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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 RAJAB 17, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Cost, traditions IS claims No signs Bale rescues big barriers for killing of of trauma, Ronaldo-less Kuwaiti women Bangladesh suicide in Real Madrid equestrians4 professor7 Prince36 death at20 Rayo Oil, education, health Min 19º Max 35º will not be privatized High Tide 01:33 & 12:50 Low Tide Saleh reassures reforms do not include key sectors 07:16 & 19:53 40 PAGES NO: 16854 150 FILS

KUWAIT: The nation’s financial and economic reform plan does not embody any notion of privatizing oil and gas production or education or Yemen foes hold new talks in Kuwait health services or selling government assets to individuals or firms that may monopolize them, said Deputy Premier, Finance Minister and acting oil KUWAIT: Yemen’s warring parties held a new minister Anas Al-Saleh yesterday. session of peace talks in Kuwait yesterday Moreover, the reform plan does not give the government a free under pressure to firm up a fragile ceasefire hand in changing or amending current laws without first referring any that went into effect on April 11. “The meeting such action to lawmakers, said the minister in a press statement. He has started,” Charbel Raji, spokesman for UN added that some parts of the envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, told AFP, reform plan, which was endorsed by without providing details. Ould Cheikh Ahmed the Cabinet on March 14, only told a press conference on Friday that the del- require ministerial decrees for their egations had “constructive” negotiations and implementation and nothing more. were committed to firming up the ceasefire. This plan is a government obliga- He acknowledged that the truce was still only tion for financial and economic between 70 and 80 percent respected and reforms in accordance with the goals said there were violations by both sides. set for the nation’s development plan Sources close to the government delega- for the 2016-17 fiscal year, which the tion said it would submit a complaint listing lawmakers approved on June 17, 260 ceasefire breaches by the rebels on Friday 2015, he pointed out. It is also a con- alone. Rebel delegation spokesman Mohamed stitutional and legal obligation to pre- Abdulsalam said the priority was to end the serve the resources and wealth of the fighting that has killed more than 6,800 peo- nation and public funds in an effort to Anas Al-Saleh ple and driven 2.8 million from their homes abide by the constitutional require- since March last year. “Stopping the war and all ment to achieve the goals of the development plan. forms of military action is the priority of the Saleh said that there has been much chatter about the subject of priva- Yemeni people and the priority of their repre- tizing basic public services, noting that the government has no plans to sentatives,” he said on Facebook. abdicate its obligation to provide the public with all basic benefits and serv- Third city Taez, where forces loyal to ices. The government, he assured, will not sell its assets to individuals or companies that may monopolize them. In this vein, he said the government President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi have been ABYAN, Yemen: Forces loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni president brandish their arms at the stands by article 4 of law no. 37 of 2010 which specifically states that “no pri- under rebel siege for months, has been a par- entrance to this province as they take part in an operation to drive Al-Qaeda fighters out of the vatization is allowed of oil and natural gas production or oil refineries or ticular source of friction. southern provincial capital yesterday. — AFP Continued on Page 13 education or health”. Continued on Page 13 World marks Bard’s 400th ’versary Obama takes in Hamlet at Globe Theatre STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: William Actors Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-upon- Benedict Cumberbatch and Ian McKellen, Spain marks 400th Avon led global celebrations yesterday to meanwhile, were among the star names mark 400 years since the Bard’s death, as due to celebrate the anniversary with anniversary of US President Barack Obama delighted in more performances from Shakespeare’s a performance of scenes from “Hamlet” at best known works at the Royal Cervantes’ death the Globe Theatre in London. Obama, on Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford. At the MADRID: Spain commemorated the 400th anniver- the last day of a visit to Britain, was treat- Globe, the US president watched intently sary of the death of its best-known writer, Miguel ed to scenes including the famous “To be before clapping loudly and joining the de Cervantes yesterday. Events took place through- or not to be?” soliloquy on an early morn- cast on stage at the part open-air theatre, out the country celebrating the author of “Don ing visit to the Globe, a reconstruction of the brainchild of American actor and Quixote,” one of the most influential books in world a 16th century theatre on the banks of director Sam Wanamaker. literature and a work generally regarded as the pre- the River Thames. Continued on Page 13 cursor of the modern novel. In Alcala de Henares, Cervantes’ birthplace, King Felipe VI honored PIKE COUNTY, Ohio: This aerial photo shows one of the locations being investi- Mexican author Fernando del Paso with the gated as part of an ongoing homicide investigation on Friday. —AP Cervantes Prize and Spain’s Culture Minister Inigo Mendez highlighted his “contribution to the devel- opment of the novel, combining tradition and US shootings in two modernity, as Cervantes did.” The Cervantes award is handed out each year on April 23. It coincides with UNESCO’s World Book states leave 14 dead Day , which promotes literature and commemo- rates Cervantes and English playwright William WASHINGTON: Eight members of one The authorities gave no possible Shakespeare, who died on that date in 1616. family, including a teenager, were shot motive. And, with at least one suspected Cervantes actually died on April 22, 1616, but Spain dead in rural Ohio on Friday, just before gunman still on the loose, no arrests commemorates his death on the date he was gunmen killed six people in Georgia. In have been made. “Each one of the vic- buried. Some artists and academics have been criti- Ohio, seven bodies were found at three tims appears to have been executed, cal of Spain’s central government for not allocating houses close to each other and an eighth each one of the victims appears to have funds to organize events on a scale similar to those was later found at a separate site, Sheriff been shot in the head,” Ohio Attorney celebrating Shakespeare’s life in Britain. Charles Reader told reporters. The vic- General Mike DeWine said. “The prelimi- Yet many still found imaginative ways to honor tims were “all adults except for a male nary determination has been made that Cervantes. Computer expert Diego Buendia juvenile” who was 16 years old, he said, none of the individuals committed sui- designed a program that uploaded the entire text and all members of a single family. Two cide,” he added, saying the shooter or of “Don Quixote” onto Twitter in blocks of 140 char- babies - one aged four days, the other six shooters “are still at large. We do not acters at a time over the last 17 months. LONDON: US President Barack Obama greets actors on stage after watching months - and a three-year-old child sur- know their location.” Continued on Page 13 vived the shootings, he added. Continued on Page 13 them perform Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the Globe Theatre yesterday. — AP Hamas beefs up border to ease rift with Egypt GAZA CITY: As peace offerings go, prefabricat- used to smuggle commercial goods, cash, peo- had been established close to the Kerem ed metal huts on a sand dune may seem unim- ple and, allegedly, weapons in both directions. Shalom border crossing with Israel. pressive, but they are what the Islamist Now the Hamas-run National Security Force The Israeli army said it was “closely watching Palestinian movement Hamas, which runs the in Gaza has deployed an additional 600 sol- the developments in Gaza and Hamas’s recent Gaza Strip, has chosen. Hamas has set up diers along its 13-km southern border to bol- activities, including the addition of outposts dozens of new border posts and military ster security. And where that frontier adjoins along the fence”. Addressing hundreds of checkpoints along the enclave’s border with the border with Israel, Hamas has for the first troops, Hamas official Tawfiq Abu Naim told Egypt in an attempt to improve relations with time established three checkpoints within a them that Egypt’s security was Hamas’ security. Cairo after three years of acrimony. The move few hundred metres of Israeli lookout towers. Egyptian soldiers watched from observation will be seen as the latest attempt to improve On a tour of some of the new sites, officials cit- towers as Hamas installed the trailers on the relations with Cairo that have been strained ed their wish to rebuild relations with Cairo dunes along the desert border. since the overthrow of Egypt’s Islamist presi- and ensure security along their border as the Khaled Al-Batsh, a leader in the Islamic Jihad dent Mohamed Morsi in 2013. reasons for the developments. movement in the Palestinian territory, said his Cairo regularly accuses Hamas, which is “We have established 60 bases and military group was also committed to Egypt’s security. “The allied with Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, of sup- points along our borders with our brothers in factions reject any interference in Egyptian affairs - porting jihadist attacks inside Egypt. Morsi was Egypt to control the border and to ensure our project is resistance to occupation and the a close Hamas ally, and the army chief who against any penetration,” Major General freedom of our nation,” he said. Gaza, wedged toppled him, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, is now Hussein Abu Aazara told AFP during the tour. between Israel and Egypt’s vast Sinai desert, has lit- GAZA: This photo taken on April 14, 2016 shows the Hamas-run National Egypt’s president. Cairo has largely closed off “At the behest of our Egyptian brothers, we tle access to the outside world as political disputes Security Force delivering a prefabricated temporary structure at a new security the border, and Egyptian forces have also have increased the number of troops to 800 mean its borders are largely sealed. base in Rafah along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. — AFP destroyed hundreds of Palestinian tunnels from about 200,” he said. He said three bases Continued on Page 13 SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 LOCAL

Panel mulls establishing authority Local Spotlight to run Silk City, Boubyan projects Sponsorship

By A Saleh ment projects and it would help achieve new electricity consumption prices next (PAHW) said. Meanwhile, the number of system Kuwait’s development plans by reducing Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of housing units built annually is only 3,000, KUWAIT: The parliament’s public facilities bureaucracy. In other news, reports yes- Electricity and Water’s (MEW) Assistant which means that demand will always committee is scheduled to discuss a pro- terday indicated that the parliament’s Undersecretary for Water Operation and remain higher than supply, said Ali Al- posal on establishing a public authority to financial affairs committee discussed dur- Maintenance Affairs, Khalifa Al-Furaij said Hebail, Deputy Director for the Execution run the Silk City and Boubyan Island proj- ing its meeting last Tuesday recommen- that water consumption levels recorded Sector. “Some people had to wait 15 years ects during its meeting today, said parlia- dations to double the prices of water con- last Tuesday reached 417 million gallons; to get their houses because of the scarci- mentary sources, expecting the proposal sumption in investment (apartments) and a record level this year. Furaij explained ty of lands or obstacles facing housing By Muna Al-Fuzai to pass because the majority of MPs commercial areas, while exempting citi- that water consumption usually increases projects,” he explained. approve of it. The committee is also due zens living there. According to the gov- with the rise of temperatures every sum- to discuss and investigate the repeated ernment’s proposed plan to increase mer. Predicting those levels to increase KPA hires staff deaths of construction workers at the energy fees, new water consumption further during the summer’s hot month, The Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) Sabah Al-Salem University project, as prices were put for all categories, includ- Furaij urged consumers to rationalize launched a five-year plan to qualify all directed by Parliament Speaker Marzouq ing private residence (houses), but the water consumption, Al-Rai reported. new employees and train them in the [email protected] Al-Ghanem. The the investigation will also parliament amended the law to exempt best international marine academies include recurring accidents like Tuesday’s citizens, the sources said. Housing demand and colleges specialized in ports admin- fire to decide whether they were acciden- “Those consuming up to 10,000 gal- While 120,000 housing applications istration, especially in view of an annual he cancellation of the sponsorship system has tal or intentional, the sources added. lons of water used to pay one dinar and were filed as of December 31, 2015, the plan of replacing 100-150 retiring become a priority in many countries, in accor- Meanwhile, Chairman of the parliament’s will now pay two according to the number is expected to reach 170,000 by employees with new recruits. The estab- Tdance with recommendations of international financial affairs committee MP Faisal Al- amendment,” explained sources quoted 2020, with an annual increase of 2 per- lishment has 800 Kuwaiti and expat human rights organizations and a commitment to Shaye said that the new tenders law by Al-Jarida daily yesterday, adding that cent (8,500 applications), an official at the employees and has not announced any global treaties to secure human and labor rights. would make a substantial shift in develop- the parliament would also vote on the Public Authority for Housing Welfare vacancies in 20 years. Kuwait has made several attempts in order to advance in this aspect, especially as human rights reports about Kuwait have focused on this issue, which has been a great disservice for some time. Health Ministry, KFAS A positive step was taken by the Kuwaiti govern- ment in favor of expats by the establishment of the to sign MoU to boost Manpower General Authority and the issuance of a law regulating civil work. Official statements have medical research emphasized the absence of what is called a ‘sponsor’ in Kuwaiti laws, which talk about an employer and KUWAIT: The Ministry of employee and a work contract signed between the Health and the Kuwait two parties. Nevertheless, sponsorship as a term has Foundation for the remained an obsession for migrant workers because Advancement of Sciences of its strength before the law, and sometimes as a (KFAS) will sign a memoran- tool of manipulation and fraud. dum of understanding (MoU) This contract defines the relationship between today to support, encourage business owners and workers that binds and regu- and finance medical lates the parties, but the reality today confirms that research, a ministry official the sponsor still exists strongly, and due to corruption said yesterday. Minister of and bribery, some Kuwaitis have become very Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi and wealthy visa traders through the years. Despite the KFAS Director General Dr Dr Jamal Al-Harbi multiplicity of governments, these visa traders have Adnan Shihab-Eldin will maintained their ranks. The sad thing here is that attend the signing ceremony, Undersecretary for Support workers’ complaints constitute a misuse of the repu- Medical Services at Ministry of Health Dr Jamal Al-Harbi tation of Kuwait as a government, state and citizens, said. The MoU will encourage medical and health research and regardless of the government’s attempts to and set a mechanism for coordination and exchange of address some of these traders and labor troubles, this information between the ministry and KFAS, in line with issue is still a shame for us as a civil society. the national development plan, Harbi added. In 2014, the General Secretariat of the National In addition, it includes organizing conferences and No injuries in vehicle fire Assembly conducted a study on visa trading and workshops, as well as bolstering cooperation with the human rights in Kuwait. The study made a clear rec- world’s specialized centers and organizations, noted Harbi, ommendation to abolish the sponsorship system. The who is also head of the ministry’s permanent committee By Hanan Al-Saadoun day morning, but no injuries were vehicle burning near a camp in the reasons for this were the non-compliance by some for coordinating medical research. The ministry-KFAS coop- reported. Firefighters rushed to the area, then tackled the blaze success- sponsors to terms of contracts, especially with rela- eration will help achieve a quantum shift in medical KUWAIT: A vehicle caught fire follow- scene located at the third kilometer fully. An investigation was opened to tion to specific working hours for workers, along with research and enhance researchers’ expertise, besides ing an accident at Salmi Road yester- mark of the road. They found the determine the causes of the fire. a series of obstacles and problems, such as adminis- applying the international criteria of medical and health trative deportation, lack of social security and slow research ethics. Moreover, the MoU will offer recommenda- action on litigation. All these are examples of acts tions for decision-makers. —KUNA that occur constantly in our society despite the exis- tence of many laws, regulations and international agreements, but the problem is the lack of effective News implementation of these laws. So we don’t need more In brief laws but actual enforcement of existing ones. Visa traders have flooded the country with labor- 2,046 certificates ers, that has brought nothing but many ethical prob- to illegal residents lems, crime, fraud, drug trafficking and prostitution. KUWAIT: Around 2,046 marriage, divorce, and referral The Ministry of Social Affairs recently made some certificates have been issued to illegal residents in 2015, adjustments in fees for changing and transferring the central apparatus for the remedy of the situation on work permits, which is a prerogative of the state and illegal residents said yesterday. The issuance of the cer- one cannot argue about it. But there is a need to activate and apply programs tificates were done in a smooth and orderly manner in for foreign workers about their rights and duties, cooperation with the national apparatus, Assistant especially for cleaners, who may be illiterate and Undersecretary for Real Estate Authentication in the unaware of their rights as workers. There is a need for Ministry of Justice Mohammad Al-Hammad said. He modern labor cities to be built to maintain a decent noted that issuing the documents came in line with standard of living for expatriates and the application cabinet resolution 409/2011 aimed to ease the situation of international security, housing and human dignity of illegal residents in the country. —KUNA standards. There are bad sponsors, but there are good ones Inventor gets US patent too. There is no harm to set laws to regulate the rela- KUWAIT: Kuwaiti inventor Dr Manea Al-Sedairawi tion between the two parties. Laws should protect has attained a patent from the United States Patent the country from any manipulation by newcomers and nepotism that have caused many problems and Trademark Office for his invention of a liquid- between workers and employers, including instances propelled mechanical motor. Dr Sedairawi is a where workers leave their initial employers after researcher at The Environment and Life Sciences receiving driving licenses and changing their job Research Center which is affiliated with Kuwait description to get two jobs in two different places Institute for Scientific Research. The invention and thus weaken labor productivity. Some fear the makes for an excellent tool with which to teach the Kuwait Dive Team removes cancellation of the sponsorship system will lead to theories of Thermal Dynamics, said a press state- chaos, because a worker may leave his initial employ- ment by the Center, noting that the administration er for another one for more money, so what about at the Center is contemplating marketing this wreck from Shamlan harbor the employer’s rights? invention. This motor is able to convert liquid-insti- Problems of this type also occur due to the igno- gated thermal heat to mechanical or electric ener- KUWAIT: Kuwait Dive Team of the Environmental operations’ officer Waleed Al-Shatti said. These rance of a worker who doesn’t have a real job con- gy, said the statement, stressing the notion that the Voluntary Foundation carried out a successful opera- wrecks and waste from boats and fishing vessels tract and rushes to pay money to unknown people. motor can be run at low temperatures by using any tion yesterday to remove 16 tons of sunken boats affect the fish stocks in Kuwait and harm the marine It’s easy to fall into the trap of visa and residency traf- thermal heat source. — KUNA and three tons of fishing nets and wastes from environment, he added. Shatti called on boat owners ficking, but difficult to get out. Bureaucracy, bribery Shamlan harbor. and fishermen to preserve the environment of the and corruption do not mean that Kuwait is character- ized by darkness when it comes to expats, so the Palestine commends Kuwait The team was able to lift the sunken boats by area, noting the ongoing efforts of Kuwait using lifting belts and crane from the Kuwait Municipality, Fishermen Union, Kuwait’s Port eradication of visa traders without mercy is essential. GAZA: The Palestinian national unity government yes- Municipality as well as water suction pumps in order Authority, Coastguard, EQUATE Petrochemical If we really do not have a ‘sponsor’ in our laws, then terday commended and appreciated the government to remove them without damage, the team’s marine Company and volunteer divers. — KUNA let us show it for real. and people of Kuwait for throwing much weight behind the Palestinian cause. Palestinian Minister of Public Works and Housing Mufid Al-Hasaina said in a press release that the Bank of Palestine has already received Automatic medicine the first tranche of Kuwait’s previously announced donation. The sum will be handed out this week among dispensers at the Gazans who were affected by the recent Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, he added. The Kuwait Amiri Hospital Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) had announced that the first tranche of the Kuwaiti grant By Meshaal Al-Enezi was transferred to the Palestinian government on April 14 as part of Gaza reconstruction efforts. The first pay- KUWAIT: Prescription medicine dispensing at Amiri ment is part of Kuwait’s $200 million pledge made dur- Hospital will soon become automated, using special ing a donors conference on Gaza reconstruction held in machines dispensing medicine for specific patients includ- ing employees and those receiving special medicines, an Cairo in October 2014. — KUNA official said yesterday. Once the e-filing system is in place in the hospital, the new system will be expanded for all patients in order to facilitate the process and save patients’ Cabinet Minister wraps up Russia’s visit time and effort, said Dr Afrah Al-Sarraf, Director of the Capital Health Zone at the Ministry of Health. She made MOSCOW: Kuwait’s Minister of State for praised the Russians for creating cordial Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis (TIPS carbon dioxide storage and transforming gas her statements on the sidelines of a ceremony held yester- Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah atmosphere during the discussions. He said RAS). The agreement was signed by KISR accompanying oil to high-octane fuel in addi- day to honor a number of outstanding pharmacists and Al-Sabah concluded a visit to Moscow yester- the Kuwaiti and Russian sides would work on Director General Dr Sameera Ahmad Sayyed tion to separation of gas and liquid. pharmacy technicians. day, following participation in Kuwait-Russia implementing cooperation agreements, Omar and Director of TIPS RAS Salambek The two institutes, she added, would joint committee. Sheikh Mohammad and the signed during His Highness the Amir Sheikh Khadzhiev. cooperate on Nano technology and renew- Sawaber complex official delegation accompanying him were Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s visit to This agreement sets the path for coopera- able energy like solar power. Omar said coop- Municipal Council member and head of the Capital gov- seen off at the airport by Kuwait’s Sochi last November. tion between the two institutes in projects eration in water domain would take place ernorate Hassan Kamal inquired about the Sawaber Ambassador to Russia Abdulaziz Al-Adwani Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research with economic and social benefits, Omar said. through integrated management of conven- Complex’s issue, asking whether all units were bought at and Kuwaiti diplomats. (KISR) signed, on the sidelines of the commit- He added that KISR and TIPS RAS would tional and non-conventional water resources, the same price, if the prices were suitable to purchase The Kuwaiti minister expressed content for tee meetings on Friday, a scientific coopera- develop cooperation in development of tech- sea water desalination, water management in alternative houses and what the complex’s site would be the outcome of the committee meeting and tion agreement with the Russian Topchiev nologies used in production of heavy fuel oil, general and water pollution. — KUNA used for after it is demolished.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 LOCAL Minister applauds joining PM visits Japan in May Paris climate agreement TOKYO: His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh August 2013. “Kuwait is an important energy supplier for NEW YORK: The joining of the Paris climate change Conference in Paris on 12 December 2015. Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah will pay an official Japan, and the two countries have built a good relation- agreement signals that Kuwait attaches great impor- In addition to Omair, His Highness was accompanied visit to Japan from May 11, the Japanese government has ship since establishing diplomatic relations in 1961,” tance to efforts to protect environment, a Kuwaiti gov- by Kuwait’s Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem announced. During his four-day visit, the premier will have Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda told a an audience with Emperor Akihito and hold talks with press conference. ernment official said. “We share with the international Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Permanent Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Foreign Japan has received maximum support from Kuwait, community the concern over growing rates of the glob- Representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi and Ministry said in a statement Friday night. such as financial aid to tsunami-hit Sanriku Railway, in the al warming and the hazardous greenhouse emissions, Director General of the Environment Public Authority “The Japanese government sincerely welcomes the wake of the 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster that hit the Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for (EPA) Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad Al-Sabah. visit of the Prime Minister, and hopes that this visit will northeastern region, said Hagiuda. “Japan hopes his visit National Assembly Affairs Ali Al-Omair said in state- further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan will further deepen bonds and cooperative relations ments on the sidelines of the signing ceremony of the Greenhouse emitters and the State of Kuwait,” the ministry said. It will be his between the two countries,” he added. His Highness treaty at the UN on Friday. Earlier, Kuwait urged world’s most greenhouse gases first visit to Japan since taking office in 2011. The two Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak visited here in 2004 and 2009 in Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh emitters Friday to swiftly ratify Paris Agreement on leaders last met on the occasion of Abe’s visit to Kuwait in his capacity as Defense Minister. — KUNA Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Climate Change to ultimately maintain earth tempera- Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- ture at two degrees Celsius below pre-industrial revolu- Sabah signed the deal along with representatives of 170 tion levels. UN member states. The endorsement of the treaty is a Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ahmad urged advanced coun- Scientific Center landmark event in the international effort to curb the tries to honor their commitment to transfer technology global warming and ensure that the treaty will take to developing countries to help them address global force at an early date, Omair pointed out. change. Any delay, he added, “will increase the harmful commemorates Earth Day The Minister noted that the deal stipulate that each impacts of this (climate change) phenomenon.” signatory will keep its greenhouse emissions well below Sheikh Abdullah said international efforts to address three percent, voicing hope that the world’s main emit- climate change were facing real challenges. “Kuwait KUWAIT: Chairman of the Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK) certs, he revealed. “The celebration signals the awareness of ters, notably the United States and China as well as the seeks to cope with the negative impacts of climate Mejbel Al-Mutawa’ highlighted the importance of celebrating the state institutions and the community about the need to European countries, will meet their obligations under change, “ he added. Steps taken to addressing negative the global events relating to environment protection in rais- protect environment which impacts the public health. the treaty. He called on the most industrialized coun- impacts of climate change should be blended within ing the public awareness about the risks facing humanity. The State of Kuwait has developed a legislation to protect tries to offer technical assistance to the developing social, economic and environmental policies, coupled “Pollution and degeneration of environment pose a grave environment in keeping with its international commitments,” countries to do away with fossil fuels and tap into the with the advanced countries’ funding to the developing menace to the future of humanity,” he said on Friday during a Mutawa’ pointed out. He added that the celebration of the function held by the center to mark the Earth Day. Earth Day coincides with the 16th anniversary of the TSCK resources of renewable energies. Omair thanked His nations. Mutawa’ said this occasion serves as a reminder for all state which benefitted up to nine million visitors through various Highness the Amir and His Highness the Prime Minister Kuwait, said Sheikh Abdullah, sought to diversify departments to reduce the air, water and land pollutants and educational, cultural and scientific programs. for their care for environment protection. energy resources, shifting to low-emission economic work together for shouldering this collective social responsi- The function was held in collaboration with Sabah Al- His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak had joined system “to ensure better future for the next genera- bility. TSCK, an affiliate of Kuwait Foundation for the Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, the technical heads of state and government from more than 165 tions.” He underlined that Kuwait’s signing of the Paris Advancement of Science (KFAS), has set a rich agenda includ- guidance department of Hawally educational directorate, the countries to sign the landmark agreement, which was climate change agreement was part of its desire to ing a range of activities such as galleries of pin feathered Environment Public Authority, Kuwait Environment Protection adopted by all 196 Parties to UN Framework Convention exchange knowledge and expertise to address global birds, an art gallery on Earth Day by painter Nadia Al-Enezi, a Society, Kuwait University, and Omniya Plastic Bottle on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the UN Climate Change warming and disasters. — KUNA magic show by Khaled Al-Mohareb, an animal show and con- Recycling Project. — KUNA

Burgan Bank concludes sponsorship of workshops

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank recently concluded its sponsorship and their capabilities in mounting the heights of success. Principles of Change, Positive self-build, Keys of True the student’s academic situation. of the ‘Build your life’ workshop and ‘I can be more success- The first workshop aimed at raising university students’ Happiness, Steps to Achieving Goals, and How to be Burgan Bank’s support to this initiative falls under its ful’ workshop, which falls under the bank’s strategic spon- level of awareness and understanding of the importance of Successful in Life. The Students were engaged in many dis- recently launched full-fledged community program enti- sorship of the National Educational Program ‘I intend to acquiring life skills while advancing their personal skills and cussions and highlighted ways which can benefit their edu- tled ‘ENGAGE’ - Together to be the change. This program Build Kuwait’. The first workshop was held at the Kuwait thus achieving their goals. Meanwhile, the second work- cational paths as well as their future careers. Moreover, the ‘I sheds light on important aspects affecting every segment University - Shuwaikh campus on 23 March 2016 targeting shop, which targeted intermediate and high school stu- can be more successful’ workshop was presented by the of the society by promoting social welfare through educa- university students, while the second workshop was held dents, aimed at raising the level of life skills, academic excel- ‘National Academic Guidance’ volunteer team who tional, cultural, social and health initiatives. Burgan Bank’s over 2 days on the 13th and 14th of April 2016 at the Kuwait lence while developing students’ level of performance and addressed 5 key topics to students, namely; Steps of turn- approach to ‘ENGAGE’ begins with a vital principle that as University - Shuwaikh campus targeting intermediate and thus creating a successful and content personality. ing dreams into goals, Beating fear of examination, Tips to a Kuwaiti financial institution, its conduct and policies high school students. Burgan Bank’s support to this pro- The ‘Build your life’ workshop was presented by the an easier and fun study plan, Preparedness plan and exami- should be aligned with the needs and interests of the gram stems from its utmost belief in the future generations Instructor Ali Dashti who addressed several topics like; nation success, as well as practical exercises to transform Kuwaiti society.

The Kuwait Riding Center The Horse Clinic

The Messila Equestrian Club Cost, traditions biggest barriers to female Kuwaiti equestrians

KUWAIT: Despite state support and encouragement, equestri- endurance, courage and self-confidence, PAS has organized an sports remain unpopular in Kuwait particularly among several tournaments and competitions to help riders hone females who still face a host of diverse challenges. In this their talents and skills and prepare themselves for local and regard, financial and social factors emerge as the main barri- international competitions,” he said. ers for women’s active participation in equestrian sports. He pointed out that PAS would open equestrian centers in “High cost is the main reason behind the unpopularity of Ahmadi, Al-Qurain and other neighborhoods soon to encour- equestrian sports,” Deputy Director General of the Public age women join equestrian sports. The state-run hunting and Authority for Sport (PAS) Hamoud Felaiteh said. He clarified equestrian club, Farwaniya and Jahra equestrian centers only that “paying for a private center to care for and train horses, organize competitions and do not offer training courses, he requires a fortune.” said, noting that there are several private specialized clubs Felaiteh added that leisure centers, schools and even some that could be of a great help to those yearning to learn horse sports clubs do not have equestrian sports facilities. In addi- riding. He elaborated that these centers organize tourna- tion to the financial and logistical barriers, there is a social bar- ments, offer training, and have horse stables and kits. rier for female horse-riding lover as many consider equestrian Felaiteh urged government training centers to allocate sports exclusive to males, he regretted. part of the support provided by the state to promote equestri- But some Kuwaiti female riders have managed to break an sports among girls and boys and to cooperate and coordi- stereotypes and offer splendid performances in Arab and nate with the private leisure centers and sports clubs to quali- international equestrian competitions such as the promising fy aspiring youth to partake in equestrian competitions. He riders Nadia Al-Mutawa, Jamila Al-Mutawa and Bara’h Salem stressed the importance of establishing special equestrian Al-Sabah. sports academies to provide high-quality training for girls in Felaiteh noted that PAS has taken a number of measures to different ages. As a part of its commitment to serve all seg- promote the equestrian sports and help horse-riding lovers ments of society, PAS also plans to set up centers for people from both genders overcome challenges. “To encourage with mental disabilities to be trained on horse riding and males and females to join these sports which teach establish a special club for them, he said. — KUNA SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 LOCAL

Speaker chairs 3rd session of Student Parliament tomorrow

KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- Ghanem will chair the third edition of the Student Parliament in the National Assembly’s headquarters tomorrow, in the presence of Minister of Education and Minister Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa. In addition to the students, who were elected to be members of the Students Parliament, the session would be attended by representatives of the educa- tion ministry and several youth institutions. The session’s agenda includes the discussion of bills on regulations of gov- Charles Nahas, General Manager, Microsoft The judges: (From left) Alaelddine Karim, Public Sector Lead, Microsoft Kuwait, Dr Maytham Safar, Chairman of Computer Engineering at ernment universities sup- Kuwait Kuwait University, Abdulaziz Al-Duaij, Manager of Information Technology at KNPC and Srood Sherif, Group CIO of KFH. porting talented youngsters and development of the edu- cation process. At the conclu- sion of the session, the par- ticipating students and the education ministry officials, in charge of the project, would be honored. Forty- National Assembly eight students, 24 males and Speaker Marzouq 24 females, are partaking in Al-Ghanem the lively debates of the Student Parliament session. Each of the Kuwaiti six governorates are represented by eight student MPs. The Student Parliament is a simulation project organized through cooperation between the National Assembly’s General Secretariat’s Training Department and the Ministry of Education. The project aims to increase students’ awareness about democratic practices as well as to train them on the decision-making process in the parliament through simulation of the parliament’s work. Its lively debates are meant to encourage students to freely express their views. — KUNA

The winning teams: Robotic Geeks - AUM (World Citizenship), Face it to Take it - AUM (Innovation), and TechnoFunGames - GUST (Games). Alghanim Industries sponsors NUKS Microsoft Kuwait announces Australia conference

KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately Imagine Cup 2016 Winners owned companies in the region, is proud to be a bronze spon- sor of the 3rd annual National Union of Kuwaiti Students Australia (NUKSAU) conference taking place in Queensland, AUM, GUST takes top place Australia on 22-23 April 2016. It is the first year that Alghanim Industries participates in KUWAIT: Microsoft Kuwait along with its educational partner Dr Amir Zeid, Director of RISE Center at the American Professor in the Technology Department at the American the conference, which will be held at The Royal Pines Resort- RISE Center at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) University of Kuwait, and mentor of the AUK team, said: “We are University of the Middle East, and mentor of the AUM team. All Gold Coast. NUKSAU representative Fayes El-Sgyaneii, who vis- announced the winners of Kuwait Imagine Cup 2016, the world’s very proud to participate in Microsoft Imagine Cup for the 6th participating teams demonstrate the very best in innovation; we ited Alghanim Industries head office at Al Hamra Tower earlier premier student technology competition offering students a time. Every year we have new teams participating and new tal- thank Microsoft for our students have the knowledge and insight this month, presented an appreciation award to Chief Human platform to showcase their skills, talent and innovative ideas in ents unleashed, and that is the core of what we strive to achieve and are eager to develop and test new skills in a challenging and Resources Officer, George Lambros, in recognition of developing original software applications. The event which took here at AUK; incubate thinkers and innovators and offer them competitive environment.” Alghanim Industries’ participation. place at AUK witnessed an intensive competition amongst the opportunities to expose their ideas. We value our partnership Lambros said: “Alghanim Industries is pleased to participate participating university students. The winning teams for the with Microsoft and we hope, through this collaboration, to open Three tiers in the NUKSAU annual conference. As a growing business and World Citizenship and Innovation category were from American up new horizons for innovation and community empowerment.” Imagine Cup 2016 comprised of three competition tiers: leading employer in the region, it is important that we actively University of the Middle East while the Games category was won 1. Games: This tier invites students to create a game on their support and engage with talented Kuwaiti students, wherever by Gulf University for Science and Technology. The winning proj- Positive impact favorite gaming platform: Windows (PC or touchscreen), they may be studying. We offer various internship and fresh ects were ‘Robotic Geeks’, ‘Face it to Take it’ and Dr Ali Roumani, Assistant Professor in Computer Science Windows Phone, Xbox Indie Games, or Kinect SDK. graduate programs that are designed to enable university stu- ‘TechnoFunGames’. The teams will participate in the Imagine Department at the Gulf University for Science and Technology, 2. Innovation: This competition honors the most innovative, dents to make a successful transition to the private sector. We Cup Pan Arab semifinals which will be held in Egypt in May and and mentor of the GUST teams, said: “Over the years, our students ground-breaking, and appealing software application built look forward to expanding our partnership with NUKSAU in from there the winning team will attend the Imagine Cup world- participating in the Imagine Cup have applied technology and with Microsoft tools and technology. the future.” wide finals held in USA in July 2016. minds to positively impact the local community. The competition 3. World Citizenship: What global challenge can you help solve Commenting on Alghanim Industries’ sponsorship, gives our students a focus, separate from their academic work, to with technology? Got an idea for an app that will help reduce President of Public Relations at NUKSAU, Humood Al-Otaibi, Power of technology test and develop a wide range of skills, from programming apti- world hunger, provide better treatment for disease, raise said: “Alghanim Industries has established a fruitful coopera- Commenting on the Imagine Cup, Charles Nahas, Microsoft tude, to entrepreneurship and teamwork. We commend Microsoft awareness of environmental issues, or provide better access tion with NUKSAU that will greatly benefit Kuwaiti students in Kuwait’s General Manager said: “Microsoft is fully committed to for giving our students the opportunity to demonstrate their tal- to education Australia. We are grateful for their support and partnership in supporting Kuwaiti youth to harness the power of technology to ents and help them realize their potential” As the world’s most prestigious student technology competi- this year’s conference.” develop innovative projects that contribute directly towards the Dr Wassim Masri, Chair of the Technology Department at the tion, the Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s initiative to encourage young Warren Hauck, Australian Ambassador in Kuwait comment- development of a digital knowledge economy in the country. American University of the Middle East, and mentor of the AUM people to apply their imagination and creativity to technology ed on this sponsorship saying: “The number of Kuwaiti stu- These projects demonstrate the power of software to address teams, said: “Imagine Cup is the beginning of a lifelong journey for innovations that can make a difference and address real-world dents choosing to study in Australia has grown substantially real-world problems and I’m so impressed by the high levels of a young entrepreneur, inventor, designer, developer or innovator; issues. over the last ten years, recognizing Australia offers the highest technical innovation that these students achieved in their work. we thank Microsoft for this opportunity given to our students. It is The AUK Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and quality of education. I am very pleased to see that private The high caliber of the students and their projects is an indication exciting to see how through the Imagine Cup our students devel- Engineering (RISE) serves as AUK’s primary source for research and companies, such as Alghanim Industries, are helping to sup- of their potential to become great business and technology lead- op innovative technology solutions to help address critical devel- development activities, a bridge to industry, and an important port Kuwait students in Australia. This is a recognition of both ers, and how a new generation of innovations can have a lasting opment issues.” venue for community outreach. RISE adapts an integrative model the valuable role the private sector can play in supporting and transformative impact on education and beyond. We com- “I am beyond words proud of our participating students, and by forging connections between academic disciplines, local and education, and the growing importance of the Australian edu- mend all the participants and look forward to seeing our winning stand in awe of all the projects and technology brought forth dur- international innovators, academia and industry, as well as tech- cation market in Kuwait.” teams from Kuwait make it to the worldwide finals.” ing this exciting competition” said Dr Milan Dordevic, Assistant nology and society. Alghanim Industries avidly supports education and empowering the youth. Australia’s base of Kuwaiti students has now reached over 1,300 students and continues to grow as a country of choice for higher education, primarily for spe- cialty engineering majors. This is a great opportunity to build a relationship with the students and universities based in Australia, and is an extension of Alghanim Industries’ unwaver- ing support of the Kuwaiti student population studying abroad. This initiative further builds on the key pillars of Alghanim Industries’ corporate social responsibility strategy, which are giving back to the community by empowering underprivi- leged people, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting education both inside and outside of the classroom. Part of Alghanim Industries’ educational initiatives were the sponsor- ships of the NUKS-USA annual conference in San Diego, the Nuqat conference in Kuwait, the NEST project to raise aware- ness and support education for underprivileged children in Mumbai, and the continuous support of the INJAZ Kuwait organization.

Fayes El-Sgyaneii presents an appreciation award to George Lambros. SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Jarida Al-Qabas Report Fear of secularism Woman arrested for citizenship forgery By Ahmad Al-Sarraf hy all this fear from secularism, and all this KUWAIT: Citizenship detectives arrested a female citizen- hatred for it, while it kept the entities of ship forger, said security sources. Case papers indicate that Wmajor countries from collapsing, and con- the woman, who is originally Iraqi, got married to a Kuwaiti tributed to the advancement of others, and gave and man in 1983. The couple had two daughters together will give the entire humanity the best and safe before the man died in 1988. The woman then got married means of living, which works spontaneously against to a Jordanian man without announcing this in Kuwait. religious intolerance and sectarian wars? The answer And for the sake of purchasing some land and property in is that the beneficiaries from sectarian strife and reli- Jordan, she got Jordanian citizenship. The sources added gious differences will be the first losers. that the woman then applied to get Kuwaiti citizenship as There is not a matter sillier and deeper in harm a Kuwaiti man’s widow and the mother of two Kuwaiti girls after filing an affidavit that she was not married, although more than sectarian differences, even if the number she got married to the Jordanian in 1991. A case was filed. of beneficiaries from the existence of the differences is not much less than those harmed by it. Sectarian differences will remain as long as ignorance remains, Arrest warrant and with ignorance, other things remain as they are, Following up on the case of a Kuwaiti female engi- but not with the same cruelty and harshness and neer who fled the country after allegedly swindling a depth of sectarian differences. number of citizens out of around KD 12 million with What many do not want to know, either because the excuse of investing on their behalf, security of ignorance or interest, is that the Sunni-Shiite dif- sources said that an arrest warrant was sent to the ference does not and will not be resolved by war, and Iranian Interpol to arrest and extradite her to Kuwait. not even by dialogue, as some suspect. The Shiites The sources also expressed fears that the suspect will remain Shiite and the Sunnis will remain Sunni, might have left Iran for a third country. and we say this despite the attempts of some to get closer to the other in order to bring them to their Six hurt in fight Al-Anbaa side, or to avoid their evil. Six citizens were injured and three others detained This difference that began during the allegiance when a fight broke out involving 20 related citizens in gathering in “Saqifat bani Saedah”, and became Sulaibikhat, said security sources, noting that the detained instilled with the establishment of the Safawite state suspects claimed that the assailants included a public pros- Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem’s geniality in 1501 and became deeper with the Iranian revolu- ecution clerk. A case was filed and further investigations tion and fixation of the “Wilayat Al-Faqeeh” principle, are in progress. By Sami Al-Nisf cannot be resolved, with all its historical depth in the minds of its followers, by meetings between religious ar Al-Athar Al-Islamiya recently organized a the way they did with the poor Jordan. leaders of both sides every now and then in a gather- Family disputes series of seminars at Kuwait University super- 3. In view of Qassim’s threats to Kuwait after its inde- A female citizen recently filed a complaint against ing, dialogue or joint prayer, as long as the clergy Dvised by Sheikha Hessa Sabah Al-Salem, which pendence in 1961 and his claims on Kuwait, Sheikh from both sides have a major interest in maintaining her brother, accusing him of storming into her apart- was opened by Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad. A num- Abdullah immediately invited British and Saudi forces to the differences and keeping the struggle boiling ment in Salmiya and assaulting her before she locked ber of lecturers and researchers spoke about the reign protect Kuwaiti borders and contacted the effective herself in one of the rooms and called the police. of reform and enlightenment of Sheikh Abdullah Al- Arab leader Nasser in Cairo (who ruled Egypt, Syria and because their living, bread and prestige depends on Salem (1950-1965), who managed to revolutionize a lot Gaza Strip) to get his support. Thus, by his wisdom and the continuity of this difference. of political, economic and social concepts in Kuwait, the political genius, he maintained Kuwait’s independence So, there is no solution for this historical predica- Property damage Gulf and the Arab world. I was one of the speakers and and prevented its occupation. ment other than returning to the homeland, science Another female citizen reported that someone deliber- talked about Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem’s geniality that 4. In 1963, Qassim still had claims on Kuwait and in and culture. Without considering the homeland, not ately rammed her vehicle to make her stop after she reject- was evident in five major attitudes: view of the withdrawal of most Arab forces from Kuwait the sect, the strong fort of the citizen, as there is no ed his advances outside a Salmiya restaurant and drove off 1. When the British put pressure on Kuwait in the over political disputes such those between Egypt and peace between its components, and without having without collecting her order. The young woman said that mid-1950s to import freshwater from Shatt Al-Arab in Syria that led to ending their union in 1962, or over the citizen absorb, since an early age, the virtue of the suspect followed her and rammed her vehicle on pur- return for direct and indirect financial support to Nouri Sheikh Abdullah’s rejection of financial blackmail, only love and respecting the other, create forgiveness and pose to make her stop, then offered to repair the damage Al-Saeed’s government, the great sheikh invited around 300 Arab soldiers and officers remained at Kuwaiti bor- the beauty of co-living with others in his mind, then he caused, but she drove off to the police station and filed 70 outstanding Kuwaiti figures to discuss the offer and ders and could have been easily captured and taken a complaint. there will be no peace among society components. they all rejected to put Kuwait’s destiny in the hands of prisoners by Iraq. Things were very tense within Iraq Europe, forgave and the reconciled with itself, another country’s regime, which was the same opinion when Qassim’s regime lost all support and thus it which was once more extreme religiously and in sec- Sexual harassment of the sheikh conveyed through his personal represen- thought of occupying Kuwait to keep its people busy tarianism than us, and reached what it is now in the An Asian in his forties was arrested for sexual tative, my late father, Abdullatif Al-Nisf. The opinion was with foreign issues. Through his wisdom, Sheikh form of social peace only through spreading science unanimously seconded and formed public opinion Abdullah realized that Qassim was inevitably falling and harassment at a Surra park, said security sources, not- and culture. There is no solution in front of us as the against the British pressure and the ‘fox’ Nouri Al-Saeed. that he ought to buy some time, thus he started secret ing that detectives had received many complaints Iraqi intellectual Iyad Jamaluddin said, to stop sectar- 2. In 1958, Iraq’s shrewd PM Saeed made a proposal Kuwaiti-Iraqi negotiations in Greece that was keen on about the suspect, who was arrested red-handed. ian wars and religious disputes other than resorting Similarly, an Arab security guard at a Mubarak Al- conveyed via the British to promote Sheikh Abdullah prolonging them as much as possible until Qassim was into a king of independent Kuwait provided he would toppled in summer 1963 after Kuwait cooperated with to secularism. Countries are like clubs and societies Kabeer co-op branch was arrested for photographing and the various establishments of the civil society women with his mobile, said security sources, noting join an Arab alliance with the kings of Iraq and Jordan. his enemies in the first daytime coup in the Arab world. must not have a religion, rather they are for all. In the that policemen found many photos on the suspect’s Although it was a tempting offer, thanks to his geniali- Sheikh Abdullah outwitted both Saeed and Qassim. absence of secular constitutions, where the state mobile, who claimed taking them only for amusement. ty, wisdom and sound analysis of political situations in 5. The fifth incident was when Sheikh Abdullah opted Iraq in 1958, Sheikh Abdullah realized that they were for democracy, which was then not adopted in most with all its laws and authority keeps the same dis- similar to those in Egypt in 1952 and that both coun- countries around the world, since many countries used tance from every individual in the society, regardless Sheep thief caught tries formed five cabinets in six months through a to idolize tyrants and dictators. of color, sect and origin, there will be no peace and An Asian was arrested in Kabd after stealing three state of political instability that paved the way for a The above are but a few examples showing Sheikh no brotherhood, as discrimination towards rights sheep, said security sources, noting that a routine patrol comprehensive revolution, which actually happened Abdullah’s geniality and achievements. By the time this and opportunities are the foundations of differences, suspected the man when he seemed nervous on being in both countries. Accordingly, Sheikh Abdullah reject- man passed away, Kuwait had been politically, eco- and the start of manipulating of duties and responsi- stopped at a checkpoint with the three sheep. The man ed the offer. Had Kuwait joined that alliance, the new nomically, socially, scientifically and educationally rev- bilities. Those who are against liberalism and fight admitted to stealing them from a nearby ranch. revolutionary regime led by Abdul Kareem Qassim olutionized. secularism are either an unknowing group, and we — Al-Rai and Al-Anbaa and Abdul Salam Aref would not have let Kuwait quit —Translated by Kuwait Times will not say ignorant, of the true meaning of secular- ism, or they may have a direct interest in keeping the religious and sectarian struggle going on. Ashour promises to — Translated by Kuwait Times grill finance minister KUWAIT: MP Saleh Ashour announced that he plans to file a grilling motion against Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Acting Oil Minister Anas Al-Saleh unless the Employers slam fees economic and financial reform plan was discussed in par- liament. “The plan cannot be referred to the government in increase decision this form, which involves beguiling lawmakers concerning the amendments demanded,” Ashour said. He clarified that KUWAIT: A recent decision to increase the fees col- in case the plan was directly referred to the government lected for some labor-related transactions created a without discussion in parliament, he would grill Saleh. great deal of dissatisfaction among employers, “financial reform requires amending some of the laws in though the decision is still yet to be put in effect effect such as that of privatization and private company until the beginning of June. Minister of Social taxes,” Ashour added. —Al-Qabas Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Subaih recently announced increasing the work permit’s issuance fee from KD 2 to KD 50, transfer fee from KD 10 to Future generations KD 50 and work permit’s renewal fee from two dinars to KD 10. Many employers described the seek attention decision as ‘unstudied’ and hasty. They called for reconsidering it and warned of the negative impact through smoking on both workers and employers.

KUWAIT: Smoking is once more spreading among pub- Prime victims lic school students, and has become no longer seen Chairman of Kuwait Trade Union Federation only in high schools, but students and intermediate and (KTUF) Salem Al-Shebeeb said that the decision primary schools are also involved, According to well- should have been studied and reviewed before informed educational sources, 1,384 students were being passing. “Taking into consideration that labor caught smoking in school last year, including some in cost has gone up, employers will surely take advan- intermediate and secondary schools for girls. tage of laborers who will be the prime victims of The sources explained that 874 high school students such a decision.” he underlined. were caught smoking last year; which make up 63 per- Meanwhile employer Ahmed Al-Saleh said that cent of the total number of students caught smoking, along with his colleagues, they would now think including three girls. The sources added that 413 cases over and over before considering recruiting labor- were caught in intermediate schools (30 percent) in ers. He added that laborers might not be directly addition 97 in primary schools. affected by the increase, but expatriate labor’s Further, the sources stressed that water closets were salaries in the private sector would surely be affect- the first option for students to smoke inside schools, ed. Employer Khalifa Al-Azmi said meanwhile that whereas some students managed to a remote deserted the new fees would overburden some employers in spot in school to smoke in. The sources added that terms of cost and spending, especially those who smoking outside the school gates seemed normal for have so many projects and wish to recruit laborers some students. “We are outside school and nobody has from outside of Kuwait. any authority on us here,” they would say, according to the sources. Very crowded “Many teenagers smoke because they want to imi- Employer, Ahmed Al-Thafeeri said in the mean- tate adults, do something different or even attract time that he agrees to the increase, but remarked attention,” said the sources, calling for serious measures that it should not be imposed so suddenly. He to be taken to fight the phenomena. The sources added added that most employers are likely to renew their that schools cannot fight this phenomena alone in view workers’ residency visas earlier before the new of the lack of strict laws against smoking, the influx of prices take effect to avoid paying the new fees. tobacco into the country in rates that were probably “Labor departments will be very crowded over the more than sales in manufacturing countries, in addition next two months,” he predicted. to the fact that some teachers violate smoking ban reg- On the other hand, employer Mohammed Al- ulations and smoke in schools. Faisal expressed optimism about developing the Commenting on this phenomena, Yousif Boskandar. services provided by the social affai9rs ministry, Sabah Al-Ahmed High School’s Director, said that the especially doing online transactions that made it so school’s social worker investigates the phenomena and easy for employers and spared so many company works on setting proper solutions assisted by teaching representatives the need to go to labor depart- staff members and families. Boskandar added that more ments. “The increase is inevitable in view of the public awareness campaigns are needed to enlighten increasing prices of everything,” he said. “So, those students in terms of smoking dangers. — Al-Qabas increases are reasonable.” —Al-Jarida SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 From Communism to Egypt’s court postpones Morsi espionage verdict catwalk: Mrs Trump’s Slovenian hometown Page 8 Page 9

RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh: People gather around the body of Bangladeshi professor Rezaul Karim Siddique after he was hacked to death by unidentified attackers in Rajshahi yesterday. — AFP Bangladeshi professor hacked to death Homegrown Islamists blamed for a number of murders

DHAKA: Unidentified attackers hacked to death a univer- the victim to death with machetes or cleavers. Eight sity professor in Bangladesh yesterday, police said, adding members of banned Islamist group Ansarullah Bangla that the assault bore the hallmarks of previous killings by Team, including a top cleric who is said to have founded Islamist militants of secular and atheist activists. Police the group, were convicted late last year for the murder of said English professor Rezaul Karim Siddique, 58, was atheist blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider in February 2013. hacked from behind with machetes as he walked to the bus station from his home in the country’s northwestern ‘Gruesome pattern’ city of Rajshahi, where he taught at the city’s public uni- Sakhawat Hossain, a fellow English professor from the versity. university and a friend, said the slain teacher played the “His neck was hacked at least three times and was 70- tanpura, a musical instrument popular in South Asia, and 80 percent slit. By examining the nature of the attack, we wrote poems and short stories. “He used to lead a cultural suspect that it was carried out by extremist groups,” group called Komol Gandhar and edit a bi-annual literary Rajshahi Metropolitan Police commissioner Mohammad magazine with the same name. But he never wrote or Shamsuddin said. Shamsuddin said police had not yet spoke against religion in public,” Hossain said. Hundreds named any suspects but added that the pattern of the of students of Rajshahi University staged impromptu attack fitted with previous killings by Islamist militants. protests, marching on the campus in batches and shout- Nahidul Islam, a deputy commissioner of police said that ing slogans, demanding the arrest of the killers, local Siddique was involved in cultural programs, including police chief Humayun Kabir said. “The students were music, and set up a music school at Bagmara, a former shocked at the latest brutal killing of their teachers. Some bastion of an outlawed Islamist group, Jamayetul 500 of them shouted slogans and joined the marches call- Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). ing for protection of all teachers and exemplary punish- “The attack is similar to the ones carried out on (athe- ment for the killers,” Mostafiz Mishu, a student who wit- ist) bloggers in the recent past,” Islam said, adding nobody nessed the protests said. had been arrested yet. Homegrown Islamist militants Police said Siddique was the fourth professor from have been blamed for a number of murders of secular Rajshahi University to have been murdered. In February, bloggers and online activists since 2013, the most recent a court handed down life sentences to two Islamist mili- being in the capital Dhaka early this month. Police said tants for the murder of another professor, Mohammad that in each of the attacks unidentified assailants hacked Yunus. The recent killings have sparked outrage at home and abroad, with international rights groups demanding that the secular government protect freedom of speech in the Muslim-majority country. Champa Patel, Amnesty International’s South Asia director, condemned the latest killing as “inexcusable”, saying it was part of a “gruesome pattern”. “The authorities must do more to put an end to these killings. Not a single person has been brought to justice for the attacks over the past year,” Patel said. Ansar al-Islam, a Bangladesh branch of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, this month claimed responsibil- ity for the murder of 26-year-old Nazimuddin Samad, a law student who was killed on the streets of Dhaka, according to US monitoring group SITE. Police, however, blamed the Ansarullah for the murder. Bangladesh authorities have consistently denied that international Islamist networks such as Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group, which recently claimed responsibility for the mur- ders of minorities and foreigners, are active in the coun- RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh: A man holds a portrait of try. A long-running political crisis in the majority Sunni Bangladeshi professor Rezaul Karim Siddique, who was Muslim but officially secular country has radicalized hacked to death by unidentified attackers, in Rajshahi opponents of the government and analysts say Islamist yesterday. — AFP extremists pose a growing danger. — AFP Israel fighter jets scramble to intercept undeclared airliner JERUSALEM: Israel scrambled fighter planes yesterday tody awaiting extradition proceedings. to intercept an unidentified passenger aircraft entering And in what Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi its airspace and escorted it to land at Tel Aviv, the Israeli has acknowledged as a jihadist bombing, a Russian military said. Israeli media reported that the aircraft plane crashed in the Sinai Peninsula in October killing turned out to be an Air Sinai flight from Cairo to Tel all 224 people on board. Israeli public radio said that in Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport. “Earlier this morning, two Saturday’s incident the Air Sinai aircraft was flown by Israel Air Force aircraft accompanied a foreign aircraft pilots new to the route and unfamiliar with the usual planning to land at Ben Gurion airport which did not radio identification procedure when approaching Israel. identify itself when entering Israeli airspace,” a military “The Egyptian company was asked to make the proce- spokeswoman said. “The aircraft landed safely at Ben dures clear to its pilots,” the radio said. News website Gurion airport as planned,” she added, without giving Ynet, however, said that the pilot’s radio silence was further details. Last month, an EgyptAir domestic flight “apparently due to a technical fault.” was hijacked and forced it to land on the Mediterranean Egypt and Jordan are the only Arab countries that island of Cyprus, where an Egyptian is currently in cus- have signed peace treaties with Israel. — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Experts return to Palmyra to restore famed lion statue

PALMYRA: When two Polish heritage was the first foreign archeologist to enter year, since Daesh came here,” he said, using experts first restored the famed lion statue in Palmyra after the regime win. He arrived in an Arabic acronym for IS. Syria’s Palmyra in 2005, they never imagined Palmyra with his colleague Robert Zukowski, “The first pictures that we saw (were they would see it smashed to pieces only a from the Polish Academy of Sciences, in mid- from) one week ago. And we saw that there decade later. “We did new restoration, new April for a one-week mission to evaluate the is something to do here.” He told his wife he presentation of this lion, the Lion of Al-Lat. damage. was travelling to Egypt, “because she would And after, I thought, I’m doing this (to last) for not have let me leave if she knew I was com- over 200 years or 300 years, maybe more,” Polish ‘heroes’ ing to Palmyra.” More than 270,000 people archeologist Bartosz Markowski said. The three-meter-tall Lion of al-Lat dated have been killed and millions have been “But it appears it was only 10 years.” back to the 1st century BC. It was first discov- forced to flee their homes since the conflict Markowski spoke to AFP at the entrance of ered in 1977 by a Polish archeological mis- erupted in March 2011. Palmyra’s museum, where the striking 15-ton sion at the temple of Al-Lat, a pre-Islamic Lion of Al-Lat lay in large, jagged pieces. Arabian goddess. Nearly four decades later, ‘Two crazy restorers’ It was smashed by the Islamic State his hair and clothes covered in dust, After being catalogued by Markowski, group, which overran Palmyra-known as the Markowski patiently catalogued the broken each piece was carefully carried by Zukowski “Pearl of the Desert”-in May 2015. During pieces of the limestone monument. “This lion and a Syrian colleague into large boxes. The their ten-month rule over the city, the is like our baby. We have had a sentimental containers will head to Damascus, where jihadists executed hundreds of civilians and relationship with this statue ever since we restoration can begin. His hands covered in blew up some of Palmyra’s most beautiful came in 2005 to help restore Palmyra,” blisters, Zukowski took a photograph of each temples and funerary towers in the old city. Markowski said. broken slab of rock. “You know I’m proud-I’m Palmyra’s museum lies in the residential parts As soon as he and Zukowski heard IS was really proud that we can come back here,” PALMYRA: Bartosz Markowski (left), from the University of Warsaw’s of the city. The destroyed Lion of al-Lat at the pushed out of Palmyra, “we decided to return Zukowski said. He said he was confident that archeology institute, and Robert Zukowski (center), from the Polish museum’s entrance serves as a harbinger for at the invitation of the Directorate of the lion could be restored to its previous glo- Academy of Sciences, inspect a statue at Palmyra museum. — AFP the destruction inside: statues lay in pieces Antiquities and Museums of Syria,” he added. ry but the most difficult parts to restore blanketed in dust and debris. Maamun Abdulkarim, the head of Syria’s would be around its nostrils. assess the damage there, where the grand begun returning to rebuild their homes and Syria’s government forces recaptured the antiquities department, says the two Polish Since the Syrian regime pushed IS out of Temples of Bel and Baalshamin once stood, their lives, the residential neighborhoods city on March 27, and experts immediately workers are “heroes.” Markowski said he felt Palmyra last month, deminers-including now largely reduced to rubble. The heaviest remain eerily quiet. “It needs people in the set to work assessing the damage to the he “had to come back as soon as possible.” from a special unit dispatched by Moscow- fighting between IS and Syria’s government town. Now it’s deserted, there is no one here. city’s historic ruins. Markowski, from the “We were excited because we had not seen have been clearing explosives from Palmyra’s fighters took place in the modern part of Only army and some reporters. And two University of Warsaw’s archeology institute, any photos since one year, or almost one old city. Zukowski and Markowski had yet to Palmyra. Although residents have slowly crazy restorers,” Markowski said. — AFP Egypt’s court postpones Obama, UN voice alarm at ‘fraying’ Syria truce

Morsi espionage verdict GENEVA: Syria’s fragile ceasefire is in grave per- The HNC, an umbrella group comprising il, US President Barack Obama and the UN’s the main Syrian opposition and rebel factions special envoy warned yesterday, as violence that came together in Riyadh in December, Dozens of arrests in Egypt ahead of anti-govt protest surged in the war-ravaged country’s second said in a statement Friday that it was continu- city Aleppo. The truce “is still in effect, but it is in ing “to work hard for progress on political tran- CAIRO: An Egyptian court postponed yesterday its great trouble if we don’t act quickly”, the sition, for relief from sieges and air strikes”. “And verdict and sentence in the trial of ousted Islamist United Nations’ top envoy for Syria, Staffan de we have had a meeting here today on the president Mohamed Morsi, who is charged with spy- Mistura, told reporters in Geneva, where he is detainee issue,” it said, stressing that it consid- ing for Qatar. The head judge of the criminal court mediating faltering peace talks. Obama voiced ered the ceasefire to be “in trouble”. HNC said the verdict was postponed to “May 7 to continue alarm at the situation, telling a press confer- spokesman Salem al-Meslet told AFP that if the consultations,” in brief remarks aired on television. If ence in London: “I am deeply concerned about group sees “major and serious steps on the he is convicted it would be Morsi’s fourth sentence. the cessation of hostilities fraying and whether ground... in the next couple of days, there will He has already been sentenced in three separate tri- it’s sustainable.” be nothing stopping the members who left als to death, a life term and 20 years in prison. A landmark partial ceasefire-not including Geneva from returning”. Qatar was one of Morsi’s main backers and Cairo the Islamic state group-which was negotiated accuses Doha of supporting the Islamist’s outlawed by the United States and Russia and took effect ‘Murderous regime’ Muslim Brotherhood movement. Morsi-the coun- on February 27, had dramatically curtailed vio- De Mistura called for a new high-level meet- try’s first freely elected president-had barely fin- lence across much of Syria and raised hopes ing of the 17-country International Syria ished his first year in office when the military over- that a lasting deal could be struck in Geneva to Support Group, which is co-chaired by the threw and detained him in July 2013. At the time it end the bloodshed. But the country has been United States and Russia. “We do need certainly announced he would eventually be tried on vague rocked by fighting in recent weeks, particularly a new ISSG at the ministerial level, because the charges of espionage and for a mass prison break around the city of Aleppo, where at least 25 level of danger... (means that such a meeting) is during the 18-day revolt that overthrew his prede- civilians were killed and 40 wounded in air urgently required,” he said. Obama meanwhile cessor Hosni Mubarak in 2011. The prosecution strikes on rebel-held neighborhoods on Friday lashed out at Moscow for supporting “a mur- charges that Morsi and 10 co-defendants leaked alone, emergency workers said. derous regime”, but vowed to keep working “classified documents” to Qatar. with the Russian government to strengthen The documents allegedly contained secrets on Fragile peace talks the ceasefire and support the peace talks. “national security,” and were allegedly traded with De Mistura said Friday’s violence in Aleppo He said he had spoken to Russian President Qatari intelligence for a million dollars. A court in was “very worrisome”. Frustrated by the surging Vladimir Putin on Monday “asking him to put 2015 sentenced Morsi to death over the prison violence, the lack of access for desperately more pressure on (Syrian President Bashar Al) breaks and attacks on police stations during the needed aid and the failure to secure the release Assad, indicating to him that we would contin- 2011 uprising. He had been detained along with oth- CAIRO: Egypt’s ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, wearing a red uniform, of detainees, Syria’s main opposition High ue to try to get the moderate opposition to stay er Muslim Brotherhood leaders days after the gestures from behind the bars during his trial in Cairo at the police academy in Negotiations Committee (HNC) halted its for- at the negotiating table in Geneva”. “If in fact the protests started on January 25, 2011. Thousands Cairo yesterday. — AFP mal participation this week in the Geneva cessation falls apart, we will try to put it back escaped from prisons after protesters attacked and talks.But de Mistura said Friday that members together again even as we continue to go after torched police stations across the country. Morsi was Anti-government protest Cairo in the biggest protest in two years demanding of his team had continued to hold “very, very ISIL,” he said, referring to IS, which along with also sentenced to life in prison for “espionage” on Meanwhile, Egypt has arrested dozens of “the fall of the regime”, with police firing tear gas to productive” meetings at a technical level with other jihadists is not included in the truce deal. behalf of Iran and other countries, as well as militant activists ahead of an anti-government demonstra- disperse them. remaining HNC members at their Geneva The group said it had captured a Syrian groups Hamas and Hezbollah. tion planned for tomorrow, a group of lawyers said. That protest was called for by both secular and hotel. And he said he intended to push ahead pilot alive on Friday after shooting down his Another court sentenced him to 20 years in The group published a list of 59 people they say Islamic activists, and while originally about the with the ongoing round of talks, which began plane east of Damascus. Since Syria’s conflict prison for clashes that erupted outside his presiden- were detained since Thursday, arrested at cafes and islands became a wider demonstration against the on April 13, until Wednesday. erupted in March 2011, more than 270,000 tial palace in December 2012 between his support- at their homes in Cairo, adding “the arrests contin- Sisi government. Demonstrations not approved by “We need to try until Wednesday to get as people have died, according to the Syrian ers and opponents, which killed up to 10 people. The ue”. Opposition groups-including the April 6 move- the police have been banned. Among those arrested deep as possible... and we can do that both for- Observatory for Human Rights, which is consid- clashes, after Morsi issued a decree placing his deci- ment, which spearheaded the popular uprising that in the past 24 hours was prominent rights activist mally, informally, technically, practically,” he ered to have the most reliable count. The UN sions above judicial review, set off spiraling protests ousted former leader Hosni Mubarak in 2011 - have and lawyer Haitham Mohamedin, according to fel- said. He hailed all sides finally engaging in dis- no longer provides casualty figures for Syria, that prompted the military to overthrow him. Since called for the rally mainly in protest at the govern- low lawyer Rajia Amrane. Sisi, who won elections in cussions on the thorny issue of political transi- since it considers them too difficult to verify, then, a military and police crackdown on his sup- ment’s deal to hand two islands in the Red Sea to 2014, is reviled by Islamists and secular dissidents, tion, but acknowledged that the understand- but de Mistura said Friday he believed the actu- porters has killed more than 1,000 protesters and Saudi Arabia. but many Egyptians say they need a strong leader to ing of what that would entail still differed wide- al toll had to be far higher, likely around imprisoned thousands of Islamists. Hundreds, includ- The controversial move by President Abdel Fattah revive the country’s economy after years of unrest. ly. The fate of President Bashar Al-Assad 400,000. The Pentagon meanwhile said 20 civil- ing other Muslim Brotherhood leaders, have been El-Sisi has provoked outrage among many Egyptians He had enjoyed unwavering loyalty in much of the remains a major sticking point in the indirect ians had been killed in US airstrikes on IS tar- sentenced to death, although many have appealed who accuse him of “selling” the islands in the Straits Egyptian media since he took office, but criticism of talks, with the opposition insisting any peace gets in Syria and Iraq over a five-month period, and been granted new trials. The Brotherhood has of Tiran in return for Saudi investment. On April 15, the president and his police force has grown in deal must include his departure, while although observers warned the toll is likely been blacklisted as a terrorist group. more than 1,000 people demonstrated in central recent months. — Agencies Damascus insists his future is non-negotiable. much higher. — AFP Syria Kurds train new army to protect ‘federal region’

RMEILAN: In a leafy field in Syria, fighters in Syrian (government) army,” Ahmad says. Syria’s Rounding up recruits beige fatigues negotiate an obstacle course as Kurds have both exploited and benefited from In anti-government demonstrations across the they are trained to defend a Kurdish federal the chaos of the five-year-war to expand their country, some protesters burned the Kurdish flag region across the country’s north. Clutching rifles control across northern parts of the country. to show their opposition to federalism. Syria’s under a bright spring sun, the men are among When the regime’s armed forces withdrew Kurds have continued their preparations neverthe- thousands undergoing obligatory nine-month from Kurdish-majority areas in 2012, Kurds filled less. Training camps currently operate in the Afrin training to join the Autonomous Protection the void with a system of three “autonomous and Jazire cantons and will open soon in Kobane, Forces. The APF, its commander-in-chief Renas administrations”. The three cantons, known from Roza says. The APF is also rounding up anyone Roza says, will be responsible for defending the west to east as Afrin, Kobane and Jazire, already who has yet to complete his nine-month service. federal region declared last month at a Kurdish- feature their own independent police forces, driv- “We check people’s papers as they pass through led conference. “This is the nucleus of a new army ing licences and schools. In March, a Kurdish-led checkpoints. If they have not done the training, we that will take up the defence of the federal region summit in Rmeilan announced that it would take them there,” an APF spokesman says. An Arab in northern Syria,” Roza tells AFP in his headquar- establish a “federal region” uniting the cantons. It APF trainee, who spoke on condition of anonymi- ters at Amuda near the border with Turkey. elected a 31-member assembly tasked with lay- ty, says he was detained at a Kurdish-run check- The clean-shaven commander sits under a ing the groundwork for the federal region by point as he drove to work. Non-Kurdish residents DOUMA: The bodies of children are seen at a make-shift morgue after being killed in a large poster bearing the APF logo a long, curved September. The announcement was swiftly shot living under the PYD-run cantons were already reported air strike on the besieged rebel-controlled city of Douma, a flashpoint near the sword crossed over a rifle below a red five-point down by both the mainstream opposition and complaining about a six-month period of compul- Syrian capital yesterday. — AFP star. Roza says thousands of Kurdish, Arab and the regime, which categorically reject a federal sory military service run by the YPG, but the new Syriac Christian men between the ages of 18 and system for Syria. training period is three months longer. — AFP Raids kill 27 civilians in Syria 30 have completed the compulsory training. For the first two months, conscripts are taught mili- ALEPPO: At least 27 civilians were killed yesterday in had been killed there. AFP footage showed a civil tary structure and tactics, and then have lessons regime bombardment on rebel-held areas across defense volunteer carrying a screaming woman on human rights and interaction with civilians. Syria, a monitor and local sources said, in the latest down a ladder from a damaged building in the neigh- Three stages of training are led by the powerful deadly violence despite a ceasefire deal. Twelve civil- borhood, as a pick-up truck drove the remains of one People’s Protection Units (YPG), the military arm ians were killed in Aleppo, according to a local civil person away. of the leading Kurdish Democratic Union Party defense official, and the Syrian Observatory for Another volunteer brought down a young man (PYD). Fadi Abdo Lahdo, a Syriac fighter training Human Rights said 13 others died in shelling on the cradling a baby from a high floor in a crane. At least in the Bawr camp near Rmeilan, says his trainers rebel town of Douma, east of Damascus. And two nine other civilians were wounded in air strikes on are from the YPG’s commando force. men were killed in regime airstrikes on Talbisseh in other parts of the city, including Bustan Al-Qasr and Homs province, the monitor said. Observatory head Al-Mashad, the civil defense member said. It was the Dealing with civilians Rami Abdel Rahman said the escalating violence second day of deadly strikes on Aleppo, after 25 civil- “We’re learning how to cross over both meant the ceasefire in Syria had effectively collapsed. ians were killed and another 40 wounded in air strikes cement barriers and natural barriers,” says the fair- The barrage of air strikes on Aleppo began around on Friday. Once Syria’s commercial hub, the northern haired fighter, squinting in the sunlight. Other 10:00am (0700 GMT) on several neighborhoods, metropolis has been divided by government control training sessions are administered by civic institu- including the heavily-populated Bustan Al-Qasr dis- in the west and opposition groups in the east. In the tions. “I served five months and I still have four trict, an AFP correspondent in the city said. But the rebel-held town of Douma, 13 people-including three months before I finish my service,” says Rinas deadliest raid was on the Tareeq al-Bab neighbor- women and two children-were killed in government Ahmad, an 18-year-old conscript with gelled hair. hood on the eastern edges of the city. A civil defense shelling on the city. The Observatory said all the dead “We were trained on military life and on how to QAMISHLI: A member of the Kurdish internal security forces (known as the Asayish) member responding to the incident said 12 civilians were civilians. — AFP deal with civilians so we don’t become like the mans a street in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli yesterday. — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Overseas, Obama begins the long goodbye

LONDON: Back home, US President Barack was proud of his health-care overhaul, the Iran- relations and White House press statements in this Obama has eight months, a dogfight over the nuclear deal, his handling of what he described as last year in office,” said Anthony Cordesman, a for- Supreme Court and scores of campaign speech- hysteria around the Ebola crisis and “saving the eign policy analyst at the Center for Strategic and es for a successor ahead of him. But overseas, world economy from a Great Depression”. “That International Studies. “But every president I can the president already has begun a long, slow was pretty good,” he said. The president acknowl- think of during my adult life has tried.” goodbye. As Obama wrapped up his valedictory edged his victory lap was premature, saying, “I trip to London yesterday, he looked very much don’t think that I’ll have a good sense of my legacy Playbook like a president on his way out the door, reflect- until 10 years from now.” The White House tested its playbook in ing on his tenure and eager to shape how he is But it is hardly too soon for the presidential London. While the president arrived to lend a remembered. farewells to begin. Presidents regularly use their hand to Cameron, who is bogged down in a cam- At a town hall with young people, he was asked last year of foreign travel for sometimes sentimen- paign to keep Britons from voting to leave the to look back far more than forward - and he readily tal stopovers in international capitals. The trips can European Union, that was only a slice of his trip. obliged. He offered advice for the next president, be a way to attract attention while voters at home Obama’s political intervention was wrapped in whoever that is. And then he carved out an after- are distracted by the race for the next president. appeals to British sentimentality. On Friday, noon to get out on the links with Prime Minister For Obama, they provide a last chance to capital- Obama filled his day paying social visits and mak- David Cameron, one of the few world leaders he’s ize on his relatively resilient popularity abroad. ing memorable snapshots with the next genera- made a point of describing as a close friend. There are limits to what Obama can accomplish tion of British royals, including 3-year-old Prince “I think that I have been true to myself during on his farewell tour. “I can give you one iron law: George. The toddler got to stay up late in his this process,” Obama said, reflecting on his presi- The president cannot shape his legacy. And he bathrobe to meet the American president and first dency and his accomplishments. Obama said he certainly can’t shape it on the basis of trips, public lady Michelle Obama. — AP LONDON: US President Barack Obama gives a speech at an event in central London yesterday. — AFP Will US secrecy laws boost death penalty? US states facing shortages of lethal injections WASHINGTON: America stands alone among posal would replace a barbaric practice (the lawyers have not hesitated to launch last-minute Western nations for its use of the death penalty, electric chair) with a constitutionally suspect appeals questioning the effectiveness of various but the number of prisoners it executes has one (a veil of secrecy over executions),” a drugs, often successfully. Experts say the moves slowed to a trickle in recent years-partly due to a Washington Post editorial said. toward secrecy will provide more grounds for lack of drugs. Death sentences carried out by challenging scheduled executions, while news lethal injection have fallen dramatically since a Secret sources media will probably demand to know drug man- European export ban stopped pharmaceutical A number of Republican politicians have wel- ufacturers’ identities, relying on the First companies that produce the drugs from sending comed McAuliffe’s amendment, however, seeing Amendment right to freedom of the press. “State them to US prisons. Now some states facing short- it as an acceptable way out of the current execution secrecy laws also raise questions ages of such substances believe they have found a impasse. It has essentially fallen to the states- about obstructing enforcement of federal drug File photo (taken in 1977) in Radenci, northeastern Slovenia, shows Slovenian- solution: guaranteeing anonymity to pharmaceu- which can choose whether or not to institute the laws against illegal compounding activities,” says American former model and Donald Trump’s wife Melania Trump (2nd right) as a tical companies that manufacture them. death penalty-to run the obstacle courses now Robert Dunham, director of the Death Penalty child, together with Nena Bedek (right), attending a fashion review of Jutranjka, the But experts say that strategy comes with necessary for obtaining the three drugs. The Information Center. textile company where her mother used to work. — AFP risks. Already slowing for several years, the num- shortages have prompted some of them to qui- ber of US executions dropped to 28 in 2015, the etly turn to companies not approved by the Multiplying appeals lowest since 1991. The drug shortage is one rea- Food and Drug Administration, or to violate US Legal action against the murkiness surround- From Communism to son for that-alongside falling crime rates, flag- federal law by finding secret sources abroad. ing pharmaceutical companies providing drugs ging public support for capital punishment, and Just this week the state of Texas-which carries for lethal injections has been quick to start. In its high cost. Last week, Virginia became the lat- out a majority of all US executions-was blocked Arkansas, where the authorities want to resume catwalk: Mrs Trump’s est state to look to secrecy as a way of reviving by the agency for the second time in a year from putting prisoners to death after a decade’s hiatus, the pace of executions after Governor Terry importing the unapproved drug sodium a judge in October halted the executions of eight McAuliffe suggested amending legislation cur- thiopental. death-row inmates who demanded to know what Slovenian hometown rently under debate. He recommended officials The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said products would be injected into them. Last week, be allowed to obtain lethal drugs for executions it was “reviewing the tentative decision by the the state’s Supreme Court said it would take up SEVNICA: Until recently, Sevnica was best mer classmate Jelancic said. “She was very on an emergency basis, keeping the identities of Food and Drug Administration and exploring its the case. known for its lingerie and furniture factories well organized and disciplined. Whatever companies providing the drugs secret. options moving forward regarding the lawful In Ohio and Missouri, death row also appears and a charming 900-year-old castle. But that she decided to do, she did.” It was in the rel- Arkansas, Missouri and Ohio have already importation of drugs used in the lethal injection to lead to courtrooms more frequently than exe- was before Donald Trump launched his bid ative bright lights of the Slovenian capital adopted similar measures with mixed initial process.” Prisons generally use a cocktail of three cution chambers. The future for secrecy laws is far to become US president. It was in this small that the future Mrs Trump’s modeling results. McAuliffe, a Democrat, presented his drugs to execute the condemned, including one from clear. “It is hard to predict how the different industrial Slovenian town of 5,000 people, career really took off after being noticed by idea as a “reasonable compromise” that would that knocks them unconscious, another that par- state courts will rule,” says Dale Baich, a lawyer back when it was part of Communist a fashion photographer. Soon she was liv- help kill a measure to make the electric chair alyzes muscles and a third that stops the heart. who specializes in the death penalty. “Some have Yugoslavia, that Trump’s current wife, ing the high life, jetting all over the world mandatory when drugs for lethal injections are Some of the lethal-injection executions carried ordered the information to be released and oth- Melania Trump, 24 years his junior, came into and settling in New York where she met her unavailable-a proposal backed by the out since 2014 have been widely criticized after ers have upheld secrecy.” Since secrecy statutes the world on April 26, 1970. “Melania and her billionaire future husband in 1998. Republicans who control the state legislature. they made prisoners die slowly in agony, gasp- are state laws, the Supreme Court is unlikely to sister, they were very beautiful and cute, very She married Trump in Florida wearing a But anti-death penalty activists criticized the ing, groaning and wracked by convulsions. weigh in, he adds, meaning each state will contin- kind with neighbors,” Emil, a local pensioner, Dior dress estimated to be worth $200,000. debate for offering a flawed choice between two The Constitution’s Eighth Amendment bans ue grappling with a punishment that’s increasing- told AFP next to the unremarkable apartment Among those invited was Hillary Clinton, means of meting out death. “The governor’s pro- “cruel and unusual punishment” and defense ly coming under fire. — AFP block where Melania, born Melanija Knavs, this year’s likely Democratic presidential grew up. “They were just a regular family, aver- nominee. Melania unwittingly found her- age kids, very kind and calm girls,” he recalled. self in the eye of the storm in March when Her schoolmate and now the head an anti-Trump political group unveiled a teacher of Sevnica’s primary school, Mirjana questionable ad on Facebook that used a Guatemala deploys Jelancic, agreed: “Melania was a very kind naked photo of her on Trump’s private jet girl, who was always willing to help. She from a 2000 magazine photo shoot. “Meet 3,000 troops to disputed border GUATEMALA CITY: Guatemala has deployed 3,000 troops to its disputed border with Belize following a shooting incident that killed a Guatemalan teen, Defense Minister Williams Mansilla said Friday. “It is a preventive measure, it is not a declaration of war,” Mansilla said by telephone from northern Guatemala, where he was over- seeing the deployment. The United States expressed concerned over the sudden spike in tensions between the two Central American nations. The State Department issued a statement to “urge calm and restraint by both sides.” Guatemala has made claims over more than half of Belize’s territory dating back 150 years to when its small neighbor was a British colony known as British Honduras.

Contesting accounts Tensions between the two have long been simmering despite agreement to try to resolve the territorial dispute in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following sepa- PEDERNALES: A boy stands in the rubble in the town of Pedernales as new after- rate referendums. They ratcheted up dramatically on shocks rattled Ecuador, a week after a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that Wednesday, when a shooting incident occurred that each killed nearly 600 people. — AFP NEW YORK: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stands with his wife country said happened on its side of the border. Melania Trump (center left) and from right: son Eric Trump with his wife Lara According to Guatemala, a Belize patrol shot and Yunaska; Vanessa Haydon and her husband Donald Trump Jr. In the front row are Kai killed a 13-year-old Guatemalan boy walking home from New aftershocks jolt Ecuador Trump and Donald Trump III, children of Donald Trump Jr. The family appeared at an field labor, and wounded his father and brother. Belize still reeling from earthquake NBC Town Hall at the Today Show. — AFP rejected that version and said one of its patrols came under fire from Guatemalan civilians and responded in was modest, very well brought up, very Melania Trump. Your next first lady. Or, you “justifiable self-defense.” Each side accuses the other of a PEDERNALES: New aftershocks rattled Ecuador number it estimates are in need of help. dignified. She loved reading.” Because of could support Ted Cruz on Tuesday,” said preceding series of other acts of violence, and fears are on Friday and hopes of finding survivors in the Humanitarian organizations warn the country her husband’s success so far in the the ad. Trump accused his rival Cruz of rising over the militarization along the border. The State rubble all but evaporated, nearly a week after a still faces huge risks, as the homeless are now Republican race for the White House candi- being behind the provocation and Department said it was “deeply concerned” by the reports huge earthquake that killed more than 600 prey to disease-bearing mosquitoes and dirty dacy, foreign journalists and tourists have responded by re-tweeting a photo mon- of the boy’s death. It expressed condolences to his family. people and injured thousands. A 6.0-magnitude drinking water. become a frequent sight in Sevnica, set in tage showing Melania next to an unflatter- “We urge calm and restraint by both sides, and we call for quake struck just off the coast of northwest Electricity and water supplies are only being rolling hills 100 kilometers (60 miles) from ing picture of Cruz’s wife Heidi, along with a full investigation of the facts surrounding this tragedy,” Ecuador around 10:00 pm Thursday (0300 GMT slowly restored. Many businesses in affected the capital Ljubljana. For those who have the phrase: “The images are worth a thou- the statement said. Friday), the US Geological Survey said. It was fol- areas have closed their shutters, fearing looters- made the journey to find out more about sand words.” Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in a recorded lowed by smaller aftershocks Friday morning, which has made it all the more difficult to find the possible next First Lady’s modest audio message, said he met with Guatemalan President ranging in magnitude from 4.0 to 5.2, said food and basic necessities. The quake crumpled beginnings, locals even have a special Trump, king of the castle? Jimmy Morales on the margin of a UN meeting in New Ecuador’s Geophysics Institute. The shaking hundreds of buildings up and down Ecuador’s name. “Hi, are you Trump-ers?” a pensioner If Trump does win in November, Melania York to complain that the Guatemalan measures “escalate could be felt in Manabi province, most affected Pacific coast, turning picturesque resort towns asked AFP. would be the first presidential wife to be tension to an utterly unacceptable degree.” Barrow said by last week’s 7.8-magnitude quake, as well as into something resembling a war zone. The born outside the United States since the both agreed “there is an immediate need to de-escalate in the provinces of Esmeraldas and Los Rios, and smell of decomposing bodies has grown Folks on the hill harp-strumming London-born Louisa tensions.” He added that an “impartial” investigation into in the cities of Santo Domingo, Guayaquil and increasingly powerful in the tropical heat as Melania’s father Viktor was an entrepre- Adams, spouse of John Quincy Adams, US the shooting by the Organization of American States the capital Quito. workers continue searching for corpses in the neur, and her mother Amalija a pattern president from 1825-9. Few people in (OAS) was being carried out. Belize was also asking the But there were no immediate reports of new ruins. The disaster has also taken a heavy toll on casualties or damage. A carpenter who declined Ecuador’s economy, already struggling from the maker at local textile factory Jutranjka, and Sevnica seem hugely interested, however, US to send forensic experts to help recreate the circum- to give his name was among the legions trying collapse in global oil prices. the couple did well for themselves. When by their town’s most famous daughter. One stances of the shooting incident, he said. Melania was 25, they built and moved into exception is the mayor, Srecko Ocvirk, who to fetch a few belongings from their ruined President Rafael Correa announced a homes, despite the heavily damaged roads. series of drastic economic measures in an their own house on the posher hilly out- is delighted with the unexpected attention Test for new leader “Why stay?” he asked, his eyes filled with tears. address to the nation Wednesday aimed at skirts of Sevnica. Now the parents divide his town is getting. “It is a very positive Although Belize became independent in 1981, “My wife died. I have nothing left to do here.” paying for what he estimates will be the $3 their time between Sevnica and New York message to the youth, that with responsi- Guatemala did not recognize it for another decade Ecuadoran authorities say more than 700 after- billion cost of rebuilding-”two to three per- to spend time with their glamorous daugh- bility, persistence and enthusiasm you can because of its territorial claims, prompting Britain to shocks have struck since Saturday’s earthquake, cent of GDP,” he said. The measures include ter, who became Trump’s third wife in 2005, achieve lots, almost everything,” Ocvirk keep a small military presence in its former colony as a the worst to hit Latin America and the temporary income-tax increases equivalent and their young grandson. Melania has not said. “That is Melania’s positive message deterrent until five years ago. Guatemala and Belize Caribbean since the 2010 quake in Haiti, which to one day’s salary a month, a one-year sales been back to Sevnica in years. not only to the citizens of Sevnica but for have issued separate statements accusing the other of a It was her mother who first introduced all Slovenians,” he said. On April 1, Ocvirk killed between 200,000 and 250,000 people. tax hike and a one-time levy on utilities. number of violent acts against its forces or citizens in The official toll from last Saturday’s quake Ecuadorans with assets of more than $1 mil- her to the fashion business as a child model announced that Trump and his wife would the border area in the past two decades. The height- now stands at 602 dead and 130 missing. lion will also have to fork out over 0.9 percent for Jutranjka in the mid-1970s, according to come to Sevnica in May to buy Sevnica’s ened border dispute is the first foreign policy challenge Another 12,492 people were injured and more of their wealth. But even that will not be the first biography published in English this castle and inaugurate a monument to for Morales, a former TV comedian who became than 26,000 left homeless. Nearly 7,000 build- enough, according to the head of the nation- year by two Slovenian journalists. “She Melania. It was only an April Fool, but there Guatemala’s leader in January after pulling off a surprise ings were destroyed and more than 2,700 dam- al tax authority, who estimated the measures knew she wanted to work in fashion but as was some wishful thinking involved too. “A victory in an election to replace his predecessor felled aged. The United Nations appealed Friday for would bring in “$1 billion, maximum.” The a designer. That is why she attended a fragment of that story might become true,” by a corruption scandal. — AFP $72.7 million to provide aid to 350,000 people World Bank agreed to loan $150 million to designers’ high school in Ljubljana.” her for- he said. — AFP over the next three months-about half the Ecuador to boost relief efforts. — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Fear of Boko Haram, hunger stalk Lake Chad refugees

BAGA SOLA: Sitting on a mat in the shade cradling a six- an area well away from the mobile MSF centre. They’re month baby, Falmata Marara touches her mouth, her then submitted five by five to a second search before stomach, and then her mouth and stomach again. The being allowed into the waiting room-a carpet thrown on message couldn’t be clearer, she’s hungry. A gold ring in the ground. Some 10 kilometers away across parched her nose and wearing a vibrantly coloured scarf and and sandy terrain, MSF runs a tiny mental health centre dress, Marara, a member of the Bodoma people, five to help those displaced overcome the trauma of rape, months ago fled her Lake Chad island home after an violence and flight. attack by Nigeria’s feared Boko Haram Islamists. Fougo, her home island, is one of 85 scattered across ‘Acute paranoia’ Lake Chad that have been emptied of people since Boko “Some people become anorexic and no longer eat, Haram’s six-year campaign of terror began, said UN others just close up on themselves,” said Charlot Serferbe humanitarian affairs officer Florent Mehaule. Some Dabo, a clinical psychologist. “Depression can be immedi- 110,000 people displaced by the violence live in ate or surface months later,” he added. One patient suf- makeshift camps around the immense waterway strad- fered from acute paranoia, convinced he was being hunt- dling Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria that supplies ed night and day by Boko Haram fighters. The doctor said millions of people with water, Mehaule added. But if safe he believed he was also taking a powerful painkiller for now, all live in fear of fresh Boko Haram terror-and called Tramadol which is widely sold to addicts on the most suffer from hunger. “I’ve run out of sorghum” or black market. Nigeria-based Boko Haram has left thou- cereal, mumbles mother of six Marara, whose baby is sands dead and 2.6 million homeless in that country feverish after a bout of diarrhoea and who had walked alone since 2009. Moving back and forth across Lake that day to Baga Sola from her reed hut refuge to a Chad it has brought its war to set up an Islamic state mobile clinic run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). across the borders as well. Now the four border nations as well as neighboring Benin have banded together to Body searches rout the Islamists and cut supply lines. Among the Set up not far from the invisible underwater border refugees around the lake are fishermen deprived of food separating the four Lake Chad nations, the clinic deals and income after the authorities banned fishing in a bid YOLA: US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power (center) interacts with a daily with a stream of people with malaria or respiratory to flush out and starve the Islamists. mother in Malcohi Settlement in Yola, Adamawa State on April 22, 2016. — AFP problems, but also reports a spike in cases linked to mal- nutrition. Fear of Boko Haram runs high in Baga Sola ‘Throats slit’ them had their throats slit on their return.” Around Baga across Lake Chad, there’s little for sale at the stalls. There where a triple suicide attack in October killed 41 people. “Many have returned home to their islands, despite Sola, local civilian vigilante groups keep a watchful eye are no fresh fish, no Chad beef in Nigeria and no dried MSF is taking no risks. Because the extremists are the threat of Boko Haram attacks,” said an MSF doctor. on comings and goings, specially on market day. Nigerian fish in Chad. “The security situation is a little bet- increasingly resorting to female suicide bombers, “They say they’d rather risk being killed on a full stomach Crowded mosques and markets are favored targets for ter,” said Ocha’s Mehaule. “But people are still not going women seeking medical help first are body-searched in than dying of hunger bit by bit. But recently, three of Boko Haram, though nowadays, with traffic stopped home which indicates there is still a risk.” — AFP Fighting women’s abuse: Spain’s law a model but still much to do

MADRID: Smoking nervously, Ruth Cabero Aranda were given a safe place to live in says she would be dead if she hadn’t the shelter for 18 months as well as thera- found refuge in a Spanish shelter for vic- py and professional guidance before being tims of domestic violence. Now the head reintegrated into society. of a communications agency, this smart, The centre also offers classes in critical professional 32-year-old found herself thinking run by veteran Spanish feminist trapped in an abusive relationship that and lawyer Ana Maria Perez del Campo, a had begun when she was just a teenager. method that encourages women to chal- With the initial spark gone, her life deterio- lenge traditional gender stereotypes that rated into a years-long nightmare, eventu- can lead them to stay in abusive relation- ally forcing her to flee her home town for ships. In a recent class, the 80-year-old the shelter, just outside Madrid. “He would activist led a discussion of phrases such as have killed me... and I would have let him “Men are violent by nature” and “Men are kill me,” she says. unable to express their feelings”. “We are Sixty women were murdered in Spain going to criticize everything that we have last year-beaten to death, stabbed or burnt been taught since the day we were born,” by partners or ex-partners. The figure, how- she said. Psychologist Susana Enciso says ever, is down from 71 murders in 2003, the that when women first arrive, they suffer year before the then Socialist government from anxiety and depression, extreme fear, approved a groundbreaking law that the low self-esteem, guilt and sometimes European Council has upheld as an exam- denial of their abuse. She adds that psy- ple to follow. It not only set up a hotline chological violence can be every bit as that would not appear on users’ phone damaging as physical abuse. GAZIANTEP: German Chancellor Angela Merkel (centre) accompanied by EU Council President Donald Tusk (2nd right) and bills, it also offered free legal aid and estab- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (right) poses for pictures during a visit at the Nizip refugee camp in Gaziantep lished special courts for victims. Still much to do province, southeastern Turkey yesterday. — AP “Gender-based violence is the conse- Knife under pillow quence of a society... where women are The shelter where Cabero ended up is worth less than men in every aspect, Tensions over migrant deal managed-with state subsidies-by the including professionally,” says Marina Federation of Associations of Separated Marroqui, a former victim who heads up a and Divorced Women, an NGO that con- small association fighting the problem. Merkel, EU officials in Turkey tributed to the law. A large house of 28 And while Spain’s domestic violence law bedrooms, a dining room, nursery, library, has brought results, activists say there is GAZIANTEP: Angela Merkel traveled to Turkey yes- ‘Critical juncture’ policies on Kurds and Syria, stood trial in Istanbul gym and even a small theatre, it is an oasis still a long way to go. They point to a lack terday for a high-stakes visit which will require her “The trip comes at a critical juncture in the imple- accused of betraying the state. The cases have of calm, its location kept confidential for of specialist training for judges dealing to walk a diplomatic tightrope between keeping mentation of the deal,” Sinan Ulgen, visiting scholar sounded alarm bells over the growing restric- the security of its residents. Sitting in the with these cases, and budget cuts that Ankara sweet over a crucial migrant deal and taking at Carnegie Europe said, pointing out the EU has not tions on free speech under Erdogan and sunny garden outside, Cabero recalls how have left small organizations like a stand on European values. Merkel, who was secured the backing of all member states, while increased pressure on Merkel to show more spine her ex partner used to insult, humiliate and Marroqui’s AIVIG without state subsidies. accompanied by European Council head Donald Turkey has yet to meet all the criteria. He said the after allowing a German comedian to be prose- beat her, although never in public and tak- Spain is far from the worst off where vio- Tusk and European Commission Vice President leaders would likely use the visit to explore “whether cuted for a crude poem about the Turkish leader. ing care not leave visible marks. When she lence against women is concerned. Frans Timmermans, visited a refugee camp at there is room to postpone or modify the visa com- was 21, she decided to leave him. “When According to a UN report last year, 13 per- 5:15pm in Gaziantep on the Turkish-Syrian border. mitment without there being a collapse in goodwill,” ‘On the wrong side’ my parents weren’t there, he would appear cent of Spanish women were physically or They hope to boost a month-old, six-billion-euro possibly by limiting the offer to categories such as She was taunted Friday by one of the reporters at my house at three in the morning and if I sexually abused by a partner or ex-part- ($6.7 billion) deal to return migrants arriving on students and businesspeople. on trial, Can Dundar, editor in chief of an opposition didn’t open the door, he would pound on ner, compared to 26 percent in France, 29 Greek shores to Turkey which has been slow to get The European leaders are expected to meet with daily, who wrote an open letter saying Germany was the door all night,” she says. percent in Britain and 32 percent in off the ground and plagued by a flurry of moral and refugees and visit a child protection centre before “on the wrong side” and asking: “Will you again pre- She would sometimes let him in, out of Denmark or Latvia. legal concerns. retiring for talks and winding up with a joint press tend there is no repression here?” Merkel has said fear, but the violence would then intensify, One problem is that few victims dare to Diplomatic relations are strained following conference with Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet the Turkey visit is a chance to take stock of the including sexual attacks. It was a similar report their abusers. “It’s very difficult for a President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s warning that the Davutoglu at 8pm (1700 GMT). Many in Europe will implementation of the migrant deal and discuss the story for Olga Aranda, who admits that woman to talk about all this, first to the deal to curb the migrant flow to Europe would fall be watching closely to see if the delegation takes a next steps, as well as evaluate conditions on the without the shelter, she would have police, then to a lawyer who doesn’t know through if the EU did not keep up its end of the bar- stand against the deterioration of rights. Tusk set the ground for those who have fled the devastating remained with a husband who abused her anything, then to a judge,” says magistrate gain by allowing visa-free travel for Turkish citizens. tone for a confrontational visit on Friday, when he five-year war in Syria.Judith Sunderland, Human “physically, sexually” for 16 years. “Where Ivana Redondo, regretting that the law The bloc promised to present a visa recommenda- insisted “our freedoms, including freedom of expres- Rights Watch’s acting deputy director for Europe, could I go with three babies and without a does not allow authorities to act if the tion next month if Ankara complies with its side of sion, will not be subject to any political bargaining. said yesterday that instead of “touring a sanitized job?” says the 45-year-old, who took refuge woman does not want to testify. “Hopefully the accord, but there has been growing unease in This message must be heard by President refugee camp”, the delegation “should go to the in the shelter in 2005 with her children there will come a day when centers like Europe over fears that security concerns are being Erdogan.” His comments came as Turkish scholars detention center for people who were abusively after sleeping for years with a knife under these won’t be necessary,” says the shelter’s fudged to fast-track Turkey’s application. and journalists, who have criticized the state’s deported from Greece. — AFP her pillow. Like other victims, Cabero and director, Rosa Escapa. — AFP Dirty laundry snares head South Sudan’s rebel chief to miss of Spain’s ‘Clean Hands’ international deadline to return MADRID: The head of a Spanish anti-corrup- the stand in a criminal trial since the monar- tion group that championed several high-pro- chy was restored in 1975. If convicted she JUBA: South Sudan rebel Chief Riek sure, the two sides reached agree- file cases over the past two decades, includ- faces a jail sentence of up to eight years. Machar will miss an international ment on Friday on the number of ing one against Princess Cristina, now finds deadline to return to the capital to troops protecting Machar and the himself under investigation for extortion. A Princess extortion bid take up the post of vice president, the exact number of weapons they can judge this week ordered the founder and After Bernad was arrested, Cristina’s government said, with his arrival now carry. Machar can bring with him 195 leader of “Manos Limpias” (Clean Hands), lawyers told reporters that Clean Hands had expected next week. UN chief Ban Ki- men, carrying AK-47 assault rifles as retired Madrid city hall employee Miguel demanded money in exchange for dropping moon has urged Machar to return to well as 20 machine guns and 20 rock- Bernad, 74, to be remanded in custody while the charges against her. “Obviously the Juba “without delay”, while the US, et-propelled grenades. Rebel a probe is conducted into a blackmail and princess’s defense team flatly refused,” lawyer Britain and Norway-key international spokesman James Gadet said the extortion ring he allegedly ran. Bernad, who Pau Molins told a television channel. Spanish backers of peace efforts demanded weapons had already been checked briefly headed the small far-right National media meanwhile speculated whether Clean the return yesterday. Machar was due by Ethiopian officials, and could also Front party, allegedly acted in complicity with Hands may in fact have been driven by a to return to the capital Juba on April be verified upon their arrival in Juba. the head of Ausbanc, a banking consumers’ political agenda. Business daily El Economista 18 to take up the post of first vice “The forces are ready,” Gadet said, association, who was also detained. reported Thursday that Ausbanc has collected president alongside his arch-rival adding they were asking the govern- Police suspect the two groups sought over 600,000 euros ($680,000) since 2009 in President Salva Kiir. ment “to drop the issue” of independ- bribes from firms, institutions and individuals subsidies from the regional government of His failure to arrive has thrown an ent weapons verification in Ethiopia to in exchange for withdrawing criminal cases Madrid and the health ministry, both headed August 2015 peace agreement to end speed up the process. “If they resolve they had filed against them. Clean Hands by the acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s over two years of intense civil war the issue of the verification and they would also put pressure on banks which conservative Popular Party. into jeopardy. But Minister of give the landing permission of the Ausbanc blackmailed by pressing lawsuits The subsidies were granted even though Information Michael Makuei said the plane then they can go,” he said. against the lenders if they did not pay, police Clean Hands had filed cases that snared the government would only clear The US, Britain and Norway had on said in a statement. Ausbanc helped finance party’s leadership, including tax fraud claims Machar’s plane to arrive from Ethiopia Friday appealed for Machar to return. Clean Hands, it added. Spanish law allows pri- against former Popular Party treasurer Luis after international monitors have veri- “Machar’s failure to go to Juba, vate groups like Clean Hands to initiate crimi- Barcenas who is awaiting trial in jail. fied the number of weapons carried despite efforts from the international nal proceedings. The organization, modeled According to centre-left daily El Pais, by the rebels accompanying him. community to support his return, on and named after the Clean Hands move- Ausbanc also paid judges across the country “There is no coming today,” Makuei places the people of South Sudan at ment launched by Italian prosecutors in the to take part in seminars it organized. A said. The rebels, who were at risk of further conflict and suffering,” 1990s, has filed hundred of cases since it was lawyer who used to work for Clean Hands as Ethiopia’s Gambella airport, said they the trio said in a statement. “We will founded by Bernad in 1995. a volunteer until 2012, who spoke to AFP on were ready to fly but needed permis- pursue appropriate measures against Its most prominent case has been the tax condition that he not be named, said the sion to do so. An AFP reporter at the anyone who further frustrates imple- evasion charges brought against Princess group didn’t appear wealthy and that he airport said there was growing frus- mentation of the peace agreement.” Cristina, King Felipe VI’s younger sister, in a never saw any overt signs of corruption. tration among the rebel troops, who South Sudan’s civil war began in corruption scandal centered on her husband’s “They didn’t have any money. At the most have now been there for several days, December 2013 when Kiir accused business dealings. Clean Hands pressed the they would buy us lunch,” he said. But he left waiting to leave. Machar of plotting a coup. The con- case against her over the objections of public the organization in 2012 because he was flict has reignited ethnic divisions and Photo shows a billboard featuring portraits of South Sudan’s prosecutors and last month Cristina became “bothered by its secrecy”. “We never knew ‘Risk of further conflict’ been characterized by gross human President Salva Kiir (left) and opposition leader Riek Machar in the first member of Spain’s royal family to take who really ran it,” he added. — AFP Under intense international pres- rights violations. — AFP Juba, South Sudan. — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

‘Rana Plazas everywhere’: Danger still haunts Bangladesh

DHAKA: As they jostle for space on the floor, with floor. The handful of fire extinguishers around the after it collapsed. For two years after the disaster, disaster, has certified only 24 of the 700 factories the door to their fire escape padlocked, the seam- building, which is yet to be formally inspected, the 25-year-old was too traumatized to return to it has inspected as safe. It has cut ties with 77 fac- stresses cannot help but recall the carnage when were are all out of date. the garment industry but finally took a job in a tories that failed to address safety concerns and another of Bangladesh’s garment factories collapsed “We know our factory is not safe. It is not a com- workshop in a Dhaka flat out of necessity. asked the government to shut down another 36, three years ago. “We always worry what will happen pliant factory,” said a 25-year-old worker who “These factories easily get workers like me to but much more remains to be done. if a blaze breaks out or the building caves in,” one refused to give her name for fear of losing her job do their jobs. After all, we need to buy food to fill “We are behind schedule and far behind woman worker said on condition of anonymity. at Style Fashion Ltd, one of four textile firms our stomachs.” The Rana Plaza tragedy triggered schedule in many factories that were inspected a “We’ll just die like the workers of Rana Plaza.” housed in the complex. Production manager international outrage and put pressure on year or even two years ago,” said Rob Wayss, exec- More than 1,100 people died when the Rana Mohammad Khairuzzaman said all four factories European and US clothing brands to improve pay utive director of the Alliance’s European sister Plaza complex collapsed on April 24, 2013, prompt- were subcontractors for local manufacturers and and conditions at the factories that supply them. group Accord. Bangladesh authorities have said ing shocked calls for better working conditions in said safety concerns were being addressed. The fire Bangladesh’s government increased garment all of the more than 1,500 factories they have the world’s second-largest garment exporter. But extinguishers “will be changed very soon,” he told workers’ wages by 76 percent immediately after- inspected required safety improvements and hun- three years on, only a fraction of Bangladesh’s AFP, adding that “in the event of an emergency, wards and improved labour laws to allow a record dreds of other smaller outfits still need to be 4,500 clothes factories have been certified safe and we’ll open the gate,” motioning to the bolted fire number of unions into factories. But the initial investigated. experts warn another industrial disaster could hap- escape. push to improve safety standards has wavered, “We don’t have funds to inspect these 800 fac- pen at any time. While there have been improve- with factory owners dragging their heels on tories, which are not registered with any trade ments at some of the larger factories, many of the ‘Rana Plazas everywhere’ undertaking the expensive repairs deemed neces- bodies,” factory inspection department chief Syed smaller sub-contractors have yet to be inspected Bangladesh is second only to China when it sary by inspectors. Ahmed said. Bangladesh’s politically powerful and appear to have done little to address safety comes to clothes exports, shipping $27 billion manufacturers have pleaded for patience, saying concerns. worth every year and employing some four million ‘Lucky no one died’ further industry improvements were coming, and When an AFP journalist visited one backstreet people in the industry, mainly women. But it has a “A major accident can happen anytime,” said pointing to difficulty finding funds as a reason for complex in the Rampura suburb of the capital woeful safety track record. A fire at the Tazreen fac- Mesbah Rabin, managing director of industry the delays. Faruque Hassan, senior vice-president Dhaka, workers could be seen crammed elbow to tory in Dhaka in 2012 killed 111 workers, many of safety monitor group the Alliance for Bangladesh of industry body the Bangladesh Garment elbow on the floor while they stitched tags of whom were unable to escape due to a lack of prop- Worker Safety. “There were several major fires last Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said the Western retailers into garments. The fire escape er fire exits. “If they search properly, they’ll find year. We’re lucky no one has died.” The Alliance, a group expects to finish safety upgrades this stairwell was blocked by a padlocked iron gate, Rana Plazas everywhere,” said Israfil Hossain, a group which represents North American retailers year.”We’re confident we can complete a majority while cigarette butts littered the main passageway worker who was trapped in the building’s ruins including Gap and Walmart was set up after the of the repairs by (the end of) 2016,” he said. —AFP

A fight over prayer at ancient wall tests the Israeli politics

JERUSALEM: Tourists and worshippers women seen as breaking tradition at the streaming toward the ancient Western wall, a compromise was at last reached in Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City encounter a January. The agreement, approved by rigid directive: men to the left, women to Israel’s cabinet and labeled historic, laid the right and no mixing allowed. There out a plan to create an egalitarian prayer has long been a push to change it, and the space away from the men’s and women’s rule rooted in a strict interpretation of sections controlled by the ultra-Orthodox. Jewish law is now at the heart of a political It was said to have been the result of care- battle testing Prime Minister Benjamin ful negotiations begun in 2013 involving Netanyahu’s government. “For Israelis, this the government, Women of the Wall and is like the tip of the trunk of the elephant,” the Western Wall rabbi, among others. said Batya Kallus, a 59-year-old activist But as word spread that the ultra- with the Women of the Wall group, which Orthodox Jewish parties that form part of has long fought for equal prayer rights at Netanyahu’s coalition had not prevented the historic site. the deal, pressure built. Members of the “It’s symbolic. It speaks about exclusion ultra-Orthodox community, which in some ways where other forms of exclu- amounts to between seven and 10 per- sion are less visible and obvious,” she said cent of Israel’s population, expressed out- on a recent day at the plaza leading to the rage. Demanding the deal and other relat- wall, where rabbis bow in reverence and ed issues be scrapped, ultra-Orthodox visitors stuff bits of paper with prayers on politicians have signaled they could pull them between its stone blocks. The con- out of Netanyahu’s coalition, which holds troversy has highlighted a sensitive only a one-seat majority in parliament. debate among Israelis over the often blur- “There is a status quo that remained over ry line between state and religion in a the years and we wish to preserve it,” country founded as the nation of the Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, of the Jewish people. The Western Wall, in Israeli- United Torah Judaism alliance of ultra- annexed east Jerusalem, is the holiest site Orthodox parties, said by email. “We will in which Jews are currently permitted to not compromise.” pray, giving the rules surrounding it heavy That is partly because the issue encom- RAMECHHAP, Nepal: Nepalese workers rebuild earthquake-damaged homes in Bhuji village in Ramechhap, some 100 kilometers east of symbolic importance. passes much more than prayer at the site. Kathmandu. — AFP On the surface, the issue is simple-and The ultra-Orthodox are opposed to granti- it had seemingly been resolved in January. ng religious authority to Reform and Activists and reformers want to create a Conservative Jews, whose numbers are space where women and men are allowed limited in Israel but who are numerous in A year after Nepal quake, some to pray together at the wall, considered the United States. Those more liberal among the last remnants of the second streams of Judaism have pushed for an Jewish temple, destroyed by the Romans easing of restrictions on matters including united in grief - others climb in 70 AD. It is contentious because the conversions, marriage and divorce, which ultra-Orthodox Jewish establishment, are under ultra-Orthodox control in Israel. which wields legal power over a range of The Conservative and Reform movements issues in Israel and has often played a joined Women of the Wall in its campaign Himalayan nation remembers 9,000 victims kingmaker role in its politics, views such to create the egalitarian prayer space. “It change as sacrilegious. Under its reading gives them a formal position in the most KATHMANDU: For survivors and relatives of vic- of Jewish law, mixed prayer is not allowed. holy place for the Jewish people, and that tims of a landslide that struck with the force of Women are also not permitted to lead makes many (ultra-Orthodox) leaders out- half an atom bomb it is a time to grieve. For wit- prayers, though Kallus’s group regularly side politics, those that were not involved nesses to a fatal avalanche at the Mount Everest does so at the women’s section of the wall in striking the compromise, object to it,” base camp, it is time to climb again. A year after to the anger of ultra-Orthodox rabbis. said Shuki Friedman, head of the Centre the worst earthquake in Nepal’s history struck at After years of political and legal dis- for Religion, Nation and State at the Israel four minutes to midday on April 25 last year, the putes, not to mention harassment of Democracy Institute. — AFP Himalayan nation is remembering the 9,000 vic- tims of the 7.8 magnitude quake and a second tremor 17 days later. Among those returning to Nepal are adven- Taleban claims killing turers like Australian photographer Athena Zelandonii, who is trekking again to attend a cer- of Minority Minister emony of remembrance on Monday in Langtang village, obliterated by a huge rockfall that took the lives of 285 locals and foreigners. They will be PESHAWAR: The Pakistani Taleban has (PTI) party rules the restive northwestern remembered at the memorial event where, start- claimed the killing of a provincial minister province, urged his government to set up ing at 11:56 a.m., the name of each victim will be for minority affairs who was shot dead in a an inquiry commission. read out. “There was no question of not coming restive northwestern district. Gunmen on “Shocked at murder of PTI’s KP MPA & back,” Zelandonii, 26, told Reuters in the capital motorbikes stopped Sardar Soran Singh’s Minorities Minister Sooran Singh. KP govt Kathmandu. Part of a group of people who car in Buner district, some 160 kilometers must immed set up inquiry. A great loss for searched for loved ones or themselves lived northeast of Peshawar, Friday evening and all of us,” Khan tweeted. “When will Pakistan through the disaster, Zelandonii survived an ava- opened fire, killing him on the spot. stop targeting minorities?” Twitter user lanche on the mountain slopes above Langtang, The Pakistani Taleban claimed responsi- Saqeena Qasim said. Others expressed sim- but was stranded for days by the rockfall. KATHMANDU: Nepalese boys swim in a river as they beat the summer heat in Kathmandu. — AFP bility for the killing of Singh, who was ilar views. “Tragic minority SoranSingh tar- Still missing in the Langtang area is American minority affairs minister for Khyber- geted by terrorists. He was a symbol of Dawn Habash, a 57-year-old yoga instructor from dot the countryside by the rubble of buildings ties. Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of the Pakhtunkhwa province. “These activities Pakistan’s bright inclusive future-May Augusta, Maine, who was trekking in Nepal for devastated by the quake. For many Nepalis it’s Nepal Mountaineering Association, disagreed, will continue until implementation of many Soran Singhs now rise!” tweeted the fourth time. Son Khaled and daughter been a lost year of political bickering over a new saying that an elite team called the Icefall Islamic system in Pakistan,” Muhammad Meriam Sabih. In 2011, the Pakistani Yasmine worked shifts to try and find out about constitution, a blockade of the Indian border by Doctors had already secured the route. “The Khurasani, spokesman for the Tehreek-e- Taleban shot dead a Christian minorities their mother after the earthquake - all they could its opponents and the failure to spend $4.1 bil- condition of the icefall now is like it was before Taleban Pakistan, said in an emailed state- minister in Islamabad. Discrimination and find out was that she was last seen walking lion in aid to rebuild, pledged by foreign donors. the earthquake,” he said. ment late Friday. Singh’s murder was widely violence against religious minorities is downhill toward Langtang just before the earth- Tourism, which accounts for 9 percent of the condemned by his fellow lawmakers and commonplace in Pakistan, where Muslims quake. Both of them and Dawn’s brother Randy economy, is down. In the mountain’s shadow rights activists. Cricketer-turned-politician account for more than 90 percent of the are in Nepal for the anniversary, and hope that at Shaheed and Anjali Kulkarni have returned to Imran Khan, whose Pakistan-Tehreek Insaf population.—AFP least her body can be found. A return to Everest the Everest region a year after they watched from “Because we need that closure,” said Khaled. Climbers have been slow to return. The num- a nearby slope as the avalanche engulfed Base “Sometimes I still get these lightning-bolt ber getting permission to scale the world’s tallest Camp. They helped carry the injured to a thoughts - what if? And that’s not healthy.” Of 181 peak, Mount Everest, in the spring fair-weather makeshift rescue centre down the mountain. The foreigners who died in the earthquake or are still window is down to 289 from last year’s 357. No return of the mountaineering couple from missing, 63 were in Langtang. Villager Kartok one reached the 8,850 metre (29,035 ft) summit Mumbai, India, is an exception. Numbers of Lama, 30, said locals had already marked the last year after an avalanche set off by the earth- trekkers have plummeted - and on less-travelled anniversary of the quake by the Tibetan calendar quake tore through Base Camp, killing at least 18 routes are still down by half - guides and lodge that they follow. They said prayers in a hut and abruptly ending the 2015 climbing season. operators say. because Langtang’s two gompas, or Buddhist The disaster, and a fatal avalanche the year One is Sunita Rai, who is struggling to rebuild temples, had been destroyed. “Almost everyone before on the Khumbu Icefall approach from the her Khumbila Lodge in Dhole, a hamlet perched from the village is back; people are rebuilding Nepali side of the mountain, has led some climb- on a ridge 4,200 meters above sea level that is homes and hotels, and there is work going on in ing firms to reconsider whether the risks are part of the Gokyo Valley trail. “Renting this lodge the fields,” she told Reuters. “We want the tourists worth fees of $50,000 or more that clients pay to was my chance to break with the past and earn a to come back.” summit Everest. decent living,” she said. Rai has rebuilt the dining Monday’s Langtang memorial will be preced- One climber at Base Camp a year ago, room of her lodge after the earthquake, but ed by national commemorations on Sunday - Adrian Ballinger, is leading a small party to much of the two-storey stone building is still the quake anniversary by the Nepali calendar - attempt Everest’s northern route from Chinese covered in plastic sheeting. Now the 31-year-old at the site of Kathmandu’s historic Dharahara Tibet. He says it is less dangerous. “It’s a beauti- worries how she will pay her yearly rent of Tower that collapsed. There will be a candlelit ful place, but a terrifying place,” the American $4,700 - seven times Nepal’s annual per capita vigil that night and three days of national said of Nepal. A dry winter and global warming income - and works as a porter at times. “The has made the icefall more treacherous than trekkers haven’t returned so to pay it I have to BUNER, Pakistan: Pakistani mourners gather during the funeral of provincial mourning. But the commemoration will be low- ever, added Ballinger, whose expedition com- carry heavy loads up the mountain off-season,” Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Soran Singh in Buner district, some 160 kilome- key in a country where one in seven people still pany Alpenglow has suffered no Everest fatali- she said. — Reuters ters northeast of Peshawar. —AFP live in makeshift homes, mostly tin shelters that SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 INTERNATIONAL North Korea tests submarine-launched missile

SEOUL: North Korea yesterday tested Korea gears up for a rare and much- what appeared to be a submarine- hyped ruling party congress early launched ballistic missile in the Sea of next month, at which leader Kim Japan, the South Korean defense min- Jong-Un is expected to take credit for istry said. “North Korea launched a pushing the country’s nuclear projectile which was believed to be a weapons program to new heights. submarine-launched ballistic missile Numerous analysts have suggested (SLBM) around 6:30 pm in the East Sea the regime might carry out a fifth (Sea of Japan) near the northeastern nuclear test as a display of defiance port of Sinpo”, a defense ministry and strength just before the congress spokesman said. “We are keeping opens. Tension has been high on the close tabs on the North Korean mili- divided Korean peninsula since tary and maintaining a full defense Pyongyang’s fourth nuclear test in posture”, he said. January and rocket launch a month It was not immediately known later that was widely seen as a dis- whether the launch was a success, he guised ballistic missile test. added. The SLBM’s engine ignited after The UN Security Council responded it was ejected from a 2,000-ton Sinpo- by imposing its strongest sanctions to class submarine but was airborne for “a date over the North’s nuclear weapons couple of minutes,” South Korea’s program. Pyongyang has responded Yonhap News Agency said citing a gov- by staging a series of short- and mid- ernment source. North Korea has been range missile tests and claiming a pushing to acquire SLBM capability that series of significant technical break- would take its nuclear strike threat to a throughs in its nuclear strike capabili- new level, allowing deployment far ty. It claimed it had miniaturized a beyond the Korean peninsula and the nuclear warhead to fit on a missile and potential to retaliate in the event of a successfully tested an engine nuclear attack. It has conducted a num- designed for an inter-continental bal- ber of what it says were successful listic missile that could reach the US SLBM tests, but experts question the mainland. While some experts say the claim, suggesting Pyongyang had gone claims are exaggerated, most little further than a “pop-up” test from a acknowledge that the North’s nuclear submerged platform. and ballistic missile programs have RYANGGANG: This undated photo shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (center) at the Paektusan Hero The test-firing comes as North made significant strides. — AFP Youth Power Station No 3 in Ryanggang Province. — AFP Darfur votes for 5-state status quo

KHARTOUM: Sudan said yesterday almost endum,” Mohamed Abdelrahman, 98 percent of Darfur voters favored main- spokesman for the Sudan Liberation Army, taining the war-torn region as five states in told AFP from Uganda by phone. “It does a referendum that faced international criti- not express the opinion of Darfur people cism and an opposition boycott. The refer- as those who have been displaced and are endum on whether to unite Darfur into a living in camps and other parts of Sudan single autonomous region was held over boycotted it.” three days between April 11 and 13. Darfur Bashir, whose ruling National Congress referendum commission chief Omar Ali Party supports the five-state system, had Jamaa announced at a press conference insisted the ballot take place as stipulated that of those who took part, “97.72 percent in a 2011 peace agreement signed with voted for five states”. “Of 3,535,281 regis- some rebel groups. Darfur was a single tered voters, 3,207,596 cast their votes” in a region until 1994 when the government referendum that was monitored by inter- split it into three states, and later added national observers including the Arab another two in 2012, claiming it would League and the African Union, he said. make local government more efficient. A united Darfur with greater autonomy Clashes between troops and the Sudan has long been a demand of ethnic minority Liberation Army led by Abdulwahid Nur in insurgents battling the Khartoum govern- the Jebel Marra mountain range in the ment of President Omar Al-Bashir since heart of Darfur have forced at least 100,000 2003, but they boycotted the vote, calling people from their homes since mid- it unfair. Washington had also voiced con- January, the United Nations says. cern, warning that the referendum “held Ethnic minority rebels in Darfur mount- under current rules and conditions... can- ed an insurgency against Khartoum’s Arab- not be considered a credible expression of dominated government of Bashir - who is the will of the people”. wanted for alleged war crimes in the con- MANILA: Supporters of Philippine presidential front-runner candidate Rodrigo Duterte seen during Duterte’s campaign Rebel groups had questioned how dis- flict - complaining of marginalization. More sortie in Manila yesterday. — AFP placed would vote, and residents of three than 2.5 million people displaced by the camps for internally displaced people in conflict live in the vast region of western central Darfur also protested against it. “We Sudan and 300,000 have been killed in the Philippine presidential candidate don’t acknowledge the result of this refer- conflict, according to UN figures. — AFP Duterte vows to ‘kill criminals’ Tough-talking favorite hits the stumps

MANILA: Philippine presidential candidate May 9 with Duterte holding a clear lead over four China to resolve overlapping claims in the South Rodrigo Duterte yesterday renewed his vow to other candidates, including Aquino’s preferred China Sea, in a reversal of Aquino’s policy of mul- kill criminals as the tough-talking favorite hit the successor. Analysts say Duterte’s profanity-laced tilateral discussions with other claimants and stump in the capital heading into the home campaign resonates in a chaotic, high-crime international arbitration. Prior to the Manila rally, stretch of a controversial campaign. Seen by fans society with limited opportunities for a vast Duterte met late Friday with Eduardo Manalo, and foes alike as a real-life “Dirty Harry” from a underclass working for a tiny elite. chief minister of the conservative religious group southern city made infamous by shadowy vigi- This was despite having called Pope Francis a Church of Christ to seek the support of the influ- lante death squads, the 71-year-old mayor of “son of a bitch” and making crass comments ential organization, known by its initials INC. Davao is the surprise favorite in the race to suc- about the jailhouse rape of an Australian lay The group, which does not disclose its mem- ceed President Benigno Aquino. “The drug push- Christian missionary who was killed in a 1989 bership size, votes as one in line with what fol- ers, kidnappers, robbers, find them all and arrest prison riot in Duterte’s own city. His April 12 lowers describe as biblical doctrines on unity. them. If they resist, kill them all,” he told about comments, in which he suggested that as may- Politicians routinely make a beeline for its sup- 2,000 people who cheered and shook their fists or he should have been the first in line to rape port during elections. “I laid out my program to during a central Manila rally shortly after mid- the victim, drew widespread public condemna- fight crime, illegal drugs and corruption.... night. “Go ahead and charge me with murder, so tion, including from the ambassadors of key Should God will me to win, I will fight for the I could also kill you.” allies the United States and Australia. The unre- rights as well as the religious freedom of millions Duterte had earlier pledged to kill 100,000 pentant candidate later told the envoys to “shut of INC members,” Duterte said in a statement. criminals and dump so many in Manila Bay that up” and steer clear of domestic politics, while INC spokesmen confirmed the meeting the “fish will grow fat” from feeding on them. also grudgingly issuing an apology over the Saturday. The Duterte meeting meant all four of More than 50 million people in the mainly rape comments. the major presidential candidates have met with KHARTOUM: Darfur referendum commission chief Omar Ali Jamaa holds a press Catholic Asian nation are qualified to vote on He has also vowed to hold direct talks with the INC leader. — AFP conference yesterday in the Sudanese capital. — AFP Merkel kissed by Syrian refugee kids

NIZIP, Turkey: German Chancellor Angela Merkel centre, bending to praise the drawings of several take stock of the implementation of the migrant visited a refugee camp on the Turkish-Syrian bor- children armed with coloring pencils in a brightly- deal and discuss the next steps, as well as evaluate der yesterday, kicking off a high-stakes visit aimed decorated classroom, before receiving presents conditions on the ground for those who have fled at boosting a month-old migrant deal plagued by and kisses from other youngsters. the devastating five-year war in Syria. Judith moral and legal concerns. Merkel, joined by Sunderland, Human Rights Watch’s acting deputy European Council head Donald Tusk and European Fraught Ties director for Europe, said that instead of “touring a Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans, Ties between Germany and Turkey are strained sanitized refugee camp”, the delegation “should go headed to the Nizip 2 camp near Gaziantep after following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s warn- to the detention centre for people who were abu- touching down in the country’s south-east. ing that the deal to curb the migrant flow to sively deported from Greece”. “Welcome to Turkey, the world’s largest refugee Europe would fall through if the EU did not keep hosting country,” read a huge banner hanging up its end of the bargain by allowing visa-free Refugee Schools, Hospitals over the entrance to the camp, which hosts some travel for Turkish citizens. The bloc promised to “We have schools and hospitals, life is good 5,000 people, including 1,900 children, in row present a visa recommendation on May 4 if Ankara here,” Mohamed Tomos, 49, who fled Damascus upon row of white and beige prefabricated hous- complies with its side of the accord, but there has with his wife and four children and now lives with es. The aim of the visit is to promote the six-bil- been growing unease in Europe over fears that them in Nizip 2, told AFP. “But we want to know lion-euro ($6.7 billion) deal to return migrants security concerns are being fudged to fast-track what our future holds. If the war ended today, arriving on Greek shores to Turkey, which has Turkey’s application. tomorrow I would go to Syria,” he said. The leaders come under fire from rights groups, the UN US President Barack Obama yesterday hailed will wind up the visit with a joint press conference refugee agency and some EU leaders. Merkel’s “courageous” leadership in handling the with Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The European leaders are keen to show how Syrian refugee crisis. But Hungary’s Prime Minister Many in Europe will be watching closely to see funds are helping Turkey improve conditions for Viktor Orban said the EU had “sold out to Turkey” if the delegation takes a stand against the deterio- the 2.7 million refugees the country is hosting - and the consequences were “impossible to pre- ration of rights. Tusk set the tone for a confronta- though critics have pointed out the majority live in dict”, adding: “The security of the European Union tional visit on Friday, when he insisted “our free- poverty far from the official camps. Security for the cannot be in the hands of a power outside the EU.” doms, including freedom of expression, will not be visit was high: The delegation arrived at the camp The success of the deal, which has sharply reduced subject to any political bargaining. This message on a coach with snipers on the roof. Police had ear- the number of people crossing from Turkey to must be heard by President Erdogan.” His com- lier arrested six people suspected of links to the Greece, was also called into question, with the ments came as Turkish scholars and journalists, GAZIANTEP, Turkey: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Prime Islamic State group accused of plotting an attack. International Organization for Migration (IOM) say- who have criticized the state’s policies on Kurds Minister Ahmet Davutoglu talk with refugee children at a preschool during Merkel met some of the camp’s younger residents ing the numbers were “once again ticking up”. and Syria, stood trial in Istanbul accused of betray- a visit to a refugee camp yesterday on the Turkish-Syrian border. — AFP as she inaugurated an EU-funded child protection Merkel had said the Turkey visit was a chance to ing the state. — AFP NEWS SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Spain marks 400th anniversary... Continued from Page 1 master’s judgment is unsound, but he sticks by him. The book has been a bestseller in many languages since it And a popular TV cookery show asked competitors to was first published in December 1604. Cervantes’ produce menus linked to the region of La Mancha where descriptive ability convey many elements of Spain that “Don Quixote” is set. A fusion of fantasy and reality, the readers can still recognize, including some regional book narrates the journeys and adventures by its hero recipes that have come down the centuries almost and his mule-straddling squire, Sancho Panza. unchanged. Alonso Quijano is an unremarkable gentleman who, Modern research has revealed details about Cervantes after immersing himself in countless books about adven- that have increased interest in him and his work. A man of turous knights, decides to become one himself. Taking no formal schooling, he was 58 when “Don Quixote” was the name Don Quixote de La Mancha, he mounts his nag published. His life was nomadic and full of hardship. He took Rocinante and ventures out from a nameless village in part in the brutal naval battle of Lepanto that left him with a the heart of Spain to right the wrongs of the world and shattered left arm. Then he spent five years as a hostage in defend the oppressed. Algeria from where the Barefoot Trinitarians nuns in Madrid He is clearly mad and mistakes inns for enchanted cas- rescued him by paying his ransom. An archaeological exca- tles, peasant girls for stunning princesses and confuses vation in 2014 found what experts concluded were windmills with malevolent giants. Sancho knows his Cervantes’ bones buried in their convent. — AP

Hamas beefs up border to ease rift... Continued from Page 1 Palestinians and weapons from Gaza to Egypt and Salafists from Sinai into the Gaza Strip.” In exchange, he said, Egypt Israel has maintained a blockade of Gaza since 2006, will consider easing border restrictions at the Rafah border and recently banned the supply of cement and con- crossing with Gaza, the territory’s only transit point not struction materials for the private sector, citing security controlled by Israel. concerns. The Hamas interior ministry said 2015 was the worst Hamas initially refused to accept Egypt’s Sisi, accusing year for access in recent years, with Rafah open for just 21 him of carrying out a coup against Morsi, but Mukhaimer days in total. “Hamas’s ultimate goal is to improve the rela- Abu Sada, professor of political science at Gaza’s Al Azhar tionship with the Egyptians to the point where they open University, said there had been a “shift in policy” in recent the Rafah crossing as it was when Morsi was in power,” Abu weeks. A delegation headed by Hamas political bureau Sada said. Interior ministry spokesman Iyad Al-Bozum member Mussa Abu Marzouk held talks in Egypt last called on Cairo to open the crossing to alleviate the suffer- month aimed at normalizing relations. “Hamas and Egypt ing of the Gazan people. Abu Sada said that while Hamas have agreed to look to the future and try to forget about was still ideologically wedded to Morsi’s Muslim the past,” Abu Sada said. Brotherhood, it had largely broken off its political relation- “Hamas was asked by the Egyptians to control the bor- ship. “They still belong to the same ideology but they are, Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following an airstrike yesterday in der area between Gaza and Egypt - to stop infiltration of in a way, being practical.” — AFP the rebel-held neighborhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo. — AFP

US shootings in two states leave 14 dead World marks Bard’s 400th ’versary Continued from Page 1 be a monster to go in and do something like that.” Continued from Page 1 Children currently studying at the school are carrying a Schools in Pike County and surrounding areas were quill to the Globe in London by cycling, rowing, and run- Several victims were in bed when they were shot, placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure, local “Let me shake hands with everyone. That was won- ning the 165-km journey. From Warsaw, to Dubai and Las Reader said. The first and fourth crime scenes are sepa- media reported. Agents from the Attorney General’s derful. I don’t want it to stop,” Obama told them. Vegas, Shakespeare’s plays will also be playing to packed rated by 50 km, the sheriff’s office said. Bureau of Criminal Investigation were leading the inves- Stratford, where Shakespeare was born and died, houses to mark the occasion, highlighting the interna- Earlier, DeWine and Reader said in a joint statement tigation, the statement said. Ohio Governor and kicked off the day’s merriment with a parade of perform- tional appeal of the English language’s leading play- that the first seven victims had been found “in three Republican presidential candidate John Kasich tweeted ers wearing pantaloons, ruffs and codpieces through its wright. “Everyone knows about ‘Romeo and Juliet’, about Union Hill Road homes in Pike County”, a rural commu- that the situation was “beyond comprehension”. historic streets, ending at his grave. Visitors, performers ‘Hamlet’ and ‘King Lear’. Those iconic shapes speak to nity about 80 miles east of Cincinnati. “There is a threat Meanwhile, six people were found dead in northern and literature buffs from around the world descended everyone because they are embedded in human culture,” there and I believe that threat to be armed and danger- Georgia, in two separate incidents believed to be a on the sleepy central English market town for a day of Dromgoole said, just before welcoming the “Hamlet” cast ous,” Reader said. Investigators have interviewed more domestic dispute, Columbia county sheriff’s officials theatre, dancing, fireworks and music. Prince Charles, back on Friday from a tour which included a stop in than 30 people in connection with Friday’s killings. “We said, according to television reports. Local coroner heir to the throne, was due to attend the “Shakespeare Sudan. “I don’t think we’ve scratched the surface of how do not know if we are talking about one individual or Vernon Collins said five people were dead in two shoot- Live!” show later yesterday, which will also be broadcast much Shakespeare can do in the world,” he added. two or three or more,” DeWine said. “Each one of the vic- ings that are possibly connected, the report added. on television in Britain and worldwide by the BBC, and The actors had embarked on a two-year Hamlet tims appears to have been executed, each one of the Firearms kill around 30,000 people in the United States beamed to cinemas around Europe. world tour in 2014, playing to more than 100,000 people victims appears to have been shot in the head.” each year. However, Republican lawmakers, many of In London, 37 short films featuring stars like Dominic in 197 countries, and put on a special performance for A woman whose newborn baby lay next to her was whom are backed by the powerful National Rifle West and Gemma Arterton - one for each of Obama. The president stood in the open-air theatre among the dead. “It’s just a terrible thing,” Sally Association, have blocked President Barack Obama’s Shakespeare’s plays - were shown on giant screens watching intently, at times swaying back and forth on McDaniel, a family friend, told ABC News. “You’d have to attempt to pass gun control legislation. — AFP snaking along the River Thames. Dominic Dromgoole, his feet to the music. He clapped loudly following the outgoing artistic director of the Globe, put show and joined actors on the stage afterwards. Shakespeare’s timeless appeal down to “fantastic stories Obama was also given a tour of the playhouse by Yemen foes hold new talks in Kuwait that sit at the heart of human experience in all forms”. Patrick Spottiswoode, director of director of education at “He’s a great wit, a great entertainer and his plays are the theatre. “You’re doing a great job,” he told Continued from Page 1 tary source said, while a drone strike killed two others generous - they make you feel more and understand Spottiswoode. The Globe was rebuilt close to its original further north. AQAP has taken advantage of chaos in more,” he told AFP. site and stages authentic period performances of plays Three rebels and two loyalists were killed yesterday Yemen since its civil war began last year to win control Although celebrations are held every year at this time by Shakespeare and others. Dromgoole said it was “an in fierce fighting in Kirsh, a town on the main highway over swathes of southern and eastern Yemen, creating a to commemorate Shakespeare’s life, organizers this year honor” to host the president - whose 2008 campaign slo- to Taez from the southern port of Aden where Hadi’s local government there and introducing services. promised something extra-special. Focal points for the gan, he added, had inspired the Hamlet world tour. government is based, military sources said. The govern- Yesterday’s clashes at Al-Koud near Zinjibar in the celebrations included Shakespeare’s family home in “At the end of an extraordinary journey all around the ment delegation is to press for the swift implementa- southern Abyan Province were between AQAP and Stratford, where it is assumed he was born in 1564, and world, it is great to return home to the Globe and to be tion of a package of confidence-building measures army forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized gov- the Holy Trinity Church, where he was buried. The able to perform a few scenes and to be welcomed back agreed at the last -abortive - round of peace talks in ernment backed by local militias, referred to locally as schoolroom where Shakespeare is believed to have by President Barack Obama,” said Dromgoole. “The spirit Switzerland in December. They include the release of the Popular Resistance. In recent weeks Hadi’s forces, learned his craft, owned by King Edward VI School, was of ‘Yes we can’ has informed the entire tour and it’s an prisoners and the lifting of blockades and other obsta- backed by coalition air strikes, have pushed towards permanently opened to visitors yesterday following a honor to meet the man who coined the phrase, and who cles to the delivery of relief supplies. Zinjibar along the beach road from Aden. Koud lies on £1.8 million ($2.6 million) renovation. exemplifies its spirit.” — Agencies The warring sides already carried out two prisoner that road only 5 km from Zinjibar, long considered an exchanges last month. The hard-won negotiations in AQAP stronghold along with the town of Jaar about 15 Kuwait opened on Thursday evening following the km to the north. A group of dozens of AQAP fighters Oil, education, health will not be privatized delayed arrival of representatives of the Shiite Houthi escaped, the military source said, adding that two army rebels and allied forces loyal to ousted president Ali soldiers were also killed. Continued from Page 1 monitoring duties to ensure that the door is open for Abdullah Saleh. The government delegation yesterday Also yesterday, an air strike from a drone killed two competition. Among the salient features of the reform said it would only meet Ould Cheikh Ahmed and not sit men south of the Yemeni city of Marib suspected of However, he added the reform plan supports pre- plan, he said, is the imperative of protecting current directly with the Houthis, the source said. belonging to Al-Qaeda, local residents said by phone. serving the nation’s resources in all sectors and only jobs for Kuwaiti nationals and creating more job Meanwhile, Yemen’s government forces battled Al- The United States has used drone strikes in Yemen to seeks better management of them. Saleh added that opportunities for them. He stressed that the reform Qaeda in the country’s south yesterday, aiming to push target AQAP leaders, the global jihadist group’s local the reform plan, while eschewing privatization, seeks plan would only be implemented after it is voted on by back advances the militant group has made. Fifteen wing, which has plotted to place bombs on internation- to channel public services into shareholding public lawmakers, and welcomed observations about the plan fighters loyal to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula al airliners and has encouraged attacks in Western coun- companies in which the public will be a major share- from the lawmakers or economists or members of the (AQAP) were killed in the clashes, residents and a mili- tries. — Agencies holder along with the government, which will perform public. — KUNA SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 ANALYSIS

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Washington Watch Prince a unique political force

By Shaun Tandon

mong rock stars, Prince came off as almost other- worldly, an effete pansexual who cherished his own Aseclusion. Yet through that very image, and occa- sional forays into more direct advocacy, the artist became a unique political force. Relishing the fluidity of his own image - Prince was a straight African American yet was often mistaken for white, Hispanic or gay - the gender- bending singer presented a new form of black masculinity in the age of hip-hop. Prince, who was fond of showing up unannounced, appeared at the 2015 Grammy Awards in a shiny orange suit, but made a bigger statement in his brief remarks. “Like books and black lives, albums still matter,” Prince said with his boyish grin, in a reference to the burgeoning Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality. The jolt by Prince, Washington Watch who died unexpectedly Thursday at age 57, marked a turn back into an overtly political role in the final year of his life. Soon afterwards, he released “Baltimore” - a tribute to A lesson America can teach slain African Americans belied by an upbeat closing chant, “If there ain’t no justice then there ain’t no peace” - and per- formed a charity show in the eastern city in the wake of By Dr James J Zogby 2012, five presidential candidates declared that there are still lessons that can be learned from identity and the absorptive and transformative sometimes violent protests against alleged police brutality. before they would allow any Muslim American the American experience that can be helpful capacity of America, defines the difference Prince’s transformation from a reclusive eccentric to a com- urope clearly has a problem with anti- to work in their administration, they would have for Europeans to consider. Despite the current between the US and European experiences. munity healer was abrupt but was not out of character. Semitism, Islamophobia, and intolerance to take a special loyalty oath. And in this year’s negative climate being created by bigots and And it is important - because it provides a light On his 1981 track “Ronnie, Talk to Russia”, Prince aimed Etoward new immigrants. In an effort to presidential contest, major candidates have Islamophobes, America has traversed the road at the end of the tunnel for our diverse ethnic his infectious funk at newly elected president Ronald examine this worrisome set of concerns, the called for a ban on all Muslim immigrants to the to intolerance before and has always found a and religious communities. Reagan, voicing fears that his initially hawkish stance commission on which I sit as a member - the US. The anti-Muslim campaign made its way way to right itself. The solution can be found in I have experienced it in my own life and against the Soviet Union would trigger world war. Prince United States Commission on International down to the state level. Since 2010, 36 state leg- the absorptive quality of the American identity. that of my community and I know that despite turned bleaker toward the end of the Reagan presidency Religious Freedom - recently convened a discus- islatures have either passed or are considering Immigrants from all over the world have the current rantings of the likes of Trump, with the stripped-down R&B sound of “Sign O’ The Times,” sion with European Muslims and Jews. legislation designed to block the application of come here - faced hardships, at first - but then Gingrich, Cruz and company, within a genera- an indictment of the social destruction he saw around him I delivered closing remarks and used the sharia law - a gratuitous and bizarre effort, at become “American”. In the mid-19th century, tion, change will come. The problem is that including the AIDS crisis. opportunity to note that while the American best, since no one has ever proposed introduc- Irish Catholic churches and the homes of Irish this process of inclusion and transformation Prince was similarly distraught over the state of the world experience could provide a helpful model, I did ing sharia law. The entire campaign has simply immigrants were burned to the ground. Eastern doesn’t yet apply in Europe. After three gener- in 2004 on “Dear Mr Man,” which came out soon after presi- not see the exchange as a finger pointing exer- been one of fear-mongering using the Muslim and Central Europeans were denounced as “lazy ations of Pakistanis in the UK, North Africans in dent George W Bush’s invasion of Iraq, yet expressed a futili- cise, since anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are community as a foil. drunkards”. Syrians were called “parasites” and France, or Kurds in Germany, they are still seen ty about voting. “Who said to kill is a sin / Then started every not alien to the United States. FBI hate crime The impact of this incitement has been dis- “trash”. Italians were lynched in the South in the as foreigners - Pakis, Arabs, or Turks. single war that your people been in?” sang Prince in a song statistics establish that in the last reporting year, astrous on public opinion. In 2010, polls early part of the 20th century or persecuted as This came through in a recent painful and rich with biblical allusions. 58 percent of all religion-based hate crimes showed that the American public still had a net potential anarchist saboteurs, and Jewish poignant editorial in the New York Times writ- were directed against Jews, 17 percent were favorable attitude toward American Muslims - Americans were tormented as socialists or ten by Zia Haider Rahman. He writes of his An Alternative Masculinity against Muslims. And according to a 2015 48 percent favorable to 33 unfavorable. By 2015, Communists. German, Italian, and Japanese frustration at still being referred to as a Yet Prince’s most lasting political impact may not have report issued by the Southern Poverty Law those numbers had dramatically shifted to 33 Americans were rounded up and incarcerated Bangladeshi despite the fact that “I hold a come from his protest songs but through his own idiosyn- Center, there are 34 anti-Muslim hate groups percent favorable vs 37 percent unfavorable. during World War II. British passport and don’t hold a Bangladeshi crasies, both musical and stylistic. The Purple One was an operating in the US, 10 Holocaust denial Not only has this campaign had an impact But that was never the end of the story, one...don’t even speak Bengali...was educated undisputed master of the electric guitar, so much that Eric groups, and 19 anti-Semitic “Christian identity” on attitudes toward Muslims, in general, it has because despite the rantings of bigots, no in Britain, worked in Britain”. He concludes that Clapton once responded when asked how it felt to be the organizations. influenced the public’s attitudes toward wel- ethnicity defines being American. It hasn’t “it is Britain’s inherent cultural problem with greatest guitar player alive, “I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Most of these anti-Semitic groups - though coming new immigrants from Muslim coun- been easy and there have been those who otherness that makes it so difficult for the Prince.” With his ability to play behind his back and blindfold- dangerous - operate on the fringes of our socie- tries. The result is that American attitudes have resisted welcoming the newest group - but, in native to call me British”. ed and to bring the audience into a trance with his solos, ty. They have been repudiated and find no place become almost identical to the intolerant views the end, the bigots always lost and the idea of And so, despite our shared problem with Prince would have been the envy of bands in the largely in our mainstream political discourse. of some Europeans. becoming American has always won Europe, this is the lesson America can teach. It white genre of metal, yet the era’s guitar virtuoso was a Nevertheless, their impact is still felt in the hun- In a recent poll conducted by Zogby out.Becoming American is like alchemy. It is may take us some time and, in every age, our proud African American. dreds of hate crimes they foment. This has not Research Services in six European countries and transformative. And as successive waves of bigots are still with us, but our immigrants and And Prince pursued a distinctly androgynous style - he been the case with anti-Muslim speech and the US, we found that while in almost every immigrants have become American, the idea their children do become American and, in the would sing in high heels and for years represented himself behavior. While many of the Islamophobic country (except the UK) a majority or plurality of America, itself, has changed. Who can even process, we change the very meaning of being with the unpronounceable “love symbol”. His creation of groups also spew their hate in dark corners, would strongly support welcoming European begin to describe “American” culture, fashion, American. Ask Barack Hussein Obama, Bernie his own sexual identity paralleled another music legend anti-Muslim rhetoric has found its way into our immigrants into their communities, in every music, or cuisine, without seeing the impact Sanders, Leon Panetta, or Norm Mineta. Or, who recently died, David Bowie, who went further by con- mainstream political discourse creating a nega- country a majority or plurality would strongly of Irish, Polish, German, Italian, African, you can ask me - the son of a Syrian/Lebanese sidering himself bisexual. But Prince’s example took on a tive political climate for American Muslims. oppose welcoming Muslim immigrants. Hispanic, Jewish, and Arab. illegal immigrant, who became an American. new dimension as he was an African American whose In 2010, for example, there was the national career started amid the birth of hip-hop, a genre often campaign to block efforts to build a Muslim Shared Problem Identity NOTE: Dr James J Zogby is the President of the marked by hyper-masculinity. community center in southern Manhattan. In So we have a shared problem. Nevertheless, This matter of an ever-expanding American Arab American Institute Judith Peraino, a professor of musicology at Cornell University, noted that Prince welcomed women musicians in his bands and often presented himself lyrically as the receiv- ing partner in heterosexual relationships on songs such as Three years after Rana, has anything changed? “Do Me, Baby”. “That’s quite revolutionary in that he’s pre- senting masculinity, and actually heterosexuality, but giving By Rina Chandran industry with $25 billion in annual revenue. above or below. You would see all the certifi- to an Accord on Fire and Building Safety in it a passive side - a womanized masculinity,” she said. Prince Sixty percent of the clothes go to Europe, 23 cates, however these with Rana Plaza were later Bangladesh, which oversees more than 1,600 created a space for African American men to see a way “that hree years after the Rana Plaza disaster in percent to the United States and 5 percent to proved to be false. I don’t think industry antici- factories used by retailers like H&M, Marks & can be sexual and masculine, yet not predatory, not aggres- Bangladesh that killed more than 1,100 Canada. The minimum monthly wage for gar- pated those buildings would collapse.” Spencer and Primark. Accord inspectors set out sive, not denigrating to women, but rather a relationship factory workers, the rights and safety of ment workers in Bangladesh is $68, compared After the Rana Plaza collapse on April 24, structural, electrical and fire-safety improve- that empowers women in the dynamic,” she said. T workers are in greater focus, but progress in fix- with about $280 in mainland China, which nev- 2013, a former chief engineer of the state-run ment plans for most of the factories. ing problems in the supply chain is slow, ertheless remains the world’s biggest clothes Capital Development Authority said the owner But nearly three years on, about 70 percent Political Surprises experts and activists say. Global fashion retailers exporter. had not received proper consent for the build- of those plans are behind schedule, according Despite his vast influence, the rarely predictable Prince say the tragedy prompted them to work British budget fashion chain Primark, which ing, and that an extra three storeys were added to data on its website. North American brands, often baffled fans with his views. In 1990, he donated mon- together more closely to protect workers in was sourcing some clothing from Rana Plaza, illegally. More than 40 defendants face charges meanwhile, signed up with a different inspec- ey in his home state of Minnesota to Republican senator developing nations and ensure the safety of said companies had recognized the need to over the disaster, but about 24 of the accused tion group, the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Rudy Boschwitz, who was not known to be close to the buildings. There has also been legislation to ensure that workers were paid fairly and condi- have absconded. Safety. Setting and maintaining standards is singer and lost to the leftwing icon Paul Wellstone. And as a ensure greater supply-chain transparency. tions were good, but building safety had not tough, Labowitz said. “There are economic, geo- Jehovah’s Witness in the final 15 years of his life, Prince sur- “You have about 200 brands working been an issue. “It is fair to say that the industry Behind Schedule graphic and political factors with supply chains. prised many in his large gay fan base by appearing to together, and there’s definitely more trans- had not considered structural integrity of build- The disaster led to the creation of two inter- How do you ensure governance across them? A oppose same-sex marriage equality in 2008. parency, more attention to the issue of human ings as a risk,” Paul Lister, head of Primark’s ethi- national coalitions designed to assess and help global inspection system is difficult,” she said. But less than a year before Prince’s death, he was invit- rights in the global supply chain,” Sarah cal trading team, told the Thomson Reuters fund improvements to building and fire safety The slow pace of inspections led Primark to ed to give a private concert at the White House for Labowitz, co-director of the Center for Business Foundation in a recent interview. “You would at thousands of garment factories in employ its own structural surveyor to monitor President Barack Obama and a largely African American and Human Rights at the NYU Stern School of look inside the building, but not onto the floor Bangladesh. Most European retailers signed up the 100 factories in Bangladesh and 60 or so in group of friends. Obama, known as a Prince fan, mourned Business in New York, told the Thomson Reuters Pakistan from which it sources its products, the singer as “one of the most gifted and prolific musicians Foundation. “But in addressing fire safety, build- Lister said. “These are the countries where you of our time”. On a visit to London on Friday, Obama said he ing safety, workers’ protection - there aren’t have these high-rise factories and the added got ready for his day with the help of the turntable at the enough practical discussions around these corruption of allowing these factories to be US ambassador’s residence, turning on Prince’s “Delirious” issues, not enough financing. So not enough built when they should not be,” said Lister. “The and “Purple Rain”. — AFP has changed,” said Labowitz, who wrote a report risk is greater.” on the aftermath of the disaster, published in December. A Tinderbox All articles appearing on these In the Rana Plaza disaster, one of the worst In neighboring India, also a hub for clothing pages are the personal opinion of ever industrial accidents, 1,135 people were manufacture and export, retailers H&M, Inditex, killed when an eight-storey building housing C&A and PVH committed earlier this year to the writers. Kuwait Times takes no five garment factories supplying global brands improving the lives of workers in the southern responsibility for views expressed suddenly collapsed. The collapse of the com- city of Bengaluru, after a report said employees therein. Kuwait Times invites read- plex, built on swampy ground outside the capi- lived in appalling conditions and were denied ers to voice their opinions. Please tal Dhaka, sparked demands for greater safety decent wages and freedom of movement. in the world’s second-largest exporter of ready- Activists say workers’ conditions are still far from send submissions via email to: opin- made garments and put pressure on compa- ideal, and chances of another disaster like Rana [email protected] or via snail nies buying clothing from Bangladesh to act. Plaza remain high. “While compensation for vic- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. tims became a priority after the disaster, the Low Wages perennial problems of safety, health and pre- The editor reserves the right to edit The duty-free access offered by Western vention still need to be addressed,” said any submission as necessary. nations and low wages for its workers helped This photograph taken on April 21, 2016 shows a view of a fire escape at a Gopinath Parakuni, general-secretary of non- turn Bangladesh’s garment exports into an Bangladesh garment factory in Dhaka. — AFP profit Cividep India. — Reuters SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 SPORTS

Fu into last eight at Red Star match postponed India’s Kapur closes World championships after fan killed in fight in on victory in Japan

LONDON: Hong Kong’s Marco Fu reached the quarter-finals of the World BELGRADE: Red Star Belgrade’s match at Serbian top division TOKYO: India’s Shiv Kapur fired a two-under-par 69 to grab a one-stroke Snooker Championships in Sheffield late Friday with a 13-9 win over Scottish rivals Borac Cacak was postponed yesterday after one of their lead from Japan’s Kodai Ichihara at the Panasonic Open after yesterday’s qualifier Anthony McGill. The 14th seed was the first player to reach the last supporters was killed in a fight with rival fans. “The third round. After 14 straight pars, Kapur carded back-to-back birdies on 15 eight, the third time he has reached that stage in his career and the first time in Superleague’s director made the decision after consultations and 16 to reach the clubhouse at nine-under 204 at the $1.25 million event 10 years. The 38-year-old Fu took a 9-7 lead into the evening session and won with the representatives of both clubs, the Football sanctioned by the Japanese and Asian tours. Overnight leader Ichihara, four of the next six frames, aided by a superb century break in the Association of Serbia and the Interior Ministry,” Red Star said chasing a maiden career victory in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo, finished in fourth frame of the night, to see off his younger opponent. The 25- on their website (www.crvenazvezdafk.com). “In a tragic event regulation to lie one adrift with Australia’s Marcus Fraser-the cur- year-old McGill, who defeated last year’s runner-up Shaun Murphy that occurred on the night between Friday and Saturday, a rent Order of Merit leader-a further shot back after a 67. in the first round, closed the margin to 9-8 but Fu responded with Red Star fan lost his life. “The club extends its sincere condo- Helped by a 40-foot save on the eighth hole, Kapur put a break of 56 to regain a two-frame lead at 10-8. Fu looked unsure lences to the fan’s family. The new date for the match will be himself in prime position to become the third Indian to as McGill sealed the next frame 62-15 to make it 10-9, but rallied announced in due course.” Belgrade media reported that fans win in Japan after Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa. with breaks of 100, 55 and 69 to take the next three and finish off clashed in the central Serbian city in the early hours of “That save was a bonus and kept my head in it,” said the contest. In other ties former two-time champion Mark Williams, Saturday after Red Star supporters arrived in droves. Cacak Kapur. “You can’t play average golf and win. I have to go pushed hard by qualifier Michael Holt, will take a 10-6 lead into the hospital spokeswoman Biljana Kocovic said two fans were out and play good golf.” South Korea’s K.T. Kim, bidding to final session of his second round match on Saturday after- admitted with stab wounds at around 3.30 am CET (0130 win for the second week running, Taiwan’s Hung Chien- noon and Ali Carter will take a two-frame lead into the GMT) local time, adding that one had died. “A young man yao, Korean Lee Sang-hee and Thailand’s final session of his second round match against veteran born in 1995 succumbed to his wounds while the other is in Khrongpha Thanyakorn were tied with Fraser at Alan McManus yesterday morning. —AFP intensive care but his life is not in danger,” Kocovic was quoted 206, along with Japan’s Yuta Ikeda. — AFP as saying by the B92 website (www.b92.net). —Reuters Ace aims to put badminton Legendary David seeks and Guatemala on map GUATEMALA CITY: In a football-mad that badminton was opening doors for world title on home soil nation of Spanish-speakers like me, and in order to avoid injury, I Guatemala, it is hard for people to even decided to dedicate myself to it,” pronounce badminton, much less take Cordon said. KUALA LUMPUR: Squash legend Nicol David an interest in a sport more associated Luis Barrios, a sports analyst with defends her world title on Malaysian home soil with Asia than the Americas. the digital daily Soy502, said Cordon beginning tomorrow, but this time in the unfa- So hats off to Kevin Cordon-report- had made a dent in Guatemalans’ foot- miliar position of underdog. edly named after English former foot- ball obsession and opened up some The eight-time world champion dominated baller Kevin Keegan-who has been room for racquets and shuttlecocks. the sport for the past decade but has seen her playing since he was 11 and has surged “Before Kevin, badminton was not aura of invincibility fade. She has won just one to number 49 in the badminton world widely played or well known in tournament in the past year and surrendered rankings. Guatemala, although it is present in the sport’s top rank last September after a his- He has enjoyed international suc- some areas,” Barrios said. Jose Maria toric nine-year run. As a result, one of the more cess, winning the Pan Am singles Solis, Cordon’s coach since he was 16, competitive fields in years is expected for the championship twice in a row, also com- said Cordon has inspired more young PSA Women’s World Championships, led by cur- peting in the Beijing and London people to play badminton in rent world number one Laura Massaro of Olympics, and will proudly represent Guatemala. Cordon won gold at the England. David, the second seed in Malaysia and his Central American nation in Rio de Pan Am games in Guadalajara, Mexico fifth-ranked player in the world, admits she has Janeiro come August. And to think all in 2011, then defended his title in had to adjust her expectations. of this almost did not happen. Toronto in 2015. At London 2012, he After losing her top rank, the 32-year-old “I got to know badminton by acci- went out in the knockout rounds, but vowed to win it back, but now says she is dent,” Cordon, 29, told AFP before a his two wins to get there were the first focussing simply on keeping her game sharp. “It session at the Olympic training village by a Guatemalan in the sport at any was an amazing achievement for me to be the in Guatemala City. Badminton buffs in Olympics. world number one for nine years, but now for me it’s more about personal development,” she his town of La Union, in eastern Solis urged authorities in said yesterday. Guatemala, put on an exhibition at his Guatemala, a poor country wracked by “People will want me to chase the top spot, and other schools, and Cordon was gang and drug violence, to earmark but the better I understand myself, the better I smitten. “I went, and I started to play,” more money for sports federations, will play.” said the slight Cordon. “I began to which are starting to make a name- “It’s wonderful to have the tournament in practice, and three months later I had albeit a small one-on the world stage. Malaysia again and I’m just looking for a strong won my first tournament.” Over the One sport in which this is happening is start and to feel good right away.” David, known past decade, as Cordon’s trophy case racewalking. Erick Barrondo won silver simply as “Nicol” in Malaysia, where she is a KUALA LUMPUR: Current world number one Laura Massaro of England (L) speaks as Malaysia’s filled, mainly thanks to championships at the London games-the only Olympic national heroine, is yet to win the title on home Nicol David (R) looks on during a promotional event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, ahead of the in the Americas, the Guatemalan press medal Guatemala has ever earned. turf despite two previous attempts. Her last tour PSA Women’s World Championships squash tournament. — AFP began to notice and cover him closely. “For us it is very clear that sports victory came in December when she secured her Normally, it only has eyes for foot- such as badminton, racewalking, gym- 10th consecutive Hong Kong Open title. enough for me to win it,” said the Briton, who er claimed security concerns in Malaysia pre- ball-hence why his father reportedly nastics and others are doing a lot for Massaro, however, won the last time Malaysia won the British National Championship in vented it being staged. Malaysian officials, how- named him after Keegan. Guatemala, and it is a matter of raising hosted the worlds, in 2013. “I have always February. The women’s world championship ever, denied there was any security threat and “My whole family loved football. As awareness to give them more support,” played well here and as the top seed I hope to finally opens after the 2015 event was called off accused the promoters of a ploy to secure more an adult I kept playing, but when I saw said coach Solis.— AFP play my best squash, which will hopefully be in December amid controversy when its promot- financial support. —AFP

Nissan Al Babtain sponsors tourney under supervision of the PAYS

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain for Youth and Sports (PAYS) and ended on Holland Academy. The final game was on the petitive but at the same time, all the players with others that is why Nissan Al Babtain is Co., the exclusive agent of Nissan in the state April 20. 20th and there were many activities going had a good team spirit and sportsmanship. firmly committed to encourage young gen- of Kuwait is sponsoring the Nissan tourna- A total of 14 groups of academies partici- on to make sure the audience and the play- Supporting such activities gives young gen- eration to improve their creativity and devel- ment organized by Ultimate Soccer pated in the tournament between the ages ers enjoy the tournament. eration the opportunity to express them- op their skills. This was the reason behind Academy, which Nissan Al Babtain sponsors of 9 and 15 years old, 220 players participat- Ultimate Soccer Academy won the first selves individually and in groups, which will sponsoring and supporting the Ultimate as well. The tournament was held last week ed from different academies from all over place in both the 2001-2002 and the 2007- prepare them to start their career with great Soccer Academy at the first place and now under the supervision of the Public Authority Kuwait such as Barcelona Academy and 2008 category. The games were very com- confidence and the ability to communicate the Nissan tournament. SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 SPORTS Kenyan stars set to steal the spotlight in London

LONDON: Kenya’s finest runners aim to sport could do with an uplifting story or what he hopes are more positive head- as the athletes, want to send out the in contention as he continues to improve restore their country’s tarnished reputa- two and this weekend’s race in the British lines after the 26.2 mile (42.2km) race. message to the whole world, ‘Please let following a serious Achilles problem. tion when they battle for supremacy in capital should provide suitably diverting “Sport is not special, it’s just like life,” us not try to sum up and say all Kenyan In the women’s event, two-time win- the London marathon yesterday. drama. Kenya boasts the three quickest Kipsang told the Daily Telegraph. “You athletes are cheating’. No. We are clean.” ner Keitany is seen as a potential winner More than 40 Kenyan athletes have runners in the men’s elite race in Dennis find that in society there are one or two Kipchoge is bidding to become the as she returns to the form of 2012 when tested positive for banned substances Kimetto, Wilson Kipsang and last year’s criminals, but it doesn’t mean the whole first man to retain the London Marathon she broke the national record in London. over the past five years and the east winner Eliud Kipchoge, while the two society are criminals. “It doesn’t mean all title in almost a decade, but he will face a Her challenges are likely to come from African nation’s government moved to quickest women, Mary Keitany and athletes or the whole sport is cheating. strong challenge from world-record hold- compatriots Cherono, Florence Kiplagat avoid a potential ban from the Rio Gladys Cherono, both hail from the coun- All these guys, we have been tested like er Kimetto, who is back to form after a and Aselefch Mergia, with last year’s win- Olympics by passing a new law earlier try. None of that group have been impli- seven or eight times, in and out of com- knee injury. New York marathon winner ner Tigist Tufa heading up the Ethiopian this week to make doping a criminal cated in any of the doping controversies petition, and we should trust the results. Stanley Biwott, also from Kenya, and contingent. “I was very surprised by my offence. and former marathon world record hold- “Once the results come through and world champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie victory last year,” Tufa said. “I want to win With athletics already in turmoil after er Kipsang this week launched a vigorous these guys are clean then the whole of Eritrea could also pose a threat. again and I did a lot to prepare myself for the recent Russian doping scandals, the defence of his country’s athletes ahead of world should know they are clean. “We, Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele should also be this race.” —AFP Valverde looking for more success in Liege

LIEGE: Alejandro Valverde will be looking week, finishing down in 21st overall, more to take another step towards Ardennes than six minutes behind Spanish winner Classics immortality when he lines up for Mikel Landa. Lo Squalo (the shark) will be Liege-Bastogne-Liege today. expected to challenge Valverde, though. The 35-year-old Spaniard will be the man to beat in Belgium during ‘La Doyenne’ EL IMBATIDO (the oldest) having claimed a record fourth So too will the pair that finished just victory in the midweek Fleche Wallonne, behind him at Fleche, Etixx team-mates the second of the three Ardennes Classics. Julian Alaphilippe and Dan Martin. Last year Movistar’s Valverde followed up Frenchman Alaphilippe was second to his Fleche victory with a third success at Valerde at both Fleche and Liege last year Liege-two behind Belgian great Eddy and second again in Huy on Wednesday. Merckx-as well and few would bet against At just 23 years of age, Alaphilippe is a another double, even if the man himself is star in the making and sure to enjoy great less confident. Valverde’s main aim this success in the Ardennes and may be El season is to finish in the top three at next Imbatido’s biggest rival. And Alaphilippe, month’s Giro d’Italia and he is wary of put- who says his legs are feeling good after a ting his participation in that event at risk tough start to the season, is already during the Liege slog. focused on Liege. “I’ll be at the start of Liege-Bastogne- “The weather will be difficult, we’ve Liege with real hopes of winning but with- been told. You have to remain well-placed out putting my Giro participation at risk,” and think about saving energy,” he said. said Valverde. “They say the weather will Martin is another playing down his chances get worse, it will be tough for everyone. in Liege, which he won in 2013, saying that “But I’ll start with the advantage of having Valverde was too strong at Fleche despite won the Fleche. I hope it doesn’t rain.” he and Alaphilippe working together. Rain would make the road surfaces slip- “Every year, we hope that Valverde is pery and increase the risk of crashes, not less good, but he’s just a great rider,” said least in a hectic finale that has been Martin. “Every year he remains the changed slightly this year. Ahead of the favourite. But it gives us more motivation final grind up to the finish in Ans, near to beat him. Liege, the final categorised ascent on the “Julian and I are in top shape so it’s 253km course is no longer the Cote de San promising for Liege-Bastogne-Liege. It’s BARCELONA: Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori returns the ball to French tennis player Benoit Paire during the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde Nicolas 6.5km from the finish. good to have two strong riders for Liege. de Godo” tennis tournament in Barcelona yesterday. Nishikori won 3-6, 2-6. — AFP Instead there will be a brutal 600m cob- “It’ll also depend on the weather, however, bled climb just 2.5km from the finish with because I tend to suffer when it’s cold.” an average gradient of 10.5 percent, the It’s expected to be not only cold but Nadal and Nishikori set up Rue Naniot. With a fast descent both into there may also be snow. Outside of those, and off Rue Naniot the potential for calami- Australian Simon Gerrans, winner in 2014, ty is greatly increased, but so too are the and the likes of Spanish veteran Joaquim blockbuster Barcelona final opportunities to make a solo attack stick, Rodriguez, Frenchman Romain Bardet and something that has only happened once in Italian Domenico Pozzovivo, the latter pair recent years when Kazakh Maxim Iglinsky- both impressive in Trentino, could all have since banned for testing positive for drugs- their say. But one rider unlikely to be mix- Kerber reaches Stuttgart final chased down and left for dead Italian ing it with the potential winners is Tour de Vincenzo Nibali. France champion Chris Froome, whose best BARCELONA: Top two seeds Rafael Nadal Nibali will be in the field as he too pre- previous result in Liege was 36th and who and Kei Nishikori will face each other in the pares for the Giro, although he was far from will be helping Polish team-mate Michal final of the Barcelona Open today after com- his best form in the Giro del Trentino this Kwiatkowski. -— AFP fortably easing past Philipp Kohlschreiber and Benoit Paire respectively in yesterday’s semi- finals. Nadal continued his perfect start to the European clay-court season having won the Japan’s Sunwolves stun Monte Carlo Masters last week with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Kohlschreiber. Jaguares for first win The 14-time Grand Slam champion is now just one win away from matching Argentine TOKYO: Japan’s Sunwolves stunned the season, held his nerve to fire the Sunwolves legend Guillermo Vilas’s record of 49 clay- Jaguares 36-28 in a pulsating clash of back in front 29-28 before Harumichi court titles. However, Nadal will have to end Super Rugby expansion teams yesterday Tatekawa burst over with the final play to Nishikori’s hot-streak of 14 consecutive wins to post their first-ever win after a miser- trigger wild scenes at the buzzer. in Barcelona as he swept aside French sixth able run of seven defeats. It was a victory “I’m extremely proud,” said Sunwolves seed Paire 6-3, 6-2. Neither Nadal or Nishikori largely made in Samoa as flyhalf Tusi Pisi coach Mark Hammett after an emotional have even dropped a set in the Catalan capital kept the Tokyo side in the game against afternoon. “I had a bit of a tear-up in the this week and Nadal is expecting a stiff test if the explosive Argentines, booting 18 (coach’s) box and that’s something I didn’t he is to win a ninth title in Barcelona. points, including the go-ahead penalty think I would have before I came here.” “It will be a very difficult match against one eight minutes from time. Before the match, the teams observed a of the best players in the world without “To get this historic win in Japan is very minute’s silence for the victims of last doubt,” he told Spanish TV station special,” Sunwolves captain Shota Horie week’s deadly earthquakes in southern Teledeporte. “I have to be prepared and give told reporters. “We had to try to forget Japan. “We were deeply sorry not to be my best.” Nadal needed just one break to take what happened in our last game and put able to bring the people of Kyushu any everything on the line today and luckily we relief in our last game,” said Horie. “I would the first set, but had to be patient in the sec- did that.” The Sunwolves have endured a be very happy if this win can offer them ond as he fended off a break point before torrid first season in Super Rugby, with last some small hope at this difficult time.” Two winning the final four games of the match to week’s 92-17 humiliation by the Cheetahs teams who have been criss-crossing the seal his place in the final. marking yet another low. The Jaguares, globe in recent weeks wilted as the second “Of my last six matches perhaps it was the who boast 13 of the Argentina side that half wore on but Amorosino refused to one where I had least rhythm,” added Nadal. reached last year’s World Cup semi-finals, blame fatigue. “That’s the not the reason,” “I missed a lot more on my backhand, but I STUTTGART: Angelique Kerber of Germany plays against Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic dur- looked set to snap a six-match losing streak he said. “This tournament is very hard for overcame that well and (am) very happy to be ing a quarterfinal WTA Grand Prix tennis ournamentt yesterday in Stuttgart. —AFP as they opened a 13-8 halftime lead. everyone. We have to look at the video and in the final again.” Paire had beaten Nishikori Captain Agustin Creevy crashed over start again.” The Sunwolves joined Super in their two most recent meetings in 5-4, the German won the first set. seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or early before Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino Rugby on the back of Japan’s astonishing Nishikori’s homeland in Tokyo and in a five-set Kvitova used her only break of the second qualifier Laura Siegemund. Siegemund has and Emiliano Boffelli added brilliant tries, performance at the World Cup where the thriller at the US Open last year. to level before Kerber established control ear- fought her way to the final by taking out but Juan Martin Hernandez missed all three Brave Blossoms won three pool games, However, Nishikori rarely looked troubled ly in the third to build up a commanding 5-2 seeded players Simona Halep and Roberta conversions-which was to prove costly. A including a 34-32 shock upset over two- after breaking to lead 3-2 before a second lead to then win the match. Vinci in the second round and quarter-finals converted try from Facundo Isa gave the time champions South Africa. break sealed the first set 6-3. In today’s final, Kerber will play either top respectively. —AFP visitors a 25-16 advantage before the But delays bringing in playing and Both players struggled on serve early in the Sunwolves, roared on by their army of coaching staff sabotaged the team’s prepa- second, but three breaks in the first four howling fans, came storming back, sparked rations while the squad’s lack of depth games put Nishikori 3-1 in front and he went by a slashing try from New Zealander Derek prompted former Japan coach Eddie Jones, on to seal his 14th straight win in Barcelona in Carpenter. Pisi, who is set to join English now in charge of England, to slam the Waratahs bury just over an hour on court.”I love Barcelona, second-tier club Bristol at the end of the Sunwolves as “embarrassing.” — AFP I’m very comfortable playing this tournament. It’s been great this three years and I hope I can play a very good match tomorrow,” said Force hoodoo Nishikori. PERTH: The NSW Waratahs eased some pres- had the game in their control when they led KERBER IN FINALS sure with a powerful win over the Western 17-6 at half-time thanks to tries from Rob In Stuttgart, Australian Open champion Force in their Super Rugby clash in Perth yes- Horne and Nick Phipps. In his first game back Angelique Kerber reached the final of terday. The Waratahs returned to the winners’ from injury, Horne crossed under the posts in Stuttgart’s WTA indoor clay-court tournament list with a 49-13 victory over the battling the 21st minute, while Phipps reached over with a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 semi-final win over Force, running in six tries to one to claim a right on half-time. Although the Force briefly Petra Kvitova yesterday. valuable bonus point. It was the Waratahs’ revived their hopes with a 54th-minute try to Kerber, the defending champion in third win from seven matches as they fight to Harry Scoble, the ‘Tahs put the game beyond Stuttgart, needed just over two hours to seal keep their playoff hopes afloat, while the doubt with two more tries in four minutes as her win after Kvitova recovered from losing defensively inept Force are already also-rans they posted their highest score of the season. with just one win in eight outings. Israel Folau became the greatest try scorer in the first set to win the tight second. With a three-match losing streak against Waratahs history in the 58th minute, with his Kerber, the second seed here, dug deep in the Force and their season slipping away, the fifth of the season and 30th of his time with the third by making the majority of her first Waratahs could easily have been nervous the team. In the 61st minute, Reece Robinson serves count to seal the win. “The great sup- heading into the clash. killed off the Force when a Phipps pass sent port from the public here was the key,” However, they were far too good for the him racing down the sideline. beamed Kerber after her win. hapless home side in a lopsided match. Waratahs captain Michael Hooper said it “I can feel the same energy from the crowd The Waratahs ran in two first-half tries to was a win which was some time coming. “That there was last year, maybe even a bit more. “I seize the ascendancy against a Force side was what we talked about a - full perform- love winning here-and hate to lose.” In a duel which relied on penalties to keep them in the ance,” he said. “It was a great result.” Force skip- of left-handers, Kerber raced out to a 4-1 lead game in the first half. Although Peter Grant per Matt Hodgson admitted his side was MELBOURNE: Shaun Venter of the Cheetahs (lower) is tackled by Matsushima Kotaro with two early kicked two early penalties for the Force, and thrashed. “Our defence let us down and they of the Melbourne Rebels during the Super Rugby match between South Africa’s breaks and although Kvitova, the 2014 sprayed another attempt badly, the Waratahs took their opportunities,” he said. —AFP Central Cheetahs and Australia’s Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.— AFP Wimbledon champion, pulled things back to SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 SPORTS Gayle could return to Australia’s Big Bash

SYDNEY: Big-hitting batsman Chris Gayle eyes for the first time” and suggested they Corp this week that it wasn’t Cricket League or in our domestic competitions,” year. The left-hander raised eyebrows could return to Australia’s T20 league, with go for a drink afterwards. Australia’s place to rule players out, and Sutherland said in comments published again this week when he announced on Cricket Australia saying the West Indian “Don’t blush baby,” the Jamaican told individual clubs in the domestic Big Bash Saturday. social media that his partner Natasha had not been blacklisted over a sexism her in an exchange which led to him League were free to choose their line-ups. “Because, when does that ever end? Berridge had given birth to a beautiful scandal, reports said yesterday. Gayle being fined by his Australian club “No matter what anyone at Cricket My view is unless there’s a very, very daughter called ‘Blush’. The self-pro- made headlines in January when he Melbourne Renegades. At the time, Australia thought (of the incident) at man- strong reason along the lines of anti-cor- claimed “Universe Boss” left many people attempted to flirt with television reporter Cricket Australia’s James Sutherland said agement level, board level, I think you’re ruption, then it’s difficult for us to be mak- wondering whether the name was gen- Mel McLaughlin during a live interview. such comments were inappropriate in the on a slippery slope if you start making ing those judgements.” uine.He later wrote on Twitter: “Thank you On air, Gayle said he was happy to be workplace, adding that Gayle was not in a judgements on players who could or Gayle, 36, reportedly wants to return to all for the sweet and kind messages. Blush speaking to McLaughlin “just to see your “night club”. But Sutherland told News shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash the Big Bash League in Australia later this won’t Blush, my baby.” —AFP Spurs finish strong, put Grizzlies on brink

MEMPHIS: Despite lopsided wins by San tunately, only scored 22 of those.” Zach Antonio in the first two games of the Randolph finished with 20 points-the Western Conference opening-round playoff majority of those coming in the paint-and series against the injury depleted Memphis 11 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies. Barnes Grizzlies, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili knew also had a double-double with 17 points Friday night would be different. and 11 boards. The Grizzlies-who began losing players Memphis outrebounded the Spurs, 48- at an alarming rate with 30 games left in 39, but shot only 41.5 percent. The Grizzlies the regular season-refused to go quietly in also struggled from long range going 4 of their first home game in the series, which 18. The Spurs made 12 of 26 3-pointers, was played before a sellout crowd of including six from Leonard. 18,119. San Antonio led by only two points Leonard also added five blocks and four with 4:38 to go, but finished strong behind steals. “What he did today was incredible,” Kawhi Leonard for a 96-87 victory at Ginobli said. “And it was not only the 32 FedExForum. points (on 11-of-22 shooting), but the five Leonard scored 32 points and LaMarcus blocks and (four) steals. He takes from a Aldridge added 16 for the Spurs, who can very good team to a great team.” Leonard, clinch the best-of-seven series with a win who played a game-high 42 minutes, Sunday, also at FedExForum. downplayed his contributions. “Game 3 is always huge (in a playoff “I just came out and aggressive and series) and they knew it,” Ginobili said. made my first couple of shots,” he said. “They were aggressive. They went to the After being held to 11 first-quarter points boards.” in Game 2, the Grizzlies scored 18 in the After being dominated by the Spurs in opening quarter and trailed by eight enter- the first two games of the series-losses of ing the second. 32 and 26 points in San Antonio- the Despite falling behind by 13 early in the Grizzlies competed from the outset. second, the Grizzlies rallied behind reserve Memphis trailed by only one at the half and guard Lance Stephenson, whose energy led 71-70 entering the fourth quarter. A and accuracy allowed Memphis to go on a JaMychal Green layup, off an alley-oop pass 10-0 run and trim the advantage to 34-31. from Xavier Munford, gave the Grizzlies a Stephenson assisted on an Anderson dunk 73-70 lead to start the final quarter, but the and followed with back-to-back jumpers Spurs recovered. San Antonio scored nine during the run. The Spurs were unable to straight for a 79-73 advantage with 8:03 left pull away in the final seven minutes of and never trailed again. When Memphis quarter and the Grizzlies briefly took lead- DALLAS: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild skates the puck against Jason Spezza #90 of the Dallas Stars in the first period in Game Five of trimmed the lead to 83-81 on a Matt Barnes all of 16 seconds-on two free throws by the Western Conference First Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on Friday in Dallas, Texas. —- AFP tip-in with 4:38 left, the Spurs used an 8-2 Barnes with 3:05 to go. A layup by Barnes at run-capped by a short turnaround by the buzzer trimmed the Spurs’ lead to one Leonard-to pull away. Leonard had five (44-43) at halftime. “The whole game was points during the run. more physical (than Game 2 in San Koivu, Wild stay alive “I give them a lot of credit,” said Spurs Antonio),” said Spurs forward Boris Diaw. coach Gregg Popovich. “The purpose they “They played more aggressive and more came with, the pride they showed and the physical. We were expecting that. It was not mental toughness (the Grizzlies displayed) going to be an easy game and it wasn’t.” for 48 minutes. We did a good job fighting Memphis outscored the Spurs, 25-18, in the with OT win in Dallas it from time to time ... I thought their game second quarter after being outscored in the plan was great and I thought their effort first nine quarters of the series. The Grizzlies was even better.” shot 41.5 in the opening half and missed DALLAS: The Minnesota Wild wanted a series 50 seconds later to give the Wild back Granlund poked the rebound in for his first of In an attempt to shake things up, eight of nine 3-pointers. The Spurs shot chance to send their first-round series with the lead at 3-2. the series. Minnesota went ahead 2-0 when Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger chose to start slightly better (44.7 percent), but were 6 of the Dallas Stars back to the Twin Cities for “We made a lot of mistakes. We made one Schroeder scored off a rebound 5:16 into the a small lineup, inserting 6-foot-4 guard 12 from long range. Leonard, who was 3-of- Game 6 on Sunday. And thanks to captain with about three minutes left that hurt us,” opening period. Niemi turned away the initial Tony Allen for 6-10 center Chris Anderson. 4 from beyond the arc, had 14 points in the Mikko Koivu scoring the game-tying goal late Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. Spezza then wrist shot by Suter but Schroeder was at the Allen joined 6-6 Vince Carter, 6-7 Barnes, 6- first half. Memphis, which shot 32.6 percent in regulation and then delivering the game- scored his third of the series 8:28 into the near post to score off the rebound with a 9 Zach Randolph and 6-2 Jordan Farmer in in Game 2, shot 41.5 percent in both halves. winner early in overtime, the Wild, who now third period, beating Dubnyk far post with a backhand. It was Schroeder’s first career play- the starting five and the strategy worked. “I “I felt like we played well enough to win the trail the best-of-7 series, 3-2, remain alive shot that just got around the outstretched off goal. thought our guys played their tails off,” game,” said Carter, who started at forward thanks to a 5-4 overtime victory at American Wild goaltender. Goligoski, a Minnesota “We just got caught a little bit flat and they Joerger said. “It got away from us there for the Grizzlies. “We laid it all out there. late, but I’m really, really proud of the effort That was the thing we wanted to do-come Airlines Center on Friday. “Of course, it’s native who had a costly turnover leading to came out pretty hard,” Spezza said. “We we put forth and how we performed. We out and play hard from the start to finish always nice to score. It’s more important in the Wild’s first goal, scored his first of the should probably be a little better in their start, shot 50 (times) in the paint, we just, unfor- and see what happens.” — Reuters the bigger picture how you play individually series 28 seconds after Spezza’s equalizer but we didn’t let it get us down.” Dallas cut it and as a team,” Koivu said. “We’ve been play- when his wrist shot from the left point to 2-1 with 2:42 remaining before the first ing better as the series goes on here, and deflected in off the back of Wild defenseman intermission when Oduya beat Dubnyk far that’s a good sign.” Marco Scandella. post with a slap shot from the left point. Koivu scored the game-winner, his third of The Wild got their first real break of the Oduya received a pass from Radek Faksa and the series, by redirecting a wrist shot by Ryan series when Granlund scored off a Dallas scored his first goal of the series with a shot Suter from the left point. Koivu knocked turnover in front of their goal 3:32 into the over Dubnyk’s glove. Suter’s attempt out of the air, deflecting the game. Granlund intercepted a backhand pass It was Oduya’s sixth career playoff goal puck enough to send it through the five-hole by Goligoski, who was being pressured from and his first in 29 postseason games, since of Stars goaltender Antti Niemi, who stopped behind by David Jones. Niemi denied May 28, 2014, against the Kings with the 19 of 24 shots. “We wanted to come back for Granlund’s initial shot at the near post, but Blackhawks. —Reuters our fans. They deserve this game,” Wild interim coach John Torchetti said. “I’m sure our fans will be backing us big time.” NHL results/standings Koivu tied it at 4-4 with 3:09 remaining with his second of the series on a wrist shot Florida 1, NY Islanders 2 (SO); Washington 0, Philadelphia 2; Dallas 4, Minnesota 5 (OT); Los Angeles 3, San Jose 6. from the slot. Mikael Granlund, Jordan Eastern Conference Western Conference Schroeder and Nino Niederreiter also had reg- Atlantic Division Pacific Division ulation goals for the Wild and Devan Dubnyk W L OT GF GA PTS Dallas 50 23 9 267 230 109 stopped 37 of 41 shots. “I thought it was pret- Florida 47 26 9 239 203 103 St. Louis 49 24 9 224 201 107 ty calm,” Koivu said of the mood on the Wild Tampa Bay 46 31 5 227 201 97 Chicago 47 26 9 235 209 103 bench before he tied it. “We still knew there Boston 42 31 9 240 230 93 Nashville 41 27 14 228 215 96 Detroit 41 30 11 211 224 93 Minnesota 38 33 11 216 206 87 was a lot of time left. That momentum can Ottawa 38 35 9 236 247 85 Colorado 39 39 4 216 240 82 switch real quick and it did.” Jason Pominville, MontrÈal 38 38 6 221 236 82 Winnipeg 35 39 8 215 239 78 Jared Spurgeon and Suter each had two Buffalo 35 36 11 201 222 81 assists. Granlund had a goal and an assist. Toronto 29 42 11 198 246 69 Central Division Johnny Oduya, Jamie Benn, Jason Spezza and Metropolitan Division Anaheim 46 25 11 218 192 103 Los Angeles 48 28 6 225 195 102 Alex Goligoski scored for Dallas in regulation Washington 56 18 8 252 193 120 Pittsburgh 48 26 8 245 203 104 San Jose 46 30 6 241 210 98 and John Klingberg had two assists. NY Rangers 46 27 9 236 217 101 Arizona 35 39 8 209 245 78 MEMPHIS: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs takes a shot between NY Islanders 45 27 10 232 216 100 Calgary 35 40 7 231 260 77 MISTAKES Tony Allen #9 and Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second Philadelphia 41 27 14 214 218 96 Vancouver 31 38 13 191 243 75 Carolina 35 31 16 198 226 86 half of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA The Stars trailed 2-1 after two, but Benn Edmonton 31 43 8 203 245 70 New Jersey 38 36 8 184 208 84 Note: Overtime losses (OT) worth 1 pt and not included Playoffs between the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum tied it 1:00 into the third with his third goal of Columbus 34 40 8 219 252 76 in loss column (L). on Friday in Memphis, Tennessee. — AFP the series. Niederreiter scored his first of the Rossi on pole for Spanish Grand Prix

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA: Seven-time needed to finish on the podium ni southern Marquez was content with a place on the world champion Valentino Rossi outgunned Spain after crashing out in Austin at the front row having had a last minute set up championships rivals Jorge Lorenzo and Grand Prix of the Americas two weeks ago change between the final practice session Marc Marquez to take his first pole position to leave him already 33 points behind bit- and qualifying. of the season for today’s Spanish Grand Prix ter rival Marquez in the championship “We made a set up change between the in Jerez. standings. However, his flying final lap fourth practice session and qualifying which Rossi snatched pole from Yamaha team- caught defending world champion Lorenzo we don’t normally do and for that reason I mate Lorenzo on his final lap by just over a by surprise as he was shunted into second did consistent laps which I don’t normally do tenth of a second with championship leader place having gone fastest in all four prac- in qualifying to adapt better,” said the two- Marquez completing the front row in third. tice sessions. time world champion. The Italian has won seven times in Jerez, but “I had a pretty good lap, but in the end “I am happy because I knew the pole hasn’t started from pole since 2005. Valentino at the last took the pole position,” would be difficult. The two Yamahas are that “I’m delighted. I felt comfortable from the said Lorenzo, who announced his decision to bit ahead, but I think we can be satisfied and start of the weekend, but especially this leave Yamaha for Ducati next season earlier we’ll see tomorrow if I can cope with the morning,” Rossi told Spanish TV station this week. pace of those two.” Movistar+. “I knew I could be competitive, “The important thing is I think we have Marquez’s Honda teammate Dani but to compete with Jorge and Marc is not rhythm on the hard tyre, we found a good Pedrosa’s difficult start to the season contin- JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA: (L to R) Second placed Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Spanish easy. To start from pole is always a special setting on the final practice and we’ll see ued as he could only seventh fastest. Ducati’s rider Jorge Lorenzo, winner Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Italian rider Valentino Rossi feeling and we’ll see how the race goes, but tomorrow in what will be a hard race.” Andrea Dovizioso and Suzuki’s Spanish duo (C) and third Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez (R) celebrate after the it will be difficult.” Despite failing to add to his poles in the Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro will MotoGP qualifying session of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez racetrack in Jerez Rossi insisted before qualifying that he two previous races in Austin and Argentina, start on the second row. —AFP de la Frontera yesterday. — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 SPORTS Leicester on edge as glittering prizes await

LONDON: Leicester’s history may date England in their 132-year history, have British Basketball League while even England striker Gary Lineker, who start- Tigers coach and former player Richard back thousands of years but, in com- risen to the top of the Premier League recently struggling Leicestershire ed his career with the Foxes but found Cockerill said: “Hopefully they will go mon with many provincial English this season. County Cricket Club, who are also based much greater fame and fortune playing on and win the Premier League. It is cities, there has long been a sense it is a The Foxes are now five points clear at in the city, have started their new season for Everton (in Liverpool), Tottenham like anything-sustaining that and place you have to leave to achieve the summit with four games left ahead with a victory. and Spanish giants Barcelona, struck a doing it over a number of years is very ambition and fame. of their match against Swansea today. While the Tigers have long been one chord when he wrote in the Guardian difficult. Leonie Orton, sister of the late Today also sees Leicester’s rugby union of English rugby union’s established last month: “Something extraordinary “Leicester have got smart owners Leicester-born 20th Century playwright club, the Tigers, playing a European powers, the Foxes were quoted as is happening in the world of football. and owners who have got lots of mon- Joe Orton, once told the BBC that Champions Cup semi-final in nearby 5,000/1 outsiders to win the Premier “Something truly magical. Something ey so they can certainly compete finan- “poverty”, “routine” and “ordinary” were Nottingham against French side Racing League before the season started having that makes me well up with emotion,” cially, it is just a matter of whether they the words her brother used to describe 92. Now it is Leicester, not Liverpool, only narrowly avoided relegation last added Lineker, now a BBC television want to.” He added: “There’s a pretty his view of a home town he was happy Birmingham or Manchester, who are in season. Managed by an Italian in presenter, who has also achieved fame good relationship between sporting to depart for London. sight of saying they are home to both Claudio Ranieri and owned by a wealthy or even notoriety for a series of adverts clubs, whether it be basketball, cricket, But the city may soon be able to English football’s and European rugby Thai family, Leicester are similar to many promoting one of the city’s most football or rugby. It is fantastic and boast that it is the sporting, if not dra- union’s champion clubs, although Premier League sides in having a strong famous products in Walkers Crisps great for our grand city. Basketball are matic, capital of England. ‘greedy’ London, courtesy of Tottenham foreign involvement in the running of (potato chips). Lineker, and most doing really well. “As ever the rugby Certainly, there has been nothing Hotspur and Saracens, could yet take their club. Leicester fans would doubtless be hap- club are struggling through!” he joked. “routine or ordinary” about the way both titles away from the East Midlands py to witness a glorious ‘one-off’ tri- For Leicester mayor Peter Soulsby, it’s Leicester City Football Club, who have city. As if that were not enough, the ‘TRULY MAGICAL’ umph’ before the established English all a far cry from how the city was mak- never been crowned champions of Leicester Riders are currently top of the Nevertheless, Leicester-born former football order sort themselves out. ing headlines 12 months ago.— AFP Liverpool’s Sakho faces UEFA probe over doping

LONDON: Liverpool defender Mamadou best course of action was to withdraw Sakho is being investigated by UEFA over the player from selection and it is under- a possible anti-doping rule violation, the stood Sakho agreed with the decision. Premier League club revealed yesterday. Liverpool won’t face disciplinary Sakho has not been suspended over action as that can only happen if two the potential violation, but Liverpool players in the same season are found to have decided to leave out the France have had doping violations. —AFP international while the probe continues and he was absent from the squad for Saturday’s league fixture against Newcastle United at Anfield. Matches on TV Reports in France claim Sakho tested (Local Timings) positive for a fat burner after the Reds’ 1- 1 draw against Manchester United in the ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Europa League on March 17, but Liverpool have not confirmed those sug- Sunderland v Arsenal FC 16:05 gestions. beIN SPORTS “Yesterday, Friday 22nd April 2016, a Leicester v Swansea City 18:15 formal communication was received beIN SPORTS 2 HD from UEFA stating that they are investi- gating a possible anti-doping rule viola- SPANISH LEAGUE tion by Mamadou Sakho,” a statement on Liverpool’s website read. Levante v Athletic de Bilbao 13:00 “The player will respond to UEFA on beIN SPORTS 3 HD the matter. The player is currently not Sevilla FC v Real Betis 17:00 subject to any playing suspension. beIN SPORTS 3 HD “However, the club, in consultation with Getafe CF v Valencia C.F 19:15 the player, has decided that while this beIN SPORTS 3 HD process is followed the player will not be Villarreal v Real Sociedad 21:30 available for selection for matches.” beIN SPORTS CINCINNATI: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs is tagged out trying to steal second base against Brandon Phillips #4 of the Cincinnati Reds in the Sakho, who has 28 caps for France, is eighth inning of the game at Great American Ball Park on Friday in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cubs defeated the Reds 8-1. —AFP said to be ready to request his B sample be tested, with the deadline for that ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE request set for Tuesday. The 26-year-old Frosinone v Citta di Palermo 13:30 centre-back is believed not to have beIN SPORTS 4 HD known the composition of the weight- Chicago Cubs defeat Atalanta v AC Chievo Verona 16:00 loss supplement and has informed the club he acted in good faith. beIN SPORTS Sakho’s Liverpool team-mate Kolo Bologna FC v Genoa CFC 16:00 Toure was suspended for six months beIN SPORTS 10 HD Cincinnati Reds 8-1 after failing a drugs test while playing for Torino v Sassuolo Calcio 16:00 Manchester City in February 2011. beIN SPORTS 12 HD The Ivory Coast defender had tested UC Sampdoria v SS Lazio 16:00 CINCINNATI: Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez home- earned its third win in the past four games. up on a ground out, setting the stage for Barnes. positive for bendroflumethiazide, a beIN SPORTS 4 HD red, and Jon Lester allowed one run over seven weight-loss drug contained within “water innings as the Chicago Cubs defeated the PHILLIES 5, BREWERS 2 PIRATES 8, DIAMONDBACKS 7 tablets” and apparently recommended ACF Fiorentina v Juventus 21:45 Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Friday night at Great Maikel Franco hit two home runs and Aaron Sean Rodriguez homered and drove in three by his wife. beIN SPORTS American Ball Park. Chicago (13-4) is off to its best Nola struck out seven, leading the Philadelphia runs and Gregory Polanco and Jordy Mercer also If Sakho is unable to prove his inno- start since 1970. Phillies to a 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers homered as the Pittsburgh Pirates ended the cence it would be a significant blow to GERMAN BUNDESLIGA on Friday night at Miller Park. Franco doubled his Arizona Diamondbacks’ five-game winning streak ATHLETICS 8, BLUE JAYS 5 season total for home runs, connecting for a two- with an 8-7 victory on Friday night at Chase Field. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as the Monchengladbach v Hoffenheim 16:30 Chris Coghlan hit a three-run homer, Sonny Gray run blast in the fifth inning and adding a solo shot Mercer and Josh Harrison had three hits and an RBI former Paris Saint-Germain player has beIN SPORTS 5 HD formed a solid partnership alongside pitched seven innings and Oakland extended its in the seventh off left-hander Chris Capuano, cap- for the Pirates (9-8), who have won four of their Dejan Lovren in recent weeks. Eintracht v Mainz 05 18:30 winning streak to six games. Gray allowed six hits, ping a three-hit game. last six. The Pirates had seven homers entering the Sakho, who moved to Anfield for £18 beIN SPORTS 5 HD three walks and three runs while striking out seven game, tied with the Angels for 28th in the majors. as Oakland improved to 7-0 in road games this sea- RED SOX 6, ASTROS 2 million ($25 million) in 2013, is in danger FRENCH LEAGUE son. Right-hander Ryan Madson pitched the ninth Steven Wright tossed his sixth consecutive PADRES 4, CARDINALS 1 of missing the finale to Liverpool’s to earn his seventh save of the season. quality start and the Boston Red Sox turned an First baseman Wil Myers drove in three runs Europa League challenge, with the team Olympique v Nantes 15:00 early stream of offense into a 6-2 win over the with home run, a sacrifice fly and a double and facing Villarreal in the semi-final first leg beIN SPORTS 6 HD NATIONALS 8, TWINS 4 Houston Astros on Friday night at Minute Maid right-hander Andrew Cashner allowed one run in Spain on Thursday. Saint Etienne v Lorient 18:00 Jose Lobaton had two hits and three RBIs and Park. Wright (1-2) befuddled the Astros (5-12) with and three hits in six innings to pick up his first win He could also miss the Euro 2016 Danny Espinosa had two hits and two RBIs as the his knuckleball, allowing just four hits and one of the season on Friday night as the San Diego beIN SPORTS 4 HD finals in France if he were found guilty first-place Washington beat last-place Minnesota. unearned run over 6 2/3 innings. He did issue five Padres defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 at Petco and given a long ban. Guingamp v Caen 18:00 Lobaton, a backup catcher, had two hits in his first walks along with his six strikeouts, only coming Park. Myers was 3-for-3, including his fourth Sakho started France’s last match, a 4- beIN SPORTS two at-bats against Twins starter Kyle Gibson-a two- undone when catcher Ryan Hanigan allowed two homer of the season. 2 friendly win against Russia at the end Montpellier v Troyes 18:00 run single in the first and an RBI triple in the third. passed balls in the seventh inning. of March. Liverpool have made a swift beIN SPORTS 6 HD Lobaton raised his average 157 points to .300. Gio MARINERS 5, ANGELS 2 (10 INNINGS) response to the alleged doping violation Gonzalez earned the victory, allowing three runs METS 6, BRAVES 3 Franklin Gutierrez’s RBI single in the top of the GFC Ajaccio v Bastia 18:00 and consulted fully with UEFA and the (two earned) with eight strikeouts in six innings. Curtis Granderson went 3-for-5 with two home 10th inning snapped a 2-2 tie and propelled the English Football Association. beIN SPORTS 9 HD runs, including a grand slam, and New York Mets Seattle Mariners to a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles While Sakho is technically still avail- Stade Rennes v Monaco 22:00 YANKEES 6, RAYS 3 defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-3 on Friday at Turner Angels on Friday night at Angel Stadium. The vic- able to play, it was felt by Klopp and beIN SPORTS 6 HD Jacoby Ellsbury stole home to score the tying Field. Granderson hit a grand slam in the second tory was the Mariners’ third in a row and sixth in Liverpool’s US-based owners that the run in the fifth inning and added a two-run double inning and a solo homer in the fourth-both their last eight games coming off a five-game los- in the eighth as New York defeated Tampa Bay. It against Atlanta starter Bud Norris. It was the 18th ing streak. The loss for the Angels was their sixth in was the second career steal of home by Ellsbury two-homer game of his career and sixth grand eight games. and the first straight steal of home by a Yankee slam. since Derek Jeter in May 2001 at Baltimore. It also GIANTS 8, MARLINS 1 was the first time Tampa Bay allowed a straight steal ROCKIES 7, DODGERS 5 Jeff Samardzija had an impressive home debut of home in team history. Ellsbury entered the game Brandon Barnes tripled home two runs in the with the San Francisco Giants with his arm and his after center fielder Aaron Hicks injured his shoulder eighth inning Friday night, enabling the Colorado bat, pitching 7 2/3, one-run innings and driving in attempting to make a diving catch in the fourth. Rockies to complete a comeback and overhaul the three runs in an 8-1 victory over the Miami Marlins Los Angeles Dodgers 7-5. Barnes, who entered the in the opener of a three-game series Friday. In INDIANS 2, TIGERS 1 game as a pinch-runner in the seventh, drove a 96 snapping a five-game losing streak, six Giants had Marlon Byrd’s tie-breaking leadoff home run in mph fastball from Chris Hatcher (2-2) off the fence two hits apiece in a 14-hit attack, including the seventh inning backed the combined four-hit in right-center with two outs. Nolan Arenado Samardzija, who had entered the game 1-for-9 pitching of Josh Tomlin and three relievers as walked with one out, and Mark Reynolds lined a with four strikeouts in his return to the National Cleveland defeated Detroit. Byrd’s second home run broken-bat single to center. Both runners moved League this season. — Reuters of the season came on the first pitch of the inning by Justin Verlander, who also served up a home run ball to Carlos Santana to open the game. Verlander MLB Results/Standings fanned 10 Indians, marking the 30th time in his career he has reached double digits in strikeouts. NY Yankees 6, Tampa Bay 3; Washington 8, Minnesota 4; Oakland 8, Toronto 5; Cleveland 2, Detroit 1; Chicago Cubs 8, Cincinnati 1; NY Mets 6, Atlanta 3; Boston 6, Houston 2; Philadelphia 5, Milwaukee 2; Chicago White Sox 5, Texas 0; Kansas City 4, Baltimore 2; Colorado 7, LA Dodgers 5; Pittsburgh 8, Arizona 7; Seattle 5, LA Angels 2 (10 innings); San ROYALS 4, ORIOLES 2 Francisco 8, Miami 1; San Diego 4, St. Louis 1. Mike Moustakas went 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and three RBIs as the Kansas City American League National League Royals bested the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 on Friday. Eastern Division Eastern Division W L PCT GB Moustakas hit a two-run homer in the first inning Washington 12 4 .750 - Baltimore 10 5 .667 - NY Mets 8 7 .533 3.5 and a run-producing double in the second. Royals Boston 8 8 .500 2.5 Philadelphia 8 9 .471 4.5 right-hander Chris Young (1-3) worked six impres- Toronto 8 10 .444 3.5 Miami 5 10 .333 6.5 Tampa Bay 7 9 .438 3.5 sive innings, striking out 10 and walking one. Young Atlanta 4 12 .250 8 NY Yankees 6 9 .400 4 collected his first double-figure strikeout game Central Division Central Division since April 24, 2008, throwing 66 of his 95 pitches Kansas City 11 5 .688 - Chicago Cubs 13 4 .765 - for strikes. Chicago White Sox 11 6 .647 0.5 Pittsburgh 9 8 .529 4 Detroit 8 7 .533 2.5 St. Louis 8 8 .500 4.5 Cleveland 7 7 .500 3 Cincinnati 8 9 .471 5 WHITE SOX 5, RANGERS 0 Minnesota 5 12 .294 6.5 Milwaukee 7 10 .412 6 LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s French defender Mamadou Sakho (top C) signs a programme Left-hander Jose Quintana pitched seven Western Division Western Division scoreless innings, and the White Sox turned the Oakland 10 7 .588 - LA Dodgers 10 7 .588 - for a fan in the stands sitting next to Liverpool’s Zaire-born Belgian striker Christian Texas 10 7 .588 - Benteke (top L) as he attends the English Premier League football match between first triple play of the season in a 5-0 win over Colorado 9 7 .563 0.5 Seattle 8 8 .500 1.5 Arizona 9 9 .500 1.5 the Texas Rangers on Friday night. Melky LA Angels 7 10 .412 3 Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England yester- San Francisco 8 10 .444 2.5 Cabrera went 2-for-4 and scored twice to lead Houston 5 12 .294 5 day. Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is being investigated by UEFA over a possi- San Diego 7 10 .412 3 ble anti-doping rule violation. —AFP the White Sox at the plate. Chicago (11-6) SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 SPORTS

Wenger targets strong finish to troubled campaign

SUNDERLAND: Arsene Wenger has ble,” Wenger said. “You never know what him I cannot plan whether he will play a in, year out,” Allardyce said. “It’s a bit Sunderland, who would climb out of the warned his Arsenal players to expect a happens in front of you, there could still part in the game,” Wenger said. “If I don’t unfair on a man who’s arguably got the bottom three with a draw or win on battle against relegation-threatened be twists and turns. “I don’t know where take him this weekend I will take him the best record as a manager that Arsenal Sunday, are to retain their place in the Sunderland today as he targets a strong we will finish but we have to give next certainly.” have ever had. Premier League. finish to a troubled campaign. absolutely everything in every game. “It is the generation we are living in. That means Jermain Defoe has to The Gunners saw off West Bromwich “We go to Sunderland, who are fight- OUTSIDE INFLUENCES There is a generation of supporters who shoulder the burden of scoring goals Albion on Thursday, although the 2-0 ing not to go down so that will be a bat- In contrast to Wenger’s difficulties are so well informed on what we should despite playing as a lone striker. victory, courtesy of two Alexis Sanchez tle and we have to prepare for that.” with supporters disillusioned by their and shouldn’t be doing as managers. “Everyone was brainwashed into think- goals, was achieved in front of thou- Wenger may decide to delay Jack team’s failure to win the title since 2004, “It is all the outside influences on ing he couldn’t play up front on his own,” sands of empty seats as fans stayed Wilshere’s comeback from injury Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has them and it reflects in their opinion Allardyce said. away to show their frustration at because he anticipates a fierce challenge the full backing of their fans despite his which changes rapidly when you don’t “I think he’s probably played more Wenger’s failure to deliver a title chal- from Sunderland as they fight to avoid team’s perilous position. win just a few games. “Now it becomes regularly for us than he has for any club lenge. With third-placed Arsenal 10 relegation. The two men have often clashed in this manager is no good. We don’t want in recent years and most of those have points behind leaders Leicester City and Wilshere has not played all season the past, but their relationship has him anymore, let’s get rid of him. been up front on his own which I’m glad five adrift of second-placed Tottenham because of a leg fracture in pre-season improved recently and Allardyce is sad- “But it’s a fact of life that we are fast to say has born 16 goals in all competi- Hotspur, Wenger is mostly focused on and time is running out for the midfield- dened by the supporters’ treatment of becoming like the continentals: Get a tions. “Sixteen goals is one of the reasons qualifying for the Champions League via er to be back in action before England’s Wenger. “Arsene is a brilliant manager. I job, do a job, lose a job get another one. why we’re still in with a shout. The rea- a top-four finish rather than catching the Euro 2016 squad is picked. can understand the frustration that It is the way it is going. Sad isn’t it?” son we haven’t been in with a shout is title contenders. “At the moment I do not know if I will they’ve slipped up by not winning this Allardyce has targeted at least three vic- because we have been conceding too “We want to finish as high as possi- take him today or not. And should I take year. But he keeps getting this stick year tories from their final five games if many goals.” — AFP

Hazard ends goal drought to get Chelsea back on track

a memorable double over the west Londoners. Bournemouth 1 But it was Hiddink’s side who seized the early initiative as Pedro opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the season in the fifth minute. Chelsea 4 COOLNESS Chelsea broke away through Diego Costa and the striker picked out Fabregas, BOURNEMOUTH: Eden Hazard scored his who slipped in Pedro down the right side first Premier League goals of the season as of the penalty area. Chelsea got back on track with a 4-1 victory The former Barcelona winger was cool- over Bournemouth yesterday. Hazard ness personified as he left his marker flat- returned to the starting line-up at Dean footed and hooked a fine finish past Court after a five-game absence with hip Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc. and groin injuries and the Belgium mid- Eddie Howe’s team responded well and fielder finally provided a glimpse of the squandered a golden opportunity to vast talent that made him Footballer of the equalise after Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Year last season. Begovic failed to collect a corner, only for He netted Chelsea’s second to end a bar- Steve Cook to fire over from just six yards. ren run of 29 league games without a goal Lewis Grabban tested Begovic with a stretching back to May and then bagged powerful strike and then flashed a header another in stoppage-time. The 25-year-old, narrowly wide as Bournemouth kept press- whose only two club goals this term had ing, but Chelsea caught them on the break come in the FA Cup, has been well below against the run of play in the 34th minute. his best this term amid rumours he could Fabregas was the catalyst with a clever be sold in the close-season, so this was a backheel to Hazard, who quickly assessed welcome return to form. his options before driving a low 20-yard Pedro Rodriguez had opened the scor- strike past Boruc. Bournemouth got one ing for Chelsea and, although Tommy back immediately through Elphick, who Elphick got one back for Bournemouth rose above two Chelsea defenders to plant before the break, Willian struck in the sec- his header past Begovic in the 36th minute. ond half to put Guus Hiddink’s team on It took a fine save from Begovic to deny course to end their two-match losing run. Grabban an equaliser, while Nigeria mid- Chelsea’s second win in their last eight fielder John Obi Mikel, looking uncomfort- games in all competitions also owed a lot able as make-shift centre-back, escaped to Cesc Fabregas, another of the club’s conceding a penalty after bundling over major underachievers this season, as the Grabban just before half-time. Spain midfielder set up three of the goals. Hiddink’s team were back on the offen- Nine months ago, it would have been sive after the interval and Fabregas and BERLIN: Bayern Munich’s Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal (2ndL), Hertha’s forward Julian Schieber (L) and Hertha’s defender Sebastian Langkamp impossible to imagine Bournemouth host- Pedro saw shots deflected wide. vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Munich in Berlin, esterday.y — AFP ing Chelsea in the final weeks of the season The Blues’ pressure was rewarded with with a chance to draw level on points with third goal in the 71st minute when Brazilian the reigning champions. winger Willian slotted home from a Having beaten Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Fabregas pass. Hazard capped the victory Bayern made to wait for Bridge in December-an embarrassing result in stoppage-time when he converted a that pushed then Blues boss Jose Nemanja Matic pass to leave Chelsea won- Mourinho closer to the sack less than two dering where that kind of display had been historic fourth title weeks later-Bournemouth were looking for all season. — AFP

BERLIN: Bayern Munich must wait another week They managed just six shots on goal, com- utes. The defeat sees Wolfsburg drop to tenth in to claim an historic fourth consecutive pared to Hertha’s nine, despite the hosts being the table while Augsburg are now five points Bundesliga title although yesterday’s 2-0 win at restricted to just 26 percent possession. clear of the relegation places. Cologne are up to Hertha Berlin left them seven points clear with Dortmund, who will face the Bavarians in the ninth after backing up their 3-2 comeback win three games left. German Cup final on May 21, made Bayern wait over Mainz with a 4-1 thumping of Darmstadt as Bayern could have had the league wrapped a little longer to have their title win confirmed French striker Anthony Modeste and winger up in the capital had second-placed Dortmund with a comprehensive win at Stuttgart. Borussia Marcel Risse both scored twice. not won 3-0 at VfB Stuttgart. That result means were 2-0 up at the break after Japan midfielder Hanover have only a mathematical chance of Pep Guardiola’s Bavarians will secure the title if Shinji Kagawa netted early on, then 17-year-old avoiding relegation after Japan internationals they beat Borussia Moechengladbach at home Christian Pulisic scored for the second week run- Hiroki Sakai and Hiroshi Kiyotake scored in their next Saturday regardless of other results. ning. Just before half-time he tapped home after 2-2 draw with 10-man Ingolstadt. No other team has even won four consecu- Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s shot from outside the area Ingolstadt played for 70 minutes with ten tive league titles in Germany’s top flight. Bayern was blocked by Stuttgart’s Poland goalkeeper men after French defender Romain Bregerie was took the lead at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium when Przemyslaw Tyton. Mkhitaryan made it 3-0 when sent off for hauling down Hanover midfielder Mario Goetze’s pass found Vidal in space. The he fired home after Kagawa’s cross to striker Felix Klaus. Alfredo Morales and Moritz Chile midfielder drilled home his shot from 22 Adrian Ramos, in for the injured Pierre-Emerick Hartmann had hosts Ingolstadt 2-0 up with only metres, which took a deflection on it’s way past Aubameyang, was blocked by Tyton on 56 min- 25 minutes gone. Defender Sakai fired home on Berlin goalkeeper Thomas Kraft on 48 minutes. utes. Wolfsburg’s miserable league form contin- 58 minutes before midfielder Kiyotake made Brazil winger Douglas Costa doubled Bayern’s ues as they are now six Bundesliga games with- sure Hanover claimed a point with the equaliser lead with a breath-taking strike from the right out a win after crashing 2-0 at home to eight minutes from time. flank which looped over the Hertha goalkeeper Augsburg. On Friday, Pierre-Michel Lasogga struck on 79 minutes. But this was a far from polished Iceland striker Alfred Finnbogason, on loan twice as Hamburg eased their Bundesliga rele- performance from Bayern, ahead of from Olympiakos, scored his sixth league goal in gation fears with a 2-1 victory at home to Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, first- ten games, with a minute gone, then set up Werder Bremen, who remain stuck in the bot- leg, at Atletico Madrid. Turkey international Halil Altintop on 57 min- tom three. —AFP

BOURNEMOUTH: Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (2nd L) wins a header during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Tadic’s Southampton Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England yesterday. —AFP Flores future overshadow brace adds to Villa woe Watford’s bid for FA Cup glory behind in the second minute courtesy of some fired straight at visiting goalkeeper Fraser LONDON: Quique Sanchez Flores will who meet in the other semi-final yester- comical defending. Forster. The Saints doubled their lead on 39 min- ignore mounting speculation about his day. “This is the time to talk about Watford, Aston Villa 2 Micah Richards, who was restored to the utes as Villa imploded again. Bacuna’s awful pass future as the under-fire Watford manager to talk about Watford fans and how impor- team at centre-back, totally missed a header, was intercepted by Long, who outpaced Lescott tries to save his job with a victory over tant this match is for this club,” Flores said. Joleon Lescott failed to make a challenge and and although Guzan blocked the ball at Long’s Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals “It is not the time to talk about me. I Long hit the bar with the goal at his mercy. feet, he managed to tee up Tadic to make it 2-0. yesterday. can just transmit to the Watford fans that I Southampton 4 But it was merely a temporary reprieve for Villa reduced the arrears out of the blue just Flores’ team are looking to reach their am completely focused and happy. “I have Villa, who were behind on 15 minutes as before the interval when the visitors failed to first FA Cup final for 32 years, but reports an amazing family, amazing kids, I am Southampton scored the simplest of goals. clear Jordan Ayew’s cross from the left and it that Watford’s owners are unhappy with happy with my profession and I am com- Ryan Bertrand’s cross from the left found broke for Westwood, who scored from 10 yards. their poor recent form threaten to cast a pletely happy with Watford fans. BIRMINGHAM: Aston Villa suffered a 10th suc- Long, who ghosted away from the flat-footed Villa threatened briefly to equalise when Aly shadow over the big day at Wembley. “This conversation is about this match cessive Premier League defeat as a double from Lescott and planted an unmarked header past Cissokho advanced down the left and crossed Despite securing Premier League sur- and Crystal Palace. The only thing I am Dusan Tadic helped Southampton to a 4-2 win the helpless Brad Guzan in the Villa goal. for half-time substitute Rudy Gestede, but his vival and enjoying a fine Cup run, Flores’ worried about is this match.” Flores’ fall over the hapless relegated club yesterday. Tadic Villa had the chance to draw level on 22 min- header looped over the bar. hold on his position suddenly appears from grace is surprising after he was wide- twice added to Shane Long’s opener for the utes when Alan Hutton found space on the right But with 19 minutes remaining, the visitors tenuous after just three league wins in ly praised in the first half of the season for Saints as Villa’s shambolic defending made life and crossed for Leandro Bacuna, but he headed killed off any hopes of a Villa comeback when 2016. quickly establishing Watford as a competi- easy for Ronald Koeman’s side, who added a wide of the target. The visitors thought they had they scored their third goal. A poor pass from Hornets owner Gino Pozzo is not averse tive force in their first season back in the fourth goal in stoppage time through substitute doubled their lead 12 minutes before half-time Idrissa Gueye triggered a counter-attack for the to changing managers, with former top flight. Sadio Mane. Ashley Westwood scored twice for when the ball broke for Long and he finished Saints, Long’s pace forced Lescott to backpedal Atletico Madrid boss Flores his fifth Villa to draw them within a single goal of their coolly past Guzan. and the defender’s failure to make a challenge appointment in the space of 12 months ‘No fears’ visitors on two occasions at Villa Park. But that allowed long to tee up Tadic for the simplest of when he was hired last year to replace While publicly he remains confident, he was not enough to silence the angry home fans, OUT OF THE BLUE finishes. Westwood then added his and Villa’s Slavisa Jokanovic, who had led Watford to is surely aware his job security could rest who booed their players, called for the depar- But the Irishman’s celebrations were cut short second with five minutes remaining as the visi- promotion from the Championship. on winning Watford’s first FA Cup semi- ture of owner Randy Lerner and bombarded the as the officials correctly ruled out his effort for tors only half-cleared a corner and the midfield- But the 51-year-old Spaniard insists he final since 2007, so it was no surprise pitch with paper planes on another day of dis- offside. Villa ought to have levelled the scores er scored from long-range. But after Long had has tuned out the rumours to focus on Flores rested Ben Watson, Etienne Capoue, sent. Villa are now just one loss away from eight minutes before the break after Hutton hit the side-netting, Mane made no mistake in how to beat Palace and set up a final clash Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney for a 3-1 equalling a grim club record of 11 in a row, set in powered through midfield and fed Bacuna to his stoppage time as he arrived unmarked to nod against Everton or Manchester United, defeat at West Ham in midweek.— AFP the 1962-63 season. Villa should have been right. Bacuna’s cross found Westwood, but he home a Cedric Soares cross. — AFP Nadal and Nishikori Bayern made to set up blockbuster wait for historic Barcelona16 final fourth19 title SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Koivu, Wild stay alive with OT win in Dallas Page 17

MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero scores their second goal past Stoke City’s Irish goalkeeper Shay Given (R) from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, yesterday. — AFP Man City rout Stoke for Real showdown

in City’s history just four days away, manag- hour under his belt following two games range free-kick which the City goalkeeper to add to his tally as he was also withdrawn er Manuel Pellegrini left Kevin De Bruyne on out with his on-going ankle problem, City pushed over the bar for a corner, from from the firing line after 64 minutes to avoid Man City 4 the substitutes’ bench, left out Fernandinho looked as though they were keen to get which visiting captain Ryan Shawcross any possible late injury scares. And by then and didn’t risk a second game inside a week their business done early to avoid over- volleyed just wide. Joselu also headed a City were 3-0 up as Iheanacho got on the for captain Vincent Kompany. exerting themselves ahead of next chance wide and it was almost against the scoresheet as Pellegrini was preparing to Raheem Sterling was also an unused Tuesday’s big night. run of play when City went 1-0 up 10 min- make a change. Pablo Zabaleta, making his Stoke City 0 substitute but the selection did not backfire But Stoke, looking to complete a league utes before half-time when Jesus Navas 300th appearance for City, charged down as City climbed back to third place after double over City for the first time since delivered a corner to the near post, where the right flank and his pull-back was per- securing the Premier League points they 1980-81 following a 2-0 home win in Fernando arrived perfectly to glance a fectly weighted for Iheanacho to side-foot needed to move closer to a guaranteed top- December, mounted a brief threat them- header beyond Shay Given to claim his sec- home his 10th goal of the season past Jakob MANCHESTER: Manchester City enjoyed four finish and Champions League football selves. ond goal of the season. That eased the pres- Haugaard. Haugaard had replaced the the perfect preparation for their Champions again next season. sure and when City doubled their lead from injured Given, who was 40 on Wednesday, League semi-final showdown against Real With De Bruyne among those held back CONSTANT PROBLEM the penalty spot three minutes later it was at the break and had earlier saved from Madrid with a 4-0 thrashing of Stoke City at for Europe, teenage forward Iheanacho was Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who spent virtually game over. Iheanacho and Yaya Toure. Eastlands yesterday. given a fourth league start of the season. 18 months in charge of City up to City’s forward movement was a constant Stoke also had their chances at 2-0 but a Goals from Fernando, Sergio Aguero, via And he was only inches away from a fourth December 2009, had asked his players for a problem for Stoke’s defence and after bad miss from Joselu and Joe Hart’s fine the penalty spot, and a second-half Kelechi league goal as City made a positive start, response to a run of just one win in six Shawcross pulled back the elusive save from Marko Arnautovic snuffed out any Iheanacho double left City in buoyant collecting a pass from Aguero before curl- games which had all but ended their hopes Iheanacho, Aguero converted his 23rd chance of a comeback before Iheanacho mood before Cristiano Ronaldo and compa- ing a low shot just wide from 20 yards. of a place in next season’s Europa League. league goal of the season to move one completed City’s win with another assured ny arrive in Manchester. With the first-leg With the fit-again David Silva always And after 15 minutes Glenn Whelan behind the total of Tottenham Hotspur strik- finish, rounding Haugaard to slot home 16 visit of Real for one of the biggest matches prominent before he made way with an almost caught out Joe Hart with a long- er Harry Kane. Aguero didn’t get the chance minutes from the end. — AFP

Bale strikes twice to rescue Ronaldo-less Newcastle strike back Real Madrid at Rayo to deny Liverpool MADRID: Gareth Bale struck twice to inspire a Real Madrid fightback from two goals down to win 3-2 at former manager Benitez, who led offered the opportunity for his sixth Rayo Vallecano and move top of La Liga yesterday. the club to their famous 2005 goal of the season. Without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Real’s title Liverpool 2 Champions League triumph, was Only a well-timed tackle by hopes looked in tatters when early goals from Adrian still ringing around Anfield when Jamaal Lascelles on Roberto Firmino Embarba and Miku put Rayo 2-0 in front. However, Sturridge showed Newcastle that in the penalty area saved Newcastle Bale’s powerful header halved the deficit before half- their opponents meant business. from falling further behind. time and he fired home the winner nine minutes from Newcastle 2 The England striker was well The visitors also survived a loud time after Lucas Vazquez had equalised early in the sec- found in the penalty area by a long penalty appeal when Paul Dummett ond period. Real now lead Barcelona and Atletico ball from Alberto Moreno, and appeared to handle, although Madrid by two points, but they can move back in front chested down the ball with his back Liverpool escaped a claim at the at the top of the table when they host Sporting Gijon MADRID: Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale (R) LIVERPOOL: Rafael Benitez to goal before turning to despatch a other end when Ayoze Perez went and Malaga respectively later yesterday. heads the ball with Rayo Vallecano’s Portuguese for- returned to Liverpool to earn a valu- low shot past Karl Darlow despite down under a challenge from “He is very happy to make the difference,” Real coach ward Tiago Correia during the Spanish league football able point in Newcastle’s battle to the attentions of two defenders. Connor Randall, who was making Zinedine Zidane said of Bale. “When we needed him he match Rayo Vallecano de Madrid vs Real Madrid CF at avoid relegation as the visitors It was his 12th goal from only 15 his home league debut. was phenomenal. He scored two, but even without the Vallecas stadium in Madrid yesterday. — AFP recovered from two goals down to starts in an injury-restricted cam- When Newcastle attempted to speaking about the goals, he played very well.” highest to power home Toni Kroos’s corner 10 minutes draw 2-2 yesterday. paign. Coming with just over a rally, Vurnon Anita blazed well over, Ronaldo was missing for the first time in La Liga this before half-time. Benitez’s side trailed to first-half minute on the clock, it was an early and at half-time the visitors looked season due to a thigh injury, while Zidane also left Madrid suffered another blow before the break, goals from Daniel Sturridge and blow for an improved Newcastle unlikely to improve upon a Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric on the bench with one though, as Karim Benzema limped off with a knee injury Adam Lallana, but Papiss Cisse side, who were seeking their first wretched record of collecting no eye on their Champions League semi-final, first leg at making him a serious doubt to travel to Manchester in sparked their revival with a goal win at Liverpool in 22 years on the away points since a surprising win Manchester City on Tuesday. midweek. Vazquez replaced the Frenchman and it was soon after the interval and Jack back of a victory over Swansea and at Tottenham in December. However, the visitors got off to a terrible start as they the diminutive winger who brought Real level in unusu- Colback’s first of the season sealed a a promising draw with Manchester However, the picture changed struggled to deal with the difficult conditions caused by al fashion as he powered home a header from Danilo’s vital fightback. City. The home side were playing dramatically three minutes after the a torrential downpour in the Spanish capital. cross six minutes into the second half. Newcastle’s second-half surge with verve and purpose, knowing restart when Cisse headed in a cross Embarba tapped home the opener from close range Rayo struggled to contain the wave upon wave of lifted them level on points with that a win would hoist them into from Anita at the far post. after Bebe’s determined run and cross had opened up Madrid attacks that ensued as Vazquez just failed to third bottom Sunderland and within sixth place, and it was no surprise It could have been worse for the Madrid defence with just seven minutes gone. It connect with Bale’s cross before Jese Rodriguez fired one point of safety, but they remain when Liverpool extended their lead Liverpool minutes later when a swift was 2-0 inside 15 minutes as shocking Real defending straight at Juan Carlos with just the goalkeeper to beat. in 19th place and have played two after 30 minutes. break by Newcastle saw Andros from a corner allow Miku to sweep home his eighth However, it was fitting that Bale was the man to games more than their north-east Townsend shoot over the bar from goal of the season. decide the game as he pounced on a loose pass mid- rivals. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool had PREDATOR 15 yards. Madrid have now won the last 16 meetings between way inside the Rayo half and surged forward before been chasing a fifth successive vic- This time the predator was Liverpool’s riposte, with Benitez the sides stretching back 16 years, but Rayo could have striking low and hard past Juan Carlos for his 18th goal tory in the wake of a resounding 4-0 Lallana, who had already shown now on the touchline directing been out of sight but for a fine flying save from Keylor of the season. win over Everton, but have now some good touches before com- Newcastle operations, seemed to Navas to prevent Bebe’s long-range effort finding the Rayo had the chance to snatch a point in stoppage dropped 17 points from winning pleting a smart passage of passing have brought a third goal only for top corner. In the absence of Ronaldo, Bale took respon- time, but Miku’s shot was deflected over as Madrid reg- positions. play by hitting a superb shot into Firmino to be flagged offside before sibility to drag Madrid back into the game as he rose istered their ninth consecutive La Liga win. — AFP Liverpool’s warm welcome for the top corner when Moreno’s pass bundling home the ball. — AFP France to lead 4bn euro cash injection for EDF

Page 23 Business Lexus RX 350 ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 Page 25 NBK awarded ‘Operational Excellence Award’ for Gulf Bank wins ‘The Asian Banker Award’ 2015 Page 26 Page 22

HANOVER: Protestors participate in a demonstration against the transatlantic trade deal (TTIP) on the eve of US President’s vist to Hanover, northern Germany, yesterday. — AFP Thousands of trade deal foes rally in Germany Merkel, Obama say EU-US free trade deal would benefit both sides

HANOVER, Germany: Tens of thousands of opponents deal would be a “win-win situation,” adding that “it is A mock coffin was emblazoned with the words In what she called a “win-win situation”, Europe and of a proposed transatlantic trade deal poured onto good for us as we will be able to appraise our competi- “Democracy killed by money”. Dieter Berlin, a 73-year- the United States had the opportunity to agree on envi- German streets yesterday on the eve of a visit by US tors.” The United States is Germany’s biggest trading old pensioner, attended the rally with his wife Hanna, ronmental and consumer protection principles that, President Barack Obama. partner. Advocates of the trade deal say it would unleash waving a banner reading “No GMOs on our plates” in a due to the massive size of the market, “could set global A loose coalition of trade unions, environmentalists further growth while critics warn it could undermine reference to genetically modified foods. standards”. After talks with Obama on Friday, British and consumer protection groups in the northern city of consumer rights and environmental protection. Berlin said he had turned out over fears of a race to Prime Minister David Cameron also insisted TTIP “would Hanover said they drew a crowd of 90,000 to a march Speaking separately in London yesterday, Obama the bottom with free trade. “We want to keep our edu- add billions to our economies and set the standards for and rally outside the city’s opera house. Police mobi- said the trade deal had run up against “parochial inter- cational standards, not adopt the American educational the rest of the world to follow”. The Hanover meeting lized a large force to keep the peace and put atten- ests” of individual countries but would create millions of system. And we want to hold onto our environmental comes just before a 13th round of TTIP negotiations dance at 35,000. jobs and billions of dollars of benefits. standards too,” he said. starts in New York tomorrow. But skepticism in the face German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Obama’s trip-to open an industrial technology fair His friend Heino Kirchhof, 73, said TTIP would widen of those arguments is growing in Germany, and Barack Obama said yesterday they favored sealing a US- and hold talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel and other the gulf “between poor and rich-that is going to threat- Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel admitted this week: European free trade agreement as it would fuel growth European leaders-was intended to lend momentum to en the stability of the world.” Another demonstrator, 38- “It is possible that TTIP will fail.” on both sides of the Atlantic. flagging efforts to see the world’s biggest trade pact year-old Ladislav Jelinek of the Czech Republic, said he Just 17 percent of Germans say they support TTIP, Merkel is expected to discuss the Trans-Atlantic Trade finalised this year. On a visit to London on Saturday, worried that pollution and food safety protections according to a Bertelsmann Foundation poll of more and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with Obama when Obama sought to address sceptics’ fears head-on, could be hollowed out by the treaty.“There is no need to than 3,000 people published Thursday, well down on he visits a trade show in Hanover today and tomorrow. admitting that some past trade agreements had “served damage the environment more than we already did,” he the 55 percent registered two years ago. During the Support for TTIP has plunged in both their countries, the interests of large corporations and not necessarily said. “European society doesn’t need to progress at the same period, firm opposition to the pact rose to 33 per- however. Tens of thousands of protesters marched in of workers in the countries that participate in them”. expense of animals, water and the air.” cent from 25 percent. Hanover yesterday to express their opposition to the The Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment The picture in the United States is hardly more prom- deal. Police said 35,000 people took part in the demon- Partnership (TTIP) has run into major opposition, not Support in freefall ising. The “Yes” camp has shrunk to 15 percent from 53 stration, while organizers said more than double that least in Europe’s top economy Germany, where critics A similar protest in October in Berlin drew up to percent, while nearly half 46 percent-say they feel too number had attended. have raised the spectre of eroding ecological and 250,000 people, according to organisers, signalling an ill-informed to have an opinion. Given the lack of politi- Protesters held placards reading “Stop TTIP” and “For labour market standards and condemned secrecy uphill battle for the deal’s passage. cal capital available to a “lame duck” president, US and a fair world trade.” “The Trans-Atlantic Trade and shrouding the talks. As the whistle-blowing crowd In a video statement yesterday, Merkel insisted that European analysts said, the White House was more like- Investment Partnership is one of the best ways to pro- moved through Hanover in unseasonably cold weath- TTIP would not ride roughshod over citizens’ rights or ly to aggressively pursue ratification of one of Obama’s mote growth and create jobs,” Obama told the mass- er, one banner reading “Don’t give TTIP a chance” fea- interests. “We don’t want people to have the impression signal achievements, the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade selling newspaper Bild in an interview. tured the image of a bull tagged “privatisation” and a that something is being hushed up here, or that norms deal (TPP) with Asia, than to struggle to complete nego- Merkel said in her weekly podcast that wrapping up a cow branded “democracy”. are being undermined. The opposite is true,” she said. tiations on TTIP. — Agencies Let’s not overreact to Trans-Atlantic trade deal in Panama Papers: EU FMs focus as Obama visits Germany

AMSTERDAM: A European Commission plan to publicly reveal tax and financial data BERLIN: When President Barack Obama opens have lobbied hard against the deal, claiming that jurors who don’t understand the complexities of of large companies raised concerns among many European Union finance ministers the world’s largest industrial fair in the northern it will drive down wages, erode consumer protec- international trade law, and ensure that US com- who yesterday advised caution after the Panama Paper leaks. Under pressure after German city of Hanover today, he’ll be leading a tion and environmental standards. panies don’t face discrimination in European the revelations about offshore firms hiding wealth, the EU executive proposed on delegation of American companies hoping to The discussions, due to resume tomorrow in countries with high rates of corruption. Juergen April 12 a plan to increase tax transparency of multinational companies, including conquer new markets abroad. He’ll also be trying New York, have come under criticism for the Hardt, a German lawmaker and the government’s public disclosure of their activities in tax havens. to complete one of his presidency’s main pieces secretive manner in which they’ve been conduct- coordinator for trans-Atlantic cooperation, Companies have warned of reputation risks, as some data may be misinterpreted of unfinished business - a trans-Atlantic trade ed. National lawmakers are only allowed to view believes some of those leading the fight against if made publicly available. Non-EU firms could also acquire valuable information on pact. draft documents in special reading rooms and are TTIP “have other motivations” beyond trade. their EU competitors, damaging their competitiveness, trade associations said. Officials in Washington and Brussels are trying forbidden from talking about the documents “They also want to incite anti-American feel- German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble questioned the effectiveness of the to clinch key parts of the deal before the end of with experts, the media or their constituents. ings,” he said. The EU’s executive branch is trying Commission’s plan at the end of a two-day finance ministers meeting in Amsterdam the year, after which a new US president and elec- Proposals to create dispute settlement tri- to promote the benefits of a deal. On its website, and indicated German federal states opposed public disclosure of companies’ tax tion campaigns in major European countries bunals have also stoked fears. EU trade chief it suggests that TTIP will boost demand for data. “Many people and entities are more willing to share information when they do could complicate negotiations. Proponents of the Cecilia Malmstrom envisages special investment European delicacies like cheese, hams, wine, olive not have to fear the effect of a public pillory,” he said, backing disclosure only to tax agreement - known as the Trans-Atlantic Trade courts that would rule in disputes between gov- oil, spirits, and chocolate. authorities. and Investment Partnership, or TTIP - argue that ernments and companies that feel they face “High tariffs at US customs - up to 30 percent - “We should not overreact,” his Maltese counterpart Edward Scicluna said, warning lowering tariffs and harmonizing rules would give undue legal hurdles to their business. make some of these hard for Americans to afford - against the competitive risks for EU companies if overly strict transparency regula- a much-needed boost to businesses at a time of Critics say such courts could place the interests and difficult for European farmers and firms to tions were adopted global economic uncertainty. Or as Obama put it of corporations above those of democratically export,” it says. TTIP’s backers hope images of “We would prefer that as a first step, (corporate tax data) should be available to when the talks launched three years ago: “New elected governments, citing a recent case where Obama in Europe - where his popularity remains tax authorities, not to the public.” Belgian Finance Minister Johan Van Overtveldt said growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.” tobacco giant Philip Morris sued Uruguay over a high - will counter those of thousands protesting the ministers “have to be careful about privacy rights.” But this rosy view of TTIP hasn’t caught the law requiring graphic warnings on cigarette pack- the deal. “One of the main misunderstandings is Taking note of the “different views” among ministers, Dutch Finance Minister public’s imagination, particularly in Germany. ages. Alfred de Zayas, an American law professor that we’d be doing the Americans a big favor,” said Jeroen Dijsselbloem said that the topic will be formally addressed at a new meeting More than 100,000 people protested in Berlin in and UN human rights expert, argues that such Hardt. “As an export nation, where more jobs during his country’s presidency of the EU in this first half of the year. He conceded November against the proposed pact - and on courts are unnecessary in countries that abide by depend on export than in any other country, that talks would have to continue beyond the summer to reach a possible compro- Saturday, police estimated more than 20,000 the rule of law, such as the United States or the Germany has the greatest interest in free trade. So mise on the subject. — Reuters marched in Hannover against it, carrying placards EU’s 28 nations. I think the Americans would be doing us more of with slogans such as “Yes We Can - Stop TTIP!” Backers of the special courts say they would a favor agreeing to such a pact than the other Trade unions, nationalists and green groups prevent cases from being heard by American way around.” — AP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 BUSINESS Kuwait crude price down to $38.12pb

KUWAIT: Kuwait oil price went down 53 Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the cents on Friday reaching $38.12 per bar- following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), rel against $38.65 pb on Thursday, Kuwait Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said yester- Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra day. In international markets, Brent Blend Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es went up to $45.11 pb, whereas US crude Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar oil also rose settling at $43.73 pb. Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Meanwhile, the OPEC daily basket Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). price stood at $40.11 a barrel on During their recent meeting in Vienna Thursday, compared with $38.46 in late 2015, OPEC member countries had Wednesday, the organization announced decided to maintain their production at on Friday. The annual average of the 30 million barrels per day (bpd) despite a OPEC basket price hit $49.64 pb, it said in surplus in the market estimated at over a a press release. The new OPEC Reference million barrels. — KUNA KSE equities face selloff: KFH capital KUWAIT: Isam Jasem Al-Sager, NBK Group Chief Executive officer and Salah Yousef Al-Fulaij, NBK-Kuwait Chief executive officer receiving the award from Raghu Malhotra, President of MasterCard, Middle East and Africa. KUWAIT: A report prepared by the volumes were 949.33 million shares KFH Capital said on Friday this week compared to 1246.36 million shares in has not been a positive week for the previous week, a decrease of 23.8 per- indices as KSE price index closed up cent in share trading. Among the NBK awarded ‘Operational 0.88 percent, 5346.95 up 46.44 points major contributors again was the compared to the week before the only Financial Services Sector (contributing positive index for the week. 35.64 percent) witnessed 338.24 mil- Excellence Award’ for 2015 The report added that as for the lion shares of trading compared to MUDX, it lost 0.07 percent down 0.36 541.41 million shares in the previous points to close at 526.56 for the week. week, while Real Estate Sector (con- MasterCard award for achieving highest issuer availability rates KSE Weighted was down as well to tributing 29.82 percent) witnessed 363.68 down 0. 38 percent and 1.39 283.00 million shares of trading com- KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) of Salah Yousef Al-Fulaij, NBK-Kuwait Chief ity and issuer availability rate, which exceeded points to the previous week. While the pared to 354.77 million shares in the received the Operational Excellence Award in Executive Officer and Dimitrios Kokosioulis, NBK’s local and regional average rates, with a 100% market blue-chip index the KSX15 hit previous week, it said. Kuwait for 2015 from MasterCard, for achieving General Manager, Operations and Information uptime. The award reflects NBK’s commitment the biggest with a 7.78 points The overall Market Cap was down the highest issuer availability rates in Kuwait, Technology Group, Raghav Prasad, General to invest in its IT infrastructure to enhance its decrease to close at 855.36 down 0.90 by 0.4 percent as it stood at KD 24.96 which are among the world’s best rates for the Manager - Gulf Countries, MasterCard, , Pankaj service quality and its keenness to best serve percent. billion. As for The blue-chips National year 2015. Kathuria, Head of Business Development, its customers. NBK provides its customers with Brent crude oil witnessed an Bank of Kuwait - NBK (Mcap - KD 3.49 Isam Jassem Al-Sager, NBK Group Chief MasterCard Qatar, Kuwait and Oman along with the best banking experience through dedicat- increase on a weekly basis to reach billion) saw its market cap decrease for Executive Officer, received the award from Raghu other NBK and MasterCard officials. ed professionals and by building on the long- $45.93, it noted. The reported weekly the week with 1.49 percent. — KUNA Malhotra, President of MasterCard, Middle East NBK is the only bank in Kuwait to receive this time relationships with world-leading partners and Africa, at NBK’s Head Office, in the presence award, based on the merit of its system availabil- and brands such as MasterCard.

Libya’s NOC says eastern US insists European banks govt tried to export 650,000 barrels can now deal with Iran Kerry seeks to allay fears over US reprisal TRIPOLI: Libya’s National Oil ment on April 21-23 for DSA Corporation (NOC) said the coun- Consultancy FZC, a company reg- NEW YORK: The United States insisted that foreign return. And in Washington, Obama’s critics claim he Frozen billions try’s eastern government istered in the United Arab banks should feel free to do business with Iran after plans to allow an unreformed Iran access to US Kerry admitted this week that Iran has thus far attempted to export 650,000 bar- Emirates. It said the shipment was Tehran’s compliance with a nuclear deal with world finance despite the separate sanctions remaining in been able to access only around $3 billion of the rels of oil this week, but that intended for the Distya Ameya, an powers. Secretary of State John Kerry downplayed place. $55 billion the State Department estimates that it workers at the Marsa al-Hariga Indian-flagged vessel that fears that Asian or European banks could fall afoul is owed. US sanctions still exist to punish Iran for terminal had refused to load the remained at Marsa al-Hariga. of Washington’s continuing sanctions against Iran’s Heavy water deal its missile program and sponsorship of Middle East shipment. “This had the potential “Agoco employees and port non-nuclear activities. The State Department defended the heavy “terrorist groups,” and Washington officials’ hands to be a very ugly incident and I officials understood this was a And, as Kerry met with Foreign Minister water deal. “This transaction provides US industry are partly tied. Washington had hoped European am pleased that it has been political attempt to divide the Mohammad Javad Zarif for the second time in a with a critical product, while also enabling Iran to and Asian banks would free up the frozen funds resolved peacefully without injury country, and I am very proud that week, Washington itself agreed to buy 32 tons of sell some of its excess heavy water,” spokesman and allow Rouhani’s government to show its peo- to anybody or loss of revenue or they resisted the pressure to load Iranian heavy water. These parallel moves in sup- John Kirby said. ple the benefits of international cooperation. damage to the integrity of NOC or this vessel,” Sanalla said. port of non-US trade with Iran will enrage President He said the purchase had come after Iran met its But European officials have told AFP their the country,” Tripoli-based “We have been in communica- Barack Obama’s domestic critics, who argue he has obligations under the nuclear accord implementa- bankers fear they could face fines or even crimi- Chairman Mustafa Sanalla said in tion with the master of the ship,” already ceded too much ground to Tehran. tion process. And he added: “This material had nal cases against their US subsidiaries if they a statement released late on he added. “We have informed him “I want to emphasize we’ve lifted our nuclear- already been removed from Iran, ensuring rush in. The US has scrambled expert teams-”akin Friday. he is breaching UN resolutions related sanctions as we committed to do,” Kerry told it would not be used to support the develop- to a roadshow,” in spokesman Kirby’s phrase-to Libya’s eastern government is and we have asked him to leave reporters, sitting alongside Zarif in a New York ment of a nuclear weapon.” The heavy water pur- reassure international bankers that they can do one of two rival administrations Libyan waters immediately. He hotel. “And there are now opportunities for foreign chase immediately came under attack in business. set up in 2014. Its efforts to sell oil has turned off his vessel’s tracking banks to do business with Iran,” he said. Kerry said Washington as another concession to Tehran and a through a parallel oil company system.” The UN Security Council that this included those banks that are holding an crack in the wall barring Iran from the US financial Enraged Republicans have so far been unsuccessful. last month said the unity govern- estimated $55 billion in frozen Iranian assets, who system. “Once again, the Obama administration is But the spectacle of American officials effec- The NOC has said it will work ment had the “primary responsi- have been nervous about returning the funds even handing Iran’s radical regime more cash,” declared tively working to promote foreign business with a UN-backed unity govern- bility” for preventing illicit oil after the deal. “Unfortunately, there seems to be Ed Royce, chairman of the House foreign affairs engagement with the Islamic republic has enraged ment that arrived in Tripoli last sales, urging it to communicate some confusion among foreign banks and we want committee. Obama’s Republican opponents. month to coordinate future oil any such attempts to the UN com- to clarify that as much as we can,” Kerry admitted. “US purchase of this sensitive material goes Lawmakers have threatened to pass renewed sales. There was no immediate mittee overseeing Libya-related And, he promised, if banks have questions about well beyond what is required by the nuclear bars on Iranian interaction with the US financial comment from the eastern gov- sanctions. the remaining sanctions targeting Iran’s missile pro- agreement.” system, through which many dollar-denominated ernment or the parallel oil com- The resolution also restated a gram and sponsorship of militant groups, “they House Speaker Paul Ryan did not mince his transactions pass. But officials feel the credibility pany that it formed in Benghazi, call for member states to cease should just ask.” words. “This purchase-part of what appears to be of the nuclear deal, which was implemented in Libya’s second city. contact with any “parallel institu- Zarif welcomed the statement. “Iran has imple- the administration’s full-court press to sweeten the January, depends on Iran’s moderates being able Sanalla said he had informed tions”. Since the uprising that top- mented its part of the bargain,” he said. deal-will directly subsidize Iran’s nuclear program,” to point to economic progress. In theory, the the unity government’s prime pled autocrat Muammar Gaddafi “And we hope that with this statement ... that we he said. “It’s yet another unprecedented concession European Union lifted its nuclear-related sanctions minister, Fayez Seraj, about the five years ago, Libya’s oil produc- see serious implementation of all the JCPOA bene- to the world’s leading state-sponsor of terrorism.” against Tehran at the same time as Washington. attempted sale, and that Seraj tion has been slashed by rivalry fits that Iran should derive from this agreement,” he But a US official, speaking on condition of But Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, still under “took the necessary steps to stop between armed factions, attacks added, referring to the deal. Separately US officials anonymity, insisted to AFP the transaction did not sanctions for their role in sponsoring attacks by the vessel from loading”. by Islamic State militants and said they would spend $8.6 million to buy Iranian break any rules. “Regardless of whether or not this Middle East militant groups, have extensive busi- The NOC statement said the labor disputes. Output has fallen heavy water, even as the nuclear deal came under is in US dollars, this licensed transaction is limited ness interests. marketing manager of the parallel to less than a quarter of the 1.6 sustained attack from critics in both countries. in scope,” he said. “This routing through third-coun- And any private sector investment or financial company had instructed eastern million barrels per day produced Hardliners in Tehran argue that President Hassan try financial institutions is similar to the mechanism services provided to Iran that was found to be oil firm Agoco to load the ship- before the uprising. — Reuters Rouhani has been tricked into surrendering control that has been used for years to allow other author- linked to the group could expose European banks of Iran’s nuclear program without getting much in ized transactions,” he said. to US prosecution. — AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Canadian dollar 239.120 Malaysian Ringgit 78.585 Indian Rupee 0.004336 0.004726 Turkish lira 107.180 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.075 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Swiss Franc 316.490 Thai Bhat 9.585 Japanese Yen 0.002689 0.002869 ASIAN COUNTRIES Australian Dollar 236.660 Turkish Lira 107.525 Kenyan Shilling 0.002981 0.002981 Japanese Yen 2.774 US Dollar Buying 301.050 Korean Won 0.000256 0.000271 Indian Rupees 4.579 Malaysian Ringgit 0.074325 0.080325 Pakistani Rupees 2.883 GOLD Bahrain Exchange Company Nepalese Rupee 0.002880 0.003050 Srilankan Rupees 2.079 20 Gram 252.350 Nepali Rupees 2.855 Pakistan Rupee 0.002665 0.002945 10 Gram 129.090 Philippine Peso 0.006464 0.006744 Singapore Dollar 226.070 5 Gram 65.390 CURRENCY BUY SELL Hongkong Dollar 38.972 Europe Sierra Leone 0.000073 0.000079 Bangladesh Taka 3.853 British Pound 0.426965 0.435965 Singapore Dollar 0.221668 0.227668 Philippine Peso 6.549 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Czech Korune 0.004674 0.016674 South African Rand 0.014999 0.023499 Thai Baht 8.667 Danish Krone 0.042015 0.047015 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001693 0.002273 Euro 0.0337470 0.0345470 Taiwan 0.009247 0.009427 GCC COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Norwegian Krone 0.033021 0.038221 Thai Baht 0.008315 0.008865 Saudi Riyal 80.643 US Dollar 302.800 Romanian Leu 0.076499 0.079499 Qatari Riyal 83.070 Canadian Dollar 239.220 Slovakia 0.009000 0.019000 Arab Sterling Pound 436.895 Omani Riyal 785.473 Swedish Krona 0.033262 0.038262 Bahraini Dinar 0.795155 0.803155 Euro 340.921 Bahraini Dinar 803.110 Swiss Franc 0.307494 0.317694 Egyptian Pound 0.030647 0.035765 Swiss Frank 297.350 UAE Dirham 82.335 Turkish Lira 0.101133 0.111433 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Bahrain Dinar 801.065 Iraqi Dinar 0.000191 0.000251 UAE Dirhams 82.680 ARAB COUNTRIES Australasia Jordanian Dinar 0.422296 0.429796 Egyptian Pound - Cash 33.250 Qatari Riyals 83.895 Australian Dollar 0.226546 0.238046 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 34.427 Saudi Riyals 81.425 Jordanian Dinar 426.550 New Zealand Dollar 0.205206 0.214706 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.411 Moroccan Dirhams 0.019784 0.043784 Tunisian Dinar 151.580 Egyptian Pound 34.002 Nigerian Naira 0.001245 0.001880 Jordanian Dinar 425.940 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.076 America Omani Riyal 0.778645 0.784325 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.015 Indian Rupees 4.543 Canadian Dollar 0.231993 0.240493 Qatar Riyal 0.082309 0.083522 Syrian Lira 2.155 Pakistani Rupees 2.884 US Dollars 0.298150 0.302650 Morocco Dirham 31.816 Bangladesh Taka 3.851 US Dollars Mint 0.298650 0.302650 Saudi Riyal 0.079713 0.080663 Philippines Pesso 6.497 Syrian Pound 0.001281 0.001501 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 576.735 Asia Tunisian Dinar 0.147877 0.155877 US Dollar Transfer 302.250 Japanese Yen 3.700 Bangladesh Taka 0.003435 0.004009 Turkish Lira 0.101133 0.111433 Euro 344.870 Syrian Pound 2.375 Chinese Yuan 0.045252 0.048752 UAE Dirhams 0.081310 0.082459 Sterling Pound 435.840 Nepalese Rupees 3.850 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036877 0.039627 Yemeni Riyal 0.001366 0.001446 SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 BUSINESS

Artist Turner to appear on England’s new £20 note

MARGATE, United Kingdom: The artist Britain’s top award for contemporary J M W Turner will appear on the new visual artists. “It’s wonderful that Britain’s £20 note, Bank of England governor creative side is being honoured in this Mark Carney announced Friday. The new way,” she said. The current £20 note, first design will include Joseph Mallord issued in 2007, carries a picture of 18th- William Turner’s self-portrait and his century economist Adam Smith. 1838 oil painting “The Fighting Alex Farquharson, director of Temeraire”. London’s Tate Britain gallery, said: “Turner is perhaps the single most “Turner’s popularity is unrivalled-he was influential British artist of all time,” voted the nation’s favourite artist last Carney said. year-and now everyone can celebrate “His work was transformative, bridg- Turner’s great contribution to art on a ing the classical and modern worlds. His daily basis.” The Bank of England issues influence spanned his lifetime and is still £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. The new £20 apparent today.” Carney made the note, which will enter circulation by announcement as he unveiled a con- 2020, will be the third in a series of ban- cept image of the note at the Turner knotes printed for the first time on poly- Contemporary art gallery in the south- mer rather than paper. A new polymer east English seaside resort of Margate. £5 note featuring World War II prime “Turner bequeathed this painting to minister Winston Churchill is to be the nation, an example of his important unveiled on June 2 and enter circulation contribution to British society,” said in September. Carney. The new note ($28.80, 25.70 A £10 note on polymer featuring euro) will also include the quote “Light is novelist Jane Austen will be issued in therefore colour”, from an 1818 lecture 2017. The new notes retain a regular by Turner referring to his use of light, layout, featuring a 1990 portrait of shade, colour and tone. Queen Elizabeth II, and a historical fig- Turner was selected by Britain’s cen- ure on the reverse. Sterling is the first of tral bank following nominations from the world’s most traded currencies- the public. “It’s so amazing that an artist ahead of the US dollar, the euro and the has been chosen for the £20 note and yen-to switch to polymer. The one-time an artist who was a wild maverick,” artist slave turned abolitionist Harriet Tracey Emin said at the launch. Tubman was named Wednesday as the PARIS: The French energy giant EDF tower in La Defense business district, west of Paris yesterday. France said it would lead a four-billion-euro Emin-who grew up in Margate-shot new face of the $20 banknote, the first capital increase for power company EDF, months after agreeing a similar cash injection for the other pillar of its nuclear industry, Areva. — AFP to fame when her unmade bed was time an African American has featured nominated for the 1999 Turner Prize, on US currency. — AFP France to lead 4bn euro cash injection for EDF Govt to cut millions more in costs, sell off assets

PARIS: France said late Friday it would lead a May, would now take “several weeks”. Union takeover of the reactor arm of struggling four-billion-euro capital increase for power sources said it could take “two to three months”. nuclear giant Areva. Unions, financial markets company EDF, months after agreeing a similar “EDF is a group that is already in debt- and even EDF’s former finance chief-who cash injection for the other pillar of its nuclear increasingly in debt-and it is vital that we bring resigned in March-have for months cast doubts industry, Areva. this debt under control,” Levy said in an inter- on the company’s ability to handle all its invest- EDF, which is 85 percent owned by the view with the Figaro newspaper. ments, particularly Hinkley Point. French state, also pledged to cut millions more After hours of talks, the board gave the France’s Economy Minister Emmanuel in costs and sell off assets in a bid to reduce its green light to raising four billion euros ($4.5 bil- Macron repeated his government’s commit- huge pile of debt. lion) of capital through a “market operation” to ment Sunday to EDF’s plans to build the plant in The electricity giant has been hit by weak be carried out by the beginning of next year. southwest England. But questions have been European electricity prices and hefty invest- Paris will inject three billion euros, though raised both about its financial viability and use ments, notably its plans to help build Britain’s where it will get the cash is unclear, following a of largely untested technology. controversial Hinkley Point nuclear plant at a similar capital increase for Areva in January John Sauven, director of Greenpeace UK, LONDON: Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, addresses a press projected cost of £18 billion (23 billion euros, backed by the French state. said the latest delay to EDF’s investment deci- conference to unveil the design for a new British 20 pound note featuring an $26 billion). On Friday, the company again post- In exchange, EDF will redouble its debt-cut- sion “may now be the sign that the entire artwork by British artist JMW Turner entitled ‘The Fighting Temeraire tugged to poned its final decision on whether to continue ting efforts, targeting cost reductions of at least project is coming to a grinding halt” and her last Berth to be broken up’ (1839) during a media facility in Margate, south- with the project, in which the China General a billion euros in 2019 compared to 2015 — showed the British government “urgently east England. — AFP Nuclear Power Corporation is also a partner. well above original plans for 700 million euros needs to back renewable energy as a more Chairman and CEO Jean-Bernard Levy told of savings over three years. The group also reliable alternative.” the board he would first consult with EDF’s plans to raise 10 billion euros from selling off Even if EDF could agree on the financing works council, as demanded by trade unions gas, coal and oil interests. of the project, the European Commission Cuba cuts prices of who have questioned the project’s feasibility. The measures are designed to help EDF bet- could scupper it on the grounds that it was A source close to the group told AFP the ter plan for the future, including paying for the being built with “illegal state aid,” Sauven some staple foods decision, which had been expected by early maintenance of 58 French reactors and its added. — AFP HAVANA: Cuba cut prices of some foods but said it was not nearly enough. “It is NY denies critical permit at government-run stores on Friday, in a good they reduced prices a little, but this move that could help quell grumbling measure does not completely meet the from people left out by market-oriented needs of a large segment of the popula- reforms and upset over inflation and tion,”, said Migdalia Calderon, a retiree for natural gas pipeline inequality. A statement by the Ministry of from the education ministry with a pen- Finance and Prices, carried by state-run sion of 280 pesos a month, equivalent to media, cited concern for residents. It said just under $12.00. The state has a monop- ALBANY, NY: New York environmental regula- Partners and Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Constitution Pipeline. “Cuomo’s leadership the measure, affecting some goods sold in oly on imports and the sale of imported tors have rejected a critical permit needed for a can appeal the state decision to the US Circuit could inspire a domino effect of related both hard currency and local peso stores, goods, which are sold mainly at the hard major natural gas pipeline project, saying the Court of Appeals. pipeline rejections as other states begin to put was also in response to lower international currency stores, and sets prices. Cuba project fails to meet standards that protect hun- “We are very disappointed by today’s deci- the protection of water and our climate before commodity prices and the need to imports more than 60 percent of the food dreds of streams, wetlands and other water sion,” Constitution spokesman Christopher flawed energy projects that do not serve the strengthen the peso. it consumes. resources in its path. Stockton said. “We remain absolutely commit- public interest,” said Roger Downs of the Sierra The decision to lower prices came just Some 70 percent of the island’s labor The Department of Environmental ted to building this important energy infrastruc- Club’s Atlantic Chapter. days after a congress of the ruling force of five million works for the state, Conservation said Friday it won’t issue a water ture project.” Stockton said the partners will But some local officials, labor groups and Communist Party disappointed some earning an average wage of around 600 quality permit for the 124-mile Constitution decide whether to appeal after they finish ana- business interests argue the pipeline is essential Cubans with a message that measures to pesos per month, or $25 in the local equiv- Pipeline from Pennsylvania’s shale gas fields lyzing the state’s rationale for the denial. since New York has been increasing its natural reform the economy and bring in a alent currency called the convertible peso to eastern New York. The agency said the pro- The decision comes two days after Kinder gas consumption. “We are incredibly disap- younger leadership would move slowly. In (CUC). However, many Cubans also receive ject’s construction would affect 251 streams Morgan Inc. announced it was mothballing its pointed that the administration allowed fear- another sign of responsiveness, the gov- hard currency or peso bonuses and remit- and 500 acres of valuable forest as well as planned Northeast Energy Direct pipeline, mongering to once again lead the way,” said ernment on Friday also relaxed rules on tances from relatives abroad. The retail extensive wetlands. which would have followed some of the same Heather Briccetti, president of The Business Cubans traveling by sea. outlets originally had a mark-up of a mini- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission route as Constitution. Kinder Morgan, which Council of New York State. She said the decision The new food rules will make some mum of 240 percent, ostensibly a tax to approved the pipeline project in 2014 contin- was earlier in the FERC process, cited economic “will have a direct and immediate negative items more accessible to more Cubans, help those who cannot afford what are gent on the state permit, which is required by reasons for its decision. impact on our state’s economy.” reducing some prices at hard currency called the “dollar stores.” In 2004 the dollar the federal Clean Water Act. The project had all After Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned hydraulic The Department of Environmental stores by around 20 percent, including for was replaced by the CUC. Friday’s state- needed permits for a segment in Pennsylvania fracturing for shale gas in 2014, environmen- Conservation said that in addition to its review chicken products, hamburger meat and ment said the price cuts strengthened the and had already cleared trees there in prepara- talists turned their efforts to defeating of Constitution’s application and supporting cooking oil. At peso stores, rice and chick- peso’s value slightly and other measures tion for construction. pipelines and other energy infrastructure proj- materials, the agency also considered more peas will become cheaper. were under consideration, without giving Constitution Pipeline Company, a partner- ects. They and community groups pressed than 15,000 public comments before reaching Local residents welcomed the measure further details. — Reuters ship formed by Cabot Oil & Gas, Williams Cuomo to decline the state permit for the its decision. — AP Many criminal justice policies hurt US economy: White House

WASHINGTON: Longer prison sen- investments in police, prisoner educa- tences for non-violent criminals and tion, and job opportunities for ex-pris- crowded prisons are hurting the oners than it can from putting addition- American economy more than they are al funding toward prisons, the Council’s helping it, economists in US President report said. Barack Obama’s administration said in a The Council’s report was based on a report released yesterday. review of existing economics research, The prison population in the United and does not estimate the indirect costs States is 4.5 times larger than it was in borne by the US economy as a result of 1980, primarily driven by longer sen- its current criminal justice policies. tences and higher conviction rates for Later this year, the Brennan Center nearly all offenses, according to the will unveil a study quantifying how Council’s report. Economists are “of one much the U.S. criminal justice system mind” that packed prisons, excessively costs Americans in terms of employ- long sentences, and insufficient reentry ment, wages, and gross domestic prod- programs “are counter-productive to uct, said the center’s director of justice our economy as a whole in addition to programs, Inimai Chettiar. hurting the people involved,” Jason Previous administrations have not Furman, chairman of the White House brought the same focus to how criminal Council of Economic Advisers, told justice policies affect the U.S. workforce, reporters in a call on Friday. said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who led the Tomorrow, administration officials, Congressional Budget Office from 2003- economists, business leaders, and schol- 05 and is now president of the American ars will discuss the Council’s findings at Action Forum think tank. an event hosted by the White House, Since the recession of the late the American Enterprise Institute think 2000s, “every aspect of the workforce tank, and New York University’s Brennan has been scrutinized more closely, and Center for Justice. The United States can this sort of popped out,” he told HANOVER: Opponents of a proposed transatlantic trade deal (TTIP) hold a banner reading ‘Don’t give TTIP any chance’ during a reap greater economic benefit through Reuters. — Reuters protest rally on the eve of US President’s vist to Hanover yesterday. — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 BUSINESS

KSE indices mixed in lackluster week BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week with mixed performance. The Price Index closed at 5,346.95 points, up by 0.88 percent from the week before closing, the Weighted Index decreased by 0.38 percent after closing at 363.68 points, whereas the KSX-15 Index closed at 855.36 points down by 0.90 percent. Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover decreased by 18.69 percent, compared to the preceding week, reaching KD 13.35 million, whereas trading volume average was 189.87 million shares, recording an level, the market cap for the listed compa- at 749.84 points. The Consumer Services decrease of 23.53 percent. nies in KSE declined by 6.63 percent from sector was second on the losers‘ list, which Kuwait Stock Exchange ended last its value at end of 2015, where it reached index declined by 0.30 percent, closing at week’s activity with mixed closings for the then KD 25.27 billion. 920.36 points, the least declining sector three indicators, whereas the Price Index As far as KSE annual performance, the was the Banks sector, as its index closed at was able to realize gains for the third con- price index ended last week recording 832.77 points at a loss of 0.19 percent. secutive week, supported by the gains 4.78 percent annual loss compared to its realized by some small-cap stocks, in addi- closing in 2015, while the weighted index Sectors’ Activity tion to the random purchasing operations decreased by 4.72 percent, and the KSX-15 The Financial Services sector dominat- that targeted a number of stocks that are recorded 5.01 percent loss. ed a total trade volume of around 338.25 expected to disclose positive results for the million shares changing hands during last first quarter of the current year, while the Sectors’ Indices week, representing 35.63 percent of the Weighted and KSX-15 indices closed in the Seven of KSE’s sectors ended last week total market trading volume. The Real red zone by the end of the week, affected in the green zone, while the other five Estate sector was second in terms of trad- by the decline of many leading and heavy recorded declines. Last week’s highest ing volume as the sector’s traded shares stocks, after witnessed some selling for gainer was the Health Care sector, achiev- were 29.81 percent of last week’s total profit operations. The market witnessed ing 3.86 percent growth rate as its index trading volume, with a total of around such performance in light of the continued closed at 994 points. Whereas, in the sec- 283.01 million shares. state of watch that is overwhelming the ond place, the Industrial sector’s index On the other hand, the Banks sector’s traders, waiting for the listed companies to closed at 993.14 points or 2.83 percent stocks were the highest traded in terms of disclose its financial results for the first increase. The Basic Materials sector came value; with a turnover of around KD 20.37 quarter of the current year. in third as its index achieved 1.59 percent million or 30.51 percent of last week’s total As per the daily trading activity during growth, ending the week at 983.65 points. market trading value. The Financial the last week, the three stock indicators The least growing sector was the Financial Services sector took the second place as initiated its first session of the week for the third consecutive session, enhanc- Moreover, the market capitalization Services sector, as its index closed at the sector’s last week turnover was approx. recording grouped increase, supported by ing its weekly gains, whilst the Weighted reached by the end of last week KD 23.59 591.78 points increasing by 0.22 percent. KD 17.77 million representing 26.61 per- the purchasing power that included many and KSX-15 indices returned to the losses billion, down by 0.40 percent compared On the other hand, the Oil & Gas sector cent of the total market trading value. leading and small-cap stocks, while the area once again, to end the weekly trades with its level in a week earlier, where it was headed the losers list as its index declined — Prepared by the Studies & Research trading indicators witnessed noticeable in the red zone. KD 23.69 billion; however on the annual by 1.64 percent to end the week’s activity Department, Bayan Investment Co. decrease, especially in the value which recorded a daily drop of more than 30 per- cent. The three market indicators record- ed noticeable declines in the next session, which witnessed a strong selling for profit trend, among a continued drop in the trading value for the second consecutive session during the week. On Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s sessions, the market was able to realize some gains and its indicators were able to compen- sate a part of its previous losses, especially the Price Index which was able to benefit from the active trading that concentrated on the small-cap stocks, among an increased trading levels during both ses- sions, especially the liquidity. On Thursday, the market indicators returned to its mixed performance, whereas the Price Index continued its upward direction US stock indexes end mixed as investors size up earnings

NEW YORK: A rebound in the price of oil national oils, gained 58 cents, or 1.3 per- Southern, which jumped 10.5 percent after however. American Airlines Group fell 4.5 after the coffee chain reported disappoint- and natural gas helped drive sharp gains cent, to close at $45.11 a barrel in London. the railroad operator slashed costs during percent after the company said weaker ing sales growth for the first three months for energy and financial companies, nudg- Natural gas gained 7 cents, or 3.5 percent, its latest quarter. The stock rose $8.70 to fares and labor costs cut into its revenue in of the year. The stock lost $2.96, or about 5 ing US stocks mostly higher Friday. to close at $2.14 per 1,000 cubic feet. $91.33. Quarterly results from several big- the first quarter. The stock shed $1.80 to percent, to $57.68. That offset a slide in the technology sec- Investors cheered earnings from Norfolk name companies failed to impress traders, $38.21. Investors sold shares in Starbucks Microsoft fell 7.2 percent, making it the tor following disappointing earnings from biggest decliner in the S&P 500. The stock Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet and lost $4 to $51.78, while Alphabet slid other big names. The Dow Jones industrial $42.23, or 5.4 percent, to $737.77. Overall, average eked out a tiny gain, while the the technology sector was off about 2 per- Standard & Poor’s 500 index closed essen- cent. Despite the declines, investors tially flat. Both ended the week higher. But seemed to conclude that the issues driving the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell short lackluster results at Alphabet and Microsoft on both counts. were largely confined to those companies, “The Nasdaq took a hit today,” said Erik Davidson said. Davidson, chief investment officer at Wells “The broader market doing better,” he Fargo Private Bank. said. “Energy has to be part of that.” Major The Dow rose 21.23 points, or 0.1 per- stock indexes in Europe ended lower. cent, to 18,003.75. The S&P 500 index Germany’s DAX fell 0.6 percent, while added 0.10 points to 2,091. The Nasdaq France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.3 percent. composite index lost 39.66 points, or 0.8 Britain’s FTSE 100 declined 1.1 percent. In percent, to 4,906.23. Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.7 Trading was listless for much of the percent. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.2 percent. day, with the Dow and S&P 500 wavering Seoul’s Kospi slid 0.3 percent and Sydney’s between small gains and losses as the S&P ASX 200 lost 0.7 percent. In other ener- Nasdaq stayed in the red. As was the case gy futures trading, wholesale gasoline much of the week, investors were mostly added about a penny to close at $1.53 a focused on company earnings and ener- gallon. Heating oil also rose a penny to gy prices. close at $1.31 a gallon. The latter helped lift several oil and Precious and industrial metals futures gas companies. Southwestern Energy were mixed. Gold fell $20.30, or 1.6 per- notched the biggest gain in the S&P 500. cent, to $1,230 an ounce, silver slid 19 The stock vaulted $1.60, or 15 percent, to cents, or 1.1 percent, to $16.90 an ounce $12.27. Range Resources jumped $2.58, and copper rose about a penny to $2.26 a or about 7 percent, to $39.75, while pound. Bond prices fell. The yield on the Chesapeake Energy climbed 36 cents, or 10-year Treasury note rose to 1.89 percent 5.8 percent, to $6.55. from 1.86 late Thursday. In currency mar- Benchmark US crude rose 55 cents, or kets, the dollar gained to 111.67 yen from 1.3 percent, to close at $43.73 a barrel in NEW YORK: The New York Stock Exchange. Global stock markets were mostly lower on Friday after Wall Street broke a Thursday’s 109.53 yen. The euro fell to New York. Brent crude, used to price inter- three-day winning streak and declined. — AP $1.1245 from $1.1295. — AP BUSINESS SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Lexus RX 350 ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ Middle East Car of the Year Awards 2016

KUWAIT: Lexus earned top honours at the 2016 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY), the premier annual award cere- mony for the region’s automotive industry, winning the award in the ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ category for its popular luxu- ry crossover Lexus RX 350. The RX 350 was selected as the winner by a jury of 12 inde- pendent motoring journalists from leading automotive publications throughout the Middle East. The mix of sharp creases and curves of this perennial best-selling luxury crossover represents a bold evolution in the model’s styling, sharing the same design DNA with other recently launched models in the Lexus line-up. Moreover, the winning RX 350 comprises of new redesigned power- trains, sophisticated safety technologies, driver aids as well as new convenience and technology features to make this the best Lexus sport-utility vehicle offering to date. offering an abundance of luxury and safety the Lexus RX 350 has been picked as the The Lexus RX is available with two pow- Lexus RX is the latest, most advanced itera- Sharing his excitement over the win, features to pamper its occupants. The RX best vehicle in its class at MECOTY 2016. We ertrain choices: the RX 350 model comes tion of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Its Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative 350 also exhibits superb performance while would like to take this opportunity to thank with a 3.5-liter, V6 petrol engine mated to a key components and control systems have of Middle East & North Africa offering a great driving experience and it’s our customers for their support as well.” new eight-speed automatic transmission, been enhanced and reengineered to deliv- Representative Office, Toyota Motor not hard to see why the RX has been a The Lexus RX created the blueprint for while the RX 450h is equipped with a 3.5- er impressive fuel economy, low emissions Corporation, said, “The appeal of the RX 350 perennial favourite with customers the crossover utility segment when it was liter, V6 petrol engine and revised hybrid and excellent on-road performance that goes beyond its stunning looks. It is a vehi- throughout the region.” first launched in 1997, and has set the tone powertrain components. will satisfy the most demanding driving cle that blends elegance with utility while Yoshitsugu added: “We are delighted that for luxury crossovers ever since. The hybrid-powered powertrain in the enthusiast.

Argentina pays ‘vulture funds’ to end debt saga

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina repaid Big payday for Singer the so-called “vulture funds” Friday The conflict dates back to that sued it over billions of dollars in Argentina’s devastating economic defaulted bonds, ending a 15-year crisis in 2001, when the collapse of saga and restoring its good standing its dollarized economic model forced on international credit markets. The the country to default on its debt. payment ends a decade-long battle Nearly all its creditors eventually in the US federal courts and should agreed to take losses of up to 70 per- enable the South American country cent on their bonds in a restructur- to finally lay to rest the ghost of its ing that was meant to allow the 2001 default, the largest in history at country to get back on its feet. the time-nearly $100 billion. But seven percent of the creditors, “The republic has made full pay- the so-called holdouts, refused. NML ment in accordance with the specific and Aurelius, which have pioneered terms of each such agreement” with the business of buying up cheap holdout creditors who had success- defaulted sovereign bonds and suing fully sued the country, Argentina’s for full payment, led the campaign to lawyer said in a statement to the take the country to court. court. Judge Thomas Griesa then Griesa ruled in the hedge funds’ gave his official blessing, lifting an favor in 2012. Kirchner appealed the injunction he had slapped on the case all the way to the Supreme country that effectively blocked its Court, but never managed to over- deals to restructure its debt until it turn the New York judge’s ruling. settled with the holdouts. Even so, the leftist president refused Argentina forked over $6.2 billion to pay, arguing it was unfair to the to settle disputes with 20 creditors. It majority of creditors and labeling the is due to pay another $3.1 billion in hedge funds “vultures.” the coming days to settle lingering But with Argentina stuck in a pro- MALABO: People gather at a street market in the Equatorial Guinea capital Malabo yesterday.—AFP claims. The move comes after longed economic slowdown, Macri, a Buenos Aires raised $16.5 billion in a business-friendly conservative, momentous return to international pulled off a come-from-behind elec- credit markets, with most of the pro- tion win in November. He took office EU finance chiefs to consider ceeds going toward repaying the vowing to get the economy back on holdouts. “The payments made track, notably by settling the bitter today to the funds in litigation debt dispute. US Treasury Secretary totaled $9.3 billion. The total of all focusing on spending cap Jacob Lew heaped praise on Macri payments is estimated to reach $10.5 after the debt payment, which he billion, accounting for 44 percent of called “a testament to the sea change all legal claims,” the finance ministry Bid to cut morass of budget rules in policy” and “the product of explained in a statement. Griesa’s Argentina’s new direction.” AMSTERDAM: European Union finance minis- and volatile indicator, the Dutch instead pro- rules were revised in 2005, 2011 and 2013 to decision also “allows payments owed ters agreed yesterday to discuss whether they posed putting more emphasis on the expen- take account of economic and political reali- to bondholders from the 2005 and “Argentina is turning a page on a dif- can regain some control over a morass of EU diture rule, which says a government cannot ties and to incorporate intergovernmental 2010 debt swaps, and this will be ficult period of its history,” he said in budget rules by focusing mainly on an annual increase annual spending more than its medi- treaties, they became more and more com- implemented within the next three a statement. “I have reiterated our spending cap as the best measure of compli- um-term potential growth rate. “It is directly in plex. “The sheer number of indicators in the weeks,” it added. Paying off disgrun- admiration for the speed at which ance. Years of changes and additions to EU the hands of finance ministers. It gives us current framework poses a massive challenge tled creditors-especially New York Argentina is moving to create more sustainable and inclusive economic rules, called the Stability and Growth Pact, more guidance in the process of designing for the national implementation of the fiscal hedge funds NML Capital, a unit of have made meeting targets extremely com- the budget. It says in advance what you have framework,” the Dutch presidency said in a multi-billionaire Paul Singer’s Elliott growth, and to reconnect with the global economy and the world com- plex, prompting an attempt to simplify them, to do, and you have the control in your hands,” paper prepared for the ministers’ meeting. “It Management, and Aurelius Capital European Commissioner Vice President Valdis Dijsselbloem said. contains targets, upper limits and bench- Management, which led the lawsuits munity.” Singer, the hedge fund bil- lionaire long vilified by Kirchner, also Dombrovskis told a news conference after the He said that while the structural deficit, marks for the nominal balance, structural bal- against the country-will draw the meeting of EU finance ministers. “We did not which is the key indicator mentioned in EU ance, expenditure growth and debt develop- curtain on a long drama that had recently heaped praise on Macri in Time magazine’s list of the world’s discuss how to change the Pact, just how to economic legislation, was a valuable theoreti- ment,” the paper said. hurt the Argentine economy. choose the indicators to assess the compli- cal concept, it could not be directly controlled The structural budget balance is important The case also raised crucial ques- 100 most influential people. He wrote Macri’s brief profile for the ance with the Pact,” Dutch Finance Minister by finance ministers. because EU laws oblige governments to strive tions about contracts and the rights Jeroen Dijsselbloem said. “There was general agreement that we towards a budget close to balance or in sur- issue, praising the new president’s of both borrowers and lenders in the The Dutch, who currently preside over the need an indicator that takes out all the cycli- plus in structural terms. moves to devalue the puffed-up cur- massive and largely unregulated EU, proposed that the ministers consider cal elements and one-offs but preferably it But it is complicated because it has to strip rency, seek foreign investment and global sovereign debt markets. using a single indicator with which to judge should be more stable and not change all the out commodity price shocks, housing, stock The payments concluded a deli- end the debt dispute. budgetary compliance, called the expendi- time, and we could put more emphasis on and other asset price cycles, output composi- cate legal and financial dance that “Macri still has important tasks ture rule. indicators that we can actually directly influ- tion and absorption effects and one-off fac- required creditors to trust they ahead of him, including taming infla- It already exists in EU law as one indicator ence as finance ministers,” he said. tors. The Organization for Economic would be paid by the new Argentine tion. But if he lives up to his prom- to be used to judge the fiscal performance of Dijsselbloem said EU deputy finance minis- Cooperation and Development pointed out government of President Mauricio ise, Argentina may finally do the an EU country, but has so far been more in the ters would further work on what measure- that changes in revenues as a result of oil Macri, according to settlements same,” he said. Singer had the background. The focus until now was on the ment to use to better assess compliance and price changes, or interest payments as a result negotiated in February. biggest payday of any creditor development of the structural budget bal- the ministers would return to the discussion of debt growth, are neither cyclical nor discre- The creditors were mistrustful Friday: his NML Capital received $2.4 ance, a measure that strips off changes to in the third quarter of 2016. tionary and yet they are part of the structural after Macri’s predecessor Cristina billion. That amounted to an estimat- budget revenue and expenditure stemming The aim of the EU budget rules, created in balance. The ministers were also in favor of Kirchner had for years refused to ed return of 369 percent on the from the phase of the business cycle as well as 1997, is to keep nominal budget deficits shifting the focus of budget plans more to the deal with them. fund’s original investment. —AFP all one-offs. below 3 percent of gross domestic product medium term from a year-by-year assess- Because the structural deficit is a complex and public debt below 60 percent. But as the ment. — Reuters BUSINESS SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 Kareena Kapoor Khan launches special festive jewellery collection for Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jewellery dents and tourists alike wherever we operate, this retailer unfurled the latest collection of jewellery made us to keep on introducing new collection for specially designed for the festive season in gold, dia- our customers, and we are glad that our customers monds and precious gems to celebrate this festive are also liking it, said MP Ahammed - Chairman, season and to suit the tastes of their multicultural Malabar Group during the launch. and multinational customers. Indian Film Actress Apart from these, Malabar Gold & Diamonds also Kareena Kapoor Khan unveiled the versatile & showcase an incredible collection of unique designs sparkling collection jewelry in the presence of Mr. in gold and diamond jewellery from Italy, Turkey, MP Ahammed - Chairman, Malabar Group, Shamlal Bahrain and India to suit the tastes and budget of its Ahamed - Managing Director - International different customers. Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Asher O - Customers can also choose gifts to their loved Managing Director - India Operations, Malabar Gold ones from their branded jewellery segment that & Diamonds & invited guests at a private event held includes Ethnix - Handcrafted Designer Jewellery, in Oman. Era - Uncut Diamond Jewellery, Mine - Diamonds ‘It is our pleasure to have Kareena Kapoor Khan Unlimited, Divine- Indian Heritage Jewellery, Precia - to launch the new festive collection for Malabar Precious Gem Jewellery, Solitaire One - An exclusive Gulf Bank wins ‘The Gold & Diamonds. We have seen an increasing solitaire brand, NV - Trendy 18K Gold Jewellery, Ago demand for Gold and Diamond jewellery from resi- Bay - Pearl Jewellery and Starlet - Kids Jewellery. Asian Banker Award’ ‘Credit Card Product of the Year in the Middle East’

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank yesterday announced to be unique and offer superior, easy-to-use earn Gulf Points. It is estimated that the Gulf that it has been awarded the ‘Credit Card benefits. Gulf Rewards includes Gulf Points, Bank ‘Entertainer’ app provides Gulf Bank Product of the Year in the Middle East’ which can be redeemed for free airline tick- credit card holders with savings of up to KD award from The Asian Banker, one of Asia’s ets and hotels stays, and the Gulf Bank 10,000 yearly. leading consulting companies in financial ‘Entertainer’ mobile app which gives our The reason for the prestigious nature of services research, benchmarking, and intel- customers exclusive offers in Kuwait, UAE, the The Asian Banker awards is the inde- ligence. Gulf Bank received this award for its and the United Kingdom. The customer pendence, rigor, impartiality, and transparen- Gulf Rewards credit card program, an inno- experience is simple, existing customers use cy of the evaluation process. 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AIG’s eight global service strates its dedication to customer professional service, customers are sengers at every stage of their journey,” said Mr. centres are strategically located at key locations safety and peace of mind, Yusuf A. guaranteed to enjoy a peace of Ishfaq Jalal, Qatar Airways VP GCC, Levant, Iran, Iraq worldwide, so the Travel Guard team can help Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the mind and avoid potential malfunc- & Yemen. “Travel Guard is one of the most sophisti- resolve any emergency quickly and effectively. The exclusive distributor of Chevrolet tions and risks that often occur dur- cated travel insurance products on the market, AIG protection can be purchased by logging in to and Cadillac vehicles in Kuwait, is ing the harsh summer climate. backed by AIG’s award-winning assistance and the ‘Manage Booking’ application on the Qatar proud to present “Super 7 Savers,” a The Yusuf A. Alghanim & Sons claims service that spans the world.” Airways website at www.qatarairways.com, offering limited-time maintenance offer for Service Center in Shuwaikh is the Later this year, the Travel Guard offer will be customers personalised insurance at the click of a all Chevrolet and Cadillac cars, biggest and most advanced auto- extended to Qatar Airways passengers from selected button. available now exclusively in motive service center in the world, Alghanim’s service centers in with 73,000 sq m of built-up area, Shuwaikh (for Cadillac cars only) servicing 1,000 vehicles every day. and Fahaheel (for Chevrolet and Throughout the facility, advanced Cadillac cars) until May 31, 2016. technology is used to provide cus- The “Super 7 Savers” mainte- tomers with high-quality and effi- nance package offers a variety of cient service, including a team of Commercial Bank free car services, like 21 points technicians highly trained in mod- courtesy check, nitrogen fill and car ern technology who provide neces- wins prestigious vacuum and wash, as well as a slew sary advice and support as well as of exclusive discounts on engine reliable and cost-effective opera- flush and spare parts (30 percent tion of customers’ vehicles. Commerzbank off), accessories (20 percent off) In addition, the service center and labor (10 percent off). In addi- hosts spacious and comfortable STP Award 2015 tion to these great savings, cus- lounges for customers whose cars tomers can also expect to have all are being professionally attended KUWAIT: In recognition of its operational excellence the their maintenance needs fulfilled in and serviced. With a variety of TV Commercial Bank was awarded the prestigious a timely and professional manner channels, ready-to-use Internet sta- Commerzbank STP Award 2015 for the 4th consecutive year, by one of the most expertly trained tions, free wireless access and for achieving a ‘straight through processing’ (STP) accuracy service team and technicians in the KromOzone shopping outlets, cus- rate of over 95 percent in processing financial and commer- country. tomers can kick back, relax, and cial payments. STP is a payment formatting standard involv- The “Super Saver Offer” is valid enjoy a sip of coffee from the cafÈ ing automatic processing technologies which reduces the from now until the end of May as they utilize their time more cost, time of payment processing, and settlement risk. 2016, which is a substantial win- effectively. This award is presented to a selected group of leading dow of opportunity that reflects Due to the limited-time “Super 7 financial institutions worldwide which has state-of-the-art Alghanim Automotive’s commit- Savers” is available, customers are international STP electronic payment services and meet ment to customer support, cement- encouraged to take advantage of stringent correspondent banking and processing accuracy ing the company’s reputation as this offer as soon as possible. For criteria. Paul Daoud, Acting General Manager - Operations Kuwait’s best customer-centric appointments and enquiries, call Division received the award from Michael B. Gehrmann, automotive company. With great 24969000. Senior Relationship Manager - Financial Institutions. Ooredoo reveals new Gulf Bank announces winners ‘Every Recharge Wins’ of Al-Danah daily draws

prepaid campaign KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its Al-Danah daily Win big, live big, with Al-Danah 2016. draws on 17 April 2016 announcing the names Al-Danah also offers a number of unique KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of the inter- Ooredoo said: “At Ooredoo, our customer centric of its winners for the week of 10 April - 14 April services including: the Al-Danah deposit only national Ooredoo Group, has announced the approach allows us to design campaigns and offers 2016. The Al-Danah daily draws include draws ATM card which helps account holders deposit launch of its all new prepaid campaign “Every that address our existing and potential customer each and every working day for two prizes of Quarterly draw for the prize of KD250,000 will their money at their convenience; as well as Recharge Wins”, which enables all prepaid cus- needs. We aim to regularly present customers with KD1,000 per winner. be held on the 30th of June and the 3rd quar- the Al-Danah calculator to help customers cal- tomers to enjoy additional guaranteed benefits on unique and unprecedented offers that add value.” The winners are: terly draw for the prize of KD500,000 will be culate their chances of becoming an Al-Danah a daily basis, when recharging their lines. Ooredoo invites everyone to take part in the (Sunday 10/4): Maha Abdullah Awad Al- held on September 29. The final Al-Danah winner. “Every Recharge Wins” campaign provides cus- ‘Every Recharge Wins’ campaign and enjoy the Harbi, Abdullah Khahi Obaid Dhahi Al-Dhafiri draw for KD1 million will be held on 5 January, Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is open to tomers with chances to enter daily, weekly, and benefits in return. (Monday 11/4): Afaf Alaauddin Abdullalla 2017 whereby the Al-Danah millionaire will be Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti residents of Kuwait. monthly draws, in addition to a grand draw for Ooredoo’s operations in Kuwait date back to Hamouda, Feras Abughazi announced. Customers who open an account and/ or each 1 KD recharge, to win smartphones, tablets, December 1999 when it launched wireless services (Tuesday 12/4): Shaker Abbas Hassan Al- Five reasons why the Al-Danah account is deposit more will enter the draw within two cash money and a grand prize which is the 2016 as the second operator. The company today pro- Mutawa, Mohammed Awad Al-Hamad Matar the best: days. To take part in the Al-Danah 2016 Toyota Prado V6. The more customers recharge vides mobile, broadband internet and corporate Al-Enezi 1) Kuwait’s single biggest yearly cash prize of upcoming quarterly and yearly draws, cus- their lines the more chances for them to win. In managed services tailored to the needs of cus- (Wednesday 13/4): Hamad Abdulaziz KD 1 million tomers must have an Al-Danah account con- addition to the draws, customers will also be enti- tomers and businesses. Ooredoo is guided by its Mohammad Al-Bader, Mohammad Ahmad Ali 2) Kuwait’s biggest quarterly cash prizes, up taining at least KD 200; customers can visit one tled to get free SMS’s, MBs, Nojoom points or min- vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that Kamal to KD500,000 of Gulf Bank’s 56 branches, transfer on line, or utes instantly upon every recharge. it can stimulate human growth by leveraging com- (Thursday 14/4): Mohammad Ahmed 3) Two winners of KD1,000 every working call the Customer Contact Center on 1805805 Commenting on the new campaign, Mijbil munications to help people achieve their full Husain Al-Kandari, Ruqya Othman Al-Essa day for assistance and guidance. Customers can Alayoub, Director of Corporate Communications at potential. Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah 2016 draw lineup 4) The most chances to win also log on to www.e-gulfbank.com/aldanah- includes daily draws (2 winners per working 5) Only Bank that transfers your chances to winners, to find out more about Al-Danah and day each receive KD1000). Al-Danah’s 2nd win from year to year its winners. technology SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 China’s roadmap to self-driving cars Look Mao, no hands!

BEIJING: In the race to develop self-driving China’s top-down approach could see it 20 years, China will be the largest market for cars, the United States and Europe lead in overtake the US and Europe, where autonomous features, accounting for at least technology, but China is coming up fast in automakers have generally been left to a quarter of global demand, says Boston the outside lane with a regulatory structure agree among themselves on industry stan- Consulting Group. that could put it ahead in the popular dards. A push for self-driving and electric adoption of autonomous cars on its high- cars also fits with Beijing’s shift to an econo- BIG AMBITIONS ways and city streets. A draft roadmap for my driven by high-tech and consumer The China draft would be opened up for having highway-ready, self-driving cars industries rather than heavy industry and industry comment and input from a range of within 3-5 years and autonomous vehicles low-end manufacturing. ministries, ultimately going to the State for urban driving by 2025 could be “If we can convince the government that Council, or cabinet, for approval. At a most unveiled as early as this year, said Li every company, every car on the road must basic level, the committee will define a ‘self- Keqiang, an automotive engineering pro- use this (single standard) ... then there is a driving’ car and set a minimum level of func- fessor at Tsinghua University who chairs the chance China can beat the rest of the world” tionality, said Bai Jie, a professor at Tongji committee drafting the plan. The panel is to the widespread use of self-driving cars, University who also sits on the expert com- backed by the powerful Ministry of said Li Yusheng, head of Chongqing mittee. Industry and Information Technology. Changan Automobile’s autonomous drive In other respects, China plans to be more The draft will set out technical stan- program. China is ripe for the advent of self- ambitious. It may adopt cellular data tech- dards, including a common language for driving cars. It’s the world’s biggest autos nology - already used in many cars to access cars to communicate with each other and market and is blighted by choking air pollu- the Internet - for cars to communicate, infrastructure, and regulatory guidelines - a tion, traffic congestion and often erratic driv- rather than the dedicated short-range com- unified framework that contrasts with a ing. More than 200,000 people die each year munications (DSRC) standard used in the US patchwork of state laws and standards in in road accidents, according to World Health and Europe, said Li, the panel chairman. the United States. Without coordination, Organization estimates. “The US, Europe and Japan spent so that patchwork could hold back the devel- As relative newcomers to mass car own- much time developing DSRC, so they BEIJING: Chinese internet company LeEco Holdings Ltd unveils its inter- opment of self-driving cars in the US, David ership Chinese also tend not to share the strongly recommend it for China,” Li said. net electric battery driverless concept car ‘LeSEE’ during a launch event Strickland, a former safety chief for the West’s love affair with driving. In a 2015 “Here, we’re just beginning so why not in Beijing. Chinese manufacturers and internet giants are in hot pursuit National Highway Traffic Safety World Economic Forum survey, 75 percent of choose advanced technology like LTE (Long of their US counterparts in the race to design driverless cars, but the Administration, said at an event in Beijing Chinese said they would likely ride in a self- Term Evolution wireless broadband technol- this month. driving car, versus half of Americans. Within ogy) or 5G?” — Reuters route to market is still littered with potholes. — AFP

US drops NY fight with Apple after gaining access to iPhone

NEW YORK: The US Justice Department on The case predated the government effort to Friday dropped its effort to force Apple Inc to force Apple to help access the phone of Rizwan help unlock an iPhone in a drug case in New Farook, one of the two killers in the San York after someone provided authorities the Bernardino massacre, which left 14 people passcode to access the device. In a letter filed in dead and 22 wounded. While the Justice federal court in Brooklyn, New York, prosecutors Department dropped that bid after a third par- said that investigators late on Thursday used ty provided a way to access the San Bernardino that passcode to access the iPhone at issue, and phone - apparently for more than $1 million - it as a result “no longer needs Apple’s assistance.” continued appealing Orenstein’s ruling. The letter marked a sudden end to a closely FBI Director James Comey has said that the watched case, in which the Justice Department method used on the San Bernardino iPhone 5c had been appealing a ruling by a federal magis- would not work on other models, including the trate judge holding that he could not force iPhone 5s, the type in the Brooklyn case. Apple to assist authorities. The phone belonged to Jun Feng, who has The case gained further significance after pleaded guilty to participation in a metham- prosecutors in March dropped a similar effort to phetamine distribution conspiracy, which pros- force Apple to help access an iPhone used by ecutors are continuing to investigate. Unlike the one of the shooters in December’s San phone used in San Bernardino, Feng’s phone Bernardino killings, after a third party provided had an older operating system, iOS 7, which is a way to crack it. Justice Department spokes- not protected under the same encryption tech- woman Emily Pierce said the cases have “never nology, which is why Apple could access it. been about setting a court precedent; they are Apple has some 70 times before the about law enforcement’s ability and need to Brooklyn case emerged helped authorities access evidence on devices pursuant to lawful access data on iPhones, according to court fil- court orders and search warrants.” ings. The company changed its stance last An Apple spokesman declined comment. year after the New York magistrate invited Previously, the company had argued in court them to argue whether the Justice that prosecutors had not provided any evi- Department was stretching the more than dence to bolster their claim that they had 200-year-old and very general All Writs Act, exhausted other methods to get data from the which compels help executing warrants, to phone. Apple said it was not even clear that include more active assistance. Solar Impulse 2 pilot Bertrand Piccard prepares to fly across the Pacific in a solar plane from Kalaeloa Airport in Kapolei, Hawaii. The solar plane they had asked the suspect and his associates. Apple said prosecutors were going too far, will fly a two-and-a-half day journey to Northern California. — AP Though officials said the passcode had just especially since Congress had more recently come to light, the development marks the sec- limited what communications providers could ond time the federal government has dropped be compelled to do. Magistrate Orenstein a contentious fight over the extent of its power agreed. Though prosecutors have continued to Solar plane crosses over private companies after Apple pressed it push for mandated cooperation, in many cases to say what methods it had tried. under seal, Apple has been objecting and Prosecutors had been challenging a Feb 29 appealing. The New York case has drawn less ruling by US Magistrate Judge James Orenstein attention than the one in California, but the fact holding he did not have the authority to order that a ruling favorable to Apple has been Apple to disable the security of an iPhone allowed to stand gives it more significance Pacific smoothly seized in a drug probe. going forward. — Reuters

OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN: A solar- He told his wife he could see the is the riskiest part of the solar plane’s pioneering spirit.” Piccard’s co-pilot powered plane’s flight across the full moon’s reflection on the ocean. global travels because of the lack of Andre Borschberg flew the leg from Pacific Ocean was going smoothly as “For now I will say goodnight from the emergency landing sites. After uncer- Japan to Hawaii. The team was it gets closer to a stop in Northern middle of the ocean,” Piccard said dur- tainty about winds, the plane took off delayed in Asia, as well. When first California. ing a brief conversation streamed live from Hawaii on Thursday morning attempting to fly from Nanjing, China, The Solar Impulse 2 picked up a on the website. “This is an extraordi- and was on course to land in to Hawaii, the crew had to divert to strong tail wind before sunset on nary experience.” Mountain View, California, over the Japan because of unfavorable weath- Friday and was cruising at 150 kph, Earlier, he exchanged pleas- weekend. The crew that helped it take er and a damaged wing. or about 93 mph. It was expected to antries with UN Secretary-General off was clearing out of its Hawaiian A month later, when weather con- arrive in the San Francisco Bay area Ban Ki-moon, who hailed Piccard’s hangar and headed for the mainland ditions were right, the plane departed by Saturday evening. pioneering spirit as “inspirational,” for the weekend arrival. from Nagoya in central Japan for The aircraft started its around- telling him he was making history. At one point passengers on a Hawaii. The plane’s ideal flight speed is the-world journey in March 2015 Piccard responded that Ban, too, Hawaiian Air jet caught a glimpse of about 45 kph, or 28 mph, though that from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the was making history by having just the Solar Impulse 2 before the airlin- can double during the day when the United Arab Emirates, and made presided over the signing of a cli- er sped past the slow-moving air- sun’s rays are strongest. The carbon- stops in Oman, Myanmar, China and mate agreement supported by rep- craft. The Solar Impulse 2 landed in fiber aircraft weighs more than 5,000 Japan. It’s on the ninth leg of its cir- resentatives of 175 nations. Hawaii in July and was forced to stay pounds, or about as much as a midsize cumnavigation. Pilot Bertrand “What you are doing today in New in the islands after the plane’s battery truck. The wings of Solar Impulse 2, Piccard marveled from his plane as it York, signing the Paris agreement, is system sustained heat damage on its which stretch wider than those of a cruised over the Pacific at about more than protecting the environ- trip from Japan. Boeing 747, are equipped with 17,000 16,000 feet with a nearly-full battery, ment, it is the launch of the clean Piccard, said the destination in the solar cells that power propellers and This handout picture released by the Eindhoven University of Technology shows a according to the website document- technology revolution,” Piccard said. heart of Silicon Valley is fitting, as the charge batteries. The plane runs on flying drone bringing drinks to customers in the world’s first drone cafe in ing Solar Impulse 2’s journey. The trans-Pacific leg of his journey plane will land “in the middle of the stored energy at night. — AP Eindhoven. — AFP Dutch students open world’s China ban on Apple services a challenge for key growth area first pop-up drone cafe

BEIJING: The blocking of Apple on Thursday that a state regulator THE HAGUE: Would you like a drone with holic and non-alcoholic cocktails, which are mobile entertainment services in demanded Apple halt the service. your cocktail? The world’s first cafe using the either bright blue or green-the same colour China poses fresh challenges for the The move came after Beijing intro- tiny domestic unmanned aircraft as servers as the drone’s “eyes.” tech company as it prepares to duced regulations in March imposing has opened in a Dutch university. The pop- The drinks are picked up and carried by a report its first-ever drop in iPhone strict curbs on online publishing, par- up drone cafe will be serving up all weekend set of pinchers underneath the drone, in a sales. The news on Thursday that ticularly for foreign firms. as part of celebrations for the “Dream and bid to show that these aerial machines could Apple Inc’s online book and film serv- Still, the outage is only troubling if Dare” festival marking the 60th anniversary be used to carry out delicate missions such ices had gone dark in China came at it persists, O’Donnell said. Apple said of the Eindhoven University of Technology. as delivering medicines or even helping to a vulnerable moment for the compa- in a statement on Thursday that it The 20 students behind the project, who track down burglars. ny. Apple executives have said that hopes to make the services available spent nine months developing and building Each drone has cost about 2,000 euros to iPhone sales will fall for the first time to customers in China as soon as pos- the autonomous drone, aim to show how build, in a project funded by the university in the company’s second quarter, and sible. Apple has a strong track record such small inside craft could become an which the students say aims “to give a the results for that quarter will be of working with officials in China, essential part of modern daily life. glimpse of the future”. released on Tuesday. Investors are where it has launched a series of serv- “It has potential as a useful tool for Thanks to sensors and a long battery life sensitive to any signs of trouble in ices including mobile payment Apple human kind. We see it as the next mobile they can fly inside buildings and navigate Greater China, the company’s sec- Pay, but some analysts questioned phone. You choose and you program it like crowded interiors, unlike other drones, ond-largest market by revenue. whether the company may receive a you want,” student and project leader Tessie which rely on a GPS system. “The Blue Jay is Apple executives have flagged chillier reception in the future. Hartjes told AFP. an intelligent bird that lives in complex, the growing services business as a “Is this the beginning of more The drone, nicknamed Blue Jay, which social environments,” the students say in a potential source of revenue as sales pressure on Apple by the Chinese resembles a small white flying saucer with a video presenting their work. of the company’s flagship devices government?” asked analyst of Frank luminescent strip for eyes, flies to a table and They believe the drone’s applications level off, upping the stakes for suc- Gillett of research firm Forrester. “It’s a hovers as it takes a client’s order, who points could be endless: as extinguishers to put out cess in China, said analyst Bob symbolic turn, and the question is to to the list to signal what they would like. fires, alarm systems to warn of intruders or O’Donnell of TECHnalysis Research. what extent is it a harbinger.” The “The blue eyes of the first drone load” up by mini-servants which would respond to com- “It raises questions in an area that company released its book and scanning the list to register the order, said mands such as “fetch me an apple.” “We The Solar Impulse 2 solar plane flies out of the Kalaeloa Airport, in we know long-term is going to be movie services in China only late last Hartjes. “Once it’s fully loaded, then the order believe that one day, domestic drones will be Kapolei, Hawaii. The solar plane on an around-the-world journey has very strategically important to Apple,” year, leaving Chinese consumers little is ready. And another one comes with the a part of society. One day, a drone could be a reached the point of no return over the Pacific Ocean after departing he said. The New York Times reported time to form a habit. — Reuters order in a cup in the grip.” friend,” says one of the students in the video Hawaii, and now it’s California or bust. — AP The cafe is offering four different alco- presentation. — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Australian furry friend gets ‘toad-smart’ to survive

SYDNEY: Scientists are training an endangered furry learnt to avoid eating the toads from them, resulting marsupial-Australia’s beloved quoll-to avoid eating in a five-fold increase in local quoll numbers. “It is fan- toxic toads that have devastated predator populations tastic to see the success of this innovative program to in a novel attempt to save native fauna. Carnivorous protect Australia’s small mammals,” said Environment quolls, commonly known as the native cat, are under Minister Greg Hunt on Thursday. “This is extremely attack from the poisonous cane toad, an invasive important work. Without focused conservation initia- species from Central and South America. The toads tives such as this it would be unlikely the species were introduced to Australia in 1935 but are so poi- would recover for the foreseeable future.” Threatened sonous they can kill predators that try to eat them. Species Commissioner Gregory Andrews said the Numbering more than 200 million, the invasive project was part of a Aus$750,000 (US$585,000) species continue to spread across northern Australia at investment strategy to make Kakadu safe again for an estimated 40-60 kilometers a year, leaving a trail of native animals and plants. catastrophic population declines in native predators. “Quolls are an iconic carnivorous Australian marsu- Now a government-funded project has been set up to pial and an incredibly important part of our ecosys- train “toad-smart” northern quolls to avoid eating the tem,” he said. “By teaching the quolls not to eat cane poisonous toads and help re-establish a population of toads and making Kakadu safe for them from feral the marsupials in Kakadu. Quolls are also under threat cats, we can ensure their survival in this important from feral cats. Up to 30 trained quolls will be released world heritage-listed area.” National Parks director in the wilds of southern Kakadu’s Mary River district Sally Barnes said the research had shown that each this year as part of a three-year plan. Quolls are generation of quolls would learn to avoid cane toads. exposed to food containing toad skins and nauseous “We are thinking this will only need to be done once chemicals which they gradually learn to avoid. to protect quoll populations from cane toads as each SYDNEY: Mammals keeper Kylie Hackshall gets close to a baby spotted-tail quoll at A successful experimental programme from 2010 generation learns to avoid them,” she said. “The WILD LIFE Sydney. Scientists have come up with a new way of saving Australia’s native showed that the toad-smart females not only sur- Kakadu research shows us that ‘toad-smart’ quolls can fauna by teaching threatened quolls-a popular furry marsupial-to steer clear of dead- vived and reproduced but that new generations be reintroduced after a cane toad invasion.” — AFP ly cane toads. — AFP

Court bans smoking area in high school near Paris

CERGY-PONTOISE: A French court has Some schools then sent out letters to ruled that a high school outside Paris was parents about new dedicated smoking not allowed to create a smoking zone on areas, even specifying that ashtrays would its premises, a measure taken by many be provided. However the official rules schools after the jihadist attack on the have been clouded with confusion, with capital in November. The move by high conflicting guidelines from the education schools was a bid to stop pupils crowding ministry. Education Minister Najat Vallaud- on pavements to grab a quick smoke Belkacem said last week that “during this between classes, which authorities and period of heightened security, high school some parents feared would make them a students must simply be asked not to target for potential attacks. The Paul Lapie smoke”. “According to the minister it is a high school in Courbevoie is one of three difficult balance and we must remain taken to court by anti-smoking groups, pragmatic,” a spokeswoman at the educa- who are up in arms at teenagers being tion ministry told AFP earlier this week. given the right to smoke in schools a A study in June 2015 showed that one decade after it was banned. in three 17-year-olds smoke daily in The administrative court said the France. The mother of a 16-year-old boy in school’s principal must “ensure the respect the central city of Lyon, who is also a lung of public health laws banning smoking in specialist, has filed criminal charges school establishments.” Shortly after the against his school in a separate case. She November 13 attacks on Paris nightspots told AFP that security fears were “not a and the national stadium which left 130 reason to let them smoke inside. We are dead, the Islamic State group issued not going to let them bring a bottle of threats against French schools. Under the vodka inside because it is dangerous to FLORIDA: Captain John Guastavino cruises with his boat along the Florida Bay, north of the Florida Keys between the Atlantic state of emergency imposed after the drink on the pavement.” The group Non- Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. — AFP attacks, a circular signed by both the edu- Smokers’ Rights (DNF), which filed the cation ministry and interior ministry was complaints against the three schools, Underwater ‘zombie grass’ signals sent to schools urging them to avoid hav- slammed schools for “making smoking ing pupils gather outside their premises. seem normal again.” — AFP trouble for fishermen in Florida The death cycle happening again Island states come to UN

ISLAMORADA: Decades ago, the sight of sea- Figueredo, one of a group of fishing guides who once-popular fishing area called Whipray Basin. to move on climate deal grass swaying beneath the waters off south cater to tourists visiting the string of islands “It’s dead, it just doesn’t know it yet,” he explained. Florida conjured romance for those who dangled known as the Florida Keys. Eventually, the grass bleaches, and the blades their fishing lines in hopes of catching redfish, amass into smelly islands. The die-off makes an UNITED NATIONS: With their very ters, are pushing for quick ratification snook or mangrove snapper. But now, seagrass is A man-made problem algae bloom quite likely, sucking oxygen out of existence under threat from climate so that the Paris deal can come into dying at a rate unseen since the late 1980s in the Ecologists say the problem is mainly due to the water and making it a hostile environment for change, the world’s island states come force, possibly as early as 2016 or Florida Bay, off the southern tip of Florida the way humans have for decades diverted the marine life. “It is dramatic. It looks like a disaster to the United Nations on Friday not 2017. More than 160 governments, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of natural flow of fresh water from central Florida area,” said Davis. only to sign the Paris climate deal but including some 50 heads of state and Mexico. “It is like a desert,” said fishing guide southward to the Everglades wetlands, protecting Heavy rain led to record freshwater inflows to be first in line to make sure it goes government, are to sign the historic Xavier Figueredo, peering into the water, where sugar cane farms and other property. A massive coming into the bay in January and February, into force. Led by Fiji, at least nine accord during the ceremony on Earth only an occasional needle fish or ray could be die-off that began in 1987 and lasted for years Davis said, but it is not enough. The die-off is islands will formally present their ratifi- Day. It will be the largest signing of an seen scooting along a bottom clustered with mat- helped spark ambitious plans to protect the area, gathering steam. “We just have to now ride it out, cation of the agreement to the United international agreement since the ted, dead underwater grasses. but fishermen say progress has been too slow. and we know it is going to take years to recover,” Nations, moving quickly to the next Convention on the Law of the Sea in Seagrass provides shelter for small fish, which Now, they see the death cycle happening again, he said. State wildlife officials say the affected stage in a bid to bind countries to their 1982. French President Francois are eaten by bigger fish, and serves as the foun- as increasingly warm and salty water smothers area covers about 25,000 acres of dead sea grass- commitments to tackle global warm- Hollande will be the first to sign the dation for the marine food chain. In Florida, the underwater grass. about the size of Paris.But Davis said fishermen ing. The Paris agreement will come accord, but the ceremony will also see where recreational saltwater fishing is a $7.6 bil- First the grass detaches from the bottom. It who have seen it firsthand say it’s twice that big into force as soon as 55 countries island leaders take the podium to lion industry, experts consider seagrass a key indi- floats to the surface during the day and sinks on the order of 50,000 acres. “It is a massive area responsible for 55 percent of the appeal for urgent action to ratify the cator of the ecosystem’s health. “This has histori- again at night, earning it the nickname “zombie in Florida Bay where the entire habitat has been world’s greenhouse gases have ratified Paris accord. “What was achieved in cally been a wonderful spotted seatrout fishery. grass,” said Steve Davis, a wetland ecologist with decimated,” said Davis. the accord. “We wanted to be the first Paris was a positive first step, but it is This year it was non-existent, literally,” said the Everglades Foundation, as he inspected a to ratify it,” said Fiji’s Prime Minister not nearly enough to avert catastro- ‘Big Sugar’ and the salty water Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, whose phe,” the Fijian prime minister said. The crisis has prompted some fishing guides cabinet quickly endorsed the deal, fol- Fiji and other island states want to press for government action. Some have lowed by the parliament in February. keep global warming within 1.5 formed advocacy groups like Captains for Clean That same month, the Pacific para- degrees Celsius above pre-industrial Water, which has more than 9,000 followers on dise island was hit by Tropical Cyclone levels, instead of 2 degrees as outlined Facebook. The solution, they say, is to acquire a Winston that killed 44 people, in the Paris accord. Island govern- patch of land south of the state’s largest freshwa- ter lake, Lake Okeechobee, to act as a reservoir for destroyed 40,000 homes and caused ments want to unlock international fresh water that can flow south to the Everglades more than $1 billion in damage. “A sin- financing so that they can better pre- and the Florida Bay. But the land in that area gle climatic event can wipe out all the pare their economies and infrastruc- belongs to sugar cane farms, a powerful industry gains we have made and set back our ture to withstand the impact of cli- known as “Big Sugar” that has resisted giving up development,” the prime minister told mate change. Tropical Cyclone any territory. a news conference. Other early ratifiers Winston, the strongest ever to hit the “When times were tough, the industry was of the deal will be Tuvalu, Kiribati and south Pacific, affected some 250,000 anxious to sell, and then times got better and the the Maldives low-lying islands that people, or 40 percent of the regional economics changed,” Congressman Carlos face oblivion from rising sea levels-as population. “After Winston, we’ve had Curbelo told a gathering of fishermen and con- well as Belize, Barbados, Nauru, Saint three tropical depressions that have cerned citizens in Islamorada this month. “We Lucia and Samoa. brought continued flooding,” said need to find a partner that is willing to engage.” Bainimarama.”We’ve received some FLORIDA: Dead seagrass in the Florida Bay is turning the normally clear water to The lead government agencies involved-the US Paris not enough 1,000 earthquake tremors, so we are brownish-green. — AFP Department of the Interior and the South Florida China and the United States, the fairly worried about earthquakes and Water Management District-did not respond to world’s top two greenhouse gas emit- tsunamis,” he said. — AFP AFP requests for comment. The Everglades Foundation said money is not Abbas: Israel’s rule an issue, with some $200 million a year for the next 20 years earmarked to pay for the state’s share of restoration, and federal funds to match. ‘is ruining climate’ “The only other thing that is lacking is the politi- cal will to get the land that we need,” said Davis. UNITED NATIONS: Palestinian president Mahmud stage to rail against his country. “This climate sum- “Without that land, without that reservoir, we Abbas told world leaders at a UN ceremony Friday mit is supposed to be a demonstration of global can’t solve the problem in the Florida Bay.” that Israel must stop “destroying” the climate in the unity for the sake of the future of our planet. Palestinian territories. “The Israeli occupation is Unfortunately, president Abbas chose to exploit Changing way of life destroying the climate in Palestine and the Israeli this international stage to mislead the internation- The Florida Bay did bounce back on its own settlements are destroying nature in Palestine,” al community,” he said. after the 1987 die-off, but the rejuvenation Abbas told the gathering of 175 countries signing The sharp exchange at the United Nations process took nearly a decade. John Guastavino, a landmark climate deal. “Please help us in putting comes as France is pushing for an international who has been taking tourists out to fish from the an end to occupation and to putting an end to set- conference to re-launch peace talks later this Florida Keys for 26 years, remembers a time, not tlements,” said Abbas after signing the agreement. year. Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki so long ago, when the catch was bountiful. “I’ve The Palestinian territories were among a group of said Thursday that a push for a UN resolution had days when I could go catch 65 redfish in a 15 countries and parties that immediately present- demanding an end to Israeli settlement expan- day, and days when I’ve caught 30 or 40 snook,” ed their already-completed ratification of the sion will be put on hold to focus instead on the he said. Now, “if you are having a good day, you accord aimed at tackling global warming. French initiative. The draft resolution was circu- might catch five or six snook,” he added. “I can’t Abbas signed on behalf of the observer state of lated to Arab countries and to some members of remember the last time I had someone catch Palestine, a status the Palestinians obtained in the Security Council earlier this month as part of more than one or two redfish.” He also has to trav- 2012 at the United Nations and which allows them a drive for UN action in support of the two-state el farther than ever to find a good fishing spot. “It to join international conventions and agreements. solution. The Israeli-Palestinian peace process is probably one of the most frequently asked Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff attends the Paris Agreement on Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny has been frozen since a US-led initiative col- questions that I get,” said Guastavino. “Aren’t there climate change ceremony on Friday, April 22, 2016 at the UN head- Danon, hit back, accusing Abbas of using the UN lapsed in April 2014. — AFP any fish back there, the 30 miles we just traveled?’ quarters. — AP It is sad to tell them, ‘No, not really.” — AFP SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE The mafia and a very special flower arrangement

ROME: To traders at the famous Royal FloraHolland Mafia bloodline ‘Ntoni’s daughter, Concetta, is married to Crupi. And clan member’s son; how to fence millions of euros in flower market near Amsterdam, Vincenzo Crupi was For much of the last century, the Calabrian mafia ‘Ntoni’s son is Vincenzo Macri, the business partner and stolen Lindt chocolate (see sidebar); and the deadly just another businessman helping to make the made its money from extortion and kidnappings. Then brother-in-law of Crupi. In 1975, a hit squad shot the ‘Ndrangheta power struggle in Canada. Netherlands the largest exporter of cut flowers in the in the late 1980s and early 1990s the group, which con- 72-year-old ‘Ntoni dead after his daily game of bocce, Prosecutors allege Crupi and Macri were wary of world. To the police, Crupi was a mafia suspect alleged- sists of about 160 patriarchal clans, bet big on the an Italian game similar to bowls. The murder set off a surveillance and behind closed doors spoke in ly concealing drugs worth millions of dollars alongside cocaine trade. Its success at drug smuggling catapulted bloody mafia war that cost some 233 lives in three Calabrian dialect. They usually referred to other sus- fragrant bouquets he trucked to Italy. By last year they the ‘Ndrangheta past its more storied Sicilian rival, the years, according to mafia historian John Dickie. In pected mobsters only by nicknames, such as “Chubby were hot on his scent. So they bugged his offices at the Cosa Nostra, in both wealth and power. Italian authori- Siderno, a town of fewer than 20,000, an estimated the son of Grace,” “the brigand” and “the chosen one.” flower market. ties now consider the ‘Ndrangheta to be Europe’s single 5,000 people attended the funeral of Uncle ‘Ntoni. Crupi often called Macri by his nickname, “pumadoru” - In conversations recorded by hidden microphones biggest importer of cocaine. “The ‘Ndrangheta is a Vincenzo, the younger Macri, is currently a fugitive dialect for “tomato.” The court documents allege that and cameras, the 52-year-old Italian was heard speaking trademark, or guarantee, of criminal seriousness,” said and could not be contacted for comment. Maria Crupi, Macri and others ran an organisation “systemati- at length about mafia affairs, according to previously David Ellero, the head of Europol’s organised crime Candida Tripodi, a lawyer who says she was hired by a cally and regularly dedicated to importing from unpublished details of the investigation contained in squad in The Hague. family member to defend Macri, said that he is inno- Holland large quantities of cocaine to be sold on the 1,700 pages of Italian court documents reviewed by Crupi grew up in a family with known mafia con- cent. “I’ve never spoken directly with him, but I do know Italian market.” They represented the international Reuters. Crupi was heard allegedly discussing drug nections in Siderno, a town in the “toe” of Italy’s deep he intends to defend himself or I would not have been business side of the ‘Ndrangheta, say prosecutors, deals, arms shipments and a lethal power struggle south, according to turncoats interviewed by prosecu- hired,” she said. “I believe he will deny the accusations.” rather than being feared bosses ruling home turf between mafia members in Canada. “They are killing tors. In the early 1990s, or possibly earlier, he moved to Belcastro, the lawyer for Crupi, said of Siderno and his through clan loyalty and intimidation. each other over there,” he said in one recorded tele- Holland and set up in business at the FloraHolland client: “It’s a very small town so it’s normal that he Police carried out the first arrests in the investigation phone call after returning from a trip to Toronto. market in the town of Aalsmeer, not far from would know people who may have a criminal back- in August 2014, when they witnessed an Albanian man Last September, at least two decades after Crupi Amsterdam, two former employees of Crupi’s company ground, but that doesn’t make him a criminal.” Crupi’s allegedly picking up drugs in Rome from a flower-truck began working at the flower market, police swooped said. In 2002, Crupi was joined by his brother-in-law, wife, Concetta, did not respond to attempts to contact driver working for the Crupi family. In another opera- while the Italian was on a trip home, arresting him in the Vincenzo Macri, 51, who had spent 13 years in prison in her through her husband’s lawyer. tion, one of Crupi’s truck drivers allegedly picked up dead of night south of Rome. Prosecutors will seek trials the United States for drug smuggling, according to more than 11 kilos of cocaine from a man in Rotterdam against Crupi later this year for drug trafficking and court documents. In the florist business, Macri was in Smuggling network and shuttled it to Italy in a hidden compartment, mafia membership, judicial sources said. Police and charge of collecting unpaid bills from clients, former At the FloraHolland market, Crupi and Macri ran a according to police eyewitness accounts and a record- prosecutors say the case sheds new light on the employees said. business called Fresh BV, which boasted on its website ing from a listening device in the cabin. The driver was ‘Ndrangheta - the Calabrian mafia - and the way it has To the flower traders of Holland, Crupi and Macri that it was “a major player of the Italian wholesale mar- recorded saying he had picked up the “black tulip spread its tentacles from southern Italy into dozens of appeared to be ordinary businessmen. They lived on the ket” with a trucking business providing “distribution that bulbs,” which police took to be code for the drugs. The countries across five continents. More than 50 other sus- same suburban street. On an average day, they got up allows us to be proud of our speed and methods.” In the driver was arrested in December 2014 at an isolated pects were arrested in the same investigation. early and worked late, said former employees and mid-2000s, Fresh BV was sending about a truckload of warehouse district in northern Italy where he met the Crupi, currently in prison, denies any wrongdoing. police. While they often dined in fine restaurants and flowers a day to Italy, former employees said. In recent alleged buyer of the drugs, who was also arrested. His lawyer, Giuseppe Belcastro, told Reuters that his frequently visited Italy, they were not flashy. “These guys years the volume had decreased, police said, but the These shipments, prosecutors allege in Crupi’s arrest client was an honest businessman. “He’s been in the were up at four o’clock in the morning most of the time, company was still sending several trucks each week. warrant, were “just the tip of the iceberg.” flower business forever,” said Belcastro, whose office is and they went straight to FloraHolland,” said the police The FloraHolland market in Aalsmeer is enormous, near the Vatican. “He had a legal and functioning flower commander in charge of the Dutch side of the investiga- equivalent in size to 400 soccer pitches. Since speed is Special law business, and there is proof of that.” The police and pros- tion. “They didn’t have Ferraris or big watches. If you of the essence in delivering fresh flowers, 18-wheeler To tackle the likes of the Cosa Nostra and ecutors disagree. They say the ‘Ndrangheta has cleverly looked at them you wouldn’t see anything strange. They trucks rumble in and out at all hours. With the port of ‘Ndrangheta, Italy has made it a criminal offence to be a kept a low profile abroad, and that Crupi embodies its seemed to be ordinary people, but they were not.” Rotterdam and Schiphol airport nearby, Crupi’s flower member of a mafia organisation. The offence carries a international business model. He ran a legitimate flower What the employees at the flower market did not business was perfectly positioned to receive drug ship- sentence of up to 24 years in prison if mafia activities business, they say, because it was the perfect cover for know was that Crupi and Macri were - prosecutors ments from South America and distribute them have an international dimension. No other country has the ‘Ndrangheta to expand overseas, smuggle drugs allege - part of the Commisso clan, which prosecutors onwards, say police and prosecutors. such a law. Italian prosecutors say the lack of such a law and launder illicit profits. say is based in the small coastal town of Siderno and is As Italian police investigated Crupi, they asked their outside Italy is a serious impediment in tackling mafiosi “The (secretly recorded) conversations confirm the one of the ‘Ndrangheta’s most powerful arms. Both Dutch counterparts to bug the offices of Fresh BV. The operating internationally. full participation” of Crupi and others in an international Crupi and Macri are related to one of the three bosses eavesdroppers allege they heard Crupi and Macri “Italy, because the authorities have had to strug- mafia network, says the arrest warrant issued in Reggio who together regulated affairs for the entire speaking at length about mafia affairs, according to gle against the mafia for decades, has the best anti- Calabria, the capital of Calabria in Italy’s southern tip. A ‘Ndrangheta network until the mid-70s. That man, transcripts. Court documents allege the two men dis- mafia legislation and the best investigators,” said spokeswoman for the FloraHolland cooperative, where Antonio “Uncle ‘Ntoni” Macri, was the “living symbol of cussed selling and shipping cocaine to a Neapolitan Ellero, the head of Europol’s organised crime squad in Crupi had his office, said the cooperative was never organised crime’s omnipotence,” Italian magistrate crime family; Macri’s desire to set up a drug trafficking The Hague. “But when you leave Italy, it’s back to aware he was a suspected mobster. Guido Marino wrote in a 1970 court ruling. operation in Venezuela; the first birthday of an alleged square one.” — Reuters Latest EU antitrust case against Google shows contrast with US

WASHINGTON: The latest EU antitrust com- said that the EU complaint fails to show harm Different markets plaint against Google underscores a sharp con- to consumers from Android’s dominance and A notable difference between the United trast from the approach taken by the United that a remedy could end up being worse than States and EU is that Android is far less domi- States, which has largely taken a hands-off the problem. nant in the American market. According to the approach on emerging technologies. Some US research firm comScore, Android’s US market tech industry leaders and analysts argue that ‘Seamless experience’ share was 52.7 percent in February while Apple’s the European Commission’s new filing on the “The concern on the consumer side is that (a iOS system held 43.9 percent. That compares Android mobile operating system shows a lack remedy) would dilute the ability of companies with Android’s global market share of more than of understanding of the sector, and could stifle to offer a suite of integrated services,” he said. 80 percent. Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research innovation in the fast-evolving market. “Right now Google can pull information from said the EU complaint takes a more narrow “Obviously US antitrust regulators are not taking Gmail and notify you about a meeting, or a focus on “licensable” operating systems and that action in this area, so the EU appears to be out flight to catch.” Based on the EU complaint by this measure Android has a share of more there,” said Daniel Castro, vice president of the Castro said, Google might be prohibited from than 90 percent in Europe. Information Technology & Innovation these kinds of actions. “A lot of the next wave of This means that “the main class of companies Foundation, a think tank focused on public poli- technology is bringing automated services and the commission is seeking to protect here is not cy and the tech sector. pulling them together for a seamless experience consumers but (phone manufacturers) and Earlier this week, Canadian antitrust authori- for the consumer,” Castro said. alternative providers of search and browsers,” ties decided against filing charges against James Waterworth of the Computer & Dawson said in a blog post. Dawson said the EU Google and its parent Alphabet, saying it found Communications Industry Association, a trade action appears aimed at “unbundling” the NEW YORK: Photo shows a microphone stand in front of a Google logo during a press no basis for a complaint. In Washington, a group that includes Google and other major mobile system in a manner similar to that imple- announcement at Google headquarters in New York. Google’s massive book-scanning lengthy antitrust investigation of Google over tech firms, also took issue with the EU com- mented in the Microsoft antitrust case more project has cleared its final legal hurdle as the US Supreme Court denied an appeal con- search advertising was dropped in 2013 after plaint. Waterworth said that Android was devel- than a decade ago. “The big question here is, of tending it violates copyright law. The top US court denied without comment a petition the company agreed to changes allowing more oped as an “open” system and has “injected course, whether this would make much of a dif- from the Authors Guild to hear the appeal of a 2013 federal court ruling seen as a land- access to competitors. competition into the mobile marketplace,” by ference in a world where consumers are already mark copyright decision for the digital era. In a decade-long case, authors and their back- The EU charges come one year after shifting away from the “proprietary” system free to install alternatives and set them as ers claimed Google was illegally scanning and digitizing millions of books without com- Brussels took on Google over its search engine, used by Apple and BlackBerry. “Android has defaults if they choose to,” he said. pensation to the copyright holders. — AFP and could lead to changes in the world’s most also allowed many different mobile phone The analyst said that the Microsoft case popular mobile smartphone operating system. manufacturers to enter the market more easily offers a lesson in caution: “There’s a danger that selves out or competitive worries have moved unfair and abusive practices in the United EU officials claim Google illegally forces manu- without the need to also develop their own the same thing happens here-the case takes to an entirely different sphere.” Some US States,” said John Simpson at the activist group facturers to preinstall its market-leading search operating systems and app development com- years to complete, and by the time it’s complet- activists argue that Washington should follow Consumer Watchdog. “Our antitrust enforcers engine as the default in phones and gives pref- munities,” he said. “As a result, consumers have ed the competitive dynamics have changed to the lead of Brussels and take on Google. “Google need to step up and do their job instead of let- erence to its own mobile applications. Castro more choice, not less.” an extent that things have either sorted them- engages in exactly the same anti-competitive, ting the Europeans do it for them.” — AFP WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Music for Peace concert mesmerizes audiences With Sonam Kalra, Sufi Gospel Project

usic for Peace, a beautiful musical D Titus, Reaven D’Souza, Shiamak Soonawalla, Clement. tribute for the benefit of the Indian Shabbir Qamar, Sunil Menon, Avinash Manan, She has been recognized internationally Marmed forces left audiences mesmer- Ashfaque Khan, Minoo Patel and Digant and is a popular choice at prestigious music ized with its soulful sounds and deep reaching Kapoor. festivals around the world. Having shared the message. The Indian Embassy auditorium was stage with legendary musicians such as Sir packed with an audience that graciously Beautiful songs Bob Geldof, and Abida Parveen, Sonam has attended not only to enjoy the music but also The artists for the evening - Sonam Kalra also performed at the Indo African Summit for to support a noble cause. The eclectic crowd and the Sufi Gospel Project kept the audience the Indian Prime Minister, President of India comprised of dignitaries such as the enthralled with their collection of beautiful and 52 heads of African states. Ambassadors of India and Malta alongside a songs made up of Sufi poems and gospel number of high ranking individuals from the music amidst a fusion of international Unique style business and professional fields in Kuwait. melodies like Jazz and Irish with a smattering The Sufi Gospel Project, conceived by In a heartfelt address at the beginning of of Punjabi and Persian lyrics. Khusrau blended Sonam Kalra comprises by chance, of a group the concert, member of the organizing com- with Amazing Grace as Kabir shared the stage of mixed faith musicians each excelling in his mittee, Ravi Kohli said “We feel proud of our with Abide with Me and Bulleh Shah’s voice own arena. Their unique style blends the many defense personnel, the Army, Navy and the Air was heard within a mix of English and Gaelic voices of faith, through poetry, prayer and Force, who sacrifice their lives to protect us, texts. Accompanying vocalist, Ahsan Ali also music to create one universal voice of faith. our property and our peace of mind. They face playing a two hundred year old sarangi, Tarit They have performed at renowned plat- all the hardships and mostly stay at our bor- Pal on the cajone and drums, Manish Sahariya forms such as Tina Brown’s Women in the ders areas, at times in extreme conditions, just on the keyboard, Brennon Denfer on the gui- World Summit, the Coke Studio, the World Sufi to preserve our country’s sovereignty and pro- tar and Amaan Ali Khan on the drums were Peace festival at the Pyramids and at the tect the citizens. It is our duty to try and help the perfect combination to musically back up International Faiz Festival for peace in the families of those who sacrificed their lives Sonam’s beautiful voice and heartwarming Pakistan. a difference in this world. A rough translation thanked everyone present for their over- in the endeavor to help us.” interludes. At the Music for Peace concert, her rendi- reads - “Speak, for your lips are free. Speak, for whelming support in making the event a suc- Following his address, Sunil Jain, the Indian Formally trained in Indian classical music tion of the patriotic Ae Mere Pyaare Watan left your tongue is still yours, your body is still cess. Ambassador to Kuwait also gave a speech dur- under Shubha Mudgal and Sarathi Chatterji, the audience in tears. She ended her selection yours and your life is still yours.” ing which he appreciated the efforts of the Sonam has also studied various genres of with a powerful presentation of her song Bol The evening ended with the group singing organizing committee including Andrew Western music including Gospel, Jazz and based on Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry, urging the Indian National anthem and Nita Bhatkar Thomas, Vijay Kapur, Rajul Batra, Rajpal Tyagi, E Opera under Hur Chul Yung and Ashley each and every one of us to speak up to make Chogle, the anchorperson for the evening EMOTIONS - Shadows of Life: Celebration of relationships by IISM KG students

he kindergarten wing of India International School, Mangaf celebrated its Graduation Day on 17th March T2016. The little Masters of Ceremony Dutta and Maryam Qazi faced the congregation of parents and guests boldly and stole the heart of the excited audience. The theme of the evening was ‘Emotions, shadows of life’ which was quite discernible as each and every items presented by the students depicted the various shadows of emotions. Vibrant music of the celebration dance, breathtaking colors and highly coordinated movements set the tone and mood. Adorned in bright and shiny cos- tumes the students performed Enchanted Fairy Land, Fantasy Disney World, Odyssey of Emotions, Beauty of Relations and Dazzling Bollywood. The cultural extravaganza was interspersed with the most important event of the day. The graduation of UKG students to Grade I. It was a proud moment for both the Talise Spa, at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, is offering the students and their parents when they paused for the pho- Unprecedented Rejuvenation’s exclusive package. The promotion involves 90- to, adorned in traditional convocation gowns and caps. The minute of Diamond Lifting Multi Sensorial facial coupled with a complimentary guests of honor Dr Mohammed S A Al-Rafai, Chairman, 60-minute Relaxing Massage. Child Union Kuwait, Bushara, Inspector, Ministry of Private Education and Udad, Child Union, Kuwait graced the moment by joining the graduates in the photo session. The events of the auspicious evening began with the recitation of the holy Quran by Mostafa Ibrahim and its translation by Rida Fathima. School principal F M Basheer Ahmed welcomed the guests and parents on this occasion and highlighted the importance of the day. The event was graced by the chief guest of the ceremo- ny congratulated the students on their graduation and their impressive show. The guests of honor blessed the stu- dents. School Director Moosa Koya congratulated the Students. The parents expressed their appreciation for the well-organized extremely colorful show put up by the stu- dents. The stupendous celebration came to an end with vote of thanks proposed by KG head Nilofar Qazi.

Think Work live Positive conference underway

hink Work live Positive is a con- Marriott Hotels launch new ference for everyone’s struggle,” “Tsaid Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah, Head of Al-Nowair Positivity Initiative and offers on rooms, restaurants founder of Lulua Publishing. This year’s Think Work Live Positive seminar and work- arriott Hotels in Kuwait are offering enjoy free access to the swimming pool and Kuwait throughout April. The various offers shops kicked off yesterday and concludes their guests exclusive deals and bene- health club. Free valet parking and shared air- include the “Special Meat Cut Night” every today at the Gulf University of Science and Mfits on rooms and restaurants. The excit- port transfers will also be available along with Monday from 07:30 pm to 11:30 pm. The menu Technology (GUST). The conference is ing array of promotions include the perfect early check-in and late check-out, subject to also features seafood delicacies such as grilled designed to help attendees discover that weekend escape which offers GCC nationals and availability. It is also worthy to note that JW gulf shrimps, fresh salmon and a variety of other struggle leads us to success and not to frus- residents discounts of up to 30% on rooms and Marriott Hotel Kuwait and Courtyard by Marriott seafood dishes. tration and negativity as widely believed. suites at JW Marriott Kuwait City, Courtyard by Kuwait have a direct exclusive entrance to George Aoun, Cluster General Manager at After all, struggle was the motive behind Marriott Kuwait and Residence Inn by Marriott “Salhia” and “Arraya” Shopping Malls, where Kuwait Marriott Hotels said, “With everything the success of many successful people. So Kuwait City. In addition, the package also guests can shop between an array of world-class from the finest dining to value-oriented hotels this year has an exciting line up of both includes complimentary buffet breakfast, free retail brands. and ultimate shopping experiences, our goal is international and local experts that will dis- WIFI, and free meals for children under 6 years A superb dining experience can be enjoyed to offer great value for money deals and the cuss this extensively. old. To add to the exclusive benefits, guests can at the “Terrace Grill” Restaurant at JW Marriott highest level of customer service to our guests.” WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 Stage set for Kuwait Times Student’s Art Competition’s conclusion on 15 May ‘Kuwait Beautiful and Green’

uwait Times Deputy General Manager Adnan Saad, who is also Kthe competition organizer, declared that a total of 135 schools with 13,850 artworks participated in the art competition being organized in coopera- tion with Zain, JW Marriott Hotel, Arabian Business Machines Co. and Al Batel agent of Casio. He added that the objective of this competition is to make students aware about the fragile environment of Kuwait, and the wider Kuwaiti population aware about national environmental issues Abdul-Aziz Arty Abdul-Kareem Al-Enizi Svetlana Arndt Ameera Ashkinani through the student community. A panel of judges comprising of Kuwaiti and expatriate artists will evaluate the artworks according to the age cate- Competition 1994, earned the golden • Methodologist of the General Secondary November 2008 - 3rd Kuwaiti Festival for Formative Art Association gories of students. The criteria for any plaque on the level of Arab countries Education Department of the Institute of Fine Arts Creativity in February 2009 - winning entry will be based on the stu- organizes yearly by the United Arab System Research of Education of Ukraine. Russia Gallery 2009. Awards: dents’ creativity, uniqueness, amount of Emirates 1995. • First prize in the Kuwait Teachers - GCC Creative Arts Forum Awards 2010 effort and technique. • Awarded “Prize for Art activities” of the Abdul-Kareem Al-Enizi Society’s photo competition on April 1981 - Kuwait Creative Art Festival Award (HH European Union of Arts in Prague (Czech • Born in Kuwait in 1960. - Second prize in the teachers photo com- the Amir’s Award) 2013 Republic) May 2001. • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology - Faculty petition in 1981 - Earned a certificate of - Kuwait International Contemporary Art JUDGES • Awarded “European medal of Franz of Arts, Kuwait University. appreciation from the Ministry of Forum 2014 Abdul-Aziz Arty Kafka” by the European circle “Franz Kafka” • President of the Kuwaiti Union for Education - Earned a commemorative • Kuwaiti male formative artist. (Prague) in Berlin-September 2001. Advertising - Kuwait Journalist plaque at the 1st Kharafi Panel for Modern Some advice from the judges • Earned a bachelor’s degree in faculty of • “World Prize of Salvador Dali” by the Association member. Kuwaiti Arts in December 2004 - Won the How you can win the art competition: arts from Kuwait University. Alliance Salvador Dali international, Czech • Participated in all Kuwait Fine Arts Martyr’s Exhibition award in August 2005 • Draw a picture by yourself! • Member of Kuwait Journalist association Republic, Spain, 2003. Association galleries since 1986 - partici- - Won the His Highness the Amir Award in • Make sure you understand everything and member in international for fine & art • Award in literature from the Almadina pated in multiple local, Arab and interna- February 2008. that’s required and what you’re agreeing c association. Asian hand craft Association Culture Society, Madrid, Spain, 2006 for tional galleries including: 1st Kharafi Panel to. • Participated in multiple local and inter- her poem “A blue bird in my palm” - for Modern Kuwaiti Arts in December Ameera Ashkinani • The picture can show anything you national exhibitions from 1982- 2008 “Pajaro Azul”. 2004 - National Day and Liberation Day Born in Kuwait appreciate in Kuwait (nature, city, people, including Bulgaria , Havana , Korea , • Trebbia 2007 European award for the Exhibition on February 2005 - Martyr’s B.A. Holder in Arts Education animals and different plants and flowers, Russia , Saudi Arabia , Qatar and the year- support of Arts and Creative Activities Exhibition 2005 - Small Arts Festival Arts Education Supervisor at MOE sea and sky). ly gallery exhibitions organized by Kuwait (together with her husband Mohammed March 2006 - Arab World Culture Festival • Use symbols of Kuwait such as flag, coat and United Emirates . Al-Qadiri, General Manager of Ghadir in Paris in April 2006 - Kuwaiti Water Memberships: of arms, Kuwait memorials. • Carecatcher artist at Al Arabi magazine Gallery Kuwait), Prague (Czech Republic, Paintings Gallery in May 2006 - Kuwaiti - Kuwait Fine Arts Association (KFAA) • The picture must be complete. and previous at Al Waten Newspaper. Jan 2008). Arts Exhibition in Berlin in September - International Association of Art (IAA) • The picture should be clearly signed. • Participated in Kuwait Water Painting • Awarded Novo Prize at 2006 - Kuwait Exhibitions for Visual Arts - GCC Fine Arts Societies Union (GFASU) • If you’re not sure, ask questions. gallery on May 2006, Al Kharafi panel for Hajduboszormeny Symposium, Hungary, Creativity in February 2007 - 1st personal - Arab Plastic Arts Union (APAU) • Understand the theme. modern Kuwaiti arts in December 2006. 2010. exhibition (Hawajes) at the Kuwait Fine • Enter your best. Port Saeed Art exhibition2004; First per- Arts Association in November 2007 - Participations: • Don’t give up. sonal exhibition on1992 at Kuwait Culture Svetlana Arndt Transparency Gallery for Fine Arts on - Kuwait Creative Arts Festival 2007-2015 • Don’t draw dark and frightening scenes and Art Council. . • Ukrainian female artist. February 2008 - Small Arts in Bait - Kharafi International Biennale 2006-2012 or copies of other artworks. • From memories to memories personal • A graduate from TTC (Teacher Training Abdullah on February 2008 - 2nd Kuwait - Kuwait Forum for GCC Art 2010, 2011 • Listen to an art teacher’s instructions. caricature exhibition at Kuwait College) Zaporozhe, Ukraine 1984-86. Festival for Fine Arts Creativity in February - Kuwait Contemporary Art Exhibitions in • Examine artworks. Association for formative Art. . • State Pedagogical University of Kiev, 2008 - Modern Kuwaiti Arts Gallery in Germany, Bahrain, Riyadh, Jeddah, Russia, • Practice using different drawing materi- • Earned a certificate of appreciation from Specialty “Teaching and Methodology of Bahrain in May 2008 - Kuwait Forum for Ukraine, Roma, Madrid & London als. the Kuwait National Assembly for Culture Initial Education”. Gulf Fine Arts Creativity in May 2008 - • Participate in training workshops. and Art Council. • Teacher of initial classes of secondary Small Arts Festival 2008 - ‘Kuwait in Personal Exhibitions: • Earned a gold medal at caricature exhibi- school, Ukraine. Egypt’s Heart’ Festival as part of the - Adeem Al-That (Self-Crust) 2009 at tion during GCC meeting on 1994,been • Teacher of initial classes of secondary Kuwaiti Cultural Week in June 2008 - 3rd Kuwait Formative Art Association elected to participate in Monte Carlo school Kiev, Ukraine. Kharafi Panel for Modern Arab Arts in - Human Gestures 2011 at Kuwait p32_Layout 1 4/23/16 7:56 PM Page 1

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 TV PROGRAMS

12:30 Culture Express With Morgan Freeman 01:50 Top Tables, Top Cities 22:30 The Big C 13:00 Africa Live 10:23 Invent It Rich 02:15 Sara’s New Nordic Kitchen 23:00 Web Therapy 14:00 News Update 11:08 Moon Machines 02:40 Tom’s Istanbul Delight 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:30 Dialogue 11:53 Future Firepower 03:05 Glamour Puds 00:30 Big Screen 15:00 News Update 12:38 Mythbusters 03:30 Glamour Puds 00:45 Fatal Pulse 15:15 China 24 13:23 Through The Wormhole 03:55 David Rocco’s Dolce India 02:10 Behind Enemy Lines 16:00 News Update With Morgan Freeman 04:20 Maximum Foodie 03:40 Hamburger Hill 16:15 Global Business 14:10 How The Earth Works 04:45 Maximum Foodie 00:00 Once Upon A Time 05:30 Les Miserables (1998) 17:00 News Update 14:57 Food Factory 05:10 East Bites West 01:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 07:40 The Magnificent Seven 17:15 World InSight 15:20 Food Factory 05:35 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour S.H.I.E.L.D. 09:45 Lords Of Dogtown 18:00 Asia Today 15:44 Moon Machines 06:00 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 02:00 The Flash 11:25 One More Kiss 18:30 Culture Express 16:31 Engineering Thrills 06:25 Carnival Eats 03:00 DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow 13:05 Hercules 19:00 News Update 17:18 How The Earth Works 06:50 George Clarke’s Amazing 04:00 Good Morning America 14:45 Empire Of The Ants 19:30 The Heat 18:05 Mythbusters Spaces 06:00 Once Upon A Time 16:15 Solarbabies 20:00 Africa Live 18:50 Secret Space Escapes 07:40 Top Tables, Top Cities 07:00 24 17:50 George Washington 21:00 Global Business 19:40 Moon Machines 08:05 Sara’s New Nordic Kitchen 08:00 Prison Break 19:20 Billy Two Hats 21:30 Dialogue 20:25 Through The Wormhole 08:30 Tom’s Istanbul Delight 09:00 The Voice 21:00 Breaking Bad 22:00 News Update With Morgan Freeman 08:55 Glamour Puds 10:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 22:00 Troll (Epic) 22:15 China 24 21:15 Ecopolis 09:20 Glamour Puds 11:00 24 23:00 News Update 22:00 Secret Space Escapes 09:45 David Rocco’s Dolce India 12:00 Prison Break 23:15 World InSight 22:45 Moon Machines 10:10 Maximum Foodie 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 23:35 Mythbusters 10:35 Maximum Foodie 14:00 Live Good Morning America 11:00 East Bites West 16:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 11:25 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour S.H.I.E.L.D. 00:45 Mountain Monsters 11:50 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 01:40 Australia Doesn’t Just Want 12:15 Carnival Eats 18:00 Prison Break To Kill You 12:40 George Clarke’s Amazing 19:00 Minority Report Spaces 20:00 The Flash 02:35 Tanked 00:00 CNBC Conversation: Travis 00:00 Violetta 03:25 Mutant Planet 13:35 Top Tables, Top Cities 21:00 Blindspot Kalanick 00:45 The Hive 14:00 Sara’s New Nordic Kitchen 22:00 Empire 04:15 Gator Boys 00:30 Japan Remembers 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 05:02 Treehouse Masters 14:30 Tom’s Istanbul Delight 23:00 Mr. Robot 01:00 U.S. Squawk Alley Teenage Witch 14:55 Glamour Puds 05:49 Australia Doesn’t Just Want 02:00 Asia Squawk Box 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A To Kill You 15:25 Glamour Puds 05:00 Asia Street Signs Teenage Witch 15:50 David Rocco’s Dolce India 06:36 Swamp Brothers 07:00 Capital Connection 01:40 Hank Zipzer 07:00 Swamp Brothers 16:20 Maximum Foodie 08:00 Squawk Box Europe 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 16:45 Maximum Foodie 07:25 My Cat From Hell 11:00 Europe Street Signs 02:30 Violetta 08:15 Australia Doesn’t Just Want 17:15 Food School 00:15 The Purge 12:00 Worldwide Exchange 03:15 The Hive 17:40 Rustic Adventures Italy 02:00 Hansel & Gretel To Kill You 13:00 U.S. Squawk Box 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 09:10 Treehouse Masters 18:10 Rustic Adventures Italy 04:00 Transit 16:00 Squawk On The Street Teenage Witch 18:35 Carnival Eats 06:00 The Bourne Legacy 10:05 Tanked 18:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 11:00 My Cat From Hell 19:05 Glamour Puds 08:15 Turbulence 19:00 Fast Money: Half Time Teenage Witch 19:30 Glamour Puds 10:15 Snow White And The 11:55 Bondi Vet Report 04:10 Hank Zipzer 12:25 Bondi Vet 20:00 David Rocco’s Dolce India Huntsman 20:00 U.S. Power Lunch 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 20:25 Maximum Foodie 12:30 Justice League: Throne Of 12:50 Australia Doesn’t Just Want 22:00 U.S. Closing Bell 05:00 Violetta To Kill You 20:50 Maximum Foodie Atlantis 05:45 The Hive 21:15 Food School 14:00 The Bourne Legacy 13:45 Gator Boys 05:50 Mouk 14:40 Treehouse Masters 21:40 Rustic Adventures Italy 16:15 Grosse Pointe Blank 06:00 Lolirock 22:05 Rustic Adventures Italy 18:15 Snow White And The 15:35 Tanked 06:25 Sofia The First 16:30 Mutant Planet 22:30 Carnival Eats Huntsman 06:50 Gravity Falls 22:55 George Clarke’s Amazing 20:30 Alien 3 17:25 River Monsters 07:15 Miraculous Tales Of 18:20 Ten Deadliest Snakes With Spaces 22:30 Let The Bullets Fly 00:00 I Escaped My Killer Ladybug And Cat Noir 23:45 Top Tables, Top Cities Nigel Marven 07:40 Jessie 19:15 Tanked 01:00 The Haunting Of... 02:00 The Haunting Of... 08:05 Shake It Up 20:10 Animal Cops South Africa 08:30 Shake It Up 21:05 Treehouse Masters 03:00 Cursed: The Bell Witch 04:00 I Escaped My Killer 08:55 Hannah Montana 22:00 Ten Deadliest Snakes With 00:00 Don Peyote 05:00 The Haunting Of... 09:20 Hannah Montana Nigel Marven 02:00 Mystery Men 06:00 I Killed My BFF 09:45 Girl Meets World 22:55 Gator Boys 00:20 Deadly Instincts 04:00 Romy And Michelle’s High 07:00 Gangs Of Britain... 10:10 Girl Meets World 23:50 River Monsters 01:10 Man And The Wild School Reunion 08:00 Crime Stories 10:35 A.N.T. Farm 02:00 Africa’s Creative Killers 06:00 50 First Dates 09:00 Frenemies 11:00 A.N.T. Farm 02:50 I, Predator 08:00 What About Bob? 09:30 Private Crimes 11:25 Jessie 03:45 Caught In The Act 10:00 Romy And Michelle’s High 10:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder 11:50 Jessie 04:40 Man-Eater Of The Congo School Reunion Casebook 12:15 Whisker Haven Tales With 05:35 Africa’s Creative Killers 12:00 Mystery Men 11:00 After The First 48 The Palace Pets 06:30 I, Predator 14:00 Serial (Bad) Weddings 00:15 Eastenders 12:00 The FBI Files 12:20 Miraculous Tales Of 07:25 Caught In The Act 16:00 What About Bob? 00:50 New Tricks 13:00 I Killed My BFF Ladybug And Cat Noir IDENTITY THIEF ON OSN MOVIES HD COMEDY 08:20 Man-Eater Of The Congo 18:00 Chef 01:45 New Tricks 14:00 Crime Stories 12:45 Fish Hooks 09:15 Race Of Life 20:00 Identity Thief 02:40 Silent Witness 15:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder 13:10 Austin & Ally Pirates 18:00 E! News 07:00 Eggheads 09:40 Race Of Life 22:00 Tim And Eric’s Billion Dollar 03:35 Waking The Dead Casebook 13:35 Austin & Ally 14:15 The Lion Guard 19:00 House Of DVF 07:30 Murdoch Mysteries 10:10 America’s National Parks Movie 04:30 Eastenders 16:00 Gangs Of Britain... 14:00 Liv And Maddie 14:25 Cars Toons 14:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 20:00 Keeping Up With The 08:25 Murdoch Mysteries 11:05 Animals Gone Wild 05:10 Doctor Who 17:00 After The First 48 12:00 Monster Fish 06:00 Doctors 14:30 Liv And Maddie 15:10 Miles From Tomorrow Kardashians 09:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 18:00 The FBI Files 15:35 Jake And The Never Land 21:00 Dash Dolls 10:10 Get Your Act Together 12:55 Africa’s Creative Killers 06:30 Doctors 19:00 I Killed My BFF 14:55 Dog With A Blog 15:20 Dog With A Blog Pirates 22:00 E! News 11:05 Eggheads 13:50 I, Predator 07:00 Eastenders 20:00 Crime Stories 14:45 Caught In The Act 07:30 Stella 15:45 Miraculous Tales Of 16:00 Sofia The First 23:00 WAGs 11:35 Kate Middleton: Heir We Go 21:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder 15:40 Outback Wrangler 01:00 Escape 08:15 The Paradise Ladybug And Cat Noir 16:25 Jungle Cubs Again! Casebook 16:35 Race Of Life 02:30 The Trials Of Cate McCall 09:10 Doctor Who 16:10 Violetta 16:50 Aladdin 12:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 22:00 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover 17:00 Race Of Life 04:30 Testament Of Youth 10:00 Doctors 17:00 The Next Step 17:15 The Lion Guard 13:25 Emmerdale 22:30 Frenemies 17:30 Nordic Wild 07:00 Wrath 10:30 Eastenders 17:25 Alex And Co 17:40 Goldie & Bear 13:50 Eggheads 23:00 The Jail: 60 Days In 18:25 Animals Gone Wild 08:45 Jack Strong 11:00 Death In Paradise 17:50 Dog With A Blog 18:05 Miles From Tomorrow 14:20 Coronation Street 19:20 Caught In The Act 11:00 Testament Of Youth 11:55 Stella 18:15 Best Friends Whenever 18:30 Sofia The First 14:45 The Jonathan Ross Show 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 20:10 Outback Wrangler 13:15 I’ll Follow You Down 12:40 The Paradise 18:40 Liv And Maddie 19:00 Jake And The Never Land 15:35 Cameraman To The Queen 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 21:00 Race Of Life 15:15 Atlas Shrugged Part 2: The 13:35 Doctor Who 19:05 Evermoor Chronciles Pirates 16:30 Black Work 01:00 Chopped 21:25 Race Of Life Strike 14:25 Doctors 19:30 Violetta 19:30 The Lion Guard 17:25 Autopsy: The Last Hours 02:00 Cutthroat Kitchen 21:50 Nordic Wild 17:15 Jack Strong 14:55 Eastenders 20:20 The Next Step 20:00 Goldie & Bear Of... 03:00 Man Fire Food 22:40 Animals Gone Wild 19:30 The Double 15:25 Death In Paradise 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 20:30 Sofia The First 18:20 Emmerdale 21:00 Jungle Cubs 03:30 Man Fire Food 18:45 Coach Trip 23:30 Monster Fish 21:30 Two Night Stand 16:20 Dickensian 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 21:35 H2O 21:25 Aladdin 19:10 Coronation Street 23:00 Anna 17:10 Doctor Who 01:10 You Have Been Warned 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 18:00 Doctors 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 21:50 Gummi Bears 19:35 Cameraman To The Queen 02:00 Troy 22:20 Lilo And Stitch 05:00 Iron Chef America 20:30 Black Work 18:30 Eastenders 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 06:00 Chopped 02:50 Superhuman Science Teenage Witch 22:50 Zou 21:25 Autopsy: The Last Hours 19:05 Death In Paradise 03:15 Superhuman Science 07:00 Man Fire Food 20:00 Holby City 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 23:05 Henry Hugglemonster Of... 03:40 Thrift Hunters 23:20 Calimero 07:30 Man Fire Food 22:20 Coronation Street 21:00 Stag Teenage Witch 00:30 My Big Fat Greek Life 00:30 Pirates Of The Caribbean: 04:05 Storage Wars Canada 23:35 Zou 08:00 Chopped 22:50 Emmerdale 21:55 Silent Witness 23:10 Hank Zipzer 09:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 01:00 Breaking In Curse Of The Black Pearl 04:30 Auction Hunters 23:35 Binny And The Ghost 23:50 Loopdidoo 23:15 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 22:50 Waking The Dead 05:00 How Do They Do It? Basics 01:30 It’s Always Sunny In 03:00 Mars Needs Moms 23:45 Doctors 05:30 Fifth Gear 09:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Philadelphia 04:30 The Princess Diaries 2: 06:00 Outback Truckers Basics 02:00 The Big C Royal Engagement 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 10:00 The Kitchen 02:30 Web Therapy 06:30 Pirates Of The Caribbean: 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 11:00 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen 03:00 The Carmichael Show Curse Of The Black Pearl 08:30 Thrift Hunters 00:05 Art Attack 06:00 Boyster 11:30 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen 03:30 Living With Fran 09:00 Mars Needs Moms 12:00 Chopped 04:00 $#*! My Dad Says 10:30 Dinosaur 08:55 Storage Wars Canada 00:30 Henry Hugglemonster 06:10 Super Matrak 00:10 Brain Games 00:00 Charlie Rose 13:00 The Pioneer Woman 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 12:15 Dinosaur Island 09:20 Auction Hunters 00:45 Calimero 06:35 Super Matrak 01:00 Cesar To The Rescue 01:00 Bloomberg West 13:30 The Pioneer Woman Jimmy Fallon 14:00 Frankenweenie 09:45 How Do They Do It? 01:00 Zou 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 02:00 Supercar Megabuild 02:00 First Up With Angie Lau 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:30 Suburgatory 15:45 The Young Black Stallion 10:10 Fifth Gear 01:15 Loopdidoo 07:25 K.C. Undercover 02:55 Wild India 03:00 First Up With Angie Lau 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:00 The Bernie Mac Show 17:00 Paddington 10:35 You Have Been Warned 01:30 Art Attack 07:50 Supa Strikas 03:50 Brain Games 04:00 Trending Business 15:00 Man Fire Food 06:30 Your Family Or Mine 19:00 Pirates Of The Caribbean 2: 11:25 Troy 01:55 Henry Hugglemonster 08:15 Annedroids 04:45 24 Hours In A&E 15:30 Man Fire Food 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Dead Man’s Chest 08:40 Lab Rats 05:40 Filthy Riches 16:00 Chopped 08:00 $#*! My Dad Says 21:30 D2: The Mighty Ducks 09:10 Kirby Buckets 06:35 Mega Factories 17:00 The Kitchen 08:30 Suburgatory 23:30 The Young Black Stallion 09:35 Guardians Of The Galaxy 07:30 Cesar To The Rescue 18:00 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen 09:00 The Carmichael Show 10:00 Rocket Monkeys 08:25 Building Wild 18:30 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen 09:30 The Last Man On Earth 10:25 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web 09:20 24 Hours In A&E 19:00 Chopped 10:00 Playing House Warriors 10:15 Supercar Megabuild 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 10:30 Your Family Or Mine 10:50 Boyster 11:10 The Yard 21:00 Private Chef 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 11:20 Boyster 12:05 Dirty Rotten Survival 21:30 Private Chef Jimmy Fallon 11:45 Pair Of Kings 13:00 Building Wild 02:00 Diana 22:00 Valerie’s Home Cooking 12:00 The Bernie Mac Show 12:10 Pair Of Kings 14:00 Showdown Of The 04:00 At Any Price 22:30 Valerie’s Home Cooking 12:30 $#*! My Dad Says 12:35 Lab Rats Unbeatables 06:00 Upside Down 23:00 Iron Chef America 13:00 Suburgatory 13:00 Lab Rats 15:00 Mega Factories 08:00 Secret Window 13:30 Phineas And Ferb 13:30 Your Family Or Mine 16:00 Supercar Megabuild 14:00 Living With Fran 10:00 Diana 13:55 Phineas And Ferb 17:00 The Yard 12:00 Reds 14:20 Kickin’ It 14:30 The Last Man On Earth 18:00 Dirty Rotten Survival 15:00 Playing House 15:15 Paradise 14:45 Kickin’ It 19:00 Mine Kings 17:15 Secret Window 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 15:30 My Big Fat Greek Life 20:00 Supercar Megabuild 16:00 Breaking In 19:00 Calvary 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 20:50 The Yard 21:00 Donnie Brasco 15:40 Guardians Of The Galaxy 16:30 The Bernie Mac Show 00:20 Shipping Wars 21:40 Dirty Rotten Survival 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 23:30 Rush 16:05 Mighty Med 00:45 Shipping Wars 22:30 Mega Factories 16:30 Kirby Buckets 18:00 Two And A Half Men 01:10 Ice Road Truckers 23:20 Filthy Riches 18:30 Living With Fran 16:55 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 02:00 Ice Road Truckers Much Everything 19:00 2 Broke Girls 02:50 Ax Men 19:30 Playing House 01:00 Welcome To The Punch 17:25 K.C. Undercover 03:40 American Restoration 03:00 Curve 17:50 Supa Strikas 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 04:05 American Restoration Jimmy Fallon 05:00 Le Weekend 18:15 Lab Rats 04:30 Pawn Stars 07:00 The Book Of Life 18:40 K.C. Undercover 21:00 My Big Fat Greek Life 05:00 Lost Worlds 00:10 Dream Cruises 21:30 Breaking In 09:00 The Second Best Exotic 19:05 Cars Toons 06:00 Mountain Men 01:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Marigold Hotel 19:10 Annedroids 22:00 It’s Always Sunny In 06:50 Swamp People Spaces Philadelphia 11:00 Bad Parents 19:35 Phineas And Ferb 07:40 Ax Men 12:45 A Madea Christmas TRANSIT ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 20:00 Kirby Buckets 08:30 Shipping Wars 14:30 Le Weekend 20:25 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 08:55 American Restoration 16:15 Interstellar 05:00 Trending Business Much Everything 09:20 American Restoration 19:00 Last Knights 12:15 Superhuman Science 02:05 Calimero 20:55 K.C. Undercover 06:00 Asia Edge 12:40 Superhuman Science 02:20 Zou 09:45 Banger Boys 21:00 7 Minutes 07:00 Bloomberg West 21:20 Pickle And Peanut 10:35 Counting Cars 23:00 The Interview 13:05 Thrift Hunters 02:30 Loopdidoo 21:45 Lab Rats 08:00 Countdown 13:30 Storage Wars Canada 02:45 Art Attack 11:00 Counting Cars 09:00 Countdown 22:10 Mighty Med 11:25 Lost Worlds 13:55 Auction Hunters 03:10 Henry Hugglemonster 22:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 09:30 On The Move 14:20 Outback Truckers 03:20 Calimero 12:15 American Pickers 10:00 On The Move 23:00 Programmes Start At 13:05 Storage Wars 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 03:35 Zou 6:00am KSA 11:00 The Pulse 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 03:45 Loopdidoo 13:30 Storage Wars 12:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 16:50 Fifth Gear 04:00 Art Attack 13:55 Fifth Gear 01:15 Blue Elephant 2 13:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 17:15 How Do They Do It? 04:25 Henry Hugglemonster 14:45 Shipping Wars 03:00 The Olsen Gang In Deep 14:00 Bloomberg Go 17:40 Salvage Hunters 04:35 Calimero 15:10 Shipping Wars Trouble 15:00 Bloomberg Go 18:30 Redwood Kings 04:50 Zou 15:35 Shipping Wars 04:30 Egon And Donci 16:00 Bloomberg Go 19:20 Predators Up Close With 05:00 Loopdidoo 16:00 Mountain Men 06:00 Charlie And The Chocolate 17:00 Bloomberg Markets Joel Lambert 05:15 Art Attack 16:50 Swamp People Factory 18:00 Bloomberg Markets: 20:10 Storage Wars Canada 05:35 Henry Hugglemonster 00:00 Keeping Up With The 17:40 Ice Road Truckers 08:00 Columbus In The Last European Close 20:35 Auction Hunters 05:50 Calimero Kardashians 18:30 Lost Worlds Journey 19:00 Bloomberg Markets 21:00 Salvage Hunters 06:00 Zou 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 19:20 American Pickers 09:45 Kikoriki: Team Invincible 20:00 Bloomberg Markets 21:50 For The Love Of Cars 06:20 Loopdidoo 01:25 Keeping Up With The 20:10 Pawn Stars 11:30 The Three Dogateers 21:00 Bloomberg Markets 22:40 Ed Stafford: Into The 06:35 Art Attack Kardashians 20:35 Pawn Stars 13:00 The Olsen Gang In Deep 22:00 Bloomberg Markets Unknown 07:00 The Hive 02:20 E! News 21:00 Duck Dynasty Trouble 23:00 What’d You Miss? 23:30 Wheeler Dealers 07:10 Zou 03:15 Christina Milian Turned Up 21:25 Duck Dynasty 14:30 Daddy I’m A Zombie 07:25 Loopdidoo 04:10 Christina Milian Turned Up 21:50 Pawn Stars 16:00 Jungle Book: Mowgli’s 07:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 05:05 Christina Milian Turned Up 22:15 Pawn Stars Australia Adventure 08:05 Sofia The First 06:00 Keeping Up With The 22:40 Grave Trade 18:00 Kikoriki: Team Invincible 08:30 Goldie & Bear Kardashians 23:30 Duck Dynasty 20:00 Bamse And The City Of 08:45 Jake And The Never Land 06:55 Keeping Up With The 23:55 Duck Dynasty Thieves 00:00 News Update Kardashians 21:45 Daddy I’m A Zombie 00:30 Dialogue 00:20 Through The Wormhole Pirates 09:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 07:50 Style Star 23:30 Jungle Book: Mowgli’s 01:00 News Update With Morgan Freeman 08:20 E! News Adventure 01:15 China 24 01:08 Invent It Rich 09:35 Doc McStuffins 10:00 Sofia The First 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 02:00 The Heat 01:55 Moon Machines 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 02:30 News Update 02:42 How The Earth Works 10:30 Goldie & Bear 10:55 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:10 The Chase: Celebrity 03:00 Global Business 03:29 Mythbusters 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 04:00 News Update 04:16 Invent It Rich 11:00 Jake And The Never Land Specials 00:00 The PGA Tour Champions Pirates 12:05 E! News 01:05 Emmerdale Highlights 05:00 News Update 05:03 Moon Machines 13:05 WAGs 06:30 Dialogue 05:50 Future Firepower 11:25 The Lion Guard 01:30 Eggheads 01:00 Top 14 Highlights 11:50 Handy Manny 14:05 Botched 02:00 Coronation Street 01:30 NRL Full Time 07:00 News Hour 06:37 How Do They Do It? 15:00 Keeping Up With The 08:00 Global Business 07:00 How Do They Do It? 12:15 Jungle Junction 02:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 02:00 Live NHL 12:30 Special Agent Oso Kardashians 03:25 Murdoch Mysteries 05:00 Indy Car Highlights 09:00 News Update 07:23 Mythbusters 16:00 Keeping Up With The 10:30 Sports Scene 08:08 How The Earth Works 12:45 The Hive 04:20 Murdoch Mysteries 06:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 13:00 Sofia The First Kardashians 05:15 Kate Middleton: Heir We Go 07:00 Gillette World Sport 11:00 Global Business 08:53 Future Firepower 17:00 Fashion Bloggers 12:00 News Update 09:38 Through The Wormhole 13:25 Miles From Tomorrow Again! 07:30 Snooker World 13:50 Jake And The Never Land 17:30 Fashion Bloggers 06:10 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 7 MINUTES ON OSN MOVIES HD Championship Classifieds

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

` Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (21/04/2016 TO 27/04/2016)

SHARQIA-1 SARRAINODU - Telugu 1:30 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 3:30 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 2:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 5:45 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 4:15 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 8:00 PM THE ONES BELOW 6:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 10:15 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 8:30 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:30 AM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 10:00 PM THE ONES BELOW 12:15 AM FANAR-1 THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:30 PM SHARQIA-2 THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 2:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 12:45 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 5:00 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 2:00 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 6:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 3:00 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 9:00 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 5:15 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 10:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 7:30 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:45 AM THE JUNGLE BOOK 10:00 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:15 AM FANAR-2 FAN- Hindi 12:30 PM SHARQIA-3 FAN- Hindi 3:30 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 12:00 PM FAN- Hindi 6:30 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 1:30 PM FAN- Hindi 9:30 PM CRIMINAL 3:00 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 3:30 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 5:15 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 6:30 PM FAN- Hindi 6:45 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 9:30 PM FAN- Hindi 9:45 PM CRIMINAL 12:30 AM SARRAINODU - Telugu 3:30 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 6:45 PM FANAR-3 112 SARRAINODU - Telugu 9:45 PM DEMOLITION 12:00 PM CRIMINAL 12:45 AM THE ONES BELOW 2:15 PM DEMOLITION 4:00 PM MUHALAB-1 THE ONES BELOW 6:15 PM Automated enquiry about THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:30 PM DEMOLITION 8:00 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 2:45 PM THE ONES BELOW 10:15 PM the Civil ID card is THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 5:00 PM DEMOLITION 12:15 AM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 7:15 PM CRISTIANO RONALDO: WORLD AT HIS FEET 8:45 PM FANAR-4 THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 10:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 12:15 PM 1889988 NO FRI+MON THE JUNGLE BOOK 2:30 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 10:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 4:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK -3D 7:00 PM MUHALAB-2 THE JUNGLE BOOK 9:15 PM PRAYER TIMINGS FAN- Hindi 12:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 11:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 1:30 PM Fajr: 03:49 FAN- Hindi 3:30 PM FANAR-5 FAN- Hindi 6:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 1:30 PM Shorook 05:13 FAN- Hindi 9:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 3:45 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 3:30 PM CRIMINAL 6:00 PM Duhr: 11:46 SARRAINODU - Telugu 6:30 PM FAN- Hindi 8:15 PM SARRAINODU - Telugu 9:30 PM FAN- Hindi 11:15 PM Asr: 15:22 FAN- Hindi 12:30 AM MARINA-1 Maghrib: 18:20 MUHALAB-3 THE ONES BELOW 12:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 1:00 PM FAN- Hindi 2:30 PM Isha: 19:42

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

Arrival Flights on Sunday 24/4/2016 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Sunday 24/4/2016 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 Airlines Flt Route Time SAW 702 Damascus 13:35 THY 772 Istanbul 00:10 KAC 742 Dammam 14:55 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 MSC 415 Sohag 00:10 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:10 JAD 302 Amman 00:25 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:50 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 MSR 615 Cairo 00:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 FDB 058 Dubai 15:05 KKK 6506 Istanbul 00:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 AXB 394 Kozhikode 15:10 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 MSC 416 Sohag 01:05 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:10 THY 773 Istanbul 01:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 JZR 539 Cairo 01:20 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00 KAC 513 Tehran 15:40 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:40 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:35 THY 765 Istanbul 02:45 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:55 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 CEB 018 Manila 02:20 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 OMA 644 Muscat 04:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 17:50 KKK 6505 Istanbul 04:05 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 FDB 067 Dubai 03:15 QTR 1080 Doha 17:55 FDB 068 Dubai 04:05 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:20 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:15 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 JZR 266 Beirut 17:10 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:35 PGT 861 Istanbul 04:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 PGT 860 Istanbul 03:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 18:35 QTR 1077 Doha 04:35 KAC 781 Jeddah 17:30 KAC 544 Cairo 03:40 KAC 502 Beirut 18:35 CEB 019 Manila 04:50 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 KAC 542 Cairo 18:55 JZR 560 Sohag 05:00 JZR 238 Amman 17:45 JZR 555 Alexandria 04:15 KAC 618 Doha 18:55 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 ETH 3403 Ababa/Riyadh 04:30 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 ETH 3403 Addis Ababa 06:00 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 8511 Doha 05:15 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:05 QTR 1087 Doha 06:30 JZR 538 Cairo 18:30 THY 770 Istanbul 05:15 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 QTR 8512 Doha 06:40 QTR 1081 Doha 19:05 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:30 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 THY 771 Istanbul 06:45 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:20 BAW 157 London 06:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 MSR 606 Luxor 19:30 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 07:35 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:40 FDB 059 Dubai 19:50 BAW 156 London 08:25 KAC 361 Colombo 19:55 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 MSR 619 Alexandria 20:30 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:05 KAC 171 Frankfurt 08:40 FDB 060 Dubai 20:30 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 514 Tehran 20:10 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 354 BLR 08:00 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:30 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 KAC 156 Istanbul 08:00 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:30 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:15 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 KAC 352 Kochi 08:20 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:55 KAC 671 Dubai 09:30 DLH 634 Doha 20:50 KAC 362 Colombo 08:20 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KAC 353 BLR 20:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 KAC 543 Cairo 21:00 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 KAC 117 New York 10:00 KAC 351 Kochi 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KLM 417 Amsterdam 21:25 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:50 IRC 529 Ahwaz 10:10 OMA 648 Muscat 21:15 IRC 528 Ahwaz 09:10 QTR 1082 Doha 21:55 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 QTR 1089 Doha 21:45 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 GFA 219 Bahrain 22:00 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 QTR 1071 Doha 10:45 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:55 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:15 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 10:50 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 21:55 UAE 873 Dubai 10:40 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 KAC 501 Beirut 11:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 BBC 044 Dhaka/Dammam 22:40 KAC 561 Amman 11:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 MEA 404 Beirut 11:00 KAC 782 Jeddah 22:50 KAC 741 Dammam 11:35 KAC 381 Delhi 22:25 JZR 561 Sohag 11:25 THY 764 Istanbul 22:55 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 MEA 405 Beirut 12:00 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 22:35 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 MSC 501 Alexandria 23:00 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:00 SAW 701 Damascus 12:35 MSC 403 Asyut 23:00 KAC 103 London 12:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 23:00 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 UAE 874 Dubai 12:10 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 JZR 239 Amman 23:20 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 KAC 155 Istanbul 23:15 KAC 672 Dubai 14:05 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 JZR 528 Asyut 23:15 AXB 393 Kozhikode 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 FDB 057 Dubai 14:20 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:25 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION p34_p34 stars 4/23/16 7:54 PM Page 1

stars34 SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

CROSSWORD 1236 STAR TRACK

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

There are many different levels of symbolism surrounding money and your Keep the facts straight and remove any emotions you may be feeling. This day seems centered on symbolisms of money. Perhaps you are involved will allow you to think clearly and be successful in your problem-solving abilities. You are with the spending or earning of money-whatever the case, there are indications of a slow- able to save the day, so to speak, and come up with some acceptable results to the diffi- down. A wise decision could be in not making any decisions surrounding money just now. culties. You share your thoughts in positive ways. There are emotional beginnings, a fresh Know that investments will improve soon. Help contribute to the success of a co-worker. start, perhaps the establishment of new habit patterns-make sure they are good ones; By being helpful, you too will profit. Appreciation for some unusual event finds you inter- they will set the tone for you for quite some time to come! This afternoon, excessive ested enough to volunteer your time to improve, upgrade or just bring something to spending is possible. There is a basic drive to appreciate and taste life; plan to travel. Enjoy share with others. Projects surrounding a family tree seem to be the talk of the evening- a book store that carries plenty of maps and news from local or foreign countries. You may fun times. Perhaps someone notices that you have talents like another. have a group of people that want to go with you.

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

Contracts and a variety of negotiations from the simple to the complex are A flea market or a few garage sales find you giggling with a close friend . . . in your path this day. Be direct in working toward a responsible agreement. You may This is fun! You can trade, sell, close a deal or negotiate an agreement today. You can desire greater material security during this time. As you get control over finances, you may expand your enjoyment of life with more recreation, entertainment and creative pursuits. become more involved in joint finances, corporate funds, taxes, insurance and pensions. There are new opportunities for romance. Pleasant social activities are on the increase- You may become increasingly resourceful. You hunt for ways to regenerate wealth. You especially those related to educational, religious or cultural interests. It’s a good time to may feel an emotional need for material security at this time. You tend to review your travel for pleasure. Sports or games with children can be great fun. Let your artistic expres- domestic finances and purchase food or other goods for the home. More than birthday sion and personal style flourish. It’s a good time to be more active socially. Go to a party or celebrations are in order this evening-a friend asks you to play a special role in an impor- a reception with your mate. Give a gift, send cards. Now is the time to strengthen your tant event such as a wedding. friendships and make new acquaintances.

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

It is interesting that your workday goes as well as it does because, like some You can take one person’s suggestions and another person’s talents and others, there is much on your mind this morning. You could be looking forward to, or plan- merge them together in a successful package. Working in design or in the ning, a fun social affair for the near future. First, however, some pressing business needs art of presentation will gain your company professional status and better sales. You could attention. Take this business situation one step at a time. This afternoon there will still be be seen by others as just the person to be put in charge of some project. This project ACROSS 82. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropi- time to create those social plans you were thinking about earlier. Luck is certainly with begins in the area of research. You may want to compare your ideas with other people’s 1. Above average in size or number or quanti- cal regions for its fragrant flowers and col- you-good things happen. This evening is an excellent time to relate to others in social sur- work. There is a strong desire to create, and gain approval of higher-ups. You are apt to ty or magnitude or extent. orful fruits. roundings, particularly people you do not know very well. Networking is a good idea. You spend a great deal of time apart from work with co-workers this afternoon. You are a hard 4. A health facility where patients receive are sure to make some new friends as well as a few new business contacts. You may be worker and to see you away from the workplace with your co-workers is a rare sight. treatment. DOWN inclined to put a love interest on a pedestal; easy. Networking is an a-plus today. 12. The capital and largest city of Japan. 1. Genus of East Indian trees or shrubs. 15. (Norse mythology) One of the Aesir known 2. The part of the small intestine between the for his beauty and skill with bow and skis. jejunum and the cecum. 16. The condition of having no arms. 3. Used especially of fruits. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. The upper side of the thighs of a seated 4. (Jewish cookery) A loaf of white bread con- You may be thinking that you would like your job better if you felt it was a person. taining eggs and leavened with yeast. Work away from work may mean a convention. Reports, presentations and 18. Any of several herbs of the genus Dipsacus 5. Be obedient to. more worthy profession. If your job does not fit, you may feel that it is time to find a new job with better pay and opportunities for greater self-fulfillment. You have many talents lectures grab your attention. Convention schedules and helping to conduct tours may native to the Old World having flower 6. A soft silver-white or yellowish metallic ele- take center stage all afternoon. There may be frustrations from time to time, causing diffi- and you may need only a little help to fine-tune the type of work that would be gratifying. heads surrounded by spiny bracts. ment of the alkali metal group. culty in keeping your mind on pressing matters. You are very enterprising and you encour- Think about what you do when you are not working and reconsider your job once again. 20. Grasslike or rushlike plant growing in wet 7. Earlier than the present time. age yourself as well as others. You have a passion to tackle whatever problems come to You make the money that takes you places. A personal responsibility may interfere with places having solid stems, narrow 8. Water frozen in the solid state. your attention. A lot of personal and sensitive psychological material may be surfacing, your progress this afternoon. A bit of money will come to you from an unexpected grasslike leaves and spikelets of incon- 9. A doctor's degree in theology. but you can handle it and turn it to your advantage. You may look back on this time as very spicuous flowers. avenue. There are opportunities this evening to have lots of chatter over the dinner table, transforming. A loved one has joined an exercise group and encourages you to join in as 10. An island in the Aegean Sea in the Saronic whether you are outside or inside at the evening mealtime. 21. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to Gulf. well. Spend some time talking over future plans this evening. but heavier than beer. 11. (Greek mythology) The father of Odysseus. 22. A tree of the genus Eucalyptus. 12. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in 24. Conducive to peace. favor of a person or cause). Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 26. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic 13. Surrealist Spanish painter (1904-1989). protozoa that form temporary 14. An organization of countries formed in A friend gives you ideas of job search and the paper reveals a few options. Someone mistakes you for a person from television. You and this new pseudopods for feeding and locomotion. 1961 to agree on a common policy for the The ability to say what you mean and describe technical transactions clearly is a talent that 29. According to the Old Testament he was a acquaintance have fun with the possibilities and conversations are quite amusing. sale of petroleum. is always in demand. Obtaining and exchanging information takes on importance. There Headstrong impulses and rash courage can take you far-careful. Financial gain and mate ri- pagan king of Israel and husband of 19. A region of Malaysia in northeastern Jezebel (9th century BC). could be some snags with money today. Pay attention to your real needs and let that be al we llbeing are among the brighte r prospects looming before you now, as you focus in Borneo. your guide in making decisions with money. Sharing your feelings with a loved one on how much things re ally mean to you. You will be able to adjust your budget next week 31. An organism (especially a bacterium) that 23. Having nine hinged bands of bony plates. becomes most important this afternoon. This evening, you and your loved one may but now is a good time to write out the chart or plan. There may be a tendency to empha- does not require air or free oxygen to live. 25. A copper-nickel alloy with high electrical size the mate rial too much, which could lead to the feeling that the things you own, own attend a community meeting. Both of you are willing to help make a difference in your 35. A common venereal disease caused by the resistance and a low temperature coeffi- you inste ad. A brother or sister may conference with you this evening about future educa- Treponema pallidum spirochete. cient. community and may find yourselves heading a committee. tional needs. You could have a lawyer in the family soon. 38. A river of southwestern Africa that rises in 27. The cry made by sheep. central Angola and flows east and then 28. Of the appetites and passions of the body. north (forming part of the border 30. A Loloish language. Virgo (August 23-September 22) between Angola and Congo) and contin- 32. Large long-armed ape of Borneo and Pisces (February 19-March 20) uing northwest through Congo to empty Sumatra having arboreal habits. You may be determined to win over the difficult co-worker of the office into the Congo River on the border You may find yourself working overtime today. It is a good day to solve 33. The capital and largest city of the Central but it might be better to reply gently and approach with no words. However, whenever between Congo and Republic of the Africa Republic. problems and make important decisions. You will find a way around almost you have trouble with your own feelings, consider commanding a thought as well as an any obstacle and are able to guide yourself with ease. Your sense of inner direction is good Congo. 34. Extend in scope or range or area. action and you will be surprised at how much confidence you will have. Isn’t it great how 40. A tranquilizing drug (trade name Serax) and should lead to opportunities. Today you will be able to tackle tasks that require real 36. A language group of the Hokan family. the mind works you are fascinated with the individual and today is no exception. As you discipline or organization. You find yourself in a very practical mood and working with, used to treat anxiety and insomnia and 37. A major victory by the Romans over the complete your work today, you will find several opportunities to enjoy your co-worker alcohol withdrawal. instead of against, yourself. You may have some serious or contemplative moments. You Macedonians in 168 BC. friends. Saturday is, quite frankly, a bit more relaxed particularly if the weather is precari- could have friends over for a visit later. Your charisma shows and your friends will enjoy 41. Concerning those not members of the 39. Someone who works (or provides workers) ous. Working today may mean organizing and creating ways to make the department clergy. your company. Your need for attention can be satiated through your sense of humor and during a strike. look fresh. This means a teamwork condition. entertaining skills. It is time to really enjoy your friends. 43. Informal terms for a mother. 42. An accidental hole that allows something 45. Influential German idealist philosopher (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape. (1724-1804). 44. An anti-TNF compound (trade name 46. Brown or blackish Alpine mosses having a Word Search Yesterday Solution Arava) that is given orally. dehiscent capsule with 4 longitudinal 47. A device that, on receiving radar signals, slits. transmits coded signals in response to 49. Put into a proper or systematic order. help navigators determine their position. 51. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 52. The blood group whose red cells carry 48. A British peer ranking below a Marquess both the A and B antigens. and above a Viscount. 53. The syllable naming the sixth (submedi- 50. Of or in or relating to the nose. ant) note of a major or minor scale in 56. Refuse to acknowledge. solmization. 58. A parliamentary monarchy in southwest- 54. A weapon that discharges a missile at high ern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. velocity (especially from a metal tube or 60. Transient cessation of respiration. barrel). 62. Relatively nontoxic South African herb 55. A special way of doing something. smoked like tobacco. 57. Compete for something. 63. A member of a Muslim Turkic people of 59. A state in the Rocky Mountains. western Asia (especially in Kazakstan). 61. A city of northern Poland near the mouth 65. In bed. of the Vistula River on a gulf of the Baltic 66. Any of a group of Indic languages spoken Sea. in Kashmir and eastern Afghanistan and 64. Biennial weed in Europe and America hav- northern Pakistan. ing large pinnate leaves and yellow flow- 67. The basic monetary unit of most members ers and a bitter and somewhat poisonous of the European Union (introduced in root. 1999). 69. With rapid movements. 68. A white crystalline double sulfate of alu- 72. A loose sleeveless outer garment made minum. from aba cloth. 70. An enclosure made or wire or metal bars in 73. Become or cause to become unobstruct- which birds or animals are kept. ed. 71. A member of an Iroquoian people former- 75. A person afflicted with leprosy. ly living on the south shore of Lake Erie in 76. (Irish) The sea personified. northern Ohio and northwest 77. Rise again. Pennsylvania and western New York. 79. Medium-sized tree having glossy lanceo- 74. Standard time in the 6th time zone west of late leaves. Greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridi- 80. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized an. by behavioral and learning disorders. 78. Angular distance above the horizon (espe- 81. Porridge made of rolled oats. cially of a celestial object).

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 information

For labor-related inquiries INTERNATIONAL and complaints: CALLS Call MSAL hotline 128

Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Shamiya 24848913 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 Omariya 24719048 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Fintas 23900322 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 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 Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 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 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. 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Features Prince suffered no ‘trauma’ before his death

n autopsy on the ‘U Got That Look’ hit-maker - (21.04.16) - and spoke of how important the young Legend” will report on the incredible life and untimely who was pronounced dead at his Paisley Park generation was to Prince. death of the music legend. Along with Vargas, the Aestate in Minnesota on Thursday - has con- In a tribute on Instagram, she shared: “I am crying. program will feature reporting from Dan Harris from firmed that he was not subject to any trauma or vio- All my memories are coming back to me. He was one Prince’s home in Minneapolis; Chris Connelly in Los lence in the time leading up to his death but the of my closest friends. I will always remember when he Angeles; and Deborah Roberts in New York. Examiners Office warned it may be weeks before the rented a club, only for him and me. We listened to his “Uncommon Sense with Charlamagne,” MTV2. cause of death is known. music and spoke about the young generation. “The Friday night’s episode of MTV2’s “Uncommon Sense Speaking at a press conference, Carver County young people were so important to Prince. They have with Charlamagne” will feature Charlamagne taking a Sheriff Jim Olson confirmed there was “no reason to follow the example he set, to believe in their heart, moment to remember Prince, recalling the first time to believe” Prince had committed suicide. Whilst a respect their own soul and never trade their own indi- they met and his belief that Prince could levitate. The spokesperson for the Examiners Office added in a viduality. It is what made Prince outstanding and rele- episode airs at 11 p.m. ET. Watch a clip here. statement: “As part of the complete exam, relevant vant forever. I will always love him.” OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will also remember information regarding [Prince’s] medical and fami- Meanwhile, other stars of the fashion world have Prince this weekend with a special re-airing of an ly history will be gathered. Anything which could rushed to pay tribute to the legendary singer. Jeremy interview the singer had on “The Oprah Winfrey be relevant to the investigation will be taken into Scott remembered the star’s bright yellow outfit, Show” in 1996. That will air Saturday at 8 p.m. consideration. which he wore on stage at the 1991 MTV Video Music Prince guest starred on “New Girl” back in 2014, Awards fondly, writing on Instagram: “If all he had and this upcoming Tuesday, Fox will air his episode at only ever done was to wear these yellow butt out 9:30 p.m. “New Girl” will also air two original episodes pants that alone would have been enough for him to at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. that same night with a new be a legend in my book.” episode of “Grandfathered” airing at 8:30 p.m. Prince’s Whilst legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell episode of “New Girl” takes place of “The Grinder” added: “Please say this is not true you were a genius I encore, which was previously set to air in that time never missed a show .I love you #Prince Rogers slot. Nelson R.I.P (sic)” L.A. Reid says Prince’s death is “very mysterious” to Prince All Day and All Night him. The music executive can’t quite comprehend Last night, TV was full of fond Prince memories, as that the ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’ hitmaker - who died late-night hosts celebrated the icon. Stephen Colbert in his Paisley Park estate on Thursday (21.04.16) - is spoke about him, before unveiling a special purple gone. He said: “I’ve always said it, I believe it: [He was] logo, in honor to the trailblazer’s signature color. “I the greatest at everything. Playing, writing, compos- have been a fan since I was in high school,” Colbert ing, fashion, everything. He had the masculinity of said on the “Late Show” on CBS. “I remember a guy in Teddy Pendergrass, but he could take your girl, wear- my choir, Skipper Graham, brought in the very first ing high heels. Prince presenting the award for best album at Prince album into our choir room, and there was so “The thing that really bothers me about it is the the 2015 Grammy Awards. many things to love about it. Obviously the music was Prince I know was super healthy, vegan, wasn’t an so powerful, and also we had to wear the headphones abuser of drugs, wasn’t an abuser of alcohol. He lived so the adults could not hear the lyrics to any of the Prince Autopsy Completed right and he was clean. He looked young and he songs.” The autopsy for Prince has been completed, but looked really healthy and vibrant, so the whole thing completed toxicology tests are likely to take weeks, is just like very mysterious to me.” according to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The 59-year-old record producer went on to admit The pop star may have suffered a drug overdose less he was completely “in awe” of the late singer. He told than a week before he died on Thursday. According to The Today Show: “I was always in awe of him. He was TMZ, Prince was using the painkiller Percocet to treat something special. “That’s the most difficult thing chronic hip pain tied to a 2010 surgery. [playing all the instruments]. First of all when you’re Prince and Beyonce performing together at the 2004 Grammy Prince’s jet plane made an emergency landing in playing every instrument, that means you’re playing awards. Moline, Ill., last week due to a medical emergency. His them one at a time. So that means he’ll put his drum rep told Variety at the time that the singer was strug- track down first, and he’s playing the entire song gling with the flu. He was also briefly hospitalized. On “Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office will not while he’s hearing it in his head, then come back and Thursday morning, authorities found Prince unre- release information until the exam is complete and all lay the bass, then come back and play the piano, and sponsive in an elevator after responding to a 911 call. results are obtained. Gathering results will take sever- then lay the guitars.” They tried CPR, but were unable to revive the pop al days and the results of a full toxicology scan could star. He was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m. likely take weeks.” However, they did confirm Prince’s “We have no reason to believe it’s a suicide, the body would be released to the family presently. The rest is under investigation,” said Sheriff Jim Olson at a ‘Purple Rain’ singer’s death was confirmed by his pub- press conference Friday. There were no visible signs of licist on Thursday (21.04.16). foul play, he said. The last time Prince was seen alive In a statement, they said: “It is with profound sad- was Wednesday night at 8 pm when he was dropped ness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic off at Paisley Park. performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Earlier in the week, he visited a Walgreen pharma- Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57. cy multiple times, a sign the multi-Grammy-winner There are no further details as to the cause of death at was still dealing with a medical issue. Police are con- this time.” tinuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Prince’s death. Prince was always focused on the future Actress Kirsten Davis wearing purple a neck- Prince insists he never thought about what it Prince to Be Honored With TV lace and earrings as a tribute to prince while would be like when he was gone and says he would Specials this Weekend attending The Annenberg Space for never want to retire. In a previously unreleased Q & A Following Thursday’s shocking news of Prince’s Photography’s REFUGEE. from 2014, he said: “No, I don’t think about being sudden death, the world continues to honor the gone. I just think about in the future when I don’t musician and will do so throughout the weekend want to speak in real time. “I don’t know what [retir- Immediately after Prince’s death was confirmed on when the icon’s life is celebrated on various television ing] is. There’s always some way to serve. And I never Thursday, TV networks took quick action to alter their specials. felt like I had a job. Well, life spans are getting longer. programming with MTV, MTV2 and VH1 airing a block “Dateline NBC-Prince: Life & Death of an Icon” One of the reasons is because people are learning Prince’s last photograph. Taken after the singer of his most iconic music videos throughout the day, “Dateline NBC” will hour an hour-long tribute special more about everything, so then the brain works more, left a Walgreen’s pharmacy near his home in and Brian Williams hosting a live hour devoted to for Prince on Friday Apr. 22 at 10 p.m. titled “Prince: makes more connections and then eventually we’ll be Minnesota. Prince on MSNBC last night. Life ; Death of an Icon.” Celebrating his life and legacy, in eternal brain mode because we’ll be able to hold Currently, BET is running a music video marathon the special will review Prince’s last days, while also eternity in our minds.” The Annenberg Space for Photography’s REFUGEE for up to 48 hours across its four channels-BET, BET taking a look at other music legends who have recent- And Prince, who was just 57 when he passed away, exhibition found a way to turn somber news into a Soul, BET Jams and Centric. — Agencies ly died. Lester Holt will anchor “Prince: Life; Death of also revealed he has a number of secret vaults where good time Thursday evening, following the news of an Icon” from Los Angeles with feature reporting from he keeps previously unreleased music. He told Rolling Prince’s sudden death earlier that morning. Kristin Dateline correspondents Harry Smith, Andrea Stone magazine: “I’ve never said this before, but I did- Davis and Tracee Ellis Ross attended the exhibition of Canning, Cynthia McFadden, Josh Mankiewicz and n’t always give the record companies the best song. artwork that showcased the diverse populations of Natalie Morales. There are songs in the vault that no one’s ever heard. refugees dispersed all across the globe by interna- “20/20 — Prince: Death of a Legend,” ABC’s “20/20” There are several vaults; it’s not just one vault. tional photographers, but were still impacted by the will air an hour-long special Friday, Apr. 22 at 10 p.m., “I like time capsule stuff. I have a couple recent death of the “Purple Rain” singer. anchored by Elizabeth Vargas. “Prince: Death of a Revolution albums in the vault and two Time albums, After the beloved musician came up in conversa- one Vanity 6 album ... and tons of stuff recorded in dif- tion, the “Black-ish” star told Variety about the time ferent periods. But so much gets recorded that you she met Prince backstage at a concert with her moth- don’t have time to compile everything. In the future er, Diana Ross. “I was like 13 years old with my mom you could put all the best stuff from one particular and we were wandering around backstage. He time period together and then you can release it. It’d turned around to walk away and he was wearing just be like if we found a Sly and the Family Stone chaps, and his butt was out,” Ross said while laughing. album and they saved their best stuff. If that’s even “I was literally this 13-year-old child so disgusted. “I possible!” was like, ‘What is that?!’ And my mom was like, ‘That is what you call cool,” Ross recalled, adding that she now Stars react to the death of Prince understands the singer’s “magic” as an adult. The legendary fashion designer Donatella Versace Davis couldn’t fight back the tears when she spoke has paid tribute to the late singer - who tragically died about Prince on the red carpet. Variety quickly hand- at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota on Thursday ed the “Sex and the City” actress a tissue that she used to dab her symbolic purple eye makeup, which matched a purple pendant and earring set, a gift from her former co-star Sarah Jessica Parker. “I grew up in the South and I felt like a misfit, and for anyone who felt like a misfit Prince was there for you,” Davis said tearfully. “He created his own reality, he was original and sang with such passion that con- nected all of us.” Other celebrity attendees were James Marsden, Amy Adams, Kristen Bell, Rashida Jones and Mindy Kaling admired the showcase of international photog- raphy before most of the guests poured into a tent outside to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angelique Kidjo. People in the room quickly stopped reaching for snacks when the Beninese-born Grammy winner paused her prepared set and began singing, “You don’t have to be beautiful to turn me oh-on.” Kidjo continued to play the duration of Prince’s “Kiss,” while the crowd sang and danced along.

The snapshot from the Legendary Fashion designer Donatella Versace and the late singer’s last concert in singer. Atlanta, Georgia. lifestyle SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Music & Movies Leonardo DiCaprio: ‘Our Planet Cannot Be Saved Unless We Leave Fossil Fuels in the Ground’ eonardo DiCaprio addressed world leaders on climate leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong,” said our future,” the Oscar-winning actor said. “This is the body change at the United Nations “High-Level Signature DiCaprio to the sound of applause. “A massive change is that can do what is needed. All of you sitting in this very LCeremony for the Paris Agreement” on Friday, the day required right now that leads to a new collective conscious- hall. The world is now watching. You will either be lauded before Earth Day. ness, a new collective evolution of the human race inspired by future generations or vilified by them.” “I have traveled all over the world for the past two years and enabled by a sense of urgency from all of you.” More than 175 countries gathered to sign the agree- documenting how this crisis is changing the natural bal- The Oscar winner admitted to the room of leaders “all ment at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The ance of our planet,” said DiCaprio. “I have seen cities like that I have seen on my journey has absolutely terrified me.” gathering set the record for the number of countries sign- Beijing chocked by industrial pollution, ancient boreal While he acknowledged the progress the UN has made by ing an agreement on the first available day. — Reuters forests in Canada that have been clear cut and rain forests achieving the agreement, DiCaprio said “that will not be in Indonesia that have been incinerated.” enough.” “After 21 years of debates and conferences, it is NEW YORK: Leonardo DiCaprio poses for a Approved in Paris last December, the Paris agreement time to declare no more talk, no more excuses, no more 10- photo after attending a press conference aims to slow the rise of greenhouse gasses that contribute year studies, no more allowing the fossil fuel companies to which announced further business divest- to global warming. “Our planet cannot be saved unless we manipulate and dictate the science and policies that effect ment from fossil fuels. Nicki Minaj says women should never be ‘apologetic’ about wanting equal pay he ‘Anaconda’ rapper is always willing to better herself with her “showmanship” as long as she is T“compensated” for it. She said: “One thing I learned along the way in business is the necessity for you to be unapologetic about asking for how much money you deserve. “At a very early stage in my rap career, I was making six figures for shows ... If I heard there was another rap- per making that, I thought, ‘You know what? I get out there and demand or command a crowd. I get out there and make my fans happy. I get out there and give a real show. I want that, too.’ And I pushed myself to be better with my showmanship, but I also decided, you know what? I want to be compensated well.” The 33-year-old rapper offered her advice to women starting out in business, telling them to never “be ashamed to ask for the top dollar in your field”. She told TIME magazine: “I would tell women starting out in busi- ness, if you know you’re great at what you do, don’t ever be ashamed to ask for the top dollar in your field. “If I’m great at what I do, I can’t be denied. Some things may be overlooked but no one can deny my brand, and that’s the words of wisdom I would give to other young women.”

From left to right: Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West, Khloe Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend take a group picture while filming the very final episode of ìKocktails with Khloeî on the FYI network. Tilda Swinton Speaks Up About Kanye West reveals Staying Quiet in ‘A Bigger Splash’ espite the “clothing optional” policy in the new film “A Bigger Splash,” a special screening at New York’s The a lot on Khloe’s show DMuseum of Modern Art on Thursday was a mini fashion show of sorts. The guests’ outfits dazzled, but none as much as one of the film’s stars, Tilda Swinton, who was dressed in all white Desperate to have more children for the screening but donned a sparkly purple jacket for the after- party. he 38-year-old rapper already has daughter North, that the only number the rapper had saved on his Director Luca Guadagnino also attended the screening, as did two, and four-month-old son Saint with his wife device was Kim’s. star Ralph Fiennes. His co-stars, Dakota Johnson and Matthias TKim Kardashian West but, although they agreed to Speaking on the final episode of ‘Kocktails With Khloe’, Schoenaerts, did not attend. In “A Bigger Splash,” which opens stop at two kids, he’s keen to add to their brood and has Kanye said: “I got a phone because somebody decided May 4, Swinton plays an ethereal rock goddess-turned-Sicilian been begging his pretty spouse. they wanted to marry Kris Humphries. I wasn’t up to any- island sunbather. Since she plays a famous musician in the film, While appearing in the final episode of ‘Kocktails with thing, and I looked on the internet, and there was Kim the actress recalled a special memory from many years ago in Khloe’ last night (20.04.16), the blonde beauty asked her Kardashian with some extremely tall person, and I was light of Prince’s recent death. Related Tilda Swinton in Talks to Join Academy Award winning actress Tilda Swinton sister: “Do you want to have more kids?,” to which Kim like, ‘I need to call her or something’. “I started sending Benedict Cumberbatch in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’ “Somebody son.” While Swinton barely speaks in the film, Fiennes’ character replied: “I said no way. I was so set on my two kids and her pictures of certain basketball players that used to be said, ‘We’re going to Prince’s house. Come.’ So we went along, and counters her silence with constant babbling. The actor spoke to how happy I was with my life the way that it is, but Kanye cool, that now they wear their pants all the way up to there was Stevie Wonder singing ‘Superstition,’” she said. “So I’m filming on a Sicilian island. “It was kind of wild,” he said. “It’s not an has been mentioning it every single day for the past 10 here. Like, ‘This is your future!’” still pinching myself. It was like a dream.” island that’s used to hosting films.” days. I’m like why is he doing this to me?!” Kim’s marriage to Kris lasted just 72 days and she The stadium rocker that Swinton plays in the film injures her But, for Fiennes, that meant opportunity to explore. “I went hik- And it’s hardly surprising the ‘Keeping Up With the began dating Kanye in 2012 before they welcomed their voice, and can’t speak. The actress made the decision for her char- ing into the middle of the island there were these thermal springs. Kardashians’ star, who married the ‘Famous’ singer in first child North together in 2013, while son Saint was acter to mostly pantomime and sometimes whisper. On the red You go up and sit in this little cave where it’s like a natural sauna,” 2014, doesn’t want to have any more babies as she has born last year. carpet, she laughed, “I’m a little sick of people talking too much in he said. “You meet all these other people sitting in the dark.” The suffered with a “difficult” pregnancy on both occasions in Meanwhile, Kim revealed that North accidentally movies.” The director had worked with Swinton before in his 2009 actor added that his adventures ultimately led to him being stung the past. destroyed Kanye’s raps before he started recording his film “I Am Love,” and will work with her again in “Suspiria,” which by a jellyfish while going for a swim. — Reuters The 35-year-old star said previously: “The pregnancy, I latest album ‘The Life of Pablo’ but the rapper didn’t get he calls a “big surprise.” “With Tilda, she’s such a devoted person to wouldn’t really wish that upon anyone. Anyone. It’s all angry. She said: “Kanye had every single rap in his iPhone the art of cinema,” Guadagnino said, “She is such an intelligent per- worth it in the end, so I would definitely suffer through before he started really working on Pablo and then North that, but pregnancy was not a good experience for me. flushed it down the toilet. They could not be retrieved - At all.” we sent it to, like, four places. “He didn’t even get mad. I Kanye didn’t own a phone until 2011 when he dis- would have at least screamed, cried.” covered Kim - who he married in 2014 - was engaged to Michael Fassbender basketball player Kris and his pal John Legend revealed finished ‘Assasin’s Naya Rivera says she Creed’ injury-free he 38-year-old star plays the protagonist Callum completely let herself go Lynch in the silver screen adaptation of the popular Tvideo game series but it was British gymnast Damien during her pregnancy Walters - who worked opposite Daniel Craig on ‘Skyfall’ and Colin Firth on ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ - who stepped he 29-year-old actress and her husband Ryan Dorsey in for the Irish heartthrob to carry out the impressive feat. welcomed their son, Josey Hollis, in September and He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “I’ve just worked TNaya says she didn’t worry about her weight while with Michael (Fassbender) on ‘Assassin’s Creed’, I was his she was pregnant. double on that and we became quite good friends in the She said: “I completely let myself go when I was preg- end. You’re taking the knocks and the bangs and the scari- nant. Weight wasn’t something I wanted to focus on, so I ness out of it for them. That’s our skill set. That’s what we’ve ate anything and everything and had a blast.” However, trained all the way to do. once Josey was born, Naya was determined to get back “Something you wouldn’t want somebody to be trying into shape and lose the 60lbs she gained while pregnant. for the first time or if they are not confident with heights. She told the May issue of Fit Pregnancy and Baby: Like for Michael (Fassbender), I do a 150ft high fall.” “Afterward, I was, like, ‘Let’s get back to business.’ “I’m not Damien - who has since performed a back flip over a really self-motivated. And I don’t know what to do at the speeding race car, ahead of the annual Formula E event gym. I always feel lost. [Without a trainer] I’d probably just which takes place at ePrix in Paris on Saturday (23.04.16) - end up not working out, and then go to the steam room. said the jump involved a risk movie bosses simply weren’t “I did a lot of weight training, which I had never done willing to take with the star. before. I was wearing maternity gear while working my Speaking about filming the blockbuster - which also butt off.” stars Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons and Brendan Gleeson - Meanwhile, Naya admitted to moments of self-doubt he recalled: “Basically, if you get that wrong and don’t land about her abilities as a parent but revealed she has never perfectly, you’re not gonna get up for a long time. It was been happier. She said: “You’re always going to wonder if pretty cool, we spent the whole day working up to that you’re doing things wrong, but that’s what it means to be a height in Spain. We started at 6.30am and all day we (went mom, to care so much about someone else that you just from) 70ft, 80ft, 90ft then 100ft.” want to be as perfect as possible.”

Michael Fassbender in his ‘Assassins Creed’ costume while Actress Naya Rivera and husband Ryan Dorsey filming the movie lifestyle SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Feature Cuba Gooding Jr. on living with the Ghost of O.J. Simpson hit for the FX network in the US and the BBC in the of that Bronco, I heard those 911 tapes, I knew some of his Bronco chase, I remember that. We were watching a hock- UK, “American Crime Story: The People v O.J. behaviour in the press, so I knew the psychosis he was ey game, a play-off game, and they cut in with an image of ASimpson” has returned many of its stellar cast to the going through, to some degree. the Bronco. I remember all of us just sitting there in quiet spotlight in quite extraordinary guises: notably John awe. We were like, “That’s O.J. with a gun to his head??” And Travolta as DA Robert Shapiro and David Schwimmer as How did you communicate this to Ryan? then eventually when it got to Rockingham, and the sun OJ’s suave attorney and confidante Robert Kardashian. But Cuba Gooding Jr: I said to him, “I can give you an emo- went down, and it was the helicopter lights washing over the show’s most compelling performance comes from tional truth that I don’t know any other actor could.” And the top of the Bronco, I thought that at any moment they Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr, who gives an affecting por- he agreed. I think the only other aspect to this journey were gonna pull his lifeless body out of the back of it. So trayal of the former American football hero whose spectac- with him was that I didn’t want to make a statement about when he surrendered it was such a relief. ular fall from grace almost tore the country apart. his guilt or his innocence. I didn’t want people to get Was it hard to switch off from those real-life memo- ries, because it was such a well publicized story? Cuba Gooding Jr: No. That’s a weird terminology - “switch yourself off”. When I auditioned for “Jerry Maguire,” Cameron Crowe told me later than one of the reasons I got the part was because other people would walk in the room and see Tom Cruise and lose their shit. I never saw that. Now, I’m a big Tom Cruise fan. I saw “Days Of Thunder” Academy Award winning Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. eight times. “Top Gun” eight times. In the theatre, as a kid. But when I walked into that room, I didn’t see him as the actor in any of those movies. He was my agent, and I had to treat him that way. That was my job. Same thing any You’ve really thought about this a lot, haven’t you? time I do research for a role. With O.J., I don’t switch off. If it Cuba Gooding Jr: Oh yeah. Oh yeah! Trust me! helps me, if not, it doesn’t go into my filter. It’s not about switching off, it’s just part of your gig. Was it a hard character to let go of? Cuba Gooding Jr: It was. Do you ever have bouts of What kind of research did you do? What did you depression? Like, you wake up in the morning, and you look at? don’t want to go to work. Or you hear about something Cuba Gooding Jr: Oh, everything, ad nauseam. I remem- that didn’t go your way, and you’re like, “Fuck...” That feeling ber, I played the performance down the middle and let is something you talk yourself out of - you think of the pos- Ryan dictate the guilt and innocence in the editing room. itives and then you move on. But sometimes I find myself So if I was feeling overwhelmed by his guilt, I would thinking about something and having to tell myself, “That’s research evidence of his innocence, and vice versa. That’s not your negative, that’s part of your psyche that’s not real- ly you - it’s something you’re projecting. Let that go!” A scene from the FX original Series showing Cuba’s portrayal of OJ Simpson taking a lie detector test. kinda how I walked that line. I still, to this day, don’t tell anybody if I think he did do it or he didn’t do it, because I don’t want them to be influenced either way when they The ghost of OJ? Beginning with the brutal double murder of Nicole caught up in that. I wanted people to bring whatever emo- watch my performance. I think that’s healthy in terms of Cuba Gooding Jr: Yeah. I think all my characters haunt Brown Simpson, O.J.’s wife, and waiter Ron Goldman, the tional baggage they could to this show and hopefully digesting this journey. me. Especially the real-life ones, like Master Chief Carl show is a meticulous tracking of O.J.’s downfall, leading to understand how that verdict came out, based on the tem- Brashear, the Tuskagee airmen. Every time I see a military one of the most controversial verdicts in American legal perature, the climate, of society at that time, the personali- Did you read the crazy book he wrote? person it gives me such a sense of pride but also a sense of history. Coincidentally, it was another football movie, “Jerry ties of the defence and the prosecution, the family envi- Cuba Gooding Jr: Some of it. [Laughs] It’s crazy. Or not, responsibility to project excellence when representing Maguire”, a light romantic comedy, that won Gooding his ronment that O.J. was in - if we could get them to focus on y’know? I don’t if you know you heard me say this before, them. So that changes you, as a person, it changes your Oscar in 1997, in a role that has more in common with The that, then we would win. And it feels like that’s what hap- but he’s probably susceptible to CTE [Chronic Traumatic outlook on things. But in that respect, a dark character Juice than you might think. The actor came to Series Mania pened. Encephalopathy], the concussion syndrome. I absolutely changes you as well. You ever had a bad dream? You wake to show the first two episodes and discuss the after-effects The beginning is very powerful - we often forget the think that if he dies and they do an autopsy on his brain, up from it and you can’t unring that bell, it’s part of your of playing such a notorious character... context of the trial, which came relatively soon after the they’ll see that damage. I think that is very explanatory psyche now. Rodney King beatings and the LA riots. about his behaviour. I think if you listen to the 911 tapes - And in this case, there’s also no closure. We still don’t When was this idea first put to you? Cuba Gooding Jr: That’s exactly what Steven Spielberg the violence, the beatings - you might see that. If you really know what happened... Cuba Gooding Jr: Funny enough, in 2014, maybe, a said. Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate watched the show, imagine the abuse his brain took, I guarantee you he has Cuba Gooding Jr: Yeah, we don’t know. And I think that’s script came to me from my agents, an independently and I ran into them at the Baftas. They said specifically that this CTE. And if that’s the case, a lot of these athletes who what opened the door to empathy for my character. My financed script, to play O.J. in a script about his innocence. those first images are what draws us into the show and have this syndrome, from football and, more importantly, wife said, when she saw it, “Ugh, you’re going to make me It was a 170-page script. So I read it, and I said, “Who’s that it’s the perfect platform for us to accept the journey boxing, they have violent ends to their lives, they have vio- feel for this guy,” and she didn’t want to. And I get it. directing it?” They said, “They don’t have a director, they’ll that we’re going on. So it’s cool that you said that. lent relationships with their spouses, and yet they recog- Because there is that bit of unknown, And it’s easy to hire one once they get you.” I said, “Pass. I’m not into that.” There is also a surprising element of humor in the nise that they have this mental hygiene issue. And when ignore until you don’t ignore it. I’ve got to that place in my life - and my career specifically - show... they commit suicide, they always do it in a way that keeps where the most important part of film- and television- Cuba Gooding Jr: Oh yeah. [Laugh] Well, now I feel like their brain intact. That sheds more light on the subject. You What’s been the reaction to the show? making is the director, the actual person who orchestrates I’m trying to teach you about acting. With all due respect, I could say, “Well, that justifies that he did it, because he was Cuba Gooding Jr: Interestingly enough, Courtney B. the performance in the editing room. I didn’t want to cover think people love to put things in a box - comedy and dra- violent.” But maybe it justifies that he didn’t do it, because Vance - or it might have been Sterling K. Brown - was say- something as controversial as that trial and the verdict ma. As an actor, when you’re winning the moment over, he recognised that he had this condition. So that’s some- ing that a pastor in his church, an all-black church, came with a director that I didn’t trust and connect with. A week there’s a truth to your intention. You might laugh at it or thing to take into account. up to him and said, “Thank you for the show. We needed to later, my agents called me again and said, “Ryan Murphy you might cry at it, but I think your visceral reaction to it is revisit this so that we could find healing.” Isn’t that cool? would like to meet with you.” Now, I’d known of his work a reaction to the truth of the moment. I mean, I get it. I And it’s true. Because there was a racial divide with that and his power as a show runner for a long time, and I said don’t believe that Ryan set out to make people laugh. He verdict. A black friend of mine was working in an all-white to them, specifically, “Anything Ryan wants me to do, I’m set out to find the truth in the moments and string them office, and when the not guilty verdict came in, there was in.” They said, “Well, funny enough, he wants you to play together. I’ll tell you this quick story. I did my first lead in either an “aww” or a “yeah.” If you were black you were O.J. Simpson.” So I had a meeting with him, it wasn’t very the film “Boyz N The Hood” and I was doing my second exalting, if you were white you were depressed, and all long, about 45 minutes, and we talked about my process film, this thing called “Gladiator,” in Chicago, and the pro- eyes went on my friend. And that’s deep, if you think about and... here I am. ducers flew into town. They invited me to a test screening, it. People took a stance based on their race, and as we snuck me in after the lights went down, and I sat at the walked through it again, 20 years later, people recognised And these were completely different projects? back of the auditorium and watched the movie play out. their behaviour. And it was time to let go of that. Cuba Gooding Jr: Completely out of the blue, just by And every emotional scene I had, the audience roared with coincidence - happenstance - one offer came in and went laughter. And I was fuckin’ horrified!!! Afterwards the pro- What’s next for you? away, then Ryan’s came in. ducers came up to me and said, “What did you think? It’s Cuba Gooding Jr: You’ll see. great, right?” I said, “What do you mean - my career’s over!” You’ve come to Series Mania, a festival dedicated to the So what is your process? How do you prepare for a They said, “What do you mean?” I said, “They laughed.” And mini-series. What are your thoughts on the format? role like O.J.? Jon Singleton famously said, “Cuba, what do you expect Cuba Gooding Jr: I think there’s an act of discovery with Cuba Gooding Jr: The roles that I always get attracted to them to do? You’re acting, but they’re living that shit. a role like this, in a piece like this - people can come back are roles where the material is based on an actual person. They’re not gonna cry - they have to laugh, that’s their real- again and again and find something new, more informa- It gives me evidence or some clues to his emotional core. ity.” And it hit me. I never thought of it that way. Was it a A side by side image of OJ Simpson and Cuba Gooding Jr. tion about each and every character in the piece, whereas With every role you want to have an aesthetic that is as comedy to them? Or was it truth to them? in a film you have to sacrifice backstory and character close to the real person as you can. But I think once you Was it hard to play the character, if only because of development. But with television you can really let people win over the audience with a bit of truth, be it a scene that Did you ever have O.J. on a pedestal when you were the state of denial that he seemed to be in? go on the journey with you. I went to Broadway in 2014 they connect or identify with, then it opens the door for young?? Cuba Gooding Jr: Well, was there a denial, or an orches- [with “Trip To Bountiful”], and I was on stage with Cecily them to go on the rest of journey with you. I use this series Cuba Gooding Jr: I was a fan of football. I was more of a tration on his part to command control of a negative situa- Tyson and Vanessa Williams for almost six or seven months. “Narcos” as an example. It’s a good show, but something Raiders fan but I knew who O.J. was. I knew The Juice and I tion? That line where he says, “My teammates look to me I really understood the piece and that performance was rubbing me wrong while I was watching it. I finally remember the Hertz commercials with him running to the for leadership. I lead. That’s what I do.” When his team is los- opened me up creatively in a way that I hadn’t been came to realise that every so often they would cut away to airport and whatnot. So he was a highbrow celebrity in my ing games, it doesn’t matter to him - he takes control of the opened up before. And I think the closest I’ve gotten to the real Pablo Escobar, and every time they cut back to the eyes. Oh, absolutely. game. And maybe that’s what he feels that he has to do. I that since is doing series television. So I think I’m kind of actor it’s like a reminder that he’s acting. It felt like a betray- always tell people: this is the part B to my part A of Rod addicted now. — Reuters al for that actor, to keep doing that, because once we get What were you doing while the trial was on? Tidwell from Jerry Maguire. Because I believe both these an image locked in, and we accept a truth to that image, Cuba Gooding Jr: I was making another movie. I was athletes have the same characteristics, that braggadocios an actor can take us anywhere. So that was my approach travelling round the country doing this thing, “Lightning self-confidence to overcome any adversity. One story end- to this guy. I knew his emotional state of mind in the back Jack.” I didn’t follow the trial. I remember the low-speed ed positively, the other tragically.

From Left to Right: John Travolta, Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Cuba Gooding Jr. and David Schwimmer attend the From Left to Right: Nathan Lane portraying Attorney F. Lee Bailey, Courtney B. Vance portraying lawyer Johnnie show’s premier party. Cochran, John Travolta playing the role of attorney Robert Shapiro, Cuba Gooding Junior as OJ Simpson and David Schwimmer in his Robert Kardashian role. lifestyle SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016

Feature Kelly Ripa is pissed! The drama continues with the ‘Live’ anchors

elly Ripa will return to “Live With Kelly and Michael” on Tuesday, Kending a leave of absence that abruptly began after ABC announced this week that her co-host, Michael Strahan, would depart to join the network’s morning-news franchise “Good Morning America.”

“I wanted to thank you all for giving me the time to process co-host Erin Andrews joining Strahan for Thursday and Ben Sherwood and his team would have to be truly nuts to perfect fit with “Live’s” breezy mix of host chat about the head- this new information,” Ripa told the “Live” staff in an email. Friday’s episodes. “Pretty Little Liars” stay Shay Mitchell table a sure-thing in “Live”-which has been renewed by its 238 lines, celebrity guests and lifestyle segments. The show is pro- “Your kindness, support, and love has overwhelmed me. We remains scheduled to guest co-host on Monday. affiliate stations nationwide through the 2019-20 season-in duced out of WABC-TV New York using that station’s facilities are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday Ripa’s contract to host “Live” runs through the end of the favor of an untested new hour of “GMA” at a time of fierce and crew, which makes it an extremely cost-effective produc- morning.” 2016-17 season. ABC had indicated that Strahan will stay on as competition in the morning show wars. tion for Disney. Ripa stole the spotlight from Strahan last Wednesday Ripa’s co-host for the next four months, then in September The hurdles for ABC to take over the 9 a.m. hour on its 200- “Live” at present is the No. 2 ranked daytime talk show, when, the morning after ABC announced that he would leave transition full time to “GMA,” where he has been a part-time plus affiliate stations for an extra hour of “GMA” are significant. close behind “Dr. Phil” in total viewers for the season to date. “Live” for “GMA” this summer, she failed to show up for work. It contributor since 2014. The search for Strahan’s replacement But more important, pursuing such an effort would break a In women 25-54, the key daytime demo, the show draws a 1.4, was not until several hours later that an ABC spokesperson will then begin in earnest. cardinal rule of television: If something is working, don’t break tied with Ellen DeGeneres’ yakker and just a tenth of a point attempted to explain Ripa’s absence, saying she was on a “pre- Strahan joined “Live” in 2012 at the end of a nine-month it. And “Live,” by any measure, is a workhorse for Disney. behind “Dr. Phil.” In women 18-49 it pulls a 1.0 for the season arranged vacation” and would also be out Thursday, Friday search for a replacement for retired co-host Regis Philbin. Ripa The removal of Strahan flies in the face of the don’t-mess- to date, just a hair behind “Dr. Phil.” “Live’s” numbers are and Monday. has been with the show since 2001. with-success mantra, but “Live’s” past precedent indicates that impressive given that “Dr. Phil” and “Ellen” typically air in after- the show can weather turnover at the host desk. Ripa suc- noon time slots when the overall number of people watching ceeded Kathie Lee Gifford in 2001; Strahan replaced the television is larger than in the morning. show’s founding host, Regis Philbin, in 2012 after Ripa went Meanwhile, for ABC to expand to a third hour of “GMA” through nearly a year of on-air guest hosts before finding the would require enlisting all of its affiliate stations to clear the 9 right match. a.m. hour for network programming. That would not be an “Live” is appointment TV for about 4 million viewers for the easy process as many of those stations have long-term com- season to date, and the vast majority of its affiliate stations run mitments to existing shows such as “Live” and other syndicat- the show at 9 a.m., coming out of national or local news pro- ed hits. It would likely require serious horse-trading between grams. Moving the show even by an hour on ABC’s O&Os the network and affiliates. could easily disrupt a viewer routine that “Live” has developed For all these reasons and more, ABC reps should be taken over decades. Monkeying with that habit would be the TV at their word when they insist that “Live” isn’t going anywhere equivalent of ABC shooting itself in the remote control. Never anytime soon. That’s as much of a certainty as the fact that underestimate the importance of strong a.m. ratings on affili- ABC has just handed Ripa a truckload of leverage for negotiat- ate stations to help power a network’s primetime’s perform- ing a new deal to succeed her existing contract, which is ance. The morning audience feeds into the afternoon and ear- believed to run through the 2016-17 season. Knowledgeable ly evening newscasts which flow into primetime-this remains industry sources say those discussions will begin sooner the natural order of things for broadcast networks and their rather than later, probably as soon as Ripa returns to the “Live” affiliates, despite the multiplatform viewing revolution. set as expected next week. — Reuters “Live” is often mistaken for an ABC network program but in fact it is syndicated by Disney/ABC TV Group’s first-run distri- bution arm. The show is carried by various affiliates of the Big Four networks across the country. All of those stations pay license fees for the show to Disney, and they hand over a few minutes of the advertising time in each hour, allowing Disney to market those spots as a national ad buy. The vast majority of “Live” stations run the show at 9 a.m., coming out of local or national morning news programs-the

Ripa leaving her New York apartment holding a copy of the Malcolm Gladwell book “David and Goliath” which sources are speculating it as Kelly throwing shade towards Live’s production company Disney. Sources told Variety that Ripa was surprised and angry to find out about Strahan’s departure after last Tuesday’s show, Cancelation rumors just ahead of the official announcement. Strahan received a The drama that erupted behind the scenes this week on call from “Live” Tuesday evening telling him that Ripa would “Live with Kelly and Michael” has stirred renewed speculation not be at work the next day. The disappearing act sparked about ABC’s interest in expanding “Good Morning America” to tabloid headlines and speculation on everything from the a third hour at 9 a.m. That hour at present is occupied on the relationship between Ripa and Strahan to the judgment of ABC O&Os and many ABC affiliate stations by “Live.” ABC top brass, including Disney-ABC Television Group chief But would Disney deliberately dismantle an enduring a.m. Ben Sherwood. franchise that generates an estimated $85 million-$90 million While Ripa maintained media silence throughout her annually in license fees and advertising revenue? That’s hard absence, Strahan took to “GMA” on Thursday to singe her to imagine in any rational scenario. praises. “If it weren’t for her, if it weren’t for [‘Live’ executive ABC brass are taking lumps for ham-fisted talent relations producer] Michael Gelman and the staff there that really in the way they broke the news to Kelly Ripa that her co-host boosted me up and made me look a lot better than I really am, of the past four years, Michael Strahan, will be heading to I never would have had a chance to be here,” Strahan said. “GMA” full time as of the fall. Ripa expressed her displeasure That same day Ripa made her first public appearance since with the decision by sitting out the rest of this week’s “Live” Tuesday’s episode of “Live,” photographed leaving her New broadcasts, leading to some awkward on-air moments for all York apartment holding a copy of the Malcolm Gladwell book involved. “David and Goliath.” Comedian Ana Gasteyer filled in for Ripa The Ripa rift has led to a lot of snickers and second-guess- Wednesday, with sportscaster and “Dancing With the Stars” ing within ABC and Disney. But Disney/ABC TV Group chief Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahanat better times.

Michael Strahan and Comedian Ana Gasteyer who filled in for Ripa on Wednesday’ telecast of the show. Kelly Ripa and rumored to be new host of “Live” Anderson Cooper co-hosting in the past with Billie Lourd during the production of “Live”. Prince suffered no ‘trauma’ before his death

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016 36

CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA: Mementos left by fans are attached to the fence which surrounds Paisley Park, the home and studio of Prince yesterday. — AFP

Mogul Tarak Ben Ammar on why Vivendi, Amazon Prime Video Has Mediaset Could Spawn a US-Style Studio 4 Times Netflix’s Movie Lineup, But Size Isn’t Everything ranco-Tunisian mogul Tarak Ben Ammar has a Do you see Vivendi/Mediaset as an alterna- in Mediobanca, where I am now a board member. long history of brokering major media deals tive to Netflix in these territories? That’s how I became a Telecom Italia board mem- Fin Italy. In 2003 he persuaded Vivendi to sell Yes. The major studios tell us there is an alterna- ber seven years ago. You don’t make these deals ompared with Netflix, Barclays study. In the past, it has dis- pay-TV Telepiu to News Corp., paving the way for tive to Netflix; they are the ones that helped unless there is a desire, an appetite, and a trust fac- Amazon’s Prime Video has four puted the accuracy of third-party Rupert Murdoch’s launch of Sky Italia. He was sub- Netflix’s success by selling their content for hun- tor, which is very very important. Bollore and Ctimes as many films available estimates about size of its streaming sequently instrumental to French media company dreds of millions of dollars and now they realise Berlusconi have both been shareholders in for streaming, according to a new lineup, noting that titles are continu- Vivendi entering into Italy’s Telecom Italia. Earlier that Netflix doesn’t need them anymore. So they Mediobanca for many years. They know each other study. That certainly sounds impres- ously added and removed the serv- this month Ben Ammar brought Vivendi and are all telling us: ‘are you real? Are you ready to be a from the banking world, it’s a relationship that sive. However, how much the sheer ice. Mediaset together in a media alliance with far- European group that could be an alternative to goes way back. Personal relationships are key volume of selections available on any And Netflix has made no secret of reaching ramifications. He spoke to Variety exclu- Netflix?’ Now with this alliance with Mediaset because there is an element of trust. But then, I video-subscription service weighs on the fact that it’s been strategically sively about why the deal is going to be a game- Vivendi is a European group. We have a foot in pay- didn’t do the deal alone. We did this with Pier Silvio its perceived value is a different ques- shifting away from licensing non- changer. TV and free-TV and OTT. By the Fall we are going to and [Vivendi CEO] Arnaud de Puyfontaine. The tion. Quality, rather than quantity, is exclusive content, toward original have an over-the-top in four countries. negotiation was with them. I was in the middle arguably far more important. series and movies you can’t get any- Why did Vivendi become the single biggest because they both knew and trusted each other. As of March 29, Amazon Prime where else. The company estimates it shareholder in Telecom Italia after selling off its Do you think Vivendi/Mediaset has a com- Video offered 18,405 movies and will spend $5 billion on content in telcos, in Brazil, France, and Morocco? petitive edge against Netflix? So Silvio wasn’t involved? 1,981 TV shows in the U.S., while 2016, rising to more than $6 billion The new Vivendi had sold all of their telco assets I don’t know whether we have a competitive No, he was not involved in the detailed negotia- Netflix stocked 4,563 movies and next year, investing about 5% of its to reduce their debt. Under the (Jean-Marie) edge. I do know that there is room for other play- tions and valuations. But certainly Pier Silvio kept 2,445 series, according to an analysis cash content budget in original films. Messier rule they had 24 billion Euros in debt. So ers. In America, besides Netflix, there are Amazon him informed, as I did. But he never sat and looked by Wall Street research firm Barclays. Original movies set to hit Netflix in they had no choice. That was a necessary financial and Hulu. And in Europe you have Amazon. Vivendi at the contracts. All of that was done by Pier Silvio. In terms of tonnage, Hulu tops Netflix the second half of 2016 include “War move to bring the debt down to zero and bring ten believes that they could be another important The Italian press has described this deal as the in both areas-with 3,588 shows and Machine,” a satire starring Brad Pitt, billion Euros of cash positive to Vivendi. But once player, and they are probably the only European beginning of Berlusconi’s gradual sell-off of 6,656 movies. and Christopher Guest’s ensemble Vivendi, from their sale of their Brazilian telco, had player. I do think Vivendi has something they don’t Mediaset to Vivendi once the three-year lock-up Over the past year, Netflix’s overall comedy “Mascots.” Netflix films for the cash and the Telefonica stock in Telecom Italia, have in terms of promotional capacity to get sub- period is up Vivendi has no intention of buying catalog has shrunk by 28% over the 2017 include actioner “Bright” star- they went and increased that stake in Telecom scribers to go on its OTT, Vivendi’s alternative to Mediaset. That’s a commitment that both past year, per the Barclays research ring Will Smith and directed by David Italia by spending Euros 3.3 billion, which took us Netflix. It costs millions for Netflix to promote their Berlusconi and Bollore told each other. ‘We are here note published Thursday. A major Ayer-with a $90 million budget-and to 24.9 percent. Why? Because first of all Vivendi service. Vivendi with its free-to-air channels and its as friends and there is no creeping control.’ We part of that stems from Netflix’s deal Bong Joon-ho’s monster flick “Okja”. felt Italy is the European country that’s most back- pay-TV, and Mediaset with its channels in Italy and don’t need to buy it! The objective was not a capi- with Epix expiring in September It’s also worth noting that Netflix’s ward in terms of Internet penetration. But more Spain, they have millions of eyeballs watching their talistic venture. It’s unimportant why Vivendi has 2015, representing about 2,000 output deal for Disney films in the importantly, what are we seeing in today’s world? channels every day. So Vivendi will promote - free- 3.5 [percent] and they have 3.5. The issue was: what movies. Among titles from Epix, now pay-TV window in the U.S. kicks in You see AT&T buying Direct TV, Telefonica of-charge really when you think about it - its own is the industrial plan? And the fact that each takes available on both Hulu and Amazon this fall. “Our focus has shifted to pro- buying Via Digital, etc. The integration of telcos and content distribution. That’s an advantage that 3.5 percent of each other is to consolidate their Prime, are “The Hunger Games: vide great movies and TV series for media content is the present and the future. So Netflix doesn’t have. That said, there is plenty of friendship; so that they don’t have to argue about Mockingjay - Part 1” and our members that are exclusive to Vivendi felt, since they are a media company, they room for both of us. the joint ventures that they are going to do. “Transformers: Age of Extinction.” Netflix,” chief content officer Ted could help Telecom Italia upgrade their content Vivendi could have gone on the market to buy. But Size does matter, Barclays opined. Sarandos said in a statement last fall offering to their 28 million clients. What you are How did you forge this alliance between no, it was friendly approach which was about OTT “In order to succeed, (over-the-top) regarding the end of the Epix licens- seeing elsewhere as triple or quadruple play. Bollore and the Berlusconi family? and content and investing hundreds of millions of platforms have to have a large and ing deal. My personal relationship with Silvio Berlusconi Euros to produce television and films in three to deep enough library that is constant- Of course, both Amazon and So how does Mediaset fit into this plan? goes back 31 years, both as a friend and as a busi- four countries. ly refreshed to keep consumers inter- Hulu are similarly prepped to write Vivendi is a media company in France with ness partner. My personal and business relation- ested over a long period of time,” the checks to acquire or produce exclu- StudioCanal, which has a European and interna- ship with Mr. Bollore goes back 16 years to when I Why could this be a game changer? analysts wrote. sive content, with Amazon Studios tional footprint, but they are not yet a media com- helped him become the single biggest shareholder If this alliance works they will be the first But it’s not just about title count. in particular showing a growing pany in other countries. The alliance with Mediaset European media group because there are no oth- To stand out, OTT services also must appetite for original films in recent is very important because they are in Spain and in ers. You could say Sky is European, but really it’s an have a few “marquee, high-visibility months. But the point is that just Italy. They are in free-TV and pay-TV in Italy. They English group controlled by an American company. and high production quality shows” having a bigger bucket of content are in free-TV in Spain, and Vivendi is in free and Also it will make directors, writers, producers, and to attract and retain subs, the doesn’t equate to superior enter- pay-TV in France. With this alliance they have mil- agents very happy. There’s another buyer in town! Barclays analysts said, citing as exam- tainment value-YouTube, after all, lions of eyeballs watching our channels every day. It’s up to them to be competitive, sexy, artist- ples Netflix’s “House of Cards” and the has a content library of a gazillion Vivendi had 11 million pay-TV subscribers in places friendly, content friendly. Can Vivendi be a United “Star Trek” reboot on CBS All Access. videos, beating the SVOD services like Poland, Vietnam, and Africa, besides France. By Artists of Europe? — Reuters In its analysis, Barclays cited by a long shot. — Reuters adding Mediaset Premium now they have 13 mil- InstantWatcher.com, JustWatch.com lion subscribers. Sky has 19 million, in the UK, Italy, and Somethingtostream.com, which and Germany. So it’s a winning alliance because monitor titles on streaming services. they now have the possibility of producing content Netflix declined to comment on the together for at least three countries where they are present together. Franco-Tunisian mogul Tarak Ben Ammar