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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 JAMADA ALAWWAL 15, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Echoes of 1,170 sent for IMF chief Turkish referee 1991 Gulf War deportation urges Gulf ‘shown red card’ linger on after Khaitan states to in stormy in Mideast3 police raids5 bring21 in taxes top-flight19 clash Top commanders of anti-IS Min 18º Max 29º coalition meet in Kuwait High Tide 11:43 & 23:18 Kuwait calls for global plan to fight terrorism Low Tide 05:44 & 17:47 40 PAGES NO: 16795 150 FILS KUWAIT: Top military commanders from 30 nations fighting the Islamic State group gath- Cabinet raises ered yesterday in Kuwait to discuss ways to defeat the jihadists who occupy large areas in Syria and Iraq. Chief of staff of host country penalties for Kuwait, General Mohammad Al-Khader, urged increased efforts to defeat extremists worldwide. “As military leaders, it is our responsibility to visa trading double efforts and urgently work out suitable plans to eliminate all terrorist groups threaten- By B Izzak ing many countries in the world,” Khader said. The meeting was held under tight security KUWAIT: The Cabinet yesterday approved key measures and made off-limit to reporters with amendments to the labor law in the private sector only photographers allowed to take pictures. It to stiffen penalties against visa traders and for traf- comes less than two weeks after defense minis- ficking in expatriate workers. A statement issued ters of the 66-nation US-led coalition battling IS after the weekly Cabinet meeting said the council pledged in Brussels to accelerate their campaign of ministers approved the amendments which aim against the jihadist group. Countries attending at “toughening penalties against the violations of the Kuwait meeting include the United States, employers in order to curb these violations and to Britain, France, as well as Egypt, Iraq, Saudi control the labor market in the private sector”. Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The coali- tion has launched more than 10,000 air strikes The amendments will now be sent to HH the against IS but the group still retains control of Amir to sign before sending them to the National large parts of Iraq and Syria and has expanded Assembly for approval. No specific details were pro- its presence in Libya. vided about the amendments, but earlier in the day, During the Brussels meeting, Saudi Arabia Arabic daily Al-Anbaa reported that three provi- and the United Arab Emirates promised to renew sions in the law will be amended. their air operations in Syria after a long lull It said the main amendment stipulates a prison because of their war against Iran-backed rebels term of up to three years and a fine of between KD in Yemen. Officials say the campaign is making 2,000 and KD 10,000 per worker for employers who the most progress in Iraq, where local security recruit laborers from outside Kuwait but fail to give KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah (center) and chiefs of forces have retaken the city of Ramadi and Continued on Page 13 staff of the countries that are part of the international US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group pose for a clawed back some 40 percent of territory previ- group photo before a meeting to discuss the situation in the region yesterday. ously held by IS. — AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives Defense Minister and chiefs of staff of members of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State. (Right) His Highness the Amir receives families of Kuwaiti ex-detainees in Guantanamo. —KUNA Amir receives Crown Prince, US-led coalition chiefs of staff

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah by the coalition in combating terrorism and Joint Chief of Staff General Joseph Francis Kuwaiti ex-detainees in Guantanamo Bay Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yester- Al-Sabah, and participating chiefs-of-staff preserving peace and security, wishing Dunford. Khaled Abdullah Al-Ouda and his deputy Dr day received at Seif Palace His Highness the of members of the US-led coalition against them success in achieving stability in the Also, His Highness the Amir received the Mohammad Taleb Al-Kandari jointly expressed Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- the so-called Islamic State (IS), currently in a world. The meeting was attended by families of Kuwaiti ex-detainees in their appreciation to the Amir’s adoption of Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also meeting hosted in Kuwait. His Highness the Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Guantanamo Bay, at Seif Palace yesterday. the ex-detainees’ case and exerting all efforts received Deputy Prime Minister and Amir praised international efforts exerted Jarrah Al-Sabah and US Chairman of the Head of People’sCommittee in Defence of that led to their release. —Agencies

Some of the ministers are pictured during a Cabinet weekly meeting yesterday. —KUNA Cabinet authorizes decree to Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry officials seen during the forum of name road after late Saudi Prince businessmen. —KUNA A gesture of appreciation for Prince Saud’s indelible contributions Kuwait ‘is a unique and

KUWAIT: The Cabinet in its weekly meeting yes- offered an analysis of the third constituency by- Law number 6/2010 preferred’ investment, terday, issued a decree christening the main elections held on Saturday. The Cabinet extolled The Cabinet also reviewed plans to modify road in the Diplomatic Zone in Mishref area after the efforts of security personnel for ensuring law number 6/2010, which pertains to work in late Saudi Prince Saud Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al- that the elections proceed in an orderly fashion, non-governmental sectors. The modifications business destination Saud. The decision, in the meeting chaired by while congratulating Ali Abdullah Al-Khamis on seek to stiffen punishment for those held His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber winning the elections. accountable for violations as well as restore KUWAIT: Director-General of the Kuwait have caught the attention of investors. It dis- Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, was a gesture of The Cabinet also listened to an explanation order in this sector. The Cabinet has agreed to Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDI- tinctly demonstrates the Kuwaiti Government’s appreciation for Prince Saud’s indelible contribu- by Finance and Oil Minister Anas Al-Saleh, one modify the law and will forward it to Parliament PA) Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah yes- resolve to attract quality local and foreign invest- tions to the Islamic and Arab worlds. that detailed various planned strategies to cope for implementation. An agreement between terday said that Kuwait is a unique and pre- ments, by creating the right investment environ- With the onset of Kuwait’s national and liber- with volatile economic conditions in the coun- Kuwait and Nicaragua to exempt holders of ferred investment and business destination, ment, simplifying procedures, enabling a favor- ation days celebrations, the Cabinet wished the try, as a result of plummeting oil prices. Al-Saleh diplomatic and special passports from obtain- citing relevant reports by international organi- able legislative framework for the encourage- country and its people continued peace and highlighted the need of swift action to over- ing a visa prior to entering either country was zations. The remark was made by Dr Meshaal ment and protection of investment, and offering prosperity. Moreover, the Cabinet looked over a come these mounting economic hurdles. The also reviewed in the meeting. Memorandums of Jaber in a presentation during a seminar a host of incentives and exemptions, including letter sent to His Highness the Prime Minister by cabinet concurred that these economic obsta- cooperation between Kuwait and United Arab organized by the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute allowing for a 100% foreign ownership. Moroccan King Mohammad VI, one that tackled cles require careful deliberation and well Emirates in the oil and gas sectors were dis- in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Foreign The Kuwait Investment Forum will attract bilateral relations and ways to bolster coopera- planned strategies to ensure continued growth cussed, as well as an agreement between Ministry’s Economic Department on direct ministers and high-ranking government offi- tion between Morocco and Kuwait in numerous in spite of a global economic downturn, calling Kuwait and Australia on cooperation in aviation investment in Kuwait. Representatives from cials, as well as local, Arab and international fields. The Cabinet also looked at another letter on the need to diversify economic policies. services. over 20 European, Gulf, Arab and Asian leading dignitaries, businesspersons and sent to His Highness the Prime Minister, by Fiji The Cabinet also delved into current regional embassies in Kuwait were present in the investors in sectors pertaining to banking, Prime Minister JV Bainimarama. The letter SCPD reveals new plan and international events, commiserating with event. finance, investment, and industry; in addition reviewed amicable relations between Kuwait The Supreme Council for Planning and the Arab world over the passing of former Expounding on Kuwait’s investment to academics and experts from renowned and the South Pacific Ocean archipelago. Development (SCPD) let the Cabinet in on United Nations Secretary General and President potentials and advantages, the KDIPA direc- regional and international organizations, and Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister and planned development projects in the country, of the Egyptian National Council for Human tor-general said the State of Kuwait is rich in representatives from the local, regional, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad and ways to finance these projects. SCPD Rights Boutros Boutros-Ghali. The Cabinet con- oil and gas, and has 10 percent of the world’s international media. The agenda of the forum Al-Sabah briefed the Cabinet on his recent visit revealed a new plan to track the progress of demned Wednesday’s car bomb attack in the proven reserves. He added that Kuwait’s five- mainly includes foundations and prospects of to Egypt, one that yielded a myriad of agree- these projects and to ensure efficiency and Turkish capital Ankara, which claimed scores of year development plan (2015/2016- economic and developmental policy, modern ments on mutual cooperation in various realms. transparency. The Cabinet vowed to cooperate innocent lives. The Cabinet stressed that Kuwait 2019/2020) includes many strategic and mega legislations for an attractive investment envi- Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister with SCPD in order to bring these planned proj- stands in solidarity with Turkey and denounces projects covering different sectors, primarily ronment, potential and lucrative investment Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah ects to fruition. terrorism in all of its manifestations. —KUNA oil, gas, electricity, tourism, media, health, opportunities, and future of investment for education, urban development and housing. sustainable development. These projects, which are worth more than $103 billion, provide a lot of opportunities for Kuwait’s strategic goal Message for investors and businessmen to invest in Meanwhile, Osama Al-Nisf, a member of Kuwait, he said. Kuwait Chamber of Commerce Industry (KCCI) US citizens said yesterday that promoting investment and Security and stability commercial cooperation with world’s coun- uwait National and Liberation Days will be Thursday, Kuwait also enjoys security and stability, tries is a key strategic goal of Kuwait. Al-nisf February 25, and Friday, February 26. Festive celebra- high macroeconomic performance, favorable made the statement yesterday during a Ktions, large crowds, and heavy traffic congestion are legal framework and business environment speech at the forum of businessmen hosted expected in downtown areas. Expect heavy traffic congestion atmosphere, he said, pointing to anti-corrup- by the chamber on the sidelines on the first and pedestrian traffic from early afternoon to evening hours tion and commercial laws, public-private part- international Kuwait Trading Fair entitled: around Gulf Road and in Salmiya. In years past, the police have nership law, Kuwait Direct Investment “Kuwait Heart of the Commercial World”. blocked U-turn lanes on Gulf Road forcing traffic to the next Promotion Authority (KDIPA), as well as the He added that volume of Kuwait’s trade hit intersection or roundabout to turn around. Many celebrants fund for small and medium-sized enterprises. $133 billion in 2014, noting that the country has engage in water gun fights, throw water balloons, and set off “All those and many others just work together trade exchange with all countries across the fireworks as part of these national holidays. in order to enhance the business environment globe. Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for While the US Embassy in Kuwait is not aware of any specific Top officials pose for a group photo after a seminar on US-Kuwaiti relations in Kuwait which the investors can benefit from Foreign Trade and International Organizations security threats, US Mission personnel have been instructed to organized by the Diplomatic Institute. —KUNA them,” the KDIPA director-general said. Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and practice good personal security and traffic safety measures. He went on to say that Kuwait is high in Industry Sheikh Nimr Fahad Al-Sabah said the Avoid crowds, be vigilant of surroundings, and keep vehicle per capita income, enjoys a low risk business government pays much attention to the private doors locked at all times. It’s also a good idea to carry a mobile US-Kuwaiti alliance climate, low cooperate taxes, very educated sector as it is a main pillar which activates eco- phone at all times and contact Kuwait Emergency Services at and qualified Kuwaitis. Furthermore, Kuwait is nomic growth. 112 for emergencies. For State Department and Embassy infor- a very youthful society as 50 percent of The forum stressed the importance of dia- mation: See the State Department’s travel website for the based on firm basis Kuwaitis are between one to 34 years old, he logue, and sharing ideas and experiences Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kuwait boasted, pointing to Kuwait’s strategic and among world’s countries, he said, adding that Country Specific Information. unique geographical location and low cost of Kuwait has all capabilities of reviving econo- We strongly recommend that US citizens traveling to or KUWAIT: Director General of Saud Al- US Ambassador to Kuwait Douglas manufacturing utilities, fuel and electricity. my and main factors needed by countries residing in Kuwait enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Nasser Diplomatic Institute Ambassador Silliman affirmed that Kuwait enjoys “dis- Lauding high human development in across the globe to achieve a comprehensive Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives Abdulaziz Al-Sharekh said the US-Kuwaiti tinguished” relations with international Kuwait, the KDIPA chief urged the private sec- development. Kuwait enjoys political stability, you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the relations and alliance are based on mutual organizations, in particular the United tor to play a more active role in development and has developed infrastructure, an active nearest US embassy or consulate to contact you in an emer- visions, stances and interests. Al-Sharekh Nations, lauding Kuwait’s role which facili- process in the country. On KIDPA, he said its private sector, and attractive legislations gency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with made the statement on Monday during a tated the resumption of diplomatic ties main task is, among others, to actively pro- which are in favor of local and foreign the nearest US embassy or consulate. Regularly monitor the seminar on the US-Kuwaiti relations organ- after the Iraqi invasion. mote Kuwait as an investment hub through investors, he stated. State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, ized by the institute, adding that the two He recalled roles of Kuwait’s formulation of successful partnerships in line Secretary-General of the Supreme Council Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kuwait Country Specific countries have been enjoying solid and Ambassador to the US Sheikh Saud Al- with the country’s development goals, for Planning and Development (SCPD) Dr Information. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s strong relations for several years. He Nasser Al-Sabah and permanent delegate improving the overall investment climate, fos- Khaled Mahdi made a presentation on Checklist” on the State Department’s website. referred to the current diplomatic coordi- to the UN Ambassador Mohammad Abul tering competitiveness, encouraging more Kuwait’s development plan and its vision 2035 Contact the US embassy or consulate for up-to-date infor- nation between Kuwait and the US. Hassan during the Iraqi invasion that con- engagement in value added investment seeking to turn the country into a commercial mation on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 He stressed institute’s keenness on tributed to liberating the country. Former opportunities by both local and foreign and financial hub. He said strategic goals of toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 organizing such seminars and meetings US ambassador to Kuwait Edward investors, and streamlining the business envi- the medium-term development plan aims to from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 for trainees to help them acquire experi- Ghoneim stressed the depth of relations ronment. increase gross domestic product, raise stan- am to 8:00 pm. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except ences in diplomacy, noting that this semi- between the two countries as Kuwait is a Regarding the Kuwait Investment Forum dards of living of citizens, support societal and US federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. to nar is part of the country’s celebrations of strategic ally for the US, lauding the coun- (KIF) due between March 8-9, 2016, under the human development, and evolve housing have travel information at your fingertips. The US Embassy in the 25th anniversary of Liberation Day, the try’s foreign policy under the leadership of patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh policies. About 25 Arab and foreign countries Kuwait is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, 55th anniversary of National Day and the His Highness the Amir. He said the late Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, he said the are taking part in the fair, which was inaugu- Bayan, Kuwait, at +965-2259-1001. After-hours emergency 10th anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Saud contributed to crystalizing KDIPA’s first promotional event comes against rated by Minister of Commerce and Industry number for US citizens is +965-2259-1001. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- the US stance on popular and official levels the background of several positive develop- Yousef Al-Ali on Sunday and runs until Sabah’s ascension to power. Meanwhile, during the invasion. —KUNA ments witnessed in the Kuwaiti economy that February 27. —Agencies TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 LOCAL

In this Nov 4, 1990 file photo (responding to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait), troops of the US 1st Cavalry In this Feb 12, 1991 file photo, US Marines prepare to board Chinook CH-46 helicopters during a Division deploy across the Saudi desert during preparations prior to the Gulf War. Twenty five years deployment exercise in the desert of Saudi Arabia during the Gulf crisis. —AP after the first US Marines swept across the border into Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War, American forces find themselves battling the extremist Islamic State group, born out of Al-Qaeda, in the splintered ter- ritories of Iraq and Syria. —AP Echoes of 1991 Gulf War linger on 25 years after, American forces battle Islamic State

KUWAIT: The 1991 Gulf War saw only 100 mated $15 billion of debt that Iraq had lence across the region. In Israel, the memory of an uprising by both Shiites and Kurds follow- But as the US withdrew from Iraq and hours of ground fighting as US forces accumulated during its 1980s war with Iraqi Scud missile fire prompted the military to ing the war. Baghdad stopped supporting the Sunni entered Kuwait to end the Iraqi occupa- Iran. Fearing Saudi Arabia could be invad- speed up a missile-defense program that The US and its allies began to patrol a tribesmen, the Islamic State group emerged tion but echoes of that conflict have lin- ed next, US officials moved quickly to included the development of its Iron Dome northern and southern no-fly zone to protect from the ashes of Al-Qaeda in Iraq and in gered on for decades in the Mideast. The deploy troops to the region. After months rocket-defense system with the help of the the Shiites and the Kurds while Saddam 2014, took control of about a third of both war pushed America into opening mili- of negotiations and warnings, the US Americans. Then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, remained a thorn in the inside of American Iraq and neighboring Syria. Today, the US tary bases in the Arabian Gulf and Saudi launched its assault on Iraqi forces in a hard-liner, held back from retaliating at the politics for more than a decade. “I miscalcu- finds itself mired in a long war feared by Arabia, drawing the anger of an upstart Kuwait on Feb 24, 1991. request of Bush, who feared losing Arab sup- lated,” Bush said in a December 1995 inter- Schwarzkopf and others who oversaw militant named Osama bin Laden and lay- In purely military and political terms, port for the war. Though American aid to Israel view. “I thought he’d be gone.” It would take Operation Desert Storm. Oil prices, which ing the groundwork for Al-Qaeda attacks the first Gulf War marked a tremendous exceeds $3 billion a year, relations have been President George W Bush’s 2003 invasion to sparked Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait, have leading up to Sept 11, 2001. success for a US still haunted by Vietnam. strained over stalled Palestinian peace talks. end Saddam’s reign, coming amid the US dropped to under $30 a barrel from more Saddam Hussein, demonized as being America suffered 148 combat deaths dur- campaign in Afghanistan. In its aftermath, than $100 in just a year and a half. The worse than Adolf Hitler by President ing the entire conflict, while 467 troops No-fly zone Al-Qaeda in Iraq would arise and be put cause, in part, is the same OPEC overproduc- George HW Bush, would outlast his were wounded out of the over 500,000 Yet despite seeing his forces routed from down by a US military surge, coupled with tion the late dictator Saddam railed against American rival in power until Bush’s son deployed, according to the Defense Kuwait, Saddam clung to power and survived the support of Sunni tribesmen. across the splintered Middle East. —AP launched the 2003 American-led invasion Department. It held together an allied that toppled the Iraqi dictator. Now, 25 army, its war effort was supported by a years after the first US Marines swept number of United Nations resolutions, across the border into Kuwait, American and the conflict cemented its position as forces are battling the extremist Islamic the sole world power following end of State group, born out of Al-Qaeda, in the the Cold War and the collapse of the splintered territories of Iraq and Syria. Soviet Union. The Arab allies that joined the 1991 coalition are fighting their own conflicts Arab allies both at home and abroad, as Iran vies for America’s Arab allies also footed much greater regional power following a of the bill for the $61-billion war, with nuclear deal with world powers. In all, the both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait contribut- United States finds itself in the quandary ing some $16 billion while the United it hoped to avoid back in 1991. “Had we Arab Emirates offered $4 billion, according taken all of Iraq, we would have been like to US congressional reports. Japan and the dinosaur in the tar pit - we would still Germany together contributed another be there, and we, not the United Nations, $16 billion, while South Korea gave $251 would be bearing the costs for that occu- million. The US covered the rest. But the pation,” the late US Gen Norman key players in the Arab world on whom Schwarzkopf, commander of Desert the US relied on during the conflict are Storm, wrote in his memoirs. long gone. Saudi King Fahd died in 2005. A popular uprising toppled Egyptian auto- Kuwait invaded crat Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Syria’s totali- Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug 2, 1990, tarian ruler Hafez Assad, a longtime US foe angry that the tiny neighbor and the who joined the Gulf War effort to reap bil- United Arab Emirates had ignored OPEC lions in aid and diplomatic benefits, died quotas, which Saddam claimed cost his in 2000. nation $14 billion. Saddam also accused His son, President Bashar Assad, still Kuwait of stealing $2.4 billion by pump- clings to power amid a five-year civil war ing crude from a disputed oil field and that has killed more than 250,000 people demanded that Kuwait write off an esti- and flooded Europe with those fleeing vio-

In this Nov 22, 1990 file photo, President George Bush poses with soldiers during a stop at an air base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. —AP

In this Jan 28, 1991 file photo, US Marines located just a few miles from Kuwait, fire an ordinance at Iraqi positions inside Kuwait in eastern Saudi Arabia. —AP LOCAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Photo News of the day In brief

Al-Najat to organize free medical camp in Amghara KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Al-Najat Charitable Society said yester- day that it would erect a free medical screening camp for expat workers in Amghara Bachelors City on February 25, supported by Al-Rahma committee for medical services. General Manager of the charity Mohammad Al-Ansari said that setting up the camp coincides with Kuwait’s National celebrations and in accordance with kuwait’s UN title as a Humanitarian Center. He added that the organization of such camp comes in recognition of the role of communi- ties in the development of society in all kinds of jobs. The camp aims at providing medical services to hundreds of workers and to conduct check ups of all diseases, in addi- tion to providing other necessary treatment. Experts from various medical specialties including Orthopaedics, ENT, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Diabetes, Cardiology, General Medicine, Pediatrics, Dermatology and Dental will examine the patients.

Al-Arabi to launch cultural institute KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Al-Arabi Magazine, one of the top Arab cultural pub- lishing, is set to launch “Al-Arabi cultural institute”, recently approved by the Cabinet. The magazine, launched in 1958, has seen many KUWAIT: Young girls dressed in Kuwaiti flag uniforms perform during a national artistic occasion. — KUNA developments through its long history in publish- ing cultural topics, Gulf banks under pressure including special editions for chil- dren, youth and science. The maga- zine’s different arti- ‘Al-Arabi’ Magazine cover Low oil prices hit GCC banks cles are written by top Arab authors, DUBAI: Banks in the six-nation Gulf increasingly negative credit implications intervention to avoid losses to creditors will also negatively impact loan growth and scientists and poets including Taha Hussein, Abbas Cooperation Council (GCC) are being for the banks,” Moody’s said. and depositors through direct capital injec- corporate earnings, Moody’s said. GCC Mahmud Al-Aqqad, Naguib Mahfouz, Nizar Qabbani increasingly challenged by a liquidity The national budgets of GCC states in tions and official guarantees, it said. “Lower states-Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi and many others. Al-Arabi’s TV channel launched by squeeze resulting from low oil prices, 2016 indicate a slowdown in economic government financial reserves, however, Arabia and the United Arab Emirates-are the Ministry of Information is specialized in covering Moody’s Investor Services said yesterday. A growth accompanied by large fiscal could lead to a shift in policy towards more estimated to have lost $300 billion in rev- polls and is part of a huge development plan, the mag- sustained loss in oil revenue is likely to deficits, it said. World oil prices have selective support,” the agency said. So far, enues last year due to low oil price. Last azine’s Editor-in-Chief Adel Al-Abdul Jader told Kuwait reduce government and government-relat- dropped by more than 70 percent since the most visible impact of lower oil prices week, the London-based Capital Economics News Agency KUNA on Monday. Meanwhile, he noted ed deposits in banks and could eventually June 2014. Oil income normally con- on GCC banks has been a tightening in liq- said the slump in oil revenue was unlikely that the cultural institute will cover the magazine’s reduce state support for the banking sys- tributed 80 to 90 percent to GCC public rev- uidity due to significantly reduced deposit to cause any major problem for Gulf banks publishing as well as publishing of the Kuwaiti govern- tem, the ratings agency said. Government enues. “We anticipate banks will be pres- inflows from government and government- which are well-placed to deal with a rise in ment. willingness and capacity to support GCC sured by a further softening of their operat- related entities. The squeeze in liquidity is bad debts. It said deposits withdrawn by banks has played a key role in sustaining ing environment and the potential for already pushing banks to compete more governments from banks to plug budget their credit growth, asset quality and loss- reduced willingness or capacity of govern- aggressively for deposits and tap public deficits were being used in domestic absorbing buffers, it said. “The widening ments to provide support,” Moody’s said. markets, thereby increasing funding costs spending with part of it going back to the Disabled athletes train in gap between low oil prices and high gov- In the past few decades, GCC govern- and impacting profitability. banking system through the private sec- UAE for upcoming events ernment spending policies could have ments have shown a consistent record of A sharp slowdown in public spending tor.—AFP KUWAIT: Kuwait’s disabled athletics team traveled to Al- Ain city in the UAE yesterday for a training camp in prepa- ration for the 6th Sharjah International Open Athletics Meeting and the 8th Fazza IPC Athletics Championships to be held from March 12-21. The team includes 16 male and Britain woos female athletes, competing in shot put, discus throw, javelin throw and wheelchair racing, head of the team and Chairman of the Board of Kuwait’s Disabled Sport Club Kuwaitis Shafi Al-Hajry said. The club chose Al-Ain to hold the two- week camp for its advanced training facilities and stadi- KUWAIT: British Minister for Middle East and ums, said Al-Hajry, adding that the Kuwaiti disabled team North Africa Tobias Ellwood hopes a new has prominent international achievements in different Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system for Kuwaitis sports. would contribute to an increase in number of visitors to Britain. Ellwood was quoted by a statement by the British Embassy as expressing hope EVW would further strengthen people-to- people links between Kuwait and Britain. The British Embassy announced the official launch of EVW for Kuwaiti passport holders who wished to travel to Britain for business and tourism. The EVW will allow Kuwaiti passport holders to travel to Britain for a visit of up to six months by filling in an online form at least 48 hours before they travel to Britain, the embassy said. The scheme removes the need to give bio- Zain grabs 9th annual metrics, attend a visa application center or hand in passports in advance of travel. The applica- tion will cost Sterling Pounds 15 (around seven HSE Performance Award Kuwaiti dinars). Kuwait’s Judge Essam Al-Sedani takes group photo KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecom- from the private or the public sectors. expressed its utmost pride in this lat- with other officials after a meeting of the Arab Ellwood congratulated the people of Kuwait Investment Court (AIC). who would be celebrating the 25th anniversary munications company in Kuwait, was Zain was awarded with this year’s est achievement, adding to the long of liberation from the Iraqi invasion and the 55th awarded with the ninth Health, Safety ninth Performance Award for a num- list of achievements it obtained by Kuwait Judge Sedani and Environment Performance Award ber of HSE initiatives and programs being a socially responsible company national day. Passengers will be asked to upload elected head of AIC for the second time. This annually the company launched and support- with a clear and firm CSSR strategy. CAIRO: Kuwait’s Judge Essam Al-Sedani has been cho- a copy of their passport’s biographic data page held event, organized by Kuwait ed during 2015, including the annual During 2015, Zain was awarded the sen as president of Arab Investment Court (AIC) for so that details can be checked for accuracy and National Petroleum Company (KNPC), Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, Gold Award for Excellence in three years. Al-Sedani said in a statement that he was security purposes prior to travel. The British sheds light on sustainable projects, supporting Rijeemy health program, Corporate Social Responsibility from elected unanimously during a meeting of the court at Embassy warned that an EVW could not be initiatives, and achievements under- internal blood donation campaigns, the Arab Organization for Social the Arab League’s headquarters in recognition of changed less than 48 hours in advance of your taken by Kuwait’s public and private the internal Health Week initiative, Responsibility in Dubai. The company Kuwait’s role supporting the joint Arab economic flight departing. “Therefore, if your travel plans organizations. KNPC’s yearly award celebrating Earth Day, supporting was recognized for its series of CSR action. He referred to the directives of His Highness the aims at raising health, safety and envi- Environment Public Authority’s aware- initiatives and programs, which were are likely to change at the last minute, a (normal) Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah aim- ronment standards in Kuwait, while ness campaign, and more. assessed to have had a deep and ing to turn Kuwait into a developed commercial and visa will remain a better option.” People can recognizing the distinguished contri- Zain, being one of the region’s top meaningful impact on many groups, economic hub. Al-Sedani noted that the AIC has com- apply for the EVW by visiting: https://www. butions of Kuwait’s key players in the leaders in Corporate Social institutions, and agencies across mul- pulsory jurisdiction over disputes involving investors, electronic-visa-waiver.service.gov.uk.— KUNA fields of sustainable business, whether Responsibility and Sustainability, tiple communities. who may initiate proceedings before the AIC without prior consent. Meanwhile, Dr Alaa Al-Tamimi, head of the league’s legal department, said all court’s new members were sworn in today before Arab League Warba Bank appoints Al Mazyad Secretary General Nabil Al-Arabi. The court includes members from Kuwait, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, ‘Branches Department Manager’ Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Libya, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Mauritania. KUWAIT: Warba bank, the fast-grow- bank overall performance”. such a reputable banking institution ing bank in Kuwait providing a full “We are proud to have Musaed Al as Warba bank which is fast growing spectrum of banking and investment Mazyad added to Warba workforce despite the fierce competition in the Ministry of Education keen on services compliant with Islamic considering that he is joining us with industry; this fact adds to the bank’s using advanced technology Sharia, announced the appointment a track record of achievements in his team responsibility and urge it to KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Minister of Higher of Musaed Al Mazyad as Branches previous jobs, which are tangible exert all needed professional efforts Education Dr Bader Al-Essa said the ministry is keen on Department Manager. Al Mazyad will proofs of his competency and high- to uplift services level while catering using technology instead of paper in the coming period. be in charge of supervising branches’ end working skills. We are confident to customers’ needs with proficiency The minister made the statement yesterday to reporters performance, monitoring their that he will contribute efficiently in and excellence”. following the inauguration of Mubarak Al-Kabeer progress and planning a strategic reinforcing the bank’s expansion On the same note, Warba bank Educational Zone’s building, adding that electronic work expansion across Kuwait to best cater strategy”. Al Mazyad has a rich experi- continues in developing national tal- facilitates many measures and achieves quickly many mis- to customers’ needs. ence in banking industry where he ents. Recently the bank held a gradu- sions. He expressed his joy over the scientific project sub- Warba’s initiative comes in line previously worked in different depart- ation ceremony for trainees in the mitted by a female student at the competition of “Ibtikar with its strategy to support national ments including: personal loans, Banking Studies Institute and spon- Al-Kuwait”, noting that the contest helped students to use calibers while providing them with client servicing and branches’ man- sored many activities in different sec- scientific thinking and innovation. The minister earlier said needed tools to showcase their com- agement in a number of banking tors including: culture, education and that the building was established through cooperation petency, excel in performance and institutions. He holds certificates health. Warba’s initiative stems from between the ministry and the academic faculty, including get them incorporated in the bank accredited from international leading both its development strategy and contributions from students in intermediate and high workforce. About the new appoint- universities. sincere belief in Kuwaiti youth capa- schools. Meanwhile, Faisal Al-Maqseed, assistant undersec- ment, Warba bank stated: “being a From his end, Al Mazyad appreci- bilities as they are the main pillar for retary for educational activities and development, said the leading Kuwaiti banking institution, ated the bank’s executive manage- the country development and pros- building is the Ministry’s response to stepped-up efficiency we are committed to encourage ment confidence in his capabilities perity should they are well trained standards to serve students and staff, referring to huge national talents while giving them while thanking it for the opportunity and prepared, according to profes- efforts exerted to set up the project. schools and nurseries, the opportunity to develop their skills he was given to join a leading bank as sional criteria, to pursue successful adding that all efforts exerted are in line with the general which would be a great value to the Warba; he said:” I’m proud to join careers. policy of developing education. LOCAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Thousands arrested as police raid Farwaniya Governorate

By Hanan Al-Saadoun Al-Fahad, Assistant Undersecretary for Khaitan surroundings from 5 am to 7 am. Lt 1,170 were sent for deportation; seven are papers on them. 218 had expired residen- General Secretary Major General General Al-Fahad deployed the teams across wanted on felony cases; 52 wanted on civil cies. Two persons were arrested for trading KUWAIT: Security authorities carried out a Abdelfattah Al-Ali and Assistant the streets. Some suspicious places were cases; 117 were arrested for residency law liquor and 12 were arrested for vice campaign in Farwaniya Governorate led by Undersecretary for Operations Major also raided. violation. Also 255 absconders were offences. 2,378 persons were later released Interior Ministry Undersecretary Suleiman General Jamal Al-Sayegh. Police closed Papers of 3,548 persons were checked. detained and 269 people did not have their after their documents were cross-checked. Kuwait Towers to open March 8

By Meshaal Al-Enezi

KUWAIT: Kuwait Towers’ manager Mubarak Abdul Aziz Al-Enezi said that an urgent change was made to the date of officially reopening the Kuwait Towers after renovations and maintenance. Enezi added that the Towers had been scheduled to reopen today (Feb 23), but due to visitors’ safety during fireworks, the Amiri Diwan deferred the opening until March 8, three days after a mega fire- works festival is due to be held there on March 5.

Boubyan Bank and Public Authority for Civil Information officials seen during the joint news conference. — KUNA Boubyan Bank launches its

automatic deposit service service in the Towers’ restaurants. Notably, TEC had municipality had approved a request it made ear- invited media and journalists to a lunch banquet lier to allocate 49,000 sq km of Nawaf Al-Ahmad KUWAIT: Boubyan Bank yesterday launched ices of smart civil IDs at all government bod- yesterday at the Towers to announce its reopening. Residential City to make the city an integrated the automatic deposit service by smart civil ies, banks, oil companies and others. He one including all kinds of facilities (commercial, ID - describing the strategic relation with stressed the importance of the distinguished Newly-built building services, recreational, investment, governmental Public Authority for Civil Information as a application of the smart civil ID in terms of its The Ministry of Public Works announced assign- and administrative). “example” of cooperation between the pri- technical and security properties that has ing a number of its engineers to immediately Notably, the municipality had asked for the vate and public sectors. Clients can make become a key factor in both citizens and resi- Enezi said that all the Towers’ facilities have been inspect the newly-built Hawally educational area renovated and reopened including restaurants, authority’s authorization to set the site’s final deposits through their smart civil IDs without dents lives. He added that the smart civil ID building to investigate why a tiled-ceiling collapsed. coordinates provided they matched the condi- the need to use their bank debit cards, contributed to solving problems pertaining cafes and the sphere. “All the decor, equipment, The ministry also announced referring its technical kitchens, sound systems, illumination, touch tech- tions set by various ministries, namely the oil Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri, Deputy Chief Executive to identity of citizens and residents using team that was in charge of the building for investi- ministry with regards to the land and MPW with Officer at Boubyan Bank, said during a joint electronic services. He said that there are nology, toilets and all pipe fittings have been reno- gation as well as referring the contractor to the vated”, explained Enezi, noting that TEC had also regard to the regional highway. The authority news conference with the authority. some offices at some institutions offering this public prosecution. also explained that the city would accommodate Meanwhile, Director-General of the service, noting that other offices will be replaced all restaurant staff and hired the most effi- cient ones from Arab and Asian countries to avoid Nawaf Al-Ahmad Residential City 52,000 housing units plus the needed services authority Musaed Al-Asausi said this achieve- opened at other government bodies for the and amenities. ment is part of a plan seeking to expand serv- same purpose. — KUNA previous complaints about the quality of food and The housing authority stressed that the TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 From the Arabic press

Al-Anbaa Crime Report Satiation Syrian couple arrested over forged passport By Saad Al-Motesh KUWAIT: An attempt by a Syrian couple to leave the country using forged passports was foiled by the vigilance of Acting nce upon a time, a certain group of Interior Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for border security people owned a camel and a donkey Maj Gen Faisal Al-Sinen. An employee at the airport passports Oand used to overwork them without department who was supposed to help the couple leave was providing them with proper nourishment, so also sent to the public prosecution. A security source said information was received by Sinen on the attempt by a Syrian they both eventually became too weak to couple to leave the country after making an agreement with work. Accordingly, the people set them free an employee to help them, so he ordered an investigation, and left them to go astray in the wild, feed- which led to discovering that the Syrian couple have residen- ing on whatever they could find here and cy permits on Bulgarian passports, who agreed with an there. The two animals accidently reached a employee to let them board a Kuwait Airways to London very leafy area with plenty of water in it and using two forged Spanish passports. The employee was arrest- decided to settle down there to live and feed ed red-handed along with the couple. for the rest of their lives. The two friends lived happily ever after, Hashish seized where they became healthier now that they Abdaly customs officers arrested a truck driver as he had enough to eat without having to do any attempted to get rid of six kilograms of hashish he onerous or arduous work. One day, the don- threw behind the customs booth in Abdaly. A security source said customs officers discovered the hashish key told the camel that he wanted to sing. behind the cabin, so they went over a list of the trucks “Why would you want to sing?” the camel that went through and were able to identify the truck asked. “Now that I have experienced all life’s and arrest the driver. — Al-Rai joys, nothing is left but singing, and I want to enjoy it,” the donkey replied, thinking he had a nice voice. “Just remember the past old days when VIVA, Google launch we had to work hard every day to earn what ‘Direct Carrier Billing’ Al-Anbaa we ate and when people barely fed us until we almost starved to death. Now we are KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s more comfortable, satisfied and well-fed, and The capital of GCC heritage fastest-growing and most yet you want to attract those people’s atten- developed telecom oper- tion to our whereabouts by your singing? ator has launched the By Thaar Al-Rasheedi Direct Carrier Billing with May Allah protect us from your satiation!” Google. This significant said the camel. service allows VIVA’s post- Well, the donkey did not get the message ver since the Sabah Al-Ahmed Heritage This achievement and the idea leading to it paid and prepaid cus- (simply because he was a donkey) and start- Village opened, it has been remarkably and made it a cultural and heritage landmark in GCC tomers, holder of Android ed ‘singing’ loudly, which attracted the previ- Eamazingly developing. Its facilities have been states was established by men capable of turning devices, to purchase apps, ous owners who came over and found both evolving, expanding and gaining fame not only HH the Amir’s idea, as he was the one who ordered songs, games, movies and amongst Kuwaitis, but also amongst GCC nationals. building it, into a glorious fact and prestigious land- friends in very good health, so decided tak- books on Google Play Over the span of record time, the heritage village mark and eventually make it one of the largest and instantly, with no credit ing them back to be used in the same old turned from a mere geographic location accommo- most important cultural and heritage landmarks in cards required. All pur- way. “Damn you and your satiation!” the dating traditional celebrations and festivals into a all GCC states. chases will be charged camel said angrily to the donkey. (End of sto- historic cultural project and a local tourist attrac- I visited the village last year and on that first vis- directly to customers’ ry) tion. Despite being located far north, Kuwaiti and it, I recall meeting advisor Mohammed Dhaifallah monthly bills or prepaid accounts. Direct Carrier Billing is By writing this article, I do not intend to GCC families have been flocking to visit it as a Sharar during a luncheon held to honor the jury an easy, convenient and secure way to buy the Google Play be rude to anybody, but I am not responsible major tourist attraction besides malls, the Scientific panels, and I noticed that he discussed everything content without slowing down by having to provide any credit card information. if the story matches any real one of people Center, the Sailor’s Day village and the chalets. about the village and the competitions, the rules Carrier customers can opt in during the initial set up of a suffering now because of their ‘satiation’. It is Nobody would have imagined this remote bar- and their amendments. He listened to jury panel new Android device, when setting “My account” within the mere telepathy. Yet, my worst fear is that you ren spot to change into a cultural oasis that revives members with the ultimate goal of achieving Google Play Store or during their first purchase on Google might not find single person similar to our as well as renovates heritage and traditions. It was utmost transparency in those competitions. Play. Commenting on this exclusive service, Abdulrazaq ‘hero’, but I am sure you will find hundreds of the only in the Gulf to set rules for judges in camel It is with such methods, attendance and discus- Bader Al-Essa, Director of Corporate Communications singers. Long live the camels who read competitions, for instance, which was later on fol- sions made by Sharar that major promising ideas Division at VIVA, said: “We strive at VIVA to provide our cus- between the lines and down with those lowed in various other camel competitions. The vil- can be turned into reality. So, thanks to all those in tomers with the latest products and services, therefore we lage has become a remarkable Kuwaiti achieve- charge of the running the village that I expect to built this partnership with Google to come up with an wishing to sing and cause endless tragedies ment by all means and calls for pride that we, turn into the capital of GCC heritage, if this has not innovative service.” To know more about this service, please to their peaceful society! Kuwaitis, can still lead others. already happened. — Translated by Kuwait Times visit one of the 70 VIVA branches, or the VIVA website at —Translated by Kuwait Times www.viva.com.kw, or call VIVA’s 24 hour call center on 102.

KUWAIT: German Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth inaugurated the German ward at the Kuwait House for National Works. — Photos by Joseph Shagra TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Russia wants to Fiji cyclone toll hits 21 as tourists flee fly over US with advanced digicams Page 12 Page 9

QTAIFEH, Syria: Syrian volunteers take part in paramilitary training conducted by the Syrian army 50 km north of the capital Damascus yesterday. — AFP US, Russia announce Syria truce Ceasefire to go into effect on Saturday, Feb 27

BEIRUT: Washington and Moscow ing the agreement”. Riad Naasan Agha told AFP ing for a peaceful solution to the war are the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu made announced yesterday that a cessation of hos- that the HNC had discussed the ceasefire with same that continue to feed the military escala- a surprise visit to Tehran on Sunday, saying he Lebanon’s Hariri tilities in war-torn Syria will go into effect on the US special envoy to Syria Michael Ratney tion,” the 31-page report said. The HNC, meet- was delivering a “special message” from Putin Feb 27, as fierce clashes raged in the country’s on Monday, but would not comment on ing in Riyadh on Monday, has said any cease- to President Hassan Rouhani. urges Saudis not to north. The announcement comes just one whether it will agree to the proposal. fire must include provisions for Russia, Iran and Efforts have been intensifying to resolve day after the deadliest jihadist attack in the foreign militia forces that back the regime to Syria’s war - which has killed more than abandon country nearly five-year war, with 134 people - mostly Deadliest Attack in War stop fighting. IS on Sunday claimed responsi- 260,000 people, forced millions from their civilians - killed in a series of blasts near US President Barack Obama and Russian bility for two deadly attacks in regime-held homes and devastated the country - as the BEIRUT: Lebanese Sunni politician Saad Al-Hariri yesterday Damascus. In a joint statement, Russia and counterpart Vladimir Putin are set to speak “in areas, which a monitor said killed 134 people conflict approaches the five-year mark. The urged Saudi Arabia not to abandon Lebanon after it halted aid the United States said the cessation of hostili- the next days or so” on the terms of imple- near the Sayyida Zeinab shrine south of rise of IS, which has seized large parts of Syria to the army, reflecting concerns that Riyadh is reducing support ties would not apply to the Islamic State menting the agreement, according to US Damascus and at least 64 in the Al-Zahraa dis- and neighboring Iraq and become the preemi- for a country that has been an arena for its struggle with Iran. group (IS) or Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front. Secretary of State John Kerry. Announced by trict of Homs. The bombings near the shrine nent global jihadist group, has focused atten- Hariri’s direct appeal to King Salman reflects worries among The statement said other parties engaged top diplomats in Munich earlier this month, marked the deadliest jihadist attack since tion on the need for a solution. The group has Saudi Arabia’s allies in Lebanon that a major shift is under way in in fighting on the ground must indicate to the ceasefire failed to take hold by last Friday Syria’s conflict erupted in March 2011, said the used its ultra-radical view of Islam to justify its policy towards the country. Riyadh’s backing has been crucial Russia or the US whether they would take as initially planned. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a kidnapping minorities, including Assyrian to the decade-long struggle waged by Hariri and his allies part in the agreement by midday Damascus Part of a plan that also included expanded Britain-based monitoring group. Christians in northeast Syria. against the Iranian-backed Shiite group Hezbollah. time on Feb 26. It said the opposition and the humanitarian access, the proposal aims to Yesterday, IS released 42 Assyrians, the last The crisis came to a head last week when Saudi Arabia Syrian government must agree to allow pave the way for a resumption of peace talks Key Regime Road Cut remaining hostages from a wide-scale kidnap- decided to suspend its aid to the army in response to the “rapid, unhindered, and sustained” humani- that collapsed earlier this month in Geneva. Russia began air strikes in Syria last ping in the northeast province of Hasakeh Lebanese government’s failure to sign up to statements con- demning attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. tarian aid access and to cease all attacks - The talks had been scheduled to resume on September against what it said were “terror- nearly one year ago, the Assyrian Monitor for Reflecting deep differences among rival Lebanese politi- whether aerial bombardment or otherwise - Feb 25, but the UN Syria envoy has acknowl- ists”, but has been accused of bombing non- Human Rights said. But it also advanced cians, a government statement issued after a meeting of the on other parties to the agreement. edged that date is no longer realistic. On jihadist rebel forces in support of President against government forces in northern Aleppo national unity cabinet yesterday also fell short of condemn- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon wel- Monday, the UN commission of inquiry said Bashar Al-Assad, a longtime ally. Iran has sent province, cutting the only supply route linking ing them. Instead, it was left to Prime Minister Tammam comed the deal as a “long-awaited signal of civilians remain the “primary victims” in Syria’s military advisers to Syria and the Tehran- the west of Aleppo with other government- Salam to condemn them himself after reading the declara- hope”, and urged all sides to abide by it. A war and that accountability for war crimes backed Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah held territory, the Observatory said. Fierce tion. Hariri, who heads the Saudi-backed March 14 alliance, spokesman for the High Negotiations must be part of the peace process. has deployed at least 6,000 militants to fight clashes were raging in the area, and if govern- said Lebanon would “not be a protectorate for Iranian poli- Committee - the main grouping of opposition “Paradoxically, the international and alongside Assad’s forces. Iran would have to be ment forces are unable to recapture the road, cies in the region”. factions in Syria - said rebel groups were “study- regional stakeholders that are ostensibly push- on board for any ceasefire to work, and it could slow their offensive. — AFP “We are here to confirm in the loudest voice that nobody will be able to cancel Lebanon’s Arabness,” he said, making only his third visit to the country since the Hezbollah-dominated India divided as sedition row turns ugly March 8 alliance toppled his government in 2011. — Reuters

NEW DELHI: A bitter row over a student’s condemn the overreach of the state in the arrest for sedition at a prestigious Indian uni- recent incidents in a number of institutions versity has exposed deep divisions between and the attempts of the Hindu right to stifle liberal intellectuals and the nationalist gov- dissent and suppress differences,” said a state- ernment in the world’s biggest democracy. ment signed last week by 42 researchers and Student union leader Kanhaiya Kumar is faculty members from the leading Indian accused of shouting “anti-India slogans” dur- Institute of Technology Bombay. “The state ing a rally at Jawaharlal Nehru University cannot dictate on the many meanings of (JNU) in New Delhi to mark the anniversary of what it is to be ‘Indian’ or mandate the mean- the execution of a Kashmiri separatist leader. ing of ‘nationalism’.” Thousands of students and teachers have Since sweeping to power in 2014 general since protested around the country against elections with a landslide victory, Modi has his arrest, accusing Prime Minister Narendra worked relentlessly to restore India’s place in Modi’s Hindu nationalist government of mis- the world and boost national pride. The using the British-era sedition law to stifle dis- prime minister has carried out extensive for- sent. Modi’s ministers have stood firm, warn- eign outreach and promoted traditional ing of similar tough action against anyone Indian practices including yoga and engaging in “anti-national” behavior, while in Ayurvedic medicine. But critics say his efforts striking scenes, pro-government lawyers have emboldened hardline Hindu nationalists attacked Kumar at court and pelted journal- and fostered an atmosphere of intolerance. ists with stones. NEW DELHI: A picture taken on Feb 17, 2016 shows Indian activists shouting slogans A spate of violent attacks on secular intel- Academics and others fear Kumar’s arrest against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the late Kashmiri separatist lectuals and Muslims suspected of killing is politically motivated, part of a deliberate Mohammed Afzal Guru at a protest outside the university. — AFP cows, which Hindus consider sacred, have attempt to crack down on liberal activism at BJP,” said JNU’s Gulshan Sachdeva, referring to studies, told AFP. heightened the concerns. A flurry of writers JNU, seen as the heart of a proudly independ- Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Others warn Kumar’s arrest is the latest in have returned literary awards in protest, ent-minded, left-leaning intelligentsia. “In “They were looking for an excuse, it was a string of incidents on campuses around the accusing Modi’s government of failing to their minds, this was an anti-establishment intended to send a message,” Sachdeva, a country aimed at muzzling dissent by brand- speak out against instances of intolerance campus and ideologically opposed to the professor at JNU’s school of international ing them anti-Indian or anti-national. “We and rein in the hardliners. —AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Gaza women turning heads with bike rides

GAZA CITY: Four Palestinian women have more to do with traditional atti- friends joining her later. “We told our- have turned heads in the Islamist-run tudes than any new regulations. While selves: ‘When we were children, we loved Gaza Strip by doing what would pass Suleiman and her friends are voluntarily riding bicycles. Why not do it again?’” she unnoticed in many other places in the pedalling against the winds of conser- said. Sara Sleibi, 24, has also defied world: Riding their bicycles. The women vatism, others are bending some of the restrictions that some would like to are bucking tradition in the enclave hit old rules due to circumstances. The dev- impose in Gaza. Beyond tradition, a more by three wars since 2008 and under astation caused by war along with the radical strain of Islam has also taken root Israeli blockade. One of them says that blockade in place for nearly a decade there in the form of Salafist jihadists who beyond enjoying simply going for a ride, have led to an increasing number of sympathise with the Islamic State group. she also hopes to make a statement. women working to help feed their fami- Their movement, which has presented a Many people encourage and admire lies. significant though still limited challenge them, they say. Others however insult or to Hamas, has fed off young people’s resent the women in their 20s and 30s ‘I Don’t Pay Attention’ desperation in the enclosed and impov- because, in their view, they are violating Palestinian women have long played erished coastal enclave. When Sleibi Islamic decency. a role in the struggle for statehood, with takes her five-kilometre rides with her “For lots of people, when a woman some holding senior political and diplo- friends, all wearing leggings, jackets and does anything outside, it’s astonishing matic post. Others have even taken up trainers, she doesn’t hesitate to stop to and surprising,” said one of the four, 33- arms. But while nearly 60 percent of buy a bottle of water near a checkpoint year-old English teacher Amneh Palestinian graduates are women - run by Hamas security forces. She says Suleiman, sporting a black sweatsuit and counting both Gaza and the occupied they greet her with a smile, like some of matching hat. “For them, it goes against West Bank, which is run by the the drivers they pass, including those our traditions, but nothing in our religion Palestinian Authority - they represent who stop to watch them go. GAZA: (From left) Palestinians Amneh Salman, Sarah Sleibi, Nour Sleibi and prevents it.” She said that “those restric- only some 21 percent of the active labor Assalah Abu Sharkh cycling on a road in Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip tions must disappear and I am trying to force in Gaza. That amounts to one of the ‘Who Will Take Taxis?’ on Feb 19, 2016. — AFP send this message. Women play an active lowest rates in the world. “If all the girls start bicycling in Gaza, role in society and have the right to free- Official statistics show that more than who will take taxis?” jibes Ayman, a 25- two pictures on Facebook and we Sleibi said the rides are a way of exercis- dom.” With her friends Sara, Noor and two-thirds of the women who do not year-old taxi driver. Not everyone is so received around 40 comments - many ing and escaping the daily hassles of Assalah, Suleiman regularly wheels her work say they must devote themselves to welcoming, but Sleibi, who recruited her compliments and four insulting us,” she work and life. Neither she nor her friends blue bicycle out of her home in Jabalia being a housewife. For Suleiman, who 20-year-old sister Noor to join the rides, said. wanted to fire up any “social revolution”. refugee camp. moved with her family to Gaza in 1994 says she doesn’t let it bother her. “I don’t One said that it was “a great idea that But after several rides, they found that The Gaza Strip has been run by after having lived in Syria, leisure can pay attention,” she said. Suleiman said shows Gazan women at their best.” “people’s looks were positive” and she Islamist movement Hamas since 2007, represent freedom, which is why she “the insults are not a problem. It only Another, however, told them to “get back said the small group would be happy to but it seems objections to their rides began riding in December, with her three makes me sad for them”. “We put only in the house - it will be less shameful!” take on new members and grow. — AFP Saudis say war games will boost military ties RIYADH: The Middle East’s largest ever war Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia is concerned games are now underway and will boost by the growing regional clout of Shiite Iran, military cooperation between the 20 which has just emerged from years of inter- Muslim nations taking part, host country national economic sanctions following an Saudi Arabia said yesterday, as it seeks to international deal over its nuclear program. check the growing influence of arch rival Riyadh, which is contributing the bulk of Iran. The Northern Thunder exercises, the troops in the war games, is also worried which began on Feb 14 and will run until by the reduced regional role of its key ally, March 10, involve more than 150,000 the United States and is seeking to build troops from the Gulf Arab nations, Egypt, alternative military alliances as a counter- Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jordan, weight to Iran. Sudan and Senegal. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition of “The council of ministers ... expressed Muslim countries, backed by the United the hope that these exercises achieve what States, Britain and France, in a war in was defined as their goals in exchanging neighboring Yemen and says it will con- expertise and raising the level of military tribute troops if Washington leads land coordination,” Saudi Arabia’s cabinet said in operations against Islamic State in Syria. a statement. The statement also praised Its war in Yemen, aimed at restoring a gov- “the levels of preparedness and administra- ernment ousted by an Iran-allied militia, is tive and supply capabilities” shown by the part of a more assertive effort by Riyadh nations participating in Northern Thunder since last year to counter Tehran’s influ- exercises. ence. —Reuters Battle brews over site where Napoleon, Saladin fought

HORNS OF HITTIN: Saladin, Napoleon and the opposition Labour party, told AFP. “We now... Netanyahu? An Israeli government don’t want complaints that we are going to plan to build a new town near the site of a live on the land of people who have historic battle between crusaders and nowhere to live or were displaced from Muslim icon Saladin - and where Napoleon there.” Rafiq Halabi, council head at the also fought many years later - has itself country’s largest Druze village, Daliyat al- come under fire. Scholars, farmers and even Carmel, said: “It could have an impact on the members of the Druze minority meant to already sensitive relations between Druze benefit from the project have criticised the and Palestinians.” plan by Prime Minister Benjamin But Druze deputy minister Ayoob Kara, of Netanyahu’s government. Netanyahu’s Likud party, is an enthusiastic They say that the planned construction backer of the plan and says he wants to be of a Druze town on a Galilee hillside threat- among the first to invest in a building plot. “I TEHRAN: An Iranian woman walks past a mural bearing electoral posters of reformist candidate Kazem Jalali in downtown Tehran yesterday ens archaeological treasures and natural mean to live there and be the backbone of ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. —AFP landscape registered with UNESCO for possi- the community and to welcome there Druze ble future inclusion on its list of World army veterans and others who plan to live Heritage sites. Israel’s National Planning and there in the best of conditions,” he told AFP. Building Council approved it in January, with Officials say there are 110,000 Druze in Two Iran ex-presidents urge the government describing it as the first northern Israel. new town for members of the secretive off- Unlike other Arab citizens of Israel, they shoot of Shiism since the Jewish state was are obliged by law along with the country’s voters to back moderate bloc established in 1948. Jewish population to perform three years of “I ascribe great importance to the estab- military service. Another challenge to the lishment of a new Druze town that will government’s blueprint for the site is its advance the Druze sector,” Netanyahu said in close proximity to the twin peaks known as Reformists urged to turn out in large numbers a statement. There is across-the-board the Horns of Hittin, scene of a decisive 12th- agreement that existing Druze towns and century clash between European crusaders TEHRAN: Iran’s former president Mohammad He was referring to incumbent Hassan suggest that all blocs agree to present the list villages are cramped and lack infrastructure. and the forces of Muslim leader Saladin. The Khatami and his predecessor have urged vot- Rouhani’s 2013 presidential election victory as the list of hope to the people,” he said. But some leading Druze say that the pro- battle in July 1187 ended in the defeat and ers to back reformists and moderates in Friday which led to a nuclear deal that ended a 13- The message was simultaneously distrib- posed site, about 300 m above the Sea of capture of crusader king Guy de Lusignan by elections, saying a big turnout is needed to year standoff with world powers. In this uted on the smart phone messaging app, Galilee and the lakeside town of Tiberias, is Saladin, and was the beginning of the end stop hardline conservatives. Khatami, who is week’s election, Rouhani is looking to over- Telegram. Khatami said voters should also unsuited to their needs and could sour their of the crusader kingdom of Jerusalem. relations with the Palestinians. subject to a domestic media ban because of turn the majority in parliament of conserva- support lists headed by Rouhani and former Although initial plans call for construc- ‘Lord of the Muslim world’ his support for defeated reformist leaders in a tives who resisted the nuclear deal and have president Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani tion of 400 housing units, an expected sec- “On the horns of Hittin the greatest army disputed 2009 presidential election, took to also opposed his broader outreach to the in the second election taking place Friday, ond-stage expansion to 2,500 homes would that the kingdom had ever amassed was YouTube late Sunday to send a message to West. Despite the ban on use of his image or that of the country’s Assembly of Experts. A mean building on fields formerly farmed by annihilated,” historian Steven Runciman voters. “After the successful first step in 2013, words in Iran’s print and broadcast media, powerful committee of 88 clerics, the assem- residents of the nearby Palestinian villages writes in his three-volume history of the cru- this coalition should take the second step for Khatami, who served as president from 1997 bly oversees the work of supreme leader of Hittin and Namarin. They became sades. “The victor was lord of the whole the Majlis (parliament),” he said in a four- to 2005, remains an important figure in the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is tasked with refugees in 1948 during the fighting which Muslim world.” In October of the same year, minute video, dubbing a joint ticket of pro-Rouhani coalition, the Alliance of electing his successor, should he die during its accompanied Israel’s declaration of inde- Saladin took Jerusalem, ending 88 years of reformists and moderates as “a list of hope”. Reformists and Government Supporters. “I eight-year term. “Those who are concerned pendence. crusader rule. Genadiy Nizhnik-Kolomiychuk about the country’s interests, progress and of the Jerusalem Kingdom Club, which removal of threats and limitations should vote ‘No Druze Will Agree’ stages annual historical reenactments of the for all individuals on both lists,” Khatami said. “There is no Druze who will agree to live battle, says that not only the Hittin national Riyadh tries 32 from “I repeat, for all individuals on both lists... and on somebody else’s land,” Druze politician park but the whole surrounding area is a site take a step to secure the country’s dignity, Saleh Tarif, a former cabinet minister from of major historical interest.—AFP strengthen its security and stability and Iran-linked ‘spy’ ring improve the reform of its affairs.” In a barely veiled dig at hardliners, RIYADH: Thirty Saudis from a Shiite-majority to commit sabotage, tried to recruit moles in Khatami’s predecessor, Rafsanjani, said the region of the kingdom have gone on trial for government departments to send coded elections were “a valuable opportunity to pre- allegedly spying for Iran, local media reported information, and supported “riots” in Qatif, the vent institutionalization of political radicalism yesterday. An Iranian and an Afghan are also reports said. They added that some suspects and religious extremism in society.” Voters’ accused, the reports said. The allegations met Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali support for moderates would “prove to the come after Saudi Arabia and some of its allies Khamenei. world” that rather than the “extremism of a cut diplomatic ties with Tehran in January dur- The executed Shiite cleric Nimr was a driv- limited group” the true Islam “avoids war and ing a crisis between the regional rivals. The ing force behind protests that began in 2011 bloodshed in favor of kindness, peace and decision came after demonstrators burned among the kingdom’s minority Shiites. Those brotherhood,” said Rafsanjani, who was presi- the Saudi embassy in Tehran and a consulate protests later developed into a call for equali- dent from 1989 to 1997. in Iran’s second city of Mashhad to protest the ty in the kingdom where Shiites complain of Rouhani’s victory in 2013 was made possi- Saudi execution of Shiite cleric Nimr Al-Nimr, a marginalization. Saudi Arabia alleges that Iran ble after he won backing from Khatami and native of the Qatif area. has a 37-year record of spreading “sedition, Rafsanjani and the three are increasingly seen The trials are taking place before a special unrest and chaos” in the region. During an as allies. Iran’s conservatives have had a low- criminal court in Riyadh, the Saudi Gazette interview last week with AFP, Foreign Minister key campaign so far but they will hold a major and Al-Arabiya news channel’s website report- Adel Al-Jubeir accused “elements of the rally today. Conservative media outlets have ed. The 32 suspects allegedly committed high Iranian regime” of complicity in the January accused Britain of “interfering in Iran’s internal treason against the Sunni-dominated king- attacks on Saudi diplomatic facilities. He affairs”, charging that the BBC’s Persian service dom by collaborating with Iranian intelli- alleged Iran has “spy cells... that are conduct- has attempted to sway voters in favor of the KEFAR HITTIM: A picture taken on Jan 28, 2016 shows an antelope running in this gence. They divulged defence secrets, sought ing sabotage operations or terrorism”. — AFP reformists. — AFP area in the Galilee where the Israeli government plans to build a new town near this historic site. — AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Rubio, Cruz jostle for ‘alternative-to-Trump’ vote

FRANKLIN, Tennessee: Republicans forward scenarios after complete but strong showing on Super Tuesday, and Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz battled to unofficial returns in South Carolina put that Texas was “clearly the crown jewel” of emerge as the true anti-Trump on Sunday Trump way up top, with Rubio squeaking that day. Rubio, a Florida senator, high- as the billionaire businessman took an past Cruz for second. But with roughly 70 lighted the big delegate take available in ever-so-brief break from his trademark percent of Republicans in national polls the five-state round of voting on March braggadocio to say his drive for the GOP declining to back Trump, Cruz and Rubio 15, which includes his home state. He not- nomination isn’t unstoppable - yet. Fresh tried to cast themselves as the one candi- ed that round offers victors a “winner- off a commanding victory in South date around whom what Rubio calls the take-all” share of delegates rather a pro- Carolina, Donald Trump declined to say “alternative-to-Donald-Trump vote” can portional share. Cruz scoffed at Rubio’s the nomination was his to lose. But he coalesce. strategy, saying: “They’re trying to wait quickly went on to declare, “I’m really on Rubio also took an aggressive run at until March 15 to win a state.” my way.” Soon enough, in a television Trump, faulting him for a lack of specifics Trump suddenly had nice things to say interview, he was toting up electoral math on policy. “If you’re running for president about Bush, the candidate he had ham- all the way through Election Day and con- of the United States, you can’t just tell mered so relentlessly when they were rivals. cluding, “I’m going to win.” people you’re going to make America As for Rubio, Trump told “Fox News Sunday” The candidates’ diverging flight plans great again,” he said on CBS’ “Face the that “I start off liking everybody. Then, all of demonstrated how the campaign spreads Nation.” At a later rally in Franklin, a sudden, they become mortal enemies.” At out and speeds up now. Nevada’s GOP Tennessee, a Nashville suburb, Rubio took a rowdy Atlanta rally, Trump crowed over caucuses are today, and then a dozen note of the smaller GOP field after Jeb his big South Carolina win, saying “we’re states vote in the March 1 Super Tuesday Bush’s departure from the race, and cele- just doing one after another.” Spitting out bonanza. Trump was in Georgia exulting brated his biggest crowd of the cam- the superlatives, he called his sweep of all over his latest victory, Cruz headed for paign, estimated at more than 3,000 peo- 50 delegates there “amazing,” “beautiful,” Nevada, and Rubio embarked on a ple. Rubio avoided criticizing his GOP “conclusive” and “very, very decisive.” Tennessee-Arkansas-Nevada trifecta. rivals, instead highlighting his efforts to Clinton was happy with her Nevada On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton help middle-class families. win but acknowledged she has work to savored her weekend win in the Nevada Cruz, for his part, stressed his conserva- do in persuading voters that she has their caucuses as Bernie Sanders acknowl- tive bona fides and said he was the lone best interests at heart. “I think there’s an edged that while his insurgent campaign “strong conservative in this race who can ATLANTA: Audience members cheer as Republican presidential candidate Donald underlying question that maybe is really has made strides, “at the end of the day ... win. We see conservatives continuing to Trump signs autographs at a campaign event on Sunday. — AP in the back of people’s minds and that is, you need delegates.” He looked past unite behind our campaign,” he told NBC’s Ben Carson folded as well. He hinted it Cruz tried to brush right past his you know, is she in it for us or is she in it Saturday’s Democratic primary in South “Meet the Press”. With Bush gone from the would be better to get that winnowing apparent third-place finish in South for herself?” Clinton said on CNN. “I think Carolina to list Colorado, Minnesota, race, Rubio was hoping to pick off past over with, saying, “the sooner we can coa- Carolina and instead hark back to his vic- that is a question that people are trying to Massachusetts and Oklahoma as places donors to the Bush campaign and looking lesce, the better we’re going to be as a tory over Trump in leadoff Iowa. “It is sort through.” Working to increase his sup- where he has a “good shot” to do well. to benefit as well from a cessation in the party in general”. Not so fast, Kasich coun- becoming clearer and clearer that we are port among black voters, Sanders visited a millions of dollars in negative ads run by tered. “We’re getting big crowds every- the one campaign who can beat Donald Baptist church luncheon following servic- Rosy Scenarios the Bush campaign and its allies. where we go,” the Ohio governor insisted, Trump,” Cruz told reporters before a cam- es in West Columbia, South Carolina, and Rubio and Cruz used the Sunday Rubio also suggested it was only a listing Vermont, Massachusetts and paign stop in rural Nevada. The Texas sen- talked up the country’s economic recov- morning news shows to spin rosy-road- matter of time before John Kasich and Virginia as places he can shine. ator said his path to victory calls for a ery under President Barack Obama. — AP Russia wants to fly over US with advanced digital cams US intelligence, military officials concerned

WASHINGTON: Russia was to ask per- Foreign Affairs and Armed Services mission yesterday to start flying sur- committees in December. “So one of veillance planes equipped with high- the advantages with the Open Skies powered digital cameras amid warn- Treaty is that we know exactly what ings from US intelligence and military the Russians are imaging, because officials that such overflights help they must share the imagery with us.” Moscow collect intelligence on the United States. Russia and the United Serious Concern States are signatories to the Open Still, military and intelligence offi- Skies Treaty, which allows unarmed cials have expressed serious concern. observation flights over the entire ter- “The open skies construct was ritory of all 34 member nations to fos- designed for a different era,” Lt Gen LA PAZ: A Bolivian with his dog casts his vote on Sunday. — AFP ter transparency about military activi- Vincent Stewart, director of the ty and help monitor arms control and Defense Intelligence Agency, told law- Morales hopes late ballots other agreements. Senior intelligence makers when asked about the Russian and military officials, however, worry overflights during a congressional that Russia is taking advantage of hearing. “I’m very concerned about will result in vote victory technological advances to violate the how it’s applied today.” Robert Work, spirit of the treaty. deputy secretary of defense, told LA PAZ: President Evo Morales held out hope political opposition remains divided. “They do Russia will formally ask the Open Congress: “We think that they’re going yesterday that late returns from a referendum not have a single candidate,” Komadina said. Skies Consultative Commission, based MOSCOW: In this Dec 17, 2015 file photo, Russian President Vladimir beyond the original intent of the on changing Bolivia’s constitution would turn As a group they have “disparate leaderships in Vienna, to be allowed to fly an air- Putin speaks during his annual end of year news conference. — AP treaty and we continue to look at this in his favor despite media projections to the and political ideologies.” craft equipped with high-tech sensors collection capability directed at the because he wasn’t authorized to dis- very, very closely.” contrary. Voters on Sunday had their say on a over the United States, according to a United States,” Adm Cecil D Haney, cuss the issue publicly. Steve Rademaker, former assistant constitutional amendment that would let the A Longer Morales Era? senior congressional staffer, who spoke commander of the US Strategic The official also said that the treaty, secretary of state for the bureau of leftist president seek another five-year term in In January Morales became the longest on condition of anonymity because the Command, wrote in a letter earlier this which was entered into force in 2002, arms control and the bureau of inter- office when his current one ends in 2020. He serving president since Bolivia’s independ- staff member wasn’t authorized to dis- year to Rep Mike Rogers, chairman of establishes procedures for certifying national security and nonproliferation, has been in power since 2006. According to ence from Spain in 1825 - a rare accomplish- cuss the issue publicly. a House subcommittee on strategic digital sensors to confirm that they are told Congress at a hearing on security media projections, Morales lost the referen- ment in a country known for military coups The request will put the Obama forces. “In addition to overflying mili- compliant with treaty requirements. cooperation in Europe in October that dum: Unofficial figures cited on private ATB and shaky, short-lived governments. Now 56, administration in the position of hav- tary installations, Russian Open Skies The official said all signatories to the Russia complies with the Open Skies television said that the “No” vote had 52.3 per- Morales is also Bolivia’s first democratically ing to decide whether to let Russia flights can overfly and collect on treaty agree that “transition from film Treaty, but has “adopted a number of cent to 47.7 percent, while Unitel television elected president of indigenous heritage. He use the high-powered equipment on Department of Defense and national cameras to digital sensors is required measures that are inconsistent with gave the “No” vote as 51 percent to 49 percent. has overseen robust economic growth in its surveillance planes at a time security or national critical infrastruc- for the long-term viability of the the spirt” of the accord. However Vice President Alvaro Garcia said Bolivia, but opponents accuse him of presid- when Moscow, according to the lat- ture,” Haney said. “The vulnerability treaty”. In December, Rose The treaty, for instance, obligates that count was based on returns in urban ing over corruption and investing in flashy est State Department compliance exposed by exploitation of this data Gottemoeller, undersecretary of state each member to make all of its territo- areas, and votes were still trickling in from infrastructure projects at the expense of report, is failing to meet all its obliga- and costs of mitigation are increasing- for arms control and international ry available for aerial observation, yet rural areas where Morales has strong support. health and education. Since first taking office, tions under the treaty. And it comes ly difficult to characterize.” security, sought to temper concerns Russia has imposed restrictions on Ballots cast by Bolivians living abroad - espe- he has been handily re-elected twice, most at one of the most tension-filled A State Department official said about Russian overflights, saying that surveillance over Moscow and cially those in Argentina and Brazil - also recently in 2014 to a five-year term that ends times in US-Russia relations since the Sunday that treaty nations had not yet what Moscow gains from the observa- Chechnya and near Abkhazia and needed to be counted. “We are facing a very in 2020. Under the current constitution adopt- end of the Cold War, with the two received notice of the Russian request, tion flights is “incremental” to what South Ossetia, he said. Russian restric- clear technical tie, and it is highly probable ed in 2009, sitting presidents can only seek re- countries at odds over Russian activi- but that certification of the Russian they collect through other means. tions also make it hard to conduct that these figures will drastically change” as election once. But Bolivia’s Supreme Court ty in Ukraine and Syria. plane with a “digital electro-optical “One of the advantages of the Open observation in the Kaliningrad the official count proceeds, Garcia said, signal- ruled that Morales’s first term was exempt sensor” could not occur until this sum- Skies Treaty is that information - enclave, said Rademaker, who ing that media projections could be wrong. from the rule, allowing him to run again in Vulnerability mer because the treaty requires a 120- imagery - that is taken is shared open- believes Russia is “selectively imple- “So it would be better to hold your enthusi- 2014. Morales’s politics blend the indigenous “The treaty has become a critical day advance notification. The official ly among all the treaty parties,” she menting” the treaty “in a way that suits asm and calmly wait for results,” Garcia told power movement with environmentalism and component of Russia’s intelligence spoke on condition of anonymity said at a joint hearing of the House its interests.” — AP reporters. “All your celebration may well turn the “21st-century socialism” preached by other into weeping.” Garcia said that Morales was Latin American leftist leaders. closely monitoring the outcome. He has nationalized the oil, gas, mining Opposition figures however were celebrat- and telecommunications sectors and rolled Uber driver faces murder ing based on the media projections. “Bolivia out welfare grants for the elderly, children, said no!” declared Santa Cruz Governor Ruben and expecting mothers. Bolivia’s mineral- and Costas. Samuel Doria Medina - defeated twice gas-rich economy has more than tripled in by Morales in presidential elections - said the size during his decade in office. Despite charges after US rampage vote “buried” plans to have single party rule in plunging prices for its oil and gas, Bolivia’s Bolivia. Analyst Jorge Komadina noted that, economy grew 4.8 percent last year, one of while Morales may be losing support, his the strongest rates in Latin America. —AFP CHICAGO: An Uber driver who may have picked up ing and second shooting and third shooting we will driving through the lawn, speeding along and when fares during a weekend killing spree was headed to certainly understand where he traveled to and we came to a stop, I jumped out the car and ran court yesterday to face charges of murdering six maybe lead us to other sources of information,” away,” Matt Mellen told CBS affiliate WWMT. Mellen people in the northern state of Michigan. Hadley said in a CNN interview. said he escaped at 4:30 pm, and called the emer- Sweep targets Odebrecht, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said local One passenger has described being taken on a gency phone number 911. He told his fiancee what law enforcement agencies were still assessing all the wild ride by Dalton a couple of hours before the had happened and she posted Dalton’s picture on Rousseff campaign chief crimes 45-year-old Jason Brian Dalton will be rampage began. “We were driving through medians, Facebook as a warning to others. —AFP charged with at an arraignment later in the day. “I SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO: Federal the scandal but has seen her popularity. anticipate out of that review will come six counts of investigators yesterday launched a round The former ruling Workers’ Party Treasurer murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit of arrests and raids targeting the manager and a top aide to former President Luiz murder, and eight charges of what we call felony of President Dilma Rousseff’s election cam- Inacio Lula da Silva have also been arrested. firearm, using a firearm during the commission of a paigns and Brazil’s largest engineering Police said they had court orders for eight felony,” Getting told CNN yesterday. “Murder charges group in the latest stage of the nation’s arrests without giving names in the ongo- carry life in prison without the possibility of parole. biggest corruption probe. Prosecutors said ing “Operations Car Wash” corruption inves- The others, life sentence with parole.” in a statement they were also looking into tigation that started nearly two years ago. Uber confirmed that Dalton was a driver for the possible bribes paid off contracts signed by Brazilian engineering giant Odebrecht ride-sharing company, adding he had passed a state-run oil company Petrobras and ship- SA, one of the main companies at the cen- background check and had no criminal record. “We builder Sete Brasil with Keppel Fels, the ter of the scandal, said its offices in Sao have reached out to the police to help with their Brazil unit of Singapore’s oil rig builder Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and in Salvador were investigation in any way that we can,” Uber’s chief Keppel Corporation Ltd. searched by police and that it would col- security officer, Joe Sullivan, said Sunday in a state- The statement said Joao Santana, laborate with authorities. ment. Uber’s tracking system would show the loca- Rousseff’s campaign manager, was sus- Prosecutors said the 23rd phase of the tion of Dalton’s vehicle during the chain of shoot- pected of receiving bribes in offshore two-year-old investigation had brought ings Saturday night that left six people dead and accounts. TV station O Globo said he was more incriminating evidence against two seriously wounded at three different locations, currently out of the country. Santana and Marcelo Odebrecht, the former CEO of the officials said. his lawyer could not immediately be engineering group who has been jailed since A woman was seriously wounded outside an reached for comment. Nicknamed the June. Keppel Corporation said in October it apartment complex, two people were killed at a car “maker of presidents”, Santana, 63, also may face an investigation into deals with dealership, and four more were shot dead at a advised Rousseff’s predecessor Luiz Inacio Petrobras and Sete Brasil. A spokesperson for restaurant, where a 14-year-old girl was also serious- Lula da Silva and late Venezuelan President Keppel in Brazil strongly rejected any allega- ly wounded. Hugo Chavez in his re-election bid in 2012. tions of bribery. More than 300 officers con- Kalamazoo’s public security chief, Jeffrey Hadley, His involvement in the investigation is a ducted searches and arrests in the cities of said police were looking into reports Dalton picked further blow to embattled President Dilma Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, the up fares between shootings. “I think as soon as we Rousseff, who is not being investigated in federal police said. —Reuters are able to latch on to the information in terms of his KALAMAZOO, Michigan: People gather and pray at Center Point Church following a mass whereabouts in between the first and second shoot- shooting on Sunday — AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Ugandan oppn leader arrested as election outcry grows

KAMPALA: Police arrested Uganda’s main But Ingrid Turinawe, a senior FDC official, lectures from anybody,” Museveni told opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, for the said Besigye was attempting to gather evi- reporters in his country home in Kiruhura, fourth time in eight days yesterday, after an dence as part of his challenging of the elec- southwestern Uganda. Museveni last election that the United States and tion result. clashed with Western donors in 2014, when European Union have criticised and the A second FDC official said that police Uganda passed a law that imposes harsh opposition reject as fraudulent. had raided party headquarters, confiscating penalties on homosexuality. In response, Police also stormed Besigye’s Forum for documents and arresting eight people. donors cut aid, but largely restored it later Democratic Change (FDC) party headquar- Museveni has presided over strong eco- when the law was repealed by a Ugandan ters and arrested eight people, one member nomic growth but is accused at home and court. said, two days after President Yoweri abroad of repression of dissent and failing Questions about the election’s fairness Museveni, 71 and in power for 30 years, was to tackle rampant corruption. puts Western donors in an awkward posi- declared the winner of the Feb. 18 vote. Critics say he wants to rule for life, emu- tion: Museveni, an important ally in the The EU observer mission said the vote lating other African leaders who refuse to region, is leading mediation to end conflict had been conducted in an “intimidating” give up power. in Burundi and contributes 5,000 Ugandan atmosphere and United States has voiced On Friday, US Secretary of State John troops to the African Union force in Somalia concerns about the frequent arrests of Kerry called Museveni to voice concern over that has brought a measure of stability to Besigye. the harassment of opposition figures and the country. Stephanie Wolters, an analyst at Police said they detained Besigye as he the shutdown of social media in Uganda, the Institute for Security Studies, said of the was preparing to lead supporters to the where Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp criticism from Western powers was “the kind Electoral Commission headquarters in the were blocked on election day. of stuff that the international community capital Kampala to collect the official results, Museveni said he told Kerry “not to wor- has to say”. and that he had not obtained government ry” about Uganda’s election and dismissed “I don’t think it’s going to translate into KAMPALA: A Ugandan riot policeman blocks the gate of the party consent. “We have arrested people who are EU accusations that electoral commission longer-term criticism of the Museveni gov- headquarters of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, shortly after raiding planning to cause violence in Kampala city had favoured him and his National ernment, or any kind of significant shift in the premises for the second time in a week, in the capital Kampala centre,” police spokesman, Patrick Onyango, Resistance Movement (NRM). how donors interact with that country,” she yesterday. —AP said. “I told those Europeans ... I don’t need said. —Reuters Cameron tries to sell EU deal after mayor backs Brexit PM to update lawmakers l Business leaders to support staying in

LONDON: Prime Minister David Cameron will try to ent sides of the argument,” his spokeswoman said. been dogged by splits between factions and lacked a sell his case for Britain staying in the European Union “Our message to everyone-bearing in mind that it uniting political figure to spread its message that to parliament yesterday facing hostility from his own is people up and down the country that will have a Britain needs to regain its sovereignty. “I’m delighted lawmakers and a plunging pound after London’s vote in this referendum rather than just one individ- that he’s come out for leaving the European Union,” mayor threw his support behind the exit campaign. ual-is that we want Britain to have the best of both former finance minister and chairman of the Vote Boris Johnson, one of Britain’s most popular politi- worlds.” Leave campaign Nigel Lawson told BBC radio. “He is a cians, announced on Sunday he supported leaving Johnson, who has held his post as London mayor superb campaigner so he’s a great asset.” the bloc, dealing a blow to Cameron who vowed to since 2008, defended his decision to go against his Odds of a British exit rose to a 33 percent chance campaign to stay in after striking a deal to reform sometime ally, saying those who suggested Britain from about 29 percent after his announcement, Britain’s ties with the EU last week. The mayor’s could not thrive outside the EU were the same people according to bookmakers. announcement, seen as increasing the chance of a who wanted the country to make the “catastrophic British EU exit by giving the ‘leave’ campaign a much- mistake” of joining the euro single currency. “There DE FACTO LEADER needed figurehead, pushed sterling towards its are people who don’t think that Britain could stand While Cameron’s most senior cabinet colleagues biggest loss in almost six years against the dollar on on her very own two feet and all the rest of it. I have have stuck with him, six others have said they will Monday. Government bond prices also fell. to say I think that is profoundly wrong,” Johnson told campaign for an exit, highlighting the deep divide in Refugees from Afghanistan protest against the closure of the Greek-Macedonian Cameron shrugged off Johnson’s statement, say- the London Assembly, the elected body which holds his Conservative Party over Europe dating back to border near the village of Idomeni, northern Greece, yesterday. —AFP ing the issue of EU membership cut through usual the mayor to account. Margaret Thatcher. The scale of divisions should party political lines. “The prime minister has been His decision to lobby against Cameron was wel- become clear later on Monday when Cameron, who Tackling migrant smuggling clear all along there will be different views on differ- comed by leaders of the ‘leave’ campaign, which has hailed Friday’s agreement as handing Britain a special status in the bloc, is due to make a statement to law- a ‘key priority,’ says Europol makers.But while many Conservatives may have turned against the deal, the prime minister was due to receive a boost from business leaders who were set THE HAGUE: Europe’s police agency said added. Europol currently has intelligence to sign a letter saying the country would be better off yesterday it has made fighting migrant on more than 40,000 individuals suspect- in the bloc. Several corporate sources told Reuters the smuggling a “key priority” as it launched ed of being involved in migrant smug- letter would be published on Tuesday. a new centre to help tackle the conti- gling and the agency has assisted in Many businesses are keen to end the uncertainty nent’s worst migrant crisis in 60 years. 1,551 investigations. Suspects were from that has weighed on markets and companies scram- Rough estimates show criminal gangs more than 100 countries, but mainly bling to come up with a ‘plan B’ if Britain votes to generating between three and six billion from Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, leave the bloc-a move that would transform the euros ($3.2 billion-$6.6 billion) in people Kosovo, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, country’s role in world trade. smuggling rackets last year, Europol Serbia, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. The Cameron’s bid to remain in the EU also has the reported at the opening of its new EMSC will see a team of migration and support of much of London’s financial district as well European Migrant Smuggling Centre crime specialist focus in particular on as most of the Labour Party, major trade unions, inter- (EMSC) in The Hague. two regional “hotspots”-Catania in Sicily national allies and Scottish nationalists. Johnson, 51, a “The turnover is set to double or triple and Piraeus in Greece. political showman whose light-hearted wit masks a if the scale of the current migration crisis “The aim of the regional hotspots is to fierce ambition, said on Sunday he did not want to go persists in the upcoming year,” Europol’s assist national authorities in the field of against the prime minister but believed the EU proj- director Rob Wainwright warned. Latest identification, asylum support, intelli- ect was in danger of getting out of democratic con- figures show tens of thousands of gence sharing, criminal investigations trol. That led some commentators to question whether his stance is a designed to attract wide- migrants have already crossed Europe’s and the prosecution of criminal networks spread eurosceptic support among Conservatives in a borders since the start of the year. of people smugglers,” Wainwright said. bid to succeed Cameron, who has said he will step Europol has therefore “made migrant The flow of refugees and migrants, which down before the next election in 2020. A British exit smuggling one of its key priorities”, last year reached levels over one million from the EU would rock the Union-already shaken by Wainwright said. people, shows no signs of slowing. differences over migration and the future of the euro- The EMSC will help EU member states Fabrice Leggeri, head of EU border trace and arrest the organised gangs agency Frontex, last week warned that LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron leaves 10 Downing Street in central zone-by ripping away its second-largest economy, behind the smuggling. the bloc should brace for another London yesterday ahead of giving a European Council Statement to parliament. —AFP one of its top two military powers and by far its rich- est financial centre. —Reuters Almost 90 percent of the more than charged year in 2016, telling AFP there one million migrants who illegally had already been 140,000 illegal border entered the EU last year used a “facilita- crossings. tion service” to get to Europe, “The fight against migrant smuggling Europeans see something Wainwright said. “In most cases, these is a key priority for the EU in addressing services were offered and provided by the refugee crisis,” added Dimitris criminal groups... making substantial Avramopoulos, the EU’s Commissioner familiar in odd US race profits from migrant smuggling,” he for Migration. —AFP

LONDON: With its red, white and blue banners, “When we hear Trump, it really sounds like setting off alarm bells because his views are Woman on trial in South patriotic slogans and ubiquitous country Kaczynski,” says Kucharczyk. In both Europe similar to those expressed by left-wing politi- songs, the presidential campaign marching and the US, extremist attacks also have under- cians in Europe for generations. African baby-snatching case through South Carolina and Nevada seems like mined the sense of security, heightening fears Indeed, some trace the roots of his socialism an all-American affair. But it holds familiar of outsiders. to the world his Jewish father inhabited in CAPE TOWN: A woman charged with 19th birthday after reportedly being overtones for Europeans watching anxiously Attacks have been far more frequent and Poland before he left for the United States and stealing a newborn baby 18 years ago raised with love and kindness by the from abroad. lethal in Europe, which is relatively close to the settled in Brooklyn in 1921. Sanders’ call for appeared briefly in a South African accused woman and her husband, Donald Trump - his bombast distinctly Islamic State group’s bases in Syria and Iraq. And free college tuition at public colleges and uni- court yesterday, in a case that came to who she believed were her real par- American - sometimes takes a nationalist Europe has been rattled by the arrival last year of versities, for example, puts him squarely in line light only when school pupils noticed ents. Her whereabouts have been kept stance that sounds a lot like the “blame the more than 1 million immigrants, many fleeing with policies already in effect in a number of a startling resemblance between a stu- secret since she requested protection immigrant” approach used by a growing cadre Middle East conflict. But the December attacks prosperous European countries including dent and a new girl. from the media storm over the case, a of European politicians as the continent deals that killed 14 people in San Bernardino, Sweden and Norway. The case in the Cape Town High spokesman for the social services with unprecedented waves of immigration and California, had a noticeable impact on the His attacks on Wall Street and its bankers Court was postponed until Tuesday by department told AFP. Islamic extremism. American psyche. It may have caused a bump in would also get a careful hearing in Europe, Judge John Hlophe after prosecutors The accused woman cannot be On the left, Bernie Sanders espouses support for Trump, just as backing for anti-Islamic where even the rightist Law and Justice Party said they needed time to formalise named, as that would reveal Scandinavian-style “democratic socialism” that European lawmakers like the Netherlands’ Geert in Poland has complained about inequality and agreements on a number of admis- Zephany’s identity after she was kid- sounds radical to some American ears. But it Wilders appears to have grown since the extrem- imposed new taxes on banks, with the same has long been part of the political mainstream ist attacks in Paris and elsewhere. medicine planned for large supermarkets. sions by the defence. The accused 50- napped. In a statement read on her in Europe, where socialist governments come There are parallels between Sanders’ bid for year-old woman has been on bail behalf by a lawyer shortly after and go without particular fanfare. The senti- Political correctness supremacy in the Democratic Party and Jeremy since March last year after Zephany discovered the truth about ment fueling the unexpected ascent of Trump Trump alarmed many overseas observers, Corbyn’s ultimately successful campaign for DNA tests confirmed that the new her past, she said: “I want to say thank and Sanders seems the same as the mood by classifying some Mexican immigrants as the top spot in Britain’s Labour Party even girl at the school and a 17-year-old you to all the people who supported powering trends in Europe: a flat-out, let’s- rapists and suggesting a temporary ban to though mainstream party leaders found him final-year student were in fact biologi- me through this, for continuously make-a-change rejection of the political elite. keep Muslims from entering the United States. too far to the left for their taste. Sanders’ rise cal sisters. The new girl was the daugh- praying and never giving up on look- Jacek Kucharczyk, president of the Institute Josef Braml, a specialist with the German has been cheered by European leftists includ- ter of Celeste and Morne Nurse, whose ing for me. of Public Affairs in Warsaw, says despite huge Council of Foreign Relations, says the ven- ing many in Scandinavia with deeply held anti- first child was snatched as a three-day- “Under the circumstances I am differences between politics in Europe and the omous attack style surfacing in the US primary American views, says Mads Fuglede, a Danish old baby named Zephany in April 1997 doing fine.” Her biological parents told United States the same sense of grievance and campaign is calculated to capitalize on anger historian and political commentator. from Cape Town’s Groote Schuur hos- reporters at the time that their joy at helplessness is driving people to extremes on with a political class that can no longer be pital. Police were alerted after finding her overwhelmed any desire the left and the right. counted on to provide security, job growth and Capitalist nightmare Zephany’s parents became convinced for revenge. He cites the Polish election in October that economic expansion. “They are saying, ‘To hell He says, “They see the US as a capitalist the older girl was their missing baby. The suspect reportedly had a series brought the anti-immigrant Law and Justice with political correctness, I’m telling you the nightmare, so when someone says they want party led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski to power. truth,’” he says. “That tells me they see political to make a revolution against free market capi- The parents looked on from the public of miscarriages before allegedly steal- “There is the same mistrust of the political correctness as the code of the elite. He sees talism, they embrace that, so he has a lot of gallery as the alleged kidnapper sat ing Zephany from the hospital. She mainstream. There is this lethal combination of resurgent nationalism, fed by fear of outsiders, fans.” emotionless in the dock. has been free on bail on condition that social economic uncertainties and identity in both the United States and in Europe, where What does all this say about Trump and Without knowing it, the Nurse fami- she does not contact potential state wars that are imposed on them,” he says. many felt it had faded as a political force. Sanders? ly had been living within a couple of witnesses-including her husband and Fear of mass immigration is a common Trump’s disparagement of Mexicans is similar “The two are really significantly different kilometres (miles) of their kidnapped Zephany. She faces a minimum of five denominator that was exploited by Kaczynski to the anti-Semitic views expressed by the but you can unite them by saying anti-elite daughter, while celebrating her birth- years in jail if convicted of kidnapping, in the final stages of his campaign - when he National Front in France, he says. sentiment coming from the left and from the day every year and never giving up but prosecutors had indicated earlier warned that the migrants arriving on Europe’s While Trump’s rise is surprising to many right is gaining ground,” said Dominique Moisi, hope of finding her. that they could be open to a plea bar- shores were carrying dangerous infectious dis- Europeans, the strong early performance by senior adviser to the French Institute of Zephany, who was renamed by her gain after consultations with both eases - and Trump is stoking somewhat similar Sanders in his bid to snatch the Democratic International Relations. “We have not seen that new family, is now approaching her sides. —AFP fears in the United States. Party nomination from Hillary Clinton is not in American elections before.” —AP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Indian troops kill 3 militants to end 3-day standoff SRINAGAR: Indian forces yesterday Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani said. Sunday and Monday to support the killed the last three militants who had During the day, the army said the rebels. Ignoring government orders to holed up for three days in a building in last holdout rebels had been cornered stay away from the site, they chanted India’s portion of Kashmir, the army in the building. “Our main purpose is to slogans against Indian rule in Kashmir. said, raising the standoff’s toll to nine make sure that we don’t have any more Government forces fired tear gas and dead. casualties,” Lt Gen Satish Kumar Dua, pellet guns, while the protesters threw The troops recovered a huge quanti- India’s top army officer in Kashmir, said rocks. Police said at least 15 protesters ty of arms and ammunition as they as the operations were ongoing. were hurt. secured each floor of the five-story gov- The militants had taken refuge in the Anti-India sentiment runs deep in ernment building, said Lt Gen. Arvind building after they fired automatic rifles the region, where rebel groups have Dutta, a senior army officer. Five sol- and ambushed a convoy of paramilitary been fighting since 1989 for either diers and one civilian had been killed soldiers Saturday. The rebels allowed independence or a merger with neigh- over the weekend. Loud explosions and more than 100 civilian government boring Pakistan. More than 68,000 peo- fierce exchange of gunfire rattled the employees to leave the building with- ple have been killed in the armed upris- building during the 50-hour standoff out any harm. ing and ensuing Indian military crack- that was the longest-running attack in Three members of the special forces, down. five years in the disputed Himalayan two army captains and a soldier, were India and Pakistan each administer a region’s main city of Srinagar or its out- killed in the standoff, along with two portion of Kashmir, but both claim the skirts. Fire was also seen in the building, paramilitary soldiers and a civilian. Himalayan region in its entirety. The but the flames subsided after a while. Thirteen paramilitary troops were rival nations have fought three wars, “The exchange of gunfire has ended. wounded. Hundreds of residents in the two of them over control of Kashmir, UDHAMPUR: The mother of Indian Army Captain Tushar Mahajan cries next the We’re now clearing the huge building Pampore area, where the militants had since they won independence from coffin of his son before performing last rites in Udhampur yesterday.—AP room by room,” senior police officer holed up, demonstrated on the streets British colonialists in 1947. —AP Taleban suicide bomber kills 13 in Afghanistan

KABUL: A suicide bomber targeting a Taleban control or threaten around a third police commander killed at least 13 people of Afghanistan, although they have so far yesterday, including nine civilians, in failed to take over any major provincial Afghanistan’s northern Parwan province, an centres apart from their brief capture of the official said. The attack happened near a northern city of Kunduz last year. clinic and a bazaar, said Gen. Zaman The Taliban are seeking to topple the Mamozai, the provincial police chief. Four Western-backed government in Kabul and local police were among those killed, and reimpose Islamic rule 15 years after they another 19 people, including 17 civilians, were ousted from power. Helmand, a major were wounded, he said. The police com- centre of opium production where thou- mander who was targeted in the attack was sands of British and American soldiers and among those wounded. marines struggled to subdue the Taliban, “Once again, a Taliban suicide bomber has been slipping out of government con- attacked innocent civilians,” Mamozai said, trol for months as the insurgents overrun adding that the bazaar was packed with much of the countryside outside a few dis- shoppers and that people were waiting trict centres. The latest move leaves securi- outside the clinic for treatment. The Taliban ty forces hanging on in the town of Sangin, claimed responsibility in an email sent to north of the main Highway One, as well as media. The UN’s mission in Afghanistan a number of other towns and district cen- reported earlier this month that most of tres including Gereshk, which lies on the the 11,000 civilians killed and wounded in highway and Marjah, close to Lashkar Gah. 2015 were the victims of insurgent attacks. “We have withdrawn our forces from A total of 3,545 civilians were killed last Nawzad and Musa Qala based on military year as a result of the war, the UN report plans,” said Mohammad Rasoul Zazai, a said, with another 7,457 wounded. spokesman for the 215th army Corps. The figures mark a 4 percent drop in “Currently for us Sangin, Marjah, Nad Ali civilian deaths from the previous year, but a and surrounding areas of Lashkar Gah and 9 percent rise in civilians wounded. Taliban Kabul-Herat highway are a priority. And we insurgents regularly target Afghan security put all our efforts in these places,” he said. forces, often killing civilians in the process. Helmand governor Merza Khan Rahimi also played down the decision to withdraw Afghan troops pull out from the two districts, which he said could Meanwhile, Afghan government forces be retaken at any time. “It is normal during NEW DELHI: Protestors of India’s Jat agricultural community block a highway linking New Delhi to Rohtak at Bahadurgarh, Haryana state, yes- have pulled out of a second district in fighting to move forward or retreat,” he terday.—AP Helmand, officials said yesterday, leaving said. “We are not concerned about this.” the Taleban in control of most of the north- The surprise withdrawals nonetheless ern part of the province after troops with- leave the Taleban poised to move on the drew from Musa Qala district last week. nearby Kajaki district, the site of a huge Deal reached to end Military and government officials said hydroelectric dam built with millions of the move had been made to concentrate dollars of US aid as part of a drive to pro- forces more effectively. But it raises ques- vide power to Helmand and neighboring tions over the ability of Afghan security Kandahar provinces. forces to take on Taleban militants who US Special Forces units have been in the Indian caste protests have stepped up their insurgency since the region to help train the Afghan army and withdrawal of international troops in 2014 hundreds more American troops were sent from most combat operations left them to reinforce security for the training mis- Delhi water crisis deepens as deadly protests hit key source fighting largely alone. sion. US Army Col. Michael Lawhorn, a Army and government officials said spokesman for NATO’s Resolute Support NEW DELHI: Members of a rural Indian caste will be completed by evening.” Thousands of caste violence that swept the western state of security forces had left Nawzad district, mission in Kabul, said the Afghan army was reached a deal late yesterday to end their troops had been deployed to Haryana on Gujarat last August, leaving several dead. That which borders Musa Qala, and would con- “making a tactical decision to reposition protests that paralysed the north Indian state of Saturday with orders to shoot on sight after state saw weeks of protests by the Patidar or centrate their strength on defending the forces to fight the Taliban more effectively”. Haryana and cut water supplies to Delhi’s 20 mil- week-long protests by members of the caste Patel caste, who demanded the same benefits area around the provincial capital Lashkar He added that the move would allow lion residents, a protest leader and a police turned violent, with rioters setting fire to homes offered to lower castes. Gah and the main highway between Kabul troops to be concentrated around fewer source said. A Jat community leader said pro- and railway stations and blocking highways. Haryana additional chief secretary P K Das and the western city of Herat. checkpoints, resulting in a more mobile testers had reached an accord with state and The protests eased on Sunday after said at least 19 people had died in the Haryana According to US estimates, the Islamist force. — Agencies federal leaders and would clear road blockades Haryana’s government agreed to the Jats’ violence, which also forced the cancellation or and end their agitation, in which 16 people have demand for preferential access to sought-after diversion of hundreds of trains in the state been killed and more than 150 injured. government jobs and university places under after stations were set on fire. One of India’s “The government has promised to meet our India’s caste-based quota system. largest carmakers, Maruti Suzuki, suspended Indian students wanted in demands and we have promised our full cooper- operations at its two Haryana plants after the ation,” Ramesh Dalal, convener of the Jat Rationing water supplies of components were disrupted. Das sedition case emerge from hiding Arakshan Andolan (Jat Reservation Movement), A representative of the Jats, traditional said most roads had now been reopened after told Reuters. farmers who make up the single largest com- being blocked by protesters and state authori- NEW DELHI: Five students wanted in a not done anything that is wrong,” he told Dalal said he had appealed to the entire Jat munity in the state with nearly eight million ties hoped to regain full control by the end of controversial sedition case that has trig- the NDTV news channel from the JNU cam- community, which makes up around a quarter of members, told AFP they had accepted the offer the day, although police reported some minor gered some of India’s biggest student pus. the population of Haryana, to return home after and would call off the protests completely. “We clashes yesterday. protests for years emerged from hiding “We decided to come out in the open staging state-wide protests to demand more have called off the agitation since the govern- Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweet- yesterday and said they were prepared to because the situation has cooled down government jobs and college places. A senior ment agreed to all our demands. We are satis- ed that the retaking of the canal was a “great face justice. Police have been searching for now. We were scared of mob fury, not of police officer said that state leaders had per- fied now and have faith the government will relief” to the city. Around 80 percent of its 17 the five since February 12, when they anything else.” The students’ reappearance suaded the Jats to call off their protests. “Our do its part,” said Yashpal Malik, head of a group million residents normally receive piped water, arrested student union leader Kanhaiya has presented police with a dilemma challenge is to keep the law and order situation of Jat organisations. India sets aside a propor- according to the water board. Many said they Kumar for sedition over a rally at which because officially they need permission under control,” the officer said, requesting tion of jobs and university places for Dalits, had been forced to limit their use of water or anti-India slogans were shouted. from the university’s vice-chancellor to anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. known as “untouchables”, and for other so- buy bottled supplies. “We have been rationing The arrest raised fears over freedom of enter the campus. Days of rioting and looting by Jats had chal- called “backward castes”, under measures water and have ordered additional bottles of speech in the country’s top universities. Police vehicles were lined up outside lenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise intended to remedy centuries of discrimina- water from the market to take care of our Kumar, who like the other five is from New the university yesterday, with the vice- of better days for Indians who elected him in tion. essential needs like drinking and cooking,” Delhi’s prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru chancellor locked in meetings to decide 2014 with the largest majority in three decades. But the policy causes resentment among bank worker Rajesh Mohan Bindlish told AFP. University (JNU), says he was not among whether to allow them access. Students other communities such as the Jats, who say it “We are also using buckets instead of regular those shouting the slogans. have accused Prime Minister Narendra Water crisis freezes them out. The latest protests echo showers.” —Agencies He was beaten by right-wing national- Modi’s right-wing nationalist government Meanwhile, much of New Delhi’s water sup- ists when he appeared in court last week in of misusing the British-era sedition law to ply was cut off yesterday after members of an an apparently orchestrated attack that has stifle dissent. Modi has not directly com- influential Indian caste sabotaged a canal as been condemned by rights activists and mented on the row, but yesterday he part of protests seeking preferential treatment Bangladesh arrests Islamists scholars around the world. addressed students at a major university in that have killed at least 19 people. One of the five students, Anant Prakash his northern constituency of Varanasi. Last A representative of the Jat caste said they had over Hindu priest’s slaying Narayan, said he had gone underground week, as students around the country called off their week-long protests which saw because he feared “mob fury” but was marched against what they say is a clamp- thousands of troops deployed in Haryana, after DHAKA: Bangladesh police have arrested arranging prayers at the temple in Debiganj ready to face justice. “We are not scared of down on dissent, his government ordered the government of the northern state accepted three local Islamists over the decapitation of a town, some 400 kilometres (250 miles) north the police or the legal proceedings. We are all public universities to fly the national flag their demands. But the capital’s water board was top Hindu priest, the latest attack targeting of the capital Dhaka, police have said. Two ready to face everything because we have on campus.—AFP still striving to restore full supplies to the city of religious minorities in the Muslim-majority devotees were also wounded in the attack, 17 million. nation, officers said yesterday. including one who was shot as he tried to India sent troops to secure the canal in The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed save the priest, they have said. Haryana after Jat protesters-demanding a quota responsibility for the attack inside the temple US-based monitoring organization SITE for their caste in public service jobs and higher complex on Sunday in the country’s north, has reported that the IS group said in a state- education seized it on Saturday and diverted the but local police said there was no evidence to ment it is behind the murder. Bangladesh has water flow away from the capital. By yesterday suggest the jihadist group was involved. seen an upsurge in attacks on minorities morning the army had regained control and was “We’ve arrested three people for interroga- including Shiites, Sufis, Christians and assessing the damage. But with the water flow tion,” said Babul Akhter, police chief of Ahmadis by Islamist militant groups. into the capital reduced by more than two- Debiganj area where the attack happened. The government rejects the IS group’s thirds, schools and many businesses remained Two members of banned militant group claims of responsibility for several of the shut and authorities urged people to ration Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and attacks, including the shootings of two for- water. Delhi’s water board said it had been an activist with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh’s eigners last year. Prime Minister Sheikh forced to limit supplies to the city, which largest Islamist political party, were arrested Hasina’s secular government instead accuses receives little rain and has long struggled to pro- overnight Sunday. Police did not give details the JMB, other local militant groups as well as vide enough water for its rapidly growing popu- of their alleged involvement in the attack. the Islamist-allied political opposition of try- lation. “The IS group has previously claimed ing to destabilise the country. Just 240 million gallons was being produced responsibility for attacks on minorities. But A long-running political crisis has radi- after the attack compared to the usual 820 mil- we haven’t found any evidence confirming calised opponents of the government and lion gallons a day, it said. “There is extensive their link. Rather we have found JMB was analysts say Islamist extremists pose a grow- damage to the canal and it will take some time behind these killings,” Akhter told AFP. ing danger. Hindus, the country’s largest to fully restore the supply to Delhi,” said water Two unknown men armed with pistols and minority, make up nearly 10 percent of NEW DELHI: Indian student activist Umar Khalid walks on the campus of New Delhi’s board spokeswoman Sanjam Cheema. cleavers attacked Jogeswar Roy as he was Bangladesh’s 160 million people. — AFP prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi yesterday.—AFP “Engineers are working and hopefully the work INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Tensions rising on DMZ, says North Korean officer PANMUNJOM, North Korea: Tensions have increased Nam said the broadcasts cannot be heard in significantly along the Demilitarized Zone since North Panmunjom during the day, which he suggested was Korea’s recent nuclear test and rocket launch, a North because the South doesn’t want them to be heard by Korean military official told The Associated Press yes- South Korean tourists. terday, adding that while he could not comment on “But when it’s quiet, late at night, you can hear operational details, “the reality is that it is touch and them here,” he said. North Korea says it is developing go.” Though parts of the world’s most fortified border nuclear weapons for self-defense and has the sover- can seem like a tourist trap, drawing throngs of cam- eign right to launch satellites as part of a peaceful era-happy visitors on both sides every year, to the mil- space program. But both are generally seen as violat- itary-trained eye the Cold War-style standoff along the ing longstanding United Nations resolutions. The UN. 257-kilometer (160-mile) DMZ - established when the Security Council is still discussing its response, but the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a United States, Japan and South Korea have already peace treaty - is an incident waiting to happen. announced new sanctions on the already-heavily That’s now truer than ever, the North Korean offi- sanctioned North. cer said, as tensions are escalating between The standoff is likely to get worse before it gets Pyongyang, Seoul and Washington. better. Keeping its own military profile high, the Thousands of US troops are deployed in South United States flew four stealth F-22 fighter jets over Korea and units based around the DMZ have the mot- South Korea and reaffirmed it maintains an “ironclad to “Be Ready to Fight Tonight.” commitment” to the defense of its ally after the rocket “People come here and they think it’s like a resort. launch. Last month, it sent a nuclear-capable B-52 But if you know it better, you know how dangerous it bomber over South Korea following the North’s is,” Lt Col Nam Dong Ho of the North Korean People’s nuclear test. South Korea and the United States are Army said in Panmunjom, the truce village where the expected to hold large-scale war games next month. armistice was signed. Nam said tensions have Korean People’s Army Lt Col Nam Dong Ho points to a map showing the line which separates the two South Korea’s defense minister has said about 15,000 increased significantly since the nuclear test in Koreas in Panmunjom at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) yesterday. — AP US troops will take part in the annual exercises, dou- January and rocket launch earlier this month. On Monday, the surreal feeling at the Demarcation North’s nuclear test and launch by shutting down a ble the number Washington normally sends. The two “Something could happen at any time,” he said. Line was heightened by the absence of anyone - sol- joint industrial park in Kaesong, a city just north of the countries have also begun preparatory talks to deploy To stand on the North Korean side of the diers or civilians - visible on the South’s side. DMZ, and telling the South Korean National Assembly a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense anti-missile Demilitarized Zone is almost otherworldly. After South Korea halted tours to its side of the DMZ the that if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un doesn’t system in South Korea. crossing through military checkpoints and passing day after the Jan. 6 nuclear test, when it also change his ways his regime will surely collapse - pre- That is strongly opposed by neighboring powers roadside concrete structures rigged o detonate and announced it would resume cross-border propaganda dictably outraging the North. China and Russia, since the radar would allow keep any vehicles from passing - defenses that are broadcasts, which have in the past brought strong North Korea reacted by putting the industrial park Washington to reach well into their territory as well. also common in the South - the air is peaceful and recriminations from North Korea. The tours have grad- under military control, cutting off emergency hotlines Nam, the North Korean officer, said he remains fresh, and birds can be heard chirping as they fly over ually resumed. A popular observatory where people with Seoul and - through its state-run media - accus- focused on his duties. But he added that, now that a carefully manicured landscape dotted with rock can catch a glimpse into the North via binoculars was ing Park of being a traitor and a “senile granny.” “I don’t North Korea says it has an H-bomb - a claim disputed monuments and meticulously maintained historical set to reopen today. even want to utter her name,” Nam said. “I’m just a sol- by some outside experts - the U.S. might be better buildings. But closer to the Demarcation Line that dier so I don’t know how the situation has changed. advised to focus on negotiating a peace treaty to for- marks the actual border, soldiers stand rigidly on Outraging the North But as the Kaesong industrial zone has been totally mally end the Korean War. “On the international stage, guard, armed and intimidating, often just a few steps Along with restarting the broadcasts, South closed by South Korea, our people and army are get- the US talks about peace,” he said. “But it should not away from their South Korean counterparts. Korean President Park Geun-hye responded to the ting more enraged.” interfere in the affairs of other countries.” — AP Death toll from Fiji cyclone rises to 21

Villages flattened, crops wiped out as health fears mount

SYDNEY: Fiji began a massive cleanup yesterday after one of the most powerful storms recorded in the southern hemisphere tore through the Pacific island nation, killing 21 people, flattening remote villages and cutting off communications. Aid agencies warned of a widespread health cri- sis, particularly in low-lying areas where thou- sands of Fiji’s 900,000 people live in tin shacks, after crops were wiped out and fresh water sup- plies blocked. The Fiji Broadcasting Corp, quoting the coun- BATAM: One of seven fishing boats is blown up by the Indonesian government in try’s National Disaster Management Office, said Batam, Kepulauan Riau province yesterday. — AFP 21 people had died and four were still missing at sea. Almost 8,000 people remained hunkered down in hundreds of evacuation centres across Indonesia sinks 27 Fiji where they had headed before tropical cyclone Winston hit late on Saturday with winds of up to 325 kph (200 mph). foreign boats to “The death toll from Cyclone Winston contin- ues to rise and reports of widespread damage are coming in from across Fiji,” said New Zealand stop illegal fishing Foreign Minister Murray McCully. “It is clear that Fiji faces a major cleanup and recovery operation.” JAKARTA: Indonesia sank 27 impounded ernment is taking stronger and firmer action McCully said a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 SUVA: Vendors opening their businesses for the first time after Cyclone Winston in Fiji’s capital foreign boats yesterday, a minister said, as to enforce regulations to keep our waters would leave for the Fijian capital, Suva, later on Suva. The death toll from the super-cyclone that hit Fiji over the weekend has risen from six to the world’s largest archipelago nation safe,” Pudjiastuti, a key figure in the cam- Monday with relief supplies and an emergency 21, Care Australia said yesterday, citing Fijian government officials. — AFP stepped up a campaign against illegal fish- paign against illegal fishing, told journalists. response team. The majority of the fatalities were have seen their homes and livelihoods complete- concern, even for areas such as Suva that did not ing in its waters. The empty vessels from the Indonesia has sunk foreign boats on along the western coast and were caused mainly ly destroyed.” Aerial footage of outlying islands suffer as much damage as the more remote Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Myanmar several occasions since the government by flying debris and drowning in storm surges, taken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and regions. The Consumer Council of Fiji has urged were blown up or scuttled at five separate launched the drive to combat illegal fish- authorities said. A 36-hour curfew was lifted early posted on the Fiji government’s official website, traders not to sell food and other perishable locations across the country, said Fisheries ing, with President Joko Widodo claiming yesterday, allowing the Fijian military to ramp up showed whole villages flattened and flooded. items that have gone bad due to the effects of Minister Susi Pudjiastuti. the practice costs the country’s economy efforts to reach the more remote parts of the Aid agencies were told at a meeting of Fiji’s the cyclone. The Council’s chief executive Premila The boats had been all caught fishing billions of dollars annually. However, the archipelago of about 300 islands. National Emergency Operations Centre on Kumar said supermarkets and other food stores illegally in the archipelago of more than campaign has caused tensions with other “The Fijians are desperately trying to repair Monday of potential “catastrophic” damage to should destroy such items. 17,000 islands. Four Indonesian boats were countries in the region. China last year severed lines of communication, but they hold Koro Island, Fiji’s seventh-largest island. Survivors spoke of the horror of the cyclone, also sunk after they were caught fishing expressed concern after a Chinese boat grave fears that the news waiting for them will be “The aerial survey suggested the runway while aid workers scrambled to help victims. “The without proper documentation. “The gov- was blown up. — AFP dire,” said Raijeli Nicole, Pacific regional director looks OK so they are going to land on this later noise was deafening. At one point, I turned to my of aid group Oxfam. “Given the intensity of the this afternoon with emergency personal and partner and questioned whether we would actu- storm and the images we have seen so far, there some supplies,” said Anna Cowley of CARE ally survive,” Sarah Bingham, an Australian on Scarred by trafficking abuses, are strong concerns that the death toll won’t stop Australia. Fiji also reopened its main airport at holiday on Tokoriki Island, told Reuters by tele- Rohingya stay put in camps climbing today and that hundreds of people will Nadi. Food and water supplies are a growing phone. — Reuters THET KEL PYIN, Myanmar: After rings, some of which hold men like Husaina’s 20-year-old son boarded a boat Rohim for ransom, making threats to Filipino torture victims vow to escape poverty and discrimination in their impoverished families that their Myanmar’s Rakhine State, she heard loved ones will be killed. nothing from him for seven months. But human rights groups say there has Then, in a shocking phone call, she been a dramatic drop in the number of to derail Marcos campaign was told the young Rohingya Muslim was Rohingya leaving Myanmar this year. in the hands of people smugglers in They attribute this to a crackdown on MANILA: Angry victims of the late Philippine was famously found to have amassed hundreds that has no firsthand experience of the brutality Thailand, and had fallen severely ill. The human trafficking by countries such as dictator Ferdinand Marcos vowed yesterday to of pairs of shoes while her husband was in pow- of martial law. In a glossy Internet video, he pro- only way for him to be released was to Thailand and Malaysia and political derail his son’s vice-presidential bid as they er-has made no secret of her desire for her son claims “I am not my past. We are the future”. The somehow find the money to pay a ran- changes at home following the National demanded long-delayed retribution. to become president. Marcos family fled to exile in Hawaii after being som. “The man said: ‘If you don’t pay League for Democracy’s landslide elec- Hundreds who endured torture and impris- Marcos Jnr is trumpeting his father’s infra- ousted by a military-backed popular revolt in money, he will die ... I was so upset. How tion win in November. onment during Marcos’ two-decade reign gath- structure achievements to a young electorate 1986. Marcos Snr died three years later. — AFP did he get into the hands of the brokers? The Myanmar government does not ered in Manila chanting “No More Marcos! How did he become so ill?’” she said, sit- recognise the 1.1 million Rohingya as citi- Marcos Dictator!” as they announced plans to ting in her dank and crumbling one-room zens and has referred to them as dog Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s electoral effort. temporary home in Thet Kel Pyin dis- “Bengalis”, to suggest they are illegal “We will hound his campaign,” the group’s placement camp, a few kilometres from immigrants from Bangladesh. The group convenor, torture victim Bonifacio Ilagan told the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe. cannot travel freely within Buddhist- AFP. “He will redeem the family, rewrite history They found an employer in Malaysia majority Myanmar and faces restrictions and bring back his father’s abusive leadership willing to pay about $1,600 in exchange on access to education and healthcare. framework.” Human rights groups say tens of for Mamed Rohim’s labour. That was over Experiences such as Rohim’s are com- thousands of people were murdered, tortured a year ago and Rohim is still working to mon among the Rohingya, confined to and imprisoned during Marcos’ tumultuous rule. repay the debt. the squalid displacement camps outside The government estimates Marcos and his He only manages to send home about Sittwe. The stories are shared among resi- family stole $10 billion from the already desper- $50 every two or three months, which the dents, making many fearful of the multi- ately-poor country during his rule. The group family uses to repay their own debts - run day journey. Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses to up since they fled communal violence “There have been very few boats since Malacanang or CARMMA, said Marcos Jnr was and their home in Sittwe for the camp. the sailing season started in October and not the “guiltless son” that he claimed to be. Now barred from returning home, the none at all this year, 2016,” said Chris Lewa Opinion polls give Marcos Jnr-known as family - seven other children and an asth- of the Arakan Project, a Rohingya advoca- Bongbong-the lead in the vice-presidential race, matic husband - is struggling to make cy group which tracks migration. three months before the May 9 general elec- ends meet. But Husaina says Rohim’s “The key reason is that smugglers have tions. The president and vice president are elect- plight continues to haunt her. no option for disembarkation due to ed separately in the Philippines, each serving a “Even though I want to send other Thailand being virtually closed. Another is single six-year term. The 58-year-old, an incum- children on the boat so they could find the situation in Malaysia (where) there are bent senator, denies his family stole from gov- jobs, I’m really worried about the brokers regular immigration raids.” ernment coffers and insists his father’s rule was so I dare not,” she told Myanmar Now, an Matthew Smith, executive director of one of peace and progress. independent news service supported by Thailand-based human rights group Victory in the elections will cement a remark- the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Fortify Rights, agrees numbers leaving able political comeback for the Marcos family, Waves of Rohingya Muslims have fled Rakhine have dropped, even though it is who held mostly local positions in their home sectarian violence and apartheid-like difficult to quantify the decrease in provinces until Bongbong won a seat in the conditions in Myanmar in recent years, departures due to the clandestine nature MANILA: Filipino activists hold a slogan during a gathering of martial law victims and person- national Senate in 2010. The family’s flamboyant many of them swept up in trafficking of the voyages. —Reuters alities who joined the anti-dictatorship struggle in suburban Quezon city, north of Manila, matriarch, former first lady Imelda Marcos-who yesterday. — AP NEWS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Sea waves hit the world oldest port of Byblos as the Lebanese capital Beirut appears in the background yesterday. — AFP 5G key to unlocking Internet of Things...but not yet

BARCELONA: 5G will massively capacity and at the same time, to European and global players in the speed up the Internet and unlock the billions of objects that do not sector. The next step will be taken the Internet of Things - making dri- communicate very often.” by the European Commission- verless cars and talking fridges a Connection speeds will be slashed backed 5GPPP, or 5G Infrastructure reality - but experts warn plenty of through the use of a wider band- Public Private Partnership, a consor- hurdles remain. The fifth generation width, and an ever-larger network tium which will seek to develop of mobile networks should permit of masts and aerials, but also thanks technical solutions to the myriad of devices to connect over the to the convergence of fixed and potential uses for 5G. Internet, allowing them talk to us, to mobile networks. But 5G will require The EU is considering putting up applications - and each other. 5G is massive investment to create a truly to euro 700 million ($772 million) the term on everyone’s lips at the global network. into the 5GPPP alongside 3.0 billion Mobile World Congress in Barcelona euros of private sector funding. “For and a global race to develop it is ‘5G can Stop Car Quickly’ the European Union, financing this under way. Merouane Debbah, the head of kind of project allows it to achieve a “4G was an improvement on 3G, the Paris-based Mathematical and standardization that it can then with more speed but it basically Algorithmic Sciences Lab of Chinese push out across the world. If we can came from the same sphere, while telecoms company Huawei, gave build a complete system with all of 5G has aspirations to solve a whole the example of a driverless car the eventualities identified, it would range of uses which are outside that being controlled by the Internet - give us a head start,” said Charbel sphere,” said Viktor Arvidsson, head with the connection speeds that 4G Abdel Nour, a researcher at Telecom BARCELONA: A technician explains to visitors 5G network operations at SK Telecom’s stand at the Mobile of strategy for Ericsson France. In can manage, a vehicle travelling at Bretagne, which is part of the World Congress in Barcelona yesterday, on the first day of the worldís biggest mobile fair. — AFP the future, 5G could have a whole 100 km per hour would travel 5GPPP consortium. range of applications underpinning another three metres before the So a global race is on, and Asia is Cabinet raises penalties for visa trading the Internet of Things - the increas- brakes were applied. “With 5G, it will set to play a major role with large- ing inter-connection of everyday be just a few centimetres. But to get scale tests due to take place in Continued from Page 1 against a fee and still fail to provide them with jobs. appliances - with uses as varied as that, you would need 99.9 percent South Korea to coincide with the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Subaih said transport, health or industrial network coverage around the 2018 PyeongChang Winter them jobs, a widespread phenomenon in Kuwait yesterday that the ministry has already scrapped the machinery, for which 4G is com- globe,” Debbah said. Olympics and then in Japan for the known as visa trading. Thousands of foreign laborers are recruitment files of over 650 companies for violating pletely unadapted. Such an exciting leap in technol- Summer Olympics in Tokyo two recruited every year for expensive fees paid to the sup- recruitment rules, especially trafficking in workers. Frederic Pujol, a technology ogy is whetting appetites and in years later. Not to be outdone, US posed employer but are not given the promised job The amendments also tackle non-payment of expert at the IDATE consulting firm, Europe, the METIS 2020 project is telecoms giants AT&T and Verizon when they arrive in the country. salaries or delaying the payments. It gives the court the said: “The network must adapt both helping to prepare the continent for announced plans this month to The amendments also include closing the recruit- right to add a one percent penalty each month if the to very high speeds and enormous 5G by bringing together 30 begin testing 5G networks. — AFP ment files of employers who recruit expat workers wage is not paid on time. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. E MAIL :[email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Focus Cameron facing Johnson challenge in Brexit campaign

By Florence Biedermann

ritish Prime Minister David Cameron has got off to a tough start in the EU referendum Bcampaign, scoring a victory in Brussels but then seeing six ministers and dozens of his Conservative MPs including Mayor of London Boris Johnson back Brexit, experts said. The charismatic Johnson came out of his house in north London on Sunday and declared that he would be supporting a “Leave” vote in the June 23 referendum on EU membership, despite an appeal from Cameron to change his mind. Anand Menon, a European politics professor at King’s College London, told AFP that Johnson’s endorsement would give the Brexit campaign “trac- Brexit, Brussels and the art of deal-making tion” but it was not yet clear how prominent his role would be. “We have to wait see what the tone is going to be. There are two ways this can fall: a dis- By Alastair Macdonald European citizens. Yet the deal agreed unanimously on Faull, in charge of a task force. The president’s chief-of-staff, agreement and back together afterwards, or it can Friday includes a promise of EU legislation to that effect. German lawyer Martin Selmayr, led Commission negotia- turn nasty” against Johnson, who is seen as a he deal David Cameron has asked Britons to vote on tors, backed by the new Dutch head of the EU executive’s potential successor to Cameron. to remain in what he calls a “reformed EU” has been In From the Cold administration, Alexander Italiener. Tusk, as president of the Asked about the Conservative parliamentary Tyears in the making - and its making says much about The legally binding decision also grants Britain an explic- European Council, was the man who would have to broker split, he said: “If over 100 MPs are in favor of some- how today’s European Union works. For EU chief executive it exemption from the founding goal of “ever closer union” a deal with the 27 other leaders. Acting for him were his thing the PM is explicitly against, it’s hard not to Jean-Claude Juncker, speaking after Friday’s agreement that and safeguards for the City of London financial centre. chief-of-staff, fellow Pole Piotr Serafin, backed by the describe that as a divided party.” John Springford, a Cameron said granted Britain “special status” in the group, a Cameron on Saturday set the date for a referendum for Council’s French chief legal officer Hubert Legal and the key moment came half a world away in the presence of June 23. That a deal was done at all testifies to the creativity head of its administration, Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen. research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, koala bears, when he persuaded the British prime minister of Brussels lawyers, to the fear of EU leaders that a Brexit A graduate of the London School of Economics, said Cameron “did well politically” at last week’s to stop seeking rapid revisions to treaties that voters else- could wreck a Union deep in crisis and, the deal’s architects Tranholm-Mikkelsen was until June Copenhagen’s EU Brussels summit and has done “the best that he where in Europe would not ratify. say, to an evolution in Cameron’s relations around the sum- envoy. Familiar with Denmark’s own sceptical relationship could” with Conservative eurosceptics. Juncker urged Cameron at the G20 Brisbane summit in mit table. The prime minister has travelled from a lonely with Brussels, he was the patiently creative key force behind Cameron has hailed the deal secured in Brussels, Nov 2014 to push for a binding agreement pledging to summit in late 2011, when he outraged fellow leaders by the deal, according to others involved in the months of saying it will protect Britain’s status as a non-euro- amend EU treaties in the future - what has become known vetoing a plan to fix the euro crisis, to one before last backroom talks. The brief, from both London and Brussels, zone member, exclude it from the political aim of as the “Danish solution” - instead of an outright treaty Christmas, when a diplomatic tour de force won their bless- was to give Cameron “a chance to offer something he could “ever closer union” and curb some welfare benefits change. “I simply told him I would not play that game,” ing to bend EU rules and help him keep his promise to win with”, another official said. “If he didn’t it would be terri- for EU workers in Britain. After the cabinet meeting Juncker said last week of the conversation in the lobby of deter Europeans moving to Britain. “There was a very near ble for everyone.” on Saturday, six ministers said they would support the summit venue. “That helped convince him.” moment of rupture in December 2011 and it could easily Cameron delivered demands to Tusk on Nov 10. There vote “Leave” on the referendum question: “Should The story of the “Brexit-buster” deal illustrates how pub- have lurched from there into exit,” the senior EU diplomat were no surprises for Brussels - both sides had worked to the United Kingdom remain a member of the lic disillusion with the EU, fueled by economic malaise and said. “It’s been an evolution. Cameron’s fundamental think- ensure that whatever he asked for would be just about fea- European Union or leave the European Union?” disquiet at migration and globalization, has both raised ing hasn’t changed very much on the European Union. But sible. But the request to discriminate and curb free move- The decision of Justice Secretary Michael Gove, a pressure for change and made it harder for governments to ... he has changed the way he interacts with others.” ment was tricky. And officials and diplomats recall a wobble close personal friend and ally of Cameron, to sup- revamp the bloc. It shows, too, the degree of legal creativity Cameron was temporarily isolated at a June 2014 sum- when London raised the pressure by warning it might yet port “Leave” was also a blow but the endorsement - trickery to its detractors - that sits in the backrooms of mit which made Juncker head of the European press for full treaty change. “It would have wrecked the of heavyweights like Home Secretary Theresa May, Brussels and the willingness, or maybe desperation, of EU Commission. Hurt by British media headlines alleging he process,” one of the senior EU officials said. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Defence leaders to do whatever it takes to stop its second-ranked “drank cognac for breakfast”, the Luxemburger could have Though the legal experts were still unsure it could work, Secretary Michael Fallon was seen as crucial. economy from leaving, potentially setting off an unstop- blocked Cameron’s quest for reform. But the pair quickly an EU offer to give Britain the right to deny benefits to new- pable rush for the exit. made up and Juncker handed the key banking portfolio in ly arrived EU workers for their first four years to protect the ‘Cameron’s Standing’ is Key Cameron had promised a referendum in 2013 thinking his team to Cameron ally Jonathan Hill. “That sealed an welfare system - an “emergency brake” - was leaked to the Whatever the arguments of the for and against he could piggy-back his demands for safeguards for sterling alliance,” a senior EU official said. “Cameron knows he can- press in a bid to staunch more talk of treaty change. At the camps, experts said it was unlikely the details of the and British sovereignty onto EU treaty amendments that not get the 27 to support him if the Commission is against December 17-18 summit, it was still not clear the idea EU deal would have much weight in a campaign Angela Merkel had told him she planned to stabilize the him. That was decisive.” would fly. But Cameron, who since his re-election had visit- that will hinge on larger issues about national pros- euro. But the German chancellor lost heart in early 2014, Juncker was at the 1992 Edinburgh summit that devised ed most European capitals including some that few if any of perity and sovereignty. “The deal won’t do that one of several negotiators and diplomats who spoke to a way to overcome Danish rejection of an EU treaty and he his predecessors had ever seen, delivered a bravura per- much to convince anybody,” Springford said, Reuters said. “What changed was her failure ... and the fact it gave the prime minister an impassioned vision of how the formance over dinner, asking leaders to help him solve his adding that aside from the most ardent EU sup- was obviously intractable inside the euro zone,” one senior same solution could work for Britain. “If Juncker and dilemmas. He won them over. “He convinced the others this porters and opponents “those in the middle will EU diplomat said. President Francois Hollande, not the most Cameron had not spoken about Edinburgh in Brisbane we was not just his internal problem but about the future of vote on the big arguments about economy and sympathetic to what many in the EU saw as a rash gamble would not have got here,” the EU official said, describing the Europe,” one participant said. “History was clearly present in security”. by Cameron to hold his own party together, saw no chance scene that morning when the pair talked while IMF chief the room,” said another. There was plenty of haggling and Menon also said it was “unbelievable” that any- of euro crisis-weary French voters ratifying anything they Christine Lagarde, deep in conversation with Angela brinkmanship to come. At last week’s summit of late nights, one would decide their vote based on the sub- saw as coming out of Brussels. Success for the far-right, anti- Merkel, petted a tame koala nearby. one EU official likened the text to a painting by Belgian sur- stance of the EU deal. “Come June 23, no one is immigrant French National Front and UK Independence realist Rene Magritte - a work of art reconciling legal reality Party at the European Parliament election of May 2014 Big Win with political image. going to be talking about the specifics of the deal,” raised both the pressure on Cameron to make good on his The whole idea of a referendum might have lapsed had While Cameron’s critics, at home and abroad, dismiss he told AFP. As the campaign gets underway, promises as he fought for re-election in 2015 and reduced Cameron lost in May 2015. In the event, he won big and, the deal as “hollow” and a “repetition of tautologies” Cameron will also have the backing of the City of the chance of Hollande and other leaders delivering it. untrammelled by Europhile former coalition partners, he already found in EU law, its architects insisted its selective London, Europe’s biggest financial hub, and the There would also be other critical moments, notably was free, perhaps even to his own surprise, to demand all readings of existing jurisprudence will give Britain the pro- main centre-left opposition Labour Party. when two weeks after the Brisbane meeting Cameron he had promised. Quickly, both sides put together negotiat- tections Cameron had wanted - if he can win over voters Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has dismissed made a pre-election pledge to cut welfare for EU migrant ing teams. Cameron mandated his Europe “sherpa”, Tom on June 23. There is little more Brussels can do to help him Cameron’s EU negotiations as a “sideshow” but has workers. That seemed hopelessly incompatible with treaty Scholar, and Ivan Rogers, the British ambassador in Brussels. now: “It’s not my concern,” a weary Juncker said. “That’s his said he will campaign for Britain to stay in the EU to rights to free movement and non-discrimination of Juncker put a Commission veteran, British lawyer Jonathan problem.” —Reuters protect investments, jobs and worker and consumer protection rights. The Economist weekly argued that the voters’ decision will hinge largely on their views on Cameron, who does not want to go down in his- EU’s real brake is Franco-German impasse tory as the prime minister who led Britain out of the European Union. “Nothing will matter as much as Mr By Paul Taylor German leadership in the euro zone - the eco- countries to sign up to such reforms. Berlin likely to cramp the political attention span of Cameron’s standing,” it said, adding that his “person- nomic core of the 60-year-old European project - brushed aside ideas for a central euro zone Chancellor Angela Merkel or her successor. al appeal and abilities” would be key. If it currently orget Brexit. The real obstacle to deeper that worries the architects of European integra- budget, common bank deposit insurance or any looks like the ‘In’ campaign will prevail, that is European integration is not the awkward tion. Paris and Berlin have long slept in the same joint debt issuance. A second report last year Imbalance because he remains relatively well-liked and FBritish, whether they choose to stay in the bed with very different dreams. outlining a more modest three-stage plan for A growing power imbalance between an respected (with the emphasis on relatively),” it said. European Union with a “special status” or leave. It In the heat of the euro zone debt crisis in euro zone reform, adding the signature of the economically successful Germany and a stag- There is little scope for complacency though. is a long-running Franco-German impasse on 2010-12, they found just enough common president of the European Parliament, got no nant, reform-shy France has compounded Springford identified two more “risks” for Cameron how to make the euro zone stronger and more ground: The euro zone tightened fiscal rules and more traction. Both main European powers are underlying differences of national tradition. that could turn public opinion against the sustainable, reconciling two radically different created its own rescue fund, a partial banking frustrated and feel cheated. The Germans think Germans dream of a rules-based Europe in European Union - a massive new influx of migrants economic and political cultures. Now that David union with a common supervisor and a mecha- fiscal discipline is still not being properly which governments transfer sovereignty over into Europe and a fresh eurozone crisis as Greece Cameron has won a deal to enshrine formally nism for winding up failed banks with an embry- enforced, notably on the French, while the national budget balances to a central authority prepares for an important debt repayment in Britain’s semi-detached status in the 28-nation onic common resolution fund. But since the French feel Berlin is still failing to show solidarity with the power to fine or expel them, and eco- June. —AFP bloc - if his sceptical voters don’t detach it com- European Central Bank averted a meltdown of with weaker southern economies. And both nomic reform commitments are made enforce- pletely - the onus will return to Europe’s founding the 19-nation currency zone by pledging in 2012 have other pressing domestic concerns - a mas- able by EU courts. In such a union, Berlin might nations to work out a way forward. to do “whatever it takes” to preserve the euro, sive influx of refugees to Germany, in which be willing to accept a limited common euro European federalists such as Belgian Prime reforms to reinforce economic governance and Berlin feels abandoned by most EU partners, zone budget and common bank deposit insur- Minister Charles Michel are fretting that the terms mutualism risk have stalled. and a deadly security challenge from Islamist ance but probably never common debt All articles appearing on these granted to Britain’s embattled leader may whet militants in France. issuance. A “transfer union” - redistributing pages are the personal opinion of others’ appetite for opting out of EU policies and Frustrated and Cheated The moment of truth has been postponed, at wealth from industrious northerners to easy- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no ultimately lead to a disintegration of the union. A 2012 blueprint entitled “Towards a least until after national elections in France and going southerners - remains many Germans’ responsibility for views expressed “We must not give the impression that Europe is Genuine Economic and Monetary Union” signed Germany in 2017. Fear of splitting the left and los- nightmare. They see it as an open door to “moral a self-service,” French President Francois Hollande by the four presidents of the European ing another referendum on Europe after the 2005 hazard”, a permanent reward for bad behaviour. therein. Kuwait Times invites read- said. “There can be differences but there cannot Commission, the European Council, the ECB and defeat of the EU constitutional treaty has driven Many in France still dream of a smaller core ers to voice their opinions. Please be a Europe where each country picks out what it euro zone finance ministers, led to the first steps Hollande’s timid European policy, insiders say. euro zone with harmonized taxes at or close to send submissions via email to: opin- wants.” in banking union but got stuck after that. The Whether a centre-right successor - or a second- their own high levels, a common minimum [email protected] or via snail The risk of a wider unravelling was highlight- French refused to contemplate the principle of term Hollande if the Socialist were re-elected wage and unemployment insurance, and a ed by Austria’s unilateral decision last week to making binding contracts with Brussels to against the odds - would be open to sharing sizeable common budget backed by joint pub- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. impose migrant quotas at its borders, and the reform their rigid labor market or generous wel- more sovereignty remains to be seen. Meanwhile, lic borrowing. But with rare exceptions, the The editor reserves the right to edit refusal of four central European states to take any fare system - issues that could trigger strikes and the challenge of integrating a million refugees - a French remain allergic to outside control or any submission as necessary. share of the million migrants who entered the EU topple governments. The Germans and their project on the scale of reunification with ex- supervision of their public finances or econom- last year. But it is the breakdown of Franco- allies balked at providing financial incentives for Communist eastern Germany in the 1990s - is ic policies. —Reuters TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 SPORTS

Leverkusen coach Bolton given reprieve Palace can still have the faces punishment in fight for survival best PL season: Pardew

BERLIN: The German Football Association (DFB) has opened disciplinary pro- LONDON: Bolton Wanderers, one of England’s oldest soccer clubs, LONDON: Manager Alan Pardew feels Crystal Palace have the chance to ceedings against Bayer Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt after he refused to received a reprieve in their fight for survival at a High Court hearing enjoy the most successful season in their recent history after they beat leave the touchline during his side’s 1-0 home loss to Borussia Dortmund on yesterday. The Championship (second tier) club announced that they Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. The last time Sunday. “It is the normal procedure and there will certainly be a punishment have been given a 14-day adjournment to conclude a takeover deal the club reached this stage of the competition was in the 1994-95 sea- although I can’t say what,” Anton Nachreiner, the president of the DFB’s con- with the Sports Shield Consortium run by their former player, Dean son, when they were knocked out by Manchester United after a semi- trol committee, told television station Sport1. Schmidt became engaged in an Holdsworth. Bolton, one of the Football League’s founders who have final replay. Palace were fifth in the Premier League at the end of angry exchange with referee Felix Zwayer following Pierre-Emerick fallen on hard times and lie second-bottom of the Championship December but are now 13th after a run of nine games without Aubameyang’s 64th-minute goal at the Bayrena that gave table, owe HM Revenue and Customs 2.2 million pounds ($3.1 million), a win. “I said to the players: ‘Look, in recent weeks we’ve Dortmund victory. He was ordered to the stands but refused to leading to tax officials asking for a winding-up order yesterday. But obviously been a bit down on ourselves and got a bit leave the technical area, and Zwayer reacted by stopping play lawyers representing Bolton told the Court that efforts were being stressful in games, which I think is part of the reason and walking off the pitch with his assistants. The match even- made to raise money and another hearing will now take place next we haven’t had a result’,” Pardew told reporters after tually restarted nine minutes later when Schmidt accepted the month. The planned deal with the consortium, reported by British the win at Spurs. “The Cup’s different though. We can referee’s decision. The 48-year-old was furious that Dortmund media to be worth 7.5 million pounds, could resurrect the ailing club. still have the best season Crystal Palace have ever had were allowed to take a quick free-kick in the build-up to On Friday, it was announced the club’s training ground had been sold in the Premier League. We can still come higher than Aubameyang’s goal, but he later apologised. “I made a mis- to Wigan Athletic. “Whilst this continues to be a challenging time for 10th and we’re in the quarter-finals of the (FA) Cup. “At take that hurt my team,” Schmidt said later, but everyone associated with the club, we are confident that this adjourn- the start of the season if you’d offered me that I’d have Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller hit out at ment will give us the necessary time to conclude a transfer of owner- taken it.” Palace’s highest Premier League finish was the referee. —AFP ship of the club, subject to approval from The Football League,” Trevor 10th, which they achieved last season. — Reuters Birch, adviser to the Bolton board, said on the club’s website. —Reuters In tropical Singapore, short track slides into focus

SINGAPORE: Among the weekend bargain extreme for us being here in Singapore in a hunters on the third floor of a sleepy shop- tropical country on this part of the earth ping mall, international short track speed where we have no winter at all,” he said. skating returned to Singapore with the hope of finding the tropical Asian nation a OUTSIDE WEATHER first Winter Olympian. Ng is trained by South Korea’s four-times The South East Asian Cup, which con- Olympic champion Chun Lee-kyung, her cluded on Sunday, was only the second recent hiring part of a drive to help boost international short track meet to have been local interest in the sport and eventually staged in the hot and humid citystate, lead to an Olympian of their own. where ice is usually preserved for cooling “We would like to see one as soon as drinks rather than providing a sporting possible,” Singapore Ice Skating Association platform. president Sonja Chong told Reuters. Sixty five junior and adult skaters from “It depends on a number of factors, six countries took part in the two-day event obviously you need the talent and fortu- in the western suburbs, scheduled early nately you need to put into place the train- each day so the rink could be rented out to ings, facility and coach.” the mall’s shoppers during the lucrative Facilities are next on the agenda. Ng and afternoon weekend rush. Chun meet twice a week for training ahead The few early movie-goers and shop- of the March 11-15 meet in Seoul, but only pers that stumbled across the event could when the mall closes. One session starts at be seen watching on inquisitively as the 04:30 a.m. on Sundays. fast-paced, crash-filled, dramatic races took Helping the cause is the preliminary place. Some, though, were probably unsure inclusion of ice sports for the first time in Group picture of the handicapped team what exactly they were watching. the biennial Southeast Asian Games, which “Pretty much all the time,” Singapore will be staged in Kuala Lumpur next year. skater Lucas Ng told Reuters when asked But trying to convince inhabitants of a how often he had to explain his sport to his tiny island nation with little international Kuwait handicapped athletics to compatriots. sporting pedigree and permanent steamy The 27-year-old part-time skate coach, temperatures that short track speed skat- hold training camp in Al-Ain city who won the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 metres ing can deliver Winter Olympic pride will at the SEA Cup, is the shining light of always be a tricky task. Singapore’s small speed skating fraternity “It’s a challenge because there is only By Abdellatif Sharaa Shafi Al-Hajiri said the Kuwait delegation has He said the choice of Al-Ain city to hold train- and will head to South Korea next month one rink in Singapore, theoretically it also Treasurer Saad Al-Azma along with techni- ing camp was because of the availability of out- to appear in his fifth world championships. shouldn’t be a challenge as it’s an indoor KUWAIT: Kuwait National Handicapped cal, administrative and medical teams. Al-Hajiri standing facilities. He finished 33rd in the 500m at last winter sport which means we aren’t really Athletics team left for Al-Ain city, UAE, to hold a said the team will participate with 16 athletes in He said the players who will represent Kuwait year’s world championships, four seconds limited by the outside weather,” Chung training camp, for participation in Sharqa the hammer, discuss and spear throwing, in are Abdallah Al-Hirz, Mohammad Nasser, off the gold medal winning time. But said. International Gathering and the Eighth Fazzaa addition to running on wheelchairs for various Abdelaziz Al-Masoud, Dhari Al-Nassar, Abdallah Singapore simply sending a skater to com- “We can create as many ice rinks in Athletics Championship, as the two tourna- distances. Al-Saif, Nasser Al-Aradha, Mohammad Al-Mutairi. pete regularly at the elite championships is Singapore technically, but of course we ments will be held in Sharqa and Dubai from He said Al-Ain camp will last two weeks dur- The throwing event will see the participation of a success in itself. need to wait for more things (events and 12/3 until 21/3. ing which athletes will go through intense train- female players Noura Al-Mutairi and Basma “From a young age I always wanted to skaters) to come up so we can have skating Head of the Kuwait delegation, chairman of ing mornings and evenings to ensure they will Najim. take part in winter sports as it’s really in more parts of Singapore.” —Reuters the board of Kuwait Handicapped Sports Club be fully ready.

Ooredoo participates in equestrian tournament

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of inter- interest nationals and expats, locals and visitors events. Ooredoo’s sponsorship of the festival national Ooredoo Group, participated inone of all age groups, the prominent festival includ- stems from its belief in the importance of effec- of the most exciting activities of Hala ed a camp, carnival, musical concerts, cultural tively taking part in national events and activi- Febrayer, which was held on February 19th and religious nights, shopping festival, graffiti ties that bring the people of Kuwait together, and 20 thin collaboration with Kuwait Riding competition, marathon and many other and spreading the festive spirit. Centre. The tournament was organized by Kuwait Riding Centre, where participants had the chance to compete in 3 different categories, based on their level of experience and skills. The two-day program included intermediate tournament, horse dancing shows, beginners’ tournaments, advanced tournaments, raffle draws and winners honouring. Prizes were distributed to winners at the end of each day, first day winners of all three categories received a KD 500 cash prize each, while winners of the second day received KD 1,000 each, in addition to the grand draw prize which was a Hyundai 2016 model car. The tournament is one of the key activities under Hala Febrayer Festival 2016 with Ooredoo, which included various activities that TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 SPORTS

BARCELONA: Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel drives at the Circuit de Catalunya yesterday in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona on the first test day of the Formula One Grand Prix season. — AFP Vettel fastest early as preseason testing begins BARCELONA: In a good early sign for Ferrari races other than Hamilton and his Mercedes Bottas, and 30 more than Vettel. “It feels very problems. “It’s just important to get a lot of lar to last year’s,” Force India driver Sergio Perez in its attempt to challenge Mercedes, teammate Nico Rosberg. much the same as last year’s car, to be honest,” mileage, to sign off all the reliability things, said. “But you never know, once you get to Sebastian Vettel was faster than reigning Seven other drivers tried out their cars on Hamilton said. “It doesn’t feel any different. and to build a good understanding about your Melbourne everything changes so quickly, so it champion Lewis Hamilton in Formula One pre- the first of four days of testing in Barcelona. That’s a good thing, last year’s car was good.” car and tires,” said Force India driver Nico will be quite interesting to see where everyone season testing yesterday. Rosberg will drive on Tuesday, as will two-time Newcomer Haas, the first American-led Hulkenberg, who will start testing on is.” The final test sessions are scheduled for Hamilton was first out in the new Mercedes champion Fernando Alonso with McLaren, team in F1 since 1986, faced a mechanical Wednesday. “That’s the most important things March 1-4, also in Barcelona. The first of 21 but it was Vettel who had the quickest time in which last year endured dismal results under a issue in its first run when the front wing of the in these early days.” races is on March 20 in Australia. Most teams the morning session at the Circuit de renewed partnership with engine supplier car driven by Romain Grosjean fell off, but the Mercedes has dominated the last two F1 had already launched their new cars online and Barcelona. Hamilton was nearly half a second Honda. Alonso’s teammate, Jenson Button, Frenchman was able to return to the pits with- seasons, and with no major regulation through social media, but some made their offi- slower, and Valtteri Bottas of Williams was had a promising first session for McLaren by out further incidents. Grosjean was eighth changes this year, is expected to be the team cial presentation to the media on the pit lane, third, more than a second behind Vettel. running 35 laps and showing no apparent fastest in the morning after running 13 laps. to catch again. The test sessions in Barcelona with drivers and team members posing for Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull was fourth. signs of the reliability issues that plagued the The first day of tests - nearly three months should indicate if any of its rivals have made photos in front of cars before Monday tests got Although test times often can be mislead- team last season. He was sixth fastest in the after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closed last sea- significant gains - or if, once again, the fight underway. Among them were Haas and ing, especially this early, it was clearly a posi- morning. son started on a damp track and under over- will be for second place. Renault, which took over financially strapped tive start for Vettel, who was third in the stand- Hamilton was the busiest driver in the cast skies, with most teams spending time “Teams have not changed the concepts of Lotus. Mercedes and Force India also intro- ings last year and was the only driver to win morning session with 66 laps, 23 more than running installation laps to check for possible their cars, so I expect the grid to stay quite simi- duced their cars at the track. — AP Hamilton tests new Mercedes

BARCELONA: Defending champion Nico Rosberg will be driving for the first once again the fight will be for second Lewis Hamilton was the first driver out on time on Tuesday, as will Button’s team- place. “Teams have not changed the con- the track yesterday as Formula One mate Fernando Alonso. “It’s just important cepts of their cars, so I expect the grid to returned to action with preseason testing. to get a lot of mileage, to sign off all the stay quite similar to last year’s,” Force India Hamilton didn’t waste time trying out the reliability things, and to build a good driver Sergio Perez said. “But you never new Mercedes that he will attempt to understanding about your car and tires,” know, once you get to Melbourne every- guide to a third consecutive champi- said Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg, thing changes so quickly, so it will be onship this year. He was one of 11 drivers who will start testing on Wednesday. quite interesting to see where everyone scheduled to test their cars yesterday, the “That’s the most important things in these is.” The final test sessions for the 2016 sea- first of four days of testing at the Circuit de early days.” son are scheduled for March 1-4, also in Barcelona. The first day of tests - nearly three Barcelona. The first of 21 races is on Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, months after the season-ending Abu March 20 in Australia. who came third last year, also was on the Dhabi Grand Prix in 2015 - started on Most teams had already launched their track with Ferrari, as well as Jenson a damp track and under overcast skies, new cars online and through social media, Button, who is hoping to find a much- with most teams spending time running but some made their official presentation improved McLaren after dismal results in installation laps to check for possible to the media on the pit lane, with drivers 2015. problems. and team members posing for photos in Vettel and Hamilton exchanged the Mercedes has dominated the last two front of cars before Monday tests got fastest times early in the session, with F1 seasons and - with no major regulation underway. Among them were Haas, the Valtteri Bottas of Williams in third. changes for 2016 - is expected to be the first American-led team in F1 since 1986, Hamilton was also the busiest, running team to catch this year. The test sessions and Renault, which took over financially more laps than any other driver in the in Barcelona should indicate if any of its strapped Lotus. Mercedes and Force India morning session. Hamilton’s teammate rivals have made significant gains - or if also introduced their cars at the track. Watson walks to his SPA shooting tournament results own beat-and wins By Abdellatif Sharaa & KUNA LOS ANGELES: For someone who what anyone thinks because he has a PGA Tour. Watson hits the ball long, KUWAIT: As HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber says he gets nervous around big trophy. “So for me, I wanted to hit it as and while it might wind up in the fair- Al-Sabah Fifth International Shooting Grand Prix approach- crowds, Bubba Watson loves to be in hard as I could. That was the key. And way, it’s rarely on a straight line. “I real- es, the Sports Public Authority (SPA) Shooting Tournament big company. so it worked out. It went straight. Ping ly enjoy watching Bubba play and was concluded at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic He started the week by taking his makes a good driver, the ‘G’ driver. I warm up on the range,” Scott said. “He Shooting Complex. The tournament was in the Olympic 3-year-old son to see Justin Bieber, don’t know if you’ve seen it. It’s pink.” really has his style of golf under con- and it ended with Golden State trol. I don’t think you can teach it. He’s shotgun events (skeet, trap and double trap) for men and WINNING MOOD women, and lasted three days. Warriors star Stephen Curry sending just such a natural talent. Watching a The closing ceremony was attended by President of him a text just a few minutes before Still smiling, he showed his win- guy hit 5-iron to four different greens Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Eng Duaij Khalaf Al- Watson teed off in the final round of ning mood when he added, “I love it on the range about 85 yards, 120, 170 Otaibi, Secretary General Obaid Al-Osaimi, Assistant the Northern Trust Open. when I win and can just make stuff and 240 is pretty fun to watch.” Treasurer Adnan Al-Ibrahim and board member Nidhal Al- “He said, ‘Little man was getting up.” It’s not always happy times. Scott was 5 under through six Asem. lessons from Bieber, maybe I could Just two weeks ago in Phoenix, holes on Sunday, lost the lead with a show him how to shoot,’” Watson said. Watson was quick to point out that he three-putt double bogey on No. 8, Results of the tournament are as follows: “I saw the text about 15 minutes doesn’t like the changes to the TPC and then fell out of a tie for the lead Skeet men: Mohammad Al-Daihani, Mansour Al-Rashidi, before my tee time. I didn’t want to Scottsdale course and was mainly on the back nine by missing a pair of Abdallah Al-Rashidi. text him. Then he would say, ‘Quit tex- playing because of sponsor ties to the 4-foot par putts on successive holes. Trap men: Abdallah Al-Rashidi, Abdelrahman Al-Faihan, ting me, you should have won.’ But I community and because he lived for He also made a 10-foot birdie putt Talal Al-Rashidi. ended up winning.” eight years in the area. that kept alive his chances, and then Double trap men: Hamad Al-Afasi, Saad Al-Mutairi, Ahmad That he did, for the second time in What he really didn’t like were chipped in for birdie on the 18th for a Al-Afasi. two years at Riviera, and in a manner headlines he thought misconstrued 67. Trap women: Sarah Al-Hawal, Shahad Al-Hawal, Hajar that was anything but boring. Two his feelings, and the verbal abuse that That tied him for the lead long Abdelmalek. years ago, he closed with 64-64 with- was so severe that some players won- enough for Watson to make birdie on Skeet juniors: Hamad Al-Khalidi, Hamad Al-Ablani, Yousuf out making a bogey. On Sunday, he dered why Watson would ever go the 17th. Al-Mutairi. went from a one-shot lead to three back to the Phoenix Open. Kokrak closed with a 68 and made Trap juniors: Nasser Al-Khalidi, Yousuf Al-Mutairi, Khalid Al- shots behind Adam Scott in seven “I’m not over it,” he said. “It’s heart- only one bogey - from the 15th fair- Murad. holes. Once he caught back up, he fell breaking that a city or community or way with a two-shot lead, which Meanwhile, Kuwaiti champion Ahmad Al-Afasi yesterday two holes behind Jason Kokrak with local press would put a headline to allowed Watson back in the game. came fourth in double-trap competition held as part of four holes to play. spur on a bad image. So it’s hurtful.” Watson, who finished at 15-under 269, Qatar’s international shooting tournament. And then he closed with two Apparently, it inflicted more pain than won for the ninth time on the PGA The double-trap competition was won by the Italian, birdies over the final three holes for a passing a kidney stone, and Watson Tour and kept waffling on his pledge. Marco Innocenti. Second came his fellow citizen, Daniele one-shot victory over both of them. knows all about that. He said he He once said - it’s hard to tell when Di Spigno, while the Russian, Vasily Mosin, ranked third. First, Watson hit a tight draw to a passed one Monday when he arrived he’s joking - that he would retire when Innocenti, after the crowning, said in a press statement tough pin on the par-3 16th to 5 feet at Riviera, the second one in five years. he reached 10 victories. When he won that the competition was very heated, lauding Qatar’s suc- for birdie to tie for the lead. And on And he said he kept it in a plastic bag in The Bahamas in December, he said cessful organization of the international tournament. the 582-yard 17th hole, Watson had this week. “Five years ago, he (the doc- he would walk away if he ever Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti referee, Muath Al-Rashed, both feet off the ground when he tor) said there was one more in my reached No. 1 in the world. expressed satisfaction at the Kuwaiti performance in this obliterated a drive that went 334 system, and obviously it was this He’s a long way from that. Watson category, facing world’s top champions in the game and yards and left him only a 2-iron into week. My baby came out, I guess,” he moved to No. 4, but he is nowhere coming out among the top winners in a neck-and-neck the green. said. “Again, no pain. And I’m already a close to Jordan Spieth. Besides, he contest. “I don’t know if you know, but the head case, so ... I thought I was dying might just set another goal. Watson The nine-day championship got underway on Thursday. carry of that (fairway) bunker is 321 without pain.” doesn’t plan to play golf forever, yards, by the way, with the adjust- except for his lifetime exemption to In addition to the Kuwaiti team of top shooters, there are IT’S A WORLD LIKE NO OTHER 280 competitors involved in the contests, representing 37 ment,” Watson said, brimming with the Masters, but he’s still having fun. Gulf, Arab and foreign countries. the smile of someone who cares not It’s a world like no other on the Especially when he wins. — AP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 SPORTS Young Greek pole vaulter scaling the heights

ATHENS: Teenaged Greek pole vaulter But rather than bask in the glory of 2.8 million in 2016, and athletes going to mer Greek decathlete and mother Sara a Junior Outdoor Championships this Emmanuel Karalis is determined to scale his feat, Karalis, who received his first this year’s Olympics in Rio will rely on former Ugandan long jumper, was seem- summer in Tbilisi, Karalis, who cites new heights despite the negative pair of spikes from Filippidis, is not rest- the IOC’s solidarity fund for support, just ingly destined for track and field from Ukrainian pole vault great Sergey Bubka impact of the country’s financial crisis on ing on his laurels. as they did in 2012. birth. as his role model, is also targeting the sport. “For a kid my age what I’ve achieved “Look there’s no hiding how difficult “My parents took me to OAKA in the 2020 Olympics. Fresh from breaking the world youth is huge, but to be honest I feel like now it is,” said Karalis. baby stroller while they trained so from “When we were at the world champi- record, a mark which had stood for 12 my career is starting; this is the platform “The facilities at OAKA (Olympic the moment I was born athletics has onships in Colombia last summer, he years, this month, the 16-year-old is I can use to train harder and improve,” he Stadium) are not the best and many ath- been part of my life,” said Karalis. (Bubka) told me what a positive attitude being hailed as a future star of Greek told Reuters. Many of Greece’s athletes, letes struggle to get by, but I’m not here “I tried lots of sports when I was a kid, I had and that I’ll go very farIt’s an amaz- athletics. especially at youth level, are suffering to complain,” he said. “I decided to be from swimming to basketball and taek- ing feeling to hear that from someone With his leap of 5.53 metres at the from funding cuts made by the govern- philosophical about it. I’ll work with wondo, but when I tried the decathlon you idolise. national indoor championships in ment due to the austerity measures whatever I have; if I had to train on the and the first event I did was the pole “I think for every athlete it’s a dream Piraeus, Karalis finished third behind prompted by the financial crisis. street then I’d do it without complaint.” vault, I just seemed to have a knack for it to go the Olympics and it’s definitely one Greek champion Kostas Filippidis, eclips- The state’s budget for the Greek ath- and loved it from the first moment-I of mine. I don’t know if I’ll make it for ing the 2004 record of 5.51 set by letics federation (SEGAS) has been GREEK DECATHLETE haven’t looked back since.” 2020 but the Olympics is in my sights for Argentine German Chiaraviglio. slashed from 8.2 million euros in 2010 to Karalis, whose father Haris was a for- Now favourite for the European sure.” —Reuters

Kenyan official suspended after bribery allegations

NAIROBI: Kenya’s top athletics official was ning for decades but the sport, which car- provisionally suspended by the Ethics ries enormous prestige in this East African Board of the sport’s world governing body nation, has been overshadowed by doping yesterday “in the interests of the integrity of allegations that have tainted athletics glob- the sport”. ally. Athletics Kenya (AK) Chief Executive Kenya remains a global leader in Isaac Mwangi has been accused by two endurance running both on the track and athletes who failed drugs tests of seeking in big-city marathons, but about 40 of its bribes to reduce their doping suspensions. athletes have been banned for doping in Joy Sakari and Francisca Koki Manunga say the last three years. The IAAF board said Mwangi asked each of them for $24,000 to Mwangi was suspended for 180 days pend- reduce the four-year bans. ing investigation of a complaint made Mwangi, who has denied any wrongdo- against him in relation to “potential subver- ing, told Reuters he would “respect the sion of the anti-doping control process in decision of the IAAF ethics commission” Kenya”. while an investigation is carried out. He is In November, the IAAF Ethics Board the fourth senior Kenyan official to be sus- suspended three other senior AK offi- pended since November by the cials, including former AK president International Association of Athletics Isaiah Kiplagat, over corruption allega- Federations. tions. The spate of failed drugs cases by Earlier this month Mwangi volunteered Kenyan athletes and corruption allega- to step aside from his role as AK chief exec- tions against officials have stirred fears utive for three weeks while Kenya’s anti- the East African nation could follow doping agency carried out a probe into the Russia and be banned from global athlet- allegations. He said he wanted to have his ics, with only months remaining until the name cleared. Kenya has been hugely suc- start of the Olympic Games in Rio de cessful in middle- and long-distance run- Janeiro in August. —Reuters Djokovic kicks off Dubai with runaway win

DUBAI: Novak Djokovic hammered Spain’s be on court like all the matches. In tennis MINNEAPOLIS: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks trips up Erik Haula #56 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period at the TCF Tommy Robredo 6-1, 6-2 at the Dubai you never know. That’s part of this beautiful Bank Stadium during the 2016 Coors Light Stadium Series game yesterday in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Haula was awarded a goal on the play as Tennis Championships yesterday, winning game. Who knows? Maybe I’ll wake up on a the Blackhawks had pulled their goaltender. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 6-1. — AFP the 699th match of his career. good day.” Djokovic has played finals at his The world number one now stands 13-0 last 17 events, winning 13. Jaziri has plenty this season as he bids for a third 2016 title of previous time on court with Djokovic Wild are great outdoors, with after trophies in Doha and Melbourne. He after practise sessions between the pair. last played in the final at Melbourne Park, “In Doha (last January) I practised with beating Andy Murray. him and in Australia. He’s playing his best The top seed will next face Tunisian wild level, he’s winning maybe most all tourna- 6-1 romp past Blackhawks card Malek Jaziri, who advanced over quali- ments,” Jaziri said. “I have nothing to lose, fier Mikhail Youzhny 6-4, 6-1. you know. But first let’s see him win his MINNEAPOLIS: Jason Pominville and Erik Haula LIGHTNING 4, HURRICANES 2 made 37 saves as Vancouver beat Colorado to “I may have looked calm from the out- match and then we see.” each had a goal and two assists, and the Ryan Callahan scored twice and Steven end a four-game skid. Adam Cracknell, Radim side, but there is a lot of intensity inside,” Djokovic is playing Dubai for a tenth Minnesota Wild celebrated the first outdoor Stamkos had a goal and an assist to propel Vrbata and Christopher Tanev also scored for Djokovic said after advancing in 65 min- year in succession, now 35-5 in the emirate. game in franchise history with a 6-1 victory on Tampa Bay past Carolina for its third straight win. Vancouver. Henrik Sedin had four assists and utes. “There are emotions, moments of con- He owns Dubai titles from 2009-2011 and Sunday over the Chicago Blackhawks. In front of Stamkos put the Lightning ahead 3-2 on a pow- Daniel Sedin had three assists. fidence and doubts. 2013; he lost the final to Roger Federer last a crowd of 50,426 at TCF Bank Stadium on the er play with 5:43 left, and Callahan added an The Canucks were 0-5-1 over their last six “It’s important to remain positive. I came year. University of Minnesota campus with an ideal empty-netter with less than 10 seconds remain- at Rogers Arena. Semyon Varlamov stopped here a few days ago and trained hard to get South Korea’s rising player Chung Hyeon faceoff temperature of just above freezing, the ing. Ben Bishop made 29 saves and improved to 23 shots, and the Avalanche ended a two- ready. It’s been three weeks since I’ve made a winning Dubai debut, beating Wild turned the NHL’s 17th edition of open-air 6-1 in his career against Carolina. J.T. Brown also game winning streak. Matt Duchene scored played a match. “I’m glad to be back with a Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-4 a day after the hockey into a romp past their postseason neme- scored for the Lightning. Joakim Nordstrom and with 42 seconds left for Colorado. The solid win.” Italian turned 32. Canadian Vasek Pospisil sis and primary rival. The Blackhawks pulled Michal Jordan scored for the Hurricanes. Avalanche won 3-2 Saturday night at The 123rd-ranked Jaziri knows his defeated Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-3, 5-7, goalie Corey Crawford for Scott Darling after 19 Edmonton, but trailed 3-0 after two periods chances against the best in the world will 6-4. Marseille winner Nick Kyrgios was due saves in two periods. Nino Niederreiter and CANUCKS 5, AVALANCHE 1 in this one. It might’ve been closer if not for be extremely limited - but he’s not totally in Dubai later after winning the first title of Ryan Carter each added a goal and an assist, and Jannik Hansen scored twice, Ryan Miller Miller’s stellar play. — AP without hope. “It should be a good match. his career in France over Marin Cilic. Matt Dumba and Thomas Vanek also scored. I will try to enjoy it on court and I will play The 20-year-old Australian starts his Patrick Kane ended Devan Dubnyk’s shutout all my chances,” said the 32-year-old North campaign today night, facing Slovak Martin pursuit with his Western Conference-leading NHL results/standings African. “Novak’s playing his best tennis Klizan, winner of the Rotterdam event eight 35th goal midway through the third period. now, and he’s beating everyone. But I will days ago. — AFP Dubnyk stopped 31 shots. Vancouver 5, Colorado 1; NY Rangers 1, Detroit 0 (OT); Carolina 2, Tampa Bay 4; Anaheim 5, Calgary 2; Minnesota 6, Chicago 1; Buffalo 3, Pittsburgh 4. RANGERS 1, RED WINGS 0, OT Eastern Conference Western Conference Kevin Klein scored on a 2-on-1 break at 1:59 Atlantic Division of overtime and New York spoiled a magnificent Pacific Division W L OT GF GA PTS effort by Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard. Henrik Chicago 38 19 5 176148 81 Florida 34 18 7 164 137 75 Dallas 37 17 6 194 169 80 Lundqvist made 22 saves in his fourth shutout Tampa Bay 33 22 4 163 148 70 and helped the Rangers win for the seventh St. Louis 35 17 9 153 144 79 Boston 32 21 6 181 163 70 Colorado 31 27 4 165 173 66 time in nine games (7-1-1). Howard stopped 29 Detroit 29 20 11 151 157 69 shots as the Red Wings lost their sixth straight Nashville 27 21 11 154 154 65 Ottawa 28 26 6 172 186 62 Minnesota 27 22 10 156 148 64 road game, their longest skid since March 2012. MontrÈal 28 27 4 162 163 60 Winnipeg 25 29 4 149 171 54 He forced overtime with a save on a penalty Buffalo 24 29 7 144 166 55 Central Division shot by Jesper Fast with 5:25 left in regulation Toronto 20 27 10 140 172 50 Los Angeles 34 20 4 157 137 72 and then a sliding pad save on Fast in close with Metropolitan Division Anaheim 31 19 8 146 141 70 3:45 to go. Washington 43 10 4 191 131 90 NY Rangers 34 19 6 171 150 74 San Jose 31 21 5 168 154 67 PENGUINS 4, SABRES 3 NY Islanders 31 19 7 164 144 69 Arizona 27 25 6 161 180 60 Rookie Scott Wilson sparked a two-goal Pittsburgh 30 20 8 154 151 68 Vancouver 23 24 12 142 168 58 second period and extended his goal streak to New Jersey 29 24 7 133 141 65 Calgary 26 29 3 160 180 55 three games in leading Pittsburgh over Carolina 27 23 10 148 160 64 Edmonton 22 32 6 150 184 50 Buffalo. The Penguins beat Buffalo for the Philadelphia 26 21 11 144 158 63 Note: Overtime losses (OT) worth 1 pt and not included eighth straight time and also got goals from Columbus 23 29 7 149 184 53 in loss column (L). Patric Hornqvist, Phil Kessel and Matt Cullen, who scored on a short-handed breakaway in the third period. Kris Letang had three assists and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 24 shots in returning after missing a game due to illness. Zach Bogosian scored twice, and added an assist, and Brian Gionta had a goal and assist for Buffalo, which had a 3-0-1 streak ended. Bogosian’s second goal came with 22 seconds left and Buffalo’s net empty.

DUCKS 5, FLAMES 2 Ryan Kesler had two goals and an assist, John Gibson made 22 saves and Anaheim returned from a long road trip to beat Calgary for its fifth consecutive victory. Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf extended his point streak to eight games with a third-period goal for the streaking Ducks, who have won 12 of 14 to improve to 19-4-2 since Christmas. Anaheim also trimmed Los Angeles’ lead to two points atop the Pacific Division. Patrick Maroon and Kevin Bieksa also had power- play goals as Anaheim beat the Flames at home for the 22nd consecutive time. Calgary captain Mark Giordano scored his career-best 15th goal and former Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller stopped 28 CLERMONT-FERRAND: World record holder Renaud Lavillenie clears the bar at 6.02m altitude shots for the Flames, who have lost four of five. to win the first edition of the All-star pole vault competition in Clermont-Ferrand on Sunday. DUBAI: Serbian Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Spanish Tommy Robredo during Mikael Backlund added a last -minute goal for The Frenchman achieved his winning vault on his first attempt with Canada’s Shawn Barber their ATP tennis match on the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Calgary, which hasn’t won a regular-season game taking second with 5.91m. Lavillenie then tried and failed three times to beat his own world Championships yesterday. — AFP at Honda Center since Jan. 19, 2004. record of 6.16m. — AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 SPORTS Bangladesh lifts ban on umpire Nadir Shah

DHAKA: Bangladesh yesterday lifted The private India TV channel aired including three from Sri Lanka and two Nazmul Hassan told reporters. ducted the inaugural Bangladesh the 10-year ban on former international footage in October 2015, showing that from Pakistan. All six were subsequent- “So we’ve decided to lift Nadir Shah’s Premier League last year, a copy-cat of cricket umpire Nadir Shah, allowing him the 52-year-old Shah was willing to give ly suspended by their own cricket ban. There will be no bar on him to con- India’s high-octane IPL Twenty20 tour- to officiate domestic matches. LBW (leg before wicket) decisions on authorities but they have consistently duct domestic matches.” Shah wel- nament. Shah was banned in March 2013 by demand. refuted the allegations. comed the BCB decision. The competition was marred by cor- the Bangladesh Cricket Board after a Shah, who has stood in 40 one-day “We have found that the others “I am over the moon now,” he told ruption allegations and ended up with sting operation by an Indian TV channel internationals and three Twenty20 inter- umpires found guilty for the same AFP. “Also I am grateful to all who former Bangladeshi captain Mohammad found him apparently willing to fix nationals, was one of six umpires offence had not been punished for helped me getting the ban removed.” Ashraful and two other officials banned matches for cash. caught in the undercover investigation, more than three years,” BCB president Shah was among the umpires who con- for different period. —AFP Clarke in talks with Sixers over Big Bash

SYDNEY: The Sydney Sixers yesterday said Remond. “With the World T20 and IPL com- they have spoken to Michael Clarke about ing up, no decisions on roster spots are his comeback plans as the former Australia likely to be made in the near future as we skipper weighs up a tilt at Australia’s decide on what is going to work best for Twenty20 Big Bash League. Clarke, who our club for BBL06 and beyond. returned to Sydney club cricket over the “It’s a long off season so we will wait and weekend with Western Suburbs, has been see how things pan out in the coming linked with the Sixers about reigniting a months.” T20 career in next season’s domestic com- Clarke, 34, scored what he described as petition. a “rusty” 48 in his comeback match for Sixers general manager Dominic Western Suburbs on Saturday and followed Remond confirmed preliminary discussions up with a quick-fire 30 off 17 balls in the had been held with the batsman, who second innings on Sunday. retired in August after the disastrous Ashes He has maintained that he was taking a series in England. wait-and-see approach to resuming his “We caught up with Michael a few career elsewhere, but has also made it clear weeks ago to chat about his interest in the that his focus from now on would be on Sixers and what he was looking to do mov- the T20 format. ing forward,” Remond told AFP. Clarke said That has been given more weight by the before his comeback club match that he emergence of the approach to the Sixers. “missed the game”, and wanted to have a While Clarke played in 115 Tests and 245 crack at making his mark in T20s. “We only one-day internationals, he only took part in have a few positions available on our roster 34 T20 internationals during his first-class and we are just working through our career, giving it a low priority compared to review process from last season,” added Tests and ODIs. —AFP England batsmen must

play proper shots: Bayliss CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand’s Kane Williamson plays a shot during day three of the second cricket Test match between New Zealand and Australia at the Hagley Park in Christchurch yesterday. —AFP CAPE TOWN: England coach Trevor Bayliss better execution.” has urged his batsmen to rein in their Bayliss was also scathing of his bowlers, gung-ho approach ahead of the World who were carted for 172 from only 88 deliv- Twenty20 in India starting next month. eries in Johannesburg. McCullum gone for good England lost both Twenty20 matches at “We have to come up with better plans the end of their tour of South Africa, includ- and bowl to our field,” he said. “If we have ing losing seven wickets for 14 runs in the got more fielders on the off-side then there as Aussies scent victory second match in Johannesburg on Sunday. is no point bowling half-trackers down the A feature of both games was way the leg-side. It is very simple stuff to be honest. batsmen looked to attack the bowling from Set a field and bowl to it.” CHRISTCHURCH: Brendon McCullum drew the MINUTE’S SILENCE Australia’s batting goliath Adam Voges in the ball one, but Bayliss believes they need to England will return home before their curtain on his illustrious batting career as a typi- The Australians posted a formidable 505 in second over after lunch. think more about playing more conven- World Twenty20 campaign that starts on cally pugnacious but short-lived innings yester- their first innings for a 135-run lead and New Voges, backing up from a double century in tional strokes. March 16 against the West Indies. day was unable to loosen Australia’s firm grip on Zealand’s attempt to fight back started disas- the first innings, had looked in total control until “Instead of trying to whack the ball for Bayliss is hopeful the break will do his the second Test in Christchurch. trously when Martin Guptill was caught behind his timing deserted him in an attempt to pull fours and sixes all the time we’ve got to players good, some of whom have been in On an emotional day when players and fans off Pattinson for nought. Pattinson and glove- Wagner to the boundary and a leaping Latham play more cricket shots,” Bayliss told South Africa since mid-December. marked the fifth anniversary of the devastating man Peter Nevill combined again to dismiss Tom grasped the ball at square leg. Voges, out for 60, reporters yesterday. “We have played some good cricket and Christchurch earthquake, the captain’s depar- Latham with the young opener making a start had seen Australia to a sound position after “In India the wickets and grounds are will go home and probably recover mental- ture in his 101st and final Test left New Zealand but unable to kick on. Henry Nicholls made just being set up by Joe Burns (170) and Steve Smith fairly quick so you have only got to play ly as much as physically and hopefully that staring down the barrel. At the end of the third two before he edged a full delivery from (138). proper cricket shots and the ball will go for freshens the boys up.” day New Zealand were 121-4, needing a further Pattinson to the safe hands of Smith at second “We’re in a great spot. To push on past 500 four and six. Also in England’s group are South 14 to make Australia bat again, but refusing to slip. and then take four wickets and them still be “The last couple of games we have got Africa, Sri Lanka and a as yet unknown concede. “It’s 1-0 in the series and we’ve got to A career-best six wickets for 106 by Neil behind us, we’re in a good position,” Voges said. into the habit of trying to hit the ball into team from the qualifiers that will be go out there and try and win this Test match,” BJ Wagner had helped engineer an abrupt end to Fans and players, wearing black armbands, the top of the stand and ended up hitting Scotland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan or Watling said. the Australian innings after they reached 464-5 paused at 12:51 pm, the exact time the 2011 balls straight at fielders. It comes down to Hong Kong. — Reuters “We’ve just got to try and get a total on the and lost their last five wickets for 41 in 12 overs. earthquake struck, for a minute’s silence for the board that we can win the game (with); that’s On a pitch offering little for the bowlers, 185 victims of a disaster which destroyed much the ultimate goal.” McCullum arrived for his Wagner fired up New Zealand when he removed of Christchurch city centre. — AFP farewell innings at 72-3 but after 25 off 27 deliv- eries, the man who hit the fastest ever Test cen- SCOREBOARD tury in the first innings was out. His second-to-last whack sent Josh CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Scoreboard at stumps on day three of the second Test between New Zealand and Hazlewood for a record-extending 107th six over Australia in Christchurch yesterday: square leg. But when he danced down the wick- et for a repeat performance off the next ball he New Zealand first innings 370 (B. McCullum 145, C. (Hazlewood) was caught by David Warner. After Australian Anderson 72, B. Watling 58; N. Lyon 3-61) Bowling: Southee 25-4-85-0, Boult 31-5-108-2, Henry captain Steve Smith ran over to shake Australia 1st innings (overnight 363-4) 32-8-101-0, Anderson 22-2-66-1, Wagner 32.1-6-106-6, McCullum’s hand and acknowledge the New D. Warner c Guptill b Boult 12 Williamson 7-0-17-1, McCullum 4-2-3-0. Zealand captain’s contribution to the game, he J. Burns c Guptill b Wagner 170 U. Khawaja c McCullum b Boult 24 New Zealand 2nd innings was gone for the last time. S. Smith c Guptill b Wagner 138 It had been a memorable Test for McCullum T. Latham c Nevill b Pattinson 39 A. Voges c Latham b Wagner 60 M. Guptill c Nevill b Pattinson 0 with a rollicking 145 in the first innings, reaching N. Lyon c McCullum b Williamson 33 K. Williamson not out 45 his century in a record 54 balls, when he defied M. Marsh c Nicholls b Wagner 18 H. Nicholls c Smith b Pattinson 2 the accepted rules of cricket by lashing out on a P. Nevill c Watling b Wagner 13 B. McCullum c Warner b Hazlewood 25 seaming wicket. After that innings he said what J. Pattinson c Boult b Anderson 1 C. Anderson not out 9 mattered most was winning the Test, but that J. Hazlewood c McCullum b Wagner 13 J. Bird not out 4 Extras: (nb1) 1 now seems unlikely. Total (4 wickets; 44 overs) 121 A magical spell from James Pattinson to rip Extras (b9, lb10) 19 Total (10 wickets, 153.1 overs) 505 Fall of wicket: 1-8 (Guptill), 2-66 (Latham), 3-72 through New Zealand’s top order gave Australia Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Warner), 2-67 (Khawaja), 3-356 (Nicholls), 4-105 (McCullum) a sight of victory and a return to the number one (Burns), 4-357 (Smith), 5-438 (Lyon) 6-464 (Voges), 7-483 Bowling: Hazlewood 15-5-40-1, Pattinson 12-5-29-3, world ranking. Kane Williamson was not out 45 (Marsh), 8-484 (Pattinson), 9-496 (Nevill), 10-505 Bird 7-1-26-0, Lyon 2-0-8-0, Marsh 8-2-18-0 (nb1). at stumps with Corey Anderson on nine.

FATULLAH: Sri Lanka cricketer Thisara Perera arrives for a training session at Khan FATULLAH: Indian cricketers Ravindra Jadeja (L), Pawan Negi (2L), Virat Kohli (2R) and Ajinkya Rahane play football with teammates during a Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah yesterday.— AFP training session at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah yesterday. — AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 SPORTS

Turkish referee ‘shown red card’ in stormy top-flight clash

ISTANBUL: Turkish football faced new “Tonight, Salih Dursun showed the red region of Kocaeli lodged a criminal com- questions over the credibility of the card to Turkish football. This is not a sym- plaint against the referee for “abuse of game yesterday after an anarchic clash bol of rebellion. It is a symbol of rebirth,” power” and “inciting hatred”. between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor he added. Galatasaray chairman Dursun The head of Turkey’s Central Referee’s ended with just seven footballers from Ozbek admitted Monday that the refer- Commission, Kuddusi Muftuoglu, told the Black Sea side on the pitch and one eeing had not been up to scratch, the reporters that Bitnel had made several of its players showing the referee the red Dogan news agency reported. “There mistakes and his performance was upset- card. The Sunday night Super Lig clash were decisions that were favourable for ting. between Galatasaray of Istanbul and both sides, there were decisions that “We share the disappointment of Trabzonspor of Trabzon-one of the most went against them.” Trabzonspor. We reward successful refer- venemous rivalries in the Turkish game- ees and take measures against unsuc- was marked by a litany of penalties, ill ‘SHARE THE DISAPPOINTMENT’ cessful ones,” he said, raising the discipline and poor refereeing. “A card that was 100 percent right,” prospect Bitnel could now be “rested”. Trabzonspor had already had two players headlined the Fanatik sports daily above Turkish football has seen a huge influx sent off by referee Deniz Ates Bitnel a picture of Dursun showing the red card of foreign talent in the last years and the when Belgian defender Luis Cavanda was and listing six major errors the referee game saw Netherlands star Wesley deemed to have brought down Umut made in the game. Sneijder and Germany’s Lukas Podolski Bulut in the penalty box in the 86th Far from sanctioning their player, turning out for Galatasaray. minute and was himself dismissed. Trabzonspor announced the club started But the sport in Turkey remains shad- Trabzonspor players remonstrated with printing T-shirts showing Dursun make owed by the sometimes appalling refer- the referee and in the fracas Trabzonspor the already iconic gesture for sale in the eeing, low attendances, the shadow of a defender Salih Dursun pinched the refer- official shop. 2011 match-fixing scandal and the failure ee’s red card and brandished it in front of Hundreds of Trabzonspor’s famously to make any impact in the Champions Bitnel. fanatical supporters marched through League. Bitnel then recovered the card, using the centre of the city Monday, all bran- Turkish media meanwhile noted ISTANBUL: Trabzonspor’s player Salih Dursun (R) shows a red card to referee it to send Dursun off and Selcuk Inan dishing red cards in support of the play- Dursun’s action had a precedent back in Deniz Ates Bitnel (L) during Turkish Super Lig football match between stepped up to score the penalty, winning er, television pictures showed. 1995 when English legend Paul Galatasaray and Trabzonspor on Feburary 21, 2016 at the TT Arena Stadium in the game 2-1 to Galatasaray. “There are Local officials in the Macka district of Gascoigne, playing for Rangers, showed a Istanbul. Turkish football faced new questions over the credibility of the game messages from all over Turkey, saying ‘we Trabzon mulled erecting a statue in hon- yellow card to referee Dougie Smith, in a after an anarchic clash between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor ended with just are ashamed’” Trabzonspor chairman our of the player’s gesture while Scottish Premiership clash with seven footballers from the Black Sea side on the pitch and one of its players Muharrem Usta said after the game. Trabzonspor supporters in the western Hibernian.—AFP showing the referee the red card. — AFP Nine-man Lyon slump to defeat at Lille

PARIS: Nine-man Lyon missed the chance to move into the third and final Champions League place in France as they lost 1-0 at Lille on Sunday, while Michy Batshuayi rescued a 1-1 draw for Marseille against Saint-Etienne. Sofiane Boufal scored the only goal of the game at Lille in the 28th minute, as a desperate- ly poor Lyon saw their run of three consecutive wins come to an end. After Saint-Etienne’s draw, Lyon knew three points would move them into the coveted third place, but they failed to take their chance. Boufal has been the only stand-out performer in a lifeless Lille attack this season, and he opened the scoring at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy with his eighth goal this term. His free-kick from the left wing evaded HOUSTON: Members of the United States pose on the field after they beat Canada 2- everyone in the middle, including a leaden- 0 during the Championship final of the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic footed Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, as it Qualifying at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday in Houston, Texas. — AFP bounced into the net. After scoring 10 goals in a run of three comprehensive victories, Bruno Genesio’s Lyon would have been confident going into this encounter. But they created very Totti at crossroads as little in a drab first half display and shortly after the restart they were lucky to see Lille striker Yassine Benzia drag a shot hopelessly wide Spalletti wins spat when in on goal. On the hour mark any fading hopes the visi- MILAN: Roma legend Francesco Totti play. My injury is over, I’m doing fine and tors had of moving into the Champions League was yesterday left at a career crossroads if I’m not playing it’s the coach’s decision.” spots were all but ended, when right-back after a highly-publicised spat with coach It was a risky move by the historic club Christophe Jallet saw a second yellow card for Luciano Spalletti that divided Italian captain. Now in his second spell at the holding back Eric Bautheac. Lille have the sec- football and cast a shadow over his club, Spalletti has done witout Totti and ond-worst attack in the division but the second- remarkable career. turned fortunes around since replacing best defence, so perhaps it was no surprise that Now in his 23rd season with the Serie sacked Frenchman Rudi Garcia last Lyon struggled to create chances. A miserable VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ: Lille’s French forward Yassine Benzia (R) vies with Lyon’s French mid- A side, the 39-year-old Totti is expected month. outing for Lyon was ended as Clement Grenier’s fielder Clement Grenier (L) during the French L1 football match Lille versus Lyon Sunday, at to wind his career down at the end of But as might be expected, Spalletti elbow into the face of Florent Balmont left them Lille Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France. — AFP this season or next. copped most of the flak on Sunday. with only nine men. At the Velodrome OM’s But his decision was hastened by Totti’s old coach Carlo Mazzone, told Belgian forward Batshuayi had come off the like against Lille (a 1-1 draw), we fought to the sure continues to build, they are now lower in events on Sunday when Spalletti dramat- Romaforever.it: “What he’s done has bench 15 minutes from the end and headed end and there was a lot of courage,” said the table than they were a month ago when ically excluded Totti from his squad after destroyed the reputation of an excep- home a Romain Alessandrini free-kick in the Marseille coach Michel. The draw barely helps they sacked former manager Philippe the player demanded more “respect and tional person - both in football and fifth minute of injury-time. either side as St Etienne stay behind Nice on Montanier and brought in Rolland Courbis. clarity” in a scathing television interview. human terms. “Any coach with good goal difference, while Marseille are 10th and still There was one positive for Courbis as mid- COURAGE While a barely half-full Stadio sense and character wouldn’t have done five points behind in the tight race to qualify for fielder Yoann Gourcuff made his first start since That was a 13th league goal of the season for Olimpico resonated with songs dedicat- something like this. I’m very bitter and Europe’s premier club competition. Asked if he rejoining the club in the summer, being with- Batshuayi, putting him behind only Zlatan feared for his job, Michel said: “I don’t think drawn in the 59th minute. ed to the long-serving ‘Re di Roma’ (King disappointed.” Ibrahimovic in the Ligue 1 goalscoring charts. It about that, never. I think about doing my job On Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain main- of Rome) as he sat in the stands on was only five minutes from time that St Etienne and going forwards.” Caen ended a three-match tained their 24-point lead with a 4-1 victory Sunday night, Spalletti put the contro- DUST BEGINNING TO SETTLE thought they had scored the potentially win- losing streak, as a first goal in French football for over lowly Reims as Ibrahimovic scored a versy to one side to see Roma dismantle The controversy dominated most of ning goal that would have sent them above Burundian midfielder Saidi Ntibazonkiza saw off brace. They now need only three more wins league rivals Palermo. Sunday’s sports coverage and the Italian Nice into third place in Ligue 1. Rennes. The 28-year-old has broken into the and a draw from their final 11 matches to win A 5-0 rout saw the ‘Giallorossi’ boost sports press on Monday appeared divid- Kevin Monnet-Paquet shot home left-footed first team in recent weeks and took his chance the Ligue 1 title. Monaco remain second after a their Champions League hopes for next ed. A headline in Rome-based Corriere from Romain Hamouma’s pass. “Nothing we with a fine second half finish, moving Caen 3-1 win over rock-bottom Troyes sent them season, and gave Totti a stark reminder dello Sport called Totti’s exclusion an saw was new-we created chances, we were above their opponents and to within two points eight points clear of Nice, who drew 0-0 at the team, despite a rollercoaster season “Insult to History”, while the front page close to scoring, we got back into the match just of the top three. For Rennes though the pres- Bordeaux on Friday. —AFP so far, can and will do without him. headline on the pink-paged, Milan-based Grilled for hours by the media after- Gazzetta dello Sport screamed “The Exile wards, Spalletti emerged with a small of the King of Rome”. victory that simultaneously reinforced The fact Totti visited the team dress- Argentina, Chile face rematch after Copa draw his position and left Totti looking petu- ing room after the game, and his partici- NEW YORK: Lionel Messi and Argentina were this is what a Copa America is about,” US coach Haiti and Peru forming their opposition in Group lant, insecure and expecting “special pation at training yesterday, suggests the given a chance for revenge on Sunday after Jurgen Klinsmann told Univision television. B. Brazil will open their campaign against treatment”. “The club appointed me to dust is beginning to settle. being drawn against reigning Copa America “You want to measure yourself with the best Ecuador at the Pasadena Rose Bowl scene of restore order in this squad, and I have to But Totti now has to decide whether champions Chile in the group stage for this sum- teams from South America and also our region. their 1994 World Cup final triumph-on June 4. make decisions that are for the good of to play on, or take up a coaching role mer’s special centenary edition of the tourna- So we can’t wait to get it started.” Reigning CONCACAF Gold Cup champions the club,” Spalletti told La Domenica that, reports say, he has already secured. ment. Argentina suffered an agonizing defeat to Five-time world champions Brazil, however, Mexico and Luis Suarez’s Uruguay will be Sportiva programme. “I have to coach Spalletti said Sunday he had offered Chile in the climax of last June’s tournament in were given what looked like a straightforward favored to proceed to the last eight from Group this squad and treat everyone the same. Totti various positions at the club, but it Santiago as their major championship drought passage into the knockout rounds, with Ecuador, C ahead of Jamaica and Venezuela.— AFP Totti is the captain but that doesn’t mean was now time to decide. continued. However, Messi and his teammates he gets special treatment. “I have already spoken to Totti about have the opportunity to strike back at Chile after “I don’t accept any of my players possible roles but it’s up to him to being drawn alongside their South American speaking out like that on the eve of a decide, not me,” said Spalletti. rivals in Group D here Sunday. crucial game for us, especially when Totti was offered an assistant manag- The Copa America Centenario is taking place we’re on a four-game winning run. er’s position like Manchester United outside South America for the first time this year to mark 100 years of the world’s oldest interna- great Ryan Giggs, as well as a more exec- tional football tournament. Ten cities across the BIGGEST PLAYER utive position like the one held by Pavel United States will host games from June 3-26 in “He’s Roma’s biggest ever player, but Nedved at Juventus. the 16-team tournament, which features 10 sides it’s my duty to make sure there is a bal- “I asked him, do you want to be like from South America and six from the CONCACAF ance in the dressing room.” Despite win- Giggs? Do you want to be like Nedved?” region. Argentina’s clash with Chile was the ning only one league title with Roma, in But the 56-year-old added: “Do you want standout fixture from Sunday’s draw at New 2001, Totti has been a virtual ‘untouch- to stay a footballer? Okay fine, but you York’s Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. able’ at the club where he has spent his have to know you won’t get any favours Panama and Bolivia complete Group D. Host entire career. from me! —AFP United States will kick off the tournament against But having fallen down the pecking Colombia in the opening match on June 3 at order due to a troublesome injury that Super Bowl venue Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, has restricted him to just five appear- California. The match may carry a good omen for ances so far this season, his influence is Matches on TV the United States, who beat Colombia in the on the wane. Yet the drama, on paper, 1994 World Cup group stages, a game made infa- looked avoidable. (Local Timings) mous by the own goal from Colombian defender Totti had recently made a full recovery Andres Escobar, who was later murdered in his and Spalletti said Friday he could start on UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE homeland in an apparent reprisal. Sunday, only for Totti’s interview-which aired on Saturday-to upset the apple KIND DRAW FOR BRAZIL? NEW YORK: (L-R) The national team coaches, Jurgen Klinsmann of the US; Paraguay’s Ramon Juventus v Bayern Munich 22:45 cart. “After everything I’ve given to the The Americans’ Group A is full of demanding Diaz; Colombia’s Jose Pekerman; and Costa Rica’s Oscar Ramirez pose at the end of the official challenges, with 2014 World Cup quarter-final- club all these years I would hoped to be beIN SPORTS 2 HD draw of the Copa America Centenario 2016 championship at the Hammerstein Ballroom in ists Colombia and Costa Rica as well as 2015 Arsenal v Barcelona 22:45 New York on February 21, 2016. The Copa America Centenario, a once-in-a-lifetime soccer treated with more respect,” slammed Copa America semi-finalists Paraguay. Totti. summer event, which honors 100 years of the Copa America tournament, will take place in the beIN SPORTS 1 HD “It’s a very difficult group, but it’s doable, and US from June 3-26, 2016. — AFP “I’m still a footballer and I want to Vettel fastest McCullum gone early as for good as preseason Aussies testing16 begins scent victory TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 18 Kenyan official suspended after bribery allegations Page 17

AUBURN HILLS: New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) shoots around Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, in Auburn Hills, Mich. — AP Pelicans top Pistons 111-106

AUBURN HILLS: Anthony Davis scored a team- rebounds for the Suns, who lost their 11th in a row MAVERICKS 129, 76ERS 103 record 59 points and added 20 rebounds as the and 26th in the last 28 games. The Spurs improved NBA results/standings Wesley Matthews scored 21 points, Dirk New Orleans Pelicans beat the Detroit Pistons 111- to 47-9, a franchise-best through 56 games. Nowitzki had 18 and Dallas won for just the sec- 106 on Sunday. The previous club record was 50 ond time in its last seven games. Six Mavericks points by Jamal Mashburn exactly 13 years earlier TRAIL BLAZERS 115, JAZZ 111 New Orleans 111, Detroit 106; Cleveland 115, Oklahoma City 92; Boston 121, Denver 101; San Antonio scored in double figures in Dallas’ highest scoring against the Grizzlies. Davis went 24 of 34 from the C.J. McCollum scored 31 points, including two 118, Phoenix 111; Charlotte 104, Brooklyn 96; Indiana 105, Orlando 102; Toronto 98, Memphis 85; game of the season. Jahlil Okafor scored a career- floor and made his only two 3-pointers. He added clinching free throws with 2.7 seconds left, and Dallas 129, Philadelphia 103; Chicago 126, LA Lakers 115. high 31 points for Philadelphia, which has lost nine free throws in 10 tries. Davis also broke the Portland earned its fifth consecutive win. Damian Eastern Conference Western Conference eight of nine. Okafor’s total was not only his high- scoring record for the Palace of Auburn Hills, set by Lillard had 30 points and five assists for Portland, Atlantic Division Northwest Division est as a pro, but one more than his high total dur- LeBron James with 48 points in an Eastern which has won 14 of 17 overall. Reserve Maurice ing his one-and-done national championship sea- W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 40 16 .714 - Conference finals game on June 1, 2007. The star Harkless scored 17 points. Lillard made a tiebreak- son at Duke last year. Toronto 36 18 .667 - center joined Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Webber as ing layup with 23.4 seconds left and McCollum hit Portland 29 27 .518 11 the only NBA players with 50 points and 20 two foul shots to give Portland a 113-109 lead. After Boston 33 24 .579 4.5 Utah 27 28 .491 12.5 CELTICS 121, NUGGETS 101 rebounds in a game since 1983. Jrue Holiday added Derrick Favors scored for Utah, McCollum made two NY Knicks 24 33 .421 13.5 Denver 22 34 .393 18 Isaiah Thomas had 22 points and 12 assists, 20 points for the Pelicans. He was the only other more free throws to clinch the win for the Trail Brooklyn 15 41 .268 22 Minnesota 17 39 .304 23 leading Boston to the road win. Avery Bradley had player to score in double figures for New Orleans. Blazers. Favors paced the Jazz with 22 points and Philadelphia 8 47 .145 28.5 Pacific Division 20 points for the Celtics, who beat the Nuggets for a Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 34 points. eight rebounds. Gordon Hayward scored 21 points, Central Division Golden State 49 5 .907 - fourth time in a row. Evan Turner scored 17 points, Cleveland 40 14 .741 - and Rodney Hood had 18. LA Clippers 36 19 .655 13.5 and Jared Sullinger had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Indiana 30 25 .545 10.5 CAVALIERS 115, THUNDER 92 Sacramento 23 31 .426 26 Denver had 24 turnovers in its third loss in four Kevin Love scored 29 points to help the streak- RAPTORS 98, GRIZZLIES 85 Chicago 29 26 .527 11.5 games. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points ing Cavaliers to the road win. Love shot 9 of 18 from DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points, Kyle Lowry Detroit 27 29 .482 14 Phoenix 14 42 .250 36 and 13 rebounds, and fellow rookie Emmanuel the field and 11 for 12 at the free-throw line to added 18 and Toronto beat Memphis for its eighth Milwaukee 23 33 .411 18 LA Lakers 11 46 .193 39.5 Mudiay added 18 points. Denver trailed by 15 at match his second-best scoring performance of the consecutive home win. Jonas Valanciunas had 10 Southeast Division Southwest Division halftime, but it opened the third with a 13-3 run to season. LeBron James had 25 points, 11 assists and points and 12 rebounds for his 13th double-double Miami 31 24 .564 - San Antonio 47 9 .839 - close to 67-62 with 8:51 left in the quarter. The rally seven rebounds for Cleveland, which earned its fifth of the season. Cory Joseph scored 14 off the bench Atlanta 31 26 .544 1 Memphis 32 23 .582 14.5 fizzled when the Celtics turned up their transition straight victory. Tristan Thompson had 14 points to help the Raptors rebound from consecutive loss- Charlotte 29 26 .527 2 Dallas 30 27 .526 17.5 game, highlighted by a breakaway dunk by Jae and 14 rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 26 points es at Minnesota and Chicago. It was the Raptors’ Washington 25 29 .463 5.5 Houston 28 28 .500 19 Crowder following a Nuggets turnover that put and Russell Westbrook had 20 points, 11 assists and first home game since a Jan. 30 victory over Detroit. Orlando 24 30 .444 6.5 New Orleans 22 33 .400 24.5 Boston up by 12. nine rebounds for Oklahoma City, which lost its sec- Toronto hosted the NBA All-Star Game last week- ond straight at home coming out of the All-Star end. Zach Randolph had 18 points and Mario PACERS 105, MAGIC 102 break. It was the Thunder’s most lopsided defeat of Chalmers scored 17 for the Grizzlies. Vince Carter its fifth in a row. The Bulls played a video tribute to to a season-high five games. The Hornets also post- Monta Ellis scored 21 points, Paul George had 20 the season. added 16 against his former team. Bryant during the introduction of the Lakers’ ed a season-best fourth straight win on the road, a and Indiana won for the fourth time in five games. SPURS 118, SUNS 111 starters. Rose referred to Bryant as his generation’s winning streak they will bring to Eastern CJ Miles and Ian Mahinmi had 14 points apiece for Patty Mills had 21 points, matching his career BULLS 126, LAKERS 115 Michael Jordan, and the salute ended with Gasol Conference-leading Cleveland on Wednesday. the Pacers. Jordan Hill added 13 points and 10 high with six 3-pointers, and the Spurs pulled away Derrick Rose and E’Twaun Moore had 24 points introducing his former teammate. Bryant received a Nicolas Batum had 16 points, eight assists and sev- rebounds. Evan Fournier led Orlando with 23 points. for the victory. Tony Parker scored 22 for San apiece to lead the Bulls to the victory in Kobe standing ovation and the crowd broke into a “Kobe! en rebounds for Charlotte, which improved to 6-1 in Nikola Vucevic added 19 points and 13 rebounds, Antonio, including a spinning drive that made it a Bryant’s final game at the United Center. Pau Gasol Kobe!” chant. February. Joe Johnson scored 17 points for the Nets and Victor Oladipo had 17 points, eight assists and seven-point game with 1:03 to play. LaMarcus had 21 points in Chicago’s second straight win. Mike in their final game before a nine-game road trip. seven rebounds. The Magic had the ball with 9.3 Aldridge added 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Dunleavy and Bobby Portis each scored 17. Bryant HORNETS 104, NETS 96 Brook Lopez had 16 points, including his first 3- seconds left, but the only shot they got was a forced Spurs played without ailing All-Star Kawhi Leonard, finished with 22 points on 8-for-20 shooting in 27 Kemba Walker scored 28 points, Al Jefferson pointer to beat the third-quarter buzzer. He added 3-point attempt by Oladipo that wasn’t close. Myles who was sidelined by tightness in his left calf. Alex minutes. Julius Randle also had 22 points and added 18 in his second game back from right knee 10 rebounds and six assists, his most in a game in Turner rebounded and made two free throws for Len had a career-high 23 points and grabbed 13 Jordan Clarkson added 20 as Los Angeles dropped surgery, and Charlotte extended its winning streak nearly six years. the final margin. — AP FIFA candidate Infantino expects ‘African votes’

CAPE TOWN: Gianni Infantino expects more than where Mandela was jailed during apartheid, on the arrived in South Africa from Geneva on Monday half of Africa’s 54 countries to back him in the FIFA invitation of fellow FIFA candidate Tokyo morning, and was making the 13-hour flight back to presidential election on Friday. “I will make an Sexwale. South African businessman Sexwale, also a Switzerland on Monday night. impact (in Africa). I will have a majority of the former political prisoner on the island, said he invit- Sexwale has struggled to gain support in his African votes,” the UEFA secretary general said in ed all four other candidates, but Sheikh Salman of campaign and, when his home African continent Cape Town on Monday on a short-notice visit to see Bahrain, Prince Ali of Jordan, and Frenchman snubbed him in favor of Salman, he denied he will where Nelson Mandela was jailed during apartheid. Jerome Champagne couldn’t find time in their withdraw before the election. Infantino’s claim, if true, means most African schedules just four days before the election in For Infantino, appearing alongside Sexwale was countries will defy their continent’s soccer leader- Zurich. Infantino and Sheikh Salman have emerged bound to lead to speculation he was seeking an ship. The Confederation of African Football execu- as favorites to succeed Sepp Blatter in the vote endorsement from one of his opponents. tive committee has formally endorsed Infantino’s forced by the corruption scandal at FIFA. Salman has But Infantino said there were no deals on the main opponent, Sheikh Salman of Bahrain. the backing of Asia, while Infantino has the support table yet. “I have nothing to hide,” he said. Sexwale, Infantino said his belief came from private visits of Europe. Appearing together at a news confer- however, said he was “a realist,” and the time would to Africa, FIFA’s largest confederation by number of ence, Infantino and Sexwale called the South come to talk to his opponents should, as expected, CAPE TOWN: Gianni Infantino UEFA secretary general, center, listens as fellow FIFA candidate South voting countries, and a crucial battleground for African visit symbolic, but the importance of Africa’s he fail to gain significant support in the election. African Tokyo Sexwale, left, speaks at a press briefing in Cape Town, South Africa, yesteday. votes. “In the discussions I’ve had with many African votes to Infantino’s chances was perhaps underlined “Towards the finishing line there will be Infantino expects more than half of Africa’s 54 countries to back him in the FIFA presidential elec- (soccer) presidents, I can say I feel very confident,” he by his decision to make the last-minute trip. Having alliances,” Sexwale said. “I am open to alliances, I am tion on Friday. — AP said. Infantino visited Robben Island, the prison received the invitation just a few days ago, the Swiss open to negotiations.” — AP Iran’s ability to boost oil output faces hurdles Page 22

Nissan Al-Babtain takes usiness Gold & Bronze medal B Page 25 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Kuwaitis eye opportunities flydubai operates 26 extra flights between Kuwait and Dubai at Cityscape Turkey Page 26 Pages 23

HONG KONG: People walk past a branch of HSBC bank in Hong Kong yesterday. HSBC warned of a “bumpier” global financial outlook thanks to China’s slowing economy, as it reported yesterday that profit dipped slightly last year. Europe’s biggest bank posted a net profit of $13.5 billion for 2015, down 1.2 percent from the year before. — AP Global banking giant grapples with ‘seismic’ shifts HSBC 2015 results disappoint

HONG KONG: Global banking giant HSBC yes- $13.52 billion from the previous year, HSBC in 2014. The bad-loan charges were partly Turkey business, announced as part of the Flint said the bank supported Britain staying terday reported a shock pre-tax loss in the last said in a filing yesterday, while pre-tax profit of driven up by the oil and gas sector, the com- cuts, had been put on hold after the bank within the EU. quarter of 2015 with results for the year miss- $18.9 billion missed analysts’ forecast of $21.8 pany said. In a new blow, HSBC also revealed it failed to find any buyers. “We have received a “Our own economic research is very clear ing analysts’ expectations, as it grapples with billion. Group chairman Douglas Flint is one of the banks being investigated by the number of offers for our business in Turkey that Britain is better positioned to be within a “seismic shifts” in the world economy. HSBC described the performance as “broadly satis- US Securities and Exchange Commission in since June, none of which were deemed to be reformed Europe,” he said in a conference call. last year announced a radical overhaul of its factory” in a statement. relation to its hiring practices in Asia-Pacific. in the best interests of shareholders,” Gulliver The bank began its review of where to put its business to cut costs that included shedding But shares slumped after the news, falling The investigation is looking at hiring prac- said. “We have therefore decided to retain and headquarters in April last year, two weeks 50,000 jobs worldwide, exiting unprofitable 2.19 percent by the close in Hong Kong. tices of candidates “referred by or related to restructure our Turkish operations.” before a British general election, amid grow- businesses and focusing more on Asia. Analysts were troubled that the bank swung government officials or employees of state- Flint said China’s slower economic growth ing calls for a crackdown on the financial sec- Like many global banks, HSBC is combating to a $858 million pre-tax loss in the last quar- owned enterprises in Asia-Pacific” the report would create a “bumpier financial environ- tor seen by many voters as feckless. turmoil in global financial markets that has ter, compared to a $1.95 billion profit forecast said. HSBC said it was cooperating with the ment” in 2016, but the bank would continue to It cited as a reason for the review the British seen stocks and commodities plunge, while from a Bloomberg News survey. “We didn’t investigation. It comes as the bank tries to focus on the world’s second-largest economy bank levy introduced in 2010 — a tax based stricter regulations have driven up costs. expect they would report a (quarterly) loss,” move beyond recent scandals, including the as it becomes more consumer orientated. on the size of any British-based banks’ global Last week Europe’s largest bank said it said financial analyst Jackson Wong of Simsen rigging of foreign exchange markets. HSBC earlier this month decided to keep its balance sheet, which has since been scaled would keep its headquarters in London, Securities. headquarters in London after a 10-month down. Hong Kong was the main contender to despite concerns about growing regulation in In a press conference Monday, CEO Stuart ‘Bumpy environment’ review, but Flint last week told the BBC it could become the new headquarters, but in its Britain and an upcoming vote on whether it Gulliver pointed to high loan impairment Gulliver said in a statement that cost-cut- shift 1,000 jobs to Paris if Britain votes to leave announcement of the decision to stay put, could leave the European Union. charges in the fourth quarter-up 32 percent to ting measures meant HSBC was now a “leaner the EU in June. HSBC described London as “ideally positioned” Net profit for 2015 dropped 1.2 percent to $1.64 billion compared with the same quarter business”. But he admitted plans to sell HSBC’s During a results presentation yesterday to remain its home base. — AFP IMF chief urges Gulf Brace for another year of cheap oil, warns IEA states to bring in taxes PARIS: Oil prices will remain low at least until a 24-percent cut in 2015 “which would be the next year, the International Energy Agency first time since 1986 that upstream investment (IEA) warned yesterday, saying any 2017 recov- has fallen for two consecutive years”, the IEA ABU DHABI: The International Monetary Fund chief ery will be slow as massive oil stocks feed into noted. The low oil price is already squeezing urged yesterday oil-exporting Gulf countries to the market. profits at higher-cost producers, and the IEA introduce taxes, warning that low crude prices are “We must say that today’s oil market condi- said it expects the production of US light tight likely to stay for an “extended period”. Gulf tions do not suggest that prices can recover oil (LTO), also known as shale, to fall back by economies “need to strengthen their fiscal frame- sharply in the immediate future-unless, of 600 million barrels per day (mb/d) and by a fur- works and reengineer their tax systems by reducing course, there is a major geopolitical event,” the ther 200 mb/d next year before a gradual their heavy reliance on oil revenues and by boosting International Energy Agency said in its medi- recovery in oil prices pushes production up non-hydrocarbon sources of revenues,” Christine um-term report, which looks five years ahead. again. Worldwide demand for oil, meanwhile, Lagarde told a forum in Abu Dhabi. “Only in 2017 will we finally see oil supply will continue to increase, but at a weaker pace Lagarde, who was named to a new five-year and demand aligned but the enormous stocks amid financial market turmoil and clear signs term Friday at the global emergency lender, called being accumulated will act as a dampener on that “almost any economy you care to look at for the introduction of value-added tax, “ideally a the pace of recovery in oil prices when the mar- could see its GDP growth prospects downgrad- harmonized regional VAT”. ket, having balanced, then starts to draw down ed”. Global annual average demand growth “Even at a low single-digit rate, such a tax could those stocks,” it said. “While oil prices should over the next five years is expected at 1.2 mb/d, raise up to 2 percent of GDP (gross domestic prod- start to rise gradually once the market begins down from a 1.6 mb/d increase seen in 2015 uct),” she said. Lagarde also called for a “greater rebalancing, the availability of resources that when demand received an initial boost from oil emphasis” on corporate income taxes, as well as can be easily and quickly tapped will limit the price falls. property and excise taxes. The IMF chief pointed out scope of rallies,” the report said. The IEA acknowledged that predicting the Bottlenecks ahead that oil exporters in the Middle East and North Africa oil market “is today a task of enormous com- But while the current supply/demand mix is lost last year more than $340 billion in oil revenue International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde. plexity”, saying experts were still grappling with keeping a lid on prices, the current slashing of from their budgets, amounting to 20 percent of their the implications of a dramatic drop in the oil investment in oil producing facilities may well combined GDP. “Not only have oil prices fallen by Middle East and North Africa as a whole, oil exporters ments on reforms to shore up their finances, and its lost more than $340 billion of revenues last year recommendations have provided some governments price from over $100 per barrel in July 2014 to hit the market with bottlenecks further down around two-thirds from their most recent peak, but around $30 today. A year ago, analysts predict- the road, possibly leading to abrupt price because of low crude prices, equivalent to 20 percent with political cover to make difficult decisions that supply and demand-side factors suggest that they ed that oil oversupply would end by late 2015, spikes, the IEA warned. Only Saudi Arabia and of their combined gross domestic product. “The size could lower living standards of their citizens. are likely to stay low for an extended period,” she “but that view has proved very wide of the Iran have any spare production capacity left, and likely persistence of this external shock means The International Energy Agency said yesterday warned. The price of oil has dropped from over $100 mark”, it admitted. and other countries are not investing enough a barrel in July 2014 to around $30 today. The IMF is that all oil exporters will have to adjust by reducing that oil prices are unlikely to rise from current levels even to keep current production going, let confident that Gulf Cooperation Council economies spending and increasing revenue,” Lagarde said. She before 2017. All the six Gulf Cooperation Council US shale production squeezed alone meet demand growth over coming years. can make the large fiscal adjustments they need to added, “Most GCC countries are now in a position (GCC) states, which depend heavily on oil income, The IEA’s view is that supply will eventually “The risk of a sharp oil price rise towards the cope with a period of low oil prices, Lagarde said. where they can pace their adjustment over several have reduced generous fuel, electricity and other be curtailed as investment cuts prompted by later part of our forecast (around 2021) arising She said oil exporters would have to reduce state years and thus limit the impact on growth.” She did subsidies to cut spending in the face of falling rev- low prices translate into lower output. from insufficient investment is as potentially spending and increase government revenues, but not specify which of the six GCC economies were not enues. Rich GCC countries host millions of foreign Spending on oil exploration and equipment is de-stabilising as the sharp oil price fall has that they had shown the ability to adjust in the past in that position. As oil prices have plunged, the IMF workers who are attracted by personal incomes that projected to drop by 17 percent this year after proved to be,” the IEA warned. —AFP and could do so again. She estimated that in the has played an increasing role advising GCC govern- are tax-free. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 BUSINESS Iran’s ability to boost oil output technical and political hurdles

Moody’s Oil and Natural Gas Industry Report ver the past year we have cited the eign investment. In November 2015, oil prospect of oil supply from Iran minister Bijan Zanganeh unveiled the new Oreturning to global markets as a Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC) with contract major contributor to current low oil prices. terms of 15-20 years. The IPC would replace We expect that Iran (unrated) could add Iran’s current shorter-term buy-back con- more than 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) to tracts, in which a foreign oil company gave global oil markets in 2016 in addition to the up the opportunity to generate earnings in 1.2 million bpd Iran exported in 2015, based excess of a pre-specified price ceiling, but on existing capacity and the likely buyers of could still incur heavy losses. Moreover, the crude. Moreover, we do not anticipate Iran is keen to maintain control of its oil Iran significantly exceeding this level over fields by banning foreign ownership. This the next 12 to 18 months through mid-2017 prevents the major integrated oil and gas due to market demand for Iranian crude, the companies from owning the reserves and asset profile of Iran’s oil fields, and remaining therefore booking the reserves for financial political risks to the nuclear agreement. The reporting purposes. While the Iranian gov- additional supply from Iran, which re-enters ernment had intended to present more the world oil marketplace following the lift- details of the IPC at the February 2016 con- ing of secondary economic sanctions by the ference in London, Iran had to cancel the US, will contribute heavily to a global oil summit because of visa and travel issues. oversupply that is already likely to outpace demand for at least the next few years. But Additional political risks Iran’s difficulty securing additional cus- geopolitical tensions and the regional rival- prohibit US companies such as Exxon Mobil squelched foreign investment in recent The key credit risk remains political, and tomers, and the procurement needs of its ry between Saudi Corporation and Chevron Corporation from years, holding back Iran’s technology and in particular whether Iran will choose to current customers, will constrain its ability to Arabia and Iran, China will seek to main- pursuing any projects in Iran. know-how just as the energy sector has meet its obligations under the recent sell additional crude in global markets. tain strong trade ties with both states and is Iran has the world’s fourth-largest made numerous technological advances in nuclear agreement, and whether other On 16 January, the International not likely to make any major change in its reserves of oil and one of the lowest mar- drilling and completion techniques. countries accept that it has done so. Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that crude import policies. China is unlikely to ginal costs of production anywhere, an esti- Meanwhile, the integrated oil compa- failure to comply with the terms of the Iran had complied with its nuclear-related significantly step up crude imports from mated $15/ barrel. Decades of under-invest- nies seem highly unlikely to begin projects P5+1 nuclear agreement could lead to obligations as part of the July 2015 Joint Iran in 2016, as its economy and growth in ment have stymied Iran’s oil and gas sector, in Iran in today’s market climate because reinstatement of sanctions under the Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) oil demand slow. whose production has fallen substantially to low oil prices have constrained their ability agreement’s “snap-back” provision. framework. Iran had agreed to the JCPOA 2.8 million bpd in 2015, down from 3.8 mil- to invest in new projects. Persistently weak Moreover, Iran’s upcoming parliamentary with the signatories of the P5+1 agree- Iran grapples with mature oilfields lion bpd in 2010, according to EIA. Iran’s pri- oil prices will keep earnings flat or lower in elections, scheduled for 26 February, will ment-China, France, Germany, Russia, the Iran presents a major opportunity for the mary energy consumption was 252 million 2016 for the integrated oil companies. determine whether hardline conservatives UK, and the US. On “Implementation Day” major integrated oil and gas companies, tons of oil equivalent in 2014, almost 40% of These weak earnings will aggravate the or reformists set Iran’s legislative priorities of the accord, which followed two years of without whose technology and expertise it from petroleum products, according to industry’s negative free cash flow, which for the next four years. The elections will diplomacy, multilateral sanctions that had Iran cannot likely ramp up its production the BP Statistical Review of Energy, mark- we estimate at about $60 billion for 2016, also determine the composition of the effectively targeted Iran’s crude exports significantly beyond 500,000 bpd. France’s ing a 52% increase from 2004 levels. 80% of it stemming from dividends the theocratic body, the Assembly of Experts, were lifted. Total S.A. and Norway’s Statoil ASA have According to industry experts, Iran integrated oil companies intend to pay which will appoint the next supreme told the market they are interested in today needs roughly $150 billion-$200 bil- shareholders. Consequently, the integrated leader, who has the finalsay over policy Iran seeks to regain customer base opportunities in Iran. Others, however, such lion of capital investment to modernize its oil companies will need to make steep cuts decisions in Iran. Increased global production continues to as Royal Dutch Shell Plc have cautioned that aging oil sector, about half of it for the in their capital budgets. The integrated These political risks cast further uncer- outpace growth in oil consumption, even it is too early to discuss any potential proj- upstream sector alone. Iran’s oil fields are companies made no new final investment tainty over Iran’s ability to ramp up its pro- with moderate consumption growth by ects in Iran. While nuclear-related sanctions mature, rapidly declining, and require a decisions in 2015, a trend that is likely to duction and upgrade its role in global oil major consumers such as the US, China and were lifted, the US still maintains unilateral massive infrastructure overhaul, since persist through 2016. markets, and imply large risks for any oil India. primary sanctions on Iran related to terror- about 80% of Iran’s reserves were discov- Finally, the Iranian government’s current companies that would sign long-term IPC World production now exceeds demand ism and ballistic missile development which ered before 1965. Sanctions have contract structure does not encourage for- contracts with Iran. by about 2 million bpd, adding to already high global oil stocks. Meanwhile, OPEC and many non-OPEC oil producers battle for market share by continuing to produce at As US shale sinks, pipeline fight sends woes downstream capacity. Iranian crude will likely replace a 500,000 bpd decline in US production in WILMINGTON, Delaware: Within weeks, two set for Feb 26. The concerns have grown more RUN WITH THE LAND Chapman did not say when she would rule but 2016 in global oil markets. low-profile legal disputes may determine evident in recent days, raised in law firms’ client In bankruptcy court, Sabine’s lawyers argued told the hearing she was “inclining” toward rul- According to the US Energy Information whether an unprecedented wave of bankrupt- memos and investment bank research notes. for undoing a pipeline and gathering contract ing in Sabine’s favor. She encouraged the par- Administration (EIA), most Iranian crude is cies expected to hit US oil and gas producers Last week, executives from Williams with Cheniere unit Nordheim Eagle Ford ties to reach a deal. generally medium in sulfur content with an this year will imperil the $500 billion pipeline Companies Inc and Enbridge Inc, two of the Gathering that is worth tens of millions of dol- American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity sector as well. world’s largest pipeline operators, sought to lars in coming years. ALL IN THE FAMILY NO MORE In the two court fights, US energy producers allay growing investor fears, saying they were Instead, a different midstream operator Lawyers told Reuters some gathering agree- between 29 degrees and 36degrees, a are trying to use Chapter 11 bankruptcy protec- reviewing contracts or securing additional cred- would be hired to build a new system that ments did not appear well protected against measure of the density of petroleum liquid tion to shed long-term contracts with the it guarantees to minimize the impact of the Sabine’s lawyer told the bankruptcy court bankruptcy, in part because the contracts were compared with water. Iran Heavy and Iran pipeline operators that gather and process biggest oil bust in a generation. would literally “wrap around” Nordheim’s exist- written when one company owned both energy Light account for more than 80% of the shale gas before it is delivered to consumer ing infrastructure. production and midstream operations. In country’s production capacity. Europe once markets. MORE VULNERABLE THAN THOUGHT If Sabine gets the ruling it wants, it would recent years, the industry has undergone signif- imported 600,000 bpd of Iranian crude, The attempts to shed the contracts by So far, relatively few oil and gas producers immediately save the $35 million owed to icant reshuffling and many energy producers including about 120,000 bpd to Greece, Sabine Oil & Gas and Quicksilver Resources are have entered bankruptcy, and most were small- Cheniere as a “deficiency fee” for failing to meet spun off gathering systems. Iran’s largest European oil customer, in 2011. viewed by executives and lawyers as a litmus er firms. But with oil prices down 70 percent minimal volume commitments since the gath- For example, the Quicksilver agreement was The EU’s 2012 ban on Iranian crude imports test for deals worth billions of dollars annually since mid-2014 and natural gas prices in a pro- ering system went into effect in September struck when the midstream operator was part strongly benefited Russia, whose Urals for the so-called midstream sector. Pipeline longed slump, up to a third of them are at risk 2014. Ryan Bennett, a Kirkland & Ellis attorney of the Quicksilver corporate family. In October benchmark export grade is similar to Iran’s operators have argued the contracts are secure, of bankruptcy this year, consultancy Deloitte representing Sabine, told Bankruptcy Judge 2010, Quicksilver sold its gas gathering and pro- flagship blend; in 2015, Russia exported but restructuring experts say that if the two said in a Feb. 16 report. Shelley Chapman at a Feb. 2 hearing that cessing operations in Texas to a master limited over 400,000 bpd to Iran’s previous EU cus- producers manage to tear up or renegotiate Midstream operators have been considered Sabine had plenty of options once it shed the partnership-a once-popular type of tax-advan- tomers. With the lifting of sanctions, Iran is their deals, others will follow. That could add a relatively secure as investors and analysts focus Cheniere contract. “Maybe we do renegotiate taged corporate structure- affiliated with eager to recapture its previous customer new element of risk for already hard-hit on risks to the hundreds of billions of dollars in with Nordheim. Maybe we buy their gathering Crestwood Equity Partners for $700 million. The base. Greece’s largest refinery, Hellenic investors in midstream companies, which have equity and debt of firms most directly exposed system after this is all over,” he told Chapman. gathering operations included a pipeline agree- Petroleum (unrated), said on 22 January plowed up to $30 billion a year into infrastruc- to commodity prices. That’s because firms such Nordheim, like many midstream operators, ment with Quicksilver that expired in 2020. that it had agreed to buy oil from the ture to serve the US fracking boom. as Enterprise Products, Kinder Morgan and has long considered its gas gathering and trans- Earlier this month, Quicksilver asked US National Iranian Oil Company (unrated). “It’s a hellacious problem,” said Hugh Ray, a Plains All American relied upon multi-year con- portation agreements to be nearly bankruptcy- Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Silverstein to end that Iran will likely look to regain market bankruptcy lawyer with McKool Smith in tracts-the kind targeted in the two bankrupt- proof. The Cheniere affiliate argued the con- deal in order to save the sale of its US assets to share among other customers of Russian oil, Houston. “It will end with even more bankrupt- cies-that guarantee pipeline operators fixed tracts with Sabine went beyond a typical com- BlueStone Natural Resources for $245 million. If including refiners in Spain and Italy. Iran cies.” A judge on New York’s influential bank- fees to transport minimum volumes of oil or mercial agreement and transferred to Quicksilver fails to break the pipeline agree- also has hopes to export more crude to ruptcy court said on Feb. 2 she was inclined to gas. Nordheim Sabine’s ownership right to collect ment, it would have to settle for a lesser bid Asia, especially China. While Saudi Arabia is allow Houston-based Sabine to end its pipeline Now, with US oil output shrinking and gas and transport the gas collected within a certain that includes just $93 million in cash, according China’s largest crude supplier, China is Iran’s contract, which guaranteed it would ship a min- production stalling, many of the cash-strapped area. to court documents. imum volume of gas through a system built by producers entering bankruptcy will be seeking The midstream operator’s lawyer compared biggest trade partner and continued to buy a Cheniere Energy subsidiary until 2024. to rid themselves of pricey agreements, particu- it to a property deed restriction that forever lim- PAIN SPREADING oil from Iran after December 2011, when the Sabine’s lawyers argued they could save $35 larly those with so-called minimum volume ited the height of building. Such restrictions The infrastructure that midstream firms have US tightened nuclear-related sanctions million by ending the Cheniere contract, and commitments that require paying for space are said to “run with the land,” and generally built remains in high use so far, including the meant to constrain Iran’s ability to export then save millions more by building an entirely even if it is not used. cannot be rejected in bankruptcy. Sabine’s more than 12,000 miles of new pipelines com- oil. But Iran’s ability to sell additional crude new system. “They will be probably among the first lawyers seemed to sway the judge when they missioned since 2010. US oil production is in global markets depends on its ability to Fort Worth, Texas-based Quicksilver’s things thrown out,” said Michael Grande, direc- countered that the contract language never expected to fall only modestly, and most ana- find additional customers, and on the needs request to shed a contract with another mid- tor for U.S. midstream energy and infrastructure transferred ownership rights, and if it did, it lysts expect prices to rebound somewhat in of its current customers. Iran cannot stream operator, Crestwood Equity Partners, is at Moody’s. applied to mineral rights, not land rights. Judge coming years.— Reuters depend on China alone. Amid heightened

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 80.730 Asia 20 Gram 245.950 Jordanian Dinar 422.885 Bangladesh Taka 0.003432 0.004032 10 Gram 125.890 ASIAN COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound 38.227 Chinese Yuan 0.044500 0.048000 5 Gram 63.070 Japanese Yen 2.663 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.087 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036568 0.039318 Indian Rupees 4.391 Indian Rupees 4.373 Indian Rupee 0.004170 0.004560 Pakistani Rupees 2.862 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Pakistani Rupees 2.860 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Srilankan Rupees 2.083 Bangladesh Taka 3.818 Japanese Yen 0.002583 0.002763 Philippines Pesso 6.293 Nepali Rupees 2.732 Kenyan Shilling 0.003000 0.003000 Singapore Dollar 214.610 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Cyprus pound 571.775 Japanese Yen 3.660 Korean Won 0.000233 0.000248 Hongkong Dollar 38.554 Australian Dollar 201.91 Syrian Pound 2.365 Malaysian Ringgit 0.067531 0.073531 Bangladesh Taka 3.818 Canadian Dollar 219.82 Nepalese Rupees 3.730 Nepalese Rupee 0.002840 0.003010 Philippine Peso 6.302 Swiss Franc 306.95 Euro 336.85 Malaysian Ringgit 72.070 Pakistan Rupee 0.002708 0.002988 Thai Baht 8.436 US Dollar 299.90 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.390 Philippine Peso 0.006221 0.006501 Sterling Pound 431.04 Thai Bhat 9.375 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.67 Turkish Lira 101.925 Saudi Riyal 79.963 Singapore Dollar 0.210282 0.216282 Bangladesh Taka 3.817 Qatari Riyal 82.369 South African Rand 0.013488 0.021988 Indian Rupee 4.375 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001731 0.002311 Omani Riyal 778.846 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.083 Bahrain Exchange Company Taiwan 0.008941 0.009121 Bahraini Dinar 796.330 Nepali Rupee 2.732 UAE Dirham 81.667 Thai Baht 0.008099 0.008649 Pakistani Rupee 2.860 CURRENCY BUY SELL UAE Dirhams 0.08161 Europe ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 0.7970 Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 35.950 British Pound 0.425308 0.434308 Egyptian Pound 0.03819 Czech Korune 0.004335 0.016335 Bahraini Dinar 0.788076 0.796078 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.340 Jordanian Dinar 0.4265 Danish Krone 0.040633 0.045633 Egyptian Pound 0.033683 0.038019 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.399 Omani Riyal 0.7788 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000084 Tunisian Dinar 148.730 Euro 0.328834 0.336834 Qatari Riyal 0.08269 Iraqi Dinar 0.000197 0.000257 Jordanian Dinar 422.620 Saudi Riyal 0.07994 Norwegian Krone 0.030971 0.036171 Jordanian Dinar 0.418683 0.426183 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.998 Romanian Leu 0.085969 0.085969 Slovakia 0.008861 0.018881 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.137 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Morocco Dirham 31.154 Swedish Krona 0.031505 0.036505 Lebanese Pound 0.000149 0.000249 Swiss Franc 0.296785 0.306985 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020324 0.044324 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.095556 0.105856 Nigerian Naira 0.001230 0.001865 US Dollar Transfer 299.700 US Dollar 300.200 Omani Riyal 0.772023 0.777703 Euro 336.710 Canadian Dollar 219.885 Australasia Qatar Riyal 0.081609 0.082822 Sterling Pound 434.860 Sterling Pound 433.600 Australian Dollar 0.206383 0.217883 Saudi Riyal 0.079033 0.079983 Canadian dollar 219.400 Euro 335.310 New Zealand Dollar 0.192985 0.202485 Syrian Pound 0.001269 0.001489 Turkish lira 102.290 Swiss Frank 298.195 America Tunisian Dinar 0.145440 0.153440 Swiss Franc 305.660 Bahrain Dinar 794.175 Canadian Dollar 0.212534 0.221034 Turkish Lira 0.095556 0.105856 UAE Dirhams 81.975 US Dollars 0.295600 0.300100 Australian Dollar 217.210 UAE Dirhams 0.080616 0.081765 US Dollar Buying 298.500 Qatari Riyals 83.180 US Dollars Mint 0.296100 0.300100 Yemeni Riyal 0.001354 0.001434 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 BUSINESS

ISTANBUL: Kuwaiti investors attend the Cityscape Turkey exhibition at Istanbul Congress Center. Kuwaitis eye opportunities at Cityscape Turkey Real estate transactions by Kuwaiti residents more than double in 2 years

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti investors will have a unique prioritised, with a third Istanbul airport in the opportunity to discover Turkey’s diverse real pipeline, and with the introduction of the estate landscape and meet with leading local urban regeneration law, which will see $4400 and international developers and market billion invested into housing projects over the experts at next month’s inaugural Cityscape next 20 years, the Turkish government is put- Turkey exhibition, which will be held from 24- ting real estate development at the top of its 26 March, 2016 at the Istanbul Congress economic agenda. Center. The Turkey event will bring together over The latest addition to the Cityscape portfo- 50 high profile exhibitors across 7,000 square lio of global events, the new destination show- metres of exhibition floor space, with more case follows on the back of the success of the than 5,000 regional and international visitors Turkey pavilion at Cityscape Global 2015, with expected to attend. In a unique and innova- a surge in investor interest prompting the tive move, the Cityscape Turkey team will also launch of a dedicated in-country exhibition. invite a select number of prospective Kuwaiti In 2015, over 500,000 GCC residents visited investors to attend through its exclusive invi- Turkey with investments from the Gulf tation-only hosted buyer program. “We want accounting for almost 30 percent of total to connect serious investors with participating transactions. According to Turkey’s Ministry of developers and reputable brokers directly and, Land Registry, 2,130 Kuwaiti citizens pur- under this program, we will bear the cost of chased property in 2015 amounting to their five-star hotel accommodation and air- 675,000 square metres. Investment from the port transfers and arrange a series of pre-qual- GCC state has more than doubled in the last ified one-on-one meetings to fast track the 24 months, and doubled again in terms of experience and showcase a tailored collection Skyscrapers adorn the Istanbul skyline. total square meterage. of quality projects and existing developments “Turkey appeals to the Kuwaiti investor on that meet clients’ exacting requirements,” and a destination that delivers on quality, estate information service, Istanbul, Antalya multiple levels from the comfort factor of cul- remarked Molman. backed by a stable economy and acknowl- and Bursa have demonstrated the highest tural similarities such as halal food and plenti- In addition, hosted buyers will be accorded edged regulatory transparency, both of which monthly return on residential investment at ful mosques, through to the cosmopolitan also the 17thlargest economy in the world and VIP status and also receive an invitation to are also key to ensuring investor confidence,” 0.49 percent. positioning of a city like Istanbul, or the sixth most popular tourism destination, attend the official Cityscape Turkey said Ali Agaoglu Key exhibitors at the inaugural showcase upscale resort communities found on the vari- attracting 37 million international visitors in Networking Reception. The 2012 amendment to Turkey’s reciproci- include Agaoglu, DAMAC Properties, DKY ous coasts, an abundance of quality retail loca- 2014. The country’s real estate sector contin- Current investment hotspots for Kuwaiti ty law, which made it easier for foreigners to Insaat, EGE Yapi, Green Valley Real Estate, Kuzu tions and growing presence from renowned ues to attract significant levels of foreign nationals are Turkey’s capital, Istanbul, as well invest in the market, and purchase a maximum Group, Metropol Istanbul, Ofton, Piyalepasa, international hotel chains. Couple this with direct investment, reaching almost $5 billion as Trabzon on the Black Sea coastline, and of 60 hectares - increased from the original 2.5 Polatyol, Quasar Istanbul, Sinpas and Suryapi. steady high returns and a wealth of prime in the first nine months of 2015, according to Yalova and Bursa in the northwest of the coun- hectares - has also boosted demand from Cityscape Turkey 2016 is supported by Gyoder developments that meet stringent interna- Gyoder, the country’s association of real estate try. Kuwaiti investors. and Konutder. tional construction standards, and you have a investment companies. “As of 2016, Kuwait now ranks in the top 10 Steady growth in terms of house prices has Prospective investors are invited to register formula for investment success,” said Wouter FDI inflow to the real estate and construc- of inward real estate investment and is the been recorded over the last three years, with their interest in attending Cityscape Turkey by Molman, Director, Cityscape Global. tion sector totalled $4.8 billion in 2015 and is third largest foreign purchaser of property in residential rental rates in key cities also rising by clicking on the following link The sixth largest European economy with expected to top $10 billion in the medium the country, which confirms the attraction of 20 per cent over the last 24 months, as per http://www.cityscapeturkey.com/forms/visitor- current GDP in excess of $800 billion, Turkey is term. Infrastructure development is also being Turkey as a secure investment environment Gyoder. According to Reidin, the online real pre-registration-form/ China’s industrial overcapacity Ford CEO eyes autonomous damaging global economy: Study

BEIJING: China’s overcapacity in heavy The EU launched probes this month cars and sharing economy industries is wreaking “far-reaching” dam- into imports of Chinese steel, with trade age on the global economy, with steel commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem warn- production “completely untethered” from ing: “We cannot allow unfair competition BARCELONA: Ford CEO Mark Fields says the 112-year- market demand, the European Union from artificially cheap imports to threaten old company is tripling its investment in new technolo- Chamber of Commerce in China said yes- our industry.” This month, Luxembourg- gies that will ultimately lead to self-driving vehicles - but terday. The Asian giant’s steel industry based world leader in steelmaking will make sure to keep making cars for drivers who want manufactures more than the next four ArcelorMittal blamed China for a colossal to keep their hands on the wheel. Fields said it was no largest producers combined-Japan, India, $8 billion loss in 2015, at a time when coincidence that Ford chose the Mobile World Congress, the US, and Russia-the chamber said in a thousands of jobs are being cut across the a massive technology trade show in Barcelona, to unveil report, warning that more than 60 percent industry. its new Kuga SUV, which features its latest connectivity of China’s aluminium industry has nega- But many Chinese steel firms are also and driver-assisted technology. tive cash flow. losing money, and Beijing has announced “We are really emphasizing our transition from an And in just two years, its cement pro- plans to cut production by as much as 150 auto company to an auto and mobility company,” Fields duction equalled the amount produced in million tons over the next five years. told The Associated Press in an interview yesterday at the United States during the entire 20th Ford’s stand, which stood out in a sea of smartphone Century. “China has not followed through Protectionism and gadget makers. “This is a really good audience to on the attempts it has made over the last Despite authorities’ vows to tackle reach some new folks.” decade to address overcapacity,” chamber excess production, the EU chamber report The Kuga includes the latest version of Ford’s connec- president Joerg Wuttke said in a state- said Beijing’s prioritization of industrial tivity technology, SYNC 3, which the company says ment. policies over consumption meant “the includes improved voice commands and makes it easier Brussels has launched new anti-dump- Chinese government’s current role in the to access applications on a driver’s smartphone. It has a ing probes into Chinese steel imports, as economy is part of the problem”. To new 1.5-liter diesel engine, among other features. producers in both Europe and Asia strug- achieve change, it said the government Fields said that over the next five years investment gle with global prices that have plummet- needed “a willingness to change itself”. will increase threefold in autonomous driving technolo- ed in the face of oversupply. Chamber president Wuttke told gies, such as one-button parking assistance and guid- “Overcapacity has been a blight on reporters: “We are now in a far more worse ance to keep a car in its lane and help braking in heavy China’s industrial landscape for many position than we were before. “Beijing traffic, with the ultimate goal of a fully autonomous car. years now, affecting dozens of industries increasingly has the same problems as He declined to provide financial figures. and wreaking far-reaching damage on the Brussels: making things happen. That was Don Butler, Ford’s executive director of connected BARCELONA: Ford CEO Mark Fields talks during an interview next to the new Kuga global economy in general, and China’s not the case 10 or 15 years ago. Local pro- vehicle and services, told the AP “we like to think about it SUV car, which features its latest connectivity and driver-assisted technology, during economic growth in particular,” the cham- tectionism is very strong.” as the transition from just a hardware company to a soft- the Mobile World Congress Wireless show, the world’s largest mobile phone trade ber’s report said. Beijing hopes to soak up overcapacity ware and mobility services company as well.” “Mobility” is show, in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. —AP The issue has led to trade tensions by selling its excess production to markets a buzzword at the wireless show. For Ford customers, it between the world’s second-largest econ- in Central Asia and the Middle East as part means a wide range of innovations from further integra- assisted by the car or eventually have the vehicle take staking part of its future on getting a piece of the so- omy and developed countries that accuse of President Xi Jinping’s One Belt One tion of the Internet in cars, to ride-sharing and even the over, and another for drivers who want to keep control called sharing economy by pushing into car- and ride- it of dumping in their markets. China Road plan, which has been touted as a use of other modes of transport in conjunction with cars, of the wheel. sharing. accounts for half of global steel produc- revival of ancient Silk Road trade routes. like bicycles. Fields said Ford is aware it will have to be While going forward with developing semi- and fully “Across the world when you see growth of these tion but internal demand has slowed But those markets were not big enough to careful to keep a hold on the traditional car driver, by autonomous cars, Fields said “clearly there will be a part megacities, with 10 million or more folks, people want sharply along with economic growth, forc- absorb China’s overcapacity, Wuttke said. protecting - especially in the United States - the aura of of the population that will always want to drive and have mobility solutions, they want options, whether it’s car- ing it to look overseas. Its steel exports It “is a complete mismatch, it will not put personal freedom that automakers have always cast over that driving pleasure, and we are obviously going to pro- sharing, ride-sharing, what we call multi-modal modes soared 20 percent in 2015, according to even a minor dent in the overcapacities in their products. vide them great products for that.” of transportation where you are taking a car for a por- Chinese Customs data. China”, he said. —AFP Ford is taking a “dual path” in developing the con- With ride-sharing platforms like Uber reshaping driv- tion of a journey or a train and then maybe a bike,” said nected car, said Fields. One for those who want to be ing for many young would-be consumers, Ford is also Fields. —AP AB Foods hails turning point for sugar business

LONDON: The outlook for Associated British Foods’ trou- business. We really are calling a turning point in that. That strengthening of domestic prices in those markets. But he 2014-15, having previously indicated a modest decline. Its bled sugar business has reached a turning point as prices is why the outlook here is certainly a brighter one,” Finance noted that with most of British Sugar’s contracts for 2015- financial year runs until mid-September. improve, the firm said yesterday. Director John Bason told Reuters. Bason was speaking after 16 already agreed, there will be no material impact on its Prior to the update analysts were on average forecast- Weak prices have depressed profit in the group’s sugar AB Foods edged up its full-year earnings guidance, thanks profit from the improvement in pricing until 2016-17. ing 100 pence, according to Reuters data. Analysts at Shore division, including a 77 percent slump in 2014-15. to recent currency moves and improved trading at its Primark and sugar account for over half of group rev- Capital said they expected consensus expectations to However, it expects greater stability in its current year and Primark clothing chain, sending its shares up to 2 percent enue. Primark alone accounts for over half of group profit. nudge-up 1-2 percent. analysts are forecasting a return to profit growth in the fol- higher. The firm, which also has grocery, agriculture and ingredi- Consensus EPS forecasts rise to 117.4 pence for 2016-17. lowing year. Bason said that while world sugar prices remain low, a ents businesses, is now forecasting only a marginal decline “People are certainly factoring in an improvement in prof- “We’ve had three years of declining profits for our sugar tightening of EU and Chinese stock levels has resulted in a in adjusted EPS in 2015-16 from the 102 pence made in itability for sugar for 2017,” said Bason. —AFP BUSINESS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Global shares rise, pound falls on Brexit fears

MILAN: World stocks rose yesterday as firmer after an uptick in China’s steel industry sparked being partly responsible for the FTSE gaining would be just as harmful for the rest of as fears the world economy is stalling mining company shares helped to offset con- hope for a revival in metals demand, given less than the DAX and CAC. The vote is set for the EU as it would be for Britain. have sent stocks and commodities tum- cerns about Britain’s potential exit from the China’s role as the world’s biggest consumer of June 23. “Our own view falls in the very nega- bling and hammered oil prices, already European Union and a fall in HSBC’s shares. metals. Currency traders hit sterling, homing in on tive camp, with an estimated loss of 0.5- weighed down by a global supply glut. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index Shares in Telecom Italia also advanced after narrowing bookmaker odds on a Brexit. The 1.0 percentage points per annum to the Crude flirted with 13-year lows this gained 1.4 percent by the middle of the trad- Vivendi increased its stake in Telecom Italia to scale of the reaction on sterling, an almost 2 UK and 0.125-0.25 percentage points for month, diving below $30 a barrel, but ing session, though it is still down nearly 10 22.8 percent, strengthening its position as the percent fall driven chiefly by the decision of the euro area over a decade. Given that news that major producers Saudi Arabia percent since the start of 2016 due to concerns top shareholder. London Mayor Boris Johnson to join the “out” potential growth is estimated at only 1.2 and Russia plan to cap production has about a global economic slowdown. Britain’s However, shares in HSBC fell 2.9 percent camp on Sunday, also sent British government percentage points, a Brexit would be a eased some concerns the market will be FTSE 100 was up 1.2 percent, while Germany’s after Europe’s biggest bank reported a surprise bond prices spiralling lower. significant shock to the euro area econo- oversupplied for years. At around 0845 DAX gained 1.9 percent and France’s CAC rose pre-tax loss of $858 million and predicted a “A Brexit would be worse for the UK than for my!” SocGen wrote in a note. GMT Monday, US benchmark WTI for 1.7 percent. Mining stocks were among the ‘bumpier’ financial environment ahead. Europe,” said Andrea Williams, European equi- delivery in March was up 84 cents at best performers, with Anglo American rising Analysts also cited uncertainty over the out- ties fund manager at Royal London Asset Asian shares extend rally $30.48. Brent, for April, advanced 75 cents 7.3 percent, as the price of copper reached a come of Britain’s referendum on whether to Management. However, analysts at Societe Asian shares swept higher yesterday, to $33.75 a barrel. two-week high. Metals prices were boosted leave the European Union - dubbed “Brexit” - as Generale said any decision by Britain to leave with Shanghai leading the charge after China replaced its securities regulator, China fires regulator head while a rise in oil prices cheered investors Chinese shares jumped after state across the region. Equities extended last media reportChinese shares jumped after week’s sharp rally, notching gains almost state media reported Saturday that the across the board after news that Russia head of the country’s securities regulator, and Saudi Arabia may freeze production Xiao Gang, would be replaced by Liu sent crude higher. Shiyu, chairman of the Agricultural Bank Chinese shares closed up more than of China. two percent after the head of the securi- China has been struggling to reassure ties regulatory body who was in place investors it has a grip on its financial mar- during last year’s market rout was dis- kets after a rout last summer wiped tril- missed, while Japan’s exporters gained on lions off equities, prompting the govern- a weaker yen. But traders remained cau- ment to step in and tighten regulations. tious after a rollercoaster start to the year. Shanghai fell 23 percent in January, the The pound sank after London’s popular world’s worst-performing major market. mayor said he would campaign for Britain Its benchmark index closed Monday up to leave the EU in a June referendum. 2.35 percent, while Hong Kong ended “People are willing to take risk again,” 0.93 percent higher. Tokyo added 0.90 Karl Goody, a private wealth manager at percent and European stocks rose at the Shaw and Partners in Sydney, told open. In currency markets, the pound fell Bloomberg News. “People are looking at the most against the dollar in a month as the sell-off this year and saying: enough is campaigning over a potential “Brexit” enough, there’s been enough pain now.” from the European Union began in Financial markets have been on edge earnest. — Agencies TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 BUSINESS

Nissan Al-Babtain takes Gold & Bronze medal 2015 Nissan Regional Skills Contests KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al- invests heavily in customer care and focuses Babtain Co (AABC), the exclusive agent of on providing the highest standards of sales Nissan in the State of Kuwait, is proud to and after-sales service. announce that Nissan Al-Babtain Sales Mohammed Shalaby, COO - Al-Babtain Executive Mohammed Dayane has received Group said “We (AABC) are extremely proud first place award during the annual Regional of the winners’ efforts, dedication and skills Nissan Sales Executive Excellence during this competition.” Adding, “The con- Competency (NISEC) contest, & Service test is not just to choose a champion only, it Technician Tiljo Varkey received the bronze is a way to show the advancement of the medal for the Nissan Service Technician skills of all the participants and an acknowl- Excellence Competency Award contest (NIS- edgment of their hard work. Keeping knowl- TEC), held early this month. edge and skills up to date enables our staff Top sales force and service technicians to deliver high quality service that meets the from across the region came together to expectations of customers and safeguards compete in the Regional Skills Contests held the reputation of our organization. Nissan Al- in Dubai. Nissan Middle East conducted the Babtain owes its success on quality customer contests in four different languages with 11 service and a dedicated workforce. countries competing in four categories. Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain, GM - Nissan Al-Babtain was conferred the follow- HR & Administration - Al Babtain Group stat- ing awards: ed” Al Babtain Group is keen on developing * Nissan Sales Executive Excellence the skills, capabilities and talents of its staff Competency Award (NISEC) - GOLD medal by continuous learning process. The skills winner: Mohamed Samir Dayane, as well as contests are a way to motivate our people receiving Best performance in Vehicle and give them an opportunity to showcase Presentation category. supporting team for their hard work and for Technicians, Service Advisors, Sales and service excellence in the Sales & Service their talents.” * Nissan Service Technician Excellence dedication. As a token of appreciation, he Parts. Contestants are tested against process. Nissan Al-Babtain holds the annual Nissan Competency Award (NISTEC) - BRONZE announced the management’s decision to NISSAN’s global selling standards with the The awards span every aspect of the busi- Skills contests locally each year, to select the medal winner: Tiljo Varkey reward both winners. objective of realizing their capabilities, ness - from knowledge of Nissan genuine best Technician, Service Advisor, Parts Saleh Al-Babtain, CEO - Al-Babtain Group The Regional Skills Contests, which are advancing their skills and bring them up to parts to service advice to sales acumen to Executive and Sales Executive to see repre- congratulated the winners and thanked the held annually, comprise of four competitions the Nissan standards thus ensuring customer technical expertise. The Japanese automaker sent AABC at the regional contests in Dubai. US dominates arms trade as Asia, Mid-East boost imports

STOCKHOLM: The global transfer of major arms ‘US arms went to 96 states’ 2014 and 2015 — coinciding with Western sanc- has risen in recent years, with the United States The United States has sold or donated major tions against Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. increasing its dominance of the trade while the arms to a diverse range of recipients across the India took the largest chunk of Russian flow of weaponry to Africa, Asia and the Middle globe, the report said. “As regional conflicts and weaponry and SIPRI also listed pro-Moscow East has increased, a new study published yester- tensions continue to mount, the USA remains the rebels in Ukraine among the recipients. While the day showed. According to the Stockholm leading global arms supplier by a significant mar- flows of weapons to Africa, Asia and Oceania and International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) gin,” said Aude Fleurant, director of the SIPRI the Middle East all increased between 2006-10 report, the volume of international transfers of Arms and Military Expenditure Program. and 2011-15, there had been a sharp fall in the major weapons-including sales and donations- “The USA has sold or donated major arms to flow to Europe and a minor decrease in the vol- was 14 percent higher in 2011-2015 than over at least 96 states in the past five years, and the US ume heading to the Americas, according to SIPRI. the five previous years, with the US and Russia arms industry has large outstanding export The overall transfer of arms has been upwards doing most of the exporting. orders,” including for over 600 F-35 combat air- this century after a relative drop in the previous The biggest importers were India, Saudi craft, said Fleurant. The biggest chunk of US 20 years. China leapfrogged both France and Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates major arms, 41 percent, went into Saudi Arabia Germany over the past five years to become the PARIS: French housing minister Emmanuelle Cosse, Agriculture minister and (UAE). The authors of the report singled out the and the rest of the Middle East. third-largest source of major arms globally, with conflict in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is “Despite low oil prices, large deliveries of arms an 88-percent rise in exports. Government spokesperson Stephane Le Foll (left) and Economy Minister backing the government against Iran-support- to the Middle East are scheduled to continue as Most of the Chinese weapons went to other Emmanuel Macron (center) arrive for the opening of the wood sector strate- ed Shiite Huthi rebels. “A coalition of Arab part of contracts signed in the past five years,” Asian countries, with Pakistan the main recipient. gic committee (CSF) at the Economy ministry in Paris yesterday. —AFP states is putting mainly US- and European- Wezeman added. India remains by far the biggest importer of sourced advanced arms into use in Yemen,” sen- Russia remains in second place on the SIPRI major arms, accounting for 14 percent of the ior SIPRI researcher Pieter Wezeman said in the exporters list, with its share of the total up three total; twice as much as second-placed Saudi US, EU open free-trade report. points to 25 percent, though the levels dropped in Arabia and three times as much as China. —AFP talks in Brussels Gold dips 2% on stronger dollar, shares BRUSSELS: Top negotiators on a huge transat- would lead to reckless deregulation at the lantic trade treaty between the EU and US opened expense of ordinary citizens. The two sides aim to LONDON: Gold fell as much as 2 interest rates elsewhere signal that ETF INFLOWS inflow since May 2010. new talks yesterday with the aim to tackle one of conclude TTIP this year, before the end of the percent yesterday as the dollar gold is not suddenly going to But investor sentiment “Increases in ETF (exchange- the deal’s most controversial aspects. The Obama administration in the US. President Barack strengthened and investor appetite retrace its way back to its lows,” Citi remained largely bullish and was traded fund) holdings continue to Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Obama travels to Germany in April to discuss the for risk increased, but the metal strategist David Wilson said. evident in fund flows. SPDR Gold support gold higher, while we (TTIP), under negotiation since July 2013, would deal with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. remained above $1,200 an ounce The dollar rose 0.9 percent Trust, the world’s top gold have seen some of this buying create the world’s biggest free trade zone, remov- Washington and Brussels are thought to be after a rally that pushed prices to against a basket of leading curren- exchange-traded fund, on Friday momentum offset by reductions ing tariffs and harmonizing regulation between close to agreement on eliminating tariffs and barri- one-year highs this month. cies, supported by strong US data recorded the biggest single-day in TOCOM positioning and recent the Europe Union and the United States. ers on 97 percent of trade between the two sides. Concern over financial instability on Friday, and European shares inflow since August 2011. The selling in China,” said MKS Group EU sources said the negotiators would for the But a raft of thorny issues remain to be discussed, and the repricing of expectations jumped to multi-month highs. “The fund’s inflows since the begin- trader Sam Laughlin, referring to first time discuss in detail a divisive proposal to in particular European fears about accepting for US interest rate rises, has helped dollar weakness seems to have run ning of the year have already sur- the Tokyo Commodity Exchange. create an investment protection system that genetically modified crops from America and con- the metal outperform most assets its course and is not providing the passed the outflows for the whole Top consumer China has been would allow companies to sue governments when cerns about limits on data-sharing by global so far this year with a 15 percent support that we saw earlier this of 2015. selling gold since its return from a they believe their interests have been harmed. This Internet firms. gain. month ... in the short term I would Other data showed that spec- week-long holiday last Monday, a idea has drawn fierce criticism in Europe, especial- “The most sensitive issues have not been treat- Spot gold, which posted small favour a move towards $1,168,” ulators increased their bullish sign Chinese investors do not ly in Germany, where hundreds of thousands of ed and we are a long way from an accord,” said losses last week on profit-taking Saxo Bank senior manager Ole bet in COMEX gold futures and expect prices to go much higher people rallied in October to oppose the massive Gerard Araud, France’s ambassador to Washington after rallying to $1,260.60 on Feb. Hansen said. options to their highest in nearly and cannot be counted on to free-trade accord. in a tweet. 11, was down 1.3 percent at “Gold has had such a strong four months in the week to Feb. support the market. Silver fell 1.4 The European Commission, which handles “There won’t be an agreement before the end $1,211.91 by 1341 GMT. It had earli- build in a relatively short period of 16. Bank of America Merrill percent to $15.11 an ounce, while trade talks for the EU’s 28 member states, will offer of the Obama administration, which means noth- er fallen 2.2 percent to a session low time that if there is a bit of a change Lynch said on Friday investors spot platinum fell 1.4 percent to the US an alternative proposal that would involve ing before 2017/2018 at best,” he predicted. This of $1,201.63. “Despite the move in the surrounding markets, gold shovelled $3.2 billion into gold, $925.80 and palladium slipped by setting up a special court. week’s talks in Brussels are the 12th round of TTIP lower, the contagion of negative will be exposed,” Hansen said. the biggest two-week gold 0.4 percent to $497.22. —Reuters Opponents say TTIP is undemocratic and negotiations. —AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 PRESS RELEASES flydubai operates 26 extra flights between Kuwait, Dubai 55th National and 25th Liberation Day holidays

KUWAIT: Dubai-based flydubai will oper- ends for travel. Passengers are also ate up to 17 flights a day between Kuwait reminded to book their baggage and Dubai between 23 and 29 February. allowances in advance when travelling The 26 extra flights added to the sched- in Economy. ule will accommodate the increase in pas- Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice senger numbers between the two cities President, Commercial (GCC, during Kuwait’s 55th National and 25th Subcontinent and Africa) for flydubai, Liberation Day Holidays. said: “Kuwait is an important market for The carrier, which has been operat- flydubai and we remain dedicated to ing from the convenient Sheikh Saad Al- offering passengers from Kuwait more Abdullah Terminal in Kuwait since 2013, options to travel between the two offers Kuwaiti citizens and well-wishers countries whether in Business or from the UAE a very flexible flight Economy Class. Our high-quality serv- schedule to join the country’s celebra- ice, convenient travel schedule, great tions and a choice to choose to fly either value for money and the option to from Dubai International Airport (DXB) choose to fly to two airports in Dubai in the heart of the city or from the continues to be popular with our pas- newest gateway to Dubai, Al-Maktoum sengers.” International Airport (DWC). flydubai is offering special fares on Ghaith Al-Ghaith, Chief Executive select flights during this period. Officer of flydubai, said: “We congratu- Booking is now open on all flydubai late our brothers in Kuwait on the occa- booking channels. sion of the country’s National and Sudhir Sreedharan Flights between Dubai and Kuwait Liberation Day, a very dear occasion to offers passengers faster check-in servic- can be purchased from flydubai’s web- our hearts and celebrated by everyone es, shortened queuing time at the site (www.flydubai.com), through its in the GCC and the region and not only immigration desks and a more person- local office (+965 22 41 44 00) and flydubai starting fares from 23-29 Economy from KWD 35 passengers per year. DWC welcomed in Kuwait. Our heartfelt wishes to the alised flying experience. Passengers are accredited travel agents. flydubai also February Maktoum International Airport the launch of flydubai’s operations with leadership and the people of the coun- advised to factor in ample time to reach offers visa facilitation services to pas- Kuwait to Dubai (DXB) (DWC), Dubai’s second airport, opened the arrival of their first flight on 25 try for more progress, peace and pros- the airport and complete their check-in sengers travelling to the UAE. Details of Business from KWD 181 its doors to passengers on 27 October October 2015. The airline operates serv- perity.” procedure to avoid the last minute rush the carrier’s car rental, insurance and Economy from KWD 46 2013. Once completed, this airport will ices to a number of destinations from flydubai’s operations from the dedi- as thousands of people gear up to trav- other third party services are also avail- Kuwait to Dubai (DWC) be the world’s largest global gateway DWC, including Kuwait, as it continues cated Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Terminal el ahead of one of the busiest week- able on its website. Business from KWD 176 with capacity for more than 160 million its operations from Dubai International. Joyalukkas celebrates National Day and Liberation Day with dazzling gifts for customers

KUWAIT: Joyalukkas, the world’s favourite Customers can have their choice from jeweller, joins the leaders and people of thousands of stunning contemporary and Kuwait in celebration of the nation’s 55th traditional Jewellery designs in Gold, National Day and 25th Liberation Day on Diamond, Polki, Precious stones and Pearls, February 25th and 26th respectively. The and receive a special gift. The offer is avail- landmark two-day holiday is to be marked able till February 29, 2016, across with spectacular events and activities, as Joyalukkas’ showrooms in Kuwait. well as a sparkling surprise from Joyalukkas Group is a multi-billion dollar Joyalukkas. global conglomerate, with varied business “We extend our warmest congratula- interests. The group operates its various tions to the rulers of Kuwait, whose vision- business operations across UAE, Saudi ary leadership has built a strong nation of Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, prosperity and success,” says Joy Alukkas, Singapore, Malaysia, London and India. The Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group. “And in group businesses include Jewellery, money appreciation of the Kuwait residents who exchange, fashion & textiles, luxury air have supported us from the opening of our charters, malls and realty. Joyalukkas first shop to the launch of the biggest employs over 7,000 professionals across Jewellery showroom in the country, we are the world, and is one of the most awarded giving away a special gift in honor of and recognized Jewellery retail chains in Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day”. the world. Ahli United Bank announces winners in its weekly draw

Cadillac Alghanim invites Kuwait KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank held its weekly HAJJI AL DAHOUM, SALMAN MOHAMMAD draw of Al-Hassad Islamic Saving program AL MANSOUR , WAFAA MOHAMMAD AL on February 17, 2016. This program offers GHAREEB, MOHAMMAD ABD ALRAZZAK AL Cadillac Group to special gathering the biggest prize amount to the largest KHALED , QADREYA KHALIFAH AL SHALLAL, number of winners. The prize program suc- FATEMAH SAMI AL KEELANI, ABDULLAH ceeded in becoming the first and only prize TLAYYAN ALI, ANWAR HAMAD AL RUGHIB, KUWAIT: In a move that demonstrates the sin- sional, detailed checkup that includes a thor- includes a state-of-the-art paint and body shop account in Kuwait compliant with the ALI HUSSAIN AL ENEZI, SHAIKHA ADEL cere appreciation the company holds toward its ough inspection on all aspects related to car that provides factory finish gloss and quality Islamic Sharia principles. The program has ALHAJRI , ALI HUSSAIN ABDULRAZZAQ, fans, Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the safety such as wipers, brakes, engine and oil at when it comes to refinishing customers’ vehicles. been developed to fulfil the needs of the ABDULRAHEEM SHAMEKH AL RASHIDI, exclusive distributor of Cadillac vehicles in no additional cost. Once the checkup has been Supported by body-and-paint specialists and Bank customers and increase their opportu- JASEM YOUSSEFAL KANDAR, FALEH NAFEL Kuwait, invited the Kuwait Cadillac Group (KCG), performed, customers will receive an exhaustive modern equipment, the shop offers a variety of nities in winning sizeable and attractive AL AZMI, ALMAN ABDULLA HUSSAIN, on Thursday, February 11th, 2016, to a special report detailing the condition of the car, the services that includes paint-less dent removal, prizes in addition to enjoying the latest ZAINAB ALI MAKK, KALTHOOM MOHAMED gathering at the Yusuf A. Alghanim & Sons required maintenance and pricing. Not to men- custom paint and customization, sunroof instal- banking advantages that Ahli United Bank AMEEN, MOHAMMED ALI AHMED, ABDUL- Service Facility in Shuwaikh, where the members tion the customer-friendly service contracts that lations, upholstery repairs and replacement, and provides. RAHIM ABDULAZEEZ ABDULRAHIM. were individually thanked for their never-ending avail to customers a variety of flexible payment many more. On this occasion, the bank issued the fol- The Prize program of “Al Hassad Islamic loyalty and support toward their favorite luxury options and plans, as well as plenty of service lowing press release: Al Hassad Islamic Saving” from Ahli United Bank offers a car brand. Also as a thank-you, KCG members benefits and perks all year long. Premium Care Program Saving program offers the highest amounts weekly grand prize worth KD 25,000 in received an exclusive 40 percent discount on Furthermore, as the official agent of GM gen- Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons Automotive’s of prizes which amount to KD 3.4 Million addition to 25 weekly prizes worth a total of any repair job performed at the service facility, uine spare parts in Kuwait, Alghanim showcases the company’s commitment to per year. This Program also offers 26 weekly KD 25,000 distributed to 25 prizes, KD 1,000 thereby ensuring their safety and peace on mind Automotive provides its customers with world- enhance customers’ unique Cadillac experience prizes, with the highest number of weekly for each winner. as they continue their luxurious journey with renowned, genuine spare parts that enhance by offering customers peace of mind with a com- winners. The Islamic Hassad Saving Account In addition, prizes of Al-Hassad Islamic Cadillac. customers’ safety and vehicles’ performance as prehensive insurance program. In addition, all may be opened by the lowest amount to saving program from Ahli United Bank offer KCG is comprised of passionate Kuwaiti fans well as prolong a vehicle’s lifespan. Yusuf A Cadillac owners will enjoy service and mainte- open an account, which is KD 100. 4 quarterly grand prizes announced in quar- that truly appreciate Cadillac’s rich history and Alghanim & Sons Automotive facility is nance for four years or 100,000 km, warranty for The winner of the weekly grand prize in terly draws. Each is a “Salary for Life” prize commitment in manufacturing forwarded-think- equipped with a modern and air-conditioned 4 years or 100,000 km, 24-hour roadside assis- the amount of KD 25,000 is: MNAHI AL which is worth KD 250,000. ing luxury vehicles in terms of design, perform- warehouse that stocks all the required parts tance anywhere in the Middle East for four years AZMI. In general, Ahli United Bank continues to ance and technology. The group is also famous using the latest global systems and processes, (unlimited miles) plus a courtesy transportation The winners of the KD 1,000 prize each: offer innovative tools and means to meet for carrying out annual Cadillac convoys on Gulf which include making deliveries twice a day of and a replacement vehicle upon availability. GHLOOM A/RASOOL ABDULLA, YASER the needs of its customers to match the Road, which are officially sponsored by Cadillac spare parts to all locations in Kuwait. The service Adding to the luxury experience, Cadillac AHMAD AL MULIGY , JAMAL GHANIM AL Bank’s long history of distinctive services Alghanim and supervised by the Ministry of center is ranked very highly in the region by offers its customers in Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim GHANIM, MOHAMMAD AHMAD MOHAM- which extend over 73 years during which Interior. General Motors for parts inventory management the highest quality of services. The service center MAD, LILLIAN GERGES ASHAM, ABDUL- the Bank managed to take the lead among One of the ways that Cadillac Alghanim practices and retail standards. is equipped with a large variety of the most RAOUF ABDULJABBAR THEEB, HMOUD local banks. expresses its appreciation to the best group of The Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Service Facility advanced equipment operated by a team of passionate fans a company can ask for is to offer in Shuwaikh is considered the biggest and most skilled professionals and effective consultants the best service facility that exclusively caters to advanced automotive service center in the world, who ensure timely service. Visit Cadillac’s show- all their needs and desires. Indeed, by elevating with 73,000 sq m of built up area, servicing 1,000 room in Safat Alghanim in Alrai today and do not Ahli Bank awarded debut rating its customer relations and car sales and services vehicles every day. Throughout the facility, pass up this opportunity to book an appoint- to new levels, the Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons advanced technology is harnessed to provide ment or purchase your favorite Cadillac vehicle. by Moody’s Investors Service Service Facility aims to offer a completely satisfy- customers high-quality and efficient service, To catch on the latest offers and announce- ing experience from the moment customers including a team of highly trained technicians ments, make sure to follow the Alghanim KUWAIT: Ahli Bank QSC (Ahlibank) is delight- receive this rating from Moody’s, reflecting step in until the day they drive off to a thrilling whose goal is to provide necessary advice and Automotive account on Instagram ed to announce that Moody’s has assigned an Ahlibank’s strong performance, which is destination. Performed by professionally trained support as well as reliable and cost-effective (@AlghanimAuto) and Cadillac Group in Kuwait A2/Prime-1 deposit ratings and a baa3 base- underpinned by strong Risk and Capital service advisors, customers can expect a profes- operation of customers’ vehicles. The facility also (@Cadillac_Kw). line credit assessment. Management disciplines. The Bank is well Moody’s Investors Service has assigned capitalised and has solid asset quality - long- and short-term, local- and foreign cur- reflecting a low level risk model. We believe rency deposit ratings of A2/Prime-1 to that the continued support of our sharehold- Markaz named ‘Most Innovative Ahlibank and a Baseline Credit Assessment ers and the local community underpins our continued growth within the context of the Qatar growth story. We are proud of this rat- Investment Bank in Middle East’ ing as it reflects another notable milestone in the history of Ahlibank, and which positons the Bank as a top-tier, top-of-mind bank local- Markaz also ‘Best Investment Bank in Kuwait’: Global Finance ly and a well-established and trustworthy bank internationally”. KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre Hassan Khalil, Chief Operating advisory transactions. During 2015, Sheikh Faisal added: “The Moody’s rating is “Markaz” announced winning the Officer at Markaz, thanked Global Markaz successfully completed 12 a great vote of confidence and complements “Most Innovative Investment Bank in Finance for extending these awards mandates for its clients, of which the rating awarded by Fitch Ratings”. the Middle East” by Global Finance to his company saying: “We’re hon- three were M&A transactions, Ahli Bank QSC is a Qatari-owned financial magazine, a specialized finance and ored to be named as the ‘Most including the flagship tender offer institution that serves individual consumers, investment magazine. Markaz also Innovative Investment Bank in the in Kuwait by Al Ahleia Insurance for small businesses and corporate customers won the “Best Investment Bank in Middle East’ and the ‘Best Kuwait Reinsurance completed in with a range of Corporate Banking, Treasury & Kuwait” in 2016 award for the fourth Investment Bank in Kuwait’ for 2016 the third quarter. We have entered Investments, Retail Banking, International time. The awards will be presented by Global Finance. These awards 2016 with a very strong pipeline.” Banking, Private Banking and Brokerage to Markaz at an awards ceremony are the recognition by our industry Markaz’s performance continues Sheikh Faisal Bin AbdulAziz Bin Services. Ahli Bank QSC aims to deliver conducted the morning of October of the core strengths we bring to to attract recognition from experts unmatched convenience and personal, simple 8th during the IMF/World Bank our clients in any mandate: high in the region’s financial industry. Jassem Al-Thani, Chairman and banking experiences that highlight its tagline, Annual Meetings in Washington, DC. quality of service, prompt delivery, Markaz was recognized twice in Managing Director “With You”. Global Finance editors, with input intense energy, integrity, and a high 2015 as “Best Investment Bank in Founded in 1983, Ahli Bank QSC has grown from industry experts, used a series level of creativity and innovation.” Kuwait” by Global Finance and (BCA) of baa3. The long-term deposit ratings its client base rapidly, and boasts an integrat- of criteria to select the winners Khalil added: “These awards are EMEA Finance and was awarded carry a stable outlook. Moody’s has also ed network of 16 branches in Qatar. including market share, number and the result of Markaz completing “Best Equity Manager in Kuwait” by assigned Counterparty Risk Assessments (CR The Bank has a credit rating of (A2) from size of deals, service and advice, Ali H Khalil, COO of Markaz several successful transactions over Global Investor for the sixths con- Assessments) of A1(cr)/Prime-1(cr). Moody’s, (A+) from Fitch Ratings and (A) from structuring capabilities, distribution market performance of underwrit- the past year across a wide number secutive year and “Best Asset Sheikh Faisal Bin AbdulAziz Bin Jassem Al- Capital Intelligence and is listed on the Qatar network, efforts to address market ings and market reputation. of activities, including M&A transac- Manager in Kuwait” from EMEA Thani, the Chairman and Managing Director Exchange (ABQK). More information can be conditions, innovation, pricing, after- In light of this achievement, Ali tions, restructurings, and general Finance. of Ahlibank stated: “We are delighted to found on the bank’s website, ahlibank.com.qa technology TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Korean giants launch new smartphone in slowing market

BARCELONA: South Korean tech giants such as a sound system developed by Danish said Thomas Husson, an anlyst at Forrester. Samsung Electronics and LG showed off their firm Bang & Olufsen and a virtal reality head- Chinese electronics giant surprised by new flagship smartphones on Sunday as they set which will allow it to compete with a the unveiling its first personal computer, a convert- fight for consumer affections with new fea- headset launched by Samsung late last year, ible tablet that will compete with Apple’s iPad tures at a time of slowing global smartphone the Gear VR. Pro, instead of a new flagship phone. sales. “With its modular design, to change bat- While Apple will not be present at Barcelona, Samsung launched two versions of its new teries and add accessories, LG’s new flagship as usual, it is likely nevertheless to dominate premium phone, flat screen Galaxy S7 and smartphone is renewing LG’s portfolio and a discussion given the company is in the lime- the curved screen Galaxy S7 edge, in smart attempt to challenge its eternal Korean light over the tricky industry questions of Barcelona where the industry is gathered for rival,” said Forrester analyst Thomas Husson. encryption and client confidentiality. the start of the Mobile World Congress on The product launches at this year’s con- Apple is challenging a court order to unlock Monday, in its latest attempt to remain ahead gress come as the industry finds itself in an an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino of Apple. uncomfortable position: Samsung was only killers, putting the interests of client privacy While the new models included a better able to boost its market share moderately ahead of helping US authorities investigate a battery and a card slot to expand memory for and Apple saw iPhone sales fall for the first deadly domestic terrorism case. pictures and other media, analysts said the time on an annual basis in the final quarter of Since whistleblower Edward Snowden upgrades may not be enough to revive sales. last year, according to Gartner. revealed in 2013 the extent of secret US surveil- Forrester consumer mobile analyst The market research firm said that the 9.7 lance of phone and Internet communications Thomas Husson said the new Galaxy devices percent increase in smartphone sales in the the technology industry has been walking a “offer mostly incremental value to consumers final quarter of last year over the same period high wire between protecting the privacy of via more advanced technology specifica- in 2014 takes the industry all the way back to BARCELONA: A woman reacts as she uses a new Samsung Gear 360, a 360- uses and the demands of authorities to be able tions.” 2008 when the global economy was in crisis. degree camera, at the Mobile World Congress wireless show, in Barcelona, Spain, to trace communications. Rival South Korean tech firm LG sought to LG’s parent company LG Electronics’ net yesterday. —AP The Mobile World Congress will also be steal Samsung’s thunder by unveiling its new profit halved last year on the back of a global another opportunity for European telecom premium handset, the G5, its first modular economic slowdown and increased competi- NO MAJOR INNOVATION ate their phones. “We are moving towards a companies to size up one another amid contin- smartphone which is made using different tion in the mobile sector but LG CEO Juno Analysts said handset makers face a tough logic of segmentation and improvement, with a uing consolidation in the region, while the components that can be independently or Cho remained optimistic. “We think smart- choice. Focus on the low-price segment, where better camera or more autonomy for example, annual gathering is always a frenzy of product replaced such as a removable battery. phones’ best days are still ahead,” he said at sales volumes are large but margins become maybe some advances in virtual reality, but launches and a hunt for the next feature or The G5 comes with several accessories the presentation of the new phone. thin. Or focus on features which can differenti- there will unlikely be any major innovation,” application that will drive sales. —AFP

Ford CEO says future is Eyes on Zuckerberg at Barcelona connectivity, not just cars fair as security debate rages BARCELONA: Ford CEO Mark Fields says such as one-button parking assistance the 112-year-old company is tripling its and guidance to keep a car in its lane and BARCELONA: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg vacy and security. Personally, I support Apple’s, investment in new technologies that will help braking in heavy traffic, with the takes to the stage yesterday at the world’s Tim Cook’s idea,” Bloomberg quoted him as say- ultimately lead to self-driving vehicles - ultimate goal of a fully autonomous car. biggest mobile fair in Barcelona just as US tech ing on the sidelines of the presentation of but will make sure to keep making cars He declined to provide financial figures. giants clash with authorities in the latest debate Huawei’s first laptop. for drivers who want to keep their hands Don Butler, Ford’s executive director pitting privacy against security. Zuckerberg’s address in Barcelona will also be on the wheel. Fields said it was no coinci- of connected vehicle and services, told The controversy emerged earlier this month watched closely for any comment on concerns in dence that Ford chose the Mobile World the AP “we like to think about it as the when Apple refused to help the FBI break into an Europe over how the world’s largest social net- Congress, a massive technology trade transition from just a hardware company iPhone belonging to the late Syed Farook, who work handles personal data.Facebook was long show in Barcelona, to unveil its new Kuga to a software and mobility services com- along with his wife went on a deadly shooting accused of brushing aside users’ privacy con- SUV, which features its latest connectivity pany as well.” rampage in California’s San Bernardino in cerns, and while Zuckerberg has strived to win and driver-assisted technology. “Mobility” is a buzzword at the wire- December. Apple claims that cooperating with back trust with a flurry of features, the social net- “We are really emphasizing our transi- less show. For Ford customers, it means a the probe would undermine security for its Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg work is still in the eye of the storm. Earlier this tion from an auto company to an auto wide range of innovations from further devices, while the US government counters it is a month, it was given three months by France’s and mobility company,” Fields told The integration of the Internet in cars, to ride- one-time request that will aid an important allow the FBI to brute force its way into the CNIL privacy watchdog to stop storing data on Associated Press in an interview Monday sharing and even the use of other modes investigation. iPhone. Just like Facebook, Apple CEO Tim Cook people who do not have an account with the at Ford’s stand, which stood out in a sea of transport in conjunction with cars, like Zuckerberg, who will give a keynote speech at warned last week that complying with the order social network. of smartphone and gadget makers. bicycles. the Mobile World Congress at 6:00 pm (1700 would set a dangerous precedent and open the The decision comes after Facebook lost a simi- “This is a really good audience to Fields said Ford is aware it will have to GMT), has been at pains to plug privacy features door for governments and even criminals to lar fight with Belgium’s privacy watchdog in reach some new folks.” The Kuga includes be careful to keep a hold on the tradi- on Facebook in recent years. access sensitive data in the future. November when a court ordered it to stop stor- the latest version of Ford’s connectivity tional car driver, by protecting - especial- The 31-year-old has not yet spoken publicly ing personal data from non-users. technology, SYNC 3, which the company ly in the United States - the aura of per- about the spat but last week Facebook issued a FACEBOOK AND PRIVACY On a regional level, the European Union’s 28 says includes improved voice commands sonal freedom that automakers have statement in support of Apple. The social media Apple’s dispute with the US government is privacy watchdogs have been coordinating and makes it easier to access applications always cast over their products. giant said that while it condemned extremism it just the latest clash between a tech firm and probes into possible violations of EU law by on a driver’s smartphone. It has a new Ford is taking a “dual path” in develop- would “continue to fight aggressively against authorities, and many of the sector’s biggest Facebook’s policy for handling personal photos 1.5-liter diesel engine, among other fea- ing the connected car, said Fields. One requirements for companies to weaken the secu- names have sided with the iPhone maker. and data. Ahead of the speech, though, tures. for those who want to be assisted by the rity of their systems.” “These demands would cre- Richard Yu, consumer devices chief for Zuckerberg appeared relaxed, posting photos of Fields said that over the next five car or eventually have the vehicle take ate a chilling precedent and obstruct companies’ Chinese electronics giant Huawei, said Sunday in himself jogging in Barcelona on his Facebook years investment will increase threefold over, and another for drivers who want to efforts to secure their products,” it added. Barcelona that privacy was “the most important page. He also made a surprise appearance at in autonomous driving technologies, keep control of the wheel. —AP Apple has vowed to fight a judge’s order that thing to the consumer.” Samsung’s press conference late on Sunday to it should create an operating system that would “We should really protect the consumer’s pri- unveil its new flagship smartphones. —AFP

Easa Husain Al-Yousifi & Sons introduces SHARP smart TV AQUOS with 8K Resolution The highest resolution TV powered by Android TV in Kuwait market

KUWAIT: Easa Husain Al Yousifi & Sons image quality, SHARP certainly can’t be doubt- AQUOS 4K UHD powered by Android TV will Company and SHARP Corporation, announced ed. The latest TV is equipped in 4K technology make the watching experience with family the launch of its newest model from its AQU- with pixel resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 or four more enjoyable thanks to the recommenda- OS Super Premium XU Series with 8K resolu- times the pixel resolution of Full High- tion feature. This feature will automatically tion, offering the highest resolution among its Definition TV, the colour reproduction is richer appear on the home screen and display rec- whole AQUOS TV line up, Powered by Android especially in red and green color thanks to the ommended video, music, games, and other TV in Kuwait at an event hosted at the rich colour feature, and 4K Master Engine Pro, entertainment that is personalized based on Radisson Blue Hotel, and was attended by a a resolution converter only from SHARP to Customer’s viewing history so customer can number of customers and guests of Al-Yousifi produce more vivid images so the customers spend less time browsing and more time Company in addition to the directors and can enjoy the perfectly precise detail. watching. management of Easa Husain Al-Yousifi and The product is targeting tech-sawy, 30-40s In addition, AQUOS 4K powered by Android SHARP with presence of press and media fig- family in upper-middle class. However, we still TV will also satisfy Gamers because it can be ures. need strong trigger to lead any purchasing enjoyed for a gamepad. A total of four con- The growing use of Smartphone and action. Our strategy is by creating products trollers can be connected to the TV, so this increasingly skyrocketing prestige of Android with features that are favourable for this allows customers to play interactive games operating system encouraged SHARP to con- group, but with very logical price for them. with Family members and Friends on a large tinue creating variety of technological innova- With its Smart Remote, a dream to ‘talk’ TV screen, with graphics quality that far sur- tions. In order to satisfy the need of loyal cus- with Television will come true. Customers sim- passes other Smart TV. No need to fear run- tomers in the region, SHARP launches its latest ply press the microphone button on Smart ning out of games because Customers can flagship TV that has been integrated with Remote, and this Smart TV will follow the enjoy hundreds of Games and other Android technology, so that the favourite instructions given, such as searching informa- Applications in Google Play with limitless entertainments of people which previously tion on Google, searching for videos or movies expansion and picture quality that has been could only be found on Smartphone can now on YouTube, finding favourite applications on customized for Android TV. be enjoyed through TV that bring larger Google Play, and so on. No need to worry SHARP launches 4K UHD powered by screen for more comfortable watching experi- about undetected language because Google Android TV (UE63OX series) for the region in ence with the whole Family. Voice Search on this TV has been supported by being able to ‘understand’ sentences, Smart Smart TV has this capability, language sup- September 2016. 4K UHD powered by Android Android TV from SHARP will be a new way significant number of languages of the world Remote is also able to detect various regional port, and level of accuracy. TV would be released in 3 Sizes variations: 50 for families to enjoy Android content. For with an amazing degree of accuracy. Besides dialects worldwide. No other platform in Not only translate the voice commands, inch, 58 inch, and 65 inch. HEALTH & SCIENCE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

No Kangaroos: Service-animal impostors facing crackdown

AUGUSTA: People who falsely pass off their the certificate was a fake, she said, because pets as service animals - think of the federal law stipulates that service dogs woman in Wisconsin last year who claimed don’t need documentation. And she knew the right to bring her kangaroo into the dog was a fake, she said, because it was McDonald’s - have frustrated people with badly behaved. legitimate needs to such an extent that leg- Federal law applies a different standard islators in several states are considering for housing. A landlord may ask for a doc- laws to restore the animals’ credibility. tor’s letter if a person has a disability and Legislatures in Maine, Virginia, Arizona, needs to live with an animal. Those animals Hawaii, New York, and Puerto Rico are con- can include service dogs, as well as emo- sidering bills that would either establish tional support animals - pets that provide such a program or penalize people who comfort but lack the training of a service fraudulently claim to have service dogs. In dog. An emotional support animal can be Maine, a task force this month issued a any kind of pet approved by a doctor, and report that says well-meaning federal laws public establishments do not have to designed to protect people with disabili- accommodate them. However, businesses ties have instead opened the door to must accommodate people with service fraud. dogs. “The abuse and confusion are harming everybody,” said Barbara Archer Hirsch, an ‘Public is confused’ attorney with the Maine Human Rights In rare cases, a miniature horse may sub- Commission and member of the task force. stitute for a service dog - they can be “It’s harming the landlords, and it’s harming trained to guide the blind and live longer CARACAS: A man wipes the nose of his son as they wait to see a doctor at a medical center near Petare neighborhood. — AP the individuals who need their animals.” than dogs. But that’s it. The baby kangaroo Here’s the dilemma: Under federal law, no that a woman carried into the McDonald’s, papers are required for service dogs in pub- claiming it was a service animal, does not lic places. If people want to sneak their qualify. People have also asserted service Venezuela takes on Zika amid pampered Chihuahua into a restaurant, animal status for pigs, cats, rabbits, turkeys, they can simply lie and say it’s a service dog lamas, snakes and turtles, said Jeanine trained to help them with their disability. Konopelski, spokeswoman for Canine shortage, information blackout Companions for Independence, a nonprofit Fraudulent services based in California that supplies disabled Sean McDonough, 51, has a brain injury people with trained service dogs. Economy in shambles as political crisis deepens from a car accident and said he’s noticed In many of those cases, she said, people people are increasingly skeptical that his 5- aren’t lying about their animals but misun- CARACAS: This is what the Zika outbreak looks lished up-to-date epidemiological data and maceutical association says Venezuela only has year-old goldendoodle, Bruno, is a service derstand the difference between a service like in Venezuela, a country whose medical sys- reaching the Health Ministry for information is 20 percent of the medications it requires, a dog. Bruno is trained to distract animal and an emotional support animal. tem has teetered for months on the brink of col- frustrating. The main line for hits “Zika situation result of currency and price controls. The gov- McDonough from stress triggers by press- “The public is confused,” she said. Florida lapse: There’s a lack of bug spray to prevent mos- room” was out of order Tuesday and the person ernment blames the shortages on “economic ing against him. Security officers at a court- last year took a hard line on the issue, pass- quito bites, scant contraceptives to avert preg- answering another number for the room hung war” waged by its right-wing opponents. house tried to block Bruno at the door ing a law that makes misrepresenting a nancies, little medicine to treat Zika-linked mal- up twice on a reporter. To compensate for the Earlier this month, Health Minister Luisana recently because of their encounter with a service animal a crime punishable by up to adies. There has been no effective public health lack of official figures, doctors have been turning Melo invited sick Venezuelans to email requests fraudulent service dog, said McDonough, of 60 days in jail. campaign to inform the public about the dis- to informal surveys, social media and even for medicine to a state-run Gmail account. Last Lyman, Maine. Maine’s task force recommends that the ease - and nobody really knows how many infec- Google analytics to try to get a handle on the week, President Nicolas Maduro said the country “The court people treated me badly state launch a public information campaign tions there have been. scope of the outbreak. had received a special shipment of drugs that because of what other people had done,” he on the issue. Donald Marean, a Republican “It’s just terrible what we are living,” said Carla The virus has been linked to a spike in will be sufficient to combat Zika, but did not said. Impostors pose a problem for busi- lawmaker, also supports creating a volun- Natera, a 50-year-old local government worker Guillain-Barre, a rare disorder in which the specify what the shipment included. nesses and landlords because they fear tary certification program for service dogs. who contracted Zika and spent three days immune system attacks the nervous system, The Health Ministry is advising the public to legal action if they clamp down, said Donna He said lawmakers could weed out fakers searching pharmacies for an ointment to calm causing temporary paralysis that can be fatal. use bug spray, an item all but impossible to Hodges, who owns 100 apartment units in by allowing the disabled to obtain a state- central Maine. She recalled a prospective issued card that verifies their animal is a the angry rash that broke out on her face and Health officials say the country has seen 255 cas- come by in Venezuela these days, and to clean tenant who claimed his rambunctious pit service dog or an official patch that can be body. es of the Guillain-Barre syndrome since the Zika out their tubs of standing water once a week. bull was a service dog. affixed to their animal’s vest. His proposal is William Barrientos, a doctor and opposition outbreak began - a much higher incidence than That is a lot to ask, however, of the many The dog was leaning out a car window modeled after a Michigan law that went lawmaker, says the socialist government is not reported in other countries grappling with the Venezuelans keep tubs in their homes full of and barking at her while its owner waved a into effect in January. “I’d like us to do any- equipped to confront a health crisis in a country virus. water to deal with chronic shortages. framed, official-looking certificate identify- thing we can,” Marean said, “to help people where food and medicine shortages are acute, “Normally, we’d expect 30 or 40 cases of Meanwhile, state media have been broadcast- ing the dog as a service animal. She knew get full use of their dogs.” — AP the economy is a shambles and a political crisis Guillain-Barre a month,” said former health min- ing a steady stream of footage of health offi- deepens by the day. “There is no education and ister Jose Felix Oletta. “What this shows is that cials accompanying workers on mosquito fumi- information campaign among the population the minister has the total number of Zika cases gation and immunoglobulin distribution mis- here,” and no tracking of the mosquitoes that wrong. It’s much higher.” Venezuela’s medical sions. carry the virus, he said. shortages could easily boost the mortality rate What they haven’t been doing with any reg- for Guillia-Barre, which is about 5 percent in ularity is offering the public advice on how to Scale unclear developed countries. Nancy Pino, a 68-year-old behave. Venezuelan officials say the country The scale of what Venezuela is going through retired school administrator, died last month of has not yet seen any cases of birth defects is unclear. Officials alerted the World Health Guillain-Barre that developed after she fell ill associated with Zika, as have been reported in Organization to the first case of Zika here in over Christmas with symptoms of Zika. Brazil. Other countries have advised women to November but did not release statistics or reach Doctors said the woman from the lowland postpone pregnancy until the Zika epidemic out to the public until two months later. The state of Anzoategui needed intravenous has slowed. But in Venezuela, condoms and Health Ministry is now reporting more than immunoglobulin therapy, and sent her three birth control pills are in extremely short supply, 5,000 suspected Zika cases and three related children on a frantic two-week search for the making it complicated for women to avoid deaths. medicine after they rushed her to Caracas. As pregnancy. But a network of independent physicians the family begged for immunoglobulin at state In the western state of Zulia, a focal point of allied with the opposition - the Venezuelan agencies, on local television channels and even the epidemic, local health authorities say 25 Society of Public Health - says that’s likely a dra- at the presidential palace, their mother lost the pregnant women have contracted Zika and are matic underestimate. It says a polling of local ability to walk, speak, open her eyes and, finally, under medical observation. Doctors are also health officials found a rise in acute fevers that to breathe. complaining that laboratories have been unable could correspond to 400,000 Zika cases, and the to obtain the chemical needed to diagnose Zika outbreak will likely reach its peak around the ‘Economic war’ by identifying the DNA of the virus. Doctors end of March. Neighboring Colombia, by con- “They shut the doors on us. There’s just not have to rely on a clinical diagnosis based only on trast, has reported more than 30,000 cases. medicine here,” daughter Nehara Ramos said. symptoms. “It’s like flying by instruments,” pedia- It’s been a year since the government pub- The country’s private, opposition-leaning phar- trician Carolina Mirabal said. — AP PORTLAND: In this Monday, Feb 8, 2016 photo, Sean McDonough eats lunch at the Macaroni Grill with his service dog Bruno at his side. — AP Pakistan approved to import Pacific Northwest may become improved Hepatitis-C drug hub for methanol production ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has authorized the import formal registration of the drug in the country, it of an expensive Hepatitis-C drug from the United gave special permission to import Sovaldi SEATTLE: The Pacific Northwest could become a US. A citizens group is sponsoring an initiative to but the Northwest plants would use natural gas, States to improve treatment for the estimated tablets from the US.” major hub for methanol production if three pro- require voter approval for water permits exceed- which is cleaner, she said. eight million people carrying the blood infection, Another official at the drug registration authori- posed refineries are built along the Columbia ing one million gallons (3.8 million liters) a day. As prices have dropped, natural gas has officials said yesterday. ty said the government was exploring the option of River and Puget Sound. A China-backed consor- The city of Federal Way passed a resolution attracted industrial consumers who use Hailed by experts as a game-changer, Sovaldi, cheaper alternatives. “We are encouraging local tium, Northwest Innovation Works, has pro- opposing the project. methanol as a feedstock, said Katie Teller, an which has been on the market since 2013, costs manufacturers to produce generic drugs on a prior- posed two plants in Washington state and a “We’re talking about building enormous economist with the US Energy Information around $1,000 per pill in the US or $84,000 for a ity basis which are safe, efficacious and affordable,” third in Oregon to convert natural gas to petrochemical refineries on the shorelines of our Administration. Several methanol plants have single course of treatment, according to a US the official said. methanol, which would be shipped to China to most important water bodies. That’s dangerous,” been proposed recently, a few have come on Senate report released last December. The drug Last October Pakistan’s drug authority received make plastics and other consumer goods. said Eric de Place, policy director for Sightline line and more are expected in the next few is now being sold nationally in a Pakistani phar- 61 applications from pharmaceutical firms to pro- But those plans are running into opposition. Institute, a progressive think tank. Company years, she said. macy chain for around $314 per 28 tablets, while duce Sofosbuvir tablets, the generic name of the On Friday, the company temporarily put its proj- president Murray Godley said in a statement In the US Northwest, the largest of three the government is urging local manufacturers to drug, of which 14 manufacturers were finally ect in Tacoma on hold, saying it has been “sur- Friday that the project “provides an exciting refineries will be built on the site of a former alu- produce generic copies on an urgent basis. approved. Gilead Sciences, which makes Sovaldi, prised by the tone and substance of vocal oppo- opportunity for Washington and Oregon to minum smelter in Tacoma. Other plants are pro- “It is estimated that some eight million peo- has been criticized in the US for the drug’s cost. The sition.” Washington state Gov Jay Inslee has become world leaders in addressing climate posed for Kalama in southwest Washington ple are suffering from Hepatitis-C in Pakistan and lofty price, set by Gilead, placed Sovaldi and its fol- embraced the projects as a boost to the state’s change through innovation by producing state, and at Port Westward in Oregon, about 30 each year about 80,000 people will die,” a senior low-up drug Harvoni out of reach of many con- clean energy future. methanol and the products we use every day in miles (50 kilometers) north of Portland. The health ministry official said. “These deaths are sumers, the US Senate report said. Hepatitis-C is a He has said the investments - about $7 billion more environmentally responsible way.” But he Kalama project is the furthest along in its envi- caused by advanced liver disease spanning over blood infection transmitted via contaminated nee- for the three plants - would be one of the largest said the company would take the next few ronmental review. A draft is expected next a period of 20-30 years,” he added. “The govern- dles, sexual intercourse, and from pregnant moth- foreign investments in the US by a Chinese com- months to engage the Tacoma community in month, and construction could begin by early ment had to act urgently and even before the ers to their unborn children. — AFP pany. Supporters say the projects would create more dialogue 2017. Inslee said last month there are questions hundreds of jobs and infuse billions to the about water, pollution and other issues. But region. Opponents are concerned about envi- Prices dropping there are upsides, including that the plant would ronmental and health impacts. Methanol, a wood alcohol, is used to make use natural gas rather than coal, Inslee said. “I do More than 1,000 people attended a hearing olefins, a component in everyday products such think there’s a legitimate interest in Washington Cambodia probes new this month on the Tacoma project, which would as eyeglasses, insulin pumps and fleece jackets, to look at technologies that can give us products produce 20,000 metric tons a day and dwarf oth- said Mandy Putney, a company spokeswoman. that we use here in a way that reduces pollution,” village HIV outbreak er methanol plants planned or being built in the Most methanol in China is produced using coal, Inslee said.—AP

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia health officials yester- Some of those testing positive in Peam believe day were screening hundreds of villagers for HIV they may have been infected by a doctor, locals after 14 locals tested positive for the virus, sparking said. “The villagers are nervous now. They suspect fears of a fresh outbreak. Nervous villagers from the doctor might have spread HIV,” Phy Sobin, 33, Peam, an hour north of the capital Phnom Penh, told AFP by telephone after she tested negative. “I have flocked to a house where a team of health used to get many injections from the doctor. I and officials were taking blood samples. my two kids tested negative for HIV, but my hus- Ly Peng Sun, the director of the National Centre band has not tested yet,” she said, adding that her for HIV, said moves to test the entire village were 67-year old aunt had been confirmed HIV-positive. made after 14 people screened positive earlier this However Ly Peng Sun said it was too early to say month. “More than 140 people have come for test- what caused the latest outbreak. The doctor at the ing (today) and the results so far show around 50 centre of the previous outbreak in the western people are HIV-negative,” he added. province of Battambang was jailed for 25 years, HIV rates are high in impoverished Cambodia partly because some of his patients died after but the country has made significant gains against being infected. The case shone a spotlight on the the virus in recent years. However fears are running chronically underfunded healthcare system in the high after a recent outbreak in another village left impoverished nation. World Bank figures say more than 200 infected. That outbreak was traced Cambodia, one of Asia’s poorest nations, has just to an unlicensed doctor reusing dirty needles who 0.2 doctors for every 100,000 people, on a par with has since been jailed. Afghanistan. — AFP TACOMA, Washington: Protestors hold a sign that reads “No Methanol,” as they protest. — AP HEALTH & SCIENCE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

People with eating disorders are often misunderstood - and silent

IOWA: Millions suffer silently from a dis- weight or correcting eating habits. It’s ease that often is misunderstood and even working through emotional issues, includ- more often made into a punchline. An esti- ing past traumas such as sexual abuse or mated 20 million women and 10 million domestic violence, and learning healthy men nationwide will suffer from an eating ways to manage stress, said Derfus. “A lot disorder - including anorexia nervosa, of people don’t have coping skills,” she bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder said. “And they think ‘if this works, why - some time in their lives, according to the change it?’” National Eating Disorder Association. That’s higher than the number of Disorder as identity American adults diagnosed with heart dis- Relapse is real threat, experts said, ease - 26.6 million - the Centers for Disease because old patterns are easy to fall back Control and Prevention reported last year. into when something goes wrong, to deal And with them can come severe health with a stressful day, a divorce or a sick par- problems - tooth decay, slow heart rate and ent. The eating disorder becomes their low blood pressure from electrolyte imbal- identity, Derfus said, and the person with ances, dehydration that can lead to kidney anorexia or bulimia doesn’t want to give up failure, and muscle loss. that part of themselves. Julie - not her real What’s more, anorexia has the highest name - has battled anorexia her entire mortality rate of any mental illness, with 4 adult life. She was diagnosed in 1998 but percent of anorexic individuals dying said that she struggled with it for years from complications of the disease. The before her diagnosis. mental illness is isolating, experts said, Julie has asked not to be identified by and those struggling with them often her real name due to the stigma associa- YAOUNDE: A picture taken on February 1st, 2016 shows piles of plastic waste. — AFP photos keep it a secret or are hesitant to ask for tion with eating disorders. “I wouldn’t allow help due to the shame and social stigma myself to get above 100 pounds,” she said. associated with starving oneself or mak- When Julie became pregnant, her focus Cameroon football great Milla ing oneself throw up. moved from maintaining her weight and onto being “the perfect” mother, she said. Out-of-control And so her weight climbed, and before she People label those with eating disorders knew it she reached 140 pounds - the most gives plastic waste the red card as vain, selfish and out-of-control, said she had ever weighed. Richelle Derfus, a Cedar Rapids-based ther- “What really set me off,” she recalled, On a mission to solve nation’s waste problem apist who works with individuals with eat- “was one day when I was at a function with ing disorders. “With other mental illnesses, a lot of people who I knew. Someone came YAOUND: Cameroonian football hero Roger explained Pierre Kamssouloum, the project’s tech- Helping street children people don’t see the behavior associated up to me and asked when the baby was Milla, the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history, nical director. Not all plastic is suitable. Anything Labogenie, a national laboratory tasked with with it,” she said. “People can’t wrap their due.” This was several years after Julie had is taking on an even bigger challenge in a very containing chlorine, for example, is sifted out. testing construction materials, said the slabs heads around (eating disorders). They given birth and she was not expecting. For different field-turning plastic waste into building Once they’ve identified the usable plastic, the showed “encouraging results”, but that further test- think, ‘why don’t you just eat?’ or ‘just don’t the rest of the party, Julie couldn’t focus on materials. The man named the best African player industrial magic starts. “The plastic serves as a ing was needed. “The results we’ve obtained on the throw up.’” anything other than that comment. She of the 20th century last year embarked on a binder and replaces cement,” in the production of issue of these paving stones’ capacity to absorb But eating disorders are far more than a was determined to lose weight. So she lost quest to resolve Cameroon’s massive plastic concrete slabs, Fegue explains. The plastic is water are interesting,” said Paul Mallo Nkongo, quick way to lose weight. They’re coping 20 pounds. “It was a huge victory for me,” waste problem. melted down in a large tank placed over a wood Labogenie’s chief analyst. mechanisms, security blankets and ways to she said. “So many people complimented With plastic bags and bottles routinely cast fire. “The idea of recycling plastic waste is beautiful deal with stress, life’s pressures and prob- me. But that fueled the fire.” away in the central African country, the waste Sand is then added to the molten plastic and (and) this initiative would allow us to get rid of some lems, or past traumas. And they’re compli- She kept losing weight. She couldn’t clogs up rivers, litters roads and blocks gutters. the hot mixture poured into moulds. The process waste material,” he added. Milla hopes the project cated to treat. stop. She weighed 88 pounds. Losing “We launched this project to fight pollution and doesn’t need water and the product sets and will also help street children re-enter society. “This That’s because unlike overcoming an weight “consumed my whole life. I became create jobs for unemployed youngsters,” Milla, dries at room temperature within 15 minutes, project can help me cope better,” said Elvis Kake, one alcohol or drug addiction - in which the its prisoner,” she said. Julie’s husband who is now 63 said. individual can cut out the substance - became concerned and had her see their The problem has become so bad that in 2014 someone recovering from an eating disor- family doctor. But he didn’t understand the government banned “the making, importing, der can’t eliminate food. “I help them what was wrong with her. She eventually selling or distribution of non-biodegradable plas- become competent eaters,” said Sue was admitted into the hospital, where she tic packaging”. But some producers resisted, and Clarahan, a registered dietitian who spe- had feeding tubes inserted into her stom- earlier this month 100 tons of plastic packaging cializes in eating disorders. “Their bodies ach. But the only thing Julie could think were illegally produced and seized in Cameroon’s have become such an enemy, they need to about was losing whatever weight she largest city Douala. learn to trust themselves.” gained during that hospital stay. “I wanted Milla, who rose to international fame in the That can be a process, she said, because free of it,” she said. “But I couldn’t do it.” late eighties and early nineties for his trademark eating disorders are inherently negative. A She became depressed, and even had goal celebration of a dance by the corner flag, is person dealing with such a disorder doesn’t suicidal thoughts. It wasn’t until she began now creating a new band of followers. He is form- believe he or she should be taken care of, seeing Cathy Keys-Andrys, an advanced ing what he hopes will be a 2,500-strong team of she added. “You say awful things to your- practice nurse and counselor at UnityPoint- youths to collect and sort plastic waste, the raw self. Things you would never say to another Health St Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, materials for his modern alchemy. The project is person,” Clarahan said. Clarahan regularly that she began to work through her prob- being carried out under the banner of Milla’s tells her clients that practice makes perma- lems. Keys-Andrys works with a team, Coeur d’Afrique (The Heart of Africa) association nent, and the man or woman recovering including a dietitian and family therapist. for children, and its new off-shoot focusing on from an eating disorder has to relearn what The team does an initial assessment, she the environment and sustainable development. fullness feels like and how to respond to explained, and then puts together recom- hunger cues - things he or she has taught mendations for treatment. Raising awareness the body to ignore. “It’s a tremendous “A lot of people think it’s all about food, “We have selected a first 25 youngsters and amount of work recovering from this disor- but it’s not,” Julie said. “It’s something emo- have given them comprehensive training” so they der,” she said. “You have to have self-com- tional, things from your past, abuse - verbal can in turn become trainers and induct others, passion and self-grace.” or physical - low self-esteem. You need to said Pancrace Fegue, the association’s executive Clarahan said she works through how work through them - to know you’re wor- secretary. The pioneer group has already pro- foods can help the body and the systems thy of love.” Julie doesn’t believe you can duced thousands of paving stones, used notably that have trouble when not adequately ever fully recover from an eating disorder. for the renovation of the Cameroon handball fed- YAOUNDE: Cameroonian men pave the soil with recycled cobblestones made of plastic waste. fueled - from maintaining a normal body But she does have hers under control. She eration’s premises. In November, Milla’s association raised aware- according to Kamssouloum, as opposed to the 24 of the children involved. While the environment temperature to harming the reproductive sees Keys-Andrys every month. It’s impor- ness in two Yaounde schools, inviting students to hours for the normal sand and cement based ministry has pledged it would help by handing over system. “For instance, your reproductive tant, she said, to have a team in place to pick up plastic waste in their areas. Within a week product. Nor do the advantages stop there. “Our waste non-biodegradable plastic packaging, the cycle can dive bomb. You need estrogen to help. But she knows how difficult it can be the school-children had collected three tons of paving stones are cheaper,” Kamssouloum said. project still faces several obstacles before it can take form strong bones,” she said. “I have a client for someone to admit that they have a waste. “We want the pupils and the households They cost 3,500 CFA francs (five Euros, $5.40) for a off. Vehicles to collect rubbish and funds to train the that is 25 years old and has full-blown problem and it can be even harder to ask to understand that plastic has a new destination,” square meter that is five centimeters thick, while youngsters are still needed, Feugue says. The city for help. “There is hope,” she said. “You need osteoporosis. Things multitask in the body.” beyond the rubbish bin or the street, said Fegue. the usual cost is 5,000 CFA francs. The new slabs has offered the group a temporary production site, But recovering from an eating disorder to find someone who can help because you “When we get all the recovered waste back to are waterproof and can be used in marshy areas but further down the line the project will need a is more than just reaching a “healthy” body can’t do it alone.” — AP the warehouses, we start sorting through it,” or even to build septic tanks, he added. more permanent home. — AFP WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

First environmental exhibition in Ahmadi hmadi governor Sheikh Fawwaz Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah recently launched the first environmental exhibition in the Governorate at Ateka Bint Abdulmuttaleb School for girls in Jabber Al-Ali area. He also launched a project to plant the moringa trees in the school. The project was launched in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Governorates’ Environmental Committee at the geography Society under the Asupervision of a Kuwaiti farmer Nasser Al-Azmi.

NBK organizes its annual carnival at Bayt Abdullah

ational Bank of Kuwait (NBK) organized a carnival NBK’s Children Hospital, in order to expand the hospi- at the Children’s Hospice Project Bayt Abdullah. tal’s capability to treat children with cancer and blood NDr Hilal Al Sayer, Former Minister of Health and diseases.” Children enjoyed many fun activities. Towards President of Bayt Abdullah Children Hospice (BACCH), the end of the evening, each child was given a special Nasser Al Sayer, NBK’s Chairman and NBK’s family gift from NBK. shared happy moments with children. “NBK has always NBK has undertaken several initiatives to support the considered supporting the children as an essential part healthcare sector in Kuwait, including the medical care of its social and philanthropic outreach,” said Manal Al provided at NBK Children Hospital to underprivileged Mattar, NBK Public Relations Executive Manager. “We children. The hospital houses a number of clinics special- take great pride in celebrating with our children at Bayt ized in leukemia treatments, neurology, psychiatry and Abdullah.” pediatrics as well as surgeries and operating theatres. Al Mattar added: “Since its establishment, NBK has Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice was designed to been at the forefront of supporting Kuwait’s community accommodate the needs of children with life-limiting through a range of education, health, sports and social and life-threatening conditions and their families, in initiatives. NBK’s Children Hospital at Al Sabah Medical Kuwait. The hospice is part of a continuum of care that Area stands as one of many NBK initiatives for children. offers children and their families the maximum freedom Also, NBK continues building the first of its kind in of choice without compromising the quality of that care, Kuwait, the independent marrow transplant center at whether at home in hospital or within the hospice itself. LIC HFL to hold property exhibition on March 4, 5 IC HFLmanager Rajeev Sakhuja called on Indian ambassador HE Sunil Jain last week to apprise him of Lthe upcoming LIC HFLorganized property exhibition on 4 and 5 March at the Holiday Inn, Salmiya. Sakhuja briefed Indian ambassador on the value added to cus- tomers in terms of seminars on property, as well as budget highlights and the investment scenario, which will be dis- seminated during the exhibition. LIC Housing Finance - being a household name in India will be hosting builders of repute from southern India enabling Indians to take advantage of the opportunity to meet the most reputed builders from the region. The event is being presented by New Indian Express, as well as Warba Insurance being the Chief Agents of LIC HFL for Kuwait. ICSK organizes Super Kid Award Ceremony

he Indian Community School Kuwait, Junior con- planned and executed for the Super Kid event. present ICSK is one of the best schools in Kuwait! ducted the super kid award ceremony on Thursday Honorary Secretary to the Board Vijay Karayil, in his The Super Kids, the first and the second runner up T4th February 2016. The Chief Guest for the occa- felicitation address, applauded the presence of Dr Raj from each class were awarded as they were called on sion was Dr Raj Raghupathy, Professor of Immunology at Raghupathy. He also whole-heartedly appreciated the stage along with their parents and the teacher in- the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University. Honorary Kindergarten teachers for their dedication, the involve- charges.The Super Kids were adorned with crowns, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of ICSK Vijay Karayil ment of young parents and the admirable talents of sash and memento along with certificates. To add color also graced the occasion. Parent Representative to the the tiny tots. and variety to the ceremony some of our blooming Board of Trustees from ICSK Junior KP Suresh, PAC mem- He further added that a school is a place where buds were given a platform to showcase their talent in ber Biju P Abraham and parents of the awardees were “future” takes its birth. Esteemed Chief Guest Dr Raj dance, oration and show and tell performance with present for the solemn ceremony. Raghupathy, a Professor, a scientist, a genius and a pas- utmost confidence. The finale of the event was a The ceremony began as the special invitees along sionate lover of fine arts also addressed the audience. heartiest vote of thanks delivered by the Vice-Principal with the Principalin-charge Sherly Dennis and Vice- He concluded that ‘Super-Kid’ is all about destination of Gomathy Murthy. Her inert message that ‘good things Principal Gomathy Murthy lit the serene lamp. Sherly learning and discovery in the kindergarten section, tal- do not end in ICSK Junior, they make a new beginning’. Dennis officially welcomed the gathering and briefly ent search and reward is the core objective of the com- She further extended her deepest gratitude to all the defined the objective of the one week activities petitions.He concluded his address by declaring that at guests present for the ceremony.

Under the auspices of Mangaf Mayor, the 25 Social Center recently organized its February Festival 2016 to celebrate the National and Liberation Days’ anniversaries. Speaking on the occasion, the center presi- dent, Talal Abdullah Al-Fadhli said that the center is always keen on promoting patriotism. WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, friends and well-wishers gathered at the Olympic Council Building on Saturday for a send-forth party for one their amiable pastors Akinyemi Familusi who is leaving for good to Canada. The event attracted lots of dignitaries including staff of Citi Bank - where he worked for more than a decade. “May the Almighty God continue to bless, protect you (Pastor Akinyemi) and crown your efforts with success Amen”

ACK awards scholarships to high-achievers

he Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) verance. ACK’s Dean, Dr Gad Elbeheri, and other announce the awarding of internal level courses at the College. Each semester, has awarded scholarships to high- Scholarship recipients Ali El Rahim, executive members. Scholarships to these outstanding students: the College invites high achieving students Tachieving Bachelor’s Degree and Mehran Seraidarian, Youssef Abdalla, In announcing the scholarship recipients, This Semester, the standard of applications to apply for the Academic Scholarship Diploma students with full-tuition for a sin- Abdulrahman Mohamed, Mahsa Rahimi, Mr. Abdullah congratulated the students was exceptionally high, therefore the recipi- whereby recipients are selected by the “ACK gle semester. ACK extends the merit schol- Elissar Chami and Waseem Abdul-Kareem and encouraged them to maintain their ded- ents’ should be especially proud that they Scholarship Committee”. For more informa- arship award to new and existing Bachelor’s obtained their award in a ceremony held at ication to their studies in preparation for were selected to receive this honor from the tion, students may contact the Manager of Degree and Diploma students with out- the College in the presence of ACK’s their future careers. College.” ACK Academic Scholarships are the Registration Unit and find out more standing academic qualifications in recog- Chairman Mr. Abdullah Al-Sharhan, From his end, Dr Elbeheri commented: available for existing and new students about ACK Scholarships on the College’s nition of their hard work, efforts and perse- President Professor Mohamed Terro and “The Australian College of Kuwait is proud to enrolled in Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma website: www.ack.edu.kw.

Millennium Hotel & Convention Centre Kuwait fights Cancer with ‘Pink Steps’

illennium Hotel & Convention Centre Kuwait vision in their bid to raisefurther awareness of cancer. Saleh, Area General Manager of Millennium worldwide.” Saleh extended his gratitude towards all took the fight against cancer to the streets on The participation comes as part of the Millennium & &Copthorne Hotels Kuwait. those who participated, and commended members of MSaturday, February 6th by participating in the Copthorne Group’s global pledge to support the com- “Socially responsible behavior is a central aspect of the (CAN) team for their distinguished year-round contri- ‘Pink Steps’ Walkathon for ladies organized by Cancer munities in which it operates through a variety of poli- our business philosophy, which takes place externally bution towards the fight against cancer. Pink Steps Aware Nation (CAN) at Al Waha sports alley in Mishref. cies and activities. “Our participation in ‘Pink Steps’ through active participation in events such as ‘Pink Walkathon for Ladies falls under the activities ofthe first Dozens of hotel employees walked side-by-side to rep- highlights the vital role all organizations should play in Steps’, and internally by ensuring that ethical behavior is Gulf Cancer Awareness Week in Kuwait, which takes resent the hotel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) raising awareness about this disease,” explained Dani practiced in every Millennium & Copthorneproperty place every year during the month of February. Bangladesh Embassy observes Martyrs and International Mother Language Day

he Martyrs and International Mother paid for the Martyrs of the Language “International Mother Language Day’ signi- Language Day is observed at the Movement and freedom fighters who laid fies the multiculturalism and multilingualism TBangladesh Embassy in Kuwait on 21 down their valuable lives for the causes of around the globe, which at the same time glori- February 2016 in a befitting manner. To cele- mother tongue and independence of the fy the history of language movement for brate the day, the Mission drew up elaborate country. One minute silence was observed in Bangla in 1952. He said that Language programs, which included National Flag honor of the martyrs of the Language Movement was the foundation of so many Hoisting at half mast a the Chancery and Movement in 1952. In the Discussion session, socio-political events and achievements includ- Bangladesh House, recitation from the Holy the speakers highlighted the history and sig- ing independence of Bangladesh under the Quran, reading out of messages and discussion nificance of the day. They also emphasized on leadership of the Father of the Nation with participation of community members. role of all to uphold our image and flourish Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He reit- The program of the Day began with cere- achievements. They expressed their deep aspi- erated that as a nation we would not forget the monial hoisting of the National Flag at half- ration for continued peace and progress of the supreme sacrifice of the Language martyrs and mast. SM Mahbubul Alam, Charge’ d’affaires country and for wellbeing of Bangladesh com- we all should love our beloved motherland and hoisted the National Flag at half mast in pres- munity in overseas. mother tongue with an unquestionable patriot- ence of Embassy officials, officers of the In his speech, the Charge’ d’affaires S M ism and without any prejudice. Bangladesh Military Contingent to Kuwait, Mahbubul Adam paid his deep homage to the He urged the community members in Bangladesh Biman and members of the martyrs of the Language movement 1952 and Kuwait to get inspirations from the sacrifice of Bangladesh community. Messages given by the War of Liberation in 1971. He also paid our great martyrs and to devote themselves to the Honourable President, Honorable Prime deep homage to the Father of the Nation buildup the country through their patriotism Minister, Honorable Foreign Minister and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In his and hard work. He also requested the commu- Honorable State Minister for Foreign Affairs, speech he highlighted the significance of the nity people to take care of their children so were read out by officers of the Mission. A day mentioning that in 1999, the UNESCO has that they learn and practice pure Bangla. He documentary film on the Martyrs and declared 21 February as the ‘International categorically depicted the initiatives taken by International Mother Language Day was also Mother Language Day’ and since 2000 the day the Government of Bangladesh to recognize displayed at the program. A big number of has been observed as the “International Mother Bangla as an Official Language of the United Bangladesh community people from all strata Language Day’ in 193 countries around the Nations. Finally he thanked all the participants of lives participated at the program. world. He convicted that mother tongue is akin at the program and requested all to ensure a Mohammad Anisuzzaman, First Secretary to the root of a nation and literature, culture, peaceful co-existence of all Bangladesh anchored the program. and self identity of a nation flourish through nationals in Kuwait and to increase the image The discussion program began with recita- language, and therefore, forgetting mother lan- of own motherland overseas being imbued tion from the Holy Quran. Deep homage was guage means losing one’s own identity. with pure patriotism and love for Bangladesh. p32_Layout 1 2/22/16 8:06 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 TV PROGRAMS

12:10 Stella 03:00 Crime Stories 00:35 Street Food Around The 19:00 Complications 13:00 Call The Midwife 04:00 Nightmare In Suburbia World 20:00 The Night Shift 13:45 Doctor Who 05:00 The Ghost Inside My Child 01:00 Bangkok Airport 21:00 The Night Shift 14:35 Doctors 06:00 The Haunting Of... 01:50 Valentine Warner Eats 22:00 Supergirl 15:05 Eastenders 07:00 The FBI Files Scandinavia 23:00 The X-Files 01:05 The Birdcage 15:35 Stella 08:00 The FBI Files 02:15 Eat Street 03:10 Lords Of Dogtown 16:25 Dickensian 09:00 Frenemies 02:40 Eat Street 04:50 Music Of The Heart 17:10 Doctor Who 09:30 Private Crimes 03:05 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By 06:55 Robinson Crusoe 18:00 Doctors 10:00 Crimes That Shook Britain The Sea 08:25 Death Rides A Horse 18:30 Eastenders 11:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 03:55 Food Lover’s Guide To The 10:20 Adventures Of Hercules 19:05 Death In Paradise 12:00 Beyond Scared Straight Planet 11:50 Duplex 20:00 Holby City 13:00 Fatal Vows 04:20 Miguel’s Feasts 00:00 Pusher 13:20 The Beautiful Country 21:00 Stella 14:00 Crime Stories 04:45 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 02:00 Superfast 15:20 Eight Men Out 21:45 Ripper Street 15:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 05:10 Street Food Around The 04:00 Jack The Giant Killer 17:20 Jakob The Liar 22:45 Death In Paradise 16:00 Frenemies World 06:00 Need For Speed 19:15 Groundhog Day 23:40 Doctors 16:30 Private Crimes 05:35 Dream Cruises 08:15 Forget And Forgive 21:00 Breaking Bad 00:20 Eastenders 17:00 The FBI Files 06:25 A Marriage Of Flavours 10:00 Superfast 22:00 The Birdcage 00:50 Call The Midwife 18:00 Beyond Scared Straight 06:50 Bangkok Airport 12:00 The Assault 01:45 Call The Midwife 19:00 Crime Stories 07:40 Valentine Warner Eats 13:45 Need For Speed 02:40 Ripper Street 20:00 Nightmare In Suburbia Scandinavia 16:00 Forget And Forgive 03:30 Doctors 21:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 08:05 Eat Street 18:00 Battle Of The Damned 04:00 Eastenders 22:00 Frenemies 08:30 Eat Street 19:45 X-Men: Days Of Future Past 04:30 Starlings 22:30 Private Crimes 08:55 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By 05:15 Starlings 23:00 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover The Sea 00:50 River Monsters 06:00 The Cafe 09:45 Food Lover’s Guide To The 01:45 Swamp Brothers 06:25 The Cafe Planet 02:15 Swamp Brothers 06:50 Doctors 10:10 Miguel’s Feasts 02:40 Dog Rescuers 07:20 Eastenders 10:35 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 00:00 We’ll Never Have Paris 03:35 Tanked 07:50 Stella 11:00 Street Food Around The 02:00 When In Rome 04:25 Africa’s Outsiders 08:40 Call The Midwife World 04:00 The Devil Wears Prada 05:15 Gator Boys 09:25 Doctor Who 11:25 Dream Cruises 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 06:00 Mr. Wonderful 06:02 Treehouse Masters 10:15 Doctors 12:15 A Marriage Of Flavours 01:10 Mythbusters 08:00 How To Lose A Guy In 10 06:49 Dog Rescuers 10:45 Eastenders 12:40 Cradle Of Mandopop 02:00 The Weapon Hunter Days 07:36 Swamp Brothers 11:15 Death In Paradise 13:35 Valentine Warner Eats 02:50 Big Giant Swords 10:00 The Devil Wears Prada 08:00 Swamp Brothers 12:10 Stella Scandinavia 03:40 Storage Hunters 12:00 When In Rome 08:25 Bad Dog 13:00 Call The Midwife 14:00 Eat Street 04:05 The Liquidator 14:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest 09:15 Dog Rescuers 13:45 Doctor Who 14:30 Eat Street 04:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 16:00 How To Lose A Guy In 10 10:10 Treehouse Masters 14:35 Doctors 14:55 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By Edition Days 11:05 Tanked 15:05 Eastenders The Sea 05:00 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 18:00 Pitch Perfect 12:00 Bad Dog 15:35 Stella 15:50 Food Lover’s Guide To The 05:30 How Do They Do It? 20:00 Textuality 12:55 Bondi Vet 16:25 Dickensian Planet 06:00 Flying Wild Alaska 22:00 No Way Jose 13:50 Dog Rescuers 17:10 Doctor Who 06:50 Highway To Sell 16:20 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 14:45 Gator Boys 18:00 Doctors 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 16:45 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 15:40 Treehouse Masters 18:30 Eastenders 08:30 Storage Hunters 17:15 Street Food Around The 16:35 Tanked 19:05 Death In Paradise 08:55 The Liquidator World 17:30 Africa’s Outsiders 20:00 Holby City 09:20 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 17:40 Dream Cruises 18:25 River Monsters 21:00 Stella Edition 18:35 A Marriage Of Flavours 19:20 Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet 21:45 Ripper Street 09:45 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 19:05 Charlie Luxton’s Homes By 00:45 A Passage To India 20:15 Tanked 22:45 Death In Paradise 10:10 How Do They Do It? The Sea 03:30 At Any Price 21:10 Cheetah: Race To Rule 10:35 Mythbusters 20:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The 05:15 Sleepless In Seattle 22:05 Treehouse Masters 11:25 The Weapon Hunter Planet 07:15 Jodorowsky’s Dune 23:00 Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet 12:15 Big Giant Swords 20:25 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 09:00 Memories 23:55 Gator Boys 13:05 Storage Hunters 20:50 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 11:00 Sleepless In Seattle 00:00 What’d You Miss? 13:30 The Liquidator 21:15 Street Food Around The 13:00 Heaven’s Door 01:00 Charlie Rose 13:55 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop World 15:00 A Civil Action 02:00 First Up With Angie Lau Edition 21:40 Dream Cruises 17:00 Memories 03:00 First Up With Angie Lau 14:20 Flying Wild Alaska 19:00 Frankie & Alice 04:00 Trending Business 15:10 Kings Of Crash 21:00 White Bird In A Blizzard 00:20 Eastenders 05:00 Trending Business 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 23:00 Donnie Brasco 00:50 Call The Midwife 06:00 Asia Edge 16:50 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 01:45 Call The Midwife 07:00 Bloomberg West 17:15 How Do They Do It? 02:40 Ripper Street 08:00 Charlie Rose 17:40 What On Earth? 03:30 Doctors 09:00 Countdown 18:30 Unearthed 04:00 Eastenders 10:00 Countdown 19:20 Deception With Keith Barry 00:30 Weird Loners 01:00 Shiver 04:30 Starlings 10:30 On The Move 20:10 The Liquidator 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 03:00 The Giver 05:15 Starlings 11:00 On The Move 20:35 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop MR. WONDERFUL ON OSN MOVIES HD COMEDY Wilmore 05:00 Stonehearst Asylum 06:00 The Cafe 12:00 The Pulse Edition 01:30 Brickleberry 07:00 Bad Parents 06:25 The Cafe 13:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 21:00 What On Earth? 02:00 Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll 09:00 Get On Up 17:31 Unchained Reaction 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 06:50 Doctors 15:00 Bloomberg Go 21:50 Unearthed 21:35 H2O: Just Add Water 02:30 Big Time In Hollywood Fl 11:15 Oggy & The Cockroaches: 18:18 Mythbusters 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 07:20 Eastenders 18:00 Bloomberg Markets 22:40 Kings Of The Wild 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 03:00 New Girl The Movie 19:05 Weird Or What? 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:50 Stella 19:00 Bloomberg Markets: 23:30 Kings Of Crash 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 03:30 Playing House 13:00 Step Up Revolution 19:50 Mega Builders 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:40 Call The Midwife European Close Teenage Witch 04:00 I Hate My Teenage 14:45 Divergent 20:40 Space Pioneer 15:00 Man Fire Food 09:25 Doctor Who 20:00 Bloomberg Markets 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Daughter 17:00 Imogene 21:25 How It’s Made 15:30 Man Fire Food 10:15 Doctors 23:00 Bloomberg Markets Teenage Witch 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 19:00 Seventh Son 10:45 Eastenders 21:50 How It’s Made 23:10 Hank Zipzer 16:00 Chopped Jimmy Fallon 21:00 The Bronx Bull 11:15 Death In Paradise 22:15 Mythbusters 23:35 Binny And The Ghost 17:00 The Kitchen 05:30 Modern Family 23:00 Deliver Us From Evil 23:00 Mega Builders 18:00 The Pioneer Woman 12:10 Stella 00:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:00 $#*! My Dad Says 23:45 Space Pioneer 18:30 The Pioneer Woman 13:00 Call The Midwife 01:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:30 Community 19:00 Chopped 13:45 Doctor Who 01:30 The Haunted 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:00 Iron Chef America 14:35 Doctors 00:00 News Update 02:20 Ghost Lab 08:00 I Hate My Teenage 15:05 Eastenders 21:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers Daughter 00:30 Dialogue 03:10 Scorned: Crimes Of Passion 01:00 Asian Tour Highlights 15:35 Stella 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 21:30 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 08:30 Cristela 01:00 News Update 04:00 Deadline: Crime With 02:00 PGA Tour Highlights 16:25 Dickensian 00:20 Calimero 22:00 Dinner At Tiffani’s 09:00 New Girl 01:15 China 24 Tamron Hall 03:00 PGA European Tour 17:10 Doctor Who 00:35 Zou 22:30 Dinner At Tiffani’s 09:30 The Last Man On Earth 02:00 The Heat 04:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? Highlights 18:00 Doctors 00:50 Loopdidoo 23:00 Siba’s Table 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 02:30 News Update 05:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 00:40 Solved 04:00 Trans World Sport 18:30 Eastenders 01:05 Art Attack 23:30 Siba’s Table 10:30 Community 03:00 Global Business 05:30 The Haunted 01:30 Codes And Conspiracies 05:00 Golfing World 19:05 Death In Paradise 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 04:00 News Update 06:20 Fatal Encounters 02:20 America: Facts vs. Fiction 06:00 Live PGA European Tour 20:00 Holby City 01:45 Calimero Jimmy Fallon 05:00 News Update 07:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 02:45 America: Facts vs. Fiction 08:00 Inside The PGA Tour 21:00 Stella 02:00 Zou 12:00 $#*! My Dad Says 06:30 Dialogue Jones 03:05 Dinosaurs: Return To Life 08:30 European Tour Weekly 21:45 Ripper Street 02:15 Loopdidoo 12:30 I Hate My Teenage 07:00 News Hour 08:00 Dr G: Medical Examiner 03:50 Solved 09:00 Golfing World 22:45 Death In Paradise 02:30 Art Attack Daughter 08:00 Global Business 08:50 On The Case With Paula 04:35 Extreme Engineering 10:00 Live PGA European Tour 23:40 Doctors 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 13:00 Cristela 09:00 News Update Zahn 05:20 Deadliest Catch 13:00 Inside The PGA Tour 00:20 Eastenders 03:05 Calimero 00:00 Keeping Up With The 13:30 Community 10:30 Sports Scene 09:40 Fatal Encounters 06:05 Bizarre Foods 13:30 Live Welsh Open Snooker 00:50 Call The Midwife 03:20 Zou Kardashians 14:00 Playing House 11:00 Global Business 10:30 Murder Shift 06:50 Alps From Above 20:00 Golfing World 01:45 Call The Midwife 03:30 Loopdidoo 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 14:30 The Last Man On Earth 12:00 News Update 11:20 Deadly Affairs 07:35 Origins 21:00 LPGA Tour Highlights 02:40 Ripper Street 03:45 Art Attack 01:25 Kourtney And Khloe Take 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 12:30 Culture Express 12:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 08:00 Deadliest Catch 22:00 Live Welsh Open Snooker 03:30 Doctors 13:00 Africa Live Jones 08:50 Commander In Chief 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster The Hamptons 15:30 Weird Loners 04:00 Eastenders 14:00 News Update 13:00 The Will 09:40 Alps From Above 04:20 Calimero 02:20 Fashion Police 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 04:30 Starlings 14:30 Dialogue 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 10:30 Bizarre Foods 04:35 Zou 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills Wilmore 05:15 Starlings 15:00 News Update 14:40 California Investigator 11:20 Extreme Engineering 04:45 Loopdidoo 04:10 E! Entertainment Special 16:30 $#*! My Dad Says 06:00 The Cafe 15:15 China 24 15:05 Dr G: Medical Examiner 12:10 Deadliest Catch 05:00 Art Attack 05:05 Pop Innovators 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 00:00 Super League 06:25 The Cafe 16:00 News Update 15:55 Fatal Encounters 13:00 Treasures Of The Royal 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Keeping Up With The 18:00 New Girl 02:00 Welsh Open Snooker 06:50 Doctors 16:15 Global Business 16:45 On The Case With Paula Captain 05:35 Calimero Kardashians 18:30 Playing House 05:00 NRL All-Star Match 07:20 Eastenders 17:00 News Update Zahn 13:50 Bizarre Foods 05:50 Zou 06:55 Keeping Up With The 19:00 Kevin From Work 07:00 Golfing World 07:50 Stella 17:15 World InSight 17:35 Murder Shift 14:40 Extreme Engineering 06:00 Loopdidoo Kardashians 19:35 Hot In Cleveland 08:00 WWE Afterburn 08:40 Call The Midwife 18:00 Asia Today 18:25 I Almost Got Away With It 15:30 Codes And Conspiracies 06:15 Art Attack 07:50 Style Star 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 09:00 This Week In WWE 09:25 Doctor Who 18:30 Culture Express 19:15 The Will 16:20 100 Miles From Nowhere 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster 08:20 Beyond Candid With Jimmy Fallon 09:30 Gillette World Sport 17:10 Deadliest Catch 06:50 Calimero Giuliana 21:00 Weird Loners 10:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 18:00 Dinosaurs: Return To Life 07:00 Zou 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 11:00 Live AFL NAB Challenge 18:50 Bizarre Foods 07:20 Loopdidoo 10:15 Giuliana & Bill Wilmore 14:00 Porsche GT3 Cup Middle 19:40 Codes And Conspiracies 07:35 Art Attack 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 22:00 Web Therapy East 20:30 American Guns 08:00 Calimero 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 22:30 Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll 14:30 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 21:20 Prehistoric Elephant 08:10 Zou 12:05 WAGs Highlights 22:10 Extreme Engineering 08:25 Loopdidoo 13:05 WAGs 15:00 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 23:00 American Guns 08:40 Miles From Tomorrow 14:05 Botched Highlights 23:50 Prehistoric Elephant 09:05 Sofia The First 15:00 Keeping Up With The 15:30 V8 Supercars Bathurst 09:30 Goldie & Bear Kardashians 18:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 09:45 Jake And The Never Land 16:00 Keeping Up With The 19:00 WWE NXT Pirates Kardashians 00:00 Chicago Fire 01:00 Quantico 20:00 WWE Smackdown 10:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 17:00 Fashion Bloggers 22:00 Europro Tour 10:35 Doc McStuffins 17:30 Fashion Bloggers 02:00 Rosewood 11:00 Sofia The First 18:00 E! News 03:00 Allegiance 11:30 Goldie & Bear 19:00 Fashion Police 04:00 Good Morning America 00:00 Violetta 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow 20:00 Keeping Up With The 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:30 Trans World Sport 00:45 The Hive 12:25 Special Agent Oso Kardashians 07:00 Backstrom 03:30 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 12:40 The Hive 21:00 Dash Dolls 08:00 The Player Highlights Teenage Witch 12:50 Handy Manny 22:00 E! News 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 04:00 Asian Tour Highlights 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 13:15 Jungle Junction 23:00 WAGs 10:00 Quantico 05:00 The World Sailing Show Teenage Witch 13:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:00 Backstrom 05:30 Inside Sailing 01:40 Hank Zipzer 14:00 Sofia The First 12:00 Coronation Street 06:00 World Pool Masters 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 14:25 Goldie & Bear 12:30 Coronation Street 07:00 Welsh Open Snooker 02:30 Violetta 14:50 Doc McStuffins 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:00 Europro Tour 03:15 The Hive 15:15 Zou 14:00 The Player 12:00 The Weber Cup 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 15:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:00 Live Good Morning America 00:10 Street Food Around The 13:00 LPGA Tour Highlights Teenage Witch 15:55 Loopdidoo 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show World 14:00 The World Sailing Show 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 16:10 Miles From Tomorrow 18:00 The Player 14:30 Inside Sailing Teenage Witch 16:35 Jake And The Never Land 15:00 Asian Tour Highlights 04:10 Hank Zipzer Pirates 16:00 HSBC World Rugby Sevens SUPERFAST ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 17:00 Sofia The First Highlights 05:00 Violetta 17:25 Jungle Cubs 05:45 The Hive 16:30 World Rugby 10:15 Doctors 20:05 Deadly Affairs 17:50 Aladdin 19:00 News Update 05:50 Mouk 17:00 LPGA Tour Highlights 10:45 Eastenders 20:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 18:15 Gummi Bears 19:30 The Heat 06:00 Lolirock 18:00 The Weber Cup 11:15 Death In Paradise Jones 18:40 Goldie & Bear 20:00 Africa Live 06:25 Sofia The First 19:00 Europro Tour 12:10 Stella 21:45 California Investigator 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 21:00 Global Business 06:50 Gravity Falls 21:00 Trans World Sport 13:00 Call The Midwife 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 19:30 Sofia The First 21:30 Dialogue 07:15 Miraculous Tales Of 22:00 Live Premier League Darts 13:45 Doctor Who 22:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 19:55 Doc McStuffins 22:00 News Update Ladybug & Cat Noir 14:35 Doctors 23:00 Deadly Affairs 20:10 Jake And The Never Land 22:15 China 24 07:40 Jessie 15:05 Eastenders 23:50 Swamp Murders Pirates 23:00 News Update 08:05 Shake It Up 15:35 Stella 20:35 Miles From Tomorrow 23:15 World InSight 08:30 Shake It Up 16:25 Dickensian 21:00 Goldie & Bear 08:55 That’s So Raven 01:00 FIA Asia Cup Championship 17:10 Doctor Who 21:30 Sofia The First 09:20 That’s So Raven 01:30 Aquabike World 18:00 Doctors 22:00 Jungle Cubs 09:45 Austin & Ally Championship 18:30 Eastenders 22:25 Aladdin 10:10 Austin & Ally 02:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 19:05 Death In Paradise 22:50 Gummi Bears 10:35 A.N.T. Farm 02:30 Extreme Sailing Highlights 20:00 Holby City 00:35 Weird Or What? 23:20 Lilo And Stitch 11:00 A.N.T. Farm 03:00 Mass Participation U.K 21:00 Stella 01:20 How It’s Made 23:45 Cars Toons 01:00 The Edge 11:25 Jessie 03:30 F1 H2O World 21:45 Ripper Street 01:44 How It’s Made 23:50 Zou 01:30 Tech Transformers: Davos 11:50 Jessie Championship Highlights 22:45 Death In Paradise 02:08 Invent It Rich Compilation 12:20 Miraculous Tales Of 04:00 Triathlon UK 23:40 Doctors 02:55 Space Pioneer 02:00 U.S. Squawk Alley Ladybug & Cat Noir 04:30 UIM XCATS Power Boat 03:00 Asia Squawk Box 03:42 Mythbusters 04:29 Weird Or What? 12:45 Fish Hooks World Series 05:00 Asia Street Signs 12:55 Fish Hooks 05:00 TCR International Series 07:00 Fast Money: Half Time 05:16 Invent It Rich 06:03 Space Pioneer 13:10 Good Luck Charlie 05:30 TCR International Series Report 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:50 Prototype This 13:35 I Didn’t Do It 06:00 Aquabike World 08:00 Capital Connection 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:20 Eastenders 07:37 How Do They Do It? 14:00 Dog With A Blog Championship 09:00 Squawk Box Europe 01:00 Chopped 00:50 Call The Midwife 08:00 How Do They Do It? 14:30 H2O 06:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 12:00 Europe Street Signs 02:00 All Star Academy 01:45 Call The Midwife 08:23 Weird Or What? 14:55 Girl Meets World 07:00 Pro Kabaddi 13:00 Worldwide Exchange 03:00 Man Fire Food 02:40 Ripper Street 09:08 Mythbusters 15:20 Jessie 08:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 14:00 U.S. Squawk Box 03:30 Man Fire Food 03:30 Doctors 09:53 Prototype This 15:45 Miraculous Tales Of 08:30 World Match Racing Tour 17:00 Squawk On The Street 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 04:00 Eastenders 10:38 How It’s Made Ladybug & Cat Noir Highlights 19:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 04:30 Starlings 11:00 How It’s Made 16:10 Violetta 09:00 The World’s Strongest Man 20:00 Fast Money: Half Time 05:00 Iron Chef America 05:15 Starlings 11:23 Food Factory 17:00 The Next Step 10:00 FIA Asia Cup Championship Report 06:00 Chopped 06:00 The Cafe 11:45 Food Factory 17:25 Liv And Maddie 10:30 FIH Hockey World 21:00 U.S. Power Lunch 07:00 Man Fire Food 06:25 The Cafe 12:08 Space Pioneer 17:50 Jessie 11:00 WWE Vintage 07:30 Man Fire Food 06:50 Doctors 12:53 Prototype This 18:15 Austin & Ally 12:00 NHL 08:00 Chopped 07:20 Eastenders 13:38 Weird Or What? 18:40 I Didn’t Do It 14:00 This Week In WWE 09:00 Barefoot Contessa 07:50 Stella 14:23 How It’s Made 19:05 Miraculous Tales Of 14:30 WWE Raw 09:30 Barefoot Contessa 08:40 Call The Midwife 14:46 How It’s Made Ladybug & Cat Noir 17:20 Live Pro Kabaddi 10:00 The Kitchen 09:25 Doctor Who 15:10 Mythbusters 19:30 Violetta 18:30 Live Pro Kabaddi 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 10:15 Doctors 00:00 The Haunting Of... 15:57 Food Factory 20:20 The Next Step 20:00 NHL 11:30 The Pioneer Woman 10:45 Eastenders 01:00 The Ghost Inside My Child 16:20 Food Factory 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 22:00 WWE NXT 12:00 Chopped 11:15 Death In Paradise 02:00 My Haunted House 16:44 Space Pioneer 21:10 Good Luck Charlie SHIVER ON OSN MOVIES HD 23:00 WWE Smackdown Classifieds

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (18/02/2016 TO 24/02/2016)

SHARQIA-1 SYNCHRONICITY 3:30 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 3:15 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 10:00 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 11:45 AM SYNCHRONICITY 5:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 5:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:05 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 1:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 7:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 7:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 3:45 PM SYNCHRONICITY 10:15 PM VERY BIG SHOT 10:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 6:15 PM SYNCHRONICITY 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 8:15 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:45 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:45 PM FANAR-3 AVENUES-3 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 5:00 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:45 AM THE FINEST HOURS 11:30 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 11:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:15 PM FITOOR - Hindi 2:00 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:00 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:30 PM SHARQIA-2 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 4:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 4:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 11:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:45 PM FITOOR - Hindi 6:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 2:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 9:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 HAIL, CAESAR! 4:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:05 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:05 AM SYNCHRONICITY 1:00 PM SHAKET DABOUS 6:45 PM NO FRI+SAT HAIL, CAESAR! 8:30 PM FANAR-4 AVENUES-4 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 1:45 PM SHAKET DABOUS 10:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 1:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:45 PM FRI+SAT HAIL, CAESAR! 12:15 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 3:00 PM FITOOR - Hindi 3:00 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 3:45 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 5:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 6:00 PM FRI+SAT SHARQIA-3 SHAKET DABOUS 7:00 PM Special Show “ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD THE FINEST HOURS 3:15 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 1:00 PM SHAKET DABOUS 9:00 PM CHIP” 6:00 PM NO FRI+SAT THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 3:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 8:15 PM SYNCHRONICITY 5:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 5:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 7:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 1:00 AM SYNCHRONICITY 10:15 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:45 PM FANAR-5 SYNCHRONICITY 12:30 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:05 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 PM 360º 1 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:00 PM BAIRAQ-1 MUHALAB-1 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 5:00 PM THE FINEST HOURS 2:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 1:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:15 PM THE FINEST HOURS 5:00 PM NO FRI+SAT HAIL, CAESAR! 1:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 7:30 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 1:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 3:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 11:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 10:00 PM FRI+SAT SYNCHRONICITY 5:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:30 AM HAIL, CAESAR! 3:30 PM CHANGE OF NAME HAIL, CAESAR! 7:45 PM MARINA-1 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 5:30 PM SYNCHRONICITY 9:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 AM 360º- 2 HAIL, CAESAR! 7:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 1:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 11:45 THE FINEST HOURS 9:30 PM I, Syed Mohamed Mohideen HAIL, CAESAR! 3:45 PM AM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:05 AM Kaleel, S/o Mohamed MUHALAB-2 HAIL, CAESAR! 5:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 2:00 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:15 PM SYNCHRONICITY 7:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 4:15 PM BAIRAQ-2 Mohideen, holder of THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 9:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 6:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 AM Passport No. G3449357, FITOOR - Hindi 5:00 PM SYNCHRONICITY 11:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 8:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 1:45 PM KRISHNASHTAMI - Telugu 5:00 PM THE REVENANT 11:00 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 3:45 PM residing at No: 2, Samayana THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 8:00 PM MARINA-2 HAIL, CAESAR! 6:00 PM Sheik Mohamed Moopan THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:45 PM 360º- 3 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 8:00 PM Street, Melapalayam, THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 3:15 PM SHAKET DABOUS 11:30 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:15 PM THE FINEST HOURS 5:30 PM SHAKET DABOUS 1:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 AM Tirunelveli Dist. Pin: 627005, MUHALAB-3 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 8:00 PM SHAKET DABOUS 3:45 PM shall henceforth be known as CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:15 PM SHAKET DABOUS 5:45 PM BAIRAQ-3 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 2:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 AM SHAKET DABOUS 7:45 PM FITOOR - Hindi 12:15 PM Kaleel Rahman. (C 5136) CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 4:30 PM SHAKET DABOUS 9:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 3:00 PM 22-2-2016 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 6:30 PM MARINA-3 SHAKET DABOUS 11:45 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 5:00 PM shall be known by the name SHAKET DABOUS 8:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 PM FITOOR - Hindi 7:00 PM PIEDADE DA CRUZ. (C 5134) CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 2:15 PM AL-KOUT.1 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 9:45 PM Abid Hussain Bohra, holder of CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 4:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 11:45 PM Passport No. F7052032, 21-2-2016 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 6:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 2:30 PM changed my name to Abid FANAR-1 SHAKET DABOUS 8:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 4:30 PM PLAZA HAIL, CAESAR! 12:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:00 PM SHAKET DABOUS 6:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 3:30 PM Hussain Dholkawala. (C 5135) HAIL, CAESAR! 2:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:05 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 8:30 PM MONSOON MANGOES -Malayalam 5:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 4:30 PM SHAKET DABOUS 10:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 8:15 PM I, PIEDADE RANGEL holder of HAIL, CAESAR! 6:30 PM AVENUES-1 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:45 PM Passport No. 4643677 R/o HAIL, CAESAR! 8:30 PM JANE GOT A GUN 1:15 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 10:30 PM FITOOR - Hindi 3:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 LAILA H.No. 129 Kursavaddo THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 AM BROOKLYN 6:15 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 4:00 PM Piedade Diwar, Tiswadi Goa FITOOR - Hindi 8:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 2:00 PM THE FINEST HOURS 6:00 PM changed my name from FANAR-2 JANE GOT A GUN 11:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 4:00 PM NO THU+FRI PIEDADE RANGEL to PIEDADE SYNCHRONICITY 11:30 AM AVENUES-2 HAIL, CAESAR! 6:00 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 8:30 PM 112 SYNCHRONICITY 1:30 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 1:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 8:00 PM NO THU+FRI DA CRUZ. In future all my dealings and documents, I

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

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 23/2/2016 AXB 393 Kozhikode 14:20 Departure Flights on Tuesday 23/2/2016 PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 14:55 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 BBC 143 Dhaka 00:05 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 AXB 394 Kozhikode 15:20 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 FBA 832 Baghdad/Al Najaf 15:25 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 NIA 251 Alexandria 15:30 BBC 143 Chittagong/Dhaka 01:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:35 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 KAC 613 Bahrain 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 JAD 301 Amman 15:55 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 741 Dammam 15:55 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 NIA 252 Alexandria 16:30 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 RJA 644 Amman 03:05 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JAD 302 Amman 16:40 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:20 JZR 238 Amman 17:30 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 JZR 325 Al Najaf 17:50 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 THY 6376 Istanbul 05:05 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 THY 6376 Dubai/Istanbul 06:35 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 BAW 157 London 06:40 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 RJA 645 Amman 07:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 06:55 KAC 680 Muscat 18:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 416 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 07:15 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 742 Dammam 19:05 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 BAW 156 London 08:45 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 OMA 641 Muscat 08:00 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:30 OMA 642 Muscat 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 382 Delhi 08:00 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:35 KAC 354 BLR 08:15 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 361 Colombo 20:45 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 104 London 19:40 KAC 513 Tehran 09:45 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 101 London/New York 09:55 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 KAC 343 Chennai 21:00 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:10 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 QTR 1088 Doha 21:00 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:00 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 IRC 6507 Shiraz 10:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 IRA 675 Lar 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 IRC 6508 Shiraz 11:30 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 IRA 674 Lar 11:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 KAC 203 Lahore 22:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:00 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:05 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 SAW 701 Damascus 12:20 AIC 987 Chennai/Hyderabad 22:25 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 679 Muscat 13:00 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 23:00 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 PIA 239 Sialkot 22:35 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 239 Amman 23:05 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 KLM 415 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 SAW 702 Damascus 13:35 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:35 KAC 514 Tehran 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 FBA 831 Al Najaf 14:15 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 JZR 324 Al Najaf 14:25 PIA 240 Sialkot 23:35 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION p34_p34 stars 2/22/16 7:28 PM Page 1

stars34 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

CROSSWORD 1177 STAR TRACK

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

Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth become important issues in your Optimism is easy to find today. Many projects come to your attention- life. A fear of asserting yourself can hold you back-as can coming on too recognition is present. Your ideas gain a great deal of attention. This is a fine time to try strong. The trick is learning to make the most of your personal talents and abilities-work- out some new ideas or engage in some new business dealings or investments. ing within your limitations instead of feeling hemmed in by them. Colors are brighter, Compromise should be exercised whenever possible. Mental stimulation from others is images sharper, music more moving. Emotions run deep, especially with a loved one. key for you right now and it’s a good idea to make every effort to cooperate and compro- Previously bland relationships could now border on love/hate. Intensity rules! You can mise with others. At home this evening, it would be wise to try and foster a sense of control this, so enjoy each moment. You are alive and well-give someone else a helping togetherness and team play among family members. You should probably try hard at this hand today. When appropriate, encourage local businesses to display a kids welcome here time to squelch the desire to do everything by yourself. Insights into purchases for the sign. Create or help with a community theater group for kids. family can be considered now, which may include a new car.

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

You have a sense that a secure foundation is essential to everything and you This is definitely a day to get many things done, especially if you are the go about your day making sure your foundation is strong. This is a good time to lead the leader. You tend to attract the people whose energy matches your own. Insight and clarity way on a project-at work or home. Your originality is unusually heightened. Your desire to are successful leadership qualities in your favor. You are able to handle most any situation. succeed is strong, not only financially, but personally as well. Your enthusiasm is high and If you are full of passion and enthusiasm by the end of the day you may want to become your creative juices are flowing-ready to be applied to the work at hand. If you give your involved in an exercise program. It will help you to work off some of that excessive energy. best effort now, considerable success will follow. Harmony with friends and loved ones is You may find yourself working hard to make time for your family this week. This is a period in order. This afternoon may be a good time to socialize and enjoy those friends that bring of optimism and accomplishments. New projects get the green flag! You are coming into a you joy. Consider what you might do to improve relationships that may need work-posi- period of greater than usual emphasis on emotional security, which is likely to manifest as tive energies are in your corner. settling down. Is it time to buy real estate?

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

Your ability to concentrate is strong-a good day to get things done. Good You are happy to be with others and to work in groups today. You may be eye-hand coordination and a persistent effort make almost any task run well. Everyone’s asked to complete a certain task or job. Your management and directional emotions are very present but within control. If you remember your priorities, it can be a abilities are in high focus. It is important to stay focused and discourage co-workers from very productive day. Reward and or penalties are given out as deserved. You can expect a chatty, on-the-job interactions. You want to accomplish your work and be recognized for ACROSS DOWN little boost-some extra support or recognition from those around you. A little surprise mail the quality of work that you provide. You encourage work breaks and you try to maintain 1. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur. 1. With no effort to conceal. or good news brings smiles all around. You will find that you are appreciated for your abili- the effort to enjoy visiting with co-workers during the break times. You truly desire fun 4. Arranged in or consisting of laminae. 2. Large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea ty to act and follow through with projects. You may decide to take advantage of a little and should not hesitate to get to know new people and form new acquaintances. Also, love is in full bloom and it is a good time to fully demonstrate the depth of affections to 11. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake fish of Atlantic and Pacific and open time this afternoon to express your appreciation to loved ones. Your platonic rela- tionships are fun and those friends may become like family. loved ones. There is a good balance in your life. Chad. Mediterranean. 15. The month following March and preceding 3. A unit of dry measure used in Egypt. May. 4. (Levi's is a trademark) A popular brand of 16. A person who has been evacuated from a jeans. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) dangerous place. 5. A genus of Indriidae. Your mind feels like it is on a racetrack today. Activities are fast moving. 17. Strip the skin off. 6. Stem of the rattan palm used for making This is a great day to sign contracts, conclude business deals or make plans. canes and umbrella handles. Today is a great day for anything non-technical. If you need to meet a schedule or organize 18. A boy or man. a party, this is the day for you; perhaps you will be teaching a new exercise or dance rou- Your sharp mind will see all aspects from all angles. Any high-level mental pursuits should be rewarding and stimulating. Welcome all new ideas! There are new concepts that you 19. (biology) A relative capacity to unite or 7. Water frozen in the solid state. tine. You are on your feet and ready for whatever may come today. If it seems that things are aware of and may find yourself talking about with co-workers. It is an excellent time to react or interact as with antigens or a bio- 8. A woman religious. are moving too fast, step back for a bit. If you do not allow yourself a break from time to 9. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that solicit the help of others, though it’s important that you truly know the needs of your com- logical substrate. time, your talents could be of little value. Working with partners in an open, natural, cre- pany or business before asking. You should take every opportunity to get outside and 20. Title for a civil or military leader (especially was responsible for research into atomic ative environment brings good fortune. You will get many things accomplished. While you enjoy the natural world. Work will seem easier and you should feel more relaxed once you energy and its peacetime uses in the are with friends and family this evening, you could use your motivation constructively by in Turkey). engage in some sort of health-related activity. You enjoy good relations with family mem- United States. encouraging someone else to take the lead. 21. Any member of a Siouan people speaking bers and a financial position is on the upswing. 10. Echo repeatedly, echo again and again. one of the Dhegiha languages. 11. A master's degree in fine arts. 23. Being ten more than one hundred ninety. 12. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 25. Hormone secreted by the posterior pitu- aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true itary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also stems and roots and leaves. You need a career that is mentally stimulating and allows you to express by nerve endings in the hypothalamus. your creative side. Now would be a good time to review and update your resume and give If ever there was a day to work with groups, this is it! Your acute sensitivity to 13. King of Saudi Arabia since 1982 (born in other people’s moods could enable you to fine-tune those moods as you would a violin. some thought to a job change or upgrade. This afternoon you are likely to reach out or 26. A statement of fundamental facts or princi- 1922). Your purchase powe r is to be envied. Of course, with your ability to socialize, you can cre- attract a loved one. Try not to put undue strain on any personal relationship at this time. ples. ate a great business transaction as we ll. Im port, export or beco ming a buyer fo r a co mpa- 14. An Indian nursemaid who looks after chil- Avoid being extravagant. You have a passion that manifests itself in art. You show a great 30. An intensely radioactive metallic element dren. ny would not be an unusual option as a profession. Awareness of your monetary status is deal of interest in all family matters, particularly concerning the general living environ- import ant and will help you have insight into the way you will want to invest. Yo u must be that occurs in minute amounts in urani- 22. Agile long-tailed nocturnal African lemur ment in the home. Further, you may wish to strengthen ties with the older generation by um ores. practical in personal decisions about finances. You should love being around people with dense woolly fur and large eyes and offering to run errands or by bringing them easy-to-heat food. You are on an even keel, today, especially those to whom you are emotionally attached-and possibly older friends 32. Tropical American tree producing cacao ears. content and focused to move forward. Also . . . This is a good time for travel. with whom you can reminisce. Enjoy your companions this evening. beans. 24. A white metallic element that burns with a 36. Of or relating to or involving an area. brilliant light. 39. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 27. Experiencing or showing sorrow or unhap- Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 42. God of wealth and love. piness. Now you can concentrate on practical matters. Your optimism is helpful in 43. Surpassing what is common or usual or 28. A large number or amount. This is a good time to work on a project type that is complicated or large. expected. 29. 30 to 300 kilohertz. teaching yourself to grasp the big, grandiose picture; study. Do not forget, however, that You might enjoy stepping back to adjust or create a plan. If you are working 45. The villain in William Shakespeare's 31. A Buddhist who has attained nirvana. the whole is made up of many parts. Each part must be considered and none can be miss- in a group to accomplish the end result, others will have their wisdom to impart. You ing or out of place. This is a good day for long-range planning. However, as usual, flexibility should enjoy great headway later today as you and others struggle to complete this proj- tragedy who tricked Othello into murder- 33. Conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy will keep things moving smoothly. Exercise caution in business dealings for this day. (100-44 BC). ect. Changes in the workplace may include getting a new boss, new co-workers or making ing his wife. Consider the physical and the financial realm regarding business, so as to not get in over a move. Fame, recognition and creative arts are goals you have realized and will continue 46. A software system that facilitates the cre- 34. Female peafowl. your head. Community activities at this time should be both well-attended and successful. to enjoy this next year. As you talk about your goals you may enjoy the feedback that ation and maintenance and use of an 35. A member of the Siouan people formerly The power of attraction and desire for love is great and you are wise to exercise caution friends have to offer. You are help to someone today without even being aware of it. This electronic database. inhabiting the Black Hills of western before entering a new relationship that may come. evening friends and family want to help you celebrate. 48. Soft suede glove leather from goatskin. South Dakota. 49. An inflammatory complication of leprosy 37. Any of various large keen-sighted diurnal that results in painful skin lesions on the birds of prey noted for their broad wings Word Search Yesterday Solution arms and legs and face. and strong soaring flight. 51. A river in north central Switzerland that 38. A white soft metallic element that tarnish- runs northeast into the Rhine. es readily. 53. French physicist noted for research on 40. A crystalline rock that can be cut and pol- magnetism (born in 1904). ished for jewelry. 54. The function or position properly or cus- 41. A genus of temperate and arctic evergreen trees (see spruce). tomarily occupied or served by another. 44. Common American weed or wildflower. 57. A member of an extinct North American 47. Brain corals. Indian people who lived in the Pit river 50. (Norse mythology) Ruler of the Aesir. valley in northern California. 52. Relation of mutual understanding or trust 58. A rye bread made with molasses or brown and agreement between people. sugar. 55. Type genus of the Alaudidae. 59. English illustrator of several of Dickens' 56. A unit of power equal to 746 watts. novels (1815-1882). 60. The capital city of Vietnam. 61. Antipsychotic drug (trade name Moban) 62. Belonging to some prior time. used in the treatment of schizophrenia. 63. Any of numerous local fertility and nature 64. Plant with an elongated head of broad deities worshipped by ancient Semitic stalked leaves resembling celery. peoples. 66. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising sole- 65. Acute lung injury characterized by cough- ly the razorbill. ing and rales. 70. Relatively small fast-moving sloth. 67. Relating to or characteristic of or occurring 74. An associate degree in applied science. on land. 75. Any of a number of fishes of the family 68. The lean flesh of a fish that is often farmed. Carangidae. 69. United States writer (born in Poland) who 76. An earring with a pendant ornament. wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). 77. Government agency created in 1974 to 71. A master's degree in education. license and regulate nuclear power plants. 72. A river in north central Switzerland that 78. Goddess of the dead and queen of the runs northeast into the Rhine. underworld. 73. A drug combination found in some over- 79. Forceful and extreme and rigorous. the-counter headache remedies (Aspirin 80. A doctor's degree in preventive medicine. and Phenacetin and Caffeine). Yesterday’s Solution

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Gossip slam celebrity’s Stewart fake lives

he ‘Twilight’ star has blasted her fellow because we wanna get distracted.” The 25-year- like that so much. I’m pretty physical, but I really actors who only worry about making mon- old actress wishes she could let her hair down need to let myself go. Honestly, I just wish I Tey rather than have a passion for their job. more and loves to channel her extra energy into could dance more. That’s all. “I know when I She ranted: “People who are interested in selling dancing, envying those who don’t care what meet someone, if we’re gonna jive and dance. a life as if it’s a comic book story? It’s just money, others think about them. She added to AnOther And I do not want to construct anything with money, money, money. “It’s just a distraction, magazine: “I danced the other night, and it felt anyone. I wanna dance.” and a lot of people make a lot of money on that, so good. And it’s so not like me. I envy people

Isaac Hempstead-Wright plans to release a single he 16-year-old actor may be famous for playing Bran for me to take a year out. “I hadn’t done any acting in that Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’ but he has a number of whole year out, so it was quite a shock to the system to go Tother ambitions, including attending university. He back on a freezing cold film set. Once I was back into it, it said: “I always wanted to study physics. But now I’m not so was great fun.” Though plot details for season six are being sure. I really love music, and I’d maybe like to study music kept under wraps, Isaac has promised things will be “big- now.” Asked if he will one day release a single, he added: ger and bigger and bigger” than ever. He said: “You’ll see “Yeah, maybe. I don’t doubt you’ll see a single from me.” things in season six that have never quite made sense Isaac is making a return to ‘Game of Thrones’ after sitting before - and now it will all start to tie up. “Stories all start to out season five because his character’s story arc had come together to make sense. I know we say this every reached the point it is at in George R.R. Martin’s novels, and season, but this series sees everything get bigger and big- the young actor admits it was a “shock to the system” when ger and bigger.” he got back on set. He told Loaded magazine: “It was a shame not being in season five, but it was the right time

Wilde thinks her attractive image as worn off Yoko admits he 31-year-old actress believes sex- else... Jennifer Lawrence is a great example ism is “not conscious” and people of brainy, feisty beauty. “The media always Tdon’t set out to be offensive, but she chooses one element of you to assign as Jourdan Dunn finds it frustrating that she and her fellow your identity plaque: ‘She’s the mom, she’s David Bowie’s screen stars always seem to be assigned a political, she’s the one who is really pretty.’ label of identity. She told Net-a-Porter’s The But we are all of those things.” And Olivia - has ‘new’ mystery Edit: “Sexism is institutional. It’s not con- who has son Otis, 22 months, with fiancÈ death has left scious. People don’t realize what they’re Jason Sudeikis - admitted she was left frus- saying, because you hear it from both men trated when her movie ‘Meadowland’ boyfriend and women. “People are now saying, struggled to obtain funding until it had a ‘Listen, you need to hire women, specifical- male star attached to make it “real”. She he 25-year-old model - who has six-year- ly because they are women,’ and although said: “Many people said, ‘Come to us when old son Riley from a past relationship - her empty that’s uncomfortable, it’s how things the project is real.’ I answered: ‘The project Tdoesn’t want to give much away about change. “When I was younger, it felt like is real: we have a director, we have an actor, her new romance but has vowed she doesn’t the main point was that [I was] one of the we have a script, it’s real.’ And they said, ‘No want things to be made “complicated” by attractive actresses, and I felt totally mini- - when you get the guy attached.’ Like we game playing. She told ES Magazine: “I’m see- mized by it, as everyone does.”But it’s worn were just girls with a little project. “There’s ing someone now but it’s very, very brand off, in a good way; I’m happy to have this sense that a project is incomplete if new, so I don’t want to say too much. It should grown out of the place where that is the there’s no male participation.” be easy; it shouldn’t be complicated or hard. main point made about me.” “Juno [Temple] I’m starting to realize that now - that if you has always been a total individual; she’s want to text them, you just text them. All never tried to look or behave like anyone these games, aaargh! Why do we play them?” Jourdan - who was named Model of The Year he 83-year-old musician-and-artist Showbiz: “We understood each other, he for the second time at the British Fashion and her late husband John Lennon was great. David was such a happy person.” Awards last November - admits she feels “anx- Twere good friends with Bowie and Yoko previously described David as being ious” about her public persona and sometimes Yoko remained very close with the ‘Heroes’ “like family” to her and John and acted as a pretends to be someone else to avoid recogni- singer in the wake of The Beatle’s murder in father figure to their Sean when the tion. However, her young son quickly gives 1980. Yoko was aware that David had been ‘Imagine’ songwriter was gone. She stated: the game away. She said: “I didn’t want to be battling cancer but admits his passing in “John and David respected each other. horrible to [my fans] so I let them take the pic- January at the age of 69 still shocked her They were well matched in intellect and ture. You do feel this anxiety - that you have to and she, like many of his friends and family, talent. As John and I had very few friends be ‘on’ all the time. I’ve tried saying that I’m not are still trying to come to terms with his we felt David was as close as family. “When Jourdan Dunn - I even say, ‘Who is this death. Speaking about David on the red Sean was at boarding school in Jourdan person?’ but then Riley goes, ‘IT’S carpet at the NME Awards in London she Switzerland, David would pick him up and YOU, MUMMY!’.” And the British beauty hates said: “It was terrible, it was such a shock, take him on trips to museums and let Sean seeing herself being interviewed because of some of us knew that he was not well. Still hang out at his recording studio in Geneva. her “irritating” voice. She added: “I don’t like when he actually went it’s still a big empty For Sean this is losing another father figure. watching myself speak. My voice is space to fill.” Yoko - who was honored with It will be hard for him, I know. But we have irritating...sometimes I think people are laugh- the Inspiration Award at the bash - also some sweet memories which will stay with ing at me rather than with me.” revealed she and John were always close us forever.” with David because their shared a connec- tion over their artistry. She told BANG Adele cried after her horrible Swift praises Ed Sheeran Grammy performance for inspiring her he British star’s rendition of ‘All I Ask’ at the Grammy’s was beset with sound issues caused by a piano he ‘Bad Blood’ hitmaker penned Tmicrophone falling onto the instrument’s strings, a heartfelt tribute to her friend which made an audible crash and knocked the piano out Ton his 25th birthday and of tune, while there was also an issue with the volume lev- recalled how much she valued the els fluctuating, and she admits she was very “embarrassed” way he always played her his new afterwards. She said: “I was embarrassed. I woke up the music first when they toured together next morning to people in England being like, ‘We still love in 2013. She wrote on Instagram: “Ed you, don’t worry,’ and I was like, ‘I didn’t ask you if you still and I had been on tour together all loved me, but thanks.’ “I was so embarrassed. I cried pretty year on the ‘Red Tour’ and we saw much all day yesterday. “I kept like spontaneously bursting each other almost every day. I lived into tears yesterday. But it was alright. I was fine.” But the for the moments he would burst into ‘Hello’ singer insists she wasn’t concerned about not hit- my dressing room with a new song to ting all the notes on the song as that is normal for her. She play me. It happened so often that it told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres in an interview: “I’m became normal, and I don’t think he always a bit pitchy anyways - it’s emotion. “When I’m flat ever knew how much it meant to me wrote: “Looking back on the high- headphones. I sat there on a bench in and I’m sharp I’m just emotional.” And Adele thinks the dis- that he wanted me to hear his songs lights of my life, there’s a moment I’ll that store and heard ‘Thinking Out aster has probably cured her of any future nerves because first.”I don’t think he ever knew how never forget from a day in London Loud’ for the first time, as little kids she doesn’t think things could be any worse. She said: “I inspired I was by his drive and passion about two years ago. I was in town to were picking out tutus and leotards don’t feel like it could go that much worse than the to constantly create new art. But it’s play the O2 and I was out shopping next to us. “Little did we know it Grammy’s, so I feel like I’m alright now. Anything that hap- his 25th birthday today, so I’m saying on my day off. “My friend Ed Sheeran would go on to be first dance song at pens, dust it off! “If it wasn’t live TV I would have busted a it now. “You deserve everything you met up with me in this little shop countless weddings all over the world, joke, but because it was, I couldn’t make the disaster my have, and everything you will contin- where I was buying ballet shoes.”He become Ed’s biggest hit, and eventu- own. “Next time I will. Next time I have any sound issues I ue to achieve, Ed.” And Taylor admit- walks in and says, ‘You have to hear ally go on to win him Song of the Year am gonna stop I’ll be like, ‘Sorry that’s not working for me.’ ted one of the “highlights” of her life this new song. I think it’s the best one at the 2016 Grammys.” If we have time to do it again, let’s do it, otherwise, bye!” was when she heard Ed’s track ‘Thinking Out Loud’ for the first time I’ve ever written.’ “And then, as usual, while out shopping in London. She he pulls out his phone and gives me lifestyle TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Women are suckers for bad boy appeal, says Muslim comic

hazia Mirza, who claims to be the world’s first rawer nerve in her new show “The Kardashians jokes.” But after three London teenagers made Lure of unsuitable boys devoutly Muslim woman stand-up comic, is Made Me Do It”, which asks why so many young headlines around the world last year when they At their age, these girls would have known Sused to walking a very thin line. She made Western Muslim girls choose to run away to join skipped school to run away to join IS in Syria, she “nothing about Islam”, Mirza said. “I went to Koran her name in Britain and the United States in the the Islamic State group. realized her comedy might “have something to classes every day after school... it takes years to get At face value, her answer seems as problematic say”. to the essence.” Far from being radicalised, she is as the phenomenon itself. “Yes, they (IS fighters) A former science teacher, she said she taught convinced they had sex on their minds rather than A handout picture released may be barbaric... murderous psychopaths,” she “hundreds of Bangladeshi girls just like them in a religion or to take revenge “on the West... That is by Martin Twomey on said. “But they are hairy, macho, they have guns secondary school just down the road from theirs. “I such a joke. These girls are totally Western and February 20, 2016 shows and they’re exciting... and that presses a lot of girls’ was with a Bangladeshi friend when the news British,” she said, “and were only three when British comedian Shazia buttons.” broke and we were both flabbergasted,” she added. America invaded Iraq. Mirza posing for a portrait The West has got it all wrong on jihadi brides, “But when we thought back to our 16-year-old “What could be more British than driving your in London. — AFP she insisted. “This is not about radicalization, it’s selves we knew exactly why. Almost every Muslim parents mad by running away with unsuitable sexualisation,” she told AFP ahead of a gig in Paris woman I have talked knows this too, and I won- boys?” Mirza added. “I was never allowed out of the just down the street from one of the bars targeted dered why no one had just come out and said it. house on my own, I didn’t go on school trips, have by gunmen in November’s jihadist attacks that left “If some hot, hairy Muslim Brad Pitt had written white friends or was allowed to wear what I want- 130 dead. But for “the repressed, rebellious horny to me at 15 and sent me pictures asking me to join ed,” she said. But Muslim girls soon learn how to teenage Muslim girls” that fall for them, she him, it might have seemed like an exciting way out. lead double lives. claimed, this reality is lost in the fantasy world built But it would have been nothing to do with reli- “When we went out we left totally covered and around their longing for romance and adventure. gion.” So she wrote “The Kardashians Made Me Do then changed into miniskirts in the toilets. I dyed Mirza argued that for them IS fighters are a bad It”-its title taken from one of the girl’s shocked sis- my hair pink once and kept it hidden from my boy fantasy — “the One Direction of Islam”, pin-ups ters, who told a British parliamentary inquiry that mum under my headscarf,” she added. Despite the who promise “no-guilt halal sex of which Allah her missing sibling was more into celebrity culture November attack, Mirza is not worried about tak- approves”. Mirza, who comes from a devout than the Koran. ing the show to La Java club in Paris on Wednesday. Pakistani family and was raised in Britain, knows “I can’t understand why she’s gone,” she told “It is important we talk honestly,” she said. Muslims more than most about where these teenagers are MPs, “she used to watch ‘The Kardashians’.” Trying have to embrace comedy to help explain them- coming from. “Me and my friends were brought up out the show around Britain, Mirza had found “lots selves, she said. “It is like with the Jews, or the Irish in Birmingham the same way these girls were. If of Muslims who never normally go to comedy” when they were seen as terrorists. When things get aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks by anything, our parents were stricter.” staying behind to say, “‘You are so right.’” There tough, you have to get funny.” — AFP starting her shows with the line, “My name is Shazia have been reports since that IS deliberately uses Mirza-at least that’s what is says on my pilot’s Muslim Brad Pitts good-looking young men, — the so-called jihot- licence.” Up until now Mirza insisted her comedy was ties-as part of its social media strategy to “groom” But the writer and comedian is touching a still never “political. It was all observational. I just told young female recruits.

Veteran Indian actress Sharmila Tagore speaking at the Lahore Literary Festival. This photograph taken on February 20, 2016 shows Pakistani women browsing books at the Lahore Literary Festival in Lahore. — AFP photos Pakistan literary festivals tell tales of cultural revival

akistan’s literary scene is seeing a spirited revival, with the death of dictator Zia ul Haq. “And there is very little that Pakistan opens its doors like Hanif and Mohsin Hamid. His novel “The Reluctant packed festivals attracting tens of thousands in a rock gets translated from these languages. So it’s great to have Critics say successive Pakistani governments, influenced by Fundamentalist”-the fictional story of a disaffected Pakistani- Pconcert-like atmosphere that defies security threats in a Palestinian writers, Egyptian writers,” he told AFP at the Lahore the religious right, have done little to encourage artistic American’s journey towards extremism-became a hit film in growing cultural renaissance. Events such as the raucous festival. expression or have even curtailed it-including banning 2012. Lahore Literary Festival, held over the weekend, are reclaiming The event began with an interview with veteran Indian Lahore’s spring kite-festival of Basant in 2007, which Islamists Closer to home are newer works like Saba Imtiaz’s “Karachi, the ‘cultural space’ that has shrunk significantly in the conser- actress Sharmila Tagore, who received a standing ovation after accuse of propagating Hindu thought. But overall levels of vio- You’re Killing Me!” about a tenacious reporter looking for love vative Muslim nation in recent years amid a raging Islamist discussing her storied career in Bengali and Bollywood cinema. lence have fallen in the past two years as the army has stepped as she works her beat covering extremist attacks-a sort of insurgency. She hailed the cross-pollination of artists across the two rival up its campaign in the Taliban’s border tribal regions. Pakistani Bridget Jones. Despite the cultural revival, the The festivals-platforms for all forms of cultural expression, countries’ borders as an important part of “cultural diplomacy”. The Lahore festival’s fourth edition glossed over a last- Islamist insurgency that has racked the country for more than a from architecture to film to food writing and feminism, as well Other top-billed speakers included outspoken Egyptian- minute change of venue due to security fears and brought decade is still underway. as poetry and a recital by Central Asian musicians-are becom- American feminist Mona Eltahawy-whose vociferous denuncia- together writers and artists from across the region. It came But Lahore has long captured the imagination of writers- ing a forum for exchange of liberal thought across the Muslim tions of patriarchy and the politics of the hijab gave the festival hard on the heels of a similar festival in Karachi and ahead of from Britain’s Rudyard Kipling to revolutionary poets like Habib world. some of its most energetic and controversial moments. one in Islamabad. Organizers estimated around 100,000 peo- Jalib. Festival founder Ahmed said he hoped it would continue “When we talk about the Global South, when we talk about ple attended in an almost Glastonbury-like atmosphere. to do so. “Lahore is a global site of ideas,” he said. “We are trying Muslim stories women of color, the issues that we talk about... it’s very impor- “The show must go on in spite of all the odds,” the festival’s to reclaim that.” — AFP “It’s great-one of the saddest things when you keep talking tant for me to be able to come to Lahore and say, ‘Look, the CEO and founder Razi Ahmed said. “It’s important to reflect to about Islam, the Muslims, the Ummah (the brotherhood of issues that I have written about in my book are very similar to the wider world that we’re not a country which is closing its Muslim countries) is we don’t know what their writers are, we issues in Pakistan that feminists are fighting over’,” she said. “I doors but we’re opening space that is going to allow us don’t know what their stories are,” said Mohammed Hanif, want to talk about how as Muslim women we are reduced to avenues for free thought and critical inquiry.” whose internationally renowned 2008 novel “A Case of what’s on our heads and what’s in between our legs and I want Pakistani authors have garnered increasing international Exploding Mangoes” weaves a dark comedic narrative around to talk about the sexual revolution.” attention in recent years, particularly those writing in English

A pair of French bulldogs go nose to nose at the Heart of America Kennel Club A golden retriever looks over the half door entrance of the grooming room at A Labrador Retriever emerges from the water with a toy at Valley Falls Park in All Breed Dog Show in Kansas City. Happy Paws in Washington. Vernon. — AP photos Labrador retrievers hit their 25th year as top US dog breed abrador retrievers still reign supreme after a quar- Gaining ground mills and makes it harder to find homes for mixed- ter century as America’s most prevalent purebred French bulldogs moved from No. 9 to No. 6 last year breeds in shelters. The AKC says breed characteristics Ldog. But French bulldogs are riding their je ne sais and became the predominant purebred in Miami and help people find the right dog to give a permanent quoi toward new heights, and some lesser-known San Francisco, having already conquered New York home. breeds are climbing the popularity ladder, according to City. The droll little bat-eared bulldogs last peaked at American Kennel Club rankings released Monday. No. 6 during the 1910s. They weren’t even top 50 as Who the rarest of them all? Here’s a look at how breeds stack up: recently as 2002, but TV shows, movies and celebrity The English foxhound is the rarest of the AKC’s owners, including Martha Stewart, Hugh Jackman and 184 recognized breeds. And most of us aren’t likely to The top 10 Carrie Fisher, have helped spur their renaissance. Some run into a harrier, a Norwegian Lundehund, an Known for being easygoing, multitalented and other movers that aren’t as visible, at least for now: the American foxhound or an otterhound any time soon. friendly, Labs have held the top spot for longer than Cane Corso, an imposing Italian guard dog that rose Popularity rises and falls on many factors, and trends any other breed since the AKC started counting in the from 47th in 2014 to 35th last year, and the Norwegian can be self-perpetuating - the scarcer the breed, the 1880s. Rounding out the top 10 for 2015, in order: elkhound, a stalwart hunting dog that’s up from 100th fewer the puppies, and vice versa, DiNardo notes. German shepherds, golden retrievers, bulldogs, bea- to 88th. She encourages would-be dog owners to consider gles, French bulldogs, Yorkshire terriers, poodles, both rare and familiar ones. “You may want to be one Rottweilers and boxers. What’s in a ranking? of those people who helps protect and preserve a So what to make of a list that includes both the toy The stats reflect puppies and other newly regis- breed,” she said. — AP Yorkie and the powerful Rottweiler? Americans “like tered dogs; the AKC doesn’t release raw numbers, only easy-to-care-for, fun family dogs,” whether that means rankings. They don’t include mixed-breed dogs (or Longtime Labrador retriever breeder Micki Beerman, left, and her wife, Linda Pensabene, big, strong animals that can protect their families or hybrids such as Labradoodles and maltipoos that give treats to some of the dogs they have bred, at their home in the Brooklyn borough of small pets with “big-dog personalities,” says AKC Vice aren’t AKC-recognized breeds). Some animal-rights New York. President Gina DiNardo. advocates feel the pursuit of purebreds fuels puppy lifestyle TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

In this Jan 30, 2016 file photo, Laura Prepon, center, and the cast and crew of “Orange is the New Black” accept the award This image released by ABC, Ken Jeong, from left, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Kate Simses and Jonathan Slavin appear in a for outstanding ensemble in a comedy series at the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & scene from “Dr. Kenî. Expo Hall in Los Angeles. — AP photos Damning study finds a ‘whitewashed’ Hollywood

n one of the most exhaustive and damning reports on cent of directors, 28.9 percent of writers and 22.6 percent of the CW, Amazon and Hulu all scored 65 percent and above. diversity in Hollywood, a new study finds that the films series creators were female. In film, the gender gap is greatest: “When we turn to see where the problem is better or worse, Iand television produced by major media companies are Only 3.4 percent of the films studied were directed by women, the apex to this whole endeavor is: Everyone in film is failing, “whitewashed,” and that an “epidemic of invisibility” runs top and only two directors out of the 109 were black women: Ava all of the companies investigated,” said Smith. “They’re imper- to bottom through the industry for women, minorities and DuVernay (“Selma”) and Amma Asante (“Belle”). vious to change. But there are pockets of promise in televi- LGBT people. Following a request made in May by the American Civil sion. There is a focus that change is possible. The very compa- A study to be released Monday by the Media, Diversity and Liberties Union (which cited previous USC studies, as well as nies that are inclusive - Disney, CW, Hulu, Amazon to some Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern those by UCLA and the Directors Guild in claiming women degree - those companies, if they’re producing and distribut- California’s Annenberg School for Communication and have been “systematically excluded” from directing jobs), the ing motion pictures, can do this. We now have evidence that Journalism offers one of the most wide-ranging examinations Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last year began they can, and they can thrive.” of the film and television industries, including a pointed investigating gender discrimination in Hollywood. USC researchers also, for the first time, added analysis of “inclusivity index” of 10 major media companies - from Disney The federal investigation is just one element of growing those 10 companies’ executives. Researches didn’t have racial to Netflix - that gives a failing grade to every movie studio and scrutiny for the industry. But for protesters, finding a target for or ethnic background information, but found that women most TV makers. what some consider a systematic problem isn’t easy. Even represent about 20 percent of corporate boards, chief execu- Coming just days before an Academy Awards where a sec- many of those, like Spike Lee, who have criticized the tives and executive management teams. ond straight year of all-white acting nominees has enflamed Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, have insisted “As prestige or power of the title increases, we see fewer an industry-wide crisis, the report offers a new barrage of the issue goes far deeper than Oscar nominees. When acade- women at the top,” said Katherine Pieper, who co-authored sobering statistics that further evidence a deep discrepancy my president Cheryl Boone Isaacs recently announced dra- the study with Smith and Marc Choueiti. “Film still has a pres- between Hollywood and the American population it enter- matic steps to diversify the overwhelmingly white and male tige to it, so we see fewer women filling those positions.” The tains, in gender, race and ethnicity. film academy, she said: “The academy is going to lead, and not research offers the chance for comparison between mediums. “The prequel to OscarsSoWhite is HollywoodSoWhite,” said wait for the industry to catch up.” Do streaming services adhere to the established patterns of Stacy L. Smith, a USC professor and one of the study’s authors, USC’s study, which the school has been publishing in vari- traditional television or deviate from them? in an interview. “We don’t have a diversity problem. We have ous forms for the last 10 years, also seeks to add a new metric In some cases, they do, but in many, they don’t. Netflix (20 an inclusion crisis.” The study, titled the Comprehensive in the conversation. The “inclusivity index” is a report card for percent on the inclusion index) scored about the same as NBC Annenberg Report on Diversity, examined the 109 films the performances of 21st Century Fox, CBS, NBC Universal, Universal, CBS and Fox. There were far fewer female directors released by major studios (including art-house divisions) in Ava DuVernay poses at the Palm Springs International Sony, the Walt Disney Co., Time Warner, Viacom, Amazon, Hulu working in digital series (11.8 percent) than in broadcast (17.1 2014 and 305 scripted, first-run TV and digital series across 31 Film Festival opening night screening of “Selma,” at Palm and Netflix. Those companies encompass all the broadcast percent), in the shows studied. Broadcast, cable and steaming networks and streaming services that aired from September Springs High School, in Palm Springs. networks, most major cable channels, all of the major movie series also all revel in sexualized female characters and nudity 2014 to August 2015. studios and three of the dominant streaming services. more than movies do. More than 11,000 speaking characters were analyzed for Each was rated by their percentage of female, minority and But some of the study’s most troubling finds are simply percent male to 25.7 percent female. gender, racial and ethnic representation and LGBT status. LGBT characters; and of female writers and directors. None of absences. Roughly 50 percent of the examined content didn’t Just 2 percent of speaking characters were LGBT-identified. Some 10,000 directors, writers and show creators were exam- the six major studios rated better than 20 percent overall; feature one Asian or Asian-American character; 20 percent did- Among the 11,306 speaking characters studied, only seven ined, as was the gender of more than 1,500 executives. Time Warner fared poorest of all with a score of zero. The n’t include one black character. Researchers argue for change were transgendered (and four were from the same series). The portrait is one of pervasive underrepresentation, no report concludes that the film industry “still functions as a beyond “tokenism,” including making target goals public and “When we start to step back to see this larger ecology, I think matter the media platform, from CEOs to minor characters. straight, white, boy’s club.” Disney, Sony, Paramount, Fox, creating a system of checks and balances in storytelling deci- we see a picture of exclusion,” said Smith. “And it doesn’t “Overall, the landscape of media content is still largely white- Universal and Warner Bros. didn’t immediate comment sions. “People are still erased. It’s 2016 and it’s time for a match the norms of the population of the United States.” washed,” the study concludes. In the 414 studied films and Sunday night. change,” said Smith. “We’ve laid out concrete actionable steps series, only a third of speaking characters were female, and because we don’t want to do this again in 10 years.” — AP Worse behind the camera only 28.3 percent were from minority groups - about 10 per- Impervious to change Behind the camera, the discrepancy is even greater. cent less than the makeup of the U.S. population. Characters Some of the same companies, however, scored better Directors overall were 87 percent white. Broadcast TV direc- 40 years or older skew heavily male across film and TV: 74.3 when their TV and digital offerings were evaluated. Disney, tors (90.4 percent white) were the least diverse. Just 15.2 per- ‘Deadpool’ dominates again with $55 million in 2nd week arvel’s R-rated antihero nominated drama “Room.” A24 cele- smash “Deadpool” contin- brated Robert Eggers’ directorial Mued to dominate movie the- debut - an austere 1600s horror film, aters over the weekend, earning an rigorously authentic to the period - estimated $55 million and trouncing as not only the company’s biggest a trio of newcomers. weekend in its three-year history, but This image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Geza Rohrig in a scene from “Son of After pulling in a massive $152.2 one that put “The Witch” on course to Saul.” — AP million in its President’s Day weekend be “the most successful film of all four-day debut, the comic book time with a goat in a starring role.” It US actor Leonardo DiCaprio (R) poses with the award for a leading actor adaptation from 20th Century Fox may have been too art house for and Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (L) with his award for a Plunging into hell of Auschwitz: starring Ryan Reynolds as a foul- some horror fans, though, as “The director both for the film ‘The Revenant’ which won the award for best mouthed mercenary again topped Witch” received a poor C-minus film at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House the North American box office. CinemaScore from audiences. in London. — AFP ‘Son of Saul’ remains stunning Having already grossed $235.4 mil- The Jesse Owens biopic from lion domestically, “Deadpool” - made Focus Features, “Race,” struggled to he power and horror of “Son of Saul,” a vis- at Auschwitz, wanted to make a film that for just $58 million - is poised to find its footing with $7.3 million. ceral plunge into the life of a reminded viewers of the reality of the become one of the most successful Directed by Stephen Hopkins, “Race” From heartthrob to heavyweight, TSonderkommando at Auschwitz-Birkenau, Holocaust. While the film has been met by R-rated movies ever. Globally, the film stars Stephan James as the Olympic has left audiences staggering since it first widespread acclaim, it has also drawn skepti- - now certain to spawn a franchise of sprinter. Edging out the three debuts Leo DiCaprio is Oscar-bound debuted at the Cannes Film Festival last May. cism in some quarters for its blend of historical its own - has made $491.1 million was Fox’s “Kung Fu Panda 3,” which It won the Grand Prix there, earned the atrocity and a technically cunning filmmaking thus far. made $12.5 million in its fourth n a rollercoaster movie awards not like a throwaway award praise of “Shoah” director Claude Landzmann that, in staying with Saul over a day and a half, Among new releases, the faith- weekend. The animated sequel, season with no clear favorite in because of his career. I would be and announced its maker and co-writer, the 38- bares no context of the Holocaust. based drama “Risen” debuted with which has made $117.1 million in Ithe Oscars best picture race, really stunned if he doesn’t win,” year-old Hungarian-born Laszlo Nemes, as an “Is that the place for a thriller? Was there sus- $11.8 million. The film, in which total, will lose its near-exclusive win- there is one sure bet - Leonardo said Variety reporter Tim Gray. uncommonly assured first-time feature film- pense inside Auschwitz?” asked Film Comment Joseph Fiennes plays a Roman soldier dow of family moviegoing next DiCaprio, one of the world’s biggest DiCaprio has tried for years to maker. Now, Nemes’ work is a top contender for in a critical review. New York Times film critic investigating the death and resurrec- weekend when Disney’s “Zootopia” celebrities, will finally take home shake off his image as the young best foreign language film at Sunday’s Academy Manohla Dargis called it “a radically dehistori- tion of Jesus, was made for about $20 opens. That film has already begun its the best actor statuette on Sunday. man who sent women swooning in Awards. cized, intellectually repellent movie.” million by Sony’s Affirm label, which overseas rollout, where it made $31.2 DiCaprio’s fifth acting Oscar the 1990s with “Titanic” and The film follows a Sonderkommando (a Nemes confidently brushes aside any such targets evangelical Christian movie- million from 22 territories over the nomination, for his role as a fur “Romeo + Juliet,” even as he partied Jewish prisoner forced to work at the camp), criticisms. “She must feel alone,” he says of goers. weekend. — AP trapper bent on revenge in “The on yachts with a string of super- played by Geza Rohrig, who believes he sees his Dargis, alluding to broader positive reaction. A24’s critically acclaimed Puritan Revenant,” will prove the charm, model girlfriends. son among the exterminated and seeks to “The only thing I know is that by making this thriller “The Witch” opened with $8.7 awards pundits say, and crown the In “The Revenant”, the swagger- smuggle the body in order to give him a reli- film, I tried to give the dignity back to the dead million, marking the biggest opening actor’s transformation from teen ing star of “The Wolf of Wall Street” gious burial. “By making a portrait of a man in and the dying,” says Nemes. “I don’t think I ever of the indie label behind the Oscar- heartthrob to Hollywood heavy- and the smooth charmer of “The the midst of hell, we give the measure of lost from my aim the fact that I was speaking weight. Great Gatsby” are barely recogniza- humanity,” says Nemes. “To see whether there about the destruction of the European Jews. It’s “There are cases when a particu- ble under a greasy mane, straggly can be humanity beyond inhumanity. There’s in my blood. I will leave a trace for my family lar actor is seen as overdue, and beard and frostbitten face. nothing left. Can there still be an inner God?” that were scattered into the Polish rivers.” this year it’s definitely Leonardo Ironically, his very appearance may It’s not for the faint of heart. “Son of Saul,” the It took Nemes six years to make “Son of Saul,” DiCaprio,” said Dave Karger, chief have boosted his Oscar prospects. favorite to win the best foreign language film at which began to form for him when he read correspondent of movie website “What’s in Leo’s favor this year is the Academy Awards, is a deliberate rejection of vivid personal testimonies of Fandango. “What is great is that he that he uglifies himself on screen. less severe Holocaust films. It’s a harrowing Sonderkommandos from Auschwitz. “I always is going to win for the right per- He grows a scruffy beard, he rolls in depiction of concentration camps’ machinery in wondered what it would be to go from the train formance,” Karger said. the mud, he desperately needs a action. “I’m interested in evil,” Nemes said in an to the gas chamber,” he says, “what this dusty Twenty years after his first Oscar bath,” said Tom O’Neil, founder of interview earlier this fall. “A sort of evil that can- road looks like when you’re there.” nomination as a blue-eyed teen in awards tracker Goldderby.com. not be understood at a glance or represented. Nemes, who moved to France with his “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” Despite the widespread critical Exactly the contrary of our representation of evil mother at age 12, worked up to “Son of Saul” DiCaprio, 41, has swept every major acclaim, DiCaprio has taken no in a modern world, especially in cinema.” with a two-year apprenticeship with the exis- prize in the long Hollywood awards chances, playing an unusually tential Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr. After fail- calendar for his role as taciturn active part in the hand-shaking, Widespread acclaim ing to find financing in France and Israel, Nemes Hugh Glass, who is left for dead in smiling marathon that plays out in Shot on 35mm film, “Son of Saul” stitches made the film with a minuscule budget of the wilderness after being mauled restaurants, TV studios and on red together lengthy tracking shots that stay close about $1.5 million, with support from the by a bear. The actor carries the two- carpets during awards season. “He’s to Rohrig’s Saul. Much of the camp’s surround- Hungarian National Film Fund and the and-a-half hour film, which was a notoriously reclusive star who is ing activity is blurry in the background __ a sec- Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against shot in sub-zero temperatures over suddenly very available,” said ond layer of action that required its own direc- Germany.—AP seven months, despite barely O’Neil. — Reuters tor. The film never depicts the gas chamber, but speaking after the bear rips out his sits right outside the door. This image released by Twentieth Century Fox shows Ryan Reyonlds in a character’s throat. Nemes, who has ancestors who were killed scene from “Deadpool.”— AP “He’s really good in the film. It’s lifestyle TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Fashion

Models present the creations of Burberry Prorsum at the Autumn / Winter 2016 London Fashion Week. — AP/AFP photos McQueen returns with sheer evening gowns

ozens of designers showcased their latest cre- biceps. Although some Mulberry bags were small and ations Sunday at London Fashion Week, from minimal, with an unfinished look unlikely to get much Dretail giant Topshop and leather goods brand attention beyond the fashion set, others were rectangu- Mulberry to British design’s grand dame Vivienne lar or severe-looking, with large chunky chains that Westwood and Alexander McQueen, which made a might have seen better use as bicycle locks. highly-anticipated return from Paris to the hometown The metal wasn’t too much for Canadian designer of its late designer. Some highlights from Day 3 of Amber Hickson, who watched the show from a stand London Fashion Week: set up in London’s medieval Guildhall. These bags “are for women who want to make a statement,” she said. McQueen returns to London “They can hear you coming.” The Alexander McQueen brand is back on the run- ways of London, the birthplace and hometown beloved Topshop Unique’s funky boots of its late designer. For the first time in more than a Fur-trimmed biker jackets, super miniskirts, slinky lit- decade, the label, now headed by designer Sarah tle party dresses: Topshop Unique delivered all the hall- Burton, moved its womens wear display from its usual marks of its youthful, cool girl look. But the main lesson home in Paris to London Fashion Week. Sunday for shoppers may be this: It’s time to invest in a pair of evening’s showcase opened with a series of tough black funky ‘70s disco boots. Unlike the ubiquitous ankle leather ensembles embroidered with large shimmering boot, these are pointy, go up to the calves and come in butterflies, lip motifs and stopwatches - as if Alice in eye-catching materials and colors like yellow velvet, Wonderland was playing dress up. bronze or white leather. Combined with grungy big hair Then came sharply tailored cream-and-black tuxedo and bright pink lipstick, the models look ready for a jackets, and black feather skirts layered over flared hell-raising night out on the town. trousers. That was followed by a flurry of barely-there As for the clothes, it’s all about being chic in a non- lingerie and boudoir-inspired dresses: Frilly numbers chalant, seemingly thrown-together way. So a mustard with daring cutouts at the chest, slips with sheer-tiered outfit in fluid fabrics is worn layered with an oversized skirts, corsets worn over delicate pieces. Burton dialled granny jumper, and a leopard print top and sheer fuch- up the decadence for the show’s last section, sending sia lace skirt get covered up by a slouchy big coat. The models out in the sheerest evening gowns and capes evening wear looked particularly flattering and includ- dripping with sparkly crystals and dazzling embroidery. ed a black velvet wide-leg trouser ensemble and floaty, Luxurious fur-trimmed capes completed the look, and slip-like black gowns with a thigh-high slit and match- the last outfit - a feather concoction of a gown - was ing velvet collar. - AP pure glamor.

Elegance on display at Westwood Only the much-celebrated Vivienne Westwood, it seems, could pack a large fashion venue with a wildly appreciative crowd even though the invitation warns that humans face mass extinction if they don’t move to a green-based economy. It’s politics and fashion as usu- al for Westwood, who has been sounding the alarm about climate change for many years, using her fashion shows as a springboard for her political concerns. Westwood’s politics may be apocalyptic but her clothes are pure fun, and her makeup artists, hair stylists and accessories gurus add a warm, playful touch, including a number of burgundy porkpie hats. The show Sunday had no single theme, leaning more toward a greatest hits collection. There were slouchy dresses and loose fitting jackets that gave their models an androgynous, Charlie Chaplin look. Other jackets looked like comfortable duvets. To top it off there were magnificent evening gowns, including one showstop- per with a silver metallic glint at the top and a flouncy billowing look at the bottom. It was another triumph for Westwood, who emerged with her models to loud applause.

Heavy metal at Mulberry British fashion house Mulberry has given its famous handbags a heavy metal makeover, adding rivets and chains as part of a Shakespearean-themed collection at

London Fashion Week Fashion London London Fashion Week. Structure was the byword at Sunday’s show, with buttons, exposed stitching, shoul- der-to-ankle slits and strong lines dominating the col- lection. Tudor-style frills and ruffs - as well as a dark, sparkly coat that shone like a moonless night - added a much-needed element of mystery. This being Mulberry, all eyes were on the company’s trademark handbags, accessories whose appeal has fad- ed a bit of late. New designer Johnny Coca appeared to be banking on his customers having some powerful Models present the creations of Alexander McQueen at the Autumn / Winter 2016 London Fashion Week in London. Damning study finds a ‘whitewashed’ Hollywood

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 38

Model feebee poses as part of art installation ‘Dazzle room’ made by artist Shigeki Matsuyama at Room 32 fashion and design exhibition in TokyoMatsuyama’s installation features a strong contrast of black and white, which he learned from dazzle camouflage used mainly in World War I in Tokyo. — AP Iraqi artist imagines life in a bomb suit

he man in the bulky bomb disposal suit waved at a gag- gle of awed children as he walked down a Baghdad Tstreet and sat outside a small cafe to drink tea. But there was no bomb to defuse on Rasheed Street that day, and no armor inside the black suit to protect him from explosives. Iraqi artist Hussein Adil designed the mock bomb suit- complete with huge helmet and visor-himself for this per- formance. “We had to make this one because there aren’t many bomb suits in Iraq,” he said. “We have to be one of the countries in the world that needs them the most.” Adil, a wispy 20-year-old with a wild head of tight curly hair, is one of an ever growing number of Iraqi artists looking for new ways of tackling the violence they grew up with. The inspiration for his “bomb suit happening” was the death last year in a suicide car bombing of his close friend Ammar Al- Shahbander, a much-loved journalist. Adil, Shahbander and two other friends were heading to a cafe to drink tea in Baghdad’s Karrada district when an impor- tant call came in on his mobile phone. “I told them to go ahead, that I would follow them in five minutes,” Adil said. He Iraqi artist Hussein Adil, sits in a cafe during a public performance. heard an explosion moments later. After searching for them Adil (left) helps to prepare an Iraqi youth put on a mock bomb suit he designed before for hours, he found one of his friends with a head injury in doing a public performance in the streets. hospital and was told that Shahbander had been killed. violence peaked. Those blasts and other attacks have killed nance disposal gear. As they saw Muslim trudging along, arms “I knew it wasn’t a real suit... but at one point I actually felt Two weeks later, he dreamt that a bomb would go off near tens of thousands of civilians and left many residents with asway and head ensconced in a massive ballistic collar, some it was protecting me and started imagining all the things I a square in central Baghdad and, after waking up, immediate- deep trauma that remains when violence ebbs, as is the case passers-by seemed alarmed or amused. Others barely turned could do,” he said. “I could feel people looking at me. Some ly called his friends and his father to tell them. An explosion now in the city. their heads to look. “I suppose they have their reasons for were laughing, some were perplexed and others looked like rocked the exact spot later that day. “My friends called me to Adil thought of a simple performance, during which his doing this kind of art, but personally I don’t see what it’s going they wanted to try it on.” Adil will repeat the performance in ask me how I knew, it was a very strange thing,” he said, friend Muslim would go about normal daily activities in to change about what our country is going through,” said Abu various locations of the capital and wrap up his experiment adding it was then that he started looking for ways to express Baghdad wearing a bomb suit. “I thought, why isn’t there Ibrahim, a local shop owner. with a photo exhibit. “I wanted to show the public what we his angst through art. some kind of outfit that can protect us? Other approaches Followed by his friend Adil, Muslim walked into buildings have come to... and plant this question in their heads: what if produced no results so I looked at individual solutions,” Adil to chat with people, ordered tea at a cafe and inquired about we all looked like this?” — AFP Deep trauma remains said. The decrepit charm of the once glorious Rasheed Street’s prices at a tailor’s shop. After two people helped him out of Baghdad has been rocked by hundreds of car bombs over ornate arcades and derelict theatres provides an odd back- his bomb suit, Muslim spoke of the many thoughts that the years, sometimes several in a day during periods when drop for the dark figure casually walking in full mock ord- rushed through his mind.