts mega rocket still under development by NASA, that was used in the attack, though it did not down networks. sitive information that would give them privi- do climb aboard during the decade ahead. known as SLS or Space Launch System. The first name the victim. Two cybersecurity experts “This malware has the capability to over- Advertised destinations include an asteroid to be Orion-SLS launch is targeted for 2018, leged insight into stock market dynamics,” who reviewed the document and were famil- write a victim host’s master boot record and corralled in lunar orbit for human exploration in unmanned, followed by the first piloted mission Weedon said. The victims ranged from small to iar with the Sony attack said that they were all data files,” the report said. “The overwriting the 2020s, followed by Mars in the 2030s. “We’re in 2021. large cap corporations. Most are in the United sure the agency was referring to the breach at of the data files will make it extremely difficult approaching this as pioneers,” said William Hill of No one at NASA is pleased with such a slow States and trade on the New York Stock Exchange the California-based unit of Sony Corp. “This and costly, if not impossible, to recover the NASA’s exploration systems development office. pace. At best, it will be seven years before astro- or Nasdaq, she said. An FBI spokesman declined correlates with information about that many data using standard forensic methods.” “We’re going out to stay eventually. ... It’s many, nauts fly Orion - anywhere. By comparison, it comment on the group, which FireEye said it of us in the security industry have been track- Hackers have used similar malware to launch many decades away, but that’s our intent.” took eight years from the time President John reported to the bureau. The security firm desig- ing,” said one of the people who reviewed the attacks on businesses in highly destructive Lockheed Martin Corp. built the capsule and Kennedy announced his intentions of landing a nated it as FIN4 because it is number 4 among the document. “It looks exactly like information attacks in South Korea and the Middle East, is staging the $370 million test flight for NASA. man on the moon - before John Glenn had even large, advanced financially motivated groups from the Sony attack.” but security experts said that if the malware Orion is NASA’s first new spacecraft for humans rocketed into orbit - to Neil Armstrong and Buzz tracked by FireEye. FBI spokesman Joshua Campbell declined was indeed used on Sony, it would be the first in more than a generation, succeeding the now- Aldrin’s lunar boot prints in 1969. Given the pres- The hackers don’t infect the PCs of their vic- comment when asked if the software had large-scale attack of its type launched against retired space shuttles. Unlike the capsules under ent budget situation, “it is what it is,” said tims. Instead they steal passwords to email been used against the California-based unit a company on US soil. “It’s a game changer,” development by two US companies for space Kennedy Space Center’s director Robert Cabana, accounts, then use them to access those accounts of Sony Corp, though he confirmed that the Clemens said. The alert provided advice on station crew transport, Orion is meant for the a former astronaut. And the presidential election via the Internet, according to FireEye. They agency had issued the confidential “flash” how to respond to attacks and asked compa- long haul, both in time and space; it would be ahead could bring further delays and uncertain- expand their networks by posing as users of com- supplemented with habitats for potential Mars ties. But don’t confuse Orion with NASA’s old- warning, which Reuters independently nies to contact the FBI if they identified simi- promised accounts, sending phishing emails to obtained. “The FBI routinely advises private lar malware.— Reuters trips. “We need a spacecraft that’s going to be time Apollo capsules. —AP associates, Weedon said. FireEye has not identi- WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Hotter, weirder: How climate has changed Earth Sea level up 3 inches amid extreme weather

WASHINGTON: In the more than two States, an index of climate extremes - Wuebbles says. of carbon dioxide, scientists at NOAA the western United States burned an decades since world leaders first got hot and cold, wet and dry - kept by the and the University of Colorado say. average of 2.7 million acres (1.1 million together to try to solve global warming, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Temperature Every year sea ice cover shrinks to a hectares) each year between 1983 and life on Earth has changed, not just the Administration has jumped 30 percent It’s almost a sure thing that 2014 will yearly minimum size in the Arctic in 1992; now that’s up to 7.3 million acres climate. It’s gotten hotter, more pollut- from 1992 to 2013, not counting hurri- go down as the hottest year in 135 September - a measurement that is (2.95 million hectares) from 1994 to ed with heat-trapping gases, more canes, based on 10-year averages. years of record keeping, meteorologists considered a key climate change indica- 2013, according to the National crowded and just downright wilder. NOAA also keeps track of US weath- at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center tor. From 1983 to 1992, the lowest it got Interagency Fire Center. And some of The numbers are stark. Carbon dioxide er disasters that cost more than $1 bil- say. If so, this will be the sixth time since on average was 2.62 million square the biggest climate change effects on emissions: up 60 percent. Global tem- lion, when adjusted for inflation. Since 1992 that the world set or tied a new miles (6.79 million square kilometers). land are near the poles where people perature: up six tenths of a degree don’t often see them. From 1992 to Fahrenheit. Population: up 1.7 billion 2011, Greenland’s ice sheet lost 3.35 people. Sea level: up 3 inches (7.5 cen- trillion tons of ice, according to calcula- timeters). US extreme weather: up 30 tions made by scientists using measure- percent. Ice sheets in Greenland and ments from NASA’s GRACE satellite. Antarctica: down 4.9 trillion tons of ice. Antarctica lost 1.56 trillion tons of ice “Simply put, we are rapidly remaking over the same period. the planet and beginning to suffer the consequences,” says Michael The air Oppenheimer, professor of geosciences Scientists simply point to green- and international affairs at Princeton house gas emissions, mostly carbon University. Diplomats from more than dioxide, that form a heat trapping blan- 190 nations opened talks Monday at a ket in our air. There’s no need to aver- United Nations global warming confer- age the yearly amount of carbon diox- ence in Lima, Peru, to pave the way for ide pollution: It has increased steadily, an international treaty they hope to by 60 percent, from 1992 to 2013. In forge next year. To see how much the 1992, the world spewed 24.9 billion globe has changed since the first such tons of carbon dioxide; now it is 39.8 international conference - the Earth billion, according to the Global Carbon Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 - The Project, an international consortium. Associated Press scoured data bases China has tripled its emissions from 3 from around the world. The analysis, which looked at data since 1983, con- billion tons to 11 billion tons a year. The centrated on 10-year intervals ending emissions from the US have gone up in 1992 and 2013. This is because scien- more slowly, about 6 percent, from 5.4 billion tons to 5.8 billion tons. India also tists say single years can be misleading JAMMU: An Indian farmer shows a dry, cracked paddy field in Ranbir Singh Pura 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Jammu, has tripled its emissions, from 860 mil- and longer trends are more telling. Our India. Meteorologists at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center said it’s almost a sure thing that 2014 will go down as the changing world by the numbers: world’s hottest year in 135 years of record keeping, because January through October has been so record warm.— AP lion tons to 2.6 billion tons. Only European countries have seen their Wild weather 1992, there have been 136 such billion- annual record for the warmest year. The Now the 10-year average is down to emissions go down, from 4.5 billion Since 1992, there have been more dollar events. Worldwide, the 10-year globe has broken six monthly heat 1.83 million square miles (4.74 million tons to 3.8 billion tons. than 6,600 climate, weather and water average for weather-related losses records in 2014 and 47 since 1992. The square kilometers), according to the major disasters worldwide, causing adjusted for inflation was $30 billion a last monthly cold record set was in National Snow and Ice Data Center. What scientists say more than $1.6 trillion in damage and year from 1983-1992, according to 1916. So the average annual tempera- That loss - an average 790,000 square “Overall, what really strikes me is the killing more than 600,000 people, insurance giant Swiss Re. From 2004 to ture for 2014 is on track to be about miles (2.05 million square kilometers) missed opportunity,” Andrew Dessler, a according to the Centre for Research on 2013, the cost was more than three 58.2 degrees Fahrenheit (14.6 degrees since 1992 - overshadows the slight climate scientist at Texas A&M the Epidemiology of Disasters in times that on average, or $131 billion a Celsius), compared with 57.4 degrees F gain in sea ice in Antarctica, which has University, says in an email of the data. Belgium, which tracks the world’s catas- year. (14.1 degrees C) in 1992. The past 10 seen an average gain of 110,000 square “We knew by the early 1990s that glob- trophes. While climate related, not all Sapir and others say it would be years have averaged a shade below miles (285,000 million square kilome- al warming was coming, yet we have can be blamed on man-made warming wrong to pin all, or even most, of these 58.1 degrees F (nearly 14.5 degrees C) - ters) of sea ice over the past 22 years. done essentially nothing to head off or climate change. Still, extreme weath- increases on climate change alone. six-tenths of a degree warmer than the the risk. I think that future generations er has noticeably increased over the Population and poverty are major fac- average between 1983 and 1992. On land may be justifiably angry about this.” years, says Debby Sapir, who runs the tors, too. But they note a trend of grow- The world’s population in 1992 was “The numbers don’t lie,” adds Michael center and its database. ing extremes and more disasters, and The oceans 5.46 billion. Today, it’s nearly a third Mann, a climate scientist at Penn State. From 1983 to 1992 the world aver- that fits with what scientists have long The world’s oceans have risen by higher, at 7.18 billion. That means more “Greenhouse gases are rising steadily aged 147 climate, water and weather said about global warming. It’s this about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) since carbon pollution and more people who and the cause is fossil fuel burning and disasters each year. Over the past 10 increase that’s “far scarier” than the sim- 1992 and gotten a tad more acidic - by could be vulnerable to global warming. other human activities. The globe is years, that number has jumped to an ple rise in temperatures, University of about half a percent - thanks to chemi- The effects of climate change can be warming, ice is melting and our climate average 306 a year. In the United Illinois climate scientist Donald cal reactions caused by the absorption seen in harsher fire seasons. Wildfires in is changing as a result.”— AP Spain declared ‘Ebola free’ WHO warns of knock-on deaths as Ebola hits health systems GENEVA: The World Health Organization yester- track down and monitor everyone who had impacted the already weak health systems, and day declared Spain free of Ebola after going a been in contact with the nurse, and to ensure Ebola has probably killed more people than the month and a half with no new cases since an that everyone caring for her used protective 6,000 linked to the disease itself,” said the WHO’s infected nurse successfully beat the disease. gear properly. coordinator of health systems, Gerard Schmets. Forty-two days-or two incubation periods-have Spanish authorities had identified and moni- He added: “This is a real critical situation that passed since Spanish nurse Teresa Romero test- tored 87 people who had been in contact with these countries are facing.” Vaccination programs ed negative for the virus, it said. “There have Romero, and 15 of them were placed in quaran- and general health services have stopped alto- been no further cases since the healthcare work- tine. A full 145 hospital employees who came gether in the worst affected areas of the three er was confirmed to be negative for Ebola virus, into contact with the patient during her treat- countries, which have born the brunt of the out- so today the outbreak is over in Spain,” WHO said ment had also been actively monitored for 21 break, while pregnancy care has also been hit, in a statement. days, and no one had developed the disease, he said. There was already a shortage of health “On 21 October the healthcare worker tested WHO said. Ebola, one of the deadliest viruses workers-Sierra Leone had only two doctors for negative for the second time and was conse- known to man, is spread only through direct every 100,000 people, or just about 120 doctors quently considered free of Ebola infection,” it contact with the bodily fluids of an infected per- for six million people before the Ebola outbreak said. Romero was the first person to catch the son showing symptoms such as fever or vomit- began. disease outside Africa in the current outbreak ing. People caring for the sick or handling the Since then, health workers have been dispro- which has killed nearly 6,000 people, mainly in dead from Ebola are especially exposed. Health portionately hit by the virus, with 333 dying Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The 44-year- workers have been among the worst hit, with across the three countries, out of 575 who were old was one of the nursing staff at Madrid’s 340 deaths out of 592 cases. infected, the WHO says. Malaria remains a press- Carlos III hospital who volunteered to treat two ing problem, while people with chronic diseases elderly Spanish missionaries who caught the dis- Knock-on deaths have had to interrupt their treatment to move to ease in Africa and died in August and Ebola-related deaths in west Africa will be other districts to continue their care, Schmets September. higher than the number of people directly said. The gathering on December 10-11 will She showed the first symptoms of the disease infected because of its disruption to already include representatives of the African LA CYGNE: Smoke rises in this time exposure image from the stacks of the La Cygne on September 30 but was only hospitalized six weak healthcare services, the World Health Development Bank, the World Bank, the Centers Generating Station coal-fired power plant in La Cygne, Kan. Carbon dioxide pollution days later, fuelling fears that she may have Organization warned yesterday. The WHO is con- for Disease Control and groups working to com- has increased steadily, by 60 percent, from 1992 to 2013. — AP spread the virus to people who were in close vening a meeting in Geneva next week with bat Ebola on the ground in the affected coun- contact with her during this period. Doctors finance and health ministers from Liberia, Sierra tries. “In the longer run we need to strengthen found no trace of Ebola in Romero on October Leone and Guinea, donors and NGOs, to develop these health systems and to rebuild health sys- At climate talks, UN calls fossil 21 and she left hospital on November 5. WHO “practical actions” on how to improve healthcare tems that will be stronger, to be able to address fuels the ‘high risk’ investment yesterday hailed Spain’s exhaustive efforts to systems for the future. “Ebola has strongly future emergencies,” Schmets said.— Agencies

LIMA: Falling oil prices show the “high risk” fell as low as $67.53 a barrel, its lowest level of fossil fuel investments compared with since October 2009, before rebounding to Circumcision benefits outweigh risks: CDC renewable energies, the UN’s climate chief settle at $72.54. Delegates in Lima are due said on Monday at the start of 190-nation to work out elements of a deal due to be NEW YORK: US health officials yesterday tural norm, and in the 1950s and 1960s sur- was down to about 58 percent, according to one talks on a deal to slow global warming. The agreed at a UN summit in Paris next year as released a draft of long-awaited federal guide- passed 80 percent. But then the trend reversed. CDC estimate. But more medical evidence came Dec 1-12 meeting in Lima opened with part of a UN goal to limit average world lines on circumcision, saying medical evidence Part of it had to do with changing demograph- in supporting the procedure - particularly three hopes that a UN deal to slow climate temperature rises to 2 degrees (3.6 supports having the procedure done despite ics, as the US population grew to include larger rigorous and influential studies in Africa that change is in reach for 2015, helped by goals Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times. opposition from advocates who decry the pain, numbers of Mexican-Americans and other eth- looked at the spread of HIV and other sexually set by China, the United States and the bleeding and risk of infections to newborns. The nic groups that didn’t traditionally circumcise transmitted diseases in circumcised and uncir- European Union to cut greenhouse emis- Coral reefs guidelines stop short of telling parents to get their children. Also, opposition to the procedure cumcised men and their partners. In the new sions, mainly from burning fossil fuels. Temperatures have already risen by their sons circumcised. That is a personal deci- was aided by the Internet and by the neutral guidelines, the CDC says there is now strong evi- Christiana Figueres, head of the UN’s about 0.9 C (1.5F) and a UN panel of climate sion that may involve religious or cultural prefer- stance of physicians groups. A wave of US state dence that male circumcision can: Cut a man’s Climate Change Secretariat, dismissed sug- scientists says there are risks of irreversible ences, said Dr Jonathan Mermin of the US programs stopped paying for newborn circumci- risk of getting HIV from an infected female part- gestions that a tumble in the price of oil to a impacts, ranging from damage to coral Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or sions. By 2010 the newborn circumcision rate ner by 50 to 60 percent.— AP five-year low on Monday could brake hopes reefs to a meltdown of Greenland’s ice that CDC. But “the scientific evidence is clear that the for a shift to renewable energies as a cor- would raise sea levels. “The window for benefits outweigh the risks,” added Mermin, who nerstone of the climate deal. action is rapidly closing,” Rajendra Pachauri, oversees the agency’s programs on HIV and oth- Oil price volatility “is exactly one of the head of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel er sexually transmitted diseases. main reasons why we must move to renew- on Climate Change, told delegates, warning Circumcision is a brief medical procedure that able energy which has a completely pre- of worsening disruptions to food and water involves cutting away the foreskin around the dictable cost of zero for fuel” once wind tur- supplies. tip of the penis. Germs can grow underneath the bines or solar panels were built, she told a His panel says it is 95 percent probable foreskin, and CDC officials say the procedure can news conference. “We are seeing more and that man-made emissions are the main lower a male’s risk of sexually transmitted dis- more the realization that investment in fos- cause of warming. And 2014 may eclipse eases, penile cancer and even urinary tract infec- sil fuel is actually a high risk, is getting more 2010 as the warmest year on record. The tions. The CDC started working on the guide- and more risky,” she said, welcoming a deci- talks have been boosted after the United lines about seven years ago, when a cluster of sion by Germany’s top utility E.ON to spin States last month agreed to cut emissions influential studies in Africa indicated circumci- off power plants to focus on renewable by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels and sion might help stop spread of the AIDS virus. energy and power grids. China agreed to set a cap on its soaring “The benefits of male circumcision have become Still, other experts said the oil price fall emissions by around 2030. The European more and more clear over the last 10 years,” said could slow some investments in renewables Union also aims to cut emissions by 40 per- Dr. Aaron Tobian, a Johns Hopkins University and may make fossil fuel exporters such as cent below 1990 levels. That means that researcher involved in one of the African studies. Russia and Saudi Arabia reluctant to make nations accounting for more than half of The thinking on circumcision has swung wild- concessions at the climate talks, fearing world emissions have set already goals. ly. It’s been practiced by Jews and Muslims for SAN FRANCISCO: Anti-circumcision activists Frank McGinness (right) and Jeff Brown rally they could undermine their earnings. “It’s “There is probably more of an opportunity thousands of years, but didn’t become common against circumcision with about 25 protesters outside a San Francisco courthouse. Yesterday, hard to tell what the total net impact will be here than there has been in a very long in the US until the 20th century. By one estimate, US health officials released a draft of the government’s long-awaited guidelines on circumci- here,” Alden Meyer, of the Union of time,” US Climate Envoy Todd Stern told a only 25 percent of US male newborns were cir- sion, which say benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks and health insurers should pay Concerned Scientists, said after Brent crude briefing in Washington.— Reuters cumcised in 1900. It gradually became the cul- for it. — AP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Pensions and parent policies keep old age worries at bay

STOCKHOLM: Like most of Europe, keep people learning - and employed - Sweden is struggling with an ageing popu- throughout their lives. And when people lation. But thanks to people like 65-year-old start to think about retiring, the country’s Malin Engstedt the country is in a better recently reformed pension system tempts position than most to tackle its demo- them to keep going that little bit longer graphic challenges. “I thought half a year instead. ago that maybe I could quit by the end of A person who retires at 63 gets 12 per- the year. But the closer to that I got, the less cent less than someone who waits til 65, I felt like stopping working,” said Engstedt. the most common retirement age. But Having worked all her life, Engstedt could those who work until 69 are rewarded with afford to stay at home if she wanted to. But a pension almost 30 percent bigger than her pension will be higher if she retires lat- that of the 63-year-old. “It does not pay to er, and she is still enjoying work. retire early but it is rather punished,” said So right now she plans to take on a new Anders Forslund, professor and assistant job in communications. “I don’t have grand- director-general of The Institute for children and I don’t play golf,” she explains Evaluation of Labor Market and Education Al-Sayer medical exclusive agent for of her decision not to retire. But in fact Policy, a government agency. That Swedes Sweden’s canny social policies are the rea- see long working lives as normal was leading German BEGO in dental implants son so many of its baby boomers are demonstrated in 2012, when centre-right choosing to keep going to the office. The Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt broached country’s pensions reform and generous the idea of retirement as late as 75. The KUWAIT: Being the exclusive representation of expressed the company’s eagerness to spread Systems Ralf Leckzik, expressed his happiness for parental leave have resulted in Europe’s statement sparked widespread debate - the German company BEGO for dental implants the latest scientific information in the field of the strong cooperation with Al-Sayer Medical highest employment rate - with a strong but it did not hurt him politically. in Kuwait, Al-Sayer Medical Company had a sci- dental Implants in order to support the medical Company in order to provide the latest technol- showing among women and the elderly - entific lecture at the Regency Hotel. The lecture expertise and provide the latest dental implants ogy offerings in dental implant systems in the meaning more working people pay taxes to Immigrants still welcome was provided by Professor Dr Marcio Garcia and products from the German company BEGO, a world and put it in reach of dentists in Kuwait. fund the welfare state. Reinfeldt’s government introduced was attended by a large number of dentists in leading company which is registered with the Alsohe thanked the doctors who attended the Sweden’s employment rate last year was some of the OECD’s most liberal regula- the public and private sectors. Ministry of Health and successfully evaluated in scientific lecture and have shown interest and 74.4 percent versus the EU average of 64.1, tions for immigrant workers, letting On the occasion, Dr Hossam Afify, general the Dental Administration in the State of Kuwait. interaction with Prof Dr Dos Santos and the lec- according to Eurostat, and its 73.6 percent employers hire people from wherever they manager of Al-Sayer Medical Company The Area Sales Manager for BEGO Implant ture topic. employment rate for people between 55 want as long as wages are not lower than and 64 dwarfs the EU average of 50.1 per- for Swedes. Despite a recent backlash cent. The country is also helped by a popu- against immigration - a trend right across lation that is rising as numbers in other recession-weary Europe - polls show a Changes coming to kidney European nations dwindle: By 2050 Swedes large majority of Swedes still support the will number 11.4 million from today’s 9.7 tradition of welcoming asylum seekers. million, according to statistics Sweden, and Challenges remain, however, particularly the median age will rise to 43 years, says in integrating migrants. Widespread riots transplant waiting list Eurostat. By contrast, Germany’s 82 million in poor immigrant suburbs in 2013 high- residents will fall to 74.7 million by 2050 lighted the difficulties Sweden has had in and the median age will rise to around 50. absorbing asylum seekers, now arriving at WASHINGTON: New rules this week are bring- “(Sweden) is doing much better than about 100,000 a year, and employment ing changes to the nation’s kidney transplant almost everyone else, both because of the rates among low skilled immigrants are system that will give some patients a better shot demographics and because of the policy nearly 25 percentage points lower than at a longer-lasting organ, and move others up settings,” said OECD economist Christophe for native Swedes of similar level. the waiting list. The goal is to get the maximum Andre. Sweden is also facing other pressures - benefit out of a scarce resource: kidneys from despite the pension system being formal- deceased donors. “Not everyone’s going to get Incentives ly disconnected from government the same benefit out of a kidney transplant,” said Sweden provides incentives to keep finances - as life expectancy for an aver- Dr Matthew J. Ellis of Duke University Medical people employed right along the length of age 65-year-old has risen by more than Center, who is optimistic the new policy will their working lives. Parents are able to two years to 85 since the 1994 pension help. “We’re trying to apply commonsense prin- share childcare because they get 480 days reform. That means the pension system, ciples to address those issues.” of leave per child, and subsidized day care though successful right now, may in future The long-awaited changes from the United never costs more than 1,260 Swedish come under pressure from voters to be Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS, come as crowns ($170) a month. As a result employ- more generous. “Our pension system is the gap between who needs a new kidney and ment among women is 72.5 percent - the economically sustainable the way it is con- who gets one widens. Nearly 102,000 people are highest in the EU - and no-one criticizes the structed,” said Tommy Bengtsson, a profes- on the national waiting list for a kidney, while armies of dads nicknamed “Latte Pappas” sor of economic history at Lund University’s fewer than 17,000 transplants are performed who look after the children during the day. Centre for Economic Demography. “The each year. Roughly 11,000 transplants are thanks For older Swedes, the right to take sabbati- question is whether it is politically sustain- to kidneys donated from someone who just died cals from work in order to study helps to able.”—Reuters rather than living donors. How long you’ve been waiting is the main factor in deciding who gets the next available cadaver kidney. But starting Thursday, the fittest of those kidneys - based on donor age and medical history - will be offered first to patients who are expected to survive a transplant the longest. Called longevity matching, the hope is that these typically younger adults won’t outlive their new sooner partly because of fear, and partly will receive a score based on their age, length of organ and need another that could have gone to because no one had fully explained the benefits dialysis, if they’re diabetic and if they’ve had a someone else. Nearly 15 percent of transplant of an earlier transplant. He got in shape for a previous transplant of any organ. candidates are awaiting a repeat operation, and transplant, and was excited to learn he’ll get * On the other end, the 15 percent of kidneys “the potential here is that we will reduce return credit for those years on dialysis. “It is definitely a expected to last the shortest amount of time will to the waiting list,” said Dr. Richard N. Formica of blessing,” Brown said. Receiving an organ “will be be offered first to a wider area of the country Yale University, who chairs UNOS’ kidney trans- an incredible gift that I could never repay.” than other kidneys. The idea is that someone plant committee. Recalculating waiting lists and estimating expected to live only a few more years anyway Another big change: People who started dial- patients’ life expectancy has been a big job for might prefer a quicker transplant rather than ysis before getting in line for a transplant will be transplant centers. “We’re scrambling to get this staying on dialysis in hopes a better kidney credited for that dialysis time, moving them up done,” said Dr John Roberts, transplant chief at comes along. on the waiting list. The less time spent on dialy- the University of California, San Francisco, one of * The system also will give extra priority to sis, the better the prognosis after a transplant. the nation’s largest kidney programs. people who are particularly hard to match Yet how quickly people are put on the transplant But he called the changes necessary to begin because of blood type or because their immune list varies around the country, and minorities dealing with rapid growth in transplant demand, systems are abnormally primed to attack a new and people who live in rural and poorer areas mostly by people over age 50, which in turn has organ. The changes can’t address the need for tend to spend more time on dialysis. Michael lengthened wait times. In parts of the country, more organ donors, noted Duke’s Ellis. Because Brown, 31, of Cleveland has undergone dialysis the wait can average five years. Last year, 4,485 some regions have more donors than others and since he was 20 because of an inherited disorder. people died waiting. Children already get priori- organs are offered locally first, his team encour- But he wasn’t put on the transplant list until ty for transplants. Among the changes for adults: ages patients to consider getting on waiting lists three years ago, when he saw a new doctor who * The longevity matching would pair the kid- at more than one transplant center. And try ask- neys expected to last the longest with the 20 ing relatives or friends if they’d consider giving a DEVENTER: Denise, 22, serves coffee to elderly people at the Humanitas retirement told him, “You need to be active, and you percent of patients predicted to have the kidney: “The best way is to bring a living donor home in eastern Netherlands.—AFP shouldn’t be tied to a machine.” Brown said he hadn’t pushed to be listed longest post-transplant survival. Every candidate to the table,” he advised.—AP WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Helping young graduates to carve a bright future

oredoo has announced its participa- interest to support young graduates and pro- paths. The company strongly believes that has successfully participated in several job tured and everyone is given a fair chance to tion in the Gulf University of Science vide themwith career opportunities the tele- youth of today will play a key role in securing a fairs in the past. The companyís aim is to open grow and maximize their potential. Ooredoo Oand Technology 16th Career Fair which com industry. bright future for Kuwait. Therefore, it is impor- new horizons for the ambitious youth by giv- employees are always given opportunities to will take place today, December 3 at the GUST Driven by its social responsibility, Ooredoo tant to provide proper training and guidance ing them an opportunity to apply their educa- develop their skills and enhance their knowl- Campus. The Career Fair will last for two days, is keen to take part in such occasions as it is on professional levels. tional knowledge to the professional world. edge through extensive training programs until tomorrow, and it will open from 9 am to 3 always willing to support youth and help them Ooredoo announced that this is not the Ooredoo is known for its dynamic and fresh along with new challenges to develop their pm. Ooredooís initiatives stems from its keen reach their potential and shape their career first time that it has taken part in a job fair; it corporate culture where new ideas are nur- interests. ACK announces key application dates for the upcoming semester

he Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) gram at ACK will be from the 11th of announces that the Private January till the 14th of January, 2015. ACKís TUniversities Council scholarship appli- Admissions and Registration Department cation period will take place from the 7th of confirms that the 25th of January, 2015 will December till the 14th of December, 2014. be the next academic semesterís com- In addition, the application period for ACK mencement date. & Box Hill College Diploma graduates looking to enroll in a Bachelorís Degree pro-

ABK awards outstanding students at Umama Bent Al-aas School

l Ahli Bank of Kuwait awarded outstand- ed, ìat the outset we would like to congratulate ments of society in Kuwait. It also reiterates ing students atUmama Bent Al-aasSchool the outstanding students for their efforts at such ABK’s commitment to participating in educa- Afor girls, as part of its ‘Best Student Award’ a creditable performance. Congratulations also tional support, whichis the coreof any successful initiative. go out to their parents and the administrative and developed society.’ The ‘best student’ award went to Jumana and educational faculty of Umama Bent Al-aas Mrs Aamal Boshehry, the school manager Gulf Bank gold sponsor Abdullah Al Ajmi, Fatima Salman Hussain, Afnan School for their dedication and perseverance at thanked ABKís generous initiative in supporting Abdullah Al Mejrb and Nora Saud Al Azmi for honing the students to this level.’ and encouraging students as they chart their of Toastmasters achieving superlative percentages in their Ms Al Therban added, ‘This comes as part of educational journey. grades. the social responsibility initiatives that are Debate Championship Ms Sahar Al Therban, ABK’s PR Manager stat- offered to develop and support varying seg-

ulf Bank recently concluded its www.toastmasters.org. Gold sponsorship of the Kuwait has been associated with GToastmasters Debate Toastmasters for the past 15 years. Championship which took place during Recently Kuwait had four divisions Div I & October and November 2014. The cham- O primarily served all the English speak- pionship was organized and produced ing Clubs, and Div G & M for Arabic by the collaborative efforts of Division I speaking Clubs. All Toastmasters clubs and O of Toastmasters International. adopt a “learn-by-doing” philosophy, Toastmasters helps to refine and where each member learns at a comfort- encourage strong leadership and com- able pace in a no-pressure atmosphere. munication skills. The organization was Gulf Bank is committed to supporting founded by Dr Ralph Smedley in 1924 in events that benefit and help develop the USA. Throughout its history, Kuwaiti community. The Bank is a socially Toastmasters has served over four million responsible leading Kuwaiti financial people and today the organization has institution which provides practical sup- over a quarter of a million members in port and encouragement to all groups 14,350 clubs across 122 countries. To within Kuwait’s diverse society. learn more about Toastmasters visit

Eight renowned keynote speakers in The Knowledge Club 2014 closing conference

ecember 14th, 2014 will mark the clos- debating his future ambitions. ing event for this year’s edition of The Managing Director & Master Franchisee of DKnowledge Club organized by Vigor The Referral Institute, Phil Bedford helps pro- Events. This year, the Knowledge Club’s Learn fessionals live more and earn more through from the Best Conference will take place at relationship-based referral marketing. He the Hilton Resort, Kuwait. The event will serve analyses the power of strategic relationships as a closing ceremony for The Knowledge for business and will develop a personal uni- Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a Club 2014, which included an exciting collec- fied network that ensures amazing business tion of seminars and workshops by some of and a spectacular life. the best international speakers like Robin Later on, Dr. Mohab Anis, who is the conducts fire drill evacuation Sharma, Shirley Taylor, Lee Cockerell and Principal at IXL-Center and Managing Director Jairek Robbins. The event is also organized to of INNOVETY, will use his experiences to ovenpick Hotel & Resort Al pay tribute to the commitment shown by the demystify the rules for innovation. The ses- Bida’a Kuwait, one of the lead- sponsoring companies who have supported sion will provide easy and useful methods Ming five- star hotels in Kuwait, The Knowledge Club throughout the year. and tools to innovate in the workplace and conducted an extensive fire drill involv- The event, beginning in the morning, will go convert them into actionable new business ing the hotel employees and guests. on until 4:30 pm, serving as a final contribu- concepts. The purpose of the drill was to provide tion to developing the level of knowledge in An accomplished Management a tactical experience as well as train for the state of Kuwait which was the initial pur- Consultant, Speaker, Trainer and Author, the the staff on how to handle all circum- pose of The Knowledge Club. prestigious Ali Derisavi will return to The stances that might arise during emer- Renowned local and international speak- Knowledge Club to discuss the current style gencies, especially fire. ers of various business backgrounds are invit- of business management and investigate the The management team of the ed to address diverse issues and share profes- all-important question - do these new theo- Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a sional experiences during the eight hour con- ries work for us? Kuwait notified all guests about the ference. These eight keynote speakers will The conference will also have Prof. Tariq routine exercise well in advance, to discuss essential dimensions and competen- Al-Dowaisan who is the founding partner and avoid any kind of disturbance or incon- cies in today’s business world. senior consultant at Gulf Lead Consultants. venience. The emergency response Faten Al-Naqeeb, Founder and Head of Al- After 25 years of speaking, writing, and prac- team evacuated all associates to the Naqeeb & Partners Law Bureau, shares her ticing quality, he will reflect on the highlights designated assembly point located story of how she made it into the internation- of his career in the world of quality; underlin- next to the hotel main entrance. Head al business world as a local Kuwaiti attorney, ing the key lessons and success factors. counts and inspections were done, as and the challenges she faced as a woman To sum up the day, Dr. Saad Al Barrak, dis- striving to leadership in a male-dominant tinguished engineer and businessman of the hotel’s in-house fire fighting team world. She uses the story of her business’ rise international repute, will discuss the transfor- ensured everyone’s safety. and fall to illustrate the secret to sustainable mation and re-branding of an organization. The hotel’s General Manager, success. He will also include Strategic Initiatives and Maged Gubr said “our goal is not only With more than fourteen years of experi- John P. Kotter’s change model besides quotes to provide a safe environment for all ence, Mostafa Ramzy is a Senior Enterprise from the works of famous business authors, our guests and staff, but also to ensure Risk Management professional working with such as Jack Welch & Stephen Covey. that everyone in the hotel is very well various sectors including energy, engineer- It is also worth noting that, throughout trained and has enough knowledge on ing, construction and project controls. He will 2014; Vigor Events’ seminars and workshops what needs to be done, in case of use his expertise to convey the necessary have addressed critical issues that re-directed emergencies ,before the professional tools needed for the Successful the attention of today’s business leaders and help arrives.” Implementation of an Enterprise Risk managers. The practical value of the content “This exercise, in addition to all fire Management (ERM) Framework. delivered rested within the case studies pre- training sessions that were conducted In a motivational session, Fahad Al-Baqer, sented by leading practitioners who deal with by the hotel’s Engineering Department, a business management consultant and spe- the real business challenges faced by profes- serves as refresher courses to all our cialized trainer in trade and organizational sionals of all fields every day. staff that has been in the hotel for a behavior, will focus on how an individual while, as well as good training sessions presents himself or his work, by identifying for all new joiners. The fire drill also himself professionally, his biography and goes in line with our goal of ensuring the safety of our guests.” Maged added. He also mentioned that all guest rooms, meeting rooms, and hotel facili- Announcements ties are equipped with the latest smoke detectors and fire-fighting equipments Dec 5 - Fankaar Arts presents Musical Nite with film star Govinda along with that are in accordance with interna- Bollywood sensational singer Mohammed Aziz & Priyanka Mitra with anchor tional standards to ensure the maxi- Azhar Kazi on 5th December 2014 (Friday) 6.30 pm at American International mum safety of the guests and staff School - Maidan Hawally, Kuwait. alike. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Al-Naseem Health Center celebrates World Diabetes Day

Al-Naseem Health Center in Jahra celebrated the World Diabetes Day, with awareness day that included lectures, tests of blood sugar levels, weight, and blood pressure. Sebamed provided some tips on healthy skin and most impor- tantly foot care to avoid complications for those with diabetes. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 TV PROGRAMS

07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:00 Doomsday Preppers 22:00 The Client List 08:15 Chopped 21:00 Beyond Magic With Dmc 23:00 Strike Back 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 22:00 Naked Science OSN MOVIES ACTION Basics 23:00 Animal Mega Moves 00:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 09:30 Chopped Canada 02:00 Resident Evil: Retribution 01:00 Scooby Doo! Stage Fright 00:20 Deadly Islands 10:20 Recipes That Rock 04:00 Superman: Unbound 02:45 Astro Boy 01:10 Dual Survival 10:45 All You Can Meat 06:00 Ong Bak 3 04:30 Curious George: Swings Into 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:00 Police Story Spring 02:50 Storage Hunters 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 10:00 Red 2 06:00 Barbie As Rapunzel 03:15 Game Of Pawns 12:00 Chopped 12:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 08:00 The Swan Princess: A Royal 03:40 Storage Wars Canada 12:50 Siba’s Table 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 14:00 Ong Bak 3 Family Tale 04:05 How It’s Made 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Stewart 16:00 Knockout 09:45 Barbie Fairytopia 04:30 How It’s Made Morocco 01:00 The Colbert Report 18:00 Badges Of Fury 11:15 Cinderella 05:00 Treehouse Masters 13:40 Mystery Diners 01:30 Eastbound & Down 20:00 Red 2 12:45 Astro Boy 06:00 Wheeler Dealers 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 02:00 South Park 22:00 Taken 2 14:30 Hammer Boy 06:50 Extreme Fishing 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 02:30 Hello Ladies 16:00 Casper’s Scare School 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:00 Raising Hope 18:00 Barbie Fairytopia 08:30 Storage Hunters 15:45 Amazing Wedding Cakes 03:30 Welcome To The Family 20:00 Hammer Boy 08:55 Game Of Pawns 16:35 Chopped 04:00 Back In The Game 22:00 Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 00:00 Resident Evil: Retribution-18 United 09:45 How It’s Made Morocco Jimmy Fallon 02:00 Superman: Unbound-PG 23:30 Casper’s Scare School 10:10 How It’s Made 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 05:30 Community 04:00 Ong Bak 3-PG15 10:35 Marooned With Ed Stafford 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:00 Til Death 06:00 Police Story-PG15 11:25 Deadly Islands 18:40 Siba’s Table 06:30 My Name Is Earl 08:00 Red 2-PG15 12:15 Dual Survival 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 10:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear- 13:05 Storage Hunters 08:00 Back In The Game PG15 00:00 Battle Of The Year-PG15 19:30 Mystery Diners 02:00 Thor: The Dark World-PG15 13:30 Game Of Pawns 19:55 Burger Land 08:30 Community 12:00 Ong Bak 3-PG15 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 09:00 Raising Hope 14:00 Knockout-PG15 04:00 Limitless-PG15 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 06:00 Dangerous Attraction-PG15 14:20 Extreme Fishing 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 09:30 Young & Hungry 16:00 Badges Of Fury-PG15 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 10:00 The Michael J. Fox Show 18:00 Red 2-PG15 08:00 The Music Never Stopped- 22:00 Chopped SA PG15 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 22:50 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 10:30 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Taken 2-PG15 16:50 How It’s Made 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 22:00 Hit And Run-PG15 09:45 Sky Force-FAM 23:15 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 11:30 Phantom-PG15 17:15 How It’s Made 23:40 Burger Land Jimmy Fallon 17:40 Treehouse Masters 12:00 Til Death 13:30 Life Of Pi-PG 18:30 Dynamo: Magician 12:30 Back In The Game 15:45 The Music Never Stopped- Impossible 13:00 Community PG15 19:20 Magic Of Science 13:30 My Name Is Earl 17:45 The Mortal Instruments: City 00:00 Elektra Luxx-18 19:45 Magic Of Science 14:00 Welcome To The Family Of Bones-PG15 02:00 Parental Guidance-PG 20:10 Game Of Pawns 14:30 Young & Hungry 20:00 Riddick-PG15 04:00 Hope Springs-PG15 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 15:00 The Michael J. Fox Show 22:00 Immortals-PG15 06:00 Nick And Norah’s Infinite 21:00 Dynamo: Magician 00:40 Ade In Britain 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Playlist-PG15 Impossible 01:30 Brendan’s Magical Mystery Stewart 08:00 Men At Work-PG15 21:50 Magic Of Science Tour 16:00 The Colbert Report 10:00 Parental Guidance-PG 22:15 Magic Of Science 02:00 Emmerdale 16:30 Til Death 12:00 Run For Your Wife-PG15 02:00 Hero Indian Super League 22:40 Close-Up Kings 02:55 Coronation Street 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:00 It’s A Disaster-PG15 Highlights 03:25 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out 18:00 Raising Hope 02:30 Futbol Mundial Of Here! 18:30 Welcome To The Family 16:00 Men At Work-PG15 18:00 Stand Off-PG15 03:00 Snooker Champion of 04:50 Tales From Northumberland 19:00 Melissa & Joey Champions With Robson Green 19:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 20:00 Gambit-PG15 22:00 Pineapple Express-18 07:00 Golfing World 05:15 May The Best House Win 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 08:00 Trans world Sport Abroad Jimmy Fallon 09:00 Hero Indian Super League 00:00 Escape Club 06:10 Paddock To Plate 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Highlights 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 07:05 Brendan’s Magical Mystery Stewart 09:30 International Rugby Union 01:25 Keeping Up With The Tour 21:30 The Colbert Report 11:30 Top 14 Highlights Kardashians 07:30 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out 22:00 Family Guy 01:00 Stolen Child-PG15 12:00 Golfing World 02:20 Keeping Up With The Of Here! 22:30 Family Guy 03:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 13:00 Futbol Mundial Kardashians 08:50 Tales From Northumberland 23:00 Hello Ladies 13:30 Hero Indian Super League With Robson Green 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:00 Magic Journey To Africa- 03:15 Eric And Jessie: Game On PG15 Highlights 09:20 Michael Flatley: A Night To 14:00 Emirates Australian Open 03:40 Eric And Jessie: Game On 07:00 12 Wishes Of Christmas- 04:10 E! Investigates Remember Highlights 05:05 Beyond Candid With 10:15 May The Best House Win PG15 15:00 Golfing World Giuliana Abroad 09:00 Five Thirteen-PG15 16:00 Live Snooker Champion of 11:10 Emmerdale 11:00 Magic Journey To Africa- Champions 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 00:00 Royal Pains 12:00 Coronation Street PG15 20:30 NFL Gameday Miami 01:00 Switched At Birth 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 12:30 Ade In Britain 13:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 21:00 Trans world Sport 13:25 Paddock To Plate 02:00 State Of Affairs Miami 15:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 22:00 Live Snooker Champion of 14:20 Brendan’s Magical Mystery 03:00 Supernatural Champions 07:50 Style Star 04:00 The Voice 17:00 Five Thirteen-PG15 08:20 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills Tour 14:45 May The Best House Win 06:00 Royal Pains 19:00 Ain’t Them Bodies Saints- 08:45 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 07:00 Made In Jersey 09:15 Giuliana & Bill Abroad PG15 RIDDICK ON OSN PREMIERE 15:35 Breathless 08:00 C.S.I. 21:00 The Perks Of Being A 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 01:00 Futbol Mundial 16:30 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out 09:00 Switched At Birth Wallflower-PG15 06:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 Daisies-FAM 11:10 Kourtney And Khloe Take 01:30 Golfing World Of Here! 10:00 The Voice 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 12:25 Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo- The Hamptons 23:00 Generation Um...-18 02:30 Emirates Australian Open 18:00 Tales From Northumberland 12:00 Emmerdale 07:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 PG 12:05 House Of DVF Highlights With Robson Green 12:30 Coronation Street 09:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 14:40 Go West-FAM 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 03:00 Live NHL 18:20 Paddock To Plate 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:00 Australia v South Africa ODI 00:00 According To Jim 16:00 Sunday In New York-FAM 13:35 E!ES 03:30 Top 14 19:10 Coronation Street 14:00 C.S.I. Highlights 00:30 Castle 17:45 Ivanhoe-FAM 14:30 Style Star 04:00 Futbol Mundial 19:35 Breathless 15:00 Royal Pains 11:00 Australia v South Africa ODI 01:30 Grey’s Anatomy 19:30 The Comedians-PG 15:00 Keeping Up With The 04:30 NHL 20:30 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out 16:00 Emmerdale Highlights 02:30 Desperate Housewives 22:00 Mccabe And Mrs. Miller Kardashians 00:00 Rust And Bone-18 06:00 Trans world Sport Of Here! 16:30 Coronation Street 12:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe ODI 03:30 MasterChef Australia 16:00 Keeping Up With The 02:00 The Great Train Robbery-PG 06:30 Live NHL 21:50 Tales From Northumberland 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Highlights 04:30 Switched At Birth Kardashians 04:00 The Tall Man-PG15 07:00 Golfing World With Robson Green 18:00 C.S.I. 13:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe ODI 05:30 According To Jim 17:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 08:00 Ryder Cup Official Film 22:20 Coronation Street 19:00 Switched At Birth 05:45 Son Of Rambow-PG Highlights 05:55 According To Jim 17:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 09:00 NFL Gameday 22:50 Emmerdale 20:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 07:30 Eastwood Directs: The 14:00 Story of the World Cup 1992 06:30 Detroit 1-8-7 18:00 E! News 09:30 Golfing World 23:45 May The Best House Win S.H.I.E.L.D. Untold Story-PG15 15:30 ICC Cricket 360 07:30 Detroit 1-8-7 00:00 Shipping Wars 19:00 Live From E! 09:30 Top 14 Highlights Abroad 21:00 The Voice 09:00 Veronica Guerin-PG15 16:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 08:30 Castle 00:30 Shipping Wars 19:30 Fashion Bloggers 10:30 European Tour Weekly 22:00 Mistresses 17:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 09:30 According To Jim 01:00 Storage Wars 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 11:00 Faces In The Crowd-PG15 10:30 WWE Experience 23:00 Supernatural 17:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 01:30 Storage Wars 21:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 13:00 Twist Of Faith-PG15 11:00 Live Nedbank Golf 18:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 11:00 Desperate Housewives 02:00 Storage Wars The Hamptons 14:30 The Past-PG15 Challenge 18:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 12:00 MasterChef Australia 02:30 Storage Wars 22:00 E! News 17:00 Veronica Guerin-PG15 11:30 WWE Afterburn 19:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 13:00 Switched At Birth 03:00 Shipping Wars 23:00 Live From E! 12:30 WWE This Week 00:00 Knights Of Mayhem 19:00 Left To Die-PG15 19:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 14:00 According To Jim 03:30 Shipping Wars 23:30 The Soup 13:00 Top 14 Highlights 01:00 Family Guns 21:00 The Happening-18 20:00 ICC Cricket 360 14:30 According To Jim 04:00 Storage Wars 13:30 NFL 02:00 Great Migrations 23:00 Glory-PG15 20:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 15:00 Detroit 1-8-7 04:30 Storage Wars 16:00 WWE Raw 03:00 The Known Universe 00:00 White Collar 22:00 Australia v South Africa T20I 16:00 Detroit 1-8-7 05:00 Pawn Stars 18:00 WWE Bottomline 04:00 Real Time Disaster 01:00 Good Morning America Highlights 17:00 Grey’s Anatomy 05:30 Pawn Stars 19:00 WWE NXT 04:30 Real Time Disaster 03:00 The Client List 23:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 18:00 Desperate Housewives 06:00 Ice Road Truckers 19:00 WWE Vintage 05:00 Salvage Code Red 04:00 True Blood 19:00 MasterChef Australia 07:00 Storage Wars: New York 20:00 NHL 00:05 Chopped 06:00 Bandits Of Selous 05:00 Good Morning America 01:00 A Fighting Man-PG15 20:00 Bones 07:30 Counting Cars 20:00 WWE Main Event 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes 07:00 Inside 07:00 Emmerdale 03:00 Red Sky-PG15 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 08:00 Storage Wars 21:00 Trans world Sport 01:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 08:00 Knights Of Mayhem 07:30 Coronation Street 05:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 21:25 How I Met Your Mother 08:30 Storage Wars 22:00 Live Pool Mosconi Cup 02:10 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 09:00 Family Guns 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show A Marriage Counselor-PG15 22:00 Greek 09:00 American Restoration 00:45 Spider-U 09:30 Pawn Stars UK 02:35 Ching’s Restaurant 10:00 Great Migrations 09:00 24 07:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 23:00 Dirty Sexy Money 02:30 The Station Agent-PG 10:00 Storage Wars: New York Redemption 11:00 Animal Mega Moves 10:00 Emmerdale Heroes Of Tomorrow-PG 03:00 Ching’s Restaurant 12:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime 10:30 Coronation Street 04:00 Coyote Ugly 10:30 Counting Cars 09:00 The Pretty One-PG15 Redemption Odyssey 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:45 The Insider 11:00 Pawn Stars 11:00 Saving Santa-PG 11:30 Pawn Stars 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 13:00 The Known Universe 12:00 Castle 00:30 ICC Cricket 360 08:15 Armageddon 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 14:00 Mega Factories 13:00 White Collar 13:00 Kon-Tiki-PG15 10:45 Spider-U 12:00 Storage Wars 01:00 Australia v South Africa ODI 02:00 Our Mother’s House-PG 12:30 Storage Wars 04:40 All You Can Meat 15:00 Diggers 14:00 24 15:00 The Bag Man-PG15 12:30 National Security Highlights 03:45 Destination Tokyo-FAM 13:00 Storage Wars 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 15:30 Diggers 15:00 Live Good Morning America 17:00 The Pretty One-PG15 02:00 Story of the World Cup 1992 14:00 Thorne: Sleepyhead-FAM 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 16:00 Doomsday Preppers 17:00 Castle 19:00 Celeste And Jesse Forever- 06:00 TCM Presents Under The...- 13:30 Storage Wars 03:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 16:15 Maid In Manhattan PG 14:00 Big Rig Bounty Hunters 05:50 Siba’s Table 17:00 Beyond Magic With Dmc 18:00 White Collar PG15 04:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 18:00 Con Air 07:00 Light In The Piazza-PG 15:00 Shipping Wars 06:10 Sweet Genius 18:00 Naked Science 19:00 24 21:00 The Immigrant-PG15 04:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 19:00 Diggers 20:00 Castle 20:00 All The Pretty Horses 08:40 Mogambo-PG 15:30 Shipping Wars 23:00 American Hustle-PG15 05:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 22:00 The Village 10:35 Please Don’t Eat The 16:00 Storage Wars 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 19:30 Diggers 21:00 Necessary Roughness 05:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales

RESIDENT EVIL RETRIBUTION ON OSN MOVIES ACTION Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (27/11/2014 TO 03/12/2014)

SHARQIA-1 THE CULLING 3:15 PM 360º- 1 DUMB AND DUMBER TO 12:30 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 5:15 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 1:15 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 2:45 PM THE CULLING 7:15 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 3:30 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 4:45 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 9:00 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 5:45 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 6:45 PM THE CULLING 11:00 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 8:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:45 PM THE CULLING 1:00 AM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 10:15 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:45 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 12:30 AM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:45 AM FANAR-4 PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 11:45 AM 360º- 2 SHARQIA-2 HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 1:45 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 12:15 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 1:00 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 3:45 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 2:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 3:00 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 5:45 PM JESSABELLE 4:45 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 5:30 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 7:45 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 7:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:30 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 9:45 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 9:15 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 10:00 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 11:45 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 11:30 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 12:05 AM ACCOMMODATION FANAR-5 360º- 3 SHARQIA-3 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 11:30 AM FALCON RISING 12:00 PM Small room for rent avail- PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 12:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 2:00 PM FALCON RISING 2:15 PM able from Nov 30, 2014 in PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 2:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 4:30 PM FALCON RISING 4:30 PM Sharahabel St., Hawally, for PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 4:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:00 PM FALCON RISING 6:45 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 6:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 9:30 PM FALCON RISING 9:00 PM Filipinos only. Please con- FALCON RISING 8:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:05 AM FALCON RISING 11:15 PM tact mobile # 51080902. FALCON RISING 10:30 PM (C 4870) FALCON RISING 12:30 AM MARINA-1 AL-KOUT.1 1-12-2014 FALCON RISING 12:30 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 11:30 AM MUHALAB-1 THE CULLING 2:45 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 1:30 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:00 PM FALCON RISING 4:45 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 3:30 PM SITUATION WANTED FALCON RISING 2:00 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 6:45 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 5:30 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 4:00 PM FALCON RISING 8:45 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:30 PM FALCON RISING 6:00 PM THE CULLING 10:45 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 10:00 PM Well experienced Indian NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:00 PM FALCON RISING 12:30 AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:30 AM currently in Kuwait looking FALCON RISING 10:00 PM for part time assignments NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:05 AM MARINA-2 AL-KOUT.2 for building up of account- PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 12:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:15 PM MUHALAB-2 NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 2:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 2:15 PM ing system and establish- HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 1:00 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 4:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 4:15 PM ment, internal control and HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 3:00 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 6:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 6:15 PM auditing, finalization of all HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 5:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:15 PM books of accounts and THE CULLING 7:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:15 PM audit reporting. Contact HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 8:45 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:05 AM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:15 AM 97934610, email rasheedp- THE CULLING 10:45 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 12:30 AM MARINA-3 AL-KOUT.3 [email protected] (C 4868) THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:45 PM THE CULLING 11:30 AM 1-12-2014 MUHALAB-3 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 3:15 PM FALCON RISING 1:15 PM THE CULLING 11:30 AM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 5:45 PM THE CULLING 3:15 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 1:15 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:45 PM CATCH HELL 5:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 3:15 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 10:15 PM FALCON RISING 7:00 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 5:15 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 12:15 AM THE CULLING 9:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:15 PM FALCON RISING 10:45 PM I, Felix Brazinho Vaz, holder THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 9:45 PM AVENUES-1 THE CULLING 12:45 AM of Indian Passport FORCIVIL INFORMATION THE CULLING 12:15 AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 1:30 PM G1685583 & Maria Da Anjos THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 4:15 PM BAIRAQ-1 Vaz, holder of Indian Automated enquiry FANAR-1 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:00 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 12:00 PM Passport F1714898 both FALCON RISING 11:30 AM CATCH HELL 9:30 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 2:00 PM about the Civil ID card is FALCON RISING 1:30 PM CATCH HELL 11:30 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 4:00 PM presently residing in CATCH HELL 3:30 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 6:00 PM Kuwait, notify changing our FALCON RISING 5:30 PM AVENUES-2 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 8:00 PM names to read as Felix HAPPY NEW YEAR - HINDI 7:45 PM THE CULLING 12:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 10:30 PM Brazinho Vas & Maria Dos FALCON RISING 11:00 PM THE CULLING 2:00 PM FALCON RISING 1:00 AM Anjos De Souza. (C 4869) FALCON RISING 1:00 AM THE CULLING 4:00 PM 1889988 1-12-2014 THE CULLING 6:00 PM BAIRAQ-2 FANAR-2 THE CULLING 8:00 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 11:45 AM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:30 PM THE CULLING 10:00 PM FALCON RISING 1:45 PM SITUATION VACANT Prayer timings NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 2:30 PM THE CULLING 12:05 AM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 3:45 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 4:30 PM FALCON RISING 5:45 PM Fajr: 05:01 NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 6:30 PM AVENUES-3 HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 7:45 PM Required a chef for a DUMB AND DUMBER TO 8:30 PM FALCON RISING 1:15 PM FALCON RISING 9:45 PM respected family, who Shorook 06:24 NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:30 PM FALCON RISING 3:30 PM HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 11:45 PM cooks Arab and Asian cui- NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:30 AM FALCON RISING 5:45 PM sine. Call: 99006777. Duhr: 11:37 FALCON RISING 8:00 PM BAIRAQ-3 (C 4871) Asr: 14:30 FANAR-3 FALCON RISING 10:15 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 1:00 PM 2-12-2014 HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 1:00 PM FALCON RISING 12:30 AM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 3:00 PM Maghrib: 16:49

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 3/12/2014 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:15 Departure Flights on Wednesday 3/12/2014 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time MSC 407 HRG 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time IRC 527 Mashhad 14:30 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 IYE 827 Mukalla/Sanaa 14:30 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:45 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 14:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 MSC 408 HRG 15:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 SYR 342 Damascus/Latakia 15:30 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 OMA 644 Muscat 04:15 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 CEB7 695 Manila 04:40 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 KAC 545 Alexandria 17:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:35 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 BAW 157 London 06:40 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 204 Lahore 07:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:45 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 08:25 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 ABY 121 Sharjah 19:20 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 JZR 552 Alexandria 19:30 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 KAC 117 New York 10:05 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 502 Beirut 19:50 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:40 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 IRM 1186 Tehran 10:20 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 SVA 9602 Jeddah 10:25 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 20:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:30 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 SVA 3507 Jeddah 11:55 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 11:30 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 103 London 12:20 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 ETD 920 Dubai 22:25 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 IAW 158 Al Najaf 12:05 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 12:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:05 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 IYE 826 Sanaa/Mukalla 13:30 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 13:30 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:30 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 14:10 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 CROSSWORD 743 STAR TRACK

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

Your recent investments will be showing results soon-patience! Figuring Figuring out how to organize people is likely to be a topic of special appeal. This is things out is just the thing that takes on a special significance. A career plan that you also a time of concentrated study and thought. You are extremely resourceful and can find a way for have been thinking about recently can now be put into action. You also have a height- you to make a little extra money at doing practically anything. You might also teach others your ened interest in health and diet, as well as an urge to get things organized into a rational ideas or techniques. Major financial changes will show positive results. Seek investments you system. There is much mental busywork today-at home and at work. If you are thinking believe in and making money becomes doubly rewarding. You seem to understand your emotions about picking out that new car soon, check out all the internet reports or purchase mon- and drive and you have no problem in discussing your feelings with great insight and fluidity. This ey-guide magazines before you sign on the dotted line-you will be glad you did. Use dis- evening should be a particularly pleasant time to be with loved ones. Plan to spend some quality cretion in making purchasing decisions; you could find it easy to make some wrong time with your loved ones. Say yes to a romantic dinner, or a family dinner away from home. choices-especially those that may affect your living situation.

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

Assuming risks can bring great rewards. Someone younger than yourself Your patience is rewarded as you work to solve a problem or busy yourself to get could look to you for answers to problems of great importance. You may figure out how things accomplished. You feel a clear sense of direction and are learning to keep your priorities in to proceed with plans and decisions with respect to your professional world. You should the right place. There will be no snags now as you work to accomplish a couple of long-term goals discover that your talents are in demand by others-whether you are at home or at work. for yourself before the year is ended. Enlightenment and relationships are what brings you the most Perhaps you will find yourself involved in some in-depth discussions or probing conversa- emotional satisfaction at this time. Meaningful ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings tions; you are at your mental best just now. Sweethearts, children and other folks or and you may find marriage and other partnerships being a means of access for this. Compassion things that you consider near and dear to your heart are accented at this time. There may and comprehension are emotional qualities that take on greater importance for you now. You not be a more powerful need in your life than knowing that you are appreciated and make yourself available to listen and give advice. admired for your special talents; do this for others.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may be sorry to see quitting time come today. This particular day seems to be a Your innate ability to understand the needs of others puts you in the dri- sign to you that a few things are out of balance, making it difficult for everyone to ver’s seat when it comes to communicating regarding groups or society in work out the progress of this day within the time limit given. You will be happy to know that one ACROSS DOWN general. Knowing what people really want and need is the main key to your success. You may find yourself more involved in getting things and people organized at this time. You extra person added to your team will get the project finished in time. Don’t worry about the evening; 1. 3 to 30 gigahertz. 1. Someone who works (or provides work- are not willing to accept the opinions of others strictly on their say-so, unless they have good surprises are near and the evening will work out by itself. You may soon get recognition on 4. Motionlessness attributable to a tempo- ers) during a strike. some proof or authority. Small problems that arise this afternoon may slow down your one of your own inventions. Make a concentrated effort during this new birth year to do just that . . . rary paralysis. 2. A blind god. progress. Your creative and intuitive talents may surface, bringing with them some new Invent! Create! Design! Produce! Construct! It really would not surprise the universe if you were to 12. Canadian hockey player (born 1948). 3. A federally chartered corporation that and unique thoughts and ideas. There will be those that you are close to that will be very write a wonderful play! A little of your wit would come through nicely. 15. An argument opposed to a proposal. purchases mortgages. supportive of your eccentricities. Tonight there is some welcomed news! 16. Of or relating to precious stones or the 4. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts art of working with them. of the lateral columns and anterior horns 17. Perennial herb of East India to of the spinal cord. ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Polynesia and Australia cultivated for its 5. Boiled or baked buckwheat. Cancer (June 21-July 22 large edible root yielding Otaheite arrow- 6. The sciences concerned with gathering Work conditions may be active and possibly stressful during the day. You will succeed You may find it easy to make some clear evaluations that affect others at this and manipulating and storing and retriev- in accomplishing whatever you set out to do this day. Your desire to try something root starch. time. Your ability to make common sense decisions will be valued. You just seem to naturally 18. The segment of the public that is easily ing and classifying recorded information. know what the public wants and you are not afraid to seek help with finances, if necessary. totally new and different could lead you on an investigation of some rather far-out ideas. Everything influenced by mass media (chiefly British). 7. Bright with a steady but subdued shin- Something or someone is instrumental in helping you to understand some difficult task that is working in your favor to help bring out your more unique and unusual qualities. It may surprise 20. A timepiece that measures a time ing. may be needed this morning. Underneath that hard-working shell is a very creative and intu- you just a little to realize who will understand and support your rather eccentric behavior. There are interval and signals its end. 8. Make editorial changes (in a text). itive being; an invention may be seen before much time has passed. Extra incentive and drive new solutions to a long-held problem and you may discover an idea that would bring in a welcomed 21. (computer science) A coding system 9. The language of the nomadic Lapp peo- insures that you will have a successful future. Diet, exercise and work will somehow be impor- addition to the savings account. Socially, you could be the star of the next big dance. You have a unique vision of how to put together some beautiful material, styles and colors. that incorporates extra parity bits in order ple in northern Scandinavia and the Kola tant to you, as you sincerely want to feel good about yourself and the way that you do things. to detect errors. Peninsula. 22. (informal) Exceptionally good. 10. A strong emotion. 11. An Asian republic in the Middle East at 23. A republic in the West Indies on the Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) western part of the island of Hispaniola. the east end of the Mediterranean. 25. Unable to relax or be still. 12. An organization of countries formed in Those in authority know of your ability to manage and direct other people and Your thoughtful appreciation for ideas and thoughts should make this an excellent time to begin a new project in the workplace. This is also a positive and productive period for you, and 27. Any of various organs that synthesize 1961 to agree on a common policy for the could be seeking you out to take the responsibility for a particular job requiring this talent. It is a others are very enthusiastic about something you have to offer. Those around you will have no prob- substances needed by the body and sale of petroleum. great time to be with others and to work together. This is a super time for you to use your imagina- 13. Possessing material wealth. tion and creative ability when it comes to new ideas. This, along with the ability to put your lem in knowing just where you are coming from, as you are quite eloquent in your ability to commu- release it through ducts or directly into nicate. You may find yourself in the middle of a very enjoyable conversation, writing a letter, or getting the bloodstream. 14. Full of zest or vigor. thoughts into words, will allow you to delight and fascinate those around you. You may find a good book or movie to enjoy with your cup of tea, this afternoon. You should find no problem in enter- caught up on a bit of reading. You draw to yourself an abundance of beautiful and harmonious rela- 30. An African river that flows northwest 19. (informal British usage) Aggravation or tionships to your life. Partnerships and marriage could be some of the key elements in this now. You aggression. taining others or caring for people that just need a little guidance. You may feel especially kind- into Lake Chad. hearted toward a friend. Although this is a very busy time of year, you find time to enjoy yourself. aim for a balanced life. 34. Slightly open. 24. A former copper coin of Pakistan. 38. Alternatively, a member of the family 26. An official language of the Republic of Nymphaeaceae. South Africa. 28. One of the jointed appendages of an 41. Run away secretly with one's beloved. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 42. A metal-bearing mineral valuable animal used for locomotion or grasping. enough to be mined. 29. Date used in reckoning dates before Someone who truly understands your situation and how you feel will be sympa- A very active day is forecasted at this time. You are under a bit more pressure this 43. A soft silvery metallic element of the the supposed year Christ was born. thetic today. You may take heart in realizing just how appreciated or valued you are for your feel- morning than you have been recently, but that’s okay; you are finishing up a lot of overdue projects as alkali earth group. 31. A district of Manhattan. ings or your ability to take action and get things done. You are kindhearted, understanding and a result. Although you are assigned to do a lot more than usual, you are able to take it all in stride. 44. A river in north central Switzerland 32. A poplar that is widely cultivated in the sensitive to the needs of others just now and that puts you in an excellent position to communicate Trying to establish a plan to get new projects and people organized could take up much of your time that runs northeast into the Rhine. United States. with all concerned. You find more time to broaden your thinking and reach for the truth. You feel this afternoon. Fortunately, you are most interested in work-related matters at this time, as well as the the need to involve yourself in more areas like education, politics, religion, law or something travel co-workers. This afternoon could be a period of very involved study and thought. A sudden inspira- 46. A caustic detergent useful for remov- 33. A steep rugged rock or cliff. 35. (Old Testament) Moses' successor who related. This could find you searching far from your established roots. Company may drop by at an tion will resolve a long-standing worry. If you can clear out enough space tonight and tomorrow, you ing grease. inconvenient time. Be prepared to invite them on an evening walk for good health. will be able to make some fun changes around the home front. 47. (Norse mythology) One of the Aesir led the Israelites into the Promised Land. known for his beauty and skill with bow 36. Great coolness and composure under and skis. strain. 49. A condition (mostly in boys) character- 37. A net or mesh foundation for lace. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution ized by behavioral and learning disorders. 39. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient 51. (informal) Someone who is a detective. Semitic peoples. 54. Perceptible especially by the eye. 40. A white metallic element that burns 56. Any physical damage to the body with a brilliant light. caused by violence or accident or fracture 45. Type genus of the Rutaceae. etc.. 48. (combining form) Indicating radiation 57. The square of a body of any size of or radioactivity. type. 50. A visual presentation showing how 58. A Mid-Atlantic state. something works. 59. Arboreal snake of central and southern 52. A form of address for a man. Africa whose bite is often fatal. 53. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 62. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agri- 55. Perennial herb of North America. culture and patron of scribes and schools. 60. A silvery ductile metallic element 66. German mathematician (1804-1851). found primarily in bauxite. 68. Uneaten and saved for eating later. 61. A muzzle-loading high-angle gun with 74. Hormone secreted by the posterior a short barrel that fires shells at high ele- pituitary gland (trade name Pitressin) and vations for a short range. also by nerve endings in the hypothala- 63. A landlocked desert republic in north- mus. central Africa. 75. Of or relating to or characteristic of 64. Low-growing tropical perennials Alsace or its inhabitants. grown for their stingless foliage. 78. A loose sleeveless outer garment 65. A seaport in northwestern Italy. made from aba cloth. 67. Chief port of Yemen. 79. Seed of a pea plant. 69. A genus of Mustelidae. 80. Italian painter and sculptor and engi- 70. A pilgrimage to Mecca. neer and scientist and architect. 71. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. 81. An ancient Hebrew unit of capacity 72. Very dark black. equal to 10 baths or 10 ephahs. 73. A challenge to do something danger- 82. Either extremity of something that has ous or foolhardy. length. 76. The syllable naming the fifth (domi- 83. A great raja. nant) note of any musical scale in solmiza- 84. Used of a single unit or thing. tion. 77. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 DAY: 7XHVGD\ Issue Time Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Expected Weather for the Next 24 Hours Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 %<'$< 6XQQ\ZLWKOLJKWWRPRGHUDWHQRUWKZHVWHUO\ZLQGZLWKVSHHGRINPK Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 %<1,*+7 &ROGZLWKOLJKWWRPRGHUDWHQRUWKZHVWHUO\ZLQGZLWKVSHHGRINPK Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 WARNING Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 1R&XUUHQW:DUQLQJV China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 STATION 0$;(;3 0,15(& 6)&&+$57 87& Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 .8:$,7&,7< & & Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 .8:$,7$,53257 & & Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 $%'$/< & & Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 %8%<$1 & & Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 -$+5$ & & Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 )$,/$.$,6/$1' & & Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 6$/0,<$+ & & Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 $+0$', & & Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 -8/8,$+3257 & & Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 4$52+,6/$1' & & Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 W Hawally 22630786 800$/0$5$'(0 & & Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 4 DAYS FORECAST El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Jahra 24770319 Temperatures DAY DATE WEATHER Wind Direction Wind Speed Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 MAX. MIN. Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 :HGQHVGD\ 6XQQ\ & & 1: NPK Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 7KXUVGD\ 3DUWO\FORXG\& & 1: NPK Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 )ULGD\ 6XQQ\ & & 1:95% NPK Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 6DWXUGD\ 3DUWO\FORXG\ & & 95% NPK Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 PRAYER TIMES RECORDED YESTERDAY AT KUWAIT AIRPORT Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 Fajr MAX. Temp. °C France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Sunrise MIN. Temp. °C Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 Zuhr MAX. RH % French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Asr MIN. RH % Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 Sunset MAX. Wind km/h N Khaitan 24710044 1: Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Isha TOTAL RAINFALL IN 24 HR. mm Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 All times are local time unless otherwise stated. 83 UTC 9 7 ŵŤŚƀ Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES

(From left) The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood, Kayne West, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Adam Clayton of U2 greet the audience during the World AIDS Day (RED) concert in Times BruceSquare in New York. Springsteen (Right) Kanye West performs on stage. — AFP photos fills in at surprise U2 AIDS show ruce Springsteen and Coldplay’s shows since a 2009-2011 tour, Leaving behind his usual guitar, referring to the start of the annual Chris Martin tried to replace announced the free show in Times Springsteen cast a surprisingly similar commemoration. BBono’s legendary vocal cords Square with several hours of notice to physical appearance to Bono as he “We are going to win this fight,” Monday in a surprise U2 concert in raise awareness and funding on World grabbed the microphone, with The Clinton said. Clinton pointed to US New York to rally support for fighting AIDS Day. But with frontman Bono Edge audibly driving the music. Also anti-AIDS efforts as an example of AIDS. U2, which has played only select injured in a bicycle incident last performing were country singer cooperation across political lines. His month, the Irish superstars offered the Carrie Underwood and hip hop star successor George W. Bush spearhead- microphone to two of the rare vocal- Kanye West, who energetically blend- ed the so-called PEPFAR program, ists who rival U2 in celebrity. ed hits such as “Stronger” and “Touch which now supports anti-retroviral “Dreams come true for all old and the Sky”-while noting that he had to medication for 7.7 million people, in young people alike,” a humbled condense his set for the sake of tele- large part in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, Coldplay frontman Martin said on the vision viewers. some 39 million people have died stage set up underneath Times from HIV-related causes since the Square’s famous flashing screens on a Bono-backed campaign virus that leads to AIDS emerged in rainy night. Martin, who has long cit- The concert was organized by the the 1980s. The concert heard a video ed U2 as an influence on his work, Bono-backed Red campaign to mark a message, released earlier in the day, joined The Edge and the rest of the decade since the United States dra- from President Barack Obama who band to perform “With or Without matically ramped up support for called for sustained efforts to fight You” and “A Beautiful Day” staying fighting AIDS. Bono appeared briefly HIV. “We’ve got to stay focused and faithful to Bono’s lyrics and style in a video at the concert in which committed. Science is on our side, while struggling to match his range. celebrities listed items-such as French Bruce Springsteen performs along with The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr and momentum is on our side. It’s up to Closing the hour-long concert, fries and lipstick-that cost the 40 US Adam Clayton of U2. us to finish the job,” Obama said. In this Oct 30, 2009 file photo, Bono, Springsteen summoned the depths cents required to provide daily treat- who explained that Bono asked him nosed with HIV. “Twenty-six years Despite the public calls to do more right, and Bruce Springsteen perform of his emotional force to sing “Where ment. to address the concert, said that 2014 ago, we could never have had an on AIDS, activists have faulted the at the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll the Streets Have No Name” before a “Two pills a day is what it takes to marked the first time that more peo- event like this on World AIDS Day Obama administration and Congress Hall of Fame concert at Madison more understated rendition of “I Still stay alive if you’re HIV positive,” Bono ple around the world received life- because to be diagnosed with AIDS for keeping funding levels stagnant in Square Garden, in New York. Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” said. Former US president Bill Clinton, saving drugs than were newly diag- was a death sentence,” said Clinton, recent years. — AFP ‘The Hobbit’ finale to battle for technical Oscars

he past two “Hobbit” movies earned three Academy Awards Tnominations apiece. If there’s justice in the world, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” will get more that that. But there is no guarantee of justice in the Oscar world. Peter Jackson’s third “Hobbit” film is easily the best of the three: fast, action-packed, beautiful and touching. And it’s an artisans showcase, with across-the-board great work that deserves attention. But after the three “The Lord of the Rings” movies earned 30 Oscar nominations and “The Return of the (From left) Romain Dauriac, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. — AP King” swept the ceremony with 11 wins, voters have been cooler on the “Hobbit” movies. There is a vague Scarlett Johansson sense in the industry that it’s more of the same, that it’s a kids film, or that Jackson and his team don’t weds partner Dauriac need to win awards. The first two are wrong. It’s a very different tone than the other two “Hobbit” movies, with ollywood superstar Scarlett French journalist, in Montana on October new characters, new designs, new Johansson quietly tied the knot 1, People magazine reported. everything. And kids will like it, but with her fiance Romain Dauriac, in The couple have a daughter, Rose. H it’s darker and more emotional than repeat in those categories, as well They cited “Guardians of the Galaxy” good company. Steven Spielberg, October, US media reported Monday. Johansson, considered one of Hollywood’s the earlier two. editing, cinematography, costume and “The Hunger Games: Francis Coppola and James Johansson-best known for her roles in “Lost modern sex symbols, also starred in “Girl As for the third perception, it’s design, music (Howard Shore) and Mockingjay-Part 1.” One could ask Cameron are among the filmmakers in Translation”, “The Avengers” and a string with a Pearl Earring” and Luc Besson thriller true, very few people really NEED an song (by Billy Boyd, who appeared in the same question about “Hobbit.” who won big, only to see subse- of Woody Allen films-married Dauriac, a “Lucy.” — AFP Oscar. But do the “Hobbit” makers the “LOTR” trio). But the New Line-MGM-Warner quent films under-appreciated DESERVE kudos nominations? What about best picture, director, Bros. film “doesn’t need it.” It’s noth- when the envelopes were opened. Definitely. Will they get it? Maybe. The and/or screenplay? Since the first ing personal: Jackson is liked and Awards voters should see “The two earlier “Hobbit” movies scored two “Hobbits” weren’t there, the respected. Human nature means Hobbit,” preferably on the big Creed frontman’s wife visual effects noms. The first one also odds are strongly against it. In the people are always drawn to any- screen, in Imax and in 3D. No, was nominated for makeup/hair- past week, Variety colleagues thing new, sometimes at the they don’t “need” to see it. But styling and production design; the Jenelle Riley and Ramin Setoodeh expense of the familiar-even if the after a year of heavy pieces, they seeking divorce, help second for sound mixing and sound asked why movies that are “only” familiar is better. If Jackson doesn’t deserve to see something that’s editing. The new “Hobbit” could entertaining don’t get more noms. get Oscar noms, he would be in serious but fun. — Reuters reed frontman Scott Stapp’s wife is seeking a divorce from her Cestranged husband. Jaclyn Stapp filed for divorce from the 41-year-old singer and asked a judge in Palm Beach Take That returns, and embraces Google Play County, Florida, last month to have her husband admitted to a substance abuse ake That returned Monday with a new album of a growing slice of the streaming market. Take That in 2010 for an album and tour. In an interview with facility. She said her husband has been 1990s-style boy band pop and, entering a more plans to tour for the first time as a trio-Gary Barlow, Britain’s Sun newspaper, Donald voiced hope that using several drugs and threatened to kill Tcontemporary debate, snubbed streaming Mark Owen and Howard Donald-at arenas in Britain Williams and Orange would return for a reunion tour himself and harm his family. She said he giant Spotify for Google Play. “III,” the band’s first stu- and Ireland starting on April 28. Williams, who now for Take That’s 25th anniversary in 2017. “We want to left their home in early October. “It is a very dio album in four years, marks the rebirth of the lives in the United States after forging a highly suc- do something with the five of us. That will be great,” painful and personal matter for the family,” Manchester boy band as a trio, with the absence of cessful solo career, left the band in 1995 but returned Donald was quoted as saying. — AFP said Jason Brodie, Jaclyn Stapp’s attorney. both Robbie Williams- who has forged a successful “Jaclyn loves Scott very much. It is now solo career-and Jason Orange. For the band’s seventh apparent the seriousness of Scott’s health. album, Take That signed a deal to stream exclusively Jaclyn has taken all the necessary steps to for one month on Google Play. The search engine help him. She previously arranged for the File photo, singer Scott Stapp, of the giant’s alternative to Spotify is promoting “III” with a appropriate treatment and will continue to band Creed, performs solo in concert launch party. try and help him. Her primary concern at Soundstage, in Baltimore. — AP Spotify, however, is also streaming the album’s first remains the best interest of their children. the rumors that have been spread about single “These Days,” a clean-cut pop song with a Jaclyn asks for privacy for her and her chil- me are lies,” he said in one video. dance-ready, R&B-influenced rhythm. The album dren during this difficult time.” The videos were later deleted and a entered immediately at the top of Britain’s singles The couple married eight years ago statement posted Friday said Stapp is chart, replacing the Band Aid 30th anniversary Ebola and has three children. Stapp has been “going to step back and let God control relief song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Britain’s posting rambling online videos on everything from here on.” “I should have Official Charts Company factors in streaming for its Facebook over the past week saying he’s continued to do that before I allowed my singles ranking; the Billboard 200, the premier US broke. He denied he’s taking drugs or alco- hurt, frustration and emotions take control chart for albums, will begin to consider streaming in hol and said he is “as sober as can be.” and post those videos,” the statement said. its chart out on Wednesday. “When you can’t get any help from law Creed last toured together in 2012. The Spotify has witnessed rapid growth as the industry enforcement, your federal government or band was one of the most successful rock leader in streaming but has also faced criticism-most even local attorneys, what options am I left acts of the 1990s, selling more than 40 mil- notably from this year’s top-selling artist Taylor Swift, with except to make public statements like lion albums. Creed won the Grammy for who pulled her whole catalog off the service. Swift this, and put it out on the Internet and best rock song for “With Arms Wide Open” argued that Spotify’s compensation was insufficient, (From left) Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams of the hope that someone’s going to realize that in 2001. — AP charges that the Swedish company denied. Google, band ‘Take That’ perform on the stage of the Ariston Theatre in San Remo, Italy during the 61st Apple and other competitors have meanwhile sought Italian Music Festival. — AFP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES ‘Kalashri Award’ Strayed to try screenplays for Balakrishnan By Sajeev K Peter

ell-known Malayalam playwright and after ‘Wild’ experience theatre director K P Balakrishnan was Wchosen from Kuwait for the prestigious ‘Kalashri Award’ instituted by the Kerala hen she hiked more than 1,000 my life.” She was deeply moved by Strayed’s Sangeetha Nataka Akademi for Gulf Malayalee miles through California and story and grateful for the author’s support artists for the year 2014, said Akademi WOregon wilderness, Cheryl in making the movie. “She sort of relin- Chairman Soorya Krishnamoorthy at a press Strayed didn’t expect to end up in quished control and gave us this wonderful conference in Trivandrum yesterday. “The Hollywood. The author of “Wild,” opening story to tell,” Witherspoon said. “And being award will be conferred on Mr Balakrishnan for this week as a film starring Reese an artist herself, she was so open to having his exceptional contribu- Witherspoon, hadn’t planned to write us interpret her words, to make it cinemat- tion to Malayalam the- about her three-month solo trip on the ic, which was incredibly freeing and really atre both as a playwright Pacific Crest Trail. When she finally did years the greatest gift ever.” For Witherspoon, the book offered “resolution.” For Strayed, the and a director over a later (at her husband’s urging), she sent the hike, and her reflection on it, fostered a period of three decades manuscript to Witherspoon’s camp, know- sense of redemption. It’s a story about in Kuwait as a Gulf ing the actress was looking for complex “bearing the unbearable,” she said. Malayalee,” announced female characters to bring to the screen “It’s a very deep experience for so many Krishnamoorthy. through her new production company. people to read ‘Wild’ and feel what they Other recipients of Still, Strayed was stunned when the Oscar feel, because of course they’re not feeling it this year’s Kalashri Award winner called. “This was before the book was released,” about my life, but about their own,” she from the Gulf region are said. “And that’s what art does: It reminds Mohanraj P N (theatre) Strayed said; before it became an Oprah Book Club pick and a New York Times best us that we are more alike than different and from Bahrain and K K that our common humanity connects us Sudhakaran (theatre) seller. Since then, the 46-year-old writer has been on a Hollywood adventure - one that really profoundly.” Serving as “the ambassa- from Qatar. dor for ‘Wild’” - first for the book, then for Balakrishnan, who has inspired profound gratitude and File photo shows US actress Reese Witherspoon and US author Cheryl Strayed pose the movie - has kept Strayed from her regu- became a Kuwait resi- piqued her interest in writing her own for photographers at the premiere of “Wild”. — AP photos lar writing routine. —AP dent in 1977, has written screenplay. Handing her memoir over to Hollywood was scary, she said. Malayalam playwright and directed scores of “But I do find that if you take risks, that and theatre director K P plays for theatre troupes often the best things come from being Balakrishnan. such as Prathibha Theatre, KALPAK and brave in that way, from making yourself Indian Arts Centre. His vulnerable,” she said. “So I just trusted that.” published plays include ‘Ushna Bhoomi’, She also trusted Witherspoon, with whom ‘Asthamayathinte Dukham’, ‘Agnishalaka’, she’s become friends, and who invited ‘Krishnapakshathile Chandran’ and Strayed’s involvement in nearly every ‘Mayookham’. ‘Salabhanjika’, ‘Marikkukayilla aspect of the film. The author consulted on Njan Orikkalum,’ ‘Mazha Mekhangal’, costumes, locations, the hiking experience ‘Prajathipathyam,’ ‘Mareechan Oru Ponman’ and and intimate details about her personal life. ‘Ashapasham’ are his other major dramas under Witherspoon plays Strayed, a young publication. woman who escapes to the wilderness to “It is a moment of pride for KSNA Kuwait end a self-destructive bender that began Chapter. No doubt Mr K P Balakrishnan has with her mother’s premature death. Her made remarkable contribution to Malayalam marriage crumbles as she turns to drugs theatre in Kuwait over the last 36 years. The and promiscuity to numb the pain. coveted ‘Pravasi Kalashri Award’ is the recogni- Desperation with a glimmer of dignity This image tion he deserves,” said KSNA Kuwait Chapter drives her into nature - an inexperienced released by Fox Chairman Vijay Karayil in a press note. hiker determined to trek one of the tough- Searchlight Balakrishnan’s was nominated for 2014’s est trails in the country. Pictures shows Kalashri Award by the Kuwait Chapter of the Reese KSNA. He hails from Katinamkulam, Trivandrum Make it cinematic Witherspoon in a district of Kerala. Witherspoon says the memoir is “one of scene from the the most important books I’ve ever read in film, “Wild.” ‘Birdman’ wins best feature at Gotham Awards

Best Feature “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Alejandro G. Inarritu, director; Alejandro G. Inarritu, John Lesher, Arnon Milchan, James W. Skotchdopole. “Boyhood” Richard Linklater, director; Richard Linklater, Cathleen Sutherland, Jonathan Sehring, John Sloss. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Wes Anderson, director; Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson. “Love Is Strange” Ira Sachs, director; Lucas Joaquin, Jay Van Hoy, Lars Knudsen, Ira Sachs, Jayne Baron Sherman, producers. “Under the Skin” Jonathan Glazer, director; Nick Wechsler, James Wilson.

Best Documentary Director Alejandro G. Inarritu accepts the “Best Feature” award for “Birdman or The Director Richard Linklater accepts the “Gotham Independent Film Audience” award for “Actress” Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance”. his film “Boyhood”. Robert Greene, director; Douglas Tirola, Susan irdman,” Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s drama about a could say hi to Tilda Swinton and take a picture with her, it would be Bedusa, Robert Greene. crumbling Hollywood star, landed one of the first major really cool,” Amirpour said. “Foxcatcher” nabbed the best ensemble “CITIZENFOUR” “Bprizes of awards season as best feature at the Gotham award, which was introduced by a certain three-time Oscar winner. Laura Poitras, director; Laura Poitras, Mathilde Independent Awards on Monday night. The film, starring Michael “For Meryl Streep to come here and present us with this award, suck Bonnefoy, Dirk Wilutzky, producers. Keaton, was selected over favorites “Boyhood” and “The Grand on that,” Carell joked. “I am so proud to be part of this film, and be “Life Itself” Budapest Hotel” by a small panel of only five film aficionados. But the part of this ensemble. Best ensemble. A higher compliment could Steve James, director; Zak Piper, Steve James, event hosted by the Independent Film Project has in recent years not be paid to an actor unless he was to be singled out for his own Garrett Basch. become an important early stop in the Oscars campaign trail. This extraordinary work.” “Manakamana” year’s ceremony was perhaps the glitziest yet, with presenters like Bennett Miller (“Foxcatcher”) received the career tribute award in Stephanie Spray & Pacho Velez, directors; Meryl Streep, Jake Gyllenhaal and Scarlett Johansson all attending directing. His friend Catherine Keener, who presented him with the Lucien Castaing-Taylor, Verena Paravel. the dinner at Cipriani Wall Street. honor, talked about living with him for two years, how Miller would “Point and Shoot” “I will say this award will help move forward the conversations study chess matches on YouTube and described him as a devoted Marshall Curry, director; Marshall Curry, that Michael Keaton and I have been having with Marvel Studios to filmmaker who refuses “to do anything that is a compromise.” She Elizabeth Martin, Matthew Van Dyke. make ‘Birdman 4,’” joked Inarritu when he took the podium. “Since its added, “Four masterpieces are better than 50 buildings and Bennett Bingham Ray inception, this film has given me joy. Independent films, no matter Miller is 4-and-0.” what, they have something to say.” The Fox Searchlight drama was “Thank you Catherine,” Miller said. “That was a lot of personal the big victor of the night, since Keaton also took home best actor. information. I think it’s a cruel joke that an introvert who likes to Breakthrough Director Award He comical, rambling speech at times sounded like a monologue that spend a lot of time in the dark, if successful, ends up at a podium in Ana Lily Amirpour for “A Girl Walks Home could be delivered by his character. “I want to thank the folks of Actor Michael Keaton accepts the “Best Actor” award for front of many strangers.” Miller was one of three career tributes. Alone at Night” Gotham,” Keaton said, making a “Batman” joke. “It’s good to be home.” his role in “Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Another went to Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, who was introduced by Will James Ward Byrkit for “Coherence” Julianne Moore was the winner in the best actress category for Ignorance”. — AP photos Arnett. “I’m a lover first and foremost of independent film,” Sarandos Dan Gilroy for “Nightcrawler” Eliza Hittman for “It Felt Like Love” her performance in Sony Pictures Classics’ “Still Alice” as a woman “A leak investigation that no only involved me, but everyone I said. “It’s what really got my exciting about the business.” He talked with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “I love independent film,” Moore worked with.” She said she gave her team a chance to leave the proj- about how independent films were the “core” of Netflix, naming the Justin Simien for “Dear White People” said. “It’s where I finally found myself as an actor.” Uma Thurman ect, but none of them did. Tessa Thompson won the first award of the DVD of the 2004 documentary “Born Into Brothels” as the service’s Best Actor kicked off the Gotham Awards as a subdued host, who didn’t crack night for breakthrough actor for her performance in “Dear White first exclusive title straight from Sundance. Bill Hader in “The Skeleton Twins” jokes or sing any musical numbers, but instead paid earnest tribute People,” the Sundance darling from first-time director Justin Simien. “I Amy Schumer scored the biggest laughs of the night with her Hawke in Boyhood to the nominees. She called “Boyhood,” Richard Linklater’s ambitious didn’t expect for this to happen, so I made jokes about losing all introduction for Tilda Swinton, the final career tribute honoree. “She Oscar Isaac in A Most Violent Year film that was shot over twelve years, “one of a kind,” and “Love Is week,” Thompson said. “Thanks to filmmakers who take risks. Those can scare the s-t out of you, break your heart and give you a boner at Michael Keaton in Birdman or (The Strange,” Ira Sach’s drama about an eldery gay couple’s marriage, “an are the ones that make me excited about doing what I do.” the same time,” Schumer said. “Amy f-ing Schumer,” Swinton said as Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) instant classic.” “Citizenfour” won best documentary. The film, in A surprise winner in the breakthrough director category came she took the stage. Swinton spoke about starting her career by mak- Miles Teller in Whiplash which director Laura Poitras chronicles whistleblower Edward when Ana Lily Amirpour (who made the Iranian horror film “A Girl ing seven films with director Derek Jarman over nine years. After he Snowden, edged out the other favorite “Life Itself,” about movie critic died in 1994, she found other independent filmmakers who took her Walks Home Alone at Night”) beat out Dan Gilroy (“Nightcrawler”) The 2014 Best Actor nominating panel also Roger Ebert. “When I started receiving these emails, I knew there was and Simien (“Dear White People”). She said she loved making films, into their creative arms. “I was an alien from Scotch-land,” Swinton going to be a massive investigation,” Poitras said. said. “You’re all a bunch of freaks. I’m a freak too.” —Reuters voted to award a special Gotham Jury Award and had a special request for one of the other attendees. “Maybe if I jointly to Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, and Channing Tatum for their ensemble performance in Foxcatcher.

Best Actress Patricia Arquette in Boyhood Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Beyond the Lights Julianne Moore in Still Alice Scarlett Johansson in Under the Skin Mia Wasikowska in Tracks

Breakthrough Actor Riz Ahmed in “Nightcrawler” Macon Blair in “Blue Ruin” Ellar Coltrane in “Boyhood” Joey King in “Wish I Was Here” Actress Julianne Moore accepts Jenny Slate in “Obvious Child” Director Bennet Miller accepts the Director Laura Poitras, center, accepts the “Best Documentary” award the “Best Actress” award for her Actor Meryl Streep introduces Tessa Thompson in “Dear White People”. “Director Tribute” award. for the film “CITIZENFOUR”. role in “Still Alice”. an award. LIFESTYLE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 38Travel

An Egyptian tourist guide waits tourists at the ruins of the Karnak Temple in Luxor.

says it will boost security at tourist sites

gypt plans to increase the number of security cameras at hotels and popular tourist destinations as part of a series Egypt of new security measures aimed at buoying the flagging E tourism sector following three years of political turmoil, the country’s tourism minister said. Once a prime destination, Egypt has seen its hotels, beaches and famed ancient sites sit largely empty since the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 kicked off a period of prolonged social unrest. The number of tourists visiting the country dropped from more than 14 million in 2010 to just 9.5 million last year, according to government figures. In addition to the security cameras, the government plans to introduce mandatory background checks for tourism industry workers, Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazoua told The Associated Press. Egypt also will bolster airport security and plans to implement a comprehensive system for monitoring health standards in hotels, Zaazoua told listeners at an international conference on tourism safety on Sunday. Rebooting Egypt’s tourism industry, long a crucial source of revenue, could inject badly needed foreign currency into the country’s struggling economy. But convincing tourists in the near-term to return to a country that has made headlines for its protests and violent crackdowns since Mubarak’s ouster could be a tough task, particularly after the military removed Egypt’s first democratically elected Islamist president, Mohammad Mursi, last summer. Since Mursi’s overthrow, the military-backed interim authorities, and now newly-elected President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, have presided over a wide-ranging crackdown against Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, killing hundreds and throwing thousands more in prison.

‘change the image’ Violence has simmered since Mursi’s removal from power, with militants launching attacks primarily against security forces. There was one case in February, however, in which extremists based in the Sinai Peninsula took responsibility for bombing a tour bus in February. That blast killed three Korean tourists and an Egyptian driver. There also have been several recent cases of sexual assault Tourists look at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, on the west bank of the Nile River at Luxor. against female tourists in resorts on the Red Sea coast. Elhamy ElZayat, the chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, said plans are under way to beef up security and clean the Pyramids of Giza area, in coordination with several government ministries. He said that the dozens of vendors at the pyramids site – who have been accused of overly-aggressive sales tactics – will be confined to designated areas. In an effort to “change the image”, he said, young people in official uniforms will assist tourists at the site. El-Zayat said authorities are also planning to place janitorial services under private sector supervision and improve access to the area. “I want to see a quick shift, 180 degrees. And it will happen, and by the end of this month I’m sure the area A tour- will be completely changed,” ElZayat said at the conference. ist takes Zaazoua, the tourism minister, said he believes “the coming picture at period will be better than the previous one,” adding that tourism the ruins of figures in July and August have shown signs of recovery. Over the Karnak the summer, a number of key countries lifted travel warnings to Temple. the Sinai Peninsula. Despite challenges to the tourism industry across the region, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Muhammad, an Egyptian tourist guide poses for photo as he waits Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai told conference attendees that tourists in at the ruins of the Karnak. his organization projects tourism to the Middle East to triple between now and 2030.—AP

A tourist looks at the ruins of the Karnak Temple in Luxor.

Tourist look out at the ruins of the Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt.—AP photos

Row of sphinxes with ram heads, known as the dromos, seen at the ruins of the Karnak Temple.

Tourists point out the hieroglyphic on columns in the Hypostyle Hall at the Karnak. LIFESTYLE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 Features39 ‘Comfy Slippers’ signing at The Yoga Center

is for everyone, ‘Yoga for every age and goes with every lifestyle’

By Faten Omar

he Yoga Center hosted a book signing by Julie Lomas, author of “Comfy Slippers and a Cup of Tea”, at its studio in Burj Jassim in Mirqab on Monday. Founded in TJune 2013 by three sisters - Saba, Sana and Jana Al-Naqeeb – The Yoga Center is a full service yoga studio that focuses on promoting yoga lifestyle in Kuwait. Offering a range of yoga classes including yin yang yoga, body tone yoga, power yoga, hot yoga, restorative yoga, hatha, vinyasa flow, ashtanga, balance yoga, polarity therapy Photos by Yasser Al - Zayyat and Bowen technique, The Yoga Center helps clients integrate the yoga lifestyle into everyday life to create physical, mental and spiritual balance. “It was not easy to open a yoga studio in Kuwait, especially if you were the first. The challenge is that people are unaware or uneducated about yoga,” explained Sana Al-Naqeeb. But it is easy for people to try yoga. “Yoga is for everyone, for every age. Just come even if you’re not flexible or aren’t sure. Yoga goes with every lifestyle. It helps you in all areas of your life, Naqeeb explained. Holistic wellbeing is also the central focus of Lomas’ book. The book explores a variety of subjects and offers life advice and insights into stress management, life choices and self purpose. “The book consists of 40 different life challenges that we face and advice for overcoming those challenges,” explained Lomas. Since 2004, Lomas has written extensively on life issues and publishes a newsletter with her articles. Comfy Slippers and a Cup of Tea is based on articles from the newsletter. The award winning author is also a founding member and managing director of Conscious Connections, which is dedicated to bringing spiritual awareness and holistic practices, including stress management transformation and life coaching to all areas of peoples’ personal lives. “The reason we launched this book at The Yoga Center is because it bridges the emotional and physical part of our being and offers a more wholesome, holistic approach towards our hectic lifestyles with simple, easy and yet powerful tools,” noted Sana. “After reading just a few chapters, I noticed a marked change in my behavior and understanding,” Saba Al-Naqeeb said. “Unlike other self-help books, I can just open the chapter that applies to my current emotional state.” The Yoga Center offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere and includes full facilities including changing rooms and showers. All instructors are highly qualified and practiced in the various yoga arts. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014

World’s longest graffiti scroll confirmed in Emiratis stand in front of government- sanctioned graffiti entitled “Our Journey,” which marks the United Arab Emirates’ 43rd National Day, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Dec 1, 2014. –AP photos

orld’s longest graffiti scroll around the world took part in its creation, confirmed in Dubai #GCC. The involving 7,000 spray paint cans. Guin- graffiti was a commissioned ness World Record adjudicator Praveen Dubaird W for the 43 United Arab Emirates Na- Patel said it took more than an hour to Hondurans get in the spirit with tional Day. The world’s longest graffiti measure the entire artwork. scrolled has been confirmed at Jumeirah “I saw the history of UAE and I know Beach in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. from the air it looks like the map of the The Guinness World Record on Sunday UAE. Because the art is so brilliant, it officially announced that the 2,245.40 was a wonderful journey,” Patel told Gulf meter artwork, depicting the “history News. “It was an absolutely fantastic of the UAE”, would be entered into the effort by a multi-national team of graf- record book, to the delight of Hassan Al- fiti artists. And to put them together to rd worldhousands of Hondurans record went down in broken human the record for world’s Christmas largest human dren. “It’s officially amazing,”tree Hernandez said Mazroui, events director of the 43 UAE produce a single piece, that’s phenom- history on Monday by setting a new Christmas tree,” said company representative after reading the document. It was a bit of National Day, for which the painting was enal. I haven’t seen any record like this.” Guinness world record for the largest Carlos Martínez. A smiling President Juan good news for the Central American nation, commissioned. “Initially, we were worried Though the artwork was sanctioned by T because it was so difficult to make sure Crown Prince of Dubai Shaikh Hamdan human Christmas tree. “On behalf of the Orlando Hernandez received the certificate gripped by poverty and the world’s highest Guinness Book it is a great pleasure to an- outside the presidential residence. homicide rate.—AFP that we would beat the previous record,” Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, nounce that today ... the people of Honduras The former record holder had been Thai- he told Gulf News. graffiti artists in Dubai can face arrest for in Tegucigalpa, with 2,945 people, have land, which in 2013 formed one with 852 chil- “Even if you are sure that you fol- defacing walls, streets or public buildings. lowed every detail of the Guinness World —www.middleeasteye.net Record requirements, you can never tell if we would make it or not. It was not an easy task.” Over 150 graffiti artists from

View of fireworks during the inauguration of an 85-meter-high floating Christmas tree at Rodrigo de Freitas la- goon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 29, 2014. The world highest floating Christmas tree registered by the Guin- ness World Records was inaugurated for its 19th time Saturday night and will be illuminated by 3.1 million lights every night until the end of the year. --AFP

Handout picture released by the Honduran presidency showing the biggest human Christmas tree which set a new Guin- ness World Record at the Plaza La Democracia, in Tegucigalpa, on December 1, 2014.—AFP