Al-Watan Daily's License Canceled, Case in Court

SUBSCRIPTION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 1, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Humanitarian Bahrain Solar plane Japan, Iraq achievements sentences Shiite pioneers lay out storm into of Amir focus activist to jail round-the-world Asian Cup of new5 book over tweets7 flight27 plan quarters19 Al-Watan daily’s license Min 03º Max 20º canceled, case in court High Tide 13:16 Govt assures no political motives behind closure Low Tide 06:52 & 18:38 40 PAGES NO: 16409 150 FILS By B Izzak

KUWAIT: The government has scrapped the commercial IS threatens to kill Japan hostages license of leading newspaper Al-Watan, citing its failure to comply with legally required financial terms. The paper BEIRUT: The Islamic State group threatened in a video yesterday challenged the closure decision by the ministry yesterday to kill two Japanese hostages within 72 of commerce and industry in the court, which decided to hours unless it receives a $200 million ransom, but look into the issue today. Tokyo vowed it would not bow to “terrorism”. The decision to close Al-Watan, one of the largest circu- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in Jerusalem on lated dailies in Kuwait that has recently become critical of the latest leg of a Middle East tour, demanded the the government, was taken late Monday and implement- jihadists immediately free the two hostages ed immediately, after it was accused of failing to meet unharmed. He flew home several hours earlier than minimum capital requirements under Kuwait’s commer- planned to take charge of the crisis after meeting with cial law. The ministry of commerce and industry yesterday Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, who con- explained that it decided to withdraw the commercial demned the threat against the abductees as “despica- license of Al-Watan as per the Kuwaiti law after accumu- ble”. lated losses exceeded 75 percent of its capital. IS has murdered five Western hostages since The ministry said in a statement that the decision was August last year, but it is the first time that the also applied to several other companies for the same rea- extremist group - which has seized swathes of Syria son and will be applied to a number of other companies. and neighbouring Iraq - has threatened Japanese The statement added that the companies were first cau- captives. In footage posted on jihadist websites, a tioned that they violated the law and should take meas- black-clad militant brandishing a knife addresses the ures to rectify their financial situation, and those who camera in English, standing between hostages Kenji failed were shut down. Goto and Haruna Yukawa who are wearing orange State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad jumpsuits. “You now have 72 hours to pressure your Al-Abdullah told reporters in the National Assembly yes- government into making a wise decision by paying terday that the decision was not politically motivated and the $200 million to save the lives of your citizens,” he was based on the commercial law. He said the decision says. The militant says that the ransom demand is to was taken after a thorough study by the government, compensate for non-military aid that the Japanese which should not be blamed for applying the law. But the prime minister pledged to support countries affected This image taken from an online video released by the Islamic State group’s Al-Furqan media arm yester- newspaper said on its website, which remained running, by IS violence at the start of his Middle East tour. day shows the group threatening to kill two Japanese hostages - Kenji Goto (left) and Haruna Yukawa - that the swift implementation of the decision raised sus- Continued on Page 13 unless a $200 million ransom is paid within 72 hours. — AP picion about some hidden motives for the closure. Continued on Page 13 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 LOCAL Filipino school reassures parents, will stay in current location Court decision expected in March

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: A defiant New Kuwait Philippines International School in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh yesterday said it will continue to operate despite being ordered to close by the Ministry of Education by April. “Our school management, especially CEO Talal Khalifa Al-Jeri, told us to hold on because we are exerting all legal remedies for the school to continue and stay in its current location,” Dr Jesusa V Puno, the principal of the school, said during a meeting with parents yester- day. The school’s legal officer Osama Karam Sayed was also invited to explain to the parents the legal remedies being undertaken by the school. “We were supposed to get the final decision of the court on January 11, but because the ministry appealed for deferment, the court decision will decide in March. Inshallah we’ll get a favorable ruling on the matter since what we are concerned about is the wel- fare of our students,” said Sayed. “They cannot come to us (two months ago) and tell us to vacate the premises in April. We should be given enough time to prepare. We know why they are doing this and this is the reason we are contesting to stay here,” Sayed stated.

Another private company The lawyer told Kuwait Times that another educational institution is lobbying for the current location of NKPIS. “If the ministry needs the place for the construction of a gov- KUWAIT: Dr Jesusa V Puno addressing parents at the ernment project, then we’ll gladly and willingly vacate the KUWAIT: Parents attending a special meeting yesterday to reassure parents that NKPIS will continue. — Photos by Ben Garcia NKPIS yesterday, with her is lawyer Osama Karam (center) place, but to give it to another private company of the and Alaa. same nature of business is unfair, because we have been running this institution for the past 15 years. They want us However, if not, the school lawyer said it is ready to Sigh of relief The Ministry of Education’s Private and Qualitative to leave in favor of them. This is simply not right,” he said. transfer their students to a nearby building which is Some parents who had expressed anxiety earlier went Education Sector said their earlier notice to the NKPIS was “We have more than 700 students, and we cannot be also owned by the Umm-Al-Qura Establishment. “We home at peace. “I was worried, but am satisfied now by the in accordance with ministerial decision no. 210/2008 thrown out just like that. The company (Umm Al-Qura are the biggest educational institution in Kuwait - we explanation of the principal and their lawyer. We really issued on 29/5/2008. The decision includes the eviction of Educational Establishment) will exert all legal remedies to own about 14 schools for various nationalities. But we pray that the court will rule in favor of the school. But as I NKPIS for ‘exploiting’ part of the government’s Hassan bin stay and we ask our dear parents to stand by with us - we want to assure our parents that we are not going to heard from them, there’s a school on standby if the court Thabit Kindergarten through administrative means. Kuwait will be calling you again by March. The ministry knows that leave just like that. We want you to continue with us ruling isn’t positive. I just don’t want my children’s study to Times earlier reported that the school is expected to our appeal is urgent, so we hope the decision will come and we’ll do our best to stay in the current location,” be interrupted if they close,” said Michael, a parent of two obtain a deferral and be allowed to continue operating in earlier and favorable to us,” he added. Sayed reiterated. children at NKPIS. its current location until 2016. Education Ministry, Microsoft sign cooperation agreement

LONDON: Kuwait and Microsoft signed an agree- remarks on sidelines of an international conference should be capable of conveying the information in ment in London Monday aimed at using modern on educational and instructional technology. a way that is easy and understood while using e- technology in Kuwait schools. “The agreement we signed today does not education,” the minister said. E-education will also The agreement, signed by Kuwait’s Minister of entail any financial burdens on the ministry, but it enable the student to assume larger responsibili- Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr is an assistance by Microsoft to develop education ties in the educational process, he said, by explo- Bader Al-Essa and Microsoft Kuwait general by using technology in the State of Kuwait,” he ration, expression and experiment in order to Manager Charles Nahas, is designed to teach added. “The governments in our countries and encourage critical thinking. teachers and principals on how to use technology advanced countries cannot develop education by Nahas, for his part, said e-education in school in education, and then eventually transform it to themselves but need to use capabilities and was an revolution to develop skills of individuals in students. expertise of the private sector,” he said. particular and community in general. He added “The first phase will include the training of 2,000 that this era was characterized with rapidly-grow- teachers and this will increase to around 10,000 E-education ing information technology, which required the teachers according to a specific timetable,” Essa On the conference, Essa said he participated in preparation of kids and youth so they could use it. said in a statement after signing the agreement. a session about the role of teachers and how they British Secretary of State for Education Nicky LONDON: Kuwait’s Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Bader Al- The Ministry of Education is keen on developing could use e-education while teaching. “The teacher Morgan inaugurated the conference earlier yester- Essa and Microsoft Kuwait general Manager Charles Nahas shake hands after signing the education by all means, said Essa, making the is the backbone of the educational process and day. — KUNA agreement. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 LOCAL

Ministry dissolves violating shareholding companies

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated to Kuwait the law in order to protect rights of shareholders and Commerce and Industry Dr Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej News Agency (KUNA). the Kuwaiti economy from violating companies that yesterday issued ministerial decrees dissolving a Pre-warnings have been directed in the past peri- make their businesses without financial or legal cov- number of shareholding companies that failed to od to violating companies to readjust their statuses in er. readjust their financial and legal positions in accor- order to prevent any ministerial and legal measure It also stressed the importance that companies dance with Commercial Companies Law No. 25/2012. against them, the statement said, adding that some correct and update their legal and financial statuses Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Similar decrees are to be issued successively for companies have submitted their corrected statuses in accordance with Law No. 25/2012, noting that the Commerce and Industry Dr Abdulmohsen other companies whose files are currently being to the ministry, while others failed to do so. deadline for companies to update and correct their Al-Mudej investigated by a legal panel set up for the purpose, The ministry stressed seriousness in implementing statuses. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Dr Qais Al-Dwairi, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs (left), and Dr Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi opens the new ophthalmology clinic. Tawfiq Khoujah, General Director of the Executive Board of the Health Ministers’ Council for GCC states, at the forum yesterday. — KUNA photos ‘Alarming’ rise in chronic non-communicable diseases Ministry touts ‘ambitious’ nationwide health strategy

KUWAIT: The unprecedented spike in the number of said the ministry of health has initiated that all breads involves updating current hospitals and building new Kuwaitis suffering from obesity, heart disease, cancer, and bakery items produced by the nation’s largest bak- ones and consecrating all efforts at providing all patients diabetes and other common chronic non-communicable ery, Kuwait Flour Mills Co., should have 20 percent less with excellent care now and beyond the boundaries of diseases is a cause for alarm among health providers, a salt, the latter having adverse effect on blood pressure, the nation’s development plan for the period after 2015, Ministry of Health official warned among other ailments. said the Minister in a speech, opening the streamlined In a speech at a Gulf-orientated forum held yesterday, Kuwait, moreover, he pointed out, fostered the decla- ophthalmology clinic and two wards at a burn center, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Dr Qais Al- ration of Kuwait-issued by the GCC ministers of health in and a new microbiological lab. Dwairi stressed to Gulf health officials at the forum the January, 2014 as a regional development measure in the With regard to eye care, he said the ministry was need to spread awareness among Gulf region popula- face of prevention of chronic non-communicable dis- working closely with the WHO to provide eye care in the tions to follow a healthy regimen of food and exercise to eases. A similar declaration also came out in April, 3013 in best way possible now and through 2020, noting that the ward off modern day diseases usually contracted a regional WHO meeting in Kuwait, he said. nation’s major eye care center, known as the because of unwise lifestyle choices. Abdulrahman Al-Bahar eye center, had recently organ- Realizing the ubiquity of these modern day lifestyle Optimum care ized a successful workshop for its staff in conjunction ailments, he said the ministry of health has formed a Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi said with the WHO, to ensure that eye diseases are well national committee for the prevention and combating of that ministry has in place a well-meaning national health attended and treated by them. chronic non-communicable diseases, noting that the strategy that chiefly includes providing optimum eye He made mention in his speech to the new microbio- committee reflects those who work within it and they care to the public, in cooperation with expertise from the logical lab at the Ibn Sina Hospital, saying it was fully come from government, non-government, and civil soci- WHO. He made those statements yesterday at the open- equipped to handle speedy requests for examinations ety bodies. ing of a streamlined outpatient ophthalmology clinic. and tests, especially those necessitating the selection of Furthermore, keeping in mind the public’s health, he The ministry’s far-reaching and ambitious strategy the right kind of antibiotic medicine. — KUNA Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi tours the new clinic. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 LOCAL Crime E-publishing law, freedoms discussed at KJA Report ‘Freedom must be in framework of law’ Angry driver wanted for battery By Faten Omar KUWAIT: Kuwait Journalists Association KUWAIT: A citizen lost his temper when the driver of a car (KJA) held a seminar on Monday on elec- behind him honked. He then hit him on the head with a tronic publishing and regulations and free- stick and escaped. The victim was taken to Farwaniya doms. The gathering discussed the upcom- Hospital. The suspect is being summoned. ing e-publishing law and media challenges amidst enormous technological develop- ments. The gathering was moderated by Beauty salon fight KJA Treasurer Adnan Al-Rashed, and A beauty salon owner in Jabriya beat a citizen who attended by former MP Dr Hassan Jowhar, objected to her prices in front of other customers. journalist and writer Dr Turki Al-Azmi, Jabriya police said that the lady was surprised by the media affairs researcher Dr Abdulaziz Al- high prices and asked about the reason for the hike. Ajmi, lawyer Nasser Al-Karyouin, editor of The owner replied that her saloon is a prestigious one Voice of Kuwait Fahd Al-Mutawa and pub- and serves certain classes only and does not deal with lisher of Al-Hadath electronic newspaper “nobodies”, which led to an argument and the beating. Mishari Al-Allush. Investigations are underway. Framework of law The participants stressed that there is no Work mishap absolute freedom, but freedom in the An Iranian man was admitted to Mubarak Hospital framework of what is regulated by law to ICU after falling from a building under construction in maintain the rights of all. They agreed that Qurtuba. the importance of this regulation is not inconsistent with the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution, stating that the bill Fugitives nabbed seeks to regulate personal accounts on Detectives arrested a Kuwaiti fraudster who has 16 social media. KUWAIT: KJA Treasurer Adnan Al-Rashed (center) speaks as participants in the seminar look on. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat cases against her before she could swindle KD 3,000 “This seminar is to enrich the debate from another citizen. Meanwhile, a security source said about the electronic publishing draft law,” that the draft law that was leaked recently young people as well as consulting legal media. I’m with the law, but you must that sentence implementation men learned that a man said Rashed, who is also the deputy editor is not the finished one, pointing out that advisors before submitting the bill to the consult specialists to find out the pros wanted to serve a one-year jail sentence and a fine of of Al-Anbaa newspaper. Jowhar strongly “we are still waiting for the final draft”. “I National Assembly. Meanwhile, Ajmi point- and cons of it,” Karyouin said, stressing KD 5,000 was in a Sulaibiya cafe, so they waited for him criticized the bill. “I received a letter from wish that the law respects public freedoms ed out that the law is a necessity, but the the need to reconcile freedom of expres- outside. When he came out, they arrested him with one of the members of the committee that and freedom of the press, but so far, I have current bill needs amendments, and “so far sion and public interest so as not to tight- another man, who was found wanted on a drugs case prepared the draft law, and what we have not seen anything new in the law,” he rued. we do not know if what we have is a real en the grip on society and at the same and violation of his probation conditions. Separately, a read about this law is not even the real “I found that the purpose of this law is to draft or not”. “The law should be agreed time guarantee a dignified life. Mutawa Sri Lankan man wanted on drugs charges was arrested draft law. The electronic media is the field restrict, like the requirement of a deposit of upon by everyone and should not conflict said non-compliance with constitutional by the special missions unit in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. He of youth, not only in Kuwait but in the KD 10,000 for anyone who wants to set up with the constitution and violate human issues in the draft e-publication law was sent to concerned authorities. — Al-Rai whole world,” he said, calling for respecting a news website. This is an unacceptable rights. Such a law would be useful to sup- means a violation of freedom, pointing the desire to express their opinion amount of money and it must be reduced,” port meaningful media work, consolidate out that freedom is required but within Jowhar demanded. social and moral values, adjust behaviors the conditions laid down by the state. “We Honoring the constitution and enhance the quality of media content,” need a law that regulates and does not Jowhar stressed the need to honor the Moral leadership he added. restrict and serves media work,” Allush constitution when framing this law, and Azmi said that there is a relationship said, noting the importance of a system referred to an earlier statement by Minister between the media and moral leadership. Pros and cons governing the relationship with various of Information Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud He stressed the need to seek the opinion of “Many people are using electronic media. ATC diamond sponsor of Horeca Kuwait

ATC CEO Ghassan Mamlook Sheikh Nimr Al-Sabah, Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Trade and International Two arrested for Organizations Affairs, and Nabila Al-Anjari, Leaders Group’s General Manager, visit ATC’s pavilion at the exhibition.

drug possession KUWAIT: Horeca Kuwait 2015 started its rate schedule for expansion and develop- plies,” Mamlook said. Farwaniya, as well as College of Science and activities with the participation of more than ment operations in the company’s various “The company placed itself in a challeng- Engineering at the new Kuwait University in By Hanan Al-Saadoun 50 pioneering companies in the field of hos- fields. He is keen on forming strong relations ing position after succeeding in making its Shadadiya. pitality, food industry and hotel supplies. Due with current and new customers, while distinguished impression on the food and KUWAIT: The Drugs Control General Department arrested to the large number of businessmen and spe- speeding up the company’s implementation hotel supplies sector, as well as medical Official designer two citizens with 250 gm of shabu, 250 gm of hashish and cialists who are interested in this exhibition of projects to establish a solid future for the equipment, designing and building kitchens Advanced Technology Company was forged currency. One of the citizens was found wanted to being held at the Jumeira Messiah Hotel company. and central washers and the most advanced approved lately as an official designer for serve a five-year jail sentence. Both were sent to concerned between Jan 19 and 21 to present the latest systems,” he added. food supplies such as kitchens and wash- authorities. Meanwhile, a citizen, 24, was arrested near introductions of modern technology in the Important event After finishing and operating Bayan ers, as a boost to its joining of the interna- Riqqa gas station with 10 narcotic pills and six hashish field of hospitality and restaurant develop- “This exhibition is now among the largest Palace’s central kitchen, equipping Jaber Al- tional society of advisors in food services in joints as well as drug paraphernalia. He was sent to con- ment, Advanced Technology Company (ATC) hotel and service events at the Gulf and Ahmad Armed Forces kitchen, the company Germany, and will represent Kuwait in the cerned authorities. renewed its diamond sponsorship of Horeca Middle East levels, as this event has been is getting ready for the opening of the society’s annual meeting to be held in as one of the major hotel supplies, kitchen included among the important ones that all Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Kidney Madrid in March. Mamlook said the compa- Drug suspect commits suicide and central sinks companies in Kuwait, in specialists are keen on participating in. It Dialysis Center, Millennium Hotel and ny will continue to work to maintain the A citizen committed suicide by slashing his wrists at the addition to being the first specialized medical seems that health cannot be separated from Conference Center and supply the kitchen successes that span over years, and “we criminal evidence department. A source said the citizen equipment company in the region. hotel and tourist services, because the best equipment for the Saudi Arabian Chevron want to achieve the visions of transforming was taken there after being suspected of using drugs. He CEO Ghassan Mamlook strives to keep the health destinations for treatment that Arabs project at Mina Zour. The company is cur- ATC from being a local company into an asked to go to the bathroom, broke the mirror and used it company in the forefront, and has an accu- go to are equipped with premium hotel sup- rently equipping the new courts complex in international one”. to slash his wrist.

Probe in man’s death A Kuwaiti man’s body was sent to the coroner to find out the cause of death, as he was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Trio arrested with drugs A bedoon, an Omani national and a Kuwaiti girl were detained at Qairawan police station for using drugs and drinking alcohol, as well as insulting a police officer. The arrest was made on Fifth Ring Road near Nahda.

Abdaly road accident Three young citizens were rushed to Jahra hospital for treatment of injuries they sustained after their vehicle flipped over on Abdaly road. One of them is in critical con- dition.

Cross-dressers nabbed Three persons were arrested for cross-dressing. The sus- pects had five shabu envelopes, 38 narcotic pills, and drug KUWAIT: Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Aye Khans hosted a reception at Crowne Plaza Hotel on the occasion of his country’s 67th Independence Day paraphernalia. They were sent to concerned authorities. anniversary. Senioer officials, diplomas and media persons attended the event. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Kuwait signs environmental agreements with Egypt, Bahrain

MANAMA: Kuwait’s Environment Public Ambassador Essam Awwadh. policies of preserving maritime environment in on environment. Addressing the opening session, bin Daina Authority (EPA) and Egypt’s Ministry of State for The program opens fresh prospects for bilat- addition to indexes of sustainable development, The program comes in implementation of a said Bahrain has prepared necessary plans to Environmental Affairs signed an executive pro- eral cooperation, providing training for EPA staff the EPA Director General noted. Egypt has cut a MoU between the two governments in the field achieve sustainable development as well as hav- gram for cooperation in environment protection. on environment impact and monitoring of the long path in that direction and Kuwait can bene- of environmental cooperation and stems out of a ing the environment as an integral part of the The program was signed yesterday on the side- new Suez Canal mega project, Sheikh Abdullah fit much from it, he said. mutual desire for collaboration in serving the country’s policies. lines of the International Forum on Economy and Ahmad Al-Humoud Al-Sabah told KUNA. For his part, the Egyptian State Minister told environment, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah told The forum is co-organized by the Supreme Green Technologies that kicked off Monday It also opens the door for transferring Kuwaiti KUNA that the two countries have a long history KUNA. Council for Environment and the UN Industrial night. expertise to the Egyptian side, in terms of the of environment cooperation. The program will Development Organization (UNIDO). UNIDO EPA Director General Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad “Kuwait Visions 2030” on managing and modern- seek to give a boost to this. Environmental-friendly Director General Li Yong said there were many Al-Humoud Al-Sabah signed the program with izing environment data on water, air and soil, as Meanwhile, a meeting brought together the The forum had began activities with partici- renewable energy resources which could be State Minister for Environment Affairs Khalid well as geographical information systems. Kuwaiti and Egyptian officials with Chief pants discussing environmental-friendly state- used in order to prevent pollution. He said clear Fahmi. The signing ceremony was attended by Executive of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for of-art technologies and renewable energy. Bin energy should be reachable by all countries spe- Dean of Diplomatic Corps in the Kingdom, Integrated management Environment Mohammed bin Daina. The two Daina said the three-day forum would focus on cially the developing nations, which could use Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam In addition, the program sets a framework for sides signed an executive program agreement how to link economy with green technologies this energy to addressing poverty and those Mubarak Al-Sabah, and the Egyptian integrated management of coastal areas, and and discussed means of enhancing cooperation with the aim of reducing pollution. marginalized.—KUNA WEDNES DAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 LOCAL

Abdullah Bowair (second from right) presents a memento to Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah, as Dr Mustafa Behbehani Diplomats seen among the audience. (far right) and other guests look on. Amir’s humanitarian achievements highlighted in new book Author: Amir deserves UN honoring for his remarkable acts

By Nawara Fattahova held a signing ceremony on receive and read the book about generosity,” he said. “In the first for the Journey of Hope and Monday at the Crowne Plaza the achievements of the humani- chapter, I collected the informa- many other initiatives and dona- KUWAIT: The honoring of His Hotel. tarian leader. “We have no doubts tion about Sheikh Sabah since he tions. In the seventh chapter, I Highness the Amir Sheikh Jaber Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah, about the achievements of was born in 1929 and the posi- wrote about the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a President of the Kuwait Kuwait - both the leadership and tions he held until he became the Sea City, his speeches, and some ‘Humanitarian Leader’ by the Association for the Ideal Family, the citizens. Our country has 19th Amir of Kuwait in 2006. In of his photographs,” concluded United Nations inspired Kuwaiti sister of the Amir and daughter of many humanitarian and charity the second chapter, I wrote about Bowair. projects all over the world. These his children, while the third chap- projects have rescued many peo- ter documents his interests. In International achievements ple during crises without any dis- the fourth chapter, I spoke about Dr Mustafa Behbehani noted crimination over religion, color or Sheikh Sabah as a human,” added that HH the Amir deserves the origin. The author documented Bowair. title of ‘Humanitarian Leader’ for some of Kuwait’s and the Amir’s “In the fifth chapter, I wrote his international humanitarian humanitarian works in creative about his role during the Iraqi achievements. “Since he was a way. I hope his work will encour- invasion. In the sixth chapter, I child, his late father Amir Sheikh age other people to improve wrote about him being a humani- Ahmad taught him leadership human development through tarian leader, which included skills that qualified him to engage documenting and archiving numerous initiatives such as in political activity and occupy Kuwait’s achievements,” stressed donating to scientific researches, important positions until he Sheikha Fraiha. establishing the food fund in became the Amir of Kuwait. 2009, holding the economic sum- Sheikh Sabah gave Kuwait the Human kindness mit for supporting small and position of the humanitarian cen- Bowair, who is also a Kuwait medium projects with a $500 mil- ter due to his support and dona- Times columnist, spoke about his lion contribution, donating $34 tions to counties and nations in KUWAIT: Abdullah Bowair signs a copy of his new book that he gift- new book. “I got the idea of writ- million for Palestinian refugees need,” he pointed out. ed to Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat ing this book after HH the Amir and the east Sudan initiative with Bowair later signed copies of was honored as the a donation of $500 million. The his book for the VIP guests who author Abdullah Bowair to write a the 10th Amir of Kuwait Sheikh ‘Humanitarian Leader’ on Amir also worked in consolidat- attended the ceremony, includ- book about the Kuwaiti ruler. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, September 9, 2014 for his remark- ing relations between the UAE ing some ambassadors and other Bowair published the book and expressed her happiness to able acts of human kindness and and Oman, donated KD 1 million dignitaries. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 LOCAL

kuwait digest Al-Jarida THE DILEMMA In my view ‘Saad the Orphan’ and Only in silly projections Kuwait - Part 6

By Thaar Al-Rasheedi esterday and for the second time in 20 years, I watched the movie Saad Al-Yateem Y(Saad the Orphan) starring the late By Talal Al-Ghannam Egyptian movie star Ahmed Zaki to finally realize that the whole plot was but a political projection of the conflict between the two superpowers US and the Soviet Union, the conflict between Palestine and Israel and the conflict of powers that has been going on for half a century in the [email protected] Arab region. Frankly speaking, such a projection seems ood morning my honorable readers. I am contin- uing the ‘Only in Kuwait’ series as I feel there are very silly compared to the situation today. It Gmany issues that need to be addressed. Plus, this might have been very creative when the movie type of writing is easy to comprehend and absorb. was released in 1985, but today it is nothing Only in Kuwait you drive along the highway and see more than a boring, worthless speech, especially the passenger ahead of you throw a cigarette, which could set your vehicle ablaze. Only in Kuwait you see four wheel buggies race with Questioning intention you on the road, with no respect of the law. Only in Kuwait you can be deported for a very tiny and exchanging reason. Only in Kuwait the housekeeper, who is being impris- groundless accusations oned in the house and deprived all her rights, is neglect- ed and not paid attention too when seeking help from can only complicate our police. Only in Kuwait you need to zigzag on all roads to political problems avoid the deep halls in the street, and then end up hit- kuwait digest ting the car besides you. Only in Kuwait the red light means green and the green light means red. in view of the recent changes that took place in Values of democracy, ethics Only in Kuwait the sponsor of a housemaid borrows the region in the five past years. We need to be money from her or him and never gives it back. more direct and straightforward in describing By Dr Khalid Ahmad Al-Saleh Only in Kuwait some celebrate their wedding the current political situation. We need to con- through burning tires in the middle of the roads, forcing front and be absolutely transparent. Projections he 33rd president of the US Harry Truman once zine fulfills its goals to increase its sales. you to wait and clap for them. and implications are no longer useful or fruitful, said that if you want a friend in Washington, The issue is not insulting a prophet and not belit- Only in Kuwait police cars become afraid of those especially if we wish to achieve any political Tbring a dog. This is the ethics and values that tling a religion - the issue is the failure of Western maniacs who disrespect the traffic laws, and burn their reform for a whole country. In addition, question- the Western civilization did not balance. The fair civilization to instill values in its citizens to a point cars’ tires, ending up watching and leaving peacefully. Only in Kuwait people make jokes about other ing intention and exchanging groundless accusa- people appreciate the Western civilization’s adop- where true friendship is lost, and each house there nationalities to make others laugh. tions can only complicate our political problems. tion of democratic values that equaled people in started to search for it in animals. Democracy is not freedom and opportunities, and they, the fair peo- limited to the Western world, because there are suc- Only in Kuwait a text message can be so precious By this I mean the implications and projec- when written while driving. tions used by some politicians to convey certain ple, hesitate a lot in criticizing the free world, cessful democracies in creating this balance, because they see the extent of misery, oppression because in Japan, for example, its leaders balance Only in Kuwait some policemen can be arrogant at messages or to avoid legal accountability, which checkpoints and refuse to listen to your point of view. and dictatorship most people of the world are living between the values of democracy and values of are useless in view of our dire need to confront Only in Kuwait you do not know whether you are eat- under tyrannical rule. ethics. and face problems. This phase of our political his- ing sheep meat or Zebra meat. Despite this fear, the negligence of the Western The day when true democracy is reached in a tory should focus on exposing ‘cards’ because Only in Kuwait you encounter many shops who ask civilization of the ethical values such as truth, love country that has Islamic ethical values is the day there is nothing more to bet on except the coun- you if you want genuine spare parts for your car or ‘junk and humanity made the civilization of the free world when humanity will be happy with the true example ones,’ without consideration of safety. try’s greater good. lose its balance, and made the Western human being for the human being. The Western media’s move to Some politicians’ recent statements came in Only in Kuwait a project can take 20 years to be dream of sincerity, sacrifice and true affection. This is support the hatred of the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam accomplished. the form of hidden messages to certain people what the American president meant 60 years ago. reflects the extent of those peoples’ loss of ethical inviting them to read between the lines, which Only in Kuwait a university graduate is recruited for a Today, the Western freedom is seen changing to values. Muslims, Christians and Jews and others job based on vacancies, and not according to his or her should not have been done by politicians seek- becoming a tool to satisfy hatred and grudges, should build their countries on balancing values of major. ing reform or the country’s best interest. So, why instead of being means to spread love and good- democracy and values of ethics, and angry Muslims Only in Kuwait you see an Asian tea boy serving you don’t you speak more frankly and get it over ness. Otherwise, what does it mean for a French because of the attack on their Prophet (PBUH) and printing your car registration card, while other with? magazine to publish degrading pictures of a reli- should also be angry at losing democracy in their workers are busy playing with their smart phones. —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa gion’s prophet, and the French grab it, as the maga- countries. Until the next article Insha Allah

A stamp commemorating the UN hon- oring of the late Sheikh Abdullah Al- A stamp commemorating the UN honoring of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah A collection of stamps that were the first Jaber Al-Sabah as a Reformer of Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a Humanitarian Leader. traded in Kuwait. Culture and Education. 100th anniversary of opening Kuwait’s first post office Stamps with pictures themed ‘Kuwait before oil.’

KUWAIT: Kuwaitis have known the office in the country a hundred years House), was opened on January 21, 1915 the first stamp on Kuwait had been postal service since 1775, when it was ago. The first postal office, which was On February 1, 1958, Kuwait officially issued. In February 1959, Kuwait provided through personal initiatives located at the British Colonial received the responsibility of the inter- became an active member at the before officially opening the first post Administrator’s headquarters (Dickson nal postal service. And in the same year, Universal Postal Union.—KUNA

A Kuwaiti postal envelope commemorating the golden jubilee of the Mubarakiya An envelope marking the first anniversary of Kuwait’s independence. School in the first public school to be opened in Kuwait. A collection of commemorative stamps WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Israel says didn’t US tributes, protests mark Martin Luther King Day target Iranian general in strike Page 9 Page 8 Houthis seize presidential palace Shiite militia also attacks Yemen president’s home

SANAA: Shiite militia fighters attacked Yemeni President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi’s residence and seized the presi- dential palace yesterday in what officials said was a bid to overthrow his embattled government. As the UN Security Council began an emergency meeting over the unrest, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was “gravely con- cerned” and called for an immediate halt to the fighting. The past two days have seen a dramatic escalation in vio- lence in Sanaa, raising fears that Hadi’s government, a key US ally in its fight against Al-Qaeda, will collapse and the country will descend into chaos. Information Minister Nadia Sakkaf said the militiamen, known as Houthis, had launched an attack on Hadi’s resi- dence, after witnesses reported clashes had erupted at the building in western Sanaa. He was earlier reported to have been in the residence meeting with his advisers and securi- ty officials. “The Yemeni president is under attack by militia- men who want to overthrow the regime,” Sakkaf said on Twitter. Witnesses said the fighting outside the residence appeared to have subsided after two soldiers were killed. A military official told AFP the militiamen had also seized the presidential palace in southern Sanaa, where Hadi’s offices are located. “The Houthi militiamen have entered the complex and are looting its arms depots,” the official said. Prominent Houthi member Ali al-Bukhaiti said on Facebook that the fighters “have taken control of the presidential complex”.

Ceasefire Shattered In New York, Ban urged “all sides to immediately cease all hostilities, exercise maximum restraint, and take the necessary steps to restore full authority to the legitimate government institutions.” The fresh unrest shattered a ceasefire agreed after a bloody day on Monday that saw the Houthis, who overran Sanaa in September, tighten their grip on the capital. Houthi fighters and government troops fought pitched battles near the presidential palace and in other parts of Sanaa, leaving at least nine people dead and 67 wounded. The militia seized an army base overlooking the presi- dential palace, took control of state media and opened fire on a convoy carrying the prime minister from Hadi’s resi- dence. Prime Minister Khalid Bahah escaped to his resi- SANAA: Members of the Shiite Houthi movement gesture outside a damaged building near the presidential palace in the Yemeni capital yesterday. — AFP dence, where he has lived since taking office in October, and it was surrounded late on Monday by the Houthis. Tensions have been running high in Sanaa since the Houthis on Saturday abducted Hadi’s chief of staff, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, in an apparent move to extract Bahrain sentences Shiite changes to a draft constitution that he is overseeing. Mubarak is in charge of a “national dialogue” set up after veteran strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced from activist to jail over tweets power in February 2012 following a year of bloody Arab DUBAI: Prominent Shiite activist Nabeel Rajab was yester- after serving two years in jail for taking part in unauthorised Spring-inspired protests. Saleh has been accused of back- day sentenced to six months in prison after a Bahraini court protests. His new conviction came one day after prosecu- ing the Houthis and a source in the presidential guard told found him guilty of insulting public institutions in his tors charged Bahrain’s Shiite opposition chief Sheikh Ali AFP some Yemeni troops still loyal to the ex-leader had tweets, a judicial source said. But Rajab, who was released Salman with attempting to overthrow the regime and set a supported the militia in Monday’s fighting. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said groups of sol- from custody one month after his arrest on Oct 1, could stay January 28 trial date. International rights groups have con- diers and fighters left the Sanaa home of Saleh’s son out of prison on bail if he pays 200 dinars ($530), the source demned the trials against opponents of the Sunni regime Ahmed, Yemen’s current ambassador in the United Arab told AFP, citing the court ruling. Condemned by Amnesty ruling the Gulf state. Emirates, “to lend a hand to Houthi fighters”. Residents said International as “a blow to freedom of expression”, the deci- “Nabeel Rajab is being unjustly punished simply for some soldiers had also abandoned their positions on the sion is subject to appeal, according to the prosecution. posting tweets deemed insulting to the authorities. His con- hill overlooking the presidential palace without any resist- Rajab, a member of Bahrain’s Shiite majority which has viction is a blow to freedom of expression it must be ance to the Houthis. held protests against the kingdom’s Sunni rulers since 2011, quashed,” said Amnesty’s Said Boumedouha, urging his Before his kidnapping, Mubarak had been due to pres- was arrested after posting comments on Twitter about the immediate and unconditional release. Human Rights Watch ent a draft constitution dividing Yemen into a six-region interior and defence ministries. In one of the messages and the Gulf Centre for Human Rights on Friday urged federation, which the Houthis oppose. The militants, who deemed offensive, Rajab charged that many Bahrainis fight- Bahrain’s Western allies to pressure the kingdom to drop hail from Yemen’s remote north and fought a decade-long ing with jihadists in Syria were former Bahraini security charges against Rajab, saying he should have never been war against the government, have rejected the decentrali- forces personnel who had developed Sunni extremist views charged. “Instead of persecuting activists who dare to speak sation plan, claiming it divides the country into rich and while in service. out freely the Bahraini authorities should repeal these poor regions. Yemen has repeatedly accused Shiite-domi- Rajab, who has led anti-government marches and heads repressive laws and uphold the right to freedom of expres- nated Iran of backing the Houthis, who are also known as the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, was freed last May sion,” said Boumedouha. — AFP Ansarullah. — AFP p8_Layout 1 1/20/15 10:07 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Sisi says protest rights secondary to stability

CAIRO: Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah Al- eat, drink, live and be reassured for their Sisi said yesterday that those questioning future,” he told a room packed with police his government about human rights and officers and public figures. “I am not saying freedom of expression are ignoring the fact protests are rejected, never. But I am saying that his country of 90 million lacks develop- that we gave the issue of the protest such a ment, investment and desperately needed space...But those 90 million want to eat.” stability. Speaking during celebrations of He said tourism, one of Egypt’s top for- national Police Day yesterday, Sisi said he eign revenue sources, has collapsed after respects human rights but that his country years of turmoil, costing the country bil- - with a massive segment of Egyptians liv- lions of dollars. “Who will compensate that? ing in poverty - is facing exceptional cir- Be careful when you are demanding your cumstances and some violations are rights, be careful. Don’t take us down with inevitable. you. Don’t take us down with you,” he Sisi focused in particular on critics of a yelled. Egypt continues to struggle with a controversial protest law passed by the bulging budget deficit and capital flight government last year which punishes all while more than half the population lives at unauthorized demonstrations with up to or below the poverty line of $2 a day. Sisi five years in prison and hefty fines. These had pledged to improve Egypt’s economic critics says the law aims to quell all forms of stability within two years. dissent amid an intense government crack- But he has faced international and down against Islamists and other dissidents domestic pressure, even from among allies, - including secular activists who led the to ease the crackdown on protests and dis- 2011 uprising that ousted longtime auto- sidents that has reached well beyond the crat Hosni Mubarak. They also point to the ranks of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood irony that Sisi wouldn’t be president if not and other Islamists. “When we meet people for massive 2013 demonstrations against who talk about human rights, I tell them Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, that are you talking to me about human rights? prompted Sisi - then the defense minister - I tell them, and I swear, I am keener on to oust Morsi. human rights than anybody else. Not Sisi’s government has repeatedly dis- because anyone will hold me accountable, missed those criticisms, saying the law but because God will, before the people,” doesn’t ban demonstrations but rather reg- Sisi said, seemingly straying from his pre- ulates them. Yesterday, and only days pared speech text. Sisi said the country’s KHIAM, Lebanon: Mourners carry the body of Ghazi Ali Dawi, one of the six Hezbollah fighters killed in an Israeli strike near Quneitra on the before the Jan 25 anniversary of the upris- war on terrorism will take time, saying Syrian-controlled side of the Golan Heights, during his funeral in this southern Lebanese village yesterday. —AFP ing against Mubarak, Sisi repeated his Egypt is leading a war against Islamic depiction of protests as a force for distrac- extremism that will benefit the region and tion and instability. “Ninety million want to the world. —AP Israel says didn’t target Israel Arabs call nationwide Iranian general in strike strike after Bedouin deaths RAHAT, Israel: Leaders of Israel’s 1.7 million townspeople. During Jaar’s funeral on Israel on high alert for possible Hezb retaliation Arabs declared a general strike throughout Sunday, Sami al-Zayadna, 47, died of a the country yesterday in protest at the heart attack during clashes in which police JERUSALEM: An Iranian general killed in an Guards’ chief General Mohammad Ali Jafari was enemy vehicle and took the shot. We saw this as recent deaths of two Bedouin men in con- fired tear gas. Following Zayadna’s burial Israeli air strike in Syria was not its intended tar- quoted yesterday as saying by Fars news a limited tactical operation.” frontations with police. Former member of on Monday, angry protesters - some of get and Israel believed it was attacking only agency. “The Revolutionary Guards will fight to Israel has struck Syria several times since the parliament Taleb al-Sana, chairman of an them masked - hurled stones at the Rahat low-ranking guerrillas, a senior security source the end of the Zionist regime... We will not rest start of the Syrian civil war, mostly destroying umbrella organisation of Arab Israeli police station, police said. said yesterday. The remarks by the Israeli source, easy until this epitome of vice is totally deleted weaponry such as missiles that Israeli officials groups, said schools and businesses would Police said five suspected stone-throw- who declined to be identified because Israel has from the region’s geopolitics.” said were destined for Hezbollah, Israel’s long- close from the Galilee in the north to the ers were detained and more arrests were not officially confirmed it carried out the strike, Asked if Israel expected Iranian or Hezbollah time foe in neighbouring Lebanon. Hezbollah Negev desert in the south. “The general expected. Officials in Rahat and in the appeared aimed at containing any escalation retaliation for the air strike, the source said: has been fighting alongside President Bashar strike today is to send a strong message northern Israeli town of Umm el-Fahm with Iran or the Lebanese Hezbollah guerrilla “They are almost certain to respond. We are Assad’s forces in the four-year-old Syrian con- that the entire Arab community... strongly said schools were closed and shops were group. Iranian Revolutionary Guard General anticipating that, but I think it’s a fair assump- flict. protests the murders of two citizens of the shuttered yesterday. Arab students at Tel Mohammed Allahdadi was killed with a tion that a major escalation is not in the interest In south Lebanon, thousands of Hezbollah state of Israel whose only crime is being Aviv University staged a protest outside Hezbollah commander and the son of the of either side.” Troops and civilians in northern supporters yesterday swarmed around the yel- Arab,” Sana, who is himself Bedouin, told the campus fence, drawing jeers and group’s late military leader, Imad Moughniyeh, Israel are on heightened alert and Israel has low-draped coffin of Mohammad Issa, a Israeli army radio. angry retorts from Jewish passers-by, in Sunday’s attack on a Hezbollah convoy near deployed an Iron Dome rocket interceptor unit Hezbollah commander who also died in the Sami Al-Jaar, 22, died of a gunshot according to Israeli public radio. Other the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. near the Syrian border. “We did not expect the airstrike. Issa was the highest-ranking among wound last week during a police drug raid media reported a similar protest by uni- Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and outcome in terms of the stature of those killed - the group, and was among the senior cadres on the Negev Bedouin town of Rahat. versity students in the northern city of fought a 34-day war with Israel in 2006, said six certainly not the Iranian general,” the source who headed the group’s operations in Syria. Police have opened an enquiry to deter- Haifa. Residents of Rahat have been on of its members died in the strike. Tehran has said. “We thought we were hitting an enemy Around 10,000 supporters took part in his mine if the shot was fired by officers or strike since Sunday. —AFP vowed to strike back. “These martyrdoms field unit that was on its way to carry out an funeral in the southern Lebanese village of Arab proved the need to stick with jihad. The Zionists attack on us at the frontier fence. We got the Salim. Mourners fired their guns in the air and must await ruinous thunderbolts,” Revolutionary alert, we spotted the vehicle, identified it was an shouted anti-Israel slogans.—Agencies Russia, Iran sign military deal

TEHRAN: Iran and Russia signed an agreement yesterday to expand military ties in a visit to Tehran by the Russian defense minister. Sergei Shoigu, in remarks carried by Russian news agen- cies, said Moscow wants to develop a “long-term and multifaceted” military relationship with Iran. He said that the new agreement includes expanded counter-terrorism cooperation, exchanges of military personnel for training pur- poses and an understanding for each country’s navy to more frequently use the other’s ports. Iran’s Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan urged greater cooperation as a means of oppos- ing American ambitions in the region. Moscow and Tehran have staunchly supported Syrian President Bashar Assad throughout Syria’s civil war, while Washington advocates regime change and supports rebel groups. “Iran and Russia are able to confront the expansionist intervention and greed of the United States through coopera- tion, synergy and activating strategic potential capacities,” Dehghan said. “As two neighbors, Iran and Russia have common viewpoints toward political, regional and global issues.” TEHRAN: Iran’s Defence Minister Hossein Dehqan (center) and his Russian counterpart Sergei Russia has maintained friendly ties with Iran Shoigu sign an agreement yesterday. — AFP and has built its first nuclear power plant. Last fall, it signed a deal to build two more reactors in States and Israel. Iran has filed a lawsuit with a Tuesday that Iran and Russia have agreed to set- Iran. Shoigu did not the mention ongoing con- court in Geneva seeking $4 billion in damages tle their differences over the missile deal, without troversy over a deal to deliver a sophisticated air over the breach of the contract, but the court offering further details. Last year, Russian media RAHAT: Arab-Israeli protesters carry portraits of Sami Al-Jaar, 22, who died of a gun- defense missile system to Iran. In 2007, Russia hasn’t yet made any ruling. Russia has insisted reports said that Moscow had sought to end the shot wound last week during a police raid, as they march in condemnation of his signed a $800-million contract to sell Tehran the that its decision to freeze the S-300 delivery was dispute by offering Iran a different, slightly inferi- death in this southern Israeli Bedouin city yesterday. Writing on placards reads “We S-300 missile system, but the weaponry was nev- based on the United Nations Security Council’s or version of the S-300 system, but Tehran had are all Sami.”— AFP er delivered amid strong objections by United sanctions against Iran. Iran’s state TV reported rejected the proposal. — AP Saudi rights crackdown linked to war on terror

DUBAI: A man is given 50 lashes in a public weekly that caricatured Prophet victims. Two days earlier, Badawi was Department and the UN high commission- to try terrorism cases, according to their square for “insulting Islam” on a liberal blog. Muhammad (PBUH). Badawi was arrested in flogged in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. er for human rights have called on Saudi families. Among others who have run afoul Another is arrested for filming and upload- 2012 after writing articles critical of Saudi Activists and lawyers say the kingdom’s authorities to rescind Badawi’s punishment. of the authorities is Waleed Abul-Khair, a ing a woman’s public beheading. Two Arabia’s clerics on his Free Saudi Liberals strict application of Sharia law against dis- The Saudi royal court referred his case in human rights lawyer who defended Badawi females are imprisoned and put on trial for blog, which has since been shut down. sent is part of an effort to appease the reli- December to Supreme Court judges to in court. Abul-Khair was found guilty by an writing on Twitter in support of women Hardliners wanted him charged with apos- gious conservatives who are vital support- review the case. anti-terrorism court under the new coun- driving. These cases have thrust Saudi tasy, which carries the death sentence in ers in the country’s fight against Sunni Maj Gen Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman terterrorism law of “undermining regime Arabia’s record on human rights back into Saudi Arabia, but he was instead found extremists. Badawi’s arrest and flogging for the Interior Ministry, had no comment officials”, “inciting public opinion” and the spotlight, with international concern guilty of the lesser charge of insulting were “a gift, let’s put it that way, to the on the crackdown and told AP his ministry “insulting the judiciary.” He was ordered to mounting over the limits of free speech in Islam. hardliners,” Kechichian said. has no involvement in the cases. Saudi serve 15 years in jail with the possibility of the Arab monarchy. He was sentenced in May to 10 years in lawyers say sharia law is far from absolute parole after 10 years. Human rights activists and lawyers say prison and 1,000 lashes and was fined Crucial Backing on free-speech issues. There is no written A judge last week stiffened his punish- the cases are part of a sweeping clamp- $266,000. He was scheduled for another Last year, the kingdom’s senior clerics law, for example, on what constitutes ment and ordered he serve the full 15 years down on dissent that has intensified in round of 50 lashes last Friday, but the flog- issued a stern religious edict, or fatwa, insulting Islam or what the punishment after Abul-Khair disputed the court’s juris- Saudi Arabia since the region’s 2011 Arab ging was canceled to allow his wounds to against Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State should be in cases of political dissent, said diction to go after peaceful dissidents. “The Spring upheaval. They say acts that offend heal, according to Amnesty International. “If group. The edict gave crucial religious Saudi rights lawyer Abdulaziz AlHussan. He current situation is simply that there is a the country’s religious hardliners or open you say that what happened in Paris is an backing to King Abdullah’s efforts to fight said some judges are issuing “extreme pun- severe case of repression against human up the kingdom to criticism, like the video attack on freedom of expression, than you the Islamic State as part of a US-led coali- ishment, without limitation, without rights activists and peaceful political of the execution that was widely seen can say what is happening to Raif is an tion. Saudi Arabia issued a sweeping coun- accountability.” activism,” said Samar Badawi, Abul-Khair’s before it was taken down, have landed peo- attack on freedom of expression,” said terterrorism law last year and has been try- It is unclear whether Saudi authorities wife and Raif Badawi’s sister. “We do not ple in jail as a warning to others. Amnesty’s Saudi researcher Sevag ing to deter its citizens from joining will respond to international pressure in oppose the government and do not want The case of Raif Badawi, a 31-year-old Kechichian. extremist groups that want to bring down Badawi’s case or that of two Saudi women its downfall, but we are calling for civil and father of three who was flogged this Just days after the attacks in Paris, Saudi its Western-allied monarchy. arrested in December after defying a ban political rights, a constitutional monarchy, month, has attracted the most attention in Arabia’s minister of state for foreign affairs But critics of the crackdown on dissent on female drivers. The women were an elected parliament and an independent, recent days, particularly in the aftermath of took part in the huge march that was held point out that public beheadings are also charged with inciting public opinion on just judiciary,” she told the AP from Jeddah the deadly attack in Paris against a satirical there to support free speech and honor the practiced by Al-Qaeda and IS. The US State Twitter and referred to a court established over Skype. — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Nicaraguan poet laments betrayal of revolution

MANAGUA: On the eve of his 90th birth- plishments as a politician, priest, sculp- vigorous and effective political poetry day, storied Nicaraguan poet and priest tor, translator, poet and author of numer- that Latin America has produced,” said Ernesto Cardenal laments what he calls ous works that have been translated into Uruguayan writer Mario Benedetti. the betrayal of the Sandinista revolution some 20 languages. Cardenal’s disagreements with Ortega’s by President Daniel Ortega. Ordained a Cardenal, who made international political leadership led him to resign Catholic priest in 1965, Cardenal left a headlines in 1983 when the late Pope from the FSLN in the 1990s and join mainly farming community he founded John Paul II publicly reprimanded him Sandinista dissenters. “There is no FSLN,” on the Solentiname Islands to join during a visit to Managua for supporting said Cardenal, only an “electioneering Sandinista rebels fighting against the the revolution, no longer has the same party that has put Ortega in power once Somoza family regime, which had ruled boundless energy as before. But he again.” the country for nearly half a century. “It remains in good health. The poet also opposes the govern- was a beautiful revolution. But what hap- ment’s plans to build an interoceanic pened is that it was betrayed,” said Protagonist of Revolutionary Struggle canal across Nicaragua that would rival Cardenal, who turned 90 yesterday, in an Adamant that religion “cannot be the Panama Canal. Led by a Chinese interview at the Nicaraguan Writers oblivious to political struggles,” Cardenal company HKND, the canal would go Center in Managua. “There is now the celebrated Mass in the guerrilla camps, through Lake Nicaragua, the largest family dictatorship of Daniel Ortega. helped create an international network source of fresh water in Central America. That’s not what we fought for.” of solidarity with the fighters, served as It is also home to the Solentiname Cardenal insisted he does not regret Sandinista spokesman when guerrilla Islands, where Cardenal recalls he once having supported the revolution, but leaders were in hiding and participated was “very happy” in the community he minces no words when it comes to with Ortega in the Sandinistas’ tri- founded. The canal “will be the end of Ortega, who first came to power with the umphant entry into Managua in July the archipelago, The lake and finally of Sandinista National Liberation Front in 1979. “It was the feast of a people who Nicaragua” he warned. the 1979 revolution. Ortega ruled until had never seen anything like it in their 1990 and then returned in 2007 for a sec- 500-year history,” Cardenal recalled in his ‘No Projects’ MANAGUA: Nicaraguan priest Ernesto Cardenal gestures at his office on ond stint as president, amassing “all the book “The Lost Revolution” (2004). Considered one of the foremost pro- Monday. — AFP powers of the country” and “fabulously His political poems such as “Time ponents of Liberation theology, Cardenal Reina Sofia Prize for Latin American Monroe” (1965), “Oracle on Managua” enriching himself,” Cardenal said. Zero,” which he dedicated to Sandinista fused his literary life with the struggle for Poetry in 2012, the Pablo Neruda Prize (1973) and “Cosmic Canticle” (1989), the Hunched over and walking with the help namesake and anti-imperialist hero social justice, pursuing both with dedica- for Poetry in 2009, and has been nomi- culmination of his mystical poetry. of a cane, his thick white mane covered Augusto Cesar Sandino, were the basis of tion and simplicity. He was awarded the nated for the Nobel Prize for literature. Cardenal still writes but has withdrawn in part by a trademark beret, Cardenal songs that inspired the revolutionary French Legion of Honor - France’s most His most celebrated works include from public life. “At my age, I have no speaks ardently of a long life of accom- struggle of the time. “They form the most distinguished award - in 2013, the “Epigrams” (1961), “Prayer for Marilyn projects at all.” he said.—AFP US senators see new era in historic Cuba talks

HAVANA: US lawmakers visiting Havana communist Cuba to lift travel restrictions voiced hope yesterday that historic talks for American diplomats within the island, between US and Cuban officials this week ease shipments to the US mission and lift a will mark a “new era” of relations, ending cap on personnel. The official added, how- decades of Cold War-era hostility. The six- ever, that US negotiators were “not going member delegation of congressional with the expectation of closing all of those Democrats, led by Senator Patrick Leahy, issues in this first conversation”. “We hope met Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez as there will be an accelerated pace of well as dissidents and Cardinal Jaime engagement beyond this first conversa- Ortega during their two-day visit. Their trip tion,” the official said. “A lot of the pace preceded talks today and tomorrow depends on the Cuban government.” between Cuban officials and the highest- Obama has ordered the State ranking US delegation to visit Havana since Department to review Cuba’s inclusion in a the 1980s. list of state sponsors of terrorism, an impor- The meeting will be the first since the tant step before embassies can reopen. But historic announcements in December by US the US officials said the review process will President Barack Obama and Cuban leader not hold up preparations to reopen the US Raul Castro that their countries will normal- embassy. ize ties that broke off in 1961. As the two nations get closer, one person has been More Milk for Cubans noticeably quiet: The 88-year-old retired For Cuba, getting its name off the US leader Fidel Castro has not reacted publicly blacklist is also crucial because it has to the rapprochement, sparking speculation blocked access to credit from international about his health. “This is historic. We were financial institutions. Cubans have voiced frozen in the same foreign policy with Cuba hope that the warming ties will translate for over 50 years,” Democratic Senator Dick into improvements in their daily lives, in a Durbin said at the end of the two-day visit. country where supermarket shelves are “Finally this president came to the realiza- bare and people make around $20 a tion that that policy wasn’t serving the best month. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a mem- LOS ANGELES: Members of a group named “Suits in Solidarity” hold signs while marching during the 30th annual Kingdom Day Parade in Los interests of the United States, of Cuba, or of ber of the Senate agriculture committee, Angeles on Monday. — AP the world,” he said. “Now we are moving said she looked forward to seeing “all kinds” toward a new era.” of US products hit Cuban markets. “We don’t want anyone to have to worry about Playing Down Expectations whether or not there will be potatoes on US tributes, protests mark The first day of the talks will center on the shelves, or milk on the shelves, or pork migration - an issue that has vexed both or beef or grains or fruits or vegetables,” she nations for decades, with Cubans hopping said. “We would love to be partners in that Martin Luther King Day on rickety boats to traverse 145 km of as well.” shark-infested waters to reach Florida. Then But some lawmakers have criticized tomorrow, the two sides will negotiate the Obama’s Cuba move, with Republican reopening of their embassies. Roberta Senator Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, Demos over black deaths by police Jacobson, the US assistant secretary of saying the White House had conceded too state for Western Hemisphere affairs, will much to the Castro regime. The Obama NEW YORK: Tributes to civil rights leader Martin nation half a century ago. laid down arrangements of blue hyacinths head the American delegation while the administration already took a major step Luther King Jr were held across the United States “We cannot act unless we understand what and white roses. Cubans will be represented by the foreign on Friday when it used executive powers to on Monday, with observers linking the federal Dr King taught us. He taught us that we still have Demonstrations in other US cities included ministry’s director for US affairs, Josefina loosen some travel and trade restrictions. holiday to a rallying cry in recent protests over a choice to make: nonviolent coexistence or vio- 1,500 protesters against police brutality in Vidal. US officials sought to play down any But the US Congress still has the final say police brutality: “Black lives matter.” King’s 1960s lent co-annihilation,” King’s daughter said as she Oakland, California, said Oakland Police Officer expectations that this week’s talks would on ending a five-decade embargo that has dream of racial equality was being viewed made reference to the high-profile deaths. “I can- Johnna Watson. There were no arrests. President immediately resolve all questions. The two forbidden most commerce and general through a lens focused on the deaths of not help but remember many women and men Barack Obama, the nation’s first African- countries are currently represented by tourism. For its part, the Cuban govern- unarmed black men after confrontations with who have been gunned down, not by a bad American president, took a more traditional “interests sections” without ambassadors. ment completed this month the release of police, including Eric Garner, who died in July police force but by some bad actors in a police approach to honoring King, spending the day A senior US State Department official 53 political prisoners who were on a list after being put in a chokehold in New York City, force,” she said. “We look at the yellow crime working with his family and other children on a said in Washington that the US side wants provided by the United States. — AFP and Michael Brown, shot in Ferguson, Missouri, scene tape that’s wrapped around America now literacy project at a Washington charity. Obama in August. and we know that we have a lot of work still to has shied away from race-related activism, but More than 60 people demonstrating against do,” Gwendoyln Boyd, president of Alabama after a grand jury failed to indict a white officer police brutality were arrested after blocking traf- State University, told the crowd that responded in Brown’s death, he spoke out against what he Supreme Court rules for fic on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, a major with an earsplitting “Amen!” called the “deep distrust” between law enforce- thoroughfare in the San Francisco Bay Area, said ment and black Americans, vowing to use his bearded Muslim inmate California Highway Patrol Officer Damian Cistaro. ‘Reclaiming Martin Luther King’ last two years in office to improve community Another 19 people were arrested by Seattle About 400 protesters blocked traffic in New policing and trust between the groups. WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court is sid- said in a 5-4 outcome in late June could be police after protesters blocked a major artery, York City as they walked about 60 blocks from In Atlanta, meanwhile, there were those who ing with a Muslim prison inmate in invoked by business owners who object to causing traffic delays. More than 1,800 people Harlem to near the United Nations, chanting looked back at King and his legacy, some too Arkansas who sued for the right to grow a paying for contraceptives. pressed into a King commemoration service at “Black lives matter!” as King’s speeches blared young to have ever known him and some who short beard for religious reasons. The This time around, the Obama adminis- the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where from loudspeakers. “This march is about reclaim- marched by King’s side. Actor David Oyelowo, court’s unanimous ruling Tuesday in a case tration, religious groups and atheists alike King once preached, some holding signs with ing Martin Luther King. He was a radical organiz- who played kind in the movie “Selma” about a about religious liberty stands in contrast to backed Holt, also known as Abdul Maalik his famous quote “I am a man,” others with plac- er - he’s been arrested, he believed in non-vio- chapter of the civil rights era in which protesters the Hobby Lobby case that bitterly divided Muhammad. More than 40 states allow ards reading “I can’t breathe” in Garner’s memory lence, but he was also disruptive,” said Linda were beaten and tear-gassed in 1960s Alabama, the justices in June over whether family- inmates to keep beards. Justice Samuel and “Hands up! Don’t shoot!” to honor Brown. Sarsour, spokeswoman for the Justice League said at the Atlanta commemoration that playing owned corporations could mount religious Alito said in his opinion for the court that King’s daughter exhorted the nation to act NYC, which organized the #Dream4Justice King was a heavy burden. The actor cried as he objections to paying for women’s contra- Arkansas can satisfy its security concerns in out against injustice but to heed her father’s March. talked about putting himself in King’s place. “I ceptives under the health care overhaul. some other way when “so many other pris- message of nonviolence. The Rev Bernice King Hours before an evening vigil on the only stepped into his shoes for a moment, but I The justices said that inmate Gregory ons allow inmates to grow beards while told those crowded into Ebenezer Baptist Staten Island street where Garner died, his asked myself, ‘How did he do it?’” Oyelowo said. Holt could maintain a half-inch beard ensuring prison safety and security.” Holt is Church in downtown Atlanta, King’s spiritual family placed wreaths on the Brooklyn street US Rep John Lewis told the Atlanta crowd he because Arkansas prison officials could not serving a life sentence for a brutal assault home, much has been done to end injustice but where two uniformed officers were ambushed was just 17 when King sent him a bus ticket to substantiate claims that the beard posed a on his girlfriend and is being held at a maxi- much remains to fulfill her father’s dream. “I chal- in December by a gunman claiming to avenge head to Alabama to join the civil rights move- security risk. Holt claimed that he has a mum security prison 80 miles southeast of lenge you to work with us as we help this nation the deaths of Garner and Brown. “This holiday ment. Lewis marched alongside King and called right to grow a beard under a federal law Little Rock. His case first came to the court’s choose nonviolence,” Bernice King told those should also represent that we are unequivo- him a hero who is “still a guiding light in my life”. aimed at protecting prisoners’ religious attention when he filed a handwritten plea gathered, where she urged a new generation to cally against the shedding of innocent blood,” “The memory of such a great man can never, rights. The law is similar to the Religious to the court asking it to block enforcement take up the courage and activism exhibited by said the Rev Al Sharpton, who accompanied ever fade,” Lewis said. “I still think about him Freedom Restoration Act that the court of Arkansas’ no-beard rule. —AP those who struggled to oppose racial discrimi- Garner’s widow, mother and children as they almost every day.” —Agencies Obama aims to influence 2016 debate

WASHINGTON: Key elements of the economic proposals you have a policy - some policy - for dealing with this issue.” class,” McDonough said on “CBS This Morning.” President Barack Obama will outline in his State of the Indeed, potential Republican candidates Jeb Bush and Mitt He said the president wants to make sure “we’re doing Union address appear to be aimed at driving the debate in Romney have been talking openly about income inequality everything we can to make sure that middle-class families the 2016 election on income inequality and middle-class and the need to give lower-earning Americans more oppor- can succeed.” McDonough said that Obama will not hesitate economic issues, rather than setting a realistic agenda for tunities. On the Democratic side, Massachusetts Sen. to veto legislation that doesn’t improve the lot of the mid- Congress. Obama’s calls for increasing taxes on the wealthy, Elizabeth Warren appears intent on keeping the party dle class. The president’s advisers argue that the debate making community college free for many students and focused on a populist economic agenda, even if she doesn’t over income equality is one that Democrats have won previ- expanding paid leave for workers stand little chance of win- plan to run for president herself. ously, including in Obama’s victory over Romney in the 2012 ning approval from the new Republican majority on Capitol As the nation’s attention increasingly turns to the presidential campaign and the fiscal cliff fight with Hill. But the debate over middle-class economics is looking 2016 election, the Obama White House is making clear Congress that led to the raising of George W Bush-era tax critical for the coming campaign. that it still wants to set the terms of the economic con- rates for the wealthiest Americans. “Inequality - and especially the growing opportunity gap versation. White House chief of staff Denis However, Obama no longer has the political advantage - have become the top litmus test of seriousness for 2016,” McDonough, appearing in a nationally broadcast inter- on Capitol Hill that he would need to enact more tax said Robert Putnam, a Harvard political scientist who has view yesterday morning, said Obama is determined to increases. When Obama addresses Congress Tuesday night, discussed inequality issues with the president and his advis- improve the lives of middle-class Americans. “His mind- he will be standing before a Republican majority in both ers. “The entry ticket for the presidential sweepstakes is that set is to keep doing everything he can for the middle chambers for the first time in his presidency.— AP Barack Obama p10 2_Layout 1 1/20/15 10:04 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 INTERNATIONAL The Sun covers up, ending topless tradition

LONDON: Phwoar no more: British the story, with head of public relations for editors”. ence” to the British edition. The Sun on tabloid The Sun has quietly ended a Dylan Sharpe described it as “specula- The page, which launched the Sunday, which was launched in 2012 decades-old tradition of putting topless tion”. “The Sun hasn’t said either way careers of models Samantha Fox in the after Murdoch’s News of the World was women on page 3 in a setback for what’s happening to page 3,” he told 1980s and Katie Price in the 1990s, has forced to close because a scandal over schoolboy fantasies that was welcomed AFP. also long been criticized as sexist. An phone hacking, has never featured top- by women around the country. The active petition to stop The Sun featuring less women. Times, which like The Sun is owned by ‘Great day for people power’ topless models gathered more than billionaire media tycoon Rupert Yesterday’s edition featured a photo 217,000 signatures. But a poll by Yougov ‘Loved doing page 3’ Murdoch’s News UK, said yesterday that of actresses in bikinis frolicking on a in 2012 found 61 percent of respon- There were also signs in recent last Friday’s edition of the tabloid was Dubai beach on page 3, while Monday’s dents in favor of keeping the pin-ups. months that The Sun was relenting to the last to feature a nude model after 44 edition had a model in lingerie. A tag The No More Page 3 campaign wel- pressure. Every Friday in November, the years. “The Sun will no longer feature line at the bottom of the page yesterday comed the apparent change in a newspaper featured a footballer in boxer topless models on page 3,” The Times invited readers to view the online edi- Facebook posting, calling it “truly his- shorts on its page 3 to encourage men said, adding that the change had been tion for topless photos of “Lucy from toric news and a great day for people to test for testicular cancer. On Tuesdays, on the cards since billionaire Murdoch Warwick”, implying that nudity may power”. The campaign was founded in its Page 3 Girl of the day also asked last year described the custom as “old have shifted from print to the web. 2012 by actress Lucy-Anne Holmes with women to check for breast cancer. It still fashioned”. The pin-ups have featured in the support from groups including ran into trouble last year, however, for an Education minister Nicky Morgan, newspaper since 1970 when 20-year- Girlguiding UK, Mumsnet and Breast advert offering the chance to win a date who is responsible for women and old German model Stephanie Rahn Cancer UK. Holmes reacted cautiously with a Page 3 model as a prize in a fanta- equalities in the cabinet, was quick to became the first “Page 3 Girl” and the to the reports. “The Sun hasn’t suddenly sy football competition. welcome the news. “This is a long-over- feature became something of an institu- decided that women say, think and do But model Jodie Marsh sent out a due decision and marks a small but sig- tion for two generations of British males interesting and incredible things,” she series of angry tweets lashing out at crit- nificant step towards improving media in line with the paper’s macho swagger. told BBC 2’s Newsnight program. ics of the photos. “I loved doing page 3, portrayal of women and girls,” she said. In an indication of the national import “It’s still basically saying women are it was good money, I felt powerful, I was “I very much hope it remains perma- of the news, the question was even here for decoration but it’s a step in the definitely in control,” she wrote. “Telling nent.” The tabloid is the country’s best- raised at a briefing by David Cameron’s right direction.” The Sun’s Irish edition girls they shouldn’t do page 3 is not LONDON: A file picture shows selling newspaper and has a circulation spokesman, who said the prime minis- had already banned topless girls in being a feminist. Women should do copies of British tabloid newspaper of around 2.2 million. It played down ter’s view was that “editors’ decisions are 2013, saying it had “a different audi- whatever they want.” —AFP The Sun. —AFP Austrian chancellor gives Saudi centre ultimatum

VIENNA: Austria’s chancellor threatened tence. Badawi’s second flogging session yesterday to withdraw support for a Saudi- was postponed last week on medical financed religious dialogue centre unless it grounds. condemns the public flogging of a Saudi The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz blogger that has sparked an international International Centre for Interreligious and outcry. “An inter-religious dialogue centre Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) was that remains silent when it is time to speak opened in Vienna with great pomp by UN out clearly for human rights is not worthy chief Ban Ki-moon and senior figures from of being called a dialogue centre. It is a the world’s main religions in 2012. Having silence centre,” Werner Faymann told radio come under considerable public pressure station Oe1. “It cannot possibly be that we of late, the KAICIID has said that it con- have a centre in Austria with the title ‘inter- demns all forms of violence, but has not religious dialogue’ while at the same time spoken out specifically about Badawi. It someone who actually engages in this is in says it does not want to get involved in the prison and fearing for his life,” Faymann internal affairs of other countries. said. Other members of Faymann’s govern- Saudi blogger and co-founder of the ment, notably Foreign Minister Sebastian Saudi Liberal Network, Raef Badawi, has Kurz, who is from a different party than the been jailed since 2012. This month he centre-left chancellor, have been less out- received 50 lashes as the first of 20 weekly spoken. Faymann said that he has ordered a floggings that he was sentenced to in report to be completed by March. “I will wait September concurrent with 10 years in for the report to see whether this centre...has prison for insulting Islam. Several countries achieved anything that could allow it to be including the United States - along with the called a dialogue centre. For me, as long as UN human rights chief, rights groups and the centre stays silent, it does not perform academics - have sharply criticised the sen- this function,” Faymann said. — AFP

Shelling in eastern Ukraine LUSAKA: Supporters of the Zambian ruling party Patriotic Front presidential candidate Edgar Lungu cheer in Lusaka, Zambia. —AFP kills at least six civilians

DONETSK: Shelling in the eastern Ukrainian tinuing at Donetsk airport and surrounding Zambians cry foul after polls region of Donetsk killed at least six civilians areas. Separatists insist they are entitled to yesterday, as fighting intensifies between control over the terminal, which now government and rebel forces. AP reporters remains little more than a smoldering shell, Lawyer and economist in tight presidential vote saw the bodies of two people killed while while Ukraine says the Minsk deal makes waiting for a bus in the separatist-held city no provisions for the airport. LUSAKA: One of the frontrunners in Zambia’s stake is the remaining year and a half of his five- the voters. Standing in rain-drenched clothes on of Donetsk. Separatist authorities said Ukraine military spokesman Andriy presidential election cried fraud just hours after year term in the copper-rich southern African muddy ground, with neither umbrella nor rain- another person died from an attack else- Lysenko yesterday said Russia this week polling stations opened yesterday in a tight race nation. Despite scheduled elections also due next coat, PF supporter Allan Kabwe’s spirits could not where in the city. Regional authorities loyal boosted separatist numbers with two bat- to replace Michael Sata, who died in office last year, Zambians braved rains and chilly tempera- be dampened. “I am going door-to-door to to the government said six people in total, talions, comprising 400 troops each. He year. Opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema, tures in long queues to cast their vote. encourage people to come and vote. We have to including the three counted in Donetsk, didn’t detail how that figure was obtained. 52, of the United Party for National Development The rivals-Lungu the lawyer and Hichilema the put Edgar into the state house,” said the 24-year- had died throughout the day. Russia’s Interfax news agency cited Russian (UPND), said some remote parts of the country businessman, known as HH both drew huge old street vendor. Hichilema’s camp is seen to Fighting spiked over the weekend in the ministry spokesman Maj Gen Igor had still not received ballot papers halfway crowds at last-minute rallies. But in the absence of have received a boost from the infighting within bitter battle for control over Donetsk’s Konashenkov as calling claims that troops through election day. reliable opinion polls, analysts hedged their bets. another major opposition party, the Movement now-shattered airport. The level of artillery had been sent into Ukraine as “absolute “Why are there no ballot papers in our strong- “It’s a two-horse race,” said Oliver Saasa, CEO of for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), whose candi- exchanges has abated since that peak. In nonsense.” While Moscow has routinely holds, someone is scheming around. It’s fraud,” Premier Consult, a business and economic consul- date Nevers Mumba has little chance. an effort to kick-start a peace process, denied supplying manpower and weapons Hakainde told reporters after casting his ballot in tancy firm. “It’s quite clear this is a very closely run Lungu’s PF, meanwhile, went into the vote German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter to separatists in Ukraine, the sheer quantity Lusaka. Hichilema is seen as the main challenger race.” badly fractured by a bitter power struggle after Steinmeier invited his counterparts from of powerful arms in rebel hands has long to Defense Minister Edgar Lungu, 58, who repre- Sata’s death in October. Two opposing camps-one France, Russia and Ukraine to a meeting in strained those assertions. Numerous sents the ruling Patriotic Front (PF). The Electoral ‘No need to start afresh’ led by Lungu and another by interim president Berlin today to discuss the crisis in eastern Russian citizens actively participate in com- Commission of Zambia blamed the late delivery In Lusaka’s working class suburb of Kanyama, Guy Scott-nominated rival presidential candi- Ukraine. The resurgence in fighting during bat in rebel formations, but Russia insists of ballot papers on heavy rains pounding the excited voters applauded and ululated when a dates. After many weeks of mud-slinging, Lungu the last few days led “to a threatening situa- they are there on a voluntary basis. country.”We have no control over the weather presiding officer declared the crowded polling emerged as the sole candidate-but of a weak- tion,” Steinmeier said in Berlin. The UN Office for the Coordination of and it is far from our desire that we should have... station open. “My vote is going to make a differ- ened party. Negotiating stakes for the warring par- Humanitarian Affairs cautioned earlier this late delivery of personnel and ballots which ence, we are going to remove this...(PF) family,” Scott, Africa’s first white leader in 20 years, can- ties hinge on the terms of a cease-fire deal month that the renewed intensification in would result in late commencement of the polls,” said 55-year old vegetable vendor Matron not stand for the presidency himself as his par- drawn up in September in the Belarusian hostilities is accompanied by an alarming commission director Priscilla Isaacs said. She said Siyasiya. “They can claim all the good work, but ents were not born in Zambia.With ideological capital, Minsk. Agreement was ostensibly deterioration in the humanitarian crisis. The that due to flooded roads, voting material and God’s favor is on my candidate, and that is HH.” differences between Zambia’s political parties dif- reached over a line of contact between the UN has said it is concerned thousands of personnel were being airlifted via military heli- Grace Nyirongo, who runs a takeaway food busi- ficult to pin down, voting patterns are often opposing forces, although that has been people are unable to buy essential food copter-though the weather was grounding some ness, said she was satisfied with the government determined by personalities and ethnicity rather insufficient to prevent continued fighting. and medicine and that many are living in of those flights. and echoed the ruling PF’s campaign slogan of than issues. Despite growth-oriented policies and A new truce reached in December swiftly cold winter conditions. More than 4,700 The first counts were expected to begin trick- continuity. “We want the government to contin- a stable economy over the past few years, at least unraveled after the New Year and culminat- people have died since the unrest began, ling in just before midnight (2200 GMT) while the ue with the projects started by Sata. 60 percent of Zambia’s population of 15 million ed with the confrontation that is still con- according to UN figures. — AP final results were to be released late Friday. The Frankly there’s no need to start afresh,” said lives below the poverty line, according to World interim vote was triggered after Sata died in Nyirongo. Shortly after the polls opened it began Bank figures. About 5.2 million people are eligible October last year from an undisclosed illness. At raining heavily in Lusaka, but that did not deter to vote. —AFP France arrests Russians over new attack plot

PARIS: France arrested five Russians yesterday jihadist network they believed was planning an fears of a resurgence of Islamist attacks in accused of plotting a new attack as four men attack in Syria. The Germans searched 13 apart- Europe. A Muslim employee in the Jewish super- suspected of helping the gunmen behind the ments in Berlin and other locations, seeking market, who was hailed as a hero for trying to Paris shootings were brought before anti-terror- people linked to the alleged leader and financier save customers during the attack in which four ist judge. European nations, on high alert after of the group who had been detained on Friday. people were killed, was set to gain French citi- the attacks that shook France to its core, have Greece also ordered the extradition of a 33-year- zenship yesterday. About 273,000 people had launched a wave of raids targeting suspected old Algerian man with suspected links to yet signed a petition calling for France to naturalize jihadist cells. French prosecutors said five another jihadist cell dismantled by Belgian secu- Lassana Bathily, 24, from Mali. Russians from the restive Muslim republic of rity forces last week over claims it was plotting The attacks have forced France to face up to Chechnya had been detained near the southern to kill police officers. its failure to integrate poorer, migrant families, city of Montpellier suspected of plotting an The suspected mastermind of the plot, with Prime Minister Manuel Valls admitting yes- attack. Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a 27-year-old Belgian of terday that the country suffered “social and eth- No further details about their plans were Moroccan descent, remains at large. And in nic apartheid”. He also sought to douse the immediately available. Meanwhile, prosecutors Bulgaria, a court ruled that a Frenchman who anger sweeping many Muslim countries after have called for charges against four men sus- knew two of the Paris attackers should be Charlie Hebdo once again published a cartoon pected of helping supply weapons and vehicles returned to his home country. France had issued on its cover. to the Islamist gunmen who killed 17 people in an arrest warrant for Muslim convert Fritz-Joly President Francois Hollande insisted his coun- three days of carnage around Paris. The four, Joachin, 29, who denies being an extremist but try “insults no one when we defend our ideas, who are appearing before a anti-terrorist judge, was detained after trying to cross from Bulgaria when we proclaim freedom”. But Valls sought to would be the first to face charges over the into Turkey before the attacks. nuance the message, saying “‘Je suis Charlie’ is January 7-9 attacks, the worst in France in not our only message to the world. “France car- decades. France’s ‘ethnic apartheid’ ries freedom of expression everywhere, but it DONETSK: Family and friends gather as a priest prays over the body of Artem There has been a flurry of activity by police The jihadist attacks in Paris on satirical maga- also defends other values it holds dear: peace, Bobrishev, a four-year-old, who died as a result of the shelling between pro-Russian and prosecutors across a jittery Europe, includ- zine Charlie Hebdo and a kosher supermarket respect for beliefs, dialogue between religions,” separatists and Ukrainian forces yesterday. — AFP ing raids by some 200 German police hunting a and police officers triggered global outrage and he said.— AFP

INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 AirAsia plane climbed too fast, then disappeared

JAKARTA: An AirAsia plane that crashed last month peared from radar. Jonan did not say what caused the Janeiro to Paris. Investigators were able to determine load and transcribe half of the cockpit voice recorder,” with 162 people on board was climbing at an abnor- plane to climb so rapidly. from the jet’s “black boxes” that it began a steep climb said Nurcahyo Utomo, a commissioner with the mally high rate, then plunged and suddenly disap- In their last contact with air-traffic controllers, the and then went into a stall from which the pilots were National Transportation Safety Committee. “It is too ear- peared from radar, Indonesia’s transport minister said pilots of AirAsia Flight 8501 asked to climb from 32,000 unable to recover. Airbus spokesman Justin Dubon ly to draw any conclusion yet because we don’t know yesterday. Ignasius Jonan told Parliament that radar feet to 38,000 feet to avoid threatening clouds, but said yesterday that it was too early to comment on pos- what is in the remaining half.” He said there was no indi- data showed the Airbus A320 was climbing at about were denied permission because of heavy air traffic. sible similarities between the two crashes. cation of terrorism, and there were no other voices in 6,000 feet a minute before it disappeared on Dec 28. “It Four minutes later, the plane disappeared. No distress Survey ships have located at least nine big objects, the cockpit other than the pilot and co-pilot. The plane is not normal to climb like that, it’s very rare for com- signal was received. An excessively rapid ascent is likely including the AirAsia jet’s fuselage and tail, in the Java was en route from Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest mercial planes, which normally climb just 1,000 to to cause an airplane to go into an aerodynamic stall. In Sea. The plane’s black boxes - the cockpit voice recorder city, to Singapore. Only 53 bodies have been recovered 2,000 feet per minute,” he said. “It can only be done by a 2009, an Air France Airbus A330 disappeared over the and flight data recorder - have been recovered but are so far. Rough sea conditions have repeatedly prevented fighter jet.” He said the plane then plunged and disap- Atlantic Ocean in bad weather while flying from Rio de still being analyzed. “So far, we’ve managed to down- divers from reaching the wreckage. — AP Activists threaten to send ‘The Interview’ to N Korea North warns activist he will ‘pay for crimes in blood’

SEOUL: South Korean activists threatened yes- terday to sneak copies of the Hollywood comedy “The Interview” into North Korea if Pyongyang rejects Seoul’s offer of dialogue. The North has already warned one activist, Park Sang-Hak, that he would “pay for his crimes in blood” if copies of the movie about a CIA plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un made it across the border. But Park said his group, Fighters for a Free North Korea (FFNK), which balloon- launched 100,000 anti-Pyongyang leaflets over the border Monday night, was prepared to face down the threats. KATHMANDU: Supporters of the 30-party alliance led by the Unified Communist “If the North fails to respond sincerely to Party of Nepal (Maoist) shout slogans during the general strike yesterday. — AFP Seoul’s offer for talks... we will send copies of ‘The Interview’ so feared by Kim Jong-Un,” Park Opposition turns violent told reporters in Seoul. In order to give time for the response, the activist said he would suspend any further balloon launches until after the inside Nepal parliament Lunar New Year on February 19. Seoul has pro- posed holding high-level talks with the North KATHMANDU: Fighting broke out in Nepal’s the Constituent Assembly met late into the with a view to organizing a reunion around the parliament yesterday, with Maoist lawmakers night, but Speaker Subash Nembang was Lunar New Year period for families divided by throwing chairs and injuring four security offi- forced to halt the debate after Maoist and the 1950-53 Korean war. cers as tensions ran high ahead of a deadline Madhesi lawmakers scuffled with ruling party Park said copies of “The Interview” were to complete a new national constitution. politicians. Rajan Bhattarai, a lawmaker with “intentionally” excluded from the leaflet pack- Hours later, police arrested more than 50 pro- the ruling UML party, said two fellow MPs had ages launched overnight Monday in an unpubli- SEOUL: Thor Halvorssen (center), president of the US-based Human Rights Foundation (HRF), testers who set fire to buses and taxis in an been struck by flying microphones, and cized operation near the border town of Paju. effort to enforce a nationwide shutdown blamed the Maoists for the violence. shows his T-shirt reading “Hack Them Back” during a press conference at the War Memorial of The US-based Human Rights Foundation, which Korea yesterday. — AFP called by the Maoists to protest moves to “We condemn this behavior, especially supports the FFNK activities, said the group complete the constitution. when Maoist leaders Pushpa Kamal Dahal intended to put 100,000 copies of the movie In October last year, North Korea border Halvorssen was temporarily interrupted by a The opposition Maoist party is seeking to and Baburam Bhattarai frequently assured of into the North this year on a rolling basis. guards attempted to shoot down some balloons, group of protestors waving banners reading: prevent Nepal’s ruling coalition from pushing consensus via peaceful methods,” he said, “Some people think it’s funny. Some people triggering a brief exchange of heavy machine “HRF, get out of Korea” and “Park Sang-Hak proposals through parliament without com- referring to the party’s two highest-profile think it’s not funny... But almost everyone we’ve gun fire between the two sides. South Korea the leaflet merchant”. Any effort to include mon agreement before Thursday’s deadline. leaders. Graduate student Shiva Shrestha told spoken to said this film in North Korea will create insists the activists have a democratic right to “The Interview” DVDs in the regular leaflet They say discussions on the constitution AFP the constitution was “beginning to feel a lot of healthy discussion and debate among send the leaflets, but has appealed for restraint packages would certainly trigger a furious should continue until a final agreement is like a fairytale”, reflecting the frustration felt North Korean people,” Thor Halvorssen, the head to avoid overly provoking the North. Local resi- reaction from Pyongyang, which had labeled reached-even if that means missing the dead- by many Nepalis. “Who behaves like a bunch of the HRF, said. North Korea, which refers to the dents living near the launch sites have com- the film “a wanton act of terror” before its line. Yesterday’s strike shut down factories, of wild animals while trying to complete a activists as “human scum,” has long condemned plained that the activists are putting their lives release. North Korea has denied US accusa- shops, schools and public transport in the constitution?” he said. The ruling parties and the balloon launches and in recent months has at risk by making them potential targets for tions that it was behind a devastating cyber- Himalayan nation, which has endured pro- their allies have the two-thirds majority in stepped up its demands for Seoul to ban the North Korean retaliation. attack on the studio behind the film, Sony longed political limbo since 2006, when the parliament that they need to pass a new con- practice entirely. The joint press conference by Park and Pictures. — AFP Maoists ended their decade-long insurgency. stitution without Maoist support. But the for- The usually gridlocked streets of Kathmandu mer rebels have warned of further conflict if remained clear during morning rush hour as the ruling parties fail to take opposition views many people heeded the Maoist call to stay into account. China denies home in the capital, where 6,000 police have Nepal has had two elections and six been deployed. prime ministers since the civil war between hundreds of Despite extensive discussions, Nepal’s law- Maoist insurgents and the state ended in makers have failed to agree on a charter and 2006. But its warring political parties have citizens trapped have missed a series of deadlines. They are failed to make headway on many disputed in Myanmar widely expected to miss Thursday’s cut-off, issues and conclude the peace process. The further deepening popular disillusionment resulting political instability has deterred with the political process of the young repub- investment and annual growth has fallen YANGON: More than 100 Chinese citi- lic. Disagreements persist on crucial issues, from 6.1 percent in 2008 to 3.6 percent in zens trapped by fighting between gov- with the opposition calling for new provinces 2013, according to World Bank data. There ernment troops and insurgents in to be created along lines that could favor his- are also growing signs of popular unrest. northern Myanmar, have been arrested torically marginalized communities such as Last week police arrested more than 70 pro- and are being held by the Myanmar the “untouchable” Dalit caste and the testers for attacking vehicles or coercing government, a Chinese embassy Madhesi ethnic minority. Other parties say shopkeepers to close their stores during a spokesman in Yangon said yesterday. such a move would be divisive and a threat to Maoist-led strike in Kathmandu. Yesterday’s Pan Xuesong told Reuters that repre- national unity. strike is backed by a hardline group which sentatives from the embassy had split from the main Maoist party in June arrived in the Kachin state capital of ‘Bunch of wild animals’ 2012, accusing its leaders of betraying their Myitkyina on Monday to meet with With just two days left to draft the charter, radical principles. — AFP more than 100 Chinese nationals who were being held in a prison there. The state-backed Global Times reported on Monday that Chinese nationals were among 2,000 civilians trapped in the northern state of PESHAWAR: This photograph shows a Pakistani carpenter making a coffin at a workshop in Kachin, which borders southern China, Pakistan. — AFP where the Myanmar military has been battling the rebel Kachin Independence Army (KIA) for years. Pan Deadly attacks drive said said that the local government claimed the Chinese nationals had entered Myanmar illegally, but that the Pakistan coffin boom arrested workers had denied this. “The embassy is now working for PESHAWAR: Northwest Pakistan has been gripped by after the attack. Other vendors like 23-year-old their release,” he said. The Chinese a raging Islamist insurgency for more than a decade, Shehryar Khan cater more to the army and paramilitary nationals included miners, jade traders but a grim economic lifeline has emerged from the forces, for whom the trend has also caught on. and merchants. Myanmar government tragedy for some enterprising locals-a boom in coffin “We make special coffins for the military. They officials could not be reached for com- sales. Coffins are not part of traditional Islamic death demand good material, better wood and handles on ment. Earlier yesterday, China’s foreign rites in Pakistan, where corpses are normally bound in a the coffin,” said Khan, explaining that while an ordinary ministry denied a report that hundreds funeral shroud and laid upon a rope-cord bed at the model costs $30, his deluxe units cost around $100. NEW DELHI: An Indian traffic policeman directs the traffic in front of the illuminated of Chinese citizens had been trapped time of burial. But when it comes to the mutilated vic- “Twice or three times a year we have to manufacture a Central Secretariat and Parliament buildings yesterday. India will celebrate its 66th in the fighting. “According to a prelimi- tims of gun, suicide bomb and IED attacks, whose bod- very special coffin when a senior military officer dies. Republic Day on January 26 with a large military. — AFP nary investigation by our joint inves- ies are often in pieces, there is often little choice but to We use expensive cedar wood, good quality foam and tigative group in our consulate in gather the remains in a box. velvet cloth for this piece, and sell it for around 35,000 Myanmar, it is not true that there are a Jehanzeb Khan, a 60-year-old former hardware rupees ($350),” he added. Modi gets more sway in large number of Chinese citizens store owner in the city of Peshawar, was a pioneer of trapped in the crossfire zone,” Foreign the industry. “I used to sell two to three coffins in the 24-hour service new-look movie censor panel Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying early days of the business,” Khan, who began making in Islamic teachings stipulate that a burial must take said at a daily news briefing in Beijing. coffins in the 1980s, told AFP at his workshop. Back place as soon as possible, normally by sunset the same MUMBAI: Indian politicians, writers and big fan of Mr Modi and his vision ... but when it then, his clients were mostly Afghan refugees from the day. As such, Shehryar Khan keeps staff on duty at all Hua said China was willing to “pro- Bollywood film-makers linked to the ruling comes to passing films, there is a constitution Soviet invasion who needed coffins to take bodies back hours. “I sleep in the shop in night,” his salesman Niaz mote peace talks to play a constructive Bharatiya Janata Party have been named to the and you have to follow that,” Pandit said, on long road journeys home, or ultra-religious families Ali Shah told AFP. “The ambulance drivers know this, role” in northern Myanmar and called censorship panel, battling allegations they adding last week’s mass resignations were a who wanted the corpses of their women to remain in and whenever somebody needs a coffin they drive for “an early realization of lasting peace were hand-picked by a pro-Hindu government political move to discredit the ruling govern- purdah, away from the eyes of unrelated men. straight to our shop.” Sporting a black beard and a and stability”. The risk of fighting with a partisan agenda. Pahlaj Nihalani, a ment. But business began to pick up after a homegrown round cap on his head, 31-year-old Shah has been movie producer, was chosen as chairman of the Nihalani was not available for comment. spreading in the heavily militarized Islamist insurgency centered in the northwest began to working with Khan for four years and says he sees his Central Board of Film Certification on Monday Last week’s censor panel resignations were border region is a worry for China, take root in 2004 following the US invasion of job as a religious obligation. along with nine new members to replace prompted by the impending release of the which has built two oil and gas Afghanistan, with militants seeking shelter in Pakistan’s “We share others’ grief. They come to us crying. We incumbents who quit last week citing govern- controversial film “MSG: The Messenger of God”. pipelines through its Southeast Asian restive tribal areas. The Pakistani government says sell them coffins and it reminds us that we also have to ment interference. The panel had kept the film out of cinemas on neighbor to improve energy security. more than 50,000 people have since been killed in gun, die. This life is temporary,” he said. Jehanzeb Khan Nihalani, the producer of Bollywood hits the grounds that it was a promotional film Much of Myanmar’s jade is smuggled bomb and suicide attacks, and Peshawar’s coffin-sellers admits the business can take a depressing toll on those such as “Aankhen” in the 1990s, created a pro- about the leader of a religious sect and would over the border into China. An open- are struggling to keep up with demand. “People see who profit from it. The horrific Taliban school assault motional campaign video for the May 2014 encourage superstition. pit mine in the Kachin town of Hpakant coffins being used for dead bodies in hospitals after left him “devastated”, he said. “There have been attacks election that saw Prime Minister Narendra The decision was overturned by an appel- is the largest source of Myanmar jade. blasts, but now they’re buying them even for those in this city which broke my heart in the past, but this Modi come to power. The appointments invit- late tribunal that gave the go-ahead to the film In Myanmar, peace talks between rebel who die peacefully at home,” said Khan. was much more terrible and worrying. They were all ed ridicule on social media, with Twitter users starring Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, a spiritual groups and the semi-civilian govern- our own children, our young children.” The Al Khidmat questioning the merits of picking well-known leader with several million followers. Singh’s ment that took over in 2011 after near- Deluxe coffins trust, an Islamic charity which provides coffins to the sympathizers of Modi and his party. sect had supported BJP candidates in provin- ly 50 years of military rule ended last Khan, who now has competition from around 40 poor and unknown victims of attacks, says not all of the Newcomers on the panel include politi- cial elections last year. Yesterday, the opposi- September without agreement. The other vendors in this city of 4.5 million, sells around 15 vendors are as scrupulous. “There are businessmen cians, actors and a writer who wrote a script for tion Congress accused the government of KIA took up arms in 1961 and is the coffins a day. He aims to keep a reserve stock of 80 in who increase prices of coffins in emergencies whenev- a film about Modi. Film-maker Ashoke Pandit, keeping the ministries for human resources second-largest of about 20 ethnic case of major attacks, like last month’s Taliban massacre er there is a big attack in the city,” said Khalid Waqas, one of the new members, said individual politi- and information and broadcasting under the armed groups in Myanmar. — Reuters at a military-run school in Peshawar which killed 150 the charity’s vice president. “Some people get unjusti- cal leanings would not affect their work. “I’m a sway of Modi’s pro-Hindu platform.—Reuters people, mostly children. Khan’s shop handled 60 orders fied profits, even in the most tragic of times.” — AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

A man walks through the snowy landscape on the Grosser Feldberg Mountain near Schmitten in the Taunus region in western Germany yesterday. — AFP IS threatens to kill Japan hostages Latest Qaeda trial gets Continued from Page 1 said. The emailed threats were later confirmed to have come from a sender implicated in the killing of US jour- But Abe said Japan would not bow to extremism and nalist Foley, Fuji TV said. underway in New York pledged to honour his promise of aid. “I strongly demand Yukawa is a 42-year-old widower who reportedly has a that they not be harmed and that they be immediately history of attempted suicide and self-mutilation after his NEW YORK: The trial of a Saudi businessman accused in the charge personally by bin Laden, who was killed by US Navy released,” he told a news conference in Jerusalem. “The military goods business went bankrupt and his wife died 1998 Al-Qaeda bombings of US embassies in East Africa got SEALs in Pakistan in May 2011. Fawwaz is accused of setting international community will not give in to any form of of cancer. He came to widespread attention in Japan underway in New York on Tuesday with jury selection. Khalid up the London office to publicize bin Laden’s statements and terrorism and we have to make sure that we work togeth- when he appeared in footage posted last August in Al-Fawwaz, who was allegedly head of Al-Qaeda’s London serve as a conduit for messages between different Al-Qaeda er.” Abe said the aid he had promised in Cairo on Saturday which he was shown being roughly interrogated by his office until his arrest in 1999, is accused on four counts of con- cells From around 1993 - five years before the attacks - he is was to help the displaced and those made homeless by captors. He offered brief responses to questions posed in spiracy to kill Americans and conspiracy to destroy US proper- named as an Al-Qaeda associate who allegedly began to the conflict in Iraq and Syria. “This position is unshakable,” English about why he was in Syria and the reason he was ty. The attacks on the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, establish businesses and residence in Kenya. From 1995 to which were claimed by Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network, 1998, he allegedly provided bin Laden and other Al-Qaeda he said, describing the assistance as “absolutely neces- carrying a gun. He replied in stilted English that he was a killed 224 people and wounded around 5,000. members with communications, including a satellite phone, sary” for the survival of people who have fled fighting. “photographer” and a “journalist, half doctor”. “I’m no sol- Arrested in Britain in 1999, Fawwaz has already spent 16 and disseminated bin Laden’s declaration of jihad in England. Since August, IS has murdered three Americans and dier,” he said. Another video surfaced showing a man years in custody and pleads not guilty. Yesterday, he took a US District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who has overseen a string of two Britons, posting grisly video footage of their execu- believed to be Yukawa test-firing an AK-47 assault rifle in seat in the Manhattan court room, just a short walk from the terror trials ending in guilty convictions, opened the first stage tions. US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, Syria. site of the former Twin Towers destroyed by Al-Qaeda in the of jury selection on Tuesday. American aid worker Peter Kassig and British aid workers Japanese nationals’ involvement as combatants in for- 9/11 attacks. He wore a crisp white tunic, neatly pressed and A pool of around 200 prospective jurors, who have already Alan Henning and David Haines were all beheaded. The eign conflicts is limited, although the country’s extensive of the type traditionally favored by men in Saudi Arabia, with completed questionnaires, will be whittled down to 12, with militant who appeared in the video threatening the media is usually well-represented in hotspots. Japan has a crocheted white prayer cap on his head. He had dark shad- six alternates, who will hear the case. The process is expected Japanese hostages spoke with a very similar southern been relatively isolated from the Islamist violence that ows under his eyes, his face was pale and partially obscured to continue until at least Thursday before opening arguments English accent to the militant who appeared in the has hit other developed countries, having tended to stay by a long, pointy grey beard. can begin. The Fawwaz trial is estimated to last five weeks, footage posted of the executions of the Britons and away from US-led military interventions. In 2004, He folded his stocky frame into a court chair, put black- considerably shorter than previously expected. One of his co- Americans. Japanese tourist Shosei Koda was among a series of for- rimmed spectacles on his nose to consult documents and defendants, Libya’s Abu Anas Al-Libi, died in a New York hospi- Goto is a freelance journalist, born in 1967, who set up eign hostages beheaded by Al-Qaeda in Iraq in grisly exchanged pleasantries with his lawyers. US prosecutors claim tal earlier this month after suffering from advanced hepatitis C a video production company, named Independent Press videotaped executions. He had ignored government that Fawwaz was head of Al-Qaeda’s London office - put in and cancer. A second Egyptian, Adel Abdel Bary, pleaded in Tokyo in 1996, feeding video documentaries on the advice to travel to the country in the midst of the bloody Middle East and other regions to Japanese television net- insurgency that followed the US-led invasion of the pre- works, including public broadcaster NHK. He had been vious year. In early 2013, Japan was rocked when mili- out of contact since late October after telling family that tants overran a remote gas plant in the Algerian desert. he intended to return to Japan, NHK reported. In early The four-day ordeal that involved hundreds of hostages November, his wife received email demands for about ended when Algerian commandos stormed the plant. one billion yen ($8.5 million) in ransom from a person Ten Japanese died, giving the country the single biggest claiming to be an Islamic State group member, Fuji TV body count. — AFP

Al-Watan daily’s license cancelled...

Continued from Page 1 daily remained a staunch supporter of the government and firmly against the opposition. But the daily changed A large number of former MPs and activists hosted by course over the past two years and became very critical of Al-Watan satellite station blasted the government’s meas- the government. It has also been very critical of National ure as political in nature. Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, especially after The newspaper, established about half a century ago, he was elected speaker in August 2013. is owned by former oil minister Sheikh Ali Al-Khalifa Al- The court may decide today to suspend the closure Sabah, a member of the ruling family, who bought the decision and give the newspaper a new period of time to daily after the 1991 liberation of Kuwait, and is run by his rectify its financial situation or just simply set another date A young swan is about to start flying as it practices on the calm flooded area on the banks of the River Rhine elder son Sheikh Khalifa. For most of the period since, the for the case, keeping the newspaper closed. in Duisburg, Germany yesterday. — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 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

Issues Yazidis enjoy bittersweet homecoming

By Isabel Coles

he Yazidi family mourned her death, assuming she had been killed by Islamic State militants or exposure to Tthe blistering summer sun in northwest Iraq, but 15- year-old Suad Shaker Qassem was still alive. Over the week- end, she was released along with around 200 elderly, dis- ‘Imperialist’ mission to become embassy abled and infirm Yazidis after five months in Islamic State captivity. “I couldn’t believe it,” said Kawal Shaker Qassem, By Alexandre Grosbois remained as a “protestdome” against the United States in directed at the Cuban population. A furious Fidel responded 26, who found out his sister was among them when one of the past decade. by hoisting 138 black flags in front of the building to hide the his friends recognised her in a photograph and called him. “I he high-fenced US Interests Section on Havana’s post- messages. The display was finally turned off in 2009, a few came straight here.” Suad, who is severely disabled, lay card-pretty seafront was a symbol of the Cold War fric- Dog Diplomacy months after US President Barack Obama started his first under a blanket in a reception hall in Lalesh, the most Ttion that is now finally dissipating as it prepares to The United States has used its prime location to stage its term. For the heads of mission, representing US interests in sacred place for the minority Yazidi faith. Here, far from the become an embassy. Transforming the concrete and glass own protests, placing a sparkling “75” - in reference to the 75 Havana has been a challenge. Vicki Huddleston, who held the dangers of Islamic State, those released were reunited with mission into an embassy will be a central part of historic Cuban dissidents arrested the year before - at the center of its job between 1999-2002, saw her beloved Afghan hound relatives who had given them up for dead. The homecom- negotiations between US and Cuban officials this week Christmas decorations in 2004. The Cubans responded by excluded from a dog show in 2001. Her successor, former CIA ing was bittersweet. The released Yazidis said they could not aimed at restoring diplomatic relations. Guarded by stone- installing an enormous poster out front with pictures of the official James Cason, was derided in a Cuban cartoon charac- be at peace knowing that many of their loved ones remained in Islamic State hands. faced Cuban police officers, the building that was built in abuses committed by US soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, ter in 2005. But the faceoffs have become rare in recent years, 1953 lies along the famous Malecon seawall, a favorite with the slogan “Fascists Made in the USA”. In 2006, the US highlighting the detente that was announced by Obama and A Horrible Choice meeting spot for locals and tourists alike. Cars are forbidden mission put up a giant display screen with political messages Cuban President Raul Castro on Dec 17. — AFP Last August, as Islamic State attacked parts of northern to park in front of it and police chide pedestrians who want Nineveh province, long controlled by Kurdish security to walk along the facility. The United States closed its forces, and threatened to over-run the Kurdistan regional embassy in 1961, when diplomatic relations with Fidel capital Arbil, the Yazidi minority fled their villages; thou- Castro’s revolutionary government broke off, and reopened Refugees at snowed-in sands sought refuge on nearby Sinjar mountain. Those too it as an interests section in 1977 under then US president old or weak to get away were left behind. Fleeing their vil- Jimmy Carter. Since then, the mission and its 360 staff mem- lage of Tel Qasab, the Qassem family piled into a car but it bers - most of them Cuban nationals - officially mostly han- broke down, so they were forced to continue on foot. dle consular operations and work to promote human rights. camp long for ceasefire Suad, who is unable to walk alone, was carried on her Now the United States wants to turn the building back brother’s back. Their father, who had suffered a stroke, was into an embassy with an ambassador, with more freedom of By Sylvia Westall 10 Syrian refugees froze to death in Lebanon during the falling behind. “My brother called me and said I can’t carry movement within Cuba for its American staff. This will be storm, which tore trees from the ground and blocked main her any longer,” said Qassem, who was in Kurdistan at the negotiated on Thursday between senior US State hen a deadly snow storm hit Lebanon last week, roads. “When you are facing such an unprecedented snow time. “He said I have two choices: either to save my sister, or Department official Roberta Jacobson and Cuban foreign Syrian refugees in the Bekaa Valley sheltered in storm, yes there are cracks in the system, there are limits to my father. I am going to leave her here.” Suad cannot say ministry official Josefina Vidal. The two sides will discuss Wtents made from plastic sheeting and shivered what we can do,” said Fabrizio Carboni, head of the what happened to her, but the other Yazidis said they had immigration issues on Wednesday. through the night. Nearly four years into the crisis, people International Committee of the Red Cross in Lebanon, been shunted from place to place by the militants, resigned at the snowed-in settlement near the border said they adding that aid had reached vulnerable people before the to the prospect each day might be their last. ‘Fatherland or Death’ would welcome any kind of solution in Syria between war- storm and the worst appeared over. ring parties so they can go home. “There are people here Lebanon is hosting around 1.5 million Syrians, giving it Odyssey Through Hell For years, the Castro regime has denounced the mission as the tip of the spear of US conspiracies against Cuba. In with no heating, some burning shoes and even tent materi- the highest per capita concentration of refugees in the Islamic State militants had caught up with them as they als to keep warm,” said Ali Abdulaziz, who said he was wor- world. The government tightened entry requirements this tried to get away and told them to return home, assuring 1980, the mission angered the government by offering pro- ried that smoke from fires fuelled with synthetic materials month, saying it could no longer manage the burden. Many them they would not be harmed. Days later, they were tection to around 400 asylum seekers during the Mariel had made people in the camp sick. refugees live in makeshift settlements like the one at Bar rounded up into groups and taken to different villages, boatpeople crisis, during which 125,000 Cubans fled to the Their suffering underlines the human cost of a conflict Elias, around 20km from the border. Some have basic shel- where they were kept under house arrest. The militants United States. Huge anti-American demonstrations were that has displaced nearly half of all Syrians. With diplomacy ters made from wood and plastic sheets taken from bill- brought them food, which they said was often too little, or held with as many as five million, half the island’s popula- to end the war at a standstill, hopes raised by the 2011 boards. Others have rigged up satellite dishes and have expired. One man said he and around 570 others had been tion, taking part. uprising against President Bashar al-Assad have long given portable ovens. held for three months in the village of Kucho. “We were just But it was in the new millennium that tensions around way to despair. Abdulaziz, 45, escaped the Damascus coun- Many residents were farmers from the Aleppo country- sitting around,” he said. Others said they had stayed in the the interests section reached a fever pitch. Across the main tryside for Lebanon in April and said neither the govern- side and said their districts back home had changed hands town of Sinjar itself. Most of them lost track of time, but said entrance, the Cuban government built a vast esplanade ment nor opposition fighters had done anything to stop many times between armed groups and government they were eventually herded into empty schools and taken with an “anti-imperialist platform” for anti-US rallies. Fidel the suffering there. “The political process is stumbling. forces. Abdullah Mohammad, 45, prayed for a ceasefire in to Tel Afar, a city west of Mosul. Young women were separat- Castro’s famous slogan “Fatherland or death, we will win!” is Parties encourage each other to fight and these political Aleppo, where the United Nations is trying to negotiate ed from old, and Islamic State emirs took the most attractive painted on a wall. The venue was built in 2000 during the games prolong the war,” he said. “May God calm the situa- between forces fighting for Assad and insurgents, whose as trophies. From there, some were moved on to Mosul and Elian Gonzalez custody saga - after a young boy was tion so that there is any political solution, we want to go fighting has carved up the city. “We are for peace, any hour Badush jail, where 59-year-old Sahwa Iyas Hussein found plucked from an inner tube by the US Coast Guard after his back to our country.” they announce they stop the military operations and peo- Storm “Zina” ripped through the region last week, killing ple can live in security, trust me there will be none of us left Suad among hundreds of other imprisoned Yazidis and mother died while crossing the Florida Strait, and his Cuban took care of her until they were freed: “I took pity on her.” a refugee child and his father in Lebanon as they were try- in Lebanon,” Mohammad said. But he has little faith in any father demanded his return. At the end of the esplanade, ing to cross the border, the UN refugee agency said. Aid of the groups fighting in the war. “There is no difference Cubans erected a statue of 19th century independence Aftermath agencies warn that 7 million displaced children are at risk between the opposition and the loyalists. Our country is hero Jose Marti pointing toward the interests section while When Islamic State militants ordered them onto buses from the harsh winter weather in Syria and neighbouring ruined and we don’t have any help from any of them,” he early on Saturday, the Yazidis thought they were being led holding a child who resembles young Elian. The boy’s father countries. The main Syrian political opposition group said said.—Reuters to their execution. Instead, they were dropped off at a brought Elian back to Cuba in June 2000 but the site bridge crossing into Kurdish-controlled territory. None of them had expected to survive, let alone walk free. “We con- sidered ourselves dead,” said Mahal Fares Qassem, 35. It is Memorial recognizes Iran’s Jewish ‘martyrs’ not clear why Islamic State, which considers Yazidis devil- worshippers, decided to release them. By Cyril Julien example, her estate automatically goes to her husband’s family when President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate, was elected in 2013 Some said they had been told the extremist group’s instead of being divided amongst her relatives. Sameyah said and soon condemned The Holocaust. leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi himself had issued a pardon, t seems incongruous in Iran, where politicians chant “Death to there have been cases of those who murder Jews being “sen- Rouhani’s remarks were in stark contrast to his predecessor, and others speculated they had been part of a swap. “There Israel” and the Israeli flag is often burned, but a new memorial tenced to 10 to 18 years but then released after three”, while most Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who dubbed the mass killings a “myth” are always people who have mercy, even in the Islamic Iin Tehran is bringing recognition to the country’s “Jewish mar- killers in Iran face the death penalty. and organised a notorious conference in Tehran in 2006 bringing State,” said 45-year-old Khafshe Mrad Gernous, five of whose tyrs”. The memorial has been raised in the three-hectare Jewish He said he had attended court cases against the killers of two together Holocaust deniers and sceptics. The government-spon- relatives are still unaccounted for. “I’m glad to be free but as cemetery in south Tehran - a striking reminder of a minority faith members of the Jewish community in recent years and “saw no sored event met with international fury and caused alarm among long as my family is captive, it’s as though I’m not alive.” whose more than 1,000-year heritage in Iran dwarfs the compara- regret in the eyes of those who committed the crime. “They were Iranian Jews. But it seems only an unfortunate memory to Sitting beside her, Finale Hassan Haji, 15, said she had saved bly short 35 years of the Islamic republic. For leaders of Iran’s small aware that in the end they will be freed. I find this dangerous for Sameyah.”Even at the beginning of the revolution Ayatollah herself from a worse fate by following her mother’s instruc- Jewish community, the memorial is a welcome sign of openness our community.” But remarkably the regular tirades of Iranian offi- Ruhollah Khomeini, and now (supreme leader) Ayatollah Ali tions to act dumb. Rumours circulated they might have from authorities despite continued concerns over discrimination. cials against Israel - the sworn enemy of the Islamic republic - do Khamenei, emphasise there is a difference between Zionism and been infected with some kind of disease to transmit back to “When someone looks at this monument, they will think about not seem to bother the Jewish community. “The Iranian people do Judaism,” he said. “Since the election of Mr Rouhani, we have seen the Kurdish region. Hama Fares Khodeida Kheder, 59, con- the sacrifices that were made by these martyrs,” said the head of not consider Jews as Zionists,” says Sameyah, who was reassured positive changes. This monument is one example.” — AFP cluded they were simply worthless. “Look at us! We are all Tehran’s Jewish community, Homayoun Sameyah Najaf Abadi. The old and decrepit. We weren’t of any value to them,” said names of 10 people have been etched in stone in the memorial, Kheder, who was sitting at home in his wheelchair when the erected in December at the cemetery where thousands of Jews militants arrived. Paralysed from the waist down, he made are buried. Five of them died fighting in the 1980-88 war against no attempt to escape. “They said convert to Islam or we will Iraq, three were killed by Saddam Hussein’s bombing of Tehran slaughter you, so we said the shahada,” he smiled, referring during the war and the other two died in the tumultuous early to the Islamic declaration of faith. “What were we supposed days of the 1979 revolution that ended the rule of the Iranian to do?” Many of them shrivelled with age and wrapped in shah. The conflict against Iraq is enshrined in the memory of blankets, the released Yazidis said they had not been Iranians, with hundreds of murals in Tehran to the 230,000 mar- abused. —Reuters tyrs, or “shohada”, who were killed in the conflict. Construction of the Jewish monument and the restoration of the 10 tombs of the dead was funded by a foundation that helps families of soldiers killed or wounded in the Iran-Iraq war. Iran had All articles appearing on these pages between 80,000 and 100,000 Jews before the revolution but most are the personal opinion of the writ- have since fled, mainly to the United States, Israel and Europe. There are now only about 8,500, mostly in Tehran but also in ers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibil- Isfahan and Shiraz, major cities south of the capital. With one des- ity for views expressed therein. Kuwait ignated member of parliament, Iran’s Jewish community is one of Times invites readers to voice their three officially recognised religious minorities. Armenian Christians have two designated MPs, while Assyrian-Chaldeans opinions. Please send submissions via and Zoroastrians have one each. email to: [email protected] or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, ‘Positive changes’ Under Rouhani Still, many Iranian Jews complain they are not treated equally Kuwait. The editor reserves the right under the law, said Sameyah, a doctor at Tehran’s Jewish Hospital. to edit any submission as necessary. Key positions in government are off-limits and there is some legal Homayoun Sameyah Najaf Abadi, head of Iran’s 8,500-strong Jewish community, poses in front of a new memorial for discrimination. If a Jewish woman married to a Muslim dies, for Iran’s Jewish people at the Beheshtieh Jewish cemetery in southern Tehran on Jan 9, 2015. — AFP p15_Layout 1 1/20/15 10:12 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 SPORTS

Ronaldo breaks up Several held in probe Platini urges Russia with girlfriend into Gignac transfer to pay Capello’s wages LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he has broken up MARSEILLE: A dozen persons, including agents, have been held for MOSCOW: European football chief Michel Platini yesterday urged with his longtime girlfriend, Russian model Irina questioning as part of an investigation into France striker Andre-Pierre Russia’s Football Union (RFU) to pay the wages they owe to national Shayk. Ronaldo says on Tuesday in a written state- Gignac’s transfer to Olympique de Marseille, judicial sources said yes- team manager Fabio Capello after they missed a deadline to settle the ment to The Associated Press, “After dating for five terday. debt. “Capello has never issued any complaints,” UEFA years, my relationship with Irina Shayk has come to The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they boss Platini told a news conference in Moscow after an end. “We believed it would be best for both of us are not allowed to discuss the matter publicly, added that people close meeting with RFU bosses. “But I don’t think it’s right to take this step now.” He says he is making the state- to the Marseille mob were also being held, confirming an information that the RFU are not paying his wages. It’s bad public- ment to end speculation about their relationship and from French radio RTL. ity for Russian football ahead of the upcoming 2018 World Cup. I recommend that the RFU move to solve his private life. Ronaldo recently picked up the Ballon OM president Vincent Labrune, as well as former presidents Pape this problem.” The RFU president Nikolai Tolstykh is d’Or after being voted the world’s best football player, Diouf and Jean-Claude Dasier, had earlier been held for questioning currently facing a sack threat over the six-month but Shayk did not accompany him to the ceremony in last November. Investigators are trying to figure out whether club offi- failure to pay Capello’s wages after a dead- Monaco. Her absence triggered rumors that their rela- cials took illegal commissions when Gignac was transferred from line issued by Russia’s labour tionship was over. — AP Toulouse in 2010. Marseille are second in the Ligue 1 standings one agency to pay the manager points behind Olympique Lyonnais. — Reuters expired on Monday. — AFP

Suarez, Bale, Rodriguez and Benzema star in adidas film

KUWAIT: adidas has lit a spark under the talk...”, features the larger than life per- world of football today by launching sonas of ‘Hero’ Gareth Bale, ‘Golden Boy’ their #ThereWillBeHaters campaign; James Rodriguez, ‘Target Man’ Luis focussed around a provocative new Suarez, and ‘Hip Hop VIP’ Karim Benzema. video featuring global football stars such The video takes a whirlwind tour of the as Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale, James perceived lives of these players, Rodriguez and Karim Benzema. focussing on their flash lifestyles, over If you have “haters”, then it’s the ulti- exuberant goal celebrations, possessions mate compliment. The best players know and good looks. The film then goes on that a great performance delivers “hate” to illustrate exactly how, why, and what from fans and opponents, particularly on the haters hate about them the most... social media, which then continues to their outstanding achievements on the fuel the confidence to deliver even field of play and the boots that drive greater performances. They thrive off it - these incredible performances. “They Kuwaiti Olympian Fuhaid Al-Daihani. Skeet World Champion Abdallah Al-Rasheedi. and they make no apology in doing so. hate your shiny new boots. They hate The film, featuring title track “Battle your boots... because they wish they were Royale (Haters Instrumental VIP)” by in them”. The world’s most hated players Apashe, has been released to coincide will wear the all-new adidas adizero f50, Kuwaiti shooters ready with the launch of adidas’ new football adidas Predator, adidas Nitrocharge and footwear range for 2015. The adidas adidas 11Pro on field from January 23rd, adizero f50, Predator, Nitrocharge and with the boots available to purchase from to compete in Grand Prix 11Pro all sit at the cutting edge of tech- Monday 2nd February at adidas own- nology, ensuring you will deliver a retail outlets as well as specialist retailers “haters” performance when you step out worldwide. For further information please HH the Amir’s Fourth International Grand Prix onto the field. visit adidas.com/football or go to face- The film, which kicks off with the book.com/adidasfootball or follow @adi- By Abdellatif Sharaa He said the teams after being in touch with and each has a large number of shooters. provocative voiceover of “They hate the dasfootball #ThereWillB-eHaters on twit- the world’s outstanding shooters, they went to He said HH the Amir Grand Prix is distin- way you walk. They hate the way you ter to join the conversation. KUWAIT: Director of Kuwait Shooting National several camps to prepare well for the event. guished in regards to shotgun over the world Teams Mohammad Hizyed Al-Daihani said all He said that the “national teams are among championship by the number of participating Kuwaiti shooters, both male and female are those predicted to win first places, and the shooters, as there will be 25 groups with six ready to compete in HH the Amir’s Fourth preparations we spoke about indicate that.” members each. International Grand Prix to be held at Sheikh Al-Daihani added that we keep working at all Al-Daihani thanked HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex times to be at par with developments to main- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his between Jan 24 and Jan 31. tain the high levels we reached, and keeps us patronage of the championship, and unlimited He said preparations of the national team ahead in the presence of Kuwaiti champions support to shooters. He also thanked the came as they should, because they participated such as Fuhaid Al-Daihani, Abdullah Al-Rashidi, Shooting Sport Federation under the leadership in Spain’s international championship, then Khalid Al-Mudhaf and Hamad Al-Afasi. of Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi and board members who Korea’s Asiad, UAE’s Asian shooting tournament He said competition will be fierce, as usual spared no effort to improve the game and sup- and the Arab championship in Qatar. bearing in mind that there will be 58 countries port shooters. 12th Kuwait Inter School basketball championship Girls Under 12, 14 and 16 Categories Results

KUWAIT: Match played on 16th & 17th Jan turned in the second half where UIS caught Match 6 - UIS (A) v/s ICSK, ICSK did not 2015 with schools participating in this cate- the IEAS team relaxed and not converting play the match they played with IEAS and gory included (1) Indian English Academy easy baskets. UIS fought fell and managed to managed to score only 8 points. UIS (A) beat School, (2) Carmel School Kuwait (3) United equalize 24 / 24. With both teams on 5 team ICSK 33/08 Bale Indian School (4) Fahaheel Al Wataniya fouls in the dying minutes of the game IEAS Match 7 -IIS -M v/s UIS (B), another close School (5) Indian Educational School and(6) managed to sneak 3 points with one basket encounter match IIS-M gave UIS (B) a tough Indian Community School Kuwait. and converting one of the two free throws. fight. As mentioned earlier it’s a battle of For coaches of the various schools, the Well played to both teams showed character nerve and experience that comes to place. biggest worry getting enough time to coach and discipline. Final score 29/26. UIS beat IIS - M 28/26 just by one basket, and get their teams ready for any tourna- which I personally feel that IIS-M should have ment. In Kuwait it’s not like back home in Boys Under 14 Resutls won the match if players converted their India, where schools have the facilities or the (1) Indian English Academy School, (2) shots and free throw. venue is easily and cost effective to hire, for Carmel’s School Kuwait (3) United Indian coaching kids in various events. Secondly School (4) Fahaheel Al Wataniya School (5) Girls’ Under 14 & 16 Results here sports are not even given a secondary Indian Educational School (6) Indian (1) Indian English Academy School, (2) thought. There are so many obstacles faced, Community school Kuwait (7) Integrated Carmel’s School Kuwait (3) United Indian yet somehow the Physical Education teach- Indian School - Mangaf (8) Indian Central School (4) Fahaheel Al Wataniya School (5) ers manage to bring the best in a child. School. Indian Educational School (6) Indian Parents who came to watch or cheer would Match 1- ICSK v/s IEAS, it looked like a Community School Kuwait. agree with me, watching the young children one sided match in favor of ICSK. However it Match 1 - Under 14 - ICSK v/s IEAS, A playing with lot of enthusiasm, but lacking of changed in the last minute in the first half, match that IEAS should have won easily with practice. when IEAS lads fought back and reduced the the talent skills in the team, failed their Match 1 - IEAS v/s CSK, ball control and lead to two points at the hooter of the first coach in all areas of the match. ICSK beat attacking the opponents, was the strength of half. This was because ICSK jersey number 5 IEAS 11/06. IEAS. CSK girls put up a tough fight not giv- who was the player and main scorer, was on Match 2 - Under 14 - ICS v/s CSK, talented ing up easily and loosing by only 4 points. four personal fouls, and the ICSK coach could but need to more skills in the ICS team, by Results 14/10. not take the chance of him not playing in the next tournament they will be a strong team Match 2 - UIS v/s DPS, DPS like their under second half. A right move which paid off in as a lot of individual skilled players. CSK beat 12 boys team is being developed with lot of the last minute in the second half, when he ICS 13/06. new faces and the organizers are confident single handed took the game away from Match 3 - UIS v/s DPS - Under 16 - UIS beat Suarez that next year we will see a much different IEAS beating them 19/ 13. DPS 25/07. team. UIS beat DPS 20/02. Match 2 -UIS -(A) v/s ICS , was one of those Match 4 - Under 14 - UIS v/s ICSK, a close Match 3 - IES v/s ICSK, another interesting close finishing match. Most of such matches finish match ICSK beating UIS 19/17 in the match played by two equal sides. Most of the it’s how the coach and players plan a strate- dying minute of the game. time going neck to neck on the score, it was gy and the experience comes in i.e. if the Match 5 - Under 14 - IEAS v/s ICS, Have in the second half last 3 minutes that CSK lead is just one point and you have the ball the IEAS girls finally got the rhythm that they took the lead and held on to it until the final in your hands. It’s all drops down to the last missed in the opening match of the day? whistle the score 20/16. second on the clock and the player with the And if it then the prize they paid would be a Match 4 - DPS v/s IEAS, was a one sided ball who must 100% be accurate with his costly affair on the standings IEAS won affair, and IEAS playing a slower space beat shot or layup, where the ball goes into the 27/09. DPS 17/00. basket and the final hotter goes off the same Match 6 - Under 16 - IEAS v/s DPS, IEAS Match 5 - UIS v/s CSK, was a close time. UIS (A) beating ICS 25/24 defending their title began on a positive encounter and surprising the score did not Match 3 -IIS-M v/s CSK , the young lads of note defeating DPS 18/03. exceed above 10 points. Both schools in their IIS-M played at a fast space good collection Match 7 - Under 14 - UIS v/s ICS, UIS losing opening matches showed the capabilities had an upper hand on CSK. IIS- M won 31/17 to ICSK came back with a much better side in and skills. UIS beat CSK 09/05. Match 4 - UIS (B) v/s DPS, DPS is in the their second match and beating ICS 29/02. IEAS will play UIS in the finals, while DPS process of developing its basketball team Match 7 - Under 14 - IEAS v/s CSK, IEAS and CSK will look for the 3rd and 4th place. the junior level. And next year we are bound defeated CSK 17 /09 with two games on Mach 6 - 3rd and 4th Place. DPS v/s CSK. to see a different performance. UIS (B) beat hand to decide their fate in the overall stand- DPS who lost with poor margin in the DBP 38/10 ing. Match 8 - Under 16 - UIS v/s IEAS, both league stages nearly beat CSK to secure the Match 5 - IEAS v/s IES, the result of this last year finalist a match that was swinging 3rd place. Brave fight put up by DPS girls, match was decided in overtime. With IES both ways. But this year the UIS star Anu lost to CSK, final score 19/13 leading until the last second of the normal came with a vengeance and there was noth- time 16/12, when IEAS hit back two quick ing stopping her to achieve her goal. She sin- Match 7 - Finals baskets to equalize the score and could have gle handedly won UIS their first winner’s tro- UIS v/s IEAS, at first it looked as a one won if the last try was scored. In the extra phy in the girls under 16 category beating sided game, IEAS leading 13 / 05 The tables time IES beat IEAS 23/20. IEAS 34/23. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 SPORTS Golfer Allenby stands by story of ordeal LOS ANGELES: Australian golfer Robert woman who described finding him after missing the cut at the PGA Tour’s park 10 kilometers away without his incident. On Sunday, Allenby issued a Allenby on Monday insisted to the Golf bloodied on a Honoulu street corner was Sony Open. The 43-year-old posted a phone or wallet. statement saying he was grateful he did- Channel that cuts and bruises on his face “getting paid” for her claims. photo on his private Facebook account He said he was helped by a homeless n’t suffer “anything major” medically. He were proof that he was kidnapped, “It’s such a shame that people are showing him bloodied with a large woman and a man who put him into a wasn’t sure if he would be ready to play robbed and assaulted in Hawaii. focusing on whether the story is true,” scrape on his forehead and another on taxi back to his hotel. this week in the US PGA Tour’s event Allenby sent the texts after an appar- Allenby said in the texts, according to the bridge of his nose. Charade Keane, the homeless woman near Palm Springs, California, and on ent witness offered conflicting details to the Golf Channel. “I say you only have to Allenby said over the weekend that who found Allenby, told an Australian Monday the Golf Channel quoted him as the press about his strange ordeal on look at me to see the truth.” he was separated from his friends at the television station he was just a block saying he was “not feeling great”. Friday night. Allenby says he was beaten and bar and couldn’t remember what had from the wine bar when she found him, “Can’t open my eye,” he told the net- In text messages to the Golf Channel, robbed after being kidnapped from a happened to him between that time and and he was being harassed by two men. work in a text. “Haven’t been able to Allenby suggested that a homeless wine bar on Friday night near Waikiki, when he was dumped from a car in a Honolulu police are investigating the sleep.” —AFP Garcia bids for slice of history in Qatar Masters

DOHA: Spanish star Sergio Garcia will aim to Henrik Stenson and Ernie Els. both guys finished last year really well, while become the first player to win back-to-back titles Garcia is playing in the tournament for the there are many other players who can win this in Doha when the $2.5 million (2.1million euros) 10th time, having made his debut at the age of tournament.” Qatar Masters begins at the wind-battered Doha 19 in 1999. From 2007 onwards, he has played in Stenson is competing in Doha for the 15th Golf Club today. every edition of the event, which he considers straight time, while Ryder Cup heroes Thomas The 35-year-old took the Mother of Pearl tro- one of his favourites. Bjorn and Stephen Gallacher will also take part. phy last year following a thrilling playoff against “I’ve started my season in Qatar for the last Bjorn, 43, the 2011 champion in Qatar, was part Finn Mikko Ilonen, and the Spaniard made no few years, and I always enjoy coming back. I just of the winning European Ryder Cup team last secret of his ambition to do an encore in what is feel very comfortable here,” Garcia said. September, and is a three-time runner-up in the his first tournament of the year. “The weather’s usually great. “But it’s meant majors. “I came close to winning a few times, so it to warm up later in the week, so I’m looking for- He has 15 European Tour titles under his belt, was nice to get over the line last year,” Garcia ward to playing in my short sleeves with the sun and carries tremendous experience of playing said. “I played really well on the last day to get on my back and hopefully a smile on my face.” on desert courses. “I’m a big fan of the Qatar into the playoff, then had to play really well all The Spaniard, however, will face a tough chal- Masters,” Bj¯rn said. over again to beat Mikko. lenge from a host of stars. “This year it’s a really “I played really well in 2011 when I won it and “So I have some good memories and hopeful- strong field with players like Henrik [Stenson] it’s always an event I enjoy, with great weather, a ly they can inspire me to have another successful and Justin [Rose], who have been among the fantastic course, excellent fans and just good all- week. “I want to play as well as I can and put up a world’s best players in recent years. “They’ll round hospitality. With so many Ryder Cup win- good defence of my title,” added Garcia, who will obviously be among the players to watch out ners this year, it looks like a strong field and play the first two rounds in an all-star group with for. Henrik has won the tournament before and that’s great for all of us.” —AFP

HAMBURG: In this Nov. 15, 2014 file photo IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko from Ukraine celebrates after winning the IBF heavyweight world championships title bout against Bulgarian boxer Kubrat Pulev in Hamburg, Tiger Woods’ Germany. Klitschko has agreed to defend his WBA and IBF heavyweight titles against Bryant Jennings on April 25, 2015 at Madison Square Garden. It will be the champi- front tooth on’s first fight in the United States in seven years. — AP knocked out by Klitschko to face Briggs videographer after Jennings bout CORTINA D’AMPEZZO: Tiger Woods has another BERLIN: World heavyweight champion up to his knock-out of Bulgaria’s Kubrat reason not to like cameras - his agent said it cost him Wladimir Klitschko has said he wants to Pulev last November by attempting to a tooth. Woods made a surprise visit to Italy on finally meet taunter Shannon Briggs of gate-crash a media sparing session bare- Monday to watch girlfriend Lindsey Vonn capture her the United States in the ring after facing chested and yelling his demand to fight record 63rd World Cup race. The photo that generat- Bryant Jennings in April. the champion. ed all the buzz was Woods missing his front tooth. His management has confirmed WBA, In the past, Briggs has taunted The culprit, according to his agent, was a camera. WBO, IBF and IBO champion Klitschko Klitschko while the champion was eating “During a crush of photographers at the awards podi- will face undefeated American heavy- in a Miami restaurant and even used a um at the World Cup event in Italy, a media member weight Jennings at New York’s Madison speedboat to bother Klitschko while the with a shoulder-mounted video camera pushed and Square Gardens on April 25. Ukrainian was paddle-surfing. But Klitschko, 38, insists he is keen to Klitschko was last defeated more than surged toward the stage, turned and hit Tiger Woods meet former WBO heavyweight champi- a decade ago and only the fine details of in the mouth,” Mark Steinberg of Excel Sports said in on Briggs to end the 43-year-old’s con- the Jennings bout are still to be finalised, an email. “Woods’ tooth was knocked out by the inci- stant goading of the Ukrainain world the champion’s management told SID, an dent.” champion to give him a fight. AFP subsidiary on Monday. Race organizers said this was not reported to “Shannon Briggs has stepped over the Another future possible opponent for them. They added that Woods did request extra secu- line in terms of good taste. I want to pun- Klitschko, who has 63 wins, 53 knock- rity and a snowmobile to exit the finish area, and ish him for his cheekiness and really want outs and three defeats on his resume, is organizers met both requests. “I was among those to fight him,” Hamburg-based Klitschko newly-crowned WBC heavyweight cham- who escorted him from the tent to the snowmobile told German magazine Sport Bild. pion Deontay Wilder. and there was no such incident,” Nicola Colli, the sec- “I understand Briggs. There is a logic The 29-year-old became the first retary general of the race organizing committee, told to what he does. “He wants to promote American boxer to claim a world heavy- The Associated Press. “When he arrived he asked for himself, just like Tyson Fury, David Haye, weight belt since 2006 after his unani- more security and we rounded up police to look after Manuel Charr and Marco Huck have mous points win over Canada’s Bermane both him and Lindsey.” done, the boys want to draw you into a Stiverne in Las Vegas on Saturday. Woods had been wearing a scarf with a skeleton conversation. “But no one has done it so Klitschko has said he wants to win the pattern over the lower part of his face, sunglasses well as Shannon Briggs. WBC belt, which his brother Vitali recent- and a stocking cap. The photo was taken when the “However, he has overstepped the ly held before moving into politics, to scarf was lowered. Woods first showed up in the ath- line, he doesn’t know when to stop and become the first boxer in history to hold letes’ area when Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, escorted it’s not funny any more.” all four major titles of IBF, WBA, WBO and him in shortly after Vonn took the lead. The golfer Briggs stalked Klitschko in the build- WBC belts. — AFP then surprised Vonn and gave the skier an emotional hug. After about 10-15 minutes of standing near Vonn with her family, Woods was escorted into a white tent usually reserved for measuring athletes’ skis. He stayed there for nearly an hour, while the last lower- ranked skiers came down and during the podium cel- ebration. After the podium celebration, Woods was escorted by police to a waiting snowmobile and taken away. Steinberg was traveling and did not say when Woods would have the tooth replaced. Golf’s biggest - and most photographed - star returns to competition next week in the Phoenix Open, and his smile is sure to produce a stream of shutters from the cameras. Woods has a long history with cameras, often frus- trated when shutters go off in the middle of his swing. One notable episode came during the Skins Game in 2002 when a corporate photographer clicked his camera as Woods was hitting a shot from the bunker on the final hole. His former caddie, Steve Williams, took the camera and set it on a steep bank DOHA: Poland’s Michal Daszek (C) passes the ball as teammate Andrzej Rojewski (R) of a pond so that it tumbled into the water. and Russia’s Alexander Pyshkin (L) look on during the 24th Men’s Handball World Another time, Woods was on the verge of his first bogey-free tournament at a World Golf CORTINA D’AMPEZZO: Tiger Woods, left, walks in the finish area of an alpine ski, Championships preliminary round Group D match between Poland and Russia at the women’s World Cup super-G, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Monday. Woods made a Championship in Ireland when a camera clicked at Lusail Sports Arena in Doha yesterday. —AFP surprise visit to Italy to watch girlfriend Lindsey Vonn capture her record 63rd the top of his tee shot. He made bogey, but still World Cup race. The photo that generated all the buzz was Woods missing his won.— AP front tooth. —AP Pacquiao wants Mayweather decision this month

LOS ANGELES: Manny Pacquiao thinks fans off on a May 2 fight in Las Vegas. 2009 and early 2010. deserve to see him fight Floyd Mayweather Pacquiao says he and promoters Top Rank The eyes of the boxing world have long and wants the unbeaten American to confirm have agreed to terms that include giving been on a showdown between the unbeaten a May date by the end of this month, the Los Mayweather a 60 percent cut of the proceeds Mayweather (47-0, 26 knockouts) and eight- Angeles Times reported Monday. “We have to in a megafight widely expected to shatter all division world champion Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 know soon because if they will not fight, we box-office and television revenue records. knockouts), two of the greatest boxers of their can move on and choose another opponent,” ESPN reported this month that Pacquiao has generation. Talk of the superfight gained the Filipino fight king told the newspaper on also agreed on issues such as the gloves to be steam in December, when Mayweather pro- DOHA: Ondrej Zdrahala of the Czech Republic (R) takes a shot on goal as Egypt’s a visit to its offices to promote his new docu- used and a drug testing protocol. Drug test- posed the May 2 date and Pacquiao vowed to goalkeeper Karim Handawy defends during the 24th Men’s Handball World mentary film, “Manny.” “We have a deadline... ing was one of the issues that caused a chase him into submission. But Mayweather Championships preliminary round Group C match between the Czech Republic and this month,” Pacquiao said, although he added Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown to fall has been mum since then on whether he Egypt at the Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiya Arena in Doha yesterday. — AFP that he didn’t know if Mayweather would sign through when it was being negotiated in plans to follow through. — AFP p17 2_Layout 1 1/20/15 10:05 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 SPORTS NZ overpower Lanka to win 4th ODI

WELLINGTON: Kane Williamson hit a Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said century and Luke Ronchi smashed 24 at the post-match presentation. runs off one explosive over when the “Kane showed how experienced he is match was still in the balance to steer and how he can formulate a game plan. New Zealand to a four-wicket win over Also finished off well by Corey and Sri Lanka in the fourth One Day Ronchi.” International in Nelson yesterday. Sri Lanka’s big three batsmen all made Sri Lanka set New Zealand a testing significant contributions to their total victory target of 277 to win the match at but the tourists did not get enough runs Saxton Oval after being bowled out for from the rest of their lineup on a good 276 in 49.3 overs and the Black Caps batting wicket. reached the mark with 11 balls to spare Mahela Jayawardene fell just six runs for the loss of six wickets. shy of a century and Kumar Sangakkara Williamson continued his rich run of made a swift 76 after Tillikaratne Dilshan form with the bat, scoring 103 off 107 gave the Sri Lankans a solid platform deliveries to provide the backbone of with 44. New Zealand’s innings. “After the start we got, I thought the He was well supported by Corey lower order batted poorly,” Sri Lanka cap- Anderson, who made a quickfire 47 tain Angelo Mathews said. “I thought before being run in the 46th over with Dilshan, Sangakkara and Mahela batted the home team still needing 32 for victo- beautifully. It was a very good wicket, ry. New Zealand required 25 off the last didn’t turn as much or slow up, but it was 18 balls when Ronchi tied the scores in a good batting track.” the blink of an eye, blasting three sixes, a Fast bowler Adam Milne was the pick boundary and a two off the 48th over of New Zealand’s attack with 2-28 from from Thisara Perera. seven overs, while opening bowler Tim Daniel Vettori spanked a boundary off Southee was expensive but finished with the first ball of the next over to end the 3-59. match, leaving Ronchi unbeaten on 32 New Zealand lead the best-of-seven from 15 balls. series 2-1 after they shared the first two “Really good effort from the bowlers games and the third match in Auckland to give us a score under par,” New on Saturday was rained out. — Reuters

SCOREBOARD

NELSON, New Zealand: Full scoreboard for the fourth one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Nelson yesterday.

Sri Lanka 0-19-1, Elliott 3-0-19-0 (1w), Vettori 10-0-41-0, D. Karunaratne lbw b Southee 5 Williamson 7-0-50-1 T. Dilshan c Guptill b Williamson 44 K. Sangakkara c Guptill b Milne 76 New Zealand M. Jayawardene c Ronchi b Anderson 94 M. Guptill c Sangakkara b Mathews 20 A. Mathews c Ronchi b Milne 0 B. McCullum c Perera b Kulasekara 11 BRISBANE: Ian Bell of England (L) drives a delivery past bowler Stuart Binny of India during the tri-series one-day cricket match between L. Thirimanne b McClenaghan 19 K. Williamson b Perera 103 England and India at the Gabba in Brisbane yesterday.— AFP T. Perera c McCullum b Southee 5 R. Taylor c Sangakkara b Herath 8 J. Mendis c Vettori b Southee 12 G. Elliott c Thirimanne b Mendis 44 N. Kulasekara run out (McCullum/McClenaghan) 4 G. Anderson run out (Dilshan) 47 S. Senanayake not out 1 L. Ronchi not out 32 R. Herath c Williamson b McClenaghan 0 D. Vettori not out 7 England thrash Extras (lb 2, w 14) 16 Extras (lb 1, wd 7) 8 Total (for 10 wickets, 49.3 overs) 276 Total (for 6 wickets, 48.1 overs) 280 Fall of Wickets:: 1-11 (Karunaratne), 2-113 Fall of wickets: 1-24 (McCullum), 2-41 (Guptill), 3- (Dilshan), 3-180 (Sangakkara), 4-180 (Mathews), 63 (Taylor), 4-151 (Elliott), 5-230 (Williamson), 6- 5-245 (Thirimanne), 6-253 (Jayawardene), 7-268 245 (Anderson) India in Brisbane (Perera), 8-270 (Mendis), 9-273 (Kulasekara), 10- Bowling: Kulasekara 9-0-51-1 (3w), Mathews 4-1- 276 (Herath) 16-1 (1w), Herath 9-1-39-1 (2w), Perera 8-0-58-1, Bowling: Southee 10-1-59-3 (4w), Milne 7-0-28-2 Senanayake 9.1-0-57-0, Mendis 7-0-40-1 (1w), (1w), McClenaghan 9.3-0-58-2 (4w), Anderson 3- Dilshan 2-0-18-0. BRISBANE: Pacemen Steven Finn produced a English side after injury, claimed the first wicket, revive India’s hopes briefly, before Finn again career-best performance to lead England to a removing the struggling Shikhar Dhawan for struck twice in quick succession to turn the nine-wicket thrashing of India in both countries’ one, before Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu match. second outing in a triangular one-day series in steadied the Indian cause with a 56-run stand. He had Dhoni caught behind by Jos Buttler Brisbane yesterday. The fall of Rahane, caught by Taylor from the on 34, the wicketkeeper’s fifth dismissal of the India’s decision to bat first backfired when bowling of Finn on 33, sparked the first of two innings, and India folded, losing their last five they were dismissed for just 153 in 39.3 overs in collapses during the innings. wickets for just 16 runs. the one-day international, with Finn exploiting Finn then claimed Rayudu, who scored 23, Finn picked up his fifth scalp when he the Gabba’s pace and bounce to claim five wick- and Virat Kohli, who managed just four, as India bowled Axar Patel for nought. Anderson ran ets for 33. slumped to 67 for five. Captain Mahendra Singh through the tail to finish with impressive figures In reply, England cruised to victory in just Dhoni and the recalled Binny put on 70 to of four for 18 from 8.3 overs. —AFP 27.3 overs giving them a much-needed confi- dence boost ahead of the World Cup in Australia SCOREBOARD and New Zealand that kicks off next month. Their recent one-day form has been very poor, but they were never stretched with the BRISBANE, Australia: Scoreboard in the triangular one-day international between England and bat as they finished on 156 for one, with opener India in Brisbane yesterday: Ian Bell unbeaten on 88 and James Taylor on 56 England S. Raina st Buttler b Ali 1 as they notched their first win under new cap- I. Bell not out 88 MS. Dhoni c Buttler b Finn 34 tain Eoin Morgan. M. Ali c Kohli b Binny 8 S. Binny c Morgan b Anderson 44 Stuart Binny, who top-scored for India with J. Taylor not out 56 A. Patel b Finn 0 44 in his return to the side, claimed the only Extras (w3, nb1) 4 B. Kumar b Anderson 5 wicket to fall, that of opener Moeen Ali for eight. Total (1 wicket, 27.3 overs) 156 M. Shami c Ali b Anderson 1 After losing to Australia on Sunday, the Indian Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Ali) U. Yadav not out 0 batsmen struggled to cope with the lively wick- Bowling: Binny 7-0-34-1, Kumar 2-0-18-0, Extras (lb3, w3, nb1) 7 et. Yadav 6-0-42-0, Shami 4-0-23-0, Patel 7.3-0-32- Total (all out, 39.3 overs) 153 Finn, on the other hand, made the most of it 0, Raina 1-0-7-0 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Dhawan), 2-57 (Rahane), 3- to claim his first five-wicket haul in 49 one-day 64 (Kohli), 4-65 (Raina), 5-67 (Rayudu), 6-137 internationals, including a number of prized India (Dhoni), 7-137 (Patel), 8-143 (Kumar), 9-153 Indian scalps. A. Rahane c Taylor b Finn 33 (Binny), 10-153 (Shami) He did most of his damage to the top order, S. Dhawan c Buttler b Anderson 1 Bowling: Anderson 8.3-2-18-4, Woakes 7-0-35- as India lost their way after being in a sound A. Rayudu c Buttler b Finn 23 0, Broad 7-0-33-0, Finn 8-0-33-5, Ali 9-0-31-1 position at 57-1. V. Kohli c Buttler b Finn 4 England won by nine wickets. Seamer James Anderson, returning to the Pakistan paceman NELSON: New Zealand’s Corey Anderson (L) plays a shot during the fourth day International cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Nelson at Saxton Oval yesterday. — AFP Junaid to miss New Zealand ODIs

KARACHI: Pakistan paceman Junaid Khan has Smith to captain failed to recover from an injury and has been replaced by all-rounder Bilawal Bhatti in the squad that will play two ODIs and two warm-ups in New Australia in ODI Zealand before next month’s World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Junaid has SYDNEY: Steven Smith will captain example, and we look forward to him been advised rest for at least two weeks to make a Australia in Friday’s one-day interna- doing so again on Friday.” complete recovery from a hamstring injury he suf- tional against England, with opener Australia on Tuesday added Shaun fered during a conditioning camp in Lahore for the David Warner and paceman Mitchell Marsh and Cameron White to the squad World Cup. Johnson missing the game, Cricket for Friday’s match in Hobart to replace “Junaid will not be leaving with the team on Australia said yesterday. Bailey and Warner, who is being rested Tuesday night and Bilawal has replaced him for the Smith was called in to skipper the to recover from hamstring soreness. two one-day internationals and two warm-up team after captain George Bailey was Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and games in New Zealand prior to the World Cup,” a slapped with a one-match suspension Johnson were also omitted from the 12- PCB spokesman told Reuters. over the team’s slow over-rate during man squad, with the former rested due Chief selector Moin Khan had discussed the their four-wicket win against India in to minor soreness in his left heel and issue with PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan and if the tri-series match on Sunday. Johnson out for unspecified personal Junaid recovered from his injury he would join the Cricket Australia said Smith, fresh reasons. team for the World Cup which begins from Feb. 14, from leading Australia in the Test series Coach Darren Lehmann said the spokesman added. against India as regular skipper Michael Australia needed to improve their over- Clarke recovers from a hamstring injury, rate. “We have bowled too many wides Pakistan will play two ODIs in New Zealand on will be the nation’s 22nd ODI captain. and we have been too slow between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3. “Steven’s appointment was a the overs,” he said. “We have got to get The 23-year-old Bilawal has played just two tests straightforward decision given the better at that. We should be able to get and eight one-day internationals but was over- excellent impression he made in charge through the overs in three-and-a-half looked for Pakistan’s final 15-member World Cup of the side during the Commonwealth hours with no dramas but we have squad. Bank Test series when he stepped in for been too slow.” Left-armer Junaid, one of Pakistan’s most suc- the injured Michael Clarke,” national Australia squad: Steven Smith (cap- cessful pacemen in recent times, made a come- selector Rodney Marsh said. tain), Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, back to domestic cricket late last month after “It is unfortunate for George Bailey James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad remaining out of action since September with an LAHORE: Pakistani bowler Bilawal Bhatti (C) poses along with teammates in Lahore that he will miss the match in his home Haddin, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, ankle injury he sustained before the one-day yesterday, before their departure to New Zealand. The Pakistan cricket team left on a state but in Steven we have a dynamic Gurinder Sandhu, Mitchell Starc, Shane series against Australia in the United Arab World Cup mission with their first destination New Zealand where they play two one- player who leads from the front, by Watson, Cameron White. —AFP Emirates.—Reuters day internationals before taking part in the mega event. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 SPORTS

No. 13 Arizona State snaps 16-game losing streak to Stanford

STANFORD: Promise Amukamara had en the Cardinal at Stanford - where she That came after an official review of half. Stanford forced seven turnovers Devils have the offensive threats to be a 17 points and seven rebounds and No. played her college ball under Hall of which team had possession, and it was over the first 9 1/2 minutes of the sec- more balanced team on both ends - and 13 Arizona State held off 11th-ranked Fame coach Tara VanDerveer. ruled a jump ball. ond half and opened with a 20-7 run to it sure is working so far. Arizona State Stanford 60-57 on Monday to stay Briana Roberson knocked down a 3- Orrange heaved the ball as the get right back in the game. The Cardinal used a 14-2 run late in the first half and unbeaten atop the Pac-12 standings pointer with 23.2 seconds left as buzzer sounded, and Arizona State play- closed within 46-42 on Erica McCall’s the cold-shooting Cardinal couldn’t despite the Cardinal’s second-half rally. Stanford pulled within 57-53, then ers ran to midcourt to celebrate. Lili basket with 8:13 to play, but missed key keep up on either end. They were outre- The Sun Devils (17-1, 6-0 Pac-12) Amber Orrange made an off-balance Thompson and Orrange scored 12 shots down the stretch after pulling as bounded 24-10 in the first half and had snapped a 16-game losing streak in the layin the next time down to make it a points each to lead Stanford (13-5, 5-1), close as one point. surrendered 20 points in the paint. rivalry and won at Maples Pavilion for two-point game. Sophie Brunner made which lost to Arizona State for the first Katie Hempen added nine points and Arizona State regularly drove only the second time spanning 33 two free throws with 11.1 seconds left, time since Feb. 16, 2006, in five assists for the Sun Devils, who won through the paint to create easy baskets chances in program history and first then Orrange drove the floor and scored Tempe.Arizona State used a 19-6 run their 13th straight game since their lone and held Stanford without a field goal since March 3, 1984. again. After Alisha Davis hit one of two over the final 10 minutes of the first half defeat against Green Bay on Nov. 29. for nearly 4 1/2 minutes late in the first Coach Charli Turner Thorne, in her free throws, Stanford got the ball back on the way to a 39-22 lead at the break A program long defined by its tena- half. The Sun Devils held a 44-22 18th year leading ASU, had never beat- with 2.6 seconds remaining down three. before being outplayed in the second cious, in-your-face defense, these Sun rebounding advantage overall. —AP

Kulemin, Islanders bust out again in 7-4 win over Flyers

UNIONDALE: Nikolay Kulemin had two stretch. Alexander Steen had two assists, goals and an assist as the New York giving him 18 points during a 10-game Islanders reclaimed first place in the points streak. Ken Hitchcock won his 153rd Eastern Conference with a 7-4 victory over game with St. Louis, tied with Brian Sutter the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. for second on the franchise list. The Blues Following its last game before the All-Star have won eight of nine at home against break, New York is assured of being on top Colorado. Matt Duchene scored for the of the Metropolitan Division when it Avalanche, who finished 1-2-2 on a five- resumes play next week. The Islanders, 15-2 game road trip. against divisional foes, are off until they host the New York Rangers next Tuesday. BLUE JACKETS 3, WILD 1 The Islanders are 16-4 overall at home. James Wisniewski had the go-ahead Michael Grabner, John Tavares and Nick goal, two assists and made a critical defen- Leddy each had a goal and an assist. sive play in the crease late in the third peri- Grabner gave the Islanders the lead on od to help Columbus beat Minnesota. their first shot, and Kulemin made it 3-0 Brandon Dubinsky scored early for the Blue with a short-handed tally on New York’s Jackets, and Scott Hartnell tipped in first shot of the second period. Kulemin Wisniewski’s shot with 3:03 left to seal the also scored in between, and Josh Bailey victory for goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. The All- and Tavares found the net in the Islanders’ Star made 25 saves to improve to 5-1 in his three-goal middle period. career against the Wild and win for the first time in five starts. Bobrovsky posted a 3.55 FLAMES 2, KINGS 1, OT goals-against average in those previous Dennis Wideman scored 4:08 into over- four losses. Zach Parise scored for the Wild, time as Calgary rallied for its fourth straight who fell to 4-9-4 over their last 17 games. victory. Sean Monahan tied it with 6:05 left in regulation for the Flames, who are HURRICANES 4, MAPLE LEAFS 1 unbeaten on their five game Pacific Division Eric Staal scored twice and Anton road trip. Joni Ortio stopped 33 shots in his Khudobin stopped 34 shots to lead fourth straight win as Calgary moved past Carolina. Brad Malone and Elias Lindholm Los Angeles into the final playoff spot in the also scored for the Hurricanes, who Western Conference with the victory. Matt improved to 6-2-1 this month. Nazem Kadri Greene scored midway through the third scored with 5:11 remaining to end ATLANTA: Al Horford, Greg Monroe, Brandon Jennings, Andre Drummond Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shoots over Detroit Pistons’ period and Jonathan Quick made 22 saves Khudobin’s shutout bid and end Toronto’s Greg Monroe (10), Brandon Jennings (7) and Andre Drummond (0) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday in Atlanta. — PA for the defending Stanley Cup champions, scoring drought at 162:14. The Maple Leafs, who wrapped up their seven-game homes- back home after a winless four-game trip, tand with a dismal 1 -2-4 record and have lost five straight and fell to 1-6-0 dropped out of the playoff picture. under interim coach Peter Horachek. The Hawks win 13th in row as Wideman’s goal wasn’t confirmed until Hurricanes controlled play against the video review confirmed his shot had rico- Leafs, chasing starting goalie Jonathan cheted off the camera inside the net. Bernier after he gave up Staal’s first goal in the opening minute of the second period. Scott, Millsap each get 20 CANUCKS 2, PANTHERS 1 Bernier gave up three goals on 13 shots, Radim Vrbata and Bo Horvat scored, and and was replaced by James Reimer - who ATLANTA: The Atlanta Hawks won their 13th The NBA-leading Warriors (33-6) out did Denver (18- Ryan Miller stopped 23 shots to lead stopped all 18 shots he faced. Staal capped straight game, one short of equaling the team TRAIL BLAZERS 98, KINGS 94 23) in nearly every major category, including shoot- Vancouver to its third straight win. Brandon the scoring with an empty-netter with 1:34 record, as Mike Scott and Paul Millsap each scored Damian Lillard scored 22 points, including the ing percentage (54.3 percent to 34.5 percent), Pirri spoiled Miller’s bid for a third straight remaining in the game. 20 points Monday in a 93-82 victory over the go-ahead basket with 1:20 remaining, as Portland rebounds (53 to 39), assists (30 to 17), blocks (six to shutout with 2:32 remaining, ending the Detroit Pistons. The Hawks haven’t lost since Dec. 26 ended a three-game losing streak with a win over three) and steals (10 to nine).Ty Lawson had 19 goalie’s career-best scoreless streak at DEVILS 5, SHARKS 2 against Milwaukee. Scott, a backup, had eight Sacramento. Lillard had six points during the final points and six assists, and Jameer Nelson had 14 200:45. Miller, who had blanked Mike Cammalleri scored a tiebreaking, points in the fourth quarter. Al Horford added 14 80 seconds and helped rally the Trail Blazers (31-11) points and five assists for the Nuggets, who have Philadelphia and Carolina in his last two power-play goal late in the second period points, seven assists and six rebounds. The Pistons from an 11-point, second-half deficit. Wesley lost three in a row. starts, topped his previous best scoreless to help New Jersey beat San Jose. Steve were trying for their franchise-record eighth Matthews scored 17 for Portland. Blazers forward streak of 161:35, set in 2010 with Buffalo Bernier, Jordin Tootoo, Travis Zajac and straight road win. Greg Monroe led Detroit with 16 LaMarcus Aldridge left in the second quarter with a MAVERICKS 103, GRIZZLIES 95 Vancouver improved to 3-1 on a five-game Jacob Josefson also scored for the Devils, points and 20 rebounds. Andre Drummond added left hand injury and did not return. The status of Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points, including the last road trip. The Panthers have lost a season- who bookended wins over Los Angeles and 13 points and 18 rebounds, but made only 3 of 12 Aldridge, who had 10 first-quarter points, was eight for Dallas in the final 2 minutes, as the worst four straight. Vrbata put Vancouver San Jose around a lopsided loss in Anaheim free throws. unknown. Aldridge leads Portland with averages of Mavericks defeated the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies took ahead at 3:25 of the first period and Horvat on what proved to be a successful 23.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Rudy Gay a two-point lead with about 4 minutes left, but doubled the lead at 8:03. California swing. Cory Schneider made 34 CAVALIERS 108, BULLS 94 scored 26 points and DeMarcus Cousins had 22 Dallas outscored Memphis 14-4 the rest of the way. saves one game after being knocked after LeBron James scored 26 points and J.R. Smith points and 19 rebounds for Sacramento (16-25). The Monta Ellis led the Mavericks with 25 points and BLUES 3, AVALANCHE 1 getting hit in the head by a puck. Joe added 20 as Cleveland entered a favorable portion Kings, who led by 13 in the first half, lost their fourth seven assists. Chandler Parsons added 15 points, Jaden Schwartz had a goal and assist as Pavelski and Matt Nieto scored for the of its schedule with a win over Chicago. Back home consecutive game. but was 5 of 14 from the field. Mike Conley, back St. Louis’ defense stifled Colorado. Brian Sharks, who have lost five of six home after winning two games in Los Angeles to salvage after missing two games with a right ankle sprain, Elliott made 17 saves, T.J. Oshie also scored games and have already surpassed last a trip out West, the Cavs had little trouble with the HORNETS 105, TIMBERWOLVES 80 led Memphis with 22 points. and defenseman Carl Gunnarsson got his year’s total of regulation home losses with Central Division-leading Bulls. Cleveland opened a Gerald Henderson scored 17 points and Brian second goal of the season for the Blues. St. their eighth this season. Alex Stalock made 25-point lead in the third quarter and handed Roberts added 16 as the Hornets defeated the RAPTORS 92, BUCKS 89 Louis has scored in a season-best eight 29 saves as he set a career high in goals Chicago its fourth loss in five games. Smith made Timberwolves - their seventh win in eight games. Kyle Lowry scored 18 points and was one of six consecutive games, going 7-0-1 in that allowed in a game. — AP six 3-pointers, Kyrie Irving scored 18 with 12 assists Charlotte’s Al Jefferson returned after a nine-game Toronto players to reach double figures against and Kevin Love added 16 points and 12 rebounds absence due to a groin injury. He had eight points Milwaukee. Terrence Ross added 16 points as the NHL results/standings for the Cavs, who have won three straight. and five rebounds in his 25 minutes. In all, Atlantic Division leaders (27-14) won for the third Cleveland can improve its record with three more Charlotte’s bench outscored Minnesota’s reserves time in 10 games. Ross did not start for just the sec- Los Angeles 1, Calgary 2 (OT); San Jose 2, New Jersey 5; Toronto 1, Carolina 4; Florida 1, Vancouver 2; St. home games this week and nine of its next 12 in 52-31. Reserves Gary Neal had 12 points and P.J. ond time in the last 104 games after he was held Louis 3, Colorado 1; Minnesota 1, Columbus 3; NY Islanders 7, Philadelphia 4. Quicken Loans Arena. Jimmy Butler scored 20 Hairston had 11 for Charlotte. Thaddeus Young had scoreless for the only time this season in a 95-93 points and Derrick Rose had 18 for the Bulls, who 18 points to lead Minnesota. loss against New Orleans on Sunday. Milwaukee Eastern Conference Western Conference played their third game in a row without starting (21-20), playing for the first time since beating New Atlantic Division Pacific Division center Joakim Noah (sprained ankle). Cavs center CLIPPERS 102, CELTICS 93 York on Thursday in London, got 20 points, five W L OT GF GA PTS Anaheim 30 10 6 133 121 66 Tampa Bay 29 14 4 152 126 62 Vancouver 26 15 3 123 110 55 Timofey Mozgov scored 15 with 15 rebounds in his Blake Griffin scored 22 points, and DeAndre rebounds, five assists and four steals from Brandon Detroit 26 11 9 134 115 61 San Jose 24 17 6 127 130 54 first home game for Cleveland since being acquired Jordan had 19 points and 12 rebounds as the Knight. MontrÈal 28 13 3 121 105 59 Calgary 25 18 3 133 119 53 in a Jan. 7 trade from Denver. Clippers held off the Celtics after losing most of a Boston 24 16 6 121 117 54 Los Angeles 20 14 12 127 122 52 23-point lead. J.J. Redick and reserve Jamal SUNS 115, LAKERS 100 Florida 20 14 10 107 122 50 Arizona 16 24 5 104 150 37 KNICKS 99, PELICANS 92 Crawford added 16 points each in Los Angeles’ Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas scored 24 Toronto 22 22 3 139 146 47 Edmonton 11 26 9 104 154 31 The Knicks ended their 16-game losing streak, eighth win in 11 games. Griffin came up one points apiece and fellow guard Eric Bledsoe added Ottawa 18 18 8 120 122 44 Central Division getting 24 points and nine rebounds from Carmelo rebound short of a double-double in helping the 17 as Phoenix pulled away in the second half to Buffalo 14 30 3 89 167 31 Nashville 30 10 4 136 102 64 Anthony to beat the short-handed Pelicans. Jose Clippers improve to 4-1 against the Celtics in their hand Los Angeles its fifth loss in a row, the last two Metropolitan Division St. Louis 29 13 4 148 111 62 NY Islanders 31 14 1 151 129 63 Calderon made his biggest basket of a difficult first last five meetings. Boston’s bench provided most of without Kobe Bryant. Nick Young scored 24 for the Chicago 28 15 2 139 105 58 Pittsburgh 26 12 6 134 111 58 season in New York, a 3-pointer with 32 seconds left its offense, with Brandon Bass scoring a leading 17 Lakers, who were tied 51-all at halftime but fell Winnipeg 25 14 8 131 117 58 NY Rangers 26 13 4 131 104 56 that gave the Knicks a four-point lead. That was just points, Marcus Thornton adding 15 and Marcus behind by 10 in the third quarter and 19 in the Washington 24 13 8 133 115 56 Dallas 21 17 7 143 148 49 enough to help them hold on for their first victory Smart 14. fourth. The Suns won their sixth in a row at home, Columbus 20 21 3 113 138 43 Colorado 19 18 10 122 135 48 since Dec. 12 and end the longest single-season their longest such streak in four years, and 13th in Philadelphia 18 22 7 127 144 43 Minnesota 20 20 5 124 132 45 skid in franchise history. Langston Galloway added WARRIORS 122, NUGGETS 79 their last 17 overall. Bryant sat out the loss at Utah New Jersey 17 22 8 107 134 42 Note: Overtime losses (OT) worth 1 pt and not 21 points for the Knicks, who improved the NBA’s Klay Thompson scored 22 points, and Stephen on Friday to rest and then took Monday off, too. He included in loss column (L). Carolina 16 25 5 98 120 37 worst record to 6-36. Tyreke Evans had 23 points Curry had 20 points and eight assists as the Golden is expected to rejoin the team for practice yester- and nine rebounds for the Pelicans, who were still State Warriors matched a club record with their day. The Lakers have lost seven of eight, eight of 10 without Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. 16th consecutive home win in impressive fashion. and 13 of 17. — AP

ROCKETS 110, PACERS 98 James Harden scored a season-high 45 points, NBA results/standings including 18 in the third quarter as the Rockets beat the Pacers. It was the 18th 30-point game and Phoenix 115, LA Lakers 100; Cleveland 108, Chicago 94; Portland 98, Sacramento 94; Milwaukee 89, Toronto 92; New fourth with 40 this season for Harden, the NBA’s York 99, New Orleans 92; Houston 110, Indiana 98; Memphis 95, Dallas 103; Atlanta 93, Detroit 82; Charlotte 105, leading scorer. Houston led by 10 at halftime and Minnesota 80; Washington 111, Philadelphia 76; Golden State 122, Denver 79; LA Clippers 102, Boston 93. used a 33-point third quarter, thanks in large part to Eastern Conference Western Conference four 3-pointers from Harden, to push the lead to 20 Atlantic Division Northwest Division entering the fourth. C.J. Miles had 23 points to lead W L PCT GB Portland 31 11 .738 — the Pacers, who have lost five straight. Harden fin- Toronto 27 14 .659 — Oklahoma City 20 20 .500 10 ished one point shy of his career high. Dwight Brooklyn 17 24 .415 10 Denver 18 23 .439 12.5 Howard had 14 points and 17 rebounds for the Boston 13 26 .333 13 Utah 14 27 .341 16.5 Philadelphia 8 33 .195 19 Rockets. Minnesota 7 33 .175 23 New York 6 36 .143 21.5 Pacific Division Central Division WIZARDS 111, 76ERS 76 Chicago 27 16 .628 — Golden State 33 6 .846 — Marcin Gortat scored 20 points, and John Wall Cleveland 22 20 .524 4.5 LA Clippers 28 14 .667 6.5 had 11 points and 10 assists as the Wizards beat the Milwaukee 21 20 .512 5 Phoenix 25 18 .581 10 overmatched 76ers. Washington went on a 20-3 run Detroit 16 26 .381 10.5 Sacramento 16 25 .390 18 for a 27-11 lead late in the first quarter and coasted Indiana 15 28 .349 12 LA Lakers 12 30 .286 22.5 to the win. Washington coach Randy Wittman Southeast Division Southwest Division removed his starters after three quarters. Seven Atlanta 34 8 .810 — Memphis 29 12 .707 — NEW YORK: New York Islanders left wing Nikolay Kulemin (86), center Brock Nelson Wizards scored in double figures. Kevin Seraphin, Washington 29 13 .690 5 Houston 29 13 .690 0.5 (29) and right wing Michael Grabner (40) celebrate Kulemin’s goal as Philadelphia who played most of his minutes after the game was Miami 18 22 .450 15 Dallas 29 13 .690 0.5 Flyers center Vincent Lecavalier (40) skates away in the first period of an NHL hockey Charlotte 17 25 .405 17 decided, had 14. Henry Sims scored 13 points for San Antonio 26 16 .619 3.5 game at Nassau Coliseum on Monday in Uniondale, NY Grabner also scored in the Orlando 15 29 .341 20 the Sixers. New Orleans 20 21 .488 9 first period. — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 SPORTS Penalty miss the turning point for Gourcuff

MONGOMO: Algeria coach Christian Rantie missed a chance to make it 2-0 Vahid Halilhodzic after the World Cup “It was a real test for the players on a Algeria could qualify with a win Gourcuff accepted a missed penalty by from the spot. And a Thulani finals last year. “Given the problems we pitch which does not allow you to keep against Ghana in their next game, also Tokelo Rantie proved crucial as his side Hlatshwayo own-goal restored parity were having in midfield on a pitch that the ball. in Mongomo, on Friday, depending on stormed back to beat South Africa 3-1 in before Faouzi Ghoulam and Islam does not favour passing football, I “It was a very intense match. The the outcome of the other Group C the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. Slimani secured a big win for the pre- brought on (Ishak) Belfodil to give their penalty was a turning point, because at match between Senegal and South Thuso Phala put Bafana Bafana tournament favourites. defence more problems. We managed 2-0 the game was not over but we Africa. ahead early in the second half in the “Our start to the second half was cat- to gain the upper hand at the end of the would have been in a difficult situation,” Senegal came from behind to beat Group C game in Mongomo, before astrophic,” said Gourcuff, who replaced match. added the 59-year-old Frenchman. Ghana 2-1 earlier on Monday. — AFP Adebayor unfazed by pain at the Lane

LONDON: Emmanuel Adebayor insists Troubled season he won’t be fazed if Tottenham support- Adebayor has scored just twice this ers give him another hostile reception in season, with his last goal coming in today’s League Cup semi-final clash October, but the continuing struggles of against Sheffield United. Spanish striker Roberto Soldado have Adebayor’s appearance as a second opened the way for the towering for- half substitute in Tottenham’s 2-1 win ward to potentially return to the starting against Sunderland on Saturday was his line-up as a partner for in-form Harry first for nine weeks because of injury, ill- Kane. ness and a period of compassionate After a troubled season which also leave due to family issues. saw him claim in November that his But the Togo star’s prolonged absence mother was practising black magic on hasn’t made Tottenham fans grow any him, Adebayor is adamant he wants to fonder of a player who irritated them ear- stay out of the headlines, and he praised lier this season when he claimed the Pochettino for refusing to be swayed team performed better away from home against him by the all the negative pub- due to the excessive pressure put on licity. them by the White Hart Lane faithful. “We have a very good relationship Adebayor was already regarded by between men because I am an adult and some as an uncommitted member of he knows what I have been through,” Mauricio Pochettino’s squad before that Adebayor said. ill-judged outburst, so it was hardly sur- “He knows what I can achieve and prising the 30-year-old was jeered by what I can do as a footballer so, yeah, we sections of the crowd when he returned have a mutual respect for each other. to action at the weekend. “It is always good to have a manager With Tottenham taking on Nigel that you can talk to as a friend and as a Clough’s third tier side in the semi-final brother. first leg at the Lane, Adebayor’s presence “He helped me a lot. When I have got could overshadow an important night a problem, I will definitely go to him and for the north Londoners. tell him ‘listen, this is my situation’. But the former Arsenal and “He always finds a solution to it, so it is Manchester City star says he won’t be always good to have a man manager like losing any sleep worrying about the fans’ him.” reaction. Tottenham are firm favourites to “I don’t want to understand it, but for advance to the Wembley final against me, I am not here to win any fans back. I Liverpool or Chelsea, but United will fan- just want to do my job as a professional,” cy their chances of adding another scalp MELBOURNE: Japan’s Shinji Okazaki (L) and Jordan’s Mohammad Al Dmeiri (R) contest the ball during the Asian Cup football match between Adebayor said. after their giant-killing spree over the last Japan and Jordan in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP “With my age, to be honest with you, I 18 months. don’t want to look because, no matter Clough’s team, currently seventh in what you do, there will always be some League One, have knocked out West that hate you. Ham and Southampton en route to the Japan into quarters “I don’t know if I will win the fans over, last four and shocked QPR in the FA Cup I just want to play football and enjoy earlier this month. myself. Those impressive exploits followed “I know if you do good, they will last season’s run to the FA Cup semi- applaud you. I know if you do bad, they finals, which included wins against Aston with 2-0 Jordan win will boo you. It is as simple as that.” Villa and Fulham. — AFP MELBOURNE: Keisuke Honda and Shinji minute in a live-wire performance. trophy again. “It won’t be easy,” insisted Kagawa. Kagawa were on target to give Japan a 2-0 win “Every game is a knockout game now and we Mahmoud on target as Iraq over Jordan yesterday as the holders swept ‘Gulf in class’ expect far tougher challenges.” — AFP imperiously into the Asian Cup quarter-finals. “We perhaps should have scored a second beat Palestine to make q-finals Talisman Honda snapped up a rebound on 24 goal earlier to avoid complications but I can’t minutes after Shinji Okazaki’s drive had been fault the players,” said Aguirre. “We created a lot CANBERRA: Talismanic striker Younis through from the resulting corner. well blocked by goalkeeper Amer Shafi, to net of chances and had two goals wiped out. I feel Matches on TV Mahmoud was on target but also missed Substitute Ali Adnan whipped the ball his third goal in three games and take the Blue we are improving game by game. (Local Timings) a penalty as Iraq overcame a stubborn in from the right and Mahmoud rose Samurai through as comfortable Group D win- “Physically and mentally, we’re strong,” added Palestine 2-0 yesterday to set up an Asian highest to connect with a near post ners. the Mexican. “Now it’s about keeping our disci- English League Cup Kagawa, largely ineffectual up to that point, pline and not getting involved with the referees Cup quarter-final with old rivals Iran. header to break the deadlock. Tottenham v Sheffield 22:45 The 2007 champions were not at their Palestine, thumped 4-0 by a wasteful slammed home the second from close range or controversies. Every match will be difficult eight minutes from time, capping Japan’s third from here and it’s important to peak at the right beIN SPORTS 1 HD best but goals by Mahmoud and a late Japan and then 5-1 by Jordan, should straight victory. They advanced to face the time.” beIN SPORTS 11 HD second from Ahmed Yaseen sent them have pulled level just three minutes later United Arab Emirates in the last eight while Makoto Hasebe, making a record 56th beIN SPORTS 13 HD through from Group D as runners-up when a careless pass by Salam Shakir Jordan were eliminated. appearance as Japan captain, bossed the mid- behind holders Japan, who made it three allowed Ashraf Al-Fawaghra clear on goal “It was an intense game,” Japan coach Javier field, constantly breaking up play to allow Italian Cup wins out of three by beating Jordan 2-0 but the Palestinian forward saw his shot Aguirre told reporters. “We had to give maxi- Honda and Yuto Nagatomo the freedom to run Fiorentina v Atalanta 20:00 in Melbourne. blocked by the legs of goalkeeper Jalal mum effort but we deserved to win. Now every- riot. beIN SPORTS 3 HD Mahmoud’s 48th minute header was Hassan. thing starts from zero again. All the eight teams Jordan coach Ray Wilkins, who had been only Iraq’s second goal in the tourna- Mahmoud, who has more than 130 in the quarter-finals have equal opportunity to screaming and waving his arms on the touchline Inter v Sampdoria 23:00 ment and their disjointed attack, which caps for his country, had the chance to win the tournament.” in red-faced fury as the veins bulged in his head, beIN SPORTS 3 HD struggled to penetrate the tournament’s settle the contest just on the hour mark Honda was his side’s heartbeat throughout gave a far calmer assessment of the game after beIN SPORTS 14 HD leakiest backline, will need to improve when Iraq were awarded a soft penalty. the match, watched by 25,000 in Melbourne the final whistle. beIN SPORTS 2 HD against a mean Iranian defence which Ahmed Mahajna was adjudged to including Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori, “It showed the gulf in class,” said the has yet to concede. have shoved Justin Meram in the back competing at the Australian Open across the Englishman. “We were beaten by an exceptional- African Nations Cup Mahmoud has long been the focal fig- but Mahmoud could only hit a low, soft road. ly good Japan team. That’s what we have to Burkina Faso v Guinea 19:00 ure of the Iraqi frontline, the last link to penalty which the towering stand-in Shortly after putting Japan in front, Honda aspire to-to be as good as those guys. It’s going beIN SPORTS 6 HD the 2007 Asian Cup winning side, but his Palestine goalkeeper Tawfiq whipped in a corner which defender Masato to take a very good team to beat the Japanese Congo v Gabon 22:00 Morishige met with a fierce header that forced team.” powers are clearly on the wane. Abuhammad parried away to his left. beIN SPORTS 6 HD His winning goal was a case of third The chances continued to come for an acrobatic tip-over from the busy Shafi. Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima barely Japan had the ball in the net after just 10 broke sweat as he kept a third clean sheet. time lucky. Having failed to hit the target the Iraqis in a second period of high Spain Copa del Rey in two previous subdued displays against intensity after a drab first half with the minutes, only for Takashi Inui’s bullet volley to be “We didn’t have too many opportunities,” ruled out after Okazaki was harshly adjudged to shrugged Wilkins. “It was very difficult to get the Villarreal v Getafe 22:00 Japan and Jordan he netted with his pace and driving runs of Ahmed Yaseen have taken the ball out of play before crossing. ball off them. My head’s still spinning, their foot- beIN SPORTS 16 HD third chance in as many second half min- causing problems for the debutants. Honda, fined $5,000 at the weekend for an ball is of a very, very high standard.” Thursday utes to break the Palestinian resistance. The attacking midfielder was outburst over the officiating at the Asian Cup, Japan, who won a record fourth Asian Cup by Barcelona v Atletico 0:00 The 31-year-old skipper hooked a inevitably the man to make the game also had a goal disallowed for a questionable edging Australia in the 2011 final, thrashed right foot shot wide in the 47th minute safe when his low 88th minute strike beIN SPORTS 16 HD offside shortly before the hour-mark and Palestine 4-0 and beat Iraq 1-0 in their first two Malaga v Bilbao 0:00 before Abdallatif Al-Bahdari’s out- from the edge of the penalty area smashed a shot against the post in the last games and are regarded as favourites to lift the stretched leg blocked his next effort sailed past a wrong-footed moments later but he finally found a way Abuhammad. —Reuters Mirallas penalty row fuels Everton frustration

LIVERPOOL: Everton forward Kevin Mirallas was “I would have been happy for the two players to Albion’s former Everton defender Joleon Lescott involved in a penalty row as the Belgian’s missed discuss it. There are a few penalty takers in the conceded a clear penalty when he handled after spot-kick condemned his struggling side to a frus- squad and the big disappointment is we missed Romelu Lukaku tried to bring the ball down inside trating 0-0 draw against West Bromwich Albion on the penalty, not who took it. the area with his chest. Monday. “He (Mirallas) was not feeling 100 percent, he Baines had scored 15 of his last 16 penalties, but Mirallas appeared to ignore his team-mates felt his hamstring straight after the penalty. That it was Mirallas who snatched the ball and ignored when he picked up the ball to take a penalty was the reason for the substitution.” his team-mates’ protests before driving his spot- instead of spot-kick expert Leighton Baines just kick against a post. before half-time at Goodison Park. Lacking punch It was a huge blunder by the Belgian and And the winger’s risky decision backfired as his With a scene from Sylvester Stallone’s new Martinez appeared to waste little time laying down penalty hit a post and he was then taken off by Rocky movie being filmed at half-time, both the law to his rebellious star as he hauled off Everton manager Roberto Martinez moments later Everton and Albion were sorely lacking a knockout Mirallas at half-time and sent on Bryan Oviedo in at half-time. Mirallas’s actions, which came just punch in a dour encounter. Unsurprisingly given his place. The controversy could have destabilised days after he was linked with a potential move to their recent struggles, Martinez’s men looked short Everton, but they pushed hard in the second half Tottenham or German side Borussia Dortmund, will of confidence and when Baines had their first shot, and Lukaku’s shot was blocked when the burly be interpreted as a selfish attempt to seize the the left-back was unable to get enough power striker tried to bulldoze his way through. spotlight. But more significantly, his miss means behind it to trouble Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster. After scoring six goals in his previous three Martinez’s troubled team are now without a win in A foul on Baines gave Mirallas the chance to try appearances, Albion striker Saido Berahino was their last eight matches in all competitions and sit his luck with a free-kick in a dangerous position, completely anonymous and he was replaced by only four points above the Premier League relega- but the Belgium international’s effort was easily midfielder Graham Dorrans as boss Tony Pulis tried tion zone. saved by Foster. to spark his side into life. Instead, it was Everton CANBERRA: Younus Mahmood of Iraq (C) and Abdallatif Albahdari of Palestine (R) “For me, Leighton is the number one penalty Even when Everton were handed a golden who nearly won it when Ross Barkley and Steven fight for the ball during their Group D football match of the AFC Asian Cup in taker but at that moment Kevin felt really confident opportunity to open the scoring in the 43rd Naismith combined to tee up Lukaku, but the strik- Canberra yesterday. — AFP and wanted to take it,” Martinez said. minute, they still couldn’t take advantage. er shot wide from 12 yards. — AFP Hawks win 13th in Japan into row as Scott, Millsap quarters with each get 20 2-0 Jordan win

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 201518 19 Tiger Woods’ front tooth knocked out by videographer Page 16

MELBOURNE: Serena Williams of the US makes a forehand return to Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. — AP Serena cruises as Wozniacki-Azarenka face off

MELBOURNE: Australian Open top seed Serena Serena Williams, 33, is chasing a fifth Australian title the mouth-watering showdown between Wozniacki year’s humiliating first-round exit at the same venue. Williams showed she was back to her Grand Slam best that would take her Grand Slam tally to 19, placing her and Azarenka, a two-time Australian champion unseed- “It’s never easy to be the favourite on the court with yesterday, as former world number ones Caroline outright second on the all-time Open Era list behind ed this year after suffering major injury problems. everyone expecting that you’re going to win easily,” she Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka set up an enticing sec- Steffi Graf’s 22. Wozniacki, who downed US teenager Taylor said. Poland’s Radwanska cruised past Kurumi Nara of ond-round clash. “If I could get to 19 in Australia that would be Townsend 7-6 (7-1), 6-2, said she and Azarenka were Japan 6-3, 6-0 and Venus Williams dispatched Spain’s Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Williams shook beyond amazing, so we’ll see,” she said. “I have a lot of good friends on tour although the Belarussian was Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor 6-2, 6-2, building on her win at off her erratic early season form to sweep into the sec- work to do but I’m just going to enjoy myself.” more focused on beating her rival. the Auckland Open last week. ond round at Melbourne Park, demolishing Alison Van The American could lose the top ranking she has “I know she’s very dangerous and we always had “I love the game, I love the thrill, I love the ‘Go Venus’,” Uytvanck of Belgium 6-0, 6-4. held for 100 consecutive weeks if she falters in some tough matches. I’d like to just focus on myself and said Venus Williams. “It takes a lot of work to get to this Petra Kvitova, seeded four, Agnieszka Radwanska Melbourne but, with characteristic confidence made a what I can do to build my game and prepare,” said the level, so while I can play I’m going to play, when I can’t (six), Wozniacki (eight), last year’s finalist Dominika “number one” gesture after her win, sending a message 25-year-old, who defeated America’s Sloane Stephens 6- I’m going to watch it on TV.” Cibulkova (11), and Venus Williams (18) were among the to her rivals. 3, 6-2. Last year’s finalist Cibulkova of Slovakia recovered other seeds to advance. She faces a potentially tricky second round tie from a slow start to edge past Belgian veteran Kirsten But the upsets that marked day one of the season- against Russia’s Vera Zvonareva, a former world number Never easy being favourite Flipkens 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. Cibulkova, who lost in straight sets opening Grand Slam continued with first-round exits for two with two career wins over Williams, who is return- Kvitova ground out a 6-1, 6-4 win over Dutch qualifi- to China’s Li Na in last year’s decider and has since failed former world number one Jelena Jankovic (15), Andrea ing from shoulder surgery. er Richel Hogenkamp but admitted she had to over- to build on her Grand Slam run, faces Tsvetana Petkovic (13) and Flavia Pennetta (12). But most attention in the second round will be on come a bout of nerves caused by memories of last Pironkova of Bulgaria in the second round. — AFP Comeback queen Li Na talks about tennis, retirement and future baby Azarenka wins MELBOURNE: In what she describes as her “new life,” Li Na is dealing with morn- ing sickness, hoping for a baby girl and MELBOURNE: Two-time Australian Open dangerous and we always had some tough dreaming of becoming a housewife. The champion Victoria Azarenka stormed through matches. I’d like to just focus on myself and two-time Grand Slam champion says she her grudge match with American Sloane what I can do to build my game and prepare as will try not to tell her future child that she Stephens yesterday to reach the second round best I can.” was once one of the world’s best tennis at Melbourne Park. Azarenka and Stephens both looked rusty players. Azarenka, ranked just 44 going into the sea- serving early on and exchanged breaks before Not that she regrets a moment of her son-opening Grand Slam after an injury- Azarenka pulled ahead to take the first set in tennis career. If she could go back, Li marred 2014, showed why she is regarded as 29 minutes. wouldn’t change a thing. Her life and the most dangerous unseeded player at the Stephens, who has struggled for Grand career until now, she said, have been tournament as she downed Stephens 6-3, 6-2. Slam success since her 2013 final four run, “perfect.” A day after making a center- The Belarussian, who controversially defeat- screamed with frustration as Azarenka took court appearance to publicly announce ed Stephens in the 2013 semi-final with the control in the second set, hitting pinpoint her pregnancy, the recently retired 32- help of a lengthy medical timeout, admitted returns from the baseline and rushing the net year-old Li reflected on how difficult it before yesterday’s match she was uncertain with impunity. was to leave the sport but said that she about the reception that awaited her. “(Rushing the net) is a good weapon to had been thinking about retirement for a But all was forgiven with the Australian have, to just add that to my game, because I MELBOURNE: Victoria Azarenka of Belarus long time and now feels at peace with crowd that jeered her two years ago cheering always have a good game from the baseline,” celebrates a point won against Sloane her decision. on a display that was reminiscent of the former said Azarenka. “Just to mix it up and be able to Stephens of the US during their first round “If I have a next life, I will still choose Li Na world number one at her best, before a string switch the rhythm, to put some more pressure, match at the Australian Open tennis cham- tennis,” Li told reporters yesterday on the husband and former coach. of injuries left her battling with depression. it’s a good way to do that.” — AFP pionship in Melbourne. — AP sidelines of the Australian Open. “It was a In characteristic good humor, Li told Azarenka left no doubt she was chasing her very tough decision for me to make, to reporters yesterday that there were third Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park after say good-bye to tennis. But I think now I upsides to retirement, which she triumphing in 2012 and 2013. “You’ve got to Winning starts for Djokovic, just have to continue to do what I’m announced in September in the wake of a win seven matches to win a title and this was a doing, to take care of our family.” fourth knee operation. “At least now I great first round for me to really test my game,” Wawrinka and Nishikori Coming back to Melbourne marked a don’t have to answer what goals I have the 25-year-old said. full circle in the life of Li. She returned to for this year,” Li said, laughing. “I feel more “I’m happy with what I did... Sloane’s a tricky MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic led a trail of tournament. the Australian Open on Monday but not relaxed. No stressing anymore. Right now, opponent who has big weapons so I tried to the top men’s seeds into the second round at But after encountering early problems to defend her title, instead she came onto I think I’m much happier.” stay aggressive and take every opportunity the Australian Open yesterday as Stan from the 116th-ranked Bedene he went on to center court to announce she and her Li has kept busy since her retirement - Wawrinka made a successful return to his life- secure passage into the next round. “It’s fad- and control the game. I really had to stay husband, Jiang Shan, were expecting she has been traveling with her husband changing court. ing away. It hasn’t been an ideal couple of focused and composed.” their first child this summer. and making plans to open her own tennis World number one Djokovic, fighting off weeks in terms of health and preparation,” Asked whether she had any aches or pains Later, she posted a message on academy in China, where she is credited the effects of a virus, put paid to Aljaz Bedene Djokovic said. after the testing encounter, a beaming Facebook saying she chose to deliver the with single-handedly boosting interest in in straight sets as he begun his quest for a “But I fought my way through. Now it’s Azarenka replied: “I’m good”. baby news on Rod Laver Arena because the sport of tennis. The WTA, which runs fifth title at Melbourne Park. behind me. I’m only looking forward.” The sev- She faces eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki in of the special connection she felt with the women’s tennis tour, has described Li The Serb top seed ousted the 116th- en-time Grand Slam champion broke an enticing second round showdown, an the Australian crowd. It was here she as a trailblazer in the game and the conti- ranked Slovenian 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in 1hr 49min on Bedene’s service four times and only had opponent who has a 4-3 win record over her. made her first breakthrough in 2011, nent. She became the first Chinese player Rod Laver Arena and will next play Russian three break points against his serve in the “Being an unseeded player, it’s not a sur- becoming the first Asian to reach a Grand to win a WTA title, the first to break into Andrey Kuznetsov. Djokovic, who crashed out match. “For a first round performance it was prise that I have a tough draw or tough oppo- Slam final, and where she gained wide the top 20 and the first player from Asia to eventual winner Wawrinka in the quarter- pretty good, obviously I still need to work on nents in the early rounds, I accept the chal- popularity with post-match interviews finals of last year’s event, has been dogged by a few things, I’m still developing my game,” to win a major. She reached a career-high lenges,” she said. that doubled as stand-up comedy rou- illness in the lead-up to the year’s first major Djokovic said. — AFP ranking of No. 2 in 2014 before retiring. “(Wozniacki) was showing some great ten- tines peppered with wisecracks about her For now, the focus will be on family. — AP nis in the end of last year. I know she’s very Boubyan Bank profits more than double to reach KD 28.2m in 2014 Page 22 Business China’s 2014 economic growth misses target, hits 24-year low WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 Page 23 New 2015 For Expedition debuts Gulf markets slip again but property buoys Egypt in Kuwait Page 23 Page 26 IMF slashes world growth forecast

Fund cites sluggish EU, Japan, BRICS

WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund yesterday 1.4 percent next year. Japan’s stimulus has not worked as well sharply cut its 2015-2016 world growth forecast of only six as expected, and the IMF expects it to expand just 0.6 percent months ago, saying lower oil prices did not offset pervasive this year, picking up to a still-sluggish 0.8 percent in 2016. “At Qatar boosts Middle East M&A weaknesses around the globe. The IMF said poorer prospects this stage potential medium-term growth in Japan is very very in China, Russia, the euro area and Japan will hold world GDP low,” Blanchard said. “So far both private domestic and foreign to highest level since early 2008 growth to just 3.5 percent this year and 3.7 percent in 2016. demand have disappointed.” Russia, already pressed by sanc- The forecasts were lower than the 3.8 percent and 4 percent tions over its support for secessionists in Ukraine, is particular- DUBAI: Mergers and acquisitions with Middle East remained sluggish, reflecting growth for 2015 and 2016 respectively given in the previous ly hurt by lower oil prices. The IMF now says the Russian econ- Middle Eastern involvement last quarter hit political uncertainties, legal and cultural bar- World Economic Outlook in October. The cut underscored the omy will contract 3.0 percent this year and 1.0 percent in 2016. their highest level since early 2008, boosted riers to takeovers, and, towards the end of steady deterioration of the economic picture for many coun- In October the IMF was still predicting slight growth for the by outbound investment by wealthy Gulf the year, the plunge of oil prices. tries, due to sluggish investment, slowing trade and falling country. funds and companies, according to a M&A that originated and occurred inside commodity prices. Thomson Reuters study. The value of the region fell 12 percent to $14.0 billion While the United States will remain the one bright spot Cheap oil good announced M&A deals with any Middle during 2014, while inbound M&A that origi- among major economies, Europe will continue to struggle The world’s crisis lender warned that continued volatility in Eastern involvement jumped to $22.7 billion nated outside the Middle East shrank 30 per- with disinflation, the IMF said. Meanwhile, China’s growth- markets, partially a product of the US beginning to tighten in the fourth quarter of 2014, more than cent to $4.2 billion. Middle Eastern equity which Beijing said yesterday had slowed to 7.4 percent in monetary policy, pushing the dollar higher, will challenge gov- double the value in the previous quarter and and equity-related issuance totaled $11.4 bil- 2014, its weakest for 24 years-will decelerate further, hit by ernments and central banks around the world for some time to the highest total since the first quarter of lion last year, a 173 percent leap that was poor export growth and a real estate slump, the organization come. And while the halving of crude prices is a net positive for 2008. largely due to the $6 billion initial public said. The IMF forecast that the United States, the world’s the world, the strong dollar partially negates that effect for The calculation includes a $9.1 billion offer of Saudi Arabia’s National Commercial largest economy, will expand by 3.6 percent this year, up a many oil importers using weakening currencies. And the offer for Songbird Estates, owner of London’s Bank, the biggest IPO ever conducted in the half-percentage point from the previous outlook. impact of slower growth in trade, low commodity prices and Canary Wharf financial district, by Qatar Arab world. But the economy of China, the global number two, is market turbulence will all but erase the gains from cheap oil. Investment Authority and US investor Debt sales were curbed by instability in expected to grow 6.8 percent this year, the IMF said — 0.3 per- “New factors supporting growth-lower oil prices, but also Brookfield Property Partners. That deal has emerging markets and the approach of US cent slower than previously expected and 6.3 percent in 2016. depreciation of euro and yen-are more than offset by persistent not so far been completed and some major interest rate hikes; Middle Eastern bond The last time Chinese growth fell below seven percent was in negative forces, including the lingering legacies of the crisis shareholders in Songbird are still evaluating issuance in 2014 decreased 6 percent to $37.0 the crunch of 1990, when it slowed to 3.8 percent. “Lower and lower potential growth in many countries,” said Blanchard, the offer. The data suggested signs of a US billion. Investment banking fees ticked up dur- growth in China will have an adverse effect on its trade part- the IMF’s chief economist. It meant “good news for oil economic recovery encouraged Gulf ing the last quarter but for 2014 as a whole, ners, in particular on the rest of Asia,” Oliver Blanchard, the importers, bad news for oil exporters” he added. “Good news investors to become more active last year. they fell 3 percent to $751.7 million. Equity IMF’s chief economist, said at a briefing in Beijing, as the for commodity importers, bad news for exporters... Good news For 2014 as a whole, M&A with Middle capital markets underwriting fees soared but organization also downgraded growth prospects for other for countries more linked to the euro and the yen, bad news for Eastern involvement climbed 23 percent to fees from debt capital markets and syndicated Asian countries. those more linked to the dollar.” $50.3 billion, the highest total since 2010. lending slumped; fees from completed M&A For the euro-zone and Japan, it said, “stagnation and low The IMF stressed that countries need to persist in restructur- Outbound M&A surged 74 percent to deals totaled $159.2 million, down 5 percent. inflation are still concerns” requiring sustained monetary eas- ing, reform and investment despite the weaker conditions. $26.0 billion, the highest annual total since ing and other measures to keep interest rates from rising. In “Raising actual and potential output is a policy priority in most HSBC earned the most investment banking the euro-zone, where the region’s central bank is expected to economies... There is an urgent need for structural reforms in 2009. Qatar’s overseas acquisitions account- fees in the Middle East during 2014, a total of decide to boost stimulus this week, low oil prices and the many economies, advanced and emerging market alike,” even ed for 65 percent of all Middle Eastern out- $56.9 million. Lazard topped the Middle depreciated euro are a help to growth. But it will also struggle as they face different choices and needs in their overall eco- bound M&A, while acquisitions by United Eastern completed M&A fee table, while HSBC with low investment levels and poorer demand for the region’s nomic policies, it said. It included in that prescription the need Arab Emirates companies provided 15 per- was first in the ECM and DCM rankings. exports from emerging economies. for governments to take advantage of lower oil prices to cut cent and Saudi Arabian firms, 9 percent. Mizuho Financial Group took top spot in The region is expected to expand 1.2 percent in 2015, and subsidies to strengthen their budgets for the long term. — AFP However, acquisitions into and within the Middle Eastern loan fees. — Reuters BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 Boubyan Bank profits more than double to reach KD 28.2m in 2014 5% dividends in cash, 5% in bonus shares

KUWAIT: Boubyan Bank, the fastest growing bank in media in order to become more closer to Boubyan Bank’s bank’s employees was young and many of them made Kuwait, completed the last year of its 5-year strategic plan customers around the clock. great strides towards leading positions in the bank (2010-2014) by announcing a growth of 111 percent in its encouraged by the belief of the bank’s management in net profits. The growing bank achieved KD 28.2 million in New strategy trusting the youths with more distinguished and leading profits during FY 2014 with an earnings per share of 14.4 Al-Majed went on to unveil the new strategy of the roles, especially that all training and academic facilities Weak oil and fils compared with 6.8 fils for last year. The board has rec- Bank what he called “2020 strategy”, stating: “We are opti- and capabilities were available to provide them with an ommended the distribution of cash dividends of 5 percent mistic that the future is still bright with many opportuni- unique change to gain professional and practical expert- per nominal share value (i.e., 5 fils per share) and 5 percent ties for banks as well as Islamic financial institutions ise that would boost their experiences despite their young weaker euro good in bonus shares (i.e., 5 shares for each 100 shares). whether in Kuwait or the region. All the surveys indicate age. “The bank aspires to realize more achievements during that there is increased demand for Islamic financial and Furthermore, he stated that Boubyan Bank succeeded, for euro-zone the current year despite the challenges in the banking banking services and products with great popularity even specifically over the past two years, in creating many industry or those related to the local and regional econo- among non-Muslims. vacancies for ambitious Kuwaiti youths as a result of my.” stated Mahmoud Al-Fulaij, the Chairman. Al-Fulaij fur- Hence, the new strategy of Boubyan Bank revolves expanding the bank’s services provided to retail cus- By Hayder Tawfik ther stated that 2014 was a special year for Boubyan Bank, mainly around expansion to other markets abroad after tomers by opening more branches and expanding the especially that it was the last term of the bank’s 5-year the domestic success since no matter how large the services and products provided by the bank. The dramatic fall in oil price has caught the attention strategic plan launched in 2010, which helped the bank to investment opportunities are available locally, they will Al-Majed also referred to the increase in the throughout the world. It is not as much the fall in prices achieve so many goals; the most prominent of which was always remain limited compared with the aspirations and Kuwaitization rate at the bank which reached 72 percent, but the speed of it. Governments, authorities and central creating a reputable and distinctive image in the Kuwait the ambitions of the bank. saying that Boubyan Bank earned the award for banks are either in a state of panic or joy. Some are revisit- market and being an Islamic bank with the necessary Al-Majed stated that there were no specifically targeted Replacement and Kuwaitization of Manpower in Kuwait. ing their policies to see if they are still valid. The fall in oil capabilities to compete and expand its share in one of the markets but, he added: “Normally, we will be looking into The bank received that award during the 13th Award prices has led to further fall in global inflation. The word most significant Islamic financial markets. the GCC countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Ceremony for Distinguished Private Sector Entities in the deflation now is flagging everywhere. It is more presence Al-Fulaij went on to state that the indicators showed Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in addition to Field of Kuwaitization of Jobs in 2014. The ceremony was in the euro-zone than anywhere else. You would have that the bank witnessed a remarkable growth during 2014 Turkey and Egypt.” held at the margins of the 31st session of the Council for expected that the sharp fall in oil price make people where the total assets increased to KD 2.7 billion with a cheerful but the risk of deflation has overshadowed the growth of 21 percent while the Operating income enjoyment. increased to reach KD 78 million with a growth of 17 per- Government bond yields in the euro-zone have fallen cent in addition to the increase in customers’ deposits by sharply with accelerating fall in oil price and deceleration 26 percent, to reach KD 2.1 billion. of the rate of inflation. There has been panic buying of He further added that the total equity of the bank governments bonds throughout the world. Stock markets increased to KD 296 million compared to KD 264 million volatility has increased as investors’sentiments have split last year and that there was a notable increase in the between the economic growth and the recession camp. I financing portfolio up to KD 1.8 billion with a growth rate believe in the midst of all these investors in the euro-zone of 22 percent in addition to the continuous growth of the are missing the important point. The fall in oil price and bank’s customers’ base. more important the weakness of the euro against the dol- Al-Fulaij also stated that the market share, in financing lar and the dramatic devaluation of the euro against the portfolio, increased from 2.3 percent in 2009 to 5.8 per- yen by at least 25 percent can only be very positive of the cent currently, while the share of the consumer finance euro-zone economies. increased significantly from 1.2 percent to more than 8.3 I strongly believe that the dramatic fall in oil price was percent currently. Also, 12 percent of Kuwaiti adults main- triggered mainly by an increase in the supply of oil, fol- tain accounts with the bank. lowing a rise in US production, and the decision by OPEC to keep output high. The affect of this fall can only be Customer service, the recipe positive for global economic growth. But it will take time Adel Al-Majed, the Bank’s Vice Chairman and CEO, said: to feed through. Lets not forget that the big fall in oil “The bank’s achievements during 2014 and the prior years price started from the middle of October of last year, i.e. was accomplished through the expansion of business and only three months ago. Over time there should be signifi- the further focus on mainstream banking activities such as cant gains for all oil consumers around the world. banking services, products and financing solutions that Investors initially accepted this, sending equity prices meet all the needs of individuals and corporates while higher outside the energy sector. But lately, they have maintaining assets’ quality, the effectiveness of our credit become skeptical, as inflation expectations have fallen off risk management policy and continuing conservative pro- Adel Al-Majed Mahmoud Al-Fulaij a cliff - for reasons that are not obvious, if the oil shock visioning policy.” really is a boon for economic growth. Why the change in Al-Majed continued: “Despite what we have achieved the Ministers of Labor, hosted by Kuwait in November sentiment that quickly? The euro-zone situation has come throughout the recent years, we strongly believe that all Supporting the Kuwaiti Economy 2014. back to haunt them. They started aggressively selling the through the past periods we were in the re-establishment Al-Majed stated that in addition to what Boubyan Bank euro and piling in euro-zone government bonds exclud- phase and laying the foundation to be unique in a highly had achieved in the domain of retail banking services, the 400+ activities and events ing those of Greece. The fall in oil price should boost eco- competitive market. We believe that now is the time to bank had a great record in financing the private sector On another note, Al-Majed stated that corporate social nomic activity in the euro-zone but the falls in the rate of explore bigger opportunities in order to achieve our main which contributed to the development of the local econo- responsibility was a main constituent of the bank’s busi- inflation and the risk of deflation have put investors off. objective of attaining an advanced position in the market my as the bank entered in the recent years into many ness as the bank sponsored and took part in 400+ activi- The task for the European Central Bank has become even and going further to expand regionally and international- transactions to finance major projects and companies in ties and events during the past 5 years covering various more difficult. It needs to reassure the market that it has ly.” its capacity as the main arranger or one of the main groups of the society with prime focus on the youths and the policies in place to fight the threat of deflation. It will “Customer service has always been our recipe for suc- arrangers. those with special needs. meet next week and it should come up with those poli- cess, as we have always taken into account that all our cus- He added that the bank continued to play an important He further added that the recent report of the Kuwait cies to reassure us all. If it does not then the conse- tomers are special and that they deserve the best because role in the regional sukuk issuance transactions for inter- Banking Association (the “KBA”) on the corporate social quences would be disastrous, and far-reaching. meeting their aspirations and ambitions should be up to national investors by way of taking part in such transac- responsibility of Kuwaiti banks, highlighted the value of The European Central Bank andits president are aware the level of their expectations when they chose us. In oth- tions and gaining more experience, aiming at establishing the donations and social contributions of Boubyan Bank of all these and the real threat. They have hinted that the er words, by choosing us, customers should be rewarded the bank’s own sukuk portfolio. At the same time, the during the past period which amounted to KD 2.6 million central bank will begin quantitative easing - that is, pur- with special care and attention.”, Al-Majed added. name of the bank would be in the spotlight in order to that comprised of charitable, social and humanitarian con- chasing sovereign bonds with newly created money - at He further stated that all through the past five years, reinforce its name as an active player and trusted investor tributions and donations in addition to the contribution to its meeting this coming Thursday. I believe that Mario Boubyan Bank had been keen to take the lead in launch- aware of the market issues and the structured mechanism the Kuwait Society for the Advancement of Science, Draghi the president of the European Central Bank has ing unique and new services and products in the Kuwaiti of sukuk. National labor support as well as other contributions. run out of excuses and last week’s action by the Swiss market under the slogan “Towards Perfection”. During this Al-Majed further stressed that the bank’s market share Al-Majed thanked all the bank’s shareholders, cus- Central Bank to allow the franc to float freely again might period the phrase “the first time in Kuwait” was associated of corporate financing doubled during the period from tomers, the current board of directors as well as the exec- hint at a massive Quantitative Measure underway by the with Boubyan Bank based on the volume of services and 2009 through 2014 as the corporate finance portfolio utive management and the staff for the role they played European Central bank. This may weaken the euro further products offered by the bank for the first time. reached KD 1.1 billion where the bank’s market share in supporting the bank through the past transitional against the dollar and the yen. All can only be positive for Al-Majed added: “In order to fulfill our slogan “Towards amounted to 4.8 percent compared with a share of no phase where their efforts contributed to the develop- the euro-zone economic growth. Perfection”, we should be a step ahead and have to be more than 2.6 percent in 2009. ment of the bank’s performance and increasing its market There has been talk of Mario Draghi announcing next always meet our customers’ expectations; this is the rea- share. Thursday 500 billion euros of sovereign bond purchases. son why Boubyan Bank was the first bank to launch many The bank of Kuwaiti youths In that context, Al-Majed also extended his apprecia- If he wants to give a much bigger boost to the euro-zone products and services offered in the Kuwait, GCC and Al-Majed stressed again and again that the bank rein- tion to the regulatory authorities in the State of Kuwait, economies then he should go even bigger and announce Middle East markets. Some of these initiatives were sur- forced its image as a young bank keeping up with the with the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) at the top of the a massive 1 trillion euros instead of the 500 billion euros prising for our competitors and customers alike.” international and regional developments via its young pyramid thereof, for the efforts exerted by it to support that has been already discounted by the market. He Al-Majed also referred to the amount of investments or management. Al-Majed cited the Consumer Banking the banking industry. Al-Majed could not forget at the should not worry about inflation anymore. Falling oil that is planned to be made in various customer communi- Group which comprise mainly of youths as an example. end to thank all the bank’s previous chairmen and board price would look keep inflation in check for months to cations channels such as branches, call centers or internet Al-Majed also emphasized that compared with other members for their contributions and efforts exerted in come if not for years. and mobile communication channels as well as the social banks and many other companies, the average age of the the best interest of shareholders and customers.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Philippine Peso 0.006520 0.006800 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Singapore Dollar 0.217217 0.223217 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019440 0.027940 Japanese Yen 2.518 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Australian Dollar 232.53 229.53 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001862 0.002442 Indian Rupees 4.749 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 249.90 250.90 Taiwan 0.009143 0.009323 Pakistani Rupees 2.928 Turkish Lira 131.225 Swiss Franc 293.82 291.82 Thai Baht 0.008666 0.009216 Srilankan Rupees 2.230 Euro 350.75 351.75 Nepali Rupees 2.971 US Dollar 294.90 297.90 Arab Singapore Dollar 221.370 Sterling Pound 449.01 451.01 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 38.022 Bahraini Dinar 0.775503 0.783503 Japanese Yen 2.53 2.55 Bangladesh Taka 3.779 Egyptian Pound 0.038236 0.041336 Bangladesh Taka 3.778 4.048 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.603 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.746 5.046 Thai Baht 9.006 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000196 0.000256 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.227 2.662 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007680 0.008680 Jordanian Dinar 0.411740 0.419240 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.964 3.499 British Pound 0.440120 0.449120 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.926 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004334 0.016334 Lebanese Pound 0.000144 0.000244 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.14 80.60 Danish Krone 0.042624 0.047624 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024086 0.048086 Saudi Riyal 78.645 Bahraini Dinar 782.70 784.77 Euro 0.341803 0.349803 Nigerian Naira 0.001200 0.001835 Qatari Riyal 81.022 Egyptian Pound 41.12 41.72 Norwegian Krone 0.033921 0.039121 Omani Riyal 0.759694 0.765374 Omani Riyal 766.310 Jordanian Dinar 419.01 424.66 Romanian Leu 0.077159 0.077159 Qatar Riyal 0.080263 0.081476 Bahraini Dinar 783.310 Omani Riyal 764.77 772.07 Slovakia 0.008654 0.018654 Saudi Riyal 0.077977 0.078677 UAE Dirham 80.316 Qatari Riyal 81.21 81.76 Swedish Krona 0.032465 0.037465 Syrian Pound 0.001748 0.001968 Saudi Riyal 78.55 78.95 Swiss Franc 0.282758 0.292958 Tunisian Dinar 0.153118 0.161118 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.127345 0.134345 Turkish Lira 0.127345 0.134345 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.450 UAE Dirhams 0.079282 0.080431 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.146 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001331 0.001411 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.376 Australian Dollar 0.230221 0.241721 New Zealand Dollar 0.221016 0.230516 Tunisian Dinar 156.190 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 415.970 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 291.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.979 America Canadian Dollar 260.085 Syrian Lira 2.102 Canadian Dollar 0.240411 0.248911 Sterling Pound 456.630 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 32.325 US Dollars 0.290700 0.295400 Euro 366.500 US Dollar 294.250 US Dollars Mint 0.291200 0.295400 Euro 348.000 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.035 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Pound Sterlng 448.650 US Dollar Transfer 294.800 Asia UAE Dirhams 79.330 Canadian Dollar 247.700 Euro 348.750 Bangladesh Taka 0.003456 0.004056 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Indian Rupee 4.738 Sterling Pound 448.390 Chinese Yuan 0.046051 0.049551 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Egyptian Pound 41.135 Canadian dollar 246.690 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035930 0.038680 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.222 Turkish lira 128.450 Indian Rupee 0.004406 0.004807 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Bangladesh Taka 3.770 Swiss Franc 290.590 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Philippines Peso 6.590 Australian Dollar 239.820 Japanese Yen 0.002429 0.002609 Indian Rupees 4.716 Pakistan Rupee 2.928 US Dollar Buying 293.600 Kenyan Shilling 0.003216 0.003218 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Bahraini Dinar 783.450 Korean Won 0.000262 0.000277 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 UAE Dirham 80.150 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.079551 0.085551 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Saudi Riyal 78.600 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003013 0.003183 Cyprus pound 715.865 *Rates are subject to change 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002740 0.003020 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Gulf markets slip again but property buoys Egypt

DUBAI: Most Gulf stock markets closed either local operator, Zain Saudi, was flat. National largely on the back of property stocks such as flat or lower yesterday as oil prices remained Industrialization Co (Tasnee) dropped 2.5 per- Talaat Moustafa Holding , which added 2.4 per- Abu Dhabi volatile and local companies delivered no posi- cent after it said fourth-quarter net profit cent, and Palm Hills Development , up 3.2 per- The index fell 0.9 percent to 4,526 points. tive fourth-quarter earnings surprises. Brent dropped 46.5 percent on lower petrochemical cent. Egypt’s central bank started allowing some crude oil fell in early trade yesterday after the prices. The company made 160.7 million riyals, depreciation of the pound this week, a move Saudi Arabia International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for while analysts at Saudi Fransi Capital had which analysts said aimed to stamp out a thriv- The index inched up 0.01 percent to 8,484 global economic growth in 2015, implying lower expected 295.0 million riyals. ing black currency market as inflation concerns points. demand for fuel. eased following the slump in oil prices. However, the commodity’s price rose above Uae, Egypt “Conventionally under such situations, real Qatar $49 per barrel later in the day, supporting Saudi Most other Gulf markets pulled back. Dubai’s estate stocks should continue performing well, The index slipped 0.3 percent to 11,862 Arabia’s bourse which, unlike other Gulf markets, index slipped 0.4 percent as most stocks as investors would look to buffer their risks by points. was still open. The main Saudi index was nearly declined. However, low-cost carrier Air Arabia, investing in land and property,” Cairo-based flat as petrochemicals giant Saudi Basic which stands to benefit from cheaper oil, gained Naeem brokerage said in a note. Egypt Industries, whose earnings are correlated with 1.8 percent. Logistics firm Aramex, which could The index jumped 2.1 percent to 9,804 points. oil prices, rose 0.9 percent. But shares in Saudi also see its fuel costs go down, added 1.0 per- Yesterday’s highlights Telecom Co (STC) tumbled 5.2 percent. The com- cent. Abu Dhabi’s bourse fell 0.9 percent as large Kuwait Oman pany’s fourth-quarter net profit slumped 32.6 lenders Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First The index edged up 0.3 percent to 6,646 The index inched down 0.1 percent to 6,652 percent to 2.44 billion riyals ($650 million), miss- Gulf Bank lost 1.2 and 2.1 percent respectively. points. points. ing analysts’ average forecast of 3.32 billion Qatar’s benchmark slipped 0.3 percent, also riyals. because of banks. Islamic lender Masraf Al-Rayan Dubai Bahrain Another stock in the sector, Etihad Etisalat fell 1.8 percent and Qatar National Bank lost 1.2 The index edged down 0.4 percent to 3,878 The index added 0.3 percent to 1,436 points. (Mobily) , fell 3.6 percent while the third major percent. Egypt’s bourse jumped 2.1 percent, points. — Reuters NBK reports net profit of KD 261.8m in 2014 10% year-on-year growth

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the CEO commented “NBK remains focused on its Al-Sager also stressed that Egypt represents an largest Kuwaiti bank, reported net profits of KD strategy to geographically diversify its income important market for the Group as NBK seeks a 261.8 million ($894.2 million) for the year 2014 sources through strengthening its market posi- stronger position in the Egyptian market through compared with KD 238.1 million ($813.3 million) tions both locally and regionally. On the local higher growth targets. This reflects NBK’s positive in 2013, 10 percent year on year growth. As of front, NBK maintained its top market position economic outlook for the Egyptian market which end of 2014, NBK group’s total assets reached KD growing all its business lines in Kuwait. The bank offers significant growth potential on the back of 21.8 billion ($74.4 billion) up 17.1 percent com- also continued to benefit from its earlier expan- the recent positive developments on the security pared to year-end 2013, while total shareholders’ sion into Islamic banking following the acquisi- level and political environment. NBK has recently equity increased by 5.8 percent year on year to tion of 58.4 percent of Boubyan Bank in 2012 as rebranded its Egyptian operations to National BEIJING: A woman walks by an advertisement billboard for a new shopping mall KD 2.5 billion ($8.6 billion). Loans and advances the contribution of Boubyan Bank to the Group Bank of Kuwait - Egypt”, Al-Sager concluded. which is under construction yesterday. — AP reached KD 11.9 billion ($40.7 billion) at year-end profits continues to grow.” NBK continues to enjoy collectively the high- 2014 up 11.3 percent compared to year-end 2013 est ratings among all banks in the Middle East China’s 2014 economic growth and customer deposits reached KD 11.3 billion ($38.5 billion), up 7.5 percent compared to 2013. misses target, hits 24-yr low Asset quality ratios continued to improve with Non-performing loans (NPL) to gross loans ratio BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China’s economy grew at ble miss you could have from a messaging dropping to 1.5 percent in year-end 2014 from its slowest pace in 24 years in 2014 as property standpoint,” said Andrew Polk, economist at the 1.96 percent in 2013 and NPL coverage ratio prices cooled and companies and local govern- Conference Board in Beijing. “The government is increasing to 276 percent at year-end 2014 from ments struggled under heavy debt burdens, saying, ‘we’re not married to this specific target, 200 percent in 2013. keeping pressure on Beijing to take aggressive we missed it and we’re okay.’ That seems to me a NBK’s board of directors has recommended a steps to avoid a sharper downturn. European quite positive development.” and Asian shares in fact rose on relief that the Still, a further slowdown in China could hin- cash dividend of 30 fils per share (30 percent of news was not worse; the Shanghai Composite der the chances of a revival in global growth in the par value) and 5 percent bonus shares (5 index gained 1.85 percent, Japan’s Nikkei 225 2015, given the major role it plays, in particular shares for every 100 shares). Nasser Al-Sayer, NBK index saw its biggest one-day gain in a month for commodities and high-tech. Indeed, Polk Chairman said “NBK’s 2014 profits reflect the pick- and European markets rallied. But for investors said the GDP figure was difficult to square with up in business volumes and the group’s ability to worried about growth in China and the world other negative signs. China’s property market - a benefit from the ongoing improvement in the this year, the data poses two questions: major driver of demand across a range of indus- operating environment. NBK’s net operating Will the soft numbers and expectations of tries - has proven stubbornly unresponsive to income reached KD 661 million ($2,258 million) in further weakness force the central bank to policy support, and lending data from the bank- 2014, up from KD 626 million in 2013 ($2,139 mil- pump hundreds of billions of dollars into banks ing system shows both enduring weakness and lion), up 5.6 percent a year on year.” system-wide to prop up growth? And if so, what a resurgence in the shadow banking system, Al-Sayer highlighted that the operating envi- does that mean for Beijing’s attempts to reform which Beijing has been struggling to rein in. ronment in Kuwait continued to show strong Isam Al-Sager, NBK Group CEO Nasser Al-Sayer, NBK Chairman its economy? The world’s second-largest econo- Policymakers also are concerned about the signs of improvement in 2014 “There is significant my grew 7.4 percent in 2014, official data potential onset of a deflationary cycle, aggravat- improvement in the domestic operating environ- On the regional front, Al-Sager confirmed that from the three international rating agencies showed yesterday, barely missing its official 7.5 ed by plummeting energy prices, industrial over- ment that is quite evident in the acceleration of NBK’s subsidiaries, affiliates and branches contin- Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s. percent target but still the slowest since 1990, capacity and sluggish demand. Systemic defla- the award and execution of the mega develop- ued to deliver very strong results strengthening The Bank’s ratings are supported by its high capi- when it was hit by sanctions in the wake of the tion, an economically toxic cycle in which ment projects. This improvement has reflected NBK’s position as a leading regional bank. In 2014, talization, prudent lending policies, and its disci- Tiananmen Square crackdown. It expanded 7.7 investors and consumers hold off on fresh positively on NBK’s volume growth and accord- profits from NBK’s international operations grew plined approach to risk management, in addition percent in 2013. spending on the assumption prices will drop fur- ingly strong fee business and operating income. by 6.4 percent year on year despite the ongoing to its highly recognized and very stable manage- Fourth-quarter growth held steady at 7.3 ther in the future, could leave China in a similar During the year, we witnessed the award of sever- challenges in some of the regional markets. ment team. NBK was also named among Global percent from a year earlier, slightly better than condition to Japan, and is cited as a major rea- expectations. Few had expected China to meet son why Beijing will need to put more money al landmark projects where NBK had a lead role in During the 3Q 2014, NBK agreed to sell its 30 per- Finance’s list of the 50 safest banks in the world its 7.5 percent full-year target, but the perform- into the system. their financing” Al-Sayer added. cent stake in its Qatari associate, International for the ninth consecutive time. ance was better than some had feared after a At the same time, there may be a looming Al-Sayer also said “We remain optimistic on Bank of Qatar (IBQ), as we saw limited opportuni- NBK enjoys the widest banking presence with rough few months raised concerns the economy fiscal crisis among debt-sodden local govern- the outlook of the GCC generally and Kuwait ty to increase it to a controlling stake. This sale an international network of worldwide branches. may be heading for a hard landing. “The coun- ments, which depend on land sales for most of specifically despite the acute drop in oil prices. will strengthen the bank’s capital position to pur- NBK’s international presence spans many of the try’s period of miraculous break-neck growth is their revenue. And more companies, especially The Gulf economies benefit from a very strong sue its regional expansion strategy and benefit world’s leading financial centers including over, but let’s get over it,” said a commentary on small property developers, could flirt with balance sheet with significant reserves which will from any opportunity in Qatar or other GCC mar- London, Paris, Geneva, New York and Singapore, the official Xinhua news service, referring to a default. Nevertheless, the International allow them to continue with their expansionary kets. It is worth highlighting that the financial as well as China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional long string of double-digit expansion. “The end Monetary Fund’s chief economist Olivier policies.” impact of this transaction is not reflected in the coverage extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, of the high-speed growth era does not spell an Blanchard said slower growth seen for 2015 On the other hand, Isam Al-Sager, NBK Group 2014 results. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey. end for China’s economy.” reflects a welcome decision by the Chinese gov- ernment to rebalance the economy away from a ‘Quite positive development’ heavy reliance on investment and exports to a Modest support measures from the govern- more consumption-based growth model. The Greece cannot rebound without ment over the year helped stave off a more dra- IMF predicts China’s economy will grow 6.8 per- matic slowdown, while Beijing’s tolerance of cent in 2015, while the median forecast in a somewhat slower growth sent a message that Reuters poll of economists sees an expansion of debt cut, says Syriza economist reform remains a priority. “This is the best possi- around 7 percent. —Reuters ATHENS: Struggling Greece will never recover with- already raising hackles among the country’s credi- 240-billion-euro rescue package means that Greece out a generous debt cut, despite what the country’s tors. IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Monday warned is now mostly into debt to the IMF and its euro-zone Gulf Bank receives ‘Best Customer creditors might think, the politician likely to become of “consequences” if European countries try to rene- partners, with the heaviest repayment period still the next finance minister said yesterday.”To promote gotiate their debts. some years off. Experience Overall Branch’ Award reforms one must settle the debt issue,” Giannis “Collective endeavours are welcome but at the Dragasakis, a 68-year-old moderate who oversaw Dragasakis, the senior economist at anti-austerity same time a debt is a debt and it is a contract,” Syriza’s economic blueprint, says the leftists are not KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced that it has towards our customers with energy and enthu- party Syriza who are favorites to win Sunday’s gener- Lagarde told the Irish Times during a visit to Dublin. just thinking about helping themselves. “Our propos- recently been awarded the ‘Best Customer siasm.” al election, told AFP in an interview. “The possibility “Defaulting, restructuring, changing the terms has al does not solely concern Greek debt, but the prob- Experience Overall Branch in Kuwait’ Award During the 2014 study, Ethos professional of recovery is limited” because Greece is laboring consequences on the signature and the confidence lem of excessive debt facing many European coun- from Ethos Integrated Solutions (Ethos) at the researchers conducted 1,260 branch visits, 756 under a debt of nearly 320 billion euros ($371 bil- in the signature,” she said. However the IMF and EU tries,” he said.”It is necessary to adjust the debt 10th Annual Customer Experience call centre calls and 504 website interactions, lion), or 175 percent of national output, he said. required Greece to restructure its debt with private because it is not currently sustainable. The Greek Benchmarking Index (CEBI) for retail banks and providing a total of 66,276 answers of what Syriza, who have a steady lead of around three creditors in 2012 as part of its second international economy has suffered a disaster and its capabilities exchange houses throughout the GCC. The customers are experiencing in GCC banks. points in pre-election polls, are trying to strike a deli- bailout, which has helped Athens repair its public are currently limited.” CEBI award is based on research conducted Researchers focused on real life scenarios of a cate balance between fiscal diligence and debt for- finances. Dragasakis is the only one of Syriza’s leaders to between May and November 2014. It is consid- prospective customer using the bank services, giveness. The left-wing party’s plan to renegotiate Greece is now running a budget surplus if debt have prior government experience, having briefly ered to be the most extensive customer experi- evaluating four key variables of service provi- Greece’s multi-billion bailout with the European service costs are not considered. The write down in served as deputy finance minister in a five-month ence benchmarking study in the GCC, this year sion, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and Union and the International Monetary Fund is the value of the debt to private creditors plus the unity government in 1990. He argues that debt benchmarking 63 of the GCC’s retail banks empathy. reduction is essentially dictated by the euro conver- across three delivery channels, namely branch- Gulf Bank continually seeks to be innova- gence criteria-the so-called goals signed in 1992.”If es, call- centers and online. The purpose of the tive, to raise standards, and to set the bench- we want to respect Maastricht goals-which require study is to provide the GCC banking industry mark for banking service excellence in the that debt be reduced to 60 percent of GDP-we see with service quality market intelligence. The region. The Bank is frequently honored with no other way but to examine the issue on a long- GCC banking industry is highly competitive prestigious awards and accolades’, most recent- term basis through a conference. If there are other and a great customer experience can dramati- ly, ‘Bank of the Year’ award from Arabian ideas leading to the same result, we would discuss cally improve customer loyalty as well as serve Business, ‘Best Retail Bank in Kuwait’ award them in a positive manner.” as a magnet for new customers, making a cus- from International Finance Magazine, the ‘Best Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras has called for a confer- tomer service orientated culture a very power- Domestic Payments and Cash Management ence of creditors and frequently refers to the London ful tool. Bank in Kuwait’ by Asian Banker, ‘Best Domestic Conference in 1953 which cancelled German debt Vikram Issar, General Manager, Consumer Retail Bank’ and ‘Best Human Resources after World War II. Dragasakis readily acknowledges however that reducing the debt will eventually mean Banking at Gulf Bank, said: “We are very hon- Development’ awards for 2014 from Banker little without reforms to combat endemic corruption ored to have won this award as it helps to rein- Middle East, ‘HR Professional of the Year’ award in the Greek public sector and civil bureaucracy. force the Bank’s position as a leader in the for the private sector at the 6th Annual MENA “Even if the debt were zero, we would have prob- Kuwait market. We have worked hard to build a HR Excellence Awards and STP Award from lems without the necessary reforms in the state and reputation for excellent customer service and Citibank. civil administration.” Syriza wants to erase over 50 we are proud of what we have achieved to date Ethos developed the CEBI in 2005 to pro- percent of Greece’s debt, and divert funds that are but we also know we can’t be complacent; we vide the retail banking industry with a way of currently being used to repay bonds to help the must continually seek to exceed customers’ benchmarking its products and services to country’s economic recovery. The party maintains expectations and continue to innovate and drive continual improvement. Over the years, that Greece’s creditors will agree to renegotiate the produce fresh ideas for relevant and uniquely the study has developed into a strategic bench- bailout when faced with a leftist government elected designed financial products and services. We marking tool and has enabled banks to dra- with a strong popular mandate. — AFP look forward to maintaining our commitment matically improve their service provision. ATHENS: People walk in front of a shop in Athens central market yesterday. — AFP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 For Islamic State, wheat season sows seeds of discontent SPECIAL REPORT ARBIL: As the season for wheat planting in Iraq wheat crop. The breakaway Al-Qaeda group, sion further hurt the sector. But many farmers say access to much of Iraq, so cannot provide assuming the noise had been an airstrike. wound down early last month, farmers in areas which declared an Islamic caliphate across parts this planting season marks an all-time low. an accurate forecast of the country’s 2015 Then one received a phone call saying a under the control of Sunni militant group Islamic of Syria and Iraq last summer, has killed thou- Across the border in Syria, where Islamic State wheat crop. Farmers will begin harvesting landmine had exploded. Kurdish farmer State grew worried. More than two dozen farm- sands and forced hundreds of thousands from has controlled the city of Raqqa since May 2013, in April and production will also be deter- Mushir Othman Hassan explained how two ers told Reuters they had not planted the normal their homes. Islamic State militants had hoped to wheat production last year was down almost 70 mined by the weather - so far very favor- tractor drivers in the area had recently driv- amount of seed, because they could not access use wheat to show it can govern better than the percent from the level before the civil war, able according to the United States en over landmines. One died. The other their land, did not have the proper fertilizers or Arab governments it condemns as infidels. They according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Department of Agriculture (USDA) - and lost both his legs and an eye. In his Islamic adequate fuel, or because they had no guaran- have published pamphlets with photos of gold- Organization (FAO). Syrian farmers in Islamic farmers’ access to their fields. State-held village of Surnaj el Kobra, about tees that Islamic State would buy their crop as en fields and fighters distributing food. State-held territory say production was hit by the Farming in huge swathes of the rural 15 km (9 miles) away, Hassan said he knew Baghdad normally does. A bad crop might not cost the group control conflict, poor rainfall and fuel shortages. Several belt around Baghdad has also shut down some of his Arab neighbors were planting, Farmers, and Iraqi and United Nations’ offi- of territory, but it would seriously dent its cam- told Reuters that Islamic State did not help farm- because of violence, or because farmers but said they too were hurt by the fighting. cials, now fear a drastically reduced crop this paign to be seen as an alternative government, ers plant, and did not purchase their harvest as fear the Shiite militias which now control “They are just planting a subsistence spring. That could leave hundreds of thousands and hurt its credibility among some fellow the Syrian government used to. Instead, farmers the area and are fighting Islamic State. amount for themselves. Daesh has not of Iraqis hungry. But another big loser would be Sunnis. Iraqi farmers have long complained of say they were forced to look for new buyers and But the greatest concern is in northern intervened with them,” he said, using the Islamic State, which controls territory that nor- Baghdad’s neglect and mismanagement of agri- often fell prey to avaricious middlemen. Iraq. Interviews with farmers who remain derogatory Arabic term for Islamic State. He mally produces as much as 40 percent of Iraq’s culture. International sanctions and the US inva- UN and Iraqi government officials don’t have on their land or have left for Kurdistan, sug- said his neighbors had told him by phone gest that few in Islamic State-controlled that fighters “visited them” while they were parts of the country’s breadbasket region planting but that Islamic State “doesn’t were able to plant as normal. Recent satel- have a big presence because of airstrikes.” lite imagery from NASA and USDA rein- Islamic State, he said “are people who forces that. The imagery, publicly available take things, they don’t give.” His and other through the Global Agriculture Monitoring accounts of planting in Islamic State-held Project at the University of Maryland, areas could not be independently verified. shows that crops in Islamic State-controlled In Gwer district just across the Greater Zab parts of Nineveh and Salahadeen provinces river from Islamic State-held land, local appear far less healthy than in Kurdish-held Agriculture Ministry official Moustafa territory. Mohammed said less than half the area 7XHVGD\-DQXDU\ Sunni farmer Abu Amr laments how normally planted with wheat and barley tough it has become. Abu Amr once hated has been sowed this season. Much of the ,QGH[ &KDQJH &ORVLQJ /DVW&ORVLQJ +LJK /RZ Iraq’s Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki, territory - about 50,000 hectares - was still 3ULFHLQGH[ Ÿ      9ROXPH  who lost power following elections last not secure, he said. :HLJKWHG,QGH[ ź     9DOXH .:'  April. But his view began to change when .6; ź      1XPEHURI7UDGHV  he was not paid for last season’s harvest. Sunni disillusionment Instead, Islamic State militants stole it from Islamic State’s attempts to help farmers a government silo they had seized. “When seem to have backfired. Several farmers 7UDGHV 7UDGHV we saw the chaos of IS we wanted Maliki reached by phone in areas controlled by 6HFXULW\ +LJK /RZ 9ROXPH 9DOXH .' 7UDGHV /DVW &KDQJH 6HFXULW\ +LJK /RZ 9ROXPH 9DOXH .' 7UDGHV /DVW &KDQJH back. Everything is gone, my livestock, my the group said they had rejected subsi-

0$5,1       ŷ  62.28.       Ÿ  harvest, everything,” he said. dized seeds offered to them by the mili- ,.$586      ŷ  .5(       ŷ  Abu Amr has moved to peshmerga-held tants. “We don’t want any help from them,” ,3*       Ÿ  85&       ŷ  Kirkuk. Old neighbors have told him by said Saidullah Fathi, a farmer from Surnaj 1$3(6&2       ŷ  15(       Ÿ  phone that they have planted about a third Al-Kobra, southeast of Mosul. Others said (1(5*<+       ź  65(     ŷ  of his 25 hectares (61 acres) using seeds the seeds came from wheat stolen by the *3,      ŷ  3($5/       Ÿ  stored in his house. He sent some cash to militants and called it “haram”, or forbidden. $%$5     ŷ  7$0       ŷ  2LO *DV     Ÿ  $5((&       ŷ  buy fertilizer, but not enough. “We used to While Iraqi farmers have long complained 0$66$/(+       ŷ  blame Maliki for everything. Now we cry of Baghdad’s neglect and mismanagement, .)28&       ŷ  $5$%5(&       Ÿ  and hope for the return of those days,” he one Sunni wheat farmer, speaking through %3&&       ŷ  85(&     ŷ  said. “Before, there was some kind of securi- a crackling phone line from Sharqat, said $/.287       ŷ  (5(6&2       Ÿ  ty, some kind of state. It is incomparable to life under the militants and government $/485$,1       ź  0$%$1((       ŷ  %DVLF0DWHULDOV     ź  ,1-$==$7       Ÿ  the current situation.” rule was like “the difference between night ,19(67256       Ÿ  and day.” He receives only a few hours of .&(0       ź  ,5&       Ÿ  Airstrikes and landmines electricity a day, and needs to buy fertilizer 5()5,       ŷ  $/7,-$5,$       Ÿ  During its military campaign against on the black market at exorbitant prices. &$%/(      ŷ  6$1$0       ŷ  Baghdad, Islamic State used wheat as a Many farmers feel caught in a conflict 6+,3       ź  $$<$15(       Ÿ  symbol of its new power. It seized govern- that could last for years. “We can’t go back 3&(0       Ÿ  $4$5       ŷ  home and feel secure on the land. I can’t 3$3(5       ź  $/$4$5,$     ŷ  ment silos and hundreds of thousands of 05&       ź  0$=$<$       Ÿ  tons of wheat from opponents, especially convince my relatives to come back,” said $&,&2       ŷ  $'1&       Ÿ  members of the Christian and Yazidi farmer Sherzaid Sadradein, a Kurd now liv- **0&       ŷ  7+(0$5       ŷ  minorities. Much as it did in Syria, Islamic ing in a house in Arbil. “In our village, only +&&       ŷ  7,-$5$       Ÿ  State has kept Iraqi government employees one person (of 19 farmers) is planting, just .3$.       ź  7$$0((5       Ÿ  and silo operators in place to help run its as a shot in the dark. In the past, during the .%00&     ŷ  $5.$1       ŷ  1,&%0       ŷ  $5*$1       ź  “caliphate”. That decision provided an early worst days under Saddam, we were only (48,30(17       ŷ  $%<$$5       Ÿ  propaganda victory, when fighters handed able to plant 10 percent. Now that 10 per- 1&&,     ŷ  0816+$$7       ŷ  out milled flour in sacks stamped with the cent has been reduced to one percent.” *<3680       ŷ  ),567'8%$,       ŷ  Islamic State logo in Mosul, the north’s Farmers who have managed to plant 6$/%22.+       ŷ  .%7       Ÿ  largest city. worry that Islamic State will not offer them $*/7<       ŷ  5($0     ŷ  But US-led airstrikes and pressure from the government price come harvest time. ('8       ź  0(1$       ŷ  &/($1,1*       ŷ  $/08'21       Ÿ  Iraqi forces, allied militias and Iraqi Kurdish Depending on the quality of the wheat, &,7<*5283       Ÿ  0$5$.(=       ź  fighters known as the Peshmerga have Baghdad normally pays farmers up to .*/       ź  5(0$/       ź  made it hard to defend ground, let alone 750,000 Iraqi dinars ($650) per ton, more .&3&       Ÿ  0$6+$(5       Ÿ  govern. Islamic State has not only lost than double the price it pays for imported +80$162)7       ŷ  5HDO(VWDWH     Ÿ  some territory but, preoccupied by its mili- wheat. Baraa Mohamed Salih, agriculture 1$)$,6       ŷ  tary effort, it has been unable to provide adviser to the governor of Salahadeen, the 6$):$1     ŷ  .,19       ŷ  *)&       Ÿ  )$&,/       ŷ  farmers with seeds, fertilizer and fuel at country’s top wheat-producing province in 0$<$'((1       Ÿ  ,)$       Ÿ  subsidized rates, as the Baghdad govern- recent years, said Baghdad had decided &*&       ŷ  1,19       Ÿ  ment does. “There was no support,” said a not to deliver subsidized seeds, fertilizer, or 07&&       Ÿ  .352-      ŷ  Sunni Arab farmer in Sharqat, a town on fuel to government-held parts of Nineveh 83$&       ŷ  &2$67       ŷ  the Tigris, just east of the road linking the and Salahadeen this year because it fears it $/$)&2     ŷ  6(&+       ŷ  militant-held cities of Tikrit and Mosul. would end up helping the militants. 08%$55$'       Ÿ  6*&     ŷ  /2*,67,&6       Ÿ  $5=$1       Ÿ  “Normally we get supplies (for planting) The FAO has distributed seeds and fertil- 6&(0       ŷ  0$5.$=       Ÿ  from the government but this year, we got izer to needy farmers in the north but is *&(0       ź  .0(),&       ź  nothing.” Further north, Yazidi farmer Salim also concerned such moves will play into 4&(0       ź  $/$0$1       ŷ  Saleem abandoned his fields and olive tree Islamic State’s hands. “We have avoided )&(0      ź  $/2/$     ŷ  groves when Islamic State fighters overran areas that will not be secure during grow- 5.:&       ź  $/0$/       Ÿ  the fertile Nineveh valley. Now he lives with ing season,” said Alfredo Impiglia, senior 63(&       ŷ  *,+       ź  ,QGXVWULDOV     ź  $$<$1       Ÿ  his family in a rented house in Dohuk, in emergency coordinator for FAO’s Iraq oper- %$<$1,19       ŷ  the relative safety of Iraq’s semi- ation. “We try not to serve Islamic State.” He .6+     ŷ  2628/       ŷ  autonomous Kurdish region. He says says it is impossible to measure planting in 16+       ŷ  .),&       ź  airstrikes and Peshmerga forces have not Islamic State-held areas. “There will be 3$3&2     ŷ  .$0&2     ŷ  dislodged Islamic State from his hometown decreased planting for sure,” said Impiglia. &$77/       ŷ  1,+       ŷ  of Bashiqa, but have turned the farmland “How much we cannot say.” An estimated '$1$+       Ÿ  ,6.$1     ŷ  328/7    ŷ  0$'$5       Ÿ  into a battlefield. 2.8 million people in Iraq currently need )22'       ź  $/'((5$       Ÿ  Several weeks ago Saleem scaled the food assistance, said Jane Pearce, head of &RQVXPHU*RRGV     ź  $/6$/$0       Ÿ  Peshmerga-held Zartek mountain near the World Food Program’s Iraq office. (.77,7$%       Ÿ  Bashiqa to inspect Yazidi-owned land. “I In a rented house in Arbil packed with 0+&       ŷ  485$,1+/'       ź  saw with my own eyes that the land was members of his extended family, Ali $7&   ŷ  $/0$',1$       Ÿ  bare,” he said. In areas recently retaken by Ibrahim Awadh, a tribesman from the <,$&2       Ÿ  1225       ŷ  +HDOWK&DUH     Ÿ  7$0,19       ź  Peshmerga forces, there are constant Sunni Jabour group, pondered the fate of (;&+       ŷ  reminders of the dangers that have kept his farmland, livestock, fruit and date .&,1       Ÿ  7$,%$     ŷ  many farmers from planting. In the groves. His town of Hajaj was the site of .+.+2727   ŷ  ..6+&6+&        ŷ  Makhmur district southeast of Mosul, a early fighting, in part because it is home to 68/7$1       ŷ  675$7(*,$     ŷ  group of Kurdish farmers gathered one many members of the army and police. &$%/(79       ź  .&,&       ź  Hundreds of members of his tribe have (<$6     ŷ  0$1$)$(     ŷ  mid-December afternoon after heavy rains. ,)$+5     ŷ  *1$+&       Ÿ  In a normal planting season, rain would be fled. “In the beginning, people liked Islamic 28/$)8(/       ź  $0:$/       ŷ  a blessing. But most of the men were from State because they had been suffering,” 0817$=$+$7       ŷ  $/,07,$=       Ÿ  areas too close to the frontline to risk said Awadh. “We too wanted change, but -$=((5$       ź  0$1$=(/       Ÿ  returning to their fields. not in this destructive way. We see now 6225       ŷ  1,1'       ŷ  As they talked, a loud explosion sound- that they are criminals, gangsters, destroy- )8785(.,'       ŷ  %,,+&       ź  $/1$:$',     ŷ  6(1(5*<       Ÿ  ed in the distance. The farmers looked up, ers.” — Reuters $/5$,       Ÿ  $*+&       ŷ  =,0$+       ŷ  .33&       ź  8),*       ź  7$+66,/$7       Ÿ  .287)22'       ŷ  -((5$1+    ŷ  &RQVXPHU6HUYLFHV     ź  (.+2/',1*       ŷ  *)+       ŷ  =$,1       ź  ,129(67       Ÿ  225('22       ź  )LQDQFLDO6HUYLFHV     Ÿ  +,767(/(&       Ÿ  9,9$       ŷ  ,QYHVWPHQW,QVWUXPHQWV     ŷ  7HOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV     ź  $6&       Ÿ  1%.       ŷ  6$)7(&       ź  *%.       ź  )8785(       ź  &%.     ŷ  +$<$7&200       Ÿ  $%.       Ÿ  7HFKQRORJ\     Ÿ  $/087$+('       Ÿ  .,%       ŷ  %$5((4     ŷ  %85*       ŷ  $)$4       Ÿ  .),1       ŷ  $/6+$0(/       ŷ  %28%<$1       Ÿ  6$)5(       Ÿ  $8%       ź  $-:$1       Ÿ  ,7+05       Ÿ  0$6$.(1       ŷ  :$5%$%$1.       ŷ  '$/4$1       ŷ  %DQNV     Ÿ  $/(,'     ŷ 0,'$1       ŷ  .,16       ŷ  )/(;       ź  *,16     ŷ  7+85$<$       ŷ  $,16       ŷ  .&/,1,&     ŷ  :,16       ŷ  $0$5       ŷ  .8:$,75(     ŷ  3DUDOOHO0DUNHW     Ÿ  )7,       ŷ  :(7+$4       Ÿ  %.,.:7       ŷ  )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFDOO*OREDO,QYHVWPHQW+RXVHRQZZZJOREDOLQYQHW KIRKUK: In this photo, Kurdish soldiers help move an elderly Yazidi after they were ,QVXUDQFH    Ÿ  released by Islamic militants, as Yazidis arrive in Kirkuk, 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of Baghdad, Iraq. — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 BUSINESS

Strong dollar could scare tourists away from US

NEW YORK: New York restaurant owner Restaurant Association. “Not only is the ed to decelerate as would-be visitors flagship New York store. “Tiffany is the of lower tourist spending. Jeremy Merrin has seen business droop dollar going up and making things more balk at the stronger dollar and grapple first poster child of this issue,” said Craig A 10 percent appreciation in the dol- in recent weeks at his Havana Central expensive, Europe as a whole is not with weaker economies at home. “That Johnson, president of consulting firm lar typically results in about 2 percent eatery in Times Square. The reason: not doing well.” could impact the length of their stay and Customer Growth Partners. “A lot of fewer international visitors annually, said enough international tourists. “We’re International tourists to the United the composition of their spending in the retailers might be hit to some degree.” Adam Sacks, president of consulting United States,” said David Huether, sen- He said the trend could slow the company Tourism Economics, which ior vice president, research, at the US growth of other successful luxury brands expects the number of international visi- Travel Association, which sees the influ- that depend heavily on tourists. “We tors to climb by 3.5 percent in 2015, ence of the stronger dollar becoming believe that Michael Kors and Kate compared with 5 percent annual growth more severe in 2015’s second half. Spade will still be showing solid growth, over the past 10 years. The problems of the tourism industry but not the robust, double-digit we’ve Growth in the number of foreign are not the only ill effects of currency seen over the last couple of years,” he tourists coming to the United States appreciation. The strongest dollar in a said. Kate Spade did not respond to a had already started to slow last year, decade, by some measures, is causing request for comment. Michael Kors largely because of economic problems some US manufacturers to cut financial declined to comment. in home countries. The number of forecasts as the costs of US exports rise. Japanese visitors through last October US companies with foreign operations Rising dollar was 4 percent lower than the previous also will see lower revenue as offshore The dollar has climbed about 15 per- year, according to the most recent earnings are converted back into dollars. cent against the yen and the euro over Department of Commerce numbers. Travel experts hope some of the drop the past six months. It is up about 6 per- The number of Venezuelans was off 18 in spending in the United States will be cent against the won. Chris Gaffney, sen- percent, but Mexican and Chinese made up for by increased tourism from ior market strategist at EverBank Wealth tourists both were up more than 20 China, where visitors can now get a visa Management in St Louis, expects the percent. that lasts 10 years. Lower gas prices and strong dollar will affect a number of US “Despite the higher dollar, the a stronger US economy also may sectors that serve foreign tourists, Chinese have saved money to travel,” encourage more domestic travel, they including airlines, hotels, and retail. said Evan Saunders, chief executive and said. Still, some retailers, including Companies with tourism operations co-founder of Attract China, which is Tiffany and Co, are already feeling the abroad could see relief because “For expecting many more Chinese tourists ATLANTIC CITY: This photo shows the popular “Do AC” car magnets produced by impact. American tourists, Europe is on sale,” he this year. He said the Chinese tourists The Atlantic City Alliance to promote tourism in Atlantic City, NJ. — AP “The strong dollar has created head- said. Morningstar equity analyst Paul his company works with are eager to try winds for foreign tourists in the United Swinand said department store chains everything from Shake Shack to outlet fighting a double-whammy,” said Merrin, States spend more than $200 billion States,” said Mark L Aaron, vice president with a large presence in some of the malls. “They want to do what they have who owns three restaurants and is on annually on travel, hotels, dining and of investor relations at Tiffany, which “gateway cities” could see a 1 percent or seen in TV shows or American movies,” the board of the New York State shopping, but growth in 2015 is expect- warned of slower sales to tourists at its 2 percent slip over the next year because he said. —Reuters Bolstered by economy, Obama faces Congress

WASHINGTON: Barack Obama faced the lege fees for poorer students, but it was massed ranks of Congress yesterday for the laughed out of court by Republican budget first time since his party lost control there, but hawks. don’t expect him to cut a humbler figure. “This is not a serious proposal,” scoffed Borne on a tide of optimistic economic data, Brendan Buck, a spokesman for Congressman Obama was set to use the State of the Union Paul Ryan, a former vice-presidential candi- address to taunt his Republican rivals with an date and lead Republican budget negotiator. ambitious tax plan that they will never agree “We lift families up and grow the economy to pass. with a simpler, flatter tax code, not big tax In doing so, Obama will set the tone for increases to pay for more Washington spend- the battles to come both in Congress and on ing,” Buck argued, in remarks echoed across the campaign trail, as Republican and his party. Democrat hopefuls limber up for the battle to replace him. The US leader no longer com- Poll bounce mands a majority in either house of Congress, So what hope is there for Obama’s bold but the failure of his legislative program will plan to spend the fruits of a rising economy- not stop him using it as a stage to celebrate and taxing the rich-on free community col- his successes. leges, help for first-time homeowners and Unemployment has dropped below six subsidized, high-speed Internet? The latest percent, the stock market is back near record opinion polls suggest that if Obama is not in a levels, growth is at its highest in 11 years and position to impose his plan, he can at least gas prices have plummeted for middle-class force Republicans to pay a political price for motorists. With all this to commend him, opposing him. Meanwhile, he has used his Obama will use his speech to propose redis- executive authority to the limit-opponents tributive tax reforms that will cheer his disap- would argue stretched it to the limit-to pointed base and enrage his entrenched impose or oppose some policies by decree. opponents. The new Congress has made one of its first “The 400 richest taxpayers paid an aver- priorities to approve the Keystone XL oil age tax rate below 17 percent in 2012, lower pipeline from Canada, an idea Obama has than many middle-class families,” the White said he will veto out of hand if experts says it House noted last week in a briefing paper on will damage the environment. On the foreign the plan. Obama’s plan was necessary, his policy front, he has announced moves to nor- office argued, because the “tax code is unfair, malize relations with Cuba and pushed on allowing the rich to play by different rules.” with talks with Iran on its nuclear program, in KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian ethnic Chinese woman checks out Chinese Lunar New Year’s decoration at a store. — AP Under his reform, extra taxes on capital gains defiance of conservative foreign policy foes. targeting just the wealthiest 0.1 percent of Polls suggest Americans support the people-those earning more than $2 million Cuban outreach and Obama will hammer Malaysia slashes 2015 budget per year would pay off 80 percent of new rev- home his advantage by inviting newly freed enue. US citizen Alan Gross, a former prisoner in “By ensuring those at the top pay their fair Cuba, to the speech. Coincidentally-or not- share in taxes, the president’s plan responsi- the State of the Union falls on the same day Govt cuts growth forecast bly pays for investments we need to help as US envoys begin new talks in Havana on middle class families get ahead,” the paper restoring ties, and Obama will push Congress KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia yesterday cut its eco- percent in 2014.Without austerity measures, seas travel and the use of professional services said. This would notably be used to lower col- to end the trade embargo.—AFP nomic growth forecast for this year and Najib said the budget deficit would have shot up to help save 1.6 billion ringgit ($446 million). announced a slew of austerity measures after to 3.9 percent of GDP this year. Transfers and grants to government-linked bod- tumbling oil prices forced the government to “We are not in crisis,” Najib said in a televised ies and agencies will be reviewed to save a hefty Year of disasters sinks trust slash spending. Prime Minister Najib Razak said speech. “We are taking pre-emptive measures 3.2 billion ringgit ($892 million), he said. the government’s 2015 budget, announced in following the changes in the external global A three-month national service program, part in business and governments October, was based on oil prices averaging $100 economic landscape which is beyond our con- of boot camp training for 18-year-olds, will be a barrel but this projection was no longer realis- trol. This is to ensure that our economy contin- deferred to save 400 million ringgit ($111 mil- DAVOS: A year of disasters and misman- missioned the study, said the decrease in tic as global crude prices have dropped by over ues to attain a respectable and reasonable lion), while postponing purchases of non-critical agement that included mystery air crashes, trust was startling and was driven by the 50 percent. State oil company Petronas con- growth.” Malaysia’s ringgit has depreciated by 10 assets will save 300 million ringgit ($84 million), data hacks, foreign exchange rate rigging “unpredictable and unimaginable” events tributes about a third of Malaysian government percent against the dollar in the last four he said. To cut the cost of doing business, Najib and the worst ever Ebola outbreak has tor- of 2014. revenue. months and the country’s current account sur- said the government will defer electricity tariff pedoed global trust in public bodies and “In reacting to these events, the world’s Najib, who is also finance minister, said the plus is shrinking. hikes this year as well as a gas price hike for business, according to a survey yesterday. major institutions have looked out of government lowered its oil price forecast to $55 Najib said the financial system was still func- industry. He said visa fees for tourists, including The annual Edelman Trust Barometer, synch,” he said. “It’s not really related to eco- a barrel, which will lead to a revenue shortfall of tioning in an “orderly manner” and voiced confi- those from China, will be waived to boost released in Davos, showed a sharp decline nomic performance because there’s noth- 8.3 billion ringgit ($2.3 billion) despite savings dence that the ringgit, currently hovering at 3.60 tourism while levies on foreign workers will be in trust across the board with faith in gov- ing catastrophic on the economic front like from the removal of fuel subsidies last month. to the dollar, would recover over time. The sud- reviewed. Projects such as a proposed high- ernments, business, media and non-gov- there was in 2008-09.” The survey painted a He said development spending would still be den revisions to the budget were criticized by speed rail link to Singapore and a trans-Borneo ernmental organizations (NGOs) below 50 mixed picture for technology, which is play- maintained at 48.5 billion ringgit ($13.5 billion) opposition lawmakers. Since the earlier budget highway will be continued to boost the econo- percent in two-thirds of countries. ing an increasingly central role in people’s but the government will slash its operating was approved by Parliament in October, opposi- my. A 6 percent goods and services tax, to be The list of places where distrust among lives. A majority of respondents believe expenditure, initially set at 223.4 billion ringgit tion lawmaker Tony Pua said Najib’s ruling party, launched in April, will help bring in 1 billion ring- the general population is now dominant technological innovation is happening too ($62.3 billion), by 5.5 billion ringgit ($1.5 billion). in power for nearly six decades, should have also git ($279 million) in revenue, he said. Najib said includes the United States, Japan, quickly, driven by greed among business The economy is forecast to grow between 4.5 sought approval from Parliament to revise the recent severe floods that hit several states affect- Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Russia and rather than a desire to make the world a and 5.5 percent this year, while the budget budget. ed 400,000 families and damaged infrastructure Turkey. The picture is particularly stark for better place. But, in a worrying signal for deficit is expected to equal 3.2 percent of gross He said the decision showed the govern- worth 2.9 billion ringgit ($808 million). He the 1,500 business leaders convening for “old media”, online search engines are now domestic product. Earlier, the government fore- ment’s “utter contempt and disdain” for the legis- announced more than 1.6 billion ringgit ($446 the Jan 21-24 World Economic Forum’s talk- more trusted as a source for general news cast the economy to expand 5-6 percent and the lature. Najib said the government will trim million) for rebuilding infrastructures as well as fest in the Swiss Alps. and information than traditional media. budget deficit to narrow to 3 percent from 3.5 spending on supplies and services such as over- flood mitigation projects. — AP Not only has overall trust in business Across all major industries, consumers want fallen, after clawing back some ground fol- stronger regulation of businesses but have lowing the 2008 financial crash, but belief little confidence that policymakers will For US stocks, investors mull a correction in chief executives as credible spokespeo- develop and implement appropriate rules. ple has slumped for the third consecutive The survey took the opinions of 27,000 NEW YORK: This week may show whether US profits. Prices for copper, regarded as an indicator lion in outflows over that week. In contrast, bond year. Richard Edelman, head of the US people in 27 countries and was conducted stocks are finally undergoing a long-awaited cor- for global economic activity because of its uses in funds added $4.3 billion in net new cash. public relations firm Edelman, which com- between Oct 13 and Nov 24. —Reuters rection or if a recent run of losses are just a bump construction and telecommunications, fell 8 per- Earnings reports may not offer much reassur- on the road to more gains. It’s been more than cent this week to five-and-a-half year lows. ance. Of the 40 S&P 500 companies that have three years since the S&P 500 has dropped 10 Adding to uncertainty was Thursday’s move by reported through Friday morning, 55 percent percent or more. This month, the benchmark the Swiss National Bank to scrap a three-year-old have beat analyst revenue expectations and 77.5 index fell five sessions in a row, from Jan. 8 currency cap, an about-face that sent the Swiss percent have beat earnings expectations - but through Jan. 15, shedding more than 3 percent franc soaring against the euro. Shares of Swiss forecasts had been revised down sharply in in the process. Since December 29, the index has exporters tumbled as a result. recent weeks, according to Thomson Reuters fallen almost 5 percent through Thursday’s close. The dollar also rose to an 11-year high against data. What to make of the declines is less clear. The the euro on Friday. The greenback has gained Key earnings reports due this week include selloff has left shares more reasonably priced: steadily against a basket of major currencies for Dow Jones components Morgan Stanley, IBM, The forward looking price/earnings ratio of the months, rising about 16 percent as of the end of American Express and Johnson & Johnson. Wall S&P 500 stood at 16 on Friday, down from 20 at June. Those gains are a double-edged sword. US Street still expects overall earnings of S&P 500 the end of 2014. US investors have been spooked exporters will now find their goods more expen- companies to rise 3.5 percent for the fourth quar- by a collapse in commodities and may not be sive, and therefore harder to sell, abroad. A ter, but that’s off from the 11 percent consensus sure whether that’s a signal to buy or sell. Oil strengthened currency, though, helps fight infla- that prevailed on Oct. 1. For some investors, the prices have fallen in half in recent months, trad- tion, which could encourage the US Federal recent dip is a buying opportunity after stocks hit ing below $50 a barrel at around six-year lows. Reserve to keep its accommodative stance a series of record highs in the last year. “We’re in That’s cut gasoline prices for Americans and awhile longer to help boost economic growth. buying mode now, and are absolutely pleased to helped US consumer sentiment hit an 11-year In the week through Jan 14, both retail and be able to pick up some stocks we’re excited high in January, data showed on Friday. institutional investors pulled money out of stock about while investors are putting them on sale,” At the same time, lower crude prices indicate funds and instead put cash to work in bond said Lamar Villere, a portfolio manager at Villere & DAVOS: The logo of the World Economic Forum is pictured through a window in global demand is slowing, potentially depriving funds, according to data from Lipper, a Thomson Co, which has about $3 billion in assets under Davos, Switzerland yesterday. — AP US companies of markets they need to boost Reuters unit. US-based stock funds saw $4.1 bil- management. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 BUSINESS

New 2015 Ford Expedition debuts in Kuwait Features new technology, greater power, quieter interior KUWAIT: Arabian Motors Group (AMG), allows a more convenient fold-flat third- nameplate to offer a continuously con- More sound deadening material has featuring a distinct look and feel to give Hamad Mohammed Al-Wazzan and row bench seat and low load-floor trolled damping suspension that allows been added to the headliner and door customers more choices. A Platinum Partners, the Ford and Lincoln dealer in height. The new Expedition features the drivers to select from three drive modes- trim panels, while the cabin features new trim series popular with F-Series truck Kuwait, launched the new 2015 Ford latest technologies, including available comfort, normal and sport. carpeting that is able to better absorb buyers will be available on Expedition Expedition at 360 MALL Auto Moto SYNC(r) with MyFord Touch(r), passive A suite of sensors detects 46 unique sounds. New sound insulation used in for the first time. show taking place this week. The 2015 entry with push-button start and Blind bodies, steering and braking inputs. By the wheel wells also helps create a qui- With tailored, lush leather that’s soft Expedition comes with a refreshed new Spot Information System(r) with cross monitoring Expedition body motion, the eter experience. Finally, acoustic glass - and smooth to the touch, the Platinum look, an all-new EcoBoost(r) Twin Turbo traffic alert. The new EcoBoost engine, system can automatically adjust damp- which debuted on Expedition in 2007 - is series offers customers a choice: engine, and a quieter cabin with more using direct injection and twin tur- ing in milliseconds. Continuously con- used for the windshield across all trim Brunello leather-appointed seats in a technology than previous-generation bochargers, provides more power, effi- trolled damping technology analyzes levels to reduce undesirable interior new red wine color with tuxedo-stripe vehicles. It will be the latest Ford name- ciency and performance than the current the weight of the vehicle, steering feed- noise. Limited, King Ranch and Platinum accents and French-seamed stitching, or plate to offer a high end Platinum series, model. In response to customer demand, back and road undulations and reacts trim levels include acoustic glass for driv- Ebony leather-appointed seats with an all-new addition to the lineup. Ford is also introducing a top-of-the-line accordingly to help control wheel and er and passenger side windows. Agate Gray accents. “Customers in Kuwait appreciate the Platinum series Expedition with unique, body motions so passengers experience The 2015 Expedition lineup also capabilities of a traditional full-size utili- refined interior appointments. an orderly, comfortable ride. A vehicle More technology customers want includes XLT, Limited and King Ranch ty vehicle, - they want space, perform- with poor damping feels as if it’s bounc- The new Expedition debuts with pop- series. The design team incorporated ance, comfort and capability all in one Improved on the road ing on the suspension springs. ular technology upgrades consumers are specific themes to define the look for impressive package, and the new 2015 The 2015 Expedition was engineered The new Expedition also features now demanding, including available each series and reflect a different con- Expedition delivers what those cus- to be a technologically advanced utility Ford’s innovative electric power-assisted SYNC with MyFord Touch and driver-assist sumer lifestyle. This thoughtful planning tomers are looking for,” said Ian that is easy to drive and offers refine- steering, which gives drivers improved features such as radar-based BlindSpot means customers can select from the Partridge AMG’s Group Sales Operations ment for all types of drivers. “The maneuverability at low speeds and bet- Information System with cross-traffic sporty XLT; the confident, elegant manager. “We are thrilled to bring the EcoBoost engine will bring increased ter feel at high speeds, and helps save alert. The updated interior of Expedition Limited; the sophisticated, urban newly-refreshed Expedition, which cer- torque and horsepower that will excite fuel by operating more efficiently than incorporates a fresh center stack to Platinum; or the rural, rugged King tainly raises the benchmark in this cate- our customers,” said David Cantrell, Ford traditional pump-driven systems. The accommodate new technologies, includ- Ranch. Each series has unique finishes gory to higher levels.” assistant chief program engineer for technology, which has been tuned ing an available 8-inch touch screen for specially selected to reflect the lifestyle Expedition, which debuted in 1996, is Expedition. “Thanks to improved effi- specifically for the new model, reduces SYNC with MyFord Touch that features and desires of the customer. For exam- Ford’s largest utility vehicle, with seating ciencies and an independent rear sus- steering effort and makes Expedition driver information in the gauge cluster ple, Expedition Limited features refined for eight adults. The standard 2015 pension, the 2015 Expedition is not only more engaging to drive. shown on two full-color 4.2-inch screens. yet traditional finishes, while Platinum Expedition, one of two versions avail- more fun to drive, it’s also easier to own.” Other available new technologies on colors and material finishes are fresh and able, has three rows of seats and up to With the new power-plant, Quiet driving experience the 2015 Expedition include a Sony(r) sophisticated. 108.3cubic feet of cargo space. It sits on Expedition will be among the full-size With the vehicle’s capability and car- Audio System; passive entry with push- The Expedition exterior has been a 119-inch wheelbase, making it a little SUV leaders for capability, generating go space comes a cabin customers will button start; rear view camera; front and updated for 2015 with a front end more than 6 inches longer than Ford 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. find to be even quieter than the current rear parking sensors; seven-color, ambi- design that features available halogen Explorer. A longer-wheelbase version - Add best-in-class maximum cargo space Expedition. A host of changes helps ent interior LED lighting; and Ford truck projector headlamps and LED fog lamps 131 inches - has three rows of seats and for the extended-length version and minimize noise. These include improved apps to help make trailer towing and for a fresh, aggressive look. Other exteri- best-in-class maximum cargo space of available best-in-class towing of up to seals on the body that reduce air leaks off-road driving easier. or changes include an all-new wheel 130.8 cubic feet. 9,200 pounds when properly equipped, by 20 percent. New sound dampening lineup topped by optional, factory- Expedition will continue to feature an and customers will find a truly useful material in the cabin pillars improves Fresh style and design installed 22-inch polished aluminum independent rear suspension to deliver a utility vehicle. quietness. The material is also packed The new Expedition takes full-size wheels for Limited, King Ranch and more confident ride and great handling With the launch of the 2015 model, into the center console to further reduce utility vehicle design to a higher level Platinum; a revised rear hatch; and sub- characteristics. The suspension also Expedition also becomes the first Ford unwanted road and engine noise. with a diverse lineup of vehicles, each tle, chrome-tipped exhaust. Doha Bank announces

Zain partners with MIT Enterprise financial results for 2014 Forum Arab Startup Competition Net profit for 2014 records QAR 1,354m KUWAIT: Zain Group, the leading telecom- tunities that enhance the power of innova- munications company in eight markets across tion through building up our future entrepre- DOHA: Sheikh Fahad Bin Mohammad played. This is largely due to the Bank’s During the year, Doha Bank came backdrop of rapid digitization. the Middle East and Africa, announces its neurs.” Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of the strategy to innovate, diversify and capi- up with various schemes, promotions Recognizing the importance and ben- strategic partnership of the MIT Enterprise The Group CEO continued, “Zain is on a Board of Directors of Doha Bank, talize on market synergies. Dr. R and campaigns, such as pre-approved, efits of knowledge sharing, Doha Bank Forum Arab Startup Competition, joining path to transform itself into being a more announced Doha Bank’s financial Seetharaman, Chief Executive Officer of pre-screened loan campaign, offering hosted knowledge sharing sessions on founding partner Abdul Latif Jameel agile, relevant digital communications results for the year 2014. Net profit for Doha Bank, highlighted that the Extra up to 100 percent finance option for various topics encompassing various Community Initiatives in the eighth edition of provider partnering with leading innovative the year 2014 recorded an impressive Ordinary General Assembly meeting of Messaeid Petrochemical Holding challenges and opportunities in the the competition. The application deadline for entities as well as seeking value enhancing QAR 1,354 million which represents a the shareholders of Doha Bank held on Company IPO subscribers, ‘win your industry as well as sustainability, in the competition is February 15, 2015 and the opportunities. This partnership with MIT growth of 3.1 percent as compared to Nov 2014, had unanimously approved loan back’ campaign, extension of per- locations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, winners’ ceremony will be held in Kuwait on Enterprise Forum offers Zain a prime oppor- QAR 1,313 million for the year 2013. the Scheme of Amalgamation to take sonal loan offer as well as an increase Singapore, Turkey, Kuwait, India and Sheikh Fahad said “This is another out- over the India operations business of in ATM cash withdrawal limit. In its Qatar. Doha Bank and the Embassy of April 20, 2015. Widely known as MIT, the tunity to capitalize on the most promising standing result and is clear demonstra- HSBC Bank Oman S.A.O.G by Doha continued effort to support India co-hosted a business meeting on Massachusetts Institute of Technology is rec- innovative ideas in the regional digital space tion that Doha Bank continues to per- ‘Vibrant Gujarat 2015 Middle East ognized for being one of the leading universi- and capturing significant market share from form consistently.” Delegation’ . ties in the world, earning a reputation as a it.” The bank increased its net operat- key player in the advancement of the digital On her part, Hala Fadel, Chair of the board ing income by 12.5 percent to reach OTHER AWARDS age.MIT focuses on better equipping stu- of MITEF Pan Arab commented, “Having a QAR 2.9 billion. Fees and commission Doha Bank was adjudged as the dents with the right tools to transform tech- well-established telecom entity such as Zain income for the year 2014 showed an ‘Best Bank in Qatar’ by IAIR as well as nological ideas into successful businesses partner us in the competition will immensely impressive growth of 27.3 percent ‘Best Commercial Bank in the Middle across many academic fields. help in raising awareness about entrepre- reaching QAR 516 million as compared East 2014’ by Global Banking & neurship and speed up time to market for Founded in 2005, the MIT Enterprise to QAR 405 million for the last year Finance, in testament to the Bank’s Forum (MITEF) of the Pan Arab Region is one many of our startups.” 2013. Total assets increased by QAR 8.5 commitment to being a one-stop- of the 28 worldwide chapters of the MITEF To celebrate the new partnership, short- billion, a growth of 12.8 percent, from shop financial services provider. Global, an avid promoter of innovation world- listed candidates from various Arab regions QAR 67.0 billion as at 31 December Additionally, Doha Bank claimed vari- wide, engaging aspiring entrepreneurs in will be invited to Kuwait in April 2015 to take 2013 to QAR 75.5 billion as at 31 ous other awards such as ‘The Bizz mentorship and networking. The forthcoming part in specially tailored week-long work- December 2014. Net Loans & Advances 2014 - Beyond Success’ award by the eighth edition of the competition will see shops to vote for and eventually announce increased to QAR 48.6 billion in 2014 WORLDCOB, ‘Retail Bank of the Year’ at over 5,000 individuals and teams, from 21 the winners within each category track at a from QAR 41.1 billion in 2013, register- Enterprise Agility Awards, ‘Best Arab countries apply to participate within final ceremony event. Each of the Ideas, ing a growth of 18.1 percent. Deposits Sheikh Abdul Rehman Bin Sheikh Fahad Bin Mohammad Regional Commercial Bank’ at The one of three different tracks: Ideas, Startups, Startups, and Social Entrepreneurship tracks showed a year on year increase of 8.1 Mohammad Bin Jabor Al-Thani Bin Jabor Al-Thani Banker Middle East Industry Awards, as well as a new track initiated this year, Social will award the first three ranked winners with percent from QAR 42.5 billion in 2013 ‘Best Retail Bank in Qatar’ by The Asian Entrepreneurship, which focuses onadapting cash prizes in addition to a lot of other bene- to QAR 45.9 billion as at 31 December Bank Q.S.C, India on a going concern Entrepreneurs and SMEs, Doha Bank Banker, ‘Excellence in EUR Straight the idea of innovation worldwide. fits including: top tier training, mentorship, 2014 which is evidence of the strong basis, subject to necessary regulatory entered into a partnership agreement Through Processing’ by Deutsche Commenting on the partnership Zain coaching, media exposure, and great net- liquidity position of the bank. approvals, in line with the Bank’s with Enterprise Qatar, an SME develop- Bank, ‘Best Domestic Retail Bank in Group CEO, Scott Gegenheimer said, “Today’s working opportunities. For more information International expansion strategy. ment company. Doha Bank’s annual Qatar’ and ‘Best Domestic Trade innovators are tomorrow’s differentiators and on the MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Startup TOTAL EQUITY Highlighting the key innovations, summer credit card campaign provid- Finance Bank in Qatar’ by The Asian with this partnership we look forward to Competition eligibility and judging criteria, Sheikh Abdul Rehman Bin achievements and initiatives by Doha ed eligible cardholders with attractive Banking and Finance. building awareness and encouraging oppor- please visit www.mitarabcompetition.com. Mohammad Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Bank in 2014, Dr R Seetharaman, said cash back on all international spend as Being a pioneer in Corporate Social Managing Director of Doha Bank said “Doha Bank inaugurated its first elec- well as on local spends. Also, one of Responsibility in Qatar, Doha Bank “The bank continues to perform well tronic branch in Dubai besides intro- the best rewarding savings program - continued its various initiatives such as with total equity, as at December 2014, ducing various products and services Doha Bank’s Al-Dana Savings Program its flagship ‘Al-Dana Green Run’, provid- at QAR 11.3 billion, registering a mar- such as acquisition financing, deal distributed prizes to select customers ing donation support to humanitarian ginal increase of 0.2 percent during the underwriting, factoring, M&A advisory, in its draws conducted with select cus- efforts in Gaza through QCB as well as last year. Through the efficient asset JV arranging, project financing, aircraft tomers receiving QAR 1 million each. to Qatar Red Crescent. These efforts allocation model the return on average financing, online money transfer In its continued effort to address were preceded by Doha Bank signing Shareholders’ equity is 16.4 percent as through credit card (which is a first in online security issues on cards faced a partnership agreement with Qatar at December 2014 one of the best in Qatar), mobile e-remittance for payroll by the customers, VBV/MCSC were Charity in support of its ‘Ademha’ the industry. The bank has achieved a card holders, deposit cards and mobile implemented to secure online card Program, supporting Qatar Paralympic very high return on average assets of banking for corporate customers, CMS transactions. It also simplified the Committee (QPC), as well as its beach 1.93 percent as at December 2014, for UAE and Kuwait customers to online banking password reset clean-up activities, setting up gardens which is a clear demonstration of the name a few. Additionally, the working process, instant Debit Card & Credit at Dukhan and Messaeid in Qatar, and effective utilization of shareholder’s hours of 12 branches were extended Card printing in one of the flagship ongoing ECO-Schools Program recog- funds. Further, Sheikh Abdul Rehman to facilitate customer convenience. branches as well as facilitates payment nizing six schools in Qatar. Doha Bank said “The bank’s core revenue streams Through its highly skilled Corporate of worker’s wages through Bank continued its efforts on Qatarisation have shown strong growth over the Finance team, Doha Bank closed accounts in line with Qatar’s ‘Wage by holding career fairs, staff welfare prior year period reflecting on the notable large ticket deals in the region. Protection System’. and training initiatives throughout the bank’s intrinsic strength towards recur- Doha Bank tied up with Q-Tickets to Doha Bank hosted bullion related year. In recognition of the above men- ring earning capacity and also on the power their online payment portal. In business customers on a dhow cruise tioned initiatives, Doha Bank received bank’s productive operational perform- order to reinforce the bank’s network with a unique theme titled ‘Sailing the ‘Golden Peacock Global Award for SINGAPORE: A man walks in front of the Rolex watch retail shop at a shopping mall ance.” security as well as enhance customer with Gold’. Doha Bank also hosted a CSR’, ‘Golden Peacock Global Award for yesterday. Luxury Swiss watches including Rolexes and Franck Mullers are selling Doha Bank continues to maximize experience, Doha Bank entered into an conference on ‘Digitization in Retail’ Sustainability’ as well as ‘Environmental like hotcakes in Singapore as buyers anticipate a price hike due to the appreciation shareholder value which is clearly evi- agreement with Ooredoo to upgrade discussing the fundamental chal- Award’ from The Arab Organization for of the Swiss Franc, retailers here said yesterday. — AFP dent from the successful results dis- network infrastructure.” lenges faced by retailers against the Social Responsibility. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 technology Twitter buys India mobile phone startup ZipDial

MUMBAI: Twitter said yesterday it will acquisition, is to help every Indian with a call the numbers and hang up before Financial terms were not disclosed, but ing our platform everyday, 2015 promises buy Indian mobile marketing firm ZipDial, mobile device get a great, relevant Twitter being connected, incurring a charge, and local media reported the deal at $30 to to be another big year for Twitter in India, reportedly for $30-$40 million, as it looks experience,” wrote Twitter’s India market- then receive a phone call or text message $40 million. one of our fastest-growing countries to tap one of the world’s fastest growing ing director Rishi Jaitly in an official blog. from a company receiving free promo- India’s mobile base is expected to rise worldwide,” Jaitly said. mobile phone markets. ZipDial’s chief executive Valerie tional material. sharply in coming years from the current The deal is the latest by global tech The US social media giant, which did Wagoner applauded the deal as a “huge “We will continue building upon the 900 million-plus connections as huge giants who have bought startups in India. not disclose details of the deal, will take achievement”, adding that the company existing ZipDial platform, and now, by numbers of young people come online Facebook bought Bangalore-based over the staff and offices of the firm, had come a long way since starting in coming together with Twitter, we have and enter the workforce. mobile technology firm Little Eye Labs last which is based in the southern Indian tech 2010. the tremendous opportunity to elevate “With the Cricket World Cup around year to help the social network develop city of Bangalore. ZipDial gives clients phone numbers everything we have built to a global scale,” the corner, the rise of Twitter as a tool for performance analysis and monitoring “Our primary mission, bolstered by this for use in marketing campaigns. Clients Wagoner said in a statement. governance, and more Indian icons join- tools. — AFP

Intel’s diversity drive to focus on internal changes

SAN FRANCISCO: When Intel Corp said this why do women need to have CS degrees?” he month it would spend $300 million on increas- asked. “This is an excuse.” ing diversity in its workforce, Silicon Valley laud- He and others say technology companies ed its plan to improve the “pipeline” of candi- should look inward, working on making them- dates by helping more women and minorities selves attractive to qualified women and minor- study computer science and engineering. ity candidates who avoid or abandon technolo- But focusing too hard on the pipeline, a fre- gy careers. quent tactic of technology firms seeking to Of all science and engineering graduates, change their workforce, will benefit the chip- only about 31 percent of males and 15 percent maker less than working on what happens of females work in related occupations, accord- inside Intel, diversity advocates say. ing to the US Census Bureau. Just 17 percent of Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich sur- African Americans with science and engineer- prised a mostly male crowd at the Consumer ing degrees go on to work in related jobs. Electronics Show in Las Vegas by unveiling a To draw women and minorities, Intel should 2020 goal for Intel to employ more women and make managers accountable to specific diversi- minorities. ty goals and measure progress through Diversity has become a major corporate employee surveys, said Katherine Kimpel, a issue in the United States as companies look to lawyer specializing in discrimination at Sanford improve their images and for ways to boost pro- Heisler Kimpel LLP. ductivity by tapping new groups of potential Intel CEO Krzanich said he would tie execu- employees. Intel’s effort is one of the largest to tive compensation to hitting diversity targets. date by cash spent. The company also plans to factor diversity into Silicon Valley has a dismal track record year-end bonuses, a spokeswoman said. employing those groups, and Intel is no excep- Lori Nishiura Mackenzie, executive director tion: just a quarter of its U.S. employees in 2013 of Stanford University’s Clayman Institute for were women and 12 percent were Hispanic or Gender Research, said Intel should spend the African American, it said. By comparison, about bulk of its cash on what she called “the frozen one-third of bachelor degrees granted in com- middle” just below the top executives. puters and math go to women, according to the EBay has a workforce that is 42 percent National Science Foundation. female, compared with around 30 percent for Krzanich described plans for educational ini- most technology companies. A spokeswoman tiatives, an area where Intel already spends said women in leadership positions rose 30 per- ABU DHABI: The president of the Swiss sun-powered aircraft Solar Impulse project, Bertrand Piccard (R) and pilot Andre Borschber give a press $100 million annually with an undisclosed but cent annually after eBay launched a gender ini- conference yesterday in Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of the eighth edition of the World Future Energy Summit. — AFP photos small portion focusing on women and minori- tiative, including mentorship of five women per ties. He also broadly promised to improve hir- senior executive, at the end of 2010. ing and retention. Telle Whitney, chief executive officer of the Solar plane pioneers lay out A shortfall of women and minorities receiv- Anita Borg Institute, which focuses on women ing technology-oriented education is often and technology, said that the best return on seen as the leading barrier to a diverse work- investment is for companies to combat uncon- force in Silicon Valley. scious bias: unintentional discrimination that round-the-world flight plan An opinion piece in the San Francisco comes out in words and actions. Chronicle said Intel’s plans “hinge on the avail- Many technology companies now offer ABU DHABI: The team behind a Swiss-made able talent produced by a limited educational managers training in this area, including Google solar-powered aircraft that is attempting to fly pipeline.” Prominent venture capitalist Paul Inc and Microsoft Corp. Intel already has uncon- around the world said yesterday the clean-ener- Graham told online publication the Information scious bias training and plans more, the spokes- gy plane will stop in India, China and the United last year that the lack of women technology woman said. States in a historic journey set to begin as early entrepreneurs and programmers was a prob- Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, who runs a diversity as next month. lem “10 years upstream of us.” Diversity advo- consultancy called 20-First, said Intel should The lightweight Solar Impulse 2, a larger ver- cates say seizing on the supply issue can focus on improving diversity in its top three sion of a single-seat prototype that first flew five obscure other causes. management layers, through steps such as years ago, is aiming to become the first plane “They are blaming the pipeline for their own encouraging different departments to compete ever to circumnavigate the globe using only the faults,” said Vivek Wadhwa, author of “Innovating on goals. Intel President Renee James is female, power of the sun to drive its four propellers. Women,” noting that many technology compa- but the chipmaker has no Hispanics or blacks at Project founders and pilots Bertrand Piccard nies no longer consider degrees of any sort, its highest levels. and Andre Borschberg plan to start and finish including computer science (CS), a requirement Silicon Valley is still seen as a nerdy boys their round-the-world bid from Abu Dhabi, the for employment. club that is not interested in diversity, oil-rich capital of the United Arab Emirates, over Wittenberg-Cox said. “Until that image and the course of about five months. Technolofy careers mindset changes, the numbers will not fol- They laid out their planned route for the first “If male flunkies can join (tech companies), low.” — Reuters time yesterday at a private jet airport in Abu Dhabi where the plane is being housed. The first leg will be a short hop to the Omani capital, Muscat, then across the Arabian Sea to Ahmedabad and Varanasi in India. From there, it’s on to Mandalay, Myanmar, and Chongqing ABU DHABI: Technicians check the Solar Impulse 2, the first solar-powered plane to be able to and Nanjing in China. fly for several days and nights, yesterday at an Abu Dhabi airport, on the sidelines of the eighth The pilots will then head across the vast edition of the World Future Energy Summit. The plane with the top speed of a racing pigeon, 50 Pacific Ocean, bound for Hawaii. Next it’s on to and 100 km/h (30-60 mph), is set to embark on a landmark round-the-world flight using noth- Phoenix and New York’s biggest airport, John F. ing but the sun’s energy to power it, organisers said yesterday. Kennedy International. The path across the around February 27 to March 1. chairman, Sultan al-Jaber, would not say how Atlantic will depend on the weather, and could The Emirates, one of OPEC’s largest oil much the Emirates is contributing to the project. include a stop in Southern Europe or Morocco exporters, has invested heavily in recent years in He described his country’s role as a science and before the team makes its final push to Abu green energy projects and is home to the technology partner that can tap its relationships Dhabi. International Renewable Energy Agency. It is around the world to help make the journey a There is only one seat in the plane, so the lay- building an environmentally sustainable model success. “It is a very clear demonstration of our overs will give the pilots a chance to swap places city on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi and is devel- common vision, our shared interests and our and engage with local communities along the oping large-scale solar projects to tap the power commitment to helping advance such promis- way. “It’s a little difficult to switch in the air, of the Arabian sun. ing, sophisticated new technologies,” he told The which means we will make some stopovers,” Masdar, the Abu Dhabi government’s clean- Associated Press. TOKYO: Humanoid robot “Robi”, a self-built robot with parts provided by weekly Piccard quipped. energy company, is one of the sponsors of the The Solar Impulse 2 was unveiled in April last magazine of Italian publisher Deagostini, dance during an event in Tokyo yesterday. Solar Impulse 2 project. year. Its backers say it theoretically can stay air- One hundred robots performed at the event to commemorate the release of the new Green energy projects Piccard said the company is “generous” and is borne indefinitely by soaking up sunlight using series of the magazine. — AFP Some legs of the trip, such as over the Pacific providing various services to the crew but is not some 17,200 solar cells arrayed on wings that and Atlantic Oceans, could mean five or six paying them outright. “They don’t give us mon- span 72 meters (236 feet). It made a 2 hour and Japan to sell talking robots straight days of flying. Borschberg predicted the ey to be here. They don’t buy us,” he said. 17 minute inaugural flight above western that won’t try to make sense plane would begin its journey from Abu Dhabi The Emirates minister of state and Masdar Switzerland in June. — AP TOKYO: The scientist behind a new talking could be used for tasks such as drawing atten- robot in Japan says people should stop tion to products on display. expecting robots to understand them, and Japan is a leading maker of robots, and its Yahoo CEO poised to make instead try to chime in with robotic conversa- repertoire has ranged from industrial robots tions. to whimsical toys. Hiroshi Ishiguro’s 28-centimer (11-inch) tall Internet and telecommunications compa- decision on Alibaba stake button-eyed Sota, which stands for “social ny Softbank Corp. will start selling Pepper, a talker,” is programmed to mainly talk with a humanoid it claims is designed to read fellow robot, and won’t be trying too hard to human emotions, in Japan next month for SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is n’t maximize Yahoo’s tax savings or risks squan- Alibaba operates online sites that account for understand human speech - the major, and 198,000 yen ($1,700), possibly heralding the facing her biggest business decision since she dering money on far-flung acquisitions. some 80 percent of Chinese e-commerce and often frustrating, drawback of companion era of everyday robots here. left Google two-and-a-half years ago to lead its “Such actions would be a clear indication to emerged as one of the Internet’s hottest com- robots. Ishiguro said the idea behind Sota and struggling rival: how to manage Yahoo’s most us that significant leadership change is required panies right around the time Mayer arrived at Sota, shown to reporters at a Tokyo muse- CommU was similar to watching chattering valuable asset, a 15 percent stake in Chinese at Yahoo,” Smith wrote in a Jan. 8 letter to Mayer. Yahoo in July 2012 - a bit of fortunate timing um Tuesday, goes on sale in July at under children. An adult joining such a conversation Internet star Alibaba Group worth nearly $37 Smith controls 7.7 million Yahoo shares - a 0.8 that has given her more time than she might 100,000 yen ($850) each. To fully enjoy its fea- would have low expectations and be engag- billion. percent stake - through Starboard Value LP. The otherwise have had to figure out how to revive tures, one would have to buy at least two of ing in dialogue for the fun, he said. “This is a defining moment for her,” says Eric New York hedge fund last year reshuffled the Yahoo’s revenue growth. Before Alibaba com- them, although people can buy just one. CommU is designed to make eye contact Jackson, managing partner of hedge fund board of directors at Olive Garden owner pleted the biggest IPO in history four months “Don’t stop at just two. Please buy three or with rolling eyeballs, a feature Ishiguro Ironfire Capital, a long-time Yahoo shareholder. Darden Restaurants and in 2012, Smith unsuc- ago, Yahoo shares were the easiest way for four,” said Ishiguro, a professor at Osaka believes is important to make conversations “Marissa has a chance to really boost the stock if cessfully tried to shake up AOL Inc. In this go- investors to buy a piece of the Chinese compa- University, who has previously shown a vari- feel real. In a demonstration, one CommU said she plays her cards right.” round, Smith is urging Mayer to merge with ny. Alibaba’s stock has climbed by about 40 per- ety of robots that look eerily human, including to another CommU, “Do you know Denmark?” Mayer has promised to outline her Alibaba AOL as part of Yahoo’s spin-off of its Asian cent from its initial public offering price of $68, one that’s his double. It replied: “I love Denmark,” to which the plans on or before Jan. 27, when the company investments, and then launch $1 billion in cost a surge that has lifted Yahoo, too. Shares of the Ishiguro also demonstrated a more elabo- first said, “I love Denmark, too.” Ishiguro insists will release its fourth-quarter earnings. Most cuts, most likely laying off thousands of work- Sunnyvale, California, company have more than rate robot CommU, which stands for commu- the robots can do more than just agree with investors are hoping Mayer will spin off the ers. Smith isn’t keen on Mayer buying anything tripled in the last two-and-a-half years. nication unity. It will cost five times as much as each other, and can be programmed to carry Alibaba stake to ease Yahoo’s tax bill after the besides AOL because she has already spent $1.7 Mayer has publicly applauded Yang for the Sota. The news conference to introduce Sota on various kinds of conversations, including company sells those holdings. Mayer also is billion on a grab-bag of more than three dozen Alibaba coup, but also has taken credit for some and CommU was led by two other confrontational chatter. But the main point is under pressure to return windfalls from Yahoo’s acquisitions that haven’t yet helped lift Yahoo’s of the company’s progress. She overhauled humanoids, which appeared to talk with the that people should stop expecting robots to Asian investments to shareholders instead of revenue. Yahoo’s apps, acquired more engineering talent two newest additions to Japan’s robot pan- live up to human expectations or merely do plowing more money into an acquisition strate- Yahoo declined to comment on Smith’s let- and technology to make the company a bigger theon. useful chores. gy that some think hasn’t paid off. ter or Mayer’s plans for the company’s invest- player in the increasingly important mobile Robot maker Vstone, which simplified “Voice recognition has always been very Activist investor Jeffrey Smith has threat- ments in Alibaba and Yahoo Japan. Yahoo computing market, trimmed its workforce and Ishiguro’s research to come up with commer- difficult for robots,” Ishiguro said. “Human ened to lead a shareholder rebellion aimed at bought the Alibaba stake in a deal engineered a spent $7.7 billion buying back stock to help cial products, expects to sell 3,000 Sota robots beings should instead adjust to what robots ousting Mayer if she proposes a plan that does- decade ago by Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang. boost earnings per share. — AP in the first year, mostly to businesses. They can do.” — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE X-rays unlock secrets of ancient scrolls buried by volcano

BERLIN: Scientists have succeeded in Grenoble, France, the researchers found reading parts of an ancient scroll that was they were able to decipher several letters, buried in a volcanic eruption almost 2,000 proving that the method could be used to years ago, holding out the promise that read what’s hidden inside the scrolls. “Our the world’s oldest surviving library may goal was to show that the technique is one day reveal all of its secrets. The scroll sensitive to the writing,” said Mocella. In a is among hundreds retrieved from the further step, the scientists compared the remains of a lavish villa at Herculaneum, handwriting to that of other texts, allow- which along with Pompeii was one of sev- ing them to conclude that it was likely the eral Roman towns that were destroyed work of Philodemus, a poet and Epicurean when Mt Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. philosopher who died about a century Some of the texts from what is called before the volcanic eruption. the Villa of the Papyri have been deci- The next challenge will be to automate phered since they were discovered in the the laborious process of scanning the charred 1750s. But many more remain a mystery to lumps of papyrus and deciphering the texts science because they were so badly dam- inside them, so that some 700 further scrolls aged that unrolling the papyrus they were stored in Naples can be read, Mocella said. written on would have destroyed them Scholars studying the Herculaneum texts say completely. “The papyri were completely the new technique, which was detailed in an covered in blazing-hot volcanic material,” article published yesterday in the journal said Vito Mocella, a theoretical scientist at Nature Communications, may well mark a the Institute of Microelectronics and breakthrough for their efforts to unlock the Microsystems (CNR) in Naples who led the ancient philosophical ideas hidden from view latest project. for almost two millennia. Previous attempts to peer inside the “It’s a philosophical library of Epicurean scrolls failed to yield any readable texts texts from a time when this philosophy because the ink used in ancient times was influenced the most important classical made from a mixture of charcoal and gum. Latin authors, such as Virgil, Horace and This makes it indistinguishable from the Cicero,” said Juergen Hammerstaedt, a burned papyrus. Mocella and his col- THAILAND: This file photo taken on August 4, 2014 shows Thai surrogate mother Pattaramon Chanbua with her baby Gammy at the Samitivej professor of Greek and Latin at the leagues decided to try a method called X- hospital in Sriracha district, Chonburi province. — AFP ray phase contrast tomography that had University of Cologne, Germany, who was previously been used to examine fossils not involved in the project. “There needs without damaging them. to be much work before one can virtually Australia gives Down Syndrome Phase contrast tomography takes unroll carbonized papyrus because one advantage of subtle differences in the way will have to develop a digital method that radiation - such as X-rays - passes through will allow us to follow the layers,” he said. baby left in Thailand citizenship different substances, in this case papyrus “But in the 260 years of Herculaneum and ink. Using lab time at the European papyrology it is certainly a remarkable Synchrotron Radiation Facility in year.” — AP SYDNEY: A baby at the centre of a Thai surroga- tion department spokeswoman said in a state- old mother said. “But if all of my family, includ- cy scandal has been granted Australian citizen- ment. “It is not appropriate for the department ing me die and if Gammy is left behind alone, at ship, authorities said yesterday, after his birth to make any further comments on this case.” least the Australian government will help him.” mother said he was abandoned by a Perth cou- Surrogate mother Pattaramon Chanbua, who She added that Gammy is in good health and Tethered to treadmills? ple who went home with his healthy twin sister. is in her early 20s, confirmed her son had been turned one in December. The baby has moved Baby Gammy sparked a global debate about the granted Australian citizenship. “He got citizen- into a new home in Chonburi province about Try the cardio machines legal and moral issues surrounding surrogacy ship four days ago. The Australian embassy 90 kilometers south-east of Bangkok using when reports emerged in August that he was called me on Friday to ask me to come and col- money donated by well-wishers across the in the corner left behind by the pair, who returned to lect the documents,” she told AFP by telephone globe, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Australia with his sister Pipah. from her home in Chonburi province, 80 kilo- reported. NEW YORK: Gym goers seeking to boost the rower is not very popular because it The couple have denied abandoning the metres (50 miles) east of the capital Bangkok. Gammy’s biological father, David Farnell, a their workouts might do well to aim for takes some guidance to use properly. “As boy, who has Down’s syndrome, saying they had Pattaramon, also known as Goy, said she has no convicted sex offender, is under investigation by the less-used equipment beyond the a warm-up, it’s a great way to loosen up wanted to bring him home and left Thailand immediate plans to take her son to Australia but the authorities in Western Australia regarding busy rows of treadmills and elliptical the body, break a quick sweat,” she said. fearing the surrogate mother would seize their applied for citizenship with the help of the the wellbeing and safety of Pipah. Commercial trainers that dominate the center of the “Our trainers use it in circuit training as a daughter. “The department can confirm that an Australian charity Hands Across the Water as a surrogacy is illegal in Australia, prompting cardio floor, fitness experts say. What the cardio burst between strength training application for baby Gammy’s Australian citizen- safeguard for his future. growing numbers of infertile couples to head rower and the moving stairs may lack in intervals.” ship by descent has been assessed and found to “I want him to be near me here (in Thailand) overseas to countries such as India and Thailand traffic, they can make up for in effective- Nasario Meija, vice president at Crunch have met all criteria for the grant,” an immigra- so that I don’t have to miss him,” the 21-year- to fulfil their dreams of having a family. — AFP ness and intensity for people willing to Fitness, said just as the rower is not only think outside the box. “What’s the best for athletes, the recumbent bike, which piece of cardio equipment? My short puts riders in a laid-back position, is rec- answer is the one no one’s using,” said ommended mostly for beginners. “It does Dutch navy finds Big city life may not exercise physiologist Tom Holland, author not require as much dynamic movement three stowaways of “Beat the Gym.” as a rower or a treadmill,” Meija said. “It’s a be a key asthma risk People tend to do what they’re good good starting point into a progressive on Ebola aid ship at and what they see others doing, he cardio routine, or for people with lower CHICAGO: The simple fact of growing up After adjusting for those factors, they said. Holland’s favorite under-appreciated back or knee problems because it’s very THE HAGUE: Dutch sailors discovered three stow- found no statistically significant difference machine is the moving stairs. “It’s tougher soft on the joints.” aways aboard the navy’s largest support ship after in a big city may not be a major factor in than the traditional StairMaster, harder to Holland said it’s a mistake to always do returning from a trip to West Africa to drop off sup- whether a child develops asthma, accord- in the rates of asthma between inner-city cheat on, and usually hidden away in the same machines in the same order. plies to fight Ebola, officials said yesterday. “The ing to a new study that contradicts children and those who lived elsewhere. dark recesses of the gym,” he said. “We need mix it up,” he said. “Start three men slipped on board via anchor ropes” after decades of public health assumptions Instead, they found Black or Puerto Rican The treadmill is the most used every workout with an exercise you the Karel Doorman docked in Dakar harbor on its about the so-called inner city asthma epi- children had far higher asthma rates, at 17 machine, according to the trade don’t like, or use one piece of equip- way back from dropping its cargo, the Dutch demic. Instead, researchers at Johns and 20 percent, respectively, compared association IHRSA (International ment you’re not used to, and the body defense ministry said in a statement. Hopkins University in Baltimore found that with white children (10 percent), other Health, Racquet & Sportsclub will respond.” — Reuters “The men hid in several places including in a being poor, black or Puerto Rican are the Hispanic children (9 percent) and Asian Association), followed by resist- lifeboat,” it said. After being discovered, the men most important factors that determine a children (8 percent). ance machines and elliptical train- underwent medical examinations.”They were not child’s asthma risk. Although the study did not look at why, ers. Stair climbers and recumbent infected with Ebola or any other serious medical “Our results highlight the changing the researchers did note that other studies cycles are among the most ignored, condition,” the ministry said. The three men will be face of pediatric asthma and suggest that suggest potential genetic and biologic caus- it says. handed over to border police upon the Karel living in an urban area is, by itself, not a es for these racial and ethnic differences. Hayley Zawadzki, personal Doorman’s return to its home port of Den Helder in risk factor for asthma,” said Dr. Corinne The team also saw wide variation by training manager at the New the Netherlands on Saturday. The Royal Dutch Keet, a pediatric allergy and asthma spe- geography, with 17 percent of children liv- York Health and Racquet Club Navy’s largest ship has undertaken two missions to cialist at Johns Hopkins, whose study was ing in Northeastern cities having asthma, (NYHRC) fitness center chain in take supplies to Ebola-hit countries like Sierra published yesterday in the Journal of compared with 8 percent in cities located Manhattan, favors the rowing Leone, Liberia and Guinea over the last three Allergy and Clinical Immunology. in western states. machine. “It burns a high amount months. Although prior studies have looked at Asthma was not confined to cities. For of calories in a short amount of Cargo included some 50 vehicles, 40 containers asthma rates within specific cities, no example, asthma rates were 21 percent in with clothing including protective suits for aid time, activates large muscle study has compared asthma rates in inner poor suburban areas of the Northeast, workers, beds and 1,700 crates of rice. More than groups and is also city areas across the United States, or compared with 17 percent in neighboring 8,600 people have died from the worst-ever out- good for training car- looked at how asthma compares in other cities. The study did not look at factors break of the haemorrhagic virus. Overall, some types of communities, Keet said. that influence the severity of asthma, dio endurance for 22,000 people have been infected so far, according marathoners and To arrive at that, the researchers used which could very well be more prevalent to the World Health Organisation, which has begun national survey data on more than 23,000 in cities, the authors said. That will be a triathletes,” she said. to record a decline in infections. — AFP Zawadzki believes children aged 6 to 17 between 2009-2011. subject of a follow-on study. Asthma The team looked at rates of asthma based affects 6.8 million children, according to on population figures as well as factors the US Centers for Disease Control and Nigerian cities such as income, race and ethnicity. Prevention. — Reuters hit by bird flu Ebola virus changes over LAGOS: Thousands of chickens have been culled in southern Nigeria after the discovery of bird flu in some time, may thwart drugs poultry farms, the local health authorities said yesterday. State government officials in the financial capital, Lagos, MIAMI: The deadly Ebola virus is chang- designed, but it’s continuing to change,” and the oil city of Port Harcourt, said they had ordered the ing, and new genetic mutations that have said lead author Jeffrey Kugelman, a viral cull to prevent the spread of the disease. Lagos State agri- arisen in the past four decades could geneticist at the US Army Medical culture commissioner Gbolahan Lawal said birds were thwart the experimental drugs that some Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. found to be infected in two locations, in the south of the pharmaceutical companies are develop- Researchers from USAMRIID, Harvard city during the Christmas and New Year festivities. ing, researchers said yesterday. There is no University and the Massachusetts Institute “The bird samples were sent to the National Veterinary drug on the market to treat Ebola, and no of Technology, found that about three Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State, and they were vaccine to prevent it, but clinical trials percent of the genome of the current unfortunately found positive for the H5 strain of avian were accelerated last year after the worst strain of Ebola virus in West Africa con- influenza,” he added. The affected farms were quarantined outbreak in history began sweeping West tained changes, called single nucleotide and there have been no reported cases since, he said, Africa, killing more than eight thousand polymorphisms, or SNPs, when compared warning poultry farmers and sellers to report any high people so far and infecting more than to outbreaks of other Ebola variants in death rates of birds. 21,000. 1976 and 1995. In Port Harcourt, 435 kilometers (270 miles) to the Until recently, drug companies had They also found 10 new mutations that southeast, the Rivers State government said it had killed been reluctant to invest much in Ebola might interfere with the actions of mono- “hundreds of birds” in a farm hit by the virus. Agriculture treatments, seeing little cash return from clonal antibody, siRNA (small-interfering commissioner Emma Chinda said the authorities received treating a virus that tends to strike spo- RNA), or PMO (phosphorodiamidate mor- a report on January 14 that a farm may have been infect- radically in Africa. Even though some pholino oligomer) drugs currently being ed and laboratory tests later confirmed the presence of drugs are now being fast-tracked, they tested, according to the research. Three of the virus. “On the basis of that, we had to take necessary were developed well over a decade ago, those 10 mutations appeared during the steps. Apart from quarantining the farm, we had to based on strains of Ebola that were identi- current epidemic which has struck mainly depopulate the birds in the farm to stop further spread,” fied when the virus first emerged in the in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Chinda added. 1970s. Some of the most promising drugs The researchers urged drug developers Officials said there was no indication the outbreak in bind to and target a piece of the virus’s to check whether the mutations they Africa’s most populous country was the H5N1 strain, which genetic sequence. found might affect their experimental Since viruses naturally mutate over therapeutics. “Ebola researchers need to KARACHI: A Pakistani health worker administers polio drops to a child during a polio has killed more than 400 people worldwide since it first vaccination campaign yesterday. Pakistan is one of only three countries where polio appeared in 2003. The World Organization for Animal time, that could mean the drugs will not assess drug efficacy in a timely manner to remains endemic. Attempts to stamp it out have been badly hit by opposition from Health said: “The Nigerian authorities are investigating and work as well as hoped, said the study in make sure that valuable resources are not militants and attacks on immunization teams that have claimed 68 lives since monitoring the situation and they will report the updated the journal mBio. “The virus has not only spent developing therapies that no December 2012. — AFP information in their next follow-up report.”—AFP changed since these therapies were longer work,” said Kugelman. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Life in the slow lane: Walking groups boost health PARIS: Joining a walking group is one of the who joined a walking group, three-quarters easiest ways to boost health and morale, tended to stick to it and apart from the odd according to an investigation published stumble over roots or wet ground, it is a risk- Monday in the British Journal of Sports free activity. These are benefits that doctors Medicine. Researchers at Britain’s University should point out to sedentary patients, the of East Anglia analyzed 42 published studies paper said. of people who took up organized walking- “Walking groups are effective and safe regular outings that typically lasted less with good adherence and wide-ranging than an hour. Walkers enjoyed “statistically health benefits.” The published studies, significant improvements” in wellbeing accessed through online databases, compared to their formerly sedentary state, involved almost 2,000 people in 14 coun- the probe found. Small but measurable tries. The volunteers were assessed gains were seen in general fitness, blood before and after joining a walking group, pressure, resting heart rate, lung power, and many had a wide-range of long-term cholesterol levels, body fat and in a standard health conditions, ranging from diabetes, test to measure depression. arthritis and depression to obesity and The picture was less clear for waist cir- Parkinson’s disease. Other sports were cumference and blood glucose. Of those not evaluated. — AFP Nigeria nearing six months without single polio case

LAGOS: Nigeria was yesterday awarded ble feat,” the head of Rotary’s polio cam- $8.1 million in funding for a final push to paign in Nigeria, Tunju Funsho, said in a eradicate polio, as it nears six months with- statement. “Our country has gone six out a case of the disease. Rotary months without a new case of the disease. International, which is working with the However, now we must be more vigilant LANKIEN, SOUTH SUDAN: A handout photo released on January 19, 2015 and taken on January 14, 2015 by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) or World Health Organization (WHO) to wipe than ever, as our progress is fragile.” Rotary Doctors Without Borders shows ten-year-old Chaikok Cha, a kala azar patient, being cared for by his family at an MSF hospital. — AFP photos out the virus, said the money would go said seven other African countries would towards vaccination, research and surveil- receive funding totaling $18.5 million to lance programs. stem outbreaks. Nigeria is one of three countries world- Pakistan, which had the highest number MSF slams expensive vaccines, wide where polio is considered endemic. of polio cases with 297 last year, will receive The two others are Pakistan and $1.1 million while Afghanistan, which had Afghanistan. But there is concern about 28 cases in 2014, has been awarded $6.7 urges GSK and Pfizer to cut prices reinfections in war-torn countries such as million, it added. Polio vaccination pro- Somalia and Syria because of disruption to grams in the three endemic countries have LONDON: the international charity Medecins A pledging conference for the GAVI global 2020. “Governments need to put pressure on immunization programs. The last case of the been hit by violence. In Nigeria, some hard- Sans Frontieres urged drugmakers vaccines alliance is due in Berlin next week, (drug) companies to offer better prices to polio virus in Nigeria was on July 24 in the line Muslim clerics have viewed immuniza- GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer yesterday to slash when government donors and private philan- GAVI,” said Kate Elder, an MSF policy adviser. northern state of Kano. Last year, the coun- tion programs, which focus especially on the price of their pneumococcal vaccines to thropists will be asked for some $7.5 billion to “We need to put public health before profit. try recorded a total of six cases, according children, as a Western plot to depopulate $5 per child in poor countries. In a report on help immunize hundreds of millions of chil- Life-saving vaccines for children shouldn’t be to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Africa. In 2014, there were only 350 con- vaccine prices ahead of an international dren in poor countries between 2016 and big business in poor countries.” —Reuters That compares with 53 in 2013, the firmed polio cases in the world, down from donor conference in Berlin at the end of group said on its website, polioeradica- about 350,000 a year when the global eradi- January, MSF slammed Big Pharma compa- tion.org. “Nigeria has managed an incredi- cation program began in 1988. — AFP nies and said the cost of vaccinating a child in the world’s poorest countries was now 68 times higher than in 2001. The “skyrocketing” Baby’s age at gluten exposure prices mean many countries can’t afford expensive new vaccines such as those that not tied to celiac disease protect against pneumococcal disease, which kills about a million children a year, MSF’s NEW YORK: The age at which babies are type I diabetes in children from Sweden, report said. introduced to foods with gluten doesn’t Finland, Germany and the US. They followed “A handful of big pharmaceutical compa- affect their risk of developing celiac disease, 6,436 children with a genetic predisposition nies are overcharging donors and developing a new study finds. Earlier studies had sug- for celiac disease. countries for vaccines that already earn them gested that introducing gluten between the On average, children in Sweden were billions of dollars in wealthy countries,” said ages of four and six months might lower the introduced to gluten at about age 22 weeks. Rohit Malpani, policy and analysis director for risk of celiac disease, a condition in which Kids in Finland were started on gluten a bit MSF’s access campaign. Responding to the gluten in food triggers a damaging immune later, at 26 weeks. Those in Germany and the criticism, GSK said in a statement that it was response in the small intestines. US were introduced to gluten even later, at already barely covering its costs with the price But in this new study, children introduced about 30 weeks, on average. it charges poorer countries for its pneumo- to gluten before age 17 weeks or after 26 After five years, 773 children had a marker coccal shot, Synflorix, which it said was “one of weeks were not at an increased risk of devel- of celiac disease known as tTGA (tissue trans- the most complex we’ve ever manufactured”. oping celiac disease, compared to those who glutaminase antibody) in their blood, and “Many of our available vaccines are were introduced to the protein between 307 actually developed celiac disease - based advanced and complex and require signifi- those ages, researchers found. Carin AndrÈn on an intestinal biopsy or consistently high cant upfront capital investment to make and Aronsson, the study’s lead author from Lund tTGA levels. Overall, children with a specific supply,” it said, adding that to discount pneu- University in Malm?, Sweden, said parents genetic predisposition, those born in mococcal vaccines further would threaten should still follow the general recommenda- Sweden, females and kids with a family his- GSK’s ability to supply them long-term. Pfizer tion for introducing children to gluten. tory of celiac disease were more likely to also said its pneumococcal shot, Prevenar 13, “For Europe anyway you should intro- develop the condition. was highly complex. “It takes more than two duce gluten in small amounts at four to six After adjusting for those factors, there years to create one batch of Prevenar 13, months of ages,” she said. “I think we can still was no link between when the children were encompassing some 500 separate quality stick with that.” In the US and Europe, about introduced to gluten and their risk of devel- control tests ... multiple facilities and hun- one in 100 people have celiac disease. If they oping celiac disease. The researchers did find dreds of trained professionals,” it said in a consume wheat, barley or rye, or foods that that children in Sweden are more likely to statement. contain those grains, their immune response develop celiac disease, compared to children MSF’s report said pneumococcal shots leads to intestinal damage, malnutrition and in the U.S. Based on the results, the alone accounted for about 45 percent of the other problems. researchers suggest it may be due to an cost of fully vaccinating a child against 12 dis- As reported in the journal Pediatrics, interaction of gluten and weaning, but that eases. It said GSK and Pfizer had together LANKIEN, SOUTH SUDAN: A handout photo taken on January 13, 2015 by Medecins Sans Aronsson’s group used data from a study of result needs more research. — Reuters reported more than $19 billion in global sales Frontieres (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders shows a man suffering from Kala azar assisted by for pneumococcal vaccines since their launch. his wife and a relative at an MSF hospital. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 OSN to showcase TV technology at INFOCONNECT 2015 New, exclusive offers for visitors

SN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, will once art OSN Plus HD box for free along with complimentary again highlight its technological advancements at installation. Visitors can also avail special offers on other OINFOCONNECT 2015, the biggest shopper event for packages. the IT & Communication sector to be held from January 25 Nick Di Marzo, Chief Operating Officer, OSN said: at the Kuwait International Fair Ground in Kuwait City. “Kuwait is a fundamental market for OSN recording con- Serving as a unified gateway to world-class television tinual year-on-year growth. INFOCONNECT is a signifi- across multiple platforms, OSN will showcase its cutting cant platform for us to connect with our subscribers and edge technology with special demonstrations of OSN Plus highlight our industry differentials. We will continue to HD, the region’s first 3D, HD, internet enabled satellite bring innovative technologies to all our regional markets, receiver and recorder, and OSN Play, the region’s first while keeping our viewers engaged and entertained online viewing platform. with the latest premium content. Being at the forefront OSN’s interactive stand will also provide visitors the of setting new industry trends, we will continue to pro- opportunity to learn more about its latest packages that vide unmatched viewer experiences to our viewers in deliver premium content from all over the world to its sub- Kuwait.” scribers. Visitors can also benefit from several exclusive INFOCONNECT 2015 showcases the latest innovations offers at the OSN stand located in Hall 6. and developments in the IT and communications sector Those who subscribe to OSN’s platinum and premier giving visitors access to great promotions and special packages at the exhibition will receive OSN’s state-of-the- offers. For more information, please visit: www.osn.com YMCA Kuwait conducted 5th Christmas Carol

MCA Kuwait conducted its 5th Christmas Carol cele- (Vicar - St Stephens Orthodox Congregation), Rev V S brations with colorful events in a sparkling family Skariah (Vicar - St James Mar Thoma Church) and Santhosh Yatmosphere at Indian Community School, Salmiya. Mathew (Treasurer) delivered the felicitation. The evening started with the opening prayer by Rev. Samji Eleven Christian Choir groups performed Christian Carol K. Sam (Vicar - St Peters CSI Congregation) and Bible read- songs. The entire Choir groups praised God through their ing by Mathew Eapen (Vice President). Meeting was touching Christmas Carol songs. Solos were also sung by presided over by Dr A T Varghese (YMCA President). Rev different members. Mementos for the participant choirs Sunil Joy (Vicar - St Thomas Mar Thoma Church) inaugurat- were distributed during the event by Rev Fr P A Philip. ed the function. 2nd and 3rd Bible lessons read by Mathew Parimanam Manoj (General Secretary) welcomed all dig- Varkey and Rachelle Oommen respectively. nitaries and members and vote of thanks was delivered by Rev Fr P A Philip (Director - Dept of Human Resource Mathews Mammen (Convener). Biju Velloor, Ceinu Empowerment, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church) deliv- Mathews, Kumari Megha Mariam Akash compered the pro- ered the Christmas - New Year message. Rev Fr Saju Philip gram.

Thanima holds New Year’s Day event MACE ‘Sargotsav-2015’ argotsav is a children’s Art Festival of various compe- titions and cultural programs. It is organized every Syear by Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kerala (MACE) Alumni Association, Kuwait Chapter, one of the constituents of Kuwait Engineers Forum (KEF) having membership of over 1350 Engineers working in Kuwait. This year, Sargotsav shall be held on 22nd and 23rd January 2015 at Carmel School, Khaitan. On behalf of the Organizing committee, MACEAA Chairman Sancy Lal Chakkiath and General Convener Jacob Zachariah informed that Sargotsav, the Children’s Art Festival, provides an opportunity to bring out the tal- ents of children of various Engineering college Alumni Associations coming under the Kuwait Engineers Forum (KEF) fraternity. MACE Alumni Association, Kuwait chapter was formed in the year 1984 with the intention of cultural and social interaction among the families of MACEAA members resid- ing in Kuwait. Sargotsav has its inception since 1999 and has now turned out to be a Mega Cultural Festival which brings out the literary and artistic talents of children bub- bling with so much of energy, enthusiasm and excitement. Various individual and group items such as Elocution, Painting, Essay writing, Mono Act, Fancy Dress, Dance, Music, Drama etc are included in this inter KEF Alumni hanima organized ‘Puthuvalsarathanima 2015’ at United competition to enhance their creative and artistic talents Indian School, Abbassiya, to welcome the new year. The and to include the values of team work, healthy spirit of Tfunction, presided over by Manoj Kumar (Gen. Convener), competition and sense of culture and integrity. Above 400 began with National Anthems followed by invocation by Reshma children are expected to participate in various items which Mariam. will cover over 1000 individual items. All the events are Prof Mary Mathew, Sujurul Meethal and Adv Vidya Sumod judged by a panel of efficient external judges and the delivered New Year messages. Babu Chakola and KP Balakrishnan, prizes for the winners will be given during the valedictory theatre personalities and recipients of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka function on 23rd January 2015 evening. Akademy’s Kalashree award in 2014 and ‘15 respectively were Sargotsav 2015 souvenir will be released by Santosh honored with mementos by Raghunathan Nair and Adv. John Kumar G, General Convener, Kuwait Engineers Forum (KEF), Thomas. Johney Kunnil introduced them to the audience. during the Inaugural Function. Sargotsav is a culmination of hard work put in by the whole team of MACEAANS of Cultural programs by Namitha Sivakumar, Anjana Raviprasad, Kuwait chapter. The Chairmen/Presidents and all members Athira Raviparasad along with Kuttithanima members (the chil- of constituent Alumni Associations of KEF have voluntarily dren’s wing of Thanima) were enjoyed by all. extended their total support to this mega Event to make it The major attraction of the event was the traditional carol a grand success. singing competition. KMRM Yuvajyothi was the winner followed by Voice of Bethany being first runner-up and Mar Baselius Youth Association the second runner-up claiming cash prizes and tro- phies. The prizes for best X’mas papa as well as the youngest and Announcement eldest participants were presented to Agape Prayer Group, KMRM Yuvajyothi and Mar Baselious Youth Association respec- tively. All other teams received trophy for participation. Raju coordination committee has been formed to make an alumni association of Thiruvalla MGM Higher Zachariah welcomed the gathering and Iqbal Kuttamangalam Secondary School. All those who have the said proposed the vote of thanks. Sneha Merin excelled in presenting A school as their alma mater are welcome to join. Please the programs. contact: 90028893,99220369

MES friends and families reunion

ES College of Engineering Kuttippuram Alumni Association of Kuwait organized their annual Mfriends and families reunion at Hotel Rajadhani Palace, Khaitan on Friday, Dec 19, 2014. The official inaugu- ration was done by the chief guest of the function Sideeque Valiyakath, President of FIMA Kuwait. The func- tion was attended by eminent dignitaries like Sadik Ali (MES Kuwait President), Arshad TV ( MES General Secretary), Saleh Batha, Mohammed Rafi and Basheer Batha. Alumni association president Shanu Basheer greeted and welcome the guests and all the members and their families, General Secretary Jezeen Abdul Jabbar presented the annual report The overwhelming The race track of SIRRB circuit , Kuwait’s newest carting facility witnessed the dare devilry response of the members was appreciated and of IDAK thrill seekers in its debut Go- Kart competition. The Friday evening was set beauti- Associations future plans and activities were also detailed fully for 6 heats that were conducted to display the driving skills of the IDAK enthusiasts. In by the association General Secretary. The Alumni has cur- the ladies heats Dr Reny John claimed the chequered , followed by Reena Jaison and Dr rently 75 active members now. Devi Priya. In the men’s heats Dr Mohammed Rizwanullah was on top of the time sheets, followed by Dr Biju Mahadevan, and Dr Shanker Babu claiming the third position. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

SPEND 2015: Handcrafts exhibition, health care seminars

alankara Cultural Association (MCA), Kuwait in Members of MCA and IOMF are keen to see a change in prominent Medical Specialists in Kuwait. wishers, special invitees and guests other than general partnership with IOMF Kuwait is presenting a our life style by giving due respect to the environment With the above in mind, on the sidelines of SPEND public are expected to attend the program, which will Mtotally unique event under the banner “SPEND we live in, and they are all out to promote cleanliness of 2015 Handicrafts Exhibition, the Organizers plan to be inaugurated by H E Sunil Jain, Indian Ambassador to 2015”. The acronym SPEND stands to Strengthen fami- surroundings as a slogan calling for change in attitudes. conduct a “Students Art Exhibition”, exclusively for Kuwait. lies, Promote learning, Empower women, Nurture com- They do support the “Keep Kuwait Clean” as well as Students aged 8 to 10, with a view to promote their passion and Develop talents, and we do strive to create “Swatch Bharat” initiatives. artistic talents and to create awareness in health care. Works of art a change in the society by living to the spirit of the pro- The approach of the organizers is totally unique and Students from Schools in Kuwait are welcome to partic- The most exclusive feature of the exhibition is that gram. simple, work hard, promote learning and produce ipate in the “Students Art Exhibition” by registering sponsors of SPEND are received at the exhibition and As reflected in their motto, it is a totally unique and works of art by bare hands using once own inborn tal- their names at www.facebook.com/SPEND2015 till 28th are given an opportunity to own and take home the novel approach to creating awareness in the communi- ents, spread knowledge and understanding with a view January 2015. Their paintings will be displayed in public works of art that members of MCA and IOMF have cre- ty about the value of education and better personal to empower and emancipate the weaker side including at the “SPEND 2015 Handicraft Exhibition and Health ated, by spending numerous hours of work. While they health for every individual. MCA and IOMF have con- women of all stature. Members have been meeting Seminars” on the 30th January 2015 at Carmel School, worked, learned and shared their talents, their sponsors centrated specifically in four major areas of health care regularly since last one year, in small groups to share Khaitan from 12:30 to 6:00 pm. stood along with them for a campaign of better health by giving prominence to fighting Cancer, Diabetes, and promote their talents and at the same time creat- The themes for the paintings by students shall be and education for the socially backward and underpriv- Coronary and Kidney Diseases with awareness and to ing beautiful works of art which are remarkable testi- “Nature in its vibrancy” or “Life in action”. Paintings ileged. support Education and Health Care among the most monials of their own passion for a compassionate way shall be done using water color, acrylic or oil medium As a proof to say the world, that the organizers care needy and underprivileged individuals. SPEND is also of living. and should be of A3 size, or mounted on A3 size paper for the community, several of their members are regis- beginning of a campaign to promote better health by or Canvas. Selected best paintings will be awarded tered postmortem organ donors or even living organ caring for the environment we live in. A better future Cash Prizes of $150, $100, $50 each, gifts of Handicrafts donors. Finally, SPEND is only a beginning with no end The Organizers realize that many people are prone The Organizers are very keen to take their message and/or Certificates of Merit. Special raffle draws with in the foreseeable future, because they do believe in to obesity, which is the root cause of major illnesses to students of all ages as they are the promise of a bet- attractive prizes for students participating in the exhibi- spreading the value of education which is indeed an including Diabetes and Hypertension and is supple- ter future. While trying to identify, honor and promote tion are also available. unending process that creates meaning for human life. mented by Coronary and Kidney diseases. Our disre- the artistic talents in young students, they try to attract A variety cultural program by different music, band The organizers thank you for your support in spread- spect to the environment we live in is a major cause of their attention towards the Health Care Seminars which and dance groups in Kuwait is also planned for the day. ing the word of SPEND with its full meaning and Cancer, which is a modern day threat to our well-being. are being conducted for Students and Parents by A large assemblage of people including Sponsors, well- essence.

Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait participated in the kick off ceremony of Hala February of Kuwait on 16 January 2015. The Embassy set-up a stall based on Bangladeshi culture, history and heritage on the occasion. H E Major General Mohammad Ashab Uddin, ndc, psc (retd), Ambassador of Bangladesh visited the stall at 02:00 pm. He expressed appreciation of the rich cultural history of Kuwait and bondage between two brotherly nations. Lo’Jo entertains audience ‘Two-minute in Al-Qurain Festival positivity’ launched

heikha Entisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Head of the Nowair Initiative and Lulwa Publication House, Sannounced launching the ‘Two-minute Positivity Program,’ which aims at teaching school students how to be positive in every aspect of their life through five two-minute exercises. The program stems from the Nowair positivity tree, that consist of kindness, sim- plicity, making difference, gratitude, joy, honesty and alertness, Sheikh Entisar explained.

Sheikha Entisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah

o’Jo band members played with their violin, drums blend of world music with strong North African and They were involved in the organization of Desert Music and bass Monday entertaining audience with a French folk elements. The band was formed in 1982 and Festival in Mali in 2001. LCaribbean flavor blended with North African has since performed in many parts of Europe and out- Al-Qurain Cultural Festival consists of over 50 activi- singing, in an event held on sidelines of Al-Qurain side the European continent. The band’s hit was ties. The festival, held under the auspices of His Cultural Festival. through its 1998 Mojo Radio album. The Boheme De Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al- The France-based band is known for performing a Cristal album was recorded in Bamako, Mali, in 2000. Hamad Al-Sabah, due until January 24. — KUNA Honda Alghanim celebrates Hala February 2015 For the 2nd year in a row

he growing excitement for the impending Hala Additionally, thanks to the excellent reputation of February celebrations was exuberantly expressed Honda cars, Hala February organizers will be giving out Tduring the carnival held next to the iconic Kuwait 4 Honda Pilot SUVs as part of the festival raffle draw Towers on Friday, January 16, 2014 to signal the launch throughout at all participating outlets. of the Hala February festivities. As one of the main Honda Alghanim, the sole distributor of Honda auto- sponsors of the festival, Honda Alghanim proudly show- mobiles, power products, marine and motorcycles in cased a selection of Honda cars and motorcycles, Kuwait is committed to providing customers with flexi- Honda Alghanim furthered the celebratory spirit by ble payment solutions, as well as offering comfortable holding fun activities with the crowd who attended the amenities in its new service center located in Shuwaikh. festive event. Honda Alghanim Service Center provides efficient and The streets were decorated end to end with thou- cost-effective services at all times. The waiting lounge sands of colored balloons forming the Kuwait flag, patri- offers customers a wide array of amenities such as an otic music blasting through speakers, exciting contests electronic gaming area, digital satellite channels, free and folkloric performances and more. The enjoyable wireless Internet access as well as relaxing massage event was a fun-filled, family-friendly occasion that chairs. Honda Alghanim’s customers will also enjoy attracted more than 15,000 people. Blending perfectly excellent customer service, quality maintenance into the excitement was the Honda Alghanim 5-car dis- options and competitive prices on genuine spare parts, play featuring the Kuwaiti flag on the windshield in all of which are provided by a team of professional and addition to a 2 flagship motorcycles. Honda promoters highly skilled technicians. For more information call gave out hundreds of branded and patriotic giveaways 1822777. as well as balloons WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

06:00 Keeping Up With The Of Dogs 09:00 Criminal Minds Kardashians 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 10:00 State Of Affairs 06:55 Keeping Up With The 15:35 The Chase 12:00 Emmerdale Kardashians 16:30 The Great Fire 12:30 Coronation Street 07:50 Style Star 17:25 Chasing Shadows 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 00:05 As Time Goes By 00:20 Dive Wars Australia 08:20 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 14:00 Psych 00:35 Eastenders 01:10 Manhunt 08:45 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:10 Coronation Street 16:00 Emmerdale 01:05 Doctors 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 19:35 The Chase 16:30 Coronation Street 01:35 Being Erica 02:50 Auction Hunters 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 20:30 The Great Fire 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:20 Saxondale 03:15 The Liquidator 11:10 Kourtney And Khloe Take 21:25 Chasing Shadows 18:00 Psych 02:50 Being Eileen 03:40 Dallas Car Sharks The Hamptons 22:20 Coronation Street 20:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 03:15 Call The Midwife 04:05 How It’s Made 12:05 House Of DVF 22:50 Emmerdale 21:00 Top Gear (UK) 04:00 Rev. 04:30 How It’s Made 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 23:15 Emmerdale 22:00 Legends 04:30 As Time Goes By 05:00 Dual Survival 13:35 E!ES 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 23:00 Mistresses 05:00 Cbeebies Stories 06:00 Outback Truckers 14:30 Style Star 05:05 The Green Balloon Club 06:50 Rods N’ Wheels 15:00 Keeping Up With The 05:30 Gigglebiz 07:40 Fast N’ Loud Kardashians 05:45 Boogie Beebies 08:30 Auction Hunters 16:00 Keeping Up With The 06:00 Nina And The Neurons: In 08:55 The Liquidator Kardashians The Lab 09:20 Dallas Car Sharks 17:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:00 How Hard Can It Be? 06:15 Cbeebies Stories 09:45 How It’s Made 17:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 01:00 Caught In The Act 06:20 The Green Balloon Club 00:00 Crisis 10:10 How It’s Made 18:00 E!ES 02:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 06:45 Gigglebiz 01:00 Good Morning America 10:35 Get Out Alive With Bear 19:00 Fashion Bloggers 03:00 Ancient Secrets: Mystery of 07:00 Boogie Beebies 05:00 Good Morning America Grylls 19:30 Fashion Bloggers The Silver Pharaoh 07:15 The Weakest Link 07:00 Emmerdale 11:25 Dive Wars Australia 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 04:00 Chasing UFOs 08:00 As Time Goes By 07:30 Coronation Street 12:15 Manhunt 21:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 05:00 Air Crash Investigation 08:30 Being Eileen 10:00 Emmerdale 13:05 Auction Hunters The Hamptons 06:00 Pirate Patrol 09:00 Eastenders 10:30 Coronation Street 13:30 The Liquidator 22:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 07:00 Megacities 09:30 Doctors 13:00 Crisis 13:55 Dallas Car Sharks The Hamptons 08:00 How Hard Can It Be? 10:00 Being Erica 15:00 Live Good Morning America 14:20 Outback Truckers 23:00 E!ES 09:00 Caught In The Act 10:45 The Weakest Link 18:00 Crisis 15:10 Classic Car Rescue 23:30 The Soup 10:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 11:30 As Time Goes By 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 11:00 Storm Worlds 12:00 Being Eileen 21:00 Crisis 16:50 How It’s Made 12:00 Dangerous Encounters 12:30 Kidnapped 22:00 Devious Maids 17:15 How It’s Made 13:00 Street Monkeys 13:20 Eastenders 23:00 Justified 17:40 Dual Survival 14:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 13:50 Doctors 18:30 Troy 15:00 Diggers 14:20 Being Erica 19:20 The Big Brain Theory 15:30 Diggers 15:00 Rev. 00:05 Chopped 20:10 The Liquidator 16:00 Going Deep With David 15:30 As Time Goes By 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes 20:35 Dallas Car Sharks Rees 16:00 Being Eileen 01:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of 21:00 The Carbonaro Effect 16:30 Going Deep With David 00:00 In The Blood 16:30 The Weakest Link Thailand 21:25 The Carbonaro Effect Rees 02:00 The Wicked Within 17:15 Eastenders 02:10 Reza, Spice Prince Of 21:50 The Big Brain Theory 17:00 Street Genius 04:00 Alex Cross 17:40 Doctors Thailand 22:40 You Have Been Warned 17:30 Street Genius 06:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 18:10 Prison, My Family & Me 02:35 Ching’s Restaurant 23:30 The Carbonaro Effect 18:00 Sea Patrol Wolverine 19:00 Rev. Redemption 23:55 The Carbonaro Effect 19:00 Diggers 08:00 The Cold Light Of Day 19:30 Saxondale 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 19:30 Diggers 10:00 White House Down 20:00 Frankie 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 20:00 Going Deep With David 12:15 The Peacemaker 20:50 Single Father 04:40 Reza, Spice Prince Of Rees 14:30 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 21:45 The Omid Djalili Show Thailand 20:30 Going Deep With David Wolverine 22:15 Mad Dogs 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Rees 16:00 The Cold Light Of Day 23:00 Waking The Dead 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of Vietnam 21:00 Street Genius 18:00 Knockout 00:00 Violetta 21:30 Street Genius 20:00 The Peacemaker 00:45 The Hive 05:50 Siba’s Table 06:10 Sweet Genius 22:00 Sea Patrol 22:15 Chain Reaction 00:50 Art Attack 23:00 Storm Worlds 01:15 Art Attack 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 01:40 Jungle Junction 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 02:05 Jungle Junction 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:00 Homes Under The Hammer 02:30 Violetta 08:15 Chopped 00:55 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 03:10 The Hive 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 00:00 The Wicked Within-PG15 Taylor 03:20 Art Attack 02:00 Alex Cross-PG15 09:30 Farm Kings 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 01:20 Nigellissima 03:45 Art Attack 04:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 10:20 Recipes That Rock Stewart 01:45 Home Cooking Made Easy 04:10 Jungle Junction Wolverine-PG 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of 01:00 Two And A Half Men 02:15 Celebrity MasterChef 04:35 Jungle Junction 06:00 The Cold Light Of Day-PG15 Vietnam 01:30 Web Therapy 05:00 Art Attack 08:00 White House Down-PG15 02:40 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 02:00 Ja’mie: Private School Girl 05:25 Art Attack 10:15 The Peacemaker-PG15 THE PEACEMAKER ON OSN ACTION HD Living 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 02:30 Louie 05:50 Mouk 12:30 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 03:05 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 Chopped 03:00 Back In The Game 07:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle- 16:00 Krazzy Planet 08:39 Live ABC Nightline 06:00 Dog With A Blog Wolverine-PG 04:00 Come Dine With Me 12:50 Siba’s Table 03:30 About A Boy PG15 18:00 Pacific Pirates 09:06 MSNBC The Rachel 06:25 Liv And Maddie 14:00 The Cold Light Of Day-PG15 04:25 The Good Cook 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 04:00 New Girl 09:00 Beasts Of The Southern 20:00 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom Maddow Show 06:50 So Random 16:00 Knockout-PG15 13:40 Mystery Diners 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring Wild-PG15 Sabotage 10:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 04:50 Homes Under The Hammer 07:15 I Didn’t Do It 18:00 The Peacemaker-PG15 05:45 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 07:40 Jessie 14:05 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Jimmy Fallon 10:45 The Words-PG15 22:00 Hammer Boy Lawrence O’Donnell Cook Off 20:15 Chain Reaction-PG15 12:30 Yellow Rock-PG15 23:30 Krazzy Planet 11:00 Live ABC World News Now Taylor 08:05 Austin & Ally 05:30 My Boys 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 22:15 Trespass-PG15 14:15 The Magic Of Belle Isle 11:30 Live ABC World News Now 06:10 Nigellissima 08:30 Sonny With A Chance 06:00 Last Man Standing 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 16:15 Beasts Of The Southern 12:00 Live NBC Early Today 06:40 Home Cooking Made Easy 08:55 Suite Life On Deck 15:45 Farm Kings 08:00 New Girl Wild-PG15 12:30 Live ABC America This 07:05 Celebrity MasterChef 09:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 09:45 Hannah Montana 16:35 Chopped 08:30 My Boys 18:00 The Next Three Days-PG15 Morning 07:30 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 10:10 That’s So Raven 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 09:00 Back In The Game 20:30 The Fifth Estate-PG15 13:00 Live ABC America This Living 17:50 Reza, Spice Prince Of 09:30 The Simpsons 00:00 Kissing Jessica Stein-18 23:00 Network-18 00:00 The Good Doctor-PG15 Morning 10:35 High School Musical 2 02:00 The Pretty One-PG15 08:00 Antiques Roadshow 12:15 Austin & Ally Vietnam 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 02:00 Addams Family Values-PG 13:30 Live ABC America This 08:50 Come Dine With Me 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 04:00 Maid In Manhattan-PG 04:00 The 7:39-PG15 Morning 12:40 Jessie 06:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of 09:15 Homes Under The Hammer 18:40 Siba’s Table Jimmy Fallon 06:00 Mr. 3000-PG 14:00 Live ABC America This 13:05 I Didn’t Do It Meatballs 2-PG 10:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 13:30 So Random 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 12:00 Last Man Standing 08:00 Stand Off-PG15 Morning 19:30 Mystery Diners 08:00 What To Expect When You’re 14:30 MSNBC First Look Taylor 13:55 Liv And Maddie 13:00 My Boys 10:00 See Spot Run-PG15 01:00 Dream House-PG15 19:55 Burger Land 03:00 Vamps-PG15 Expecting-PG15 15:00 Live NBC Today Show 10:35 Nigellissima 14:20 Austin & Ally 13:30 The Simpsons 12:00 Old Stock-PG15 20:20 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 14:00 About A Boy 13:30 Good Morning, Vietnam 05:00 Magic Journey To Africa- 10:00 Monsters University-PG 18:57 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris 11:00 The Roux Legacy 14:55 Jessie 12:00 The 7:39-PG15 15:20 Liv And Maddie Cook Off 14:30 The Simpsons 16:00 Stand Off-PG15 PG15 Matthews 11:35 Celebrity MasterChef 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 18:00 So I Married An Axe 07:00 Kon-Tiki-PG15 14:00 Austenland-PG15 19:38 MSNBC The Rachel 15:45 Liv And Maddie 16:00 What To Expect When You’re 12:00 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 16:10 Violetta 22:00 Chopped 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Murderer-PG15 09:00 Percy Jackson: Sea Of Maddow Show Living 22:50 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Stewart 19:45 Keeping The Faith-PG15 Monsters-PG Expecting-PG15 20:19 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 17:00 How To Build A Better Boy 18:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 12:25 Antiques Roadshow 18:40 Gravity Falls 23:15 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 16:00 Two And A Half Men 22:00 Not Suitable For Children-18 11:00 Lego Batman: The Movie - Lawrence O’Donnell 13:20 Come Dine With Me 23:40 Burger Land 16:30 Last Man Standing DC Super Heroes Unite-PG 20:00 World War Z-PG15 21:00 Live MSNBC Ronan Farrow 19:05 Spooksville 22:00 Machete Kills-18 13:45 Homes Under The Hammer 19:30 Violetta 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:45 The Great Ghost Rescue-PG Daily 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 20:20 Liv And Maddie 18:00 Back In The Game 14:45 Five Thirteen-PG15 22:00 Live MSNBC The Reid Report Taylor 20:45 Liv And Maddie 18:30 About A Boy 16:45 Percy Jackson: Sea Of 19:00 Melissa & Joey Monsters-PG 23:00 Live MSNBC The Cycle 15:00 Nigellissima 21:10 Wolfblood 01:00 Nebraska-PG15 00:40 The Hungry Sailors 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 18:45 Pacific Rim-PG15 15:25 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 21:35 Gravity Falls 03:00 How I Live Now-PG15 01:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 21:00 Oculus-PG15 00:00 Live MSNBC Now With Alex 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 05:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 16:15 Celebrity MasterChef Of Dogs Jimmy Fallon 23:00 This Is The End-18 Wagner 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 07:00 The Tall Man-PG15 16:40 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 02:00 Emmerdale 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 01:00 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 22:50 Shake It Up 09:00 Chasing Mavericks-PG15 Living 02:25 Emmerdale Stewart 02:00 Live MSNBC Politicsnation 23:10 Wolfblood 11:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 00:30 Hero Indian Super League 17:05 Antiques Roadshow 02:55 Coronation Street 21:30 Two And A Half Men 03:00 Live NBC Nightly News 23:35 Wolfblood 13:00 The Runway-PG15 Highlights 18:00 Come Dine With Me 03:25 Midsomer Murders 22:00 Brickleberry 03:30 ABC World News With David 15:00 Knife Fight-PG15 Muir 01:00 Snooker - The Masters 18:25 Homes Under The Hammer 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 22:30 The League 04:30 Hero Indian Super League 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 17:00 Chasing Mavericks-PG15 04:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 19:15 DIY SOS: The Big Build 23:00 Louie 01:00 Barbie Fairytopia Highlights 07:05 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 19:00 August: Osage County-PG15 Hayes 20:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 02:45 Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes 07:00 Golfing World Of Dogs 21:00 Hateship Loveship-PG15 05:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel Taylor United 09:00 European Tour Weekly 07:30 Midsomer Murders 22:45 12 Years A Slave-18 Maddow Show 00:00 Escape Club 04:30 Cinderella 09:30 Live PGA European Tour 20:35 Nigellissima 09:20 The Chase 06:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 06:00 Jelly T 12:30 PGA Tour 21:00 Baking Mad With Eric 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 01:25 Keeping Up With The 08:00 Dudley Do Right 14:00 Live PGA European Tour Lanlard 11:10 Emmerdale 01:00 Killer Women 07:00 NBC Nightly News Kardashians 10:00 Pacific Pirates 17:00 Golfing World 21:25 Celebrity MasterChef 11:35 Emmerdale 02:00 True Blood 07:30 ABC World News With David 02:20 Giuliana & Bill 11:30 Quest For A Heart 18:00 Futbol Mundial 22:20 Bargain Hunt 12:00 Coronation Street 03:00 Mistresses Muir 03:15 Eric And Jessie: Game On 13:00 Tom And Jerry’s Giant 18:30 Asian Tour Highlights 23:05 Come Dine With Me 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 04:00 State Of Affairs 01:00 Twenty Bucks-18 07:57 NBC Nightly News 03:40 Eric And Jessie: Game On 03:00 The Words-PG15 Adventure 08:18 ABC World News With David 19:00 Inside The PGA Tour 23:30 The Little Paris Kitchen 13:25 The Jonathan Ross Show 05:00 Criminal Minds 04:10 THS 04:45 The Past-PG15 14:30 Hammer Boy Muir 20:00 Trans World Sport 23:55 DIY SOS: The Big Build 05:05 Pop Innovators 14:20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 08:00 Psych 21:30 PGA Tour Highlights

CHAIN REACTION ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

ACCOMMODATION Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Room available at Abu Alifa (15/01/2015 TO 21/01/2015) separate toilet with African family, prefer couple or working lady, rent KD 100. SHARQIA-1 I -Tamil 3:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:30 PM Tel: 90033641. (C 4908) THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:45 PM I -Tamil 6:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 AM 19-1-2015 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 3:15 PM I -Tamil 9:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM TAKEN 3 1:00 AM AVENUES-8 SEVENTH SON 8:15 PM THE IMITATION GAME 12:30 PM Room for rent available in SEVENTH SON 10:30 PM MARINA-1 I -Hindi 3:00 PM Hawally with TFC for TAKEN 3 12:45 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 AM I -Hindi 6:30 PM TAKEN 3 1:30 PM THE IMITATION GAME 10:00 PM Filipino only. Please contact SHARQIA-2 THE SNOW QUEEN 2 3:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 12:30 AM mobile 65589910. (C 4906) TAKEN 3 12:30 PM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 6:00 PM 17-1-2015 TAKEN 3 3:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:00 PM AVENUES-9 TAKEN 3 5:30 PM TAKEN 3 10:30 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 12:15 PM TAKEN 3 7:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:45 AM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 2:00 PM TAKEN 3 10:00 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 3:45 PM TAKEN 3 12:15 AM MARINA-2 THE SNOW QUEEN 2 5:30 PM SITUATION VACANT TAKEN 3 12:30 PM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 7:15 PM SHARQIA-3 TAKEN 3 3:00 PM UNBROKEN 9:00 PM A maid is needed to work FROM A TO B 1:00 PM TAKEN 3 5:15 PM UNBROKEN 12:05 AM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 3:30 PM TAKEN 3 7:30 PM as a part timer in an apart- THE SNOW QUEEN 2 5:15 PM TAKEN 3 9:45 PM AVENUES-10 ment located in Salmiya. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 7:00 PM TAKEN 3 12:05 AM SEVENTH SON 12:00 PM Salary and time are nego- THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 9:30 PM SEVENTH SON 2:15 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:05 AM MARINA-3 SEVENTH SON 4:30 PM tiable. Call 66417504. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:15 PM SEVENTH SON 6:45 PM (C 4907) MUHALAB-1 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 3:00 PM SEVENTH SON 9:00 PM 18-1-2015 FROM A TO B 12:15 PM SEVENTH SON 5:30 PM SEVENTH SON 11:15 PM SEVENTH SON 2:30 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 7:45 PM SEVENTH SON 1:15 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 4:45 PM SEVENTH SON 10:15 PM SEVENTH SON 7:00 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:30 AM AVENUES-11 FROM A TO B 9:15 PM TAKEN 3 -DOLBY ATMOS 12:30 PM TAKEN 3 11:45 PM AVENUES-1 TAKEN 3 -DOLBY ATMOS 3:00 PM SITUATION WANTED FROM A TO B 12:00 PM TAKEN 3 -DOLBY ATMOS 5:30 PM MUHALAB-2 FROM A TO B 2:15 PM TAKEN 3 -DOLBY ATMOS 8:00 PM An assistant finance manag- LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 11:45 AM FROM A TO B 4:30 PM TAKEN 3 -DOLBY ATMOS 10:30 PM er, MBA (Finance), having 10 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 1:30 PM FROM A TO B 6:45 PM TAKEN 3 -DOLBY ATMOS 1:00 AM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 4:00 PM FROM A TO B 9:15 PM year experience in Kuwait is THE SNOW QUEEN 2 5:45 PM FROM A TO B 11:45 PM 360º- 1 looking for the post of chief THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 7:30 PM SEVENTH SON 11:30 AM accountant/assistant finance THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 10:00 PM AVENUES-2 SEVENTH SON 1:45 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:30 AM INTO THE WOODS 11:30 AM SEVENTH SON-3D 4:00 PM manager. Capable of doing INTO THE WOODS 2:00 PM SEVENTH SON 6:15 PM upto finalization, available MUHALAB-3 INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 8:30 PM immediately. Please call SEVENTH SON -3D 11:30 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:15 PM SEVENTH SON 10:45 PM TAKEN 3 1:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM SEVENTH SON 1:00 AM 90073251. TAKEN 3 3:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM (C 4909) TAKEN 3 6:00 PM 360º- 2 19-1-2015 TAKEN 3 8:15 PM AVENUES-3 LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 12:15 PM TAKEN 3 10:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 11:45 AM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 2:15 PM TAKEN 3 12:45 AM I -Tamil 2:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 4:15 PM I -Tamil 6:00 PM P.K -HINDI 6:15 PM FANAR-1 I -Tamil 9:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:15 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 11:30 AM THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 2:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 AM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 4:30 PM AVENUES-4 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 7:00 PM TAKEN 3 11:30 AM 360º 3 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 9:30 PM TAKEN 3 2:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM 112 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:05 AM TAKEN 3 4:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM TAKEN 3 7:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM FANAR-2 NO THU THE IMITATION GAME 7:30 PM FROM A TO B 12:30 PM Special Show “TAKEN 3” 7:00 PM THE IMITATION GAME 10:00 PM Prayer timings FROM A TO B 3:00 PM THU THE IMITATION GAME 12:30 AM FROM A TO B 5:30 PM TAKEN 3 9:30 PM FROM A TO B 7:45 PM TAKEN 3 12:05 AM AL-KOUT.1 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM TAKEN 3 1:00 PM FROM A TO B 12:15 AM AVENUES-5 TAKEN 3 3:30 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 1:00 PM TAKEN 3 5:45 PM FANAR-3 SEVENTH SON-3D 3:30 PM TAKEN 3 8:00 PM SEVENTH SON 1:00 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 5:45 PM TAKEN 3 10:15 PM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 3:15 PM SEVENTH SON 8:15 PM TAKEN 3 12:30 AM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 5:00 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 10:30 PM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 6:45 PM SEVENTH SON 1:00 AM AL-KOUT.2 THE IMITATION GAME 8:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:30 AM SEVENTH SON 10:45 PM AVENUES-6 THE SNOW QUEEN 2 1:30 PM SEVENTH SON 1:00 AM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 11:30 AM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 3:15 PM THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 2:00 PM THE SNOW QUEEN 2 5:00 PM Fajr: 05:19 FANAR-4 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 4:30 PM FROM A TO B 6:45 PM CIVIL INFORMATION 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:30 AM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 7:00 PM FROM A TO B 9:15 PM TAKEN 3 1:15 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 9:30 PM FROM A TO B 11:45 PM Shorook 06:42 TAKEN 3 3:30 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:05 AM Automated enquiry about the TAKEN 3 5:45 PM AL-KOUT.3 Duhr: 11:59 TAKEN 3 8:00 PM AVENUES-7 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 11:30 AM Civil ID card is TAKEN 3 10:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:45 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 2:00 PM Asr: 14:57 TAKEN 3 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:15 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 4:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:15 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 7:00 PM Maghrib: 17:17 FANAR-5 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 7:30 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 9:30 PM 1889988 TAKEN 3 12:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:45 PM THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 12:15 AM Isha: 18:37

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 21/1/2015 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:15 Departure Flights on Wednesday 21/1/2015 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 14:10 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:30 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 14:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 IYE 827 Mukalla/Sanaa 14:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 KAC 203 Lahore 02:00 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 SYR 342 Damascus/Latakia 15:30 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 1541 Cairo 16:50 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 KAC 545 Alexandria 17:30 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:35 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 GFA 058 Istanbul 06:25 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 BAW 157 London 06:40 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 GFA 050 Bahrain 07:10 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 BAW 156 London 08:45 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:45 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JZR 552 Alexandria 19:30 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MSC 407 HRG 19:30 KAC 117 New York 10:05 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 JZR 1540 Cairo 10:05 MSC 408 HRG 20:30 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 IRM 1186 Tehran 10:20 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:40 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 20:30 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 204 Lahore 11:25 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 103 London 12:20 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:05 ETD 920 Dubai 22:25 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 12:55 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 IYE 826 Sanaa/Mukalla 13:30 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:05 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:30 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 CROSSWORD 791 STAR TRACK

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

Waiting for results, no matter what the subject matter, is rather trying. It You may appear very at-ease today. Everything seems to be working togeth- does not matter whether you are waiting for a grade, a medical report or a positive er and you may also find that you are enjoying the art of communication. A little extra ener- response to some job interview . . . This day is about waiting. Time will pass before you gy is available to sort out any problems of the past. When you finish your work, you may know it, however, because you have a way of creating a positive transition for just about find that you need to put in a request for some important changes to happen so that what- any occasion. You will attract positive support for most anything you want to accomplish. ever happened this time will not have the chance to be repeated. Later today, some social Joint activities that take place at this time should be both well-attended and successful. activities with friends will be extremely enjoyable. Be careful not to go overboard when cel- Networking, when possible, may be a good idea and will help others to get to know your ebrating some special event! You may be pleased to photograph the occasion and talents. Incredibly romantic feelings are fostered in you-intensifying your special love rela- although most people have a camera, you can find the opportunity to take the most enter- tionship. You will definitely feel the power of love today. taining and delightful perspective.

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

You have an interest in the motivations and desires of friends and family A fascination with the mysterious may be reawakened within you. You go and will do what you can to be included in the activities that will be happening this com- after any unsolved mystery or problem in the workplace with eagerness. Another kind of ing weekend. You will not have much trouble-others enjoy your company. This is an excel- mystery that may attract you could be the deep-rooted feelings that cement your favorite lent time to get to know someone better. However, this is also a time when you may spend relationship. Examination and analysis of this relationship could be very strengthening to an excessive amount of time in frustration over building up the funds. Consolidate your the union. You may decide some similar interest in a hobby or volunteer organization will resources for future success. Playing the game of chance, whether it is a card game or bring the two of you into a closer connection. Make it a point to talk about the things that some other game of chance will find you with a great deal of luck on your side. You will be make your heart sing . . . This will give you a hint into common activities you could suggest. radiating charisma this evening while socializing. There is continued happiness where mat- You may spend a great deal of time, effort and worry balancing your friendships-don’t. You ters of the heart are involved. Enjoy tonight. seek intellectual stimulation in your friends.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Unexpected but positive news from a co-worker friend tips the financial This is a good day to clean off your desk. Stick to the routine tasks and avoid scales in your direction. Whatever feelings underscore your life will be felt starting something new for now. Mental endeavors are favored and you may more strongly now. If you are going through a particularly trying time, this period could pro- find yourself technically involved in some problem-solving situation with a co-worker. ACROSS 4. A republic in extreme eastern Africa on duce low energy levels. If this is the case, take it easy for the next few days-your energy level 1. A periodic paperback publication. the Somali Peninsula. Loved ones, children and other people are emphasized in your life this afternoon. A shop- is about to get better. A strong pull of the planets make this a good time to learn something ping trip with a young person may be in order. This could mean a pair of new shoes for new. You will also enjoy quiet gatherings in the afternoon with friends or family. You should 4. Having seven units or components. 5. A permanent council of the United each of you. There may be opportunities to join friends and have a meal together or be 12. A recurring sleep state during which Nations. not hesitate to get to know new people and form new acquaintances. Also, love is in full entertained later this evening. It is important to be around close friends and relatives. bloom and it’s a good time to fully demonstrate your depth of affection. In exchange for dreaming occurs. 6. Of or relating to the penis. Confiding your true feelings to those you genuinely care about is a good idea during this someone giving you assistance, you take a turn to assist. 15. How long something has existed. 7. (aeronautical) Pertaining to the tail sec- time. You truly appreciate friends and family and will show them gratitude. 16. A skilled worker who can live in under- tion of a plane. water installations and participate in scien- 8. A transuranic element that has not been tific research. found in nature. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. A plant hormone promoting elongation 9. Shah of Iran who was deposed in 1979 by of stems and roots. Islamic fundamentalists (1919-1980). The weather or some high expectations of this day may find you a bit You show a great deal of interest in whatever project is at hand in the work- stressed. This is a day that you can enjoy your creative side-anything is possible. Let go of place. A time element is in place today and you may be the floater that ties up 18. A unit of length of thread or yarn. 10. A trivalent metallic element of the rare loose ends in many different areas. The energies are working toward speed and accuracy those high expectations. This will be one of those feel-good-days. You feel good about your 19. Warn strongly. earth group. and you make sure it all happens. Action makes the day move along at a fast pace. Later this friends, you smooth ruffled feathers and a love relationship grows deeper. You are apt to 20. The fourth month of the Hindu calen- 11. A soft cotton or worsted fabric with an afternoon you work on a new budget for your family members or perhaps find ways to spend a great deal of time communicating with neighbors later. Your sharp and alert mind improve communication. Whatever the case, you are good to take all opinions into consider- dar. open mesh. is packed full of opinions and information that you are looking forward to sharing with ation. This afternoon you may spend a great deal of time engaged in intellectual pursuits- 22. Antihypertensive consisting of an alka- 12. The basic unit of money in Iran. everyone. Ideas come quickly. Also, you are eager to take in all sorts of information from scrabble anyonea party or some other social gathering can be enjoyed-perhaps in your own loid extracted from the plant Rauwolfia ser- 13. A British peer ranking below a Marquess others which open up long conversations and a busy telephone. home. Family members and friends interact in a social setting. pentina (trade names Raudixin or Rau-Sed and above a Viscount. or Sandril or Serpasil). 14. A member of the Siouan people former- 24. Any of the radiating leaflike spore-pro- ly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) ducing structures on the underside of the Nebraska. 21. Mark as different. Energy and ego combine to help you attain your ambitions. Full speed Pets can be a big responsibility as well as a great joy to own. Once you take a cap of a mushroom or similar fungus. pet into your living space you have agreed to some invisible universal law that equates to 23. Tree native to southeastern Asia having ahead! You express a love of life that manifests itself in good cheer and generosity. While 26. A white powder with a pleasant taste shopping later today, you have a feeling that with the right amount of persuasion, coupled love and lessons. Yep, love comes with lessons, no matter where or how that love is and odor. reddish wood with a mottled or striped with the necessary investment, you could make a wise purchase that would be a good achieved. If you have never had a pet, you may soon learn why so many people enjoy the 27. Of or relating to or containing barium. black grain. financial investment. There is an aspect of good fortune. The power of attraction and desire privilege of sharing a life with an animal friend. If you have places to go and things to do for love is great, but you should exercise caution before entering a new relationship that and a budget to adhere to, you might just want to wait before getting a pet and perhaps 28. A radioactive transuranic element pro- 25. A unit of surface area equal to 100 you could sit or walk other people’s pets. You might make a little extra money while you are may come about during this time. Deep insight and the desire to help others in practical square meters. at it. A party is forming this afternoon . . . Now, hurry to your party, people are waiting to duced by bombarding plutonium with neu- ways prevail this evening. Your giving nature endears you to loved ones. Tonight is a won- greet you. trons. 29. The world's largest desert (3,500,000 derful time to be with the young people in your life. 30. Small cubes with 1 to 6 spots on the square miles) in North Africa. faces. 32. Mexican revolutionary who led a revolt for agrarian reforms (1879-1919). 31. The provincial capital of Veneto. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 35. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 33. Used to manufacture fructose and in 39. A loud bombastic declamation assessing kidney function. Today finds you undertaking the completion of any unfinished business. You will enjoy just about everything you do, whether work or play. It is just expressed with strong emotion. 34. The territory of Athens in ancient You may be working out of your home-with your own business. This is a good time to use that kind of day. Most things will come easily. Have a party and just be you. This is the per- Greece. the home for business matters. Perhaps you are thinking of taking on some additional busi- fect time for imagination and creativity when it comes to ideas and thinking. This, coupled 40. The imperial dynasty of China from with the ability to put your thoughts into words, allows you to spellbind others. Go to that 36. The fifth of the seven canonical hours. ness apart from your regular professional work. You are filled with energy that is best 1122 to 221 BC. applied to increasing your financial worth. Buying and selling, trading, exporting-all come special someone and say that you love him or her; you will not be rebuffed. There is tremen- 44. Very fertile. 37. The federal agency that insures residen- under the energies for increasing your savings at this time. If you remain objective, you can dous mental energy now-take care to avoid being temperamental. If you channel this ener- gy, you can be very influential. There are indications that you are very artistic and should 45. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur. tial mortgages. channel your energy effectively and come out ahead. You are filled with optimism for suc- 38. A soft silvery metallic element of the cess. There may be plans for a party or other type of social gathering this weekend-perhaps use this time to practice your talent. You impress people in positive ways through your 48. American prizefighter who won the a family reunion. You enjoy preparing for the big day. communication. Why not try art as well? world heavyweight championship three alkali earth group. times (born in 1942). 41. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural). 49. A metal-bearing mineral valuable WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution enough to be mined. 42. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal 51. Relating to or consisting of or being in marsupial with gray furry ears and coat. water. 43. A hospital unit staffed and equipped to 53. Disposed of as useless. provide intensive care. 55. A genus of Lamnidae. 46. Low stingless nettle of Central and 57. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann. South America having velvety brownish- 58. Measuring instrument in which the green toothed leaves and clusters of small echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is green flowers. 47. Jordan's port. used to detect and locate distant objects. 50. Wild or seedling sweet cherry used as 59. In bed. stock for grafting. 60. Free from dirt or impurities. 52. Large antelope with lightly spiraled 63. Informal terms for a mother. horns of desert regions of North Africa. 65. An Arabic speaking person who lives in 54. Roman emperor and adoptive son of Arabia or North Africa. Nerva. 69. A pilgrimage to Mecca. 56. A large fleet. 73. Tropical starchy tuberous root. 61. Remove with or as if with a ladle. 74. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- 62. Edible starchy tuberous root of taro alling). plants. 76. South American wood sorrel cultivated 64. Lacking sufficient water or rainfall. for its edible tubers. 66. A public act of violence by an unruly 77. A colorless odorless gaseous element mob. that give a red glow in a vacuum tube. 67. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising 78. The great hall in ancient Persian palaces. solely the razorbill. 79. A slight amount or degree of difference. 68. A small ball with a hole through the middle. DOWN 70. An accountant certified by the state. 1. A master's degree in library science. 71. (informal) Informed about the latest 2. American novelist (1909-1955). trends. 3. Wheelwork consisting of a connected set 72. A loose sleeveless outer garment made of rotating gears by which force is transmit- from aba cloth. ted or motion or torque is changed. 75. An associate degree in nursing. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 information

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

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Gossip

Adele working with vocal coach

dele is working with a vocal coach. The ‘Someone Like musician in 2011 shortly after the release of her 30 million- website Music Business Worldwide last week reported the You’ hitmaker has enlisted the help of Los Angeles selling album ‘21’, and has now returned to him in a bid to singer’s highly anticipated third album is unlikely to be Acoach Ron Anderson to work with her in an attempt prevent damaging her voice again after undergoing emer- released before the autumn. A source close to the singer to avoid damaging her vocal cords, despite being renowned gency surgery in 2012 to repair a vocal cord haemorrhage said: “The album will be released when it’s ready - [we] hope for having one of the best voices in the world. A source said: The source told The Sun newspaper: “Adele’s sessions with that will be at some stage in 2015. That’s all I can tell you “It’s not unusual for pop stars to see vocal coaches even Ron don’t tend to focus on how good she sounds, they’re right now.” when they have near-perfect vocals.” The expert - who has more about minimizing the risk of damage. If she is having also coached Kylie Minogue, Janet Jackson and Selena issues again, it could explain why her album is getting Gomez in the past - previously worked with the 26-year-old pushed back.”Despite receiving help with her voice, industry

Trainor recorded duet with Harry Styles eghan Trainor has recorded a duet with Harry Styles. The ‘All About That Bass’ hitmaker has revealed she was joined in the studio by the MOne Direction heartthrob to record a song called ‘Someday Maybe’, which is all about love. She said: “It’s real! It’s a duet. It’s a beautiful song we wrote together on my ukulele. We even recorded a rough demo together with our vocals together. It’s a cute acoustic love thing.” The 21-year-old star con- fessed she wasn’t sure what 20-year-old Harry’s song writing skills would be like, so she came prepared with her own but was shocked by his maturity. She Jagger starts scholarship told The Sun newspaper: “It’s one of the first cool things I got to do with a pop star.”A friend of mine said Harry was a fan and said he would love to write with me. “He’s an incredible writer, too. I was worried he’d just be a 20-year-old boy. So I walked in with a prepared verse and chorus. But he gave me very in honor of Scott poetic, mature lyrics. “I was like, ‘Well, damn, Harry, you know what love is’.” ick Jagger has established a scholar- Louise Wilson. Fabio Piras, the current course However, Megan admits the song may never be released as Harry remains ship in honor of his late girlfriend, director of MA Fashion, says in a statement committed to his One Direction bandmates - Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Mfashion designer L’Wren Scott. The that he was “very grateful to receive this Malik and Louis Tomlinson. scholarship will allow one master’s degree extremely generous scholarship package.” student per year over a period of three years The grant covers tuition and some living to attend the elite Central Saint Martins, the expenses. London-based college announced this week- end. Scott, who committed suicide last March at age 49, had been close to a former course director at Central Saint Martins, the late

ark Ronson is upset he isn’t Moore praises Cooper popular in Russia. The ‘Uptown MFunk’ hitmaker has topped ichael Moore thinks Bradley Cooper’s performance in main character is remembered after being gunned down by a fellow charts across the world with his catchy ‘American Sniper’ was “awesome”. The 60-year-old director - American vet with PTSD who was given a gun at a gun range back collaboration with ‘Locked out of Mwho was recently accused of disliking the movie after stating home in Texas - and then used it to kill the man who called himself Heaven’ singer Bruno Mars, but has his opinion on snipers in general - also praised the film’s editing and the ‘America Sniper’ (sic)” Meanwhile, Michael recently shared the sto- been left disappointed by the single’s costumes. Writing in a post on his official Facebook page, he said: ry of his uncle, who was killed by a sniper in World War II. He tweeted performance in Russia, having only “Awesome performance from Bradley Cooper. One of the best of the previously: “My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers charted at number 198. He said: “It’s year. “Great editing. Costumes, hair, makeup superb!” However, were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren’t heroes. And doing really well but someone showed Michael wasn’t too pleased with the film’s inaccuracies. He added: invaders r worse “But if you’re on the roof of your home defending it me a print-out, they were trying to “Oh... and too bad Clint [Eastwood; the director] gets Vietnam and from invaders who’ve come 7K miles, you are not a sniper, u are impress me with the charts in the world Iraq confused in his storytelling. And that he has his characters calling brave, u are a neighbor. (sic)” of how well it was doing and I was like, Iraqis “savages” throughout the film. “But there is also anti-war senti- ‘oh wow that’s cool!’ and then I was like, ment expressed in the movie. And there’s a touching ending as the ‘Why is it 198 in Russia?!’” The 39-year- old musician - who released his new album ‘Uptown Special’ yesterday - admitted he isn’t sure why the nation is not as keen on the single as other terri- tories, but insisted he is determined to Mayhew hospitalized make them like the track. He explained: “I don’t know what it is. Perhaps funk is a thing that isn’t as popular or tradition- with pneumonia al. Russia just must not like it, so I’m going to go there for a while and see tar Wars’ actor Peter Mayhew has hospital after undergoing double knee what I can do about that.” Despite being been hospitalized. The 70-year-old replacement surgery in 2013. A message was thrilled with the single’s performance ‘Sstar, who plays the Wookiee also posted from Mayhew’s Twitter account, around the world overall, Mark revealed Chewbacca in the sci-fi franchise, was taken reading: “Hey all, @Webmaster_Rick here. he feels embarrassed when he performs to hospital after falling ill with pneumonia. Peter is recovering well from his bout of the track live with Bruno because he Mayhew’s wife Angie posted a message on pneumonia. He thanks you for the well wish- doesn’t look as cool as the 29-year-old the social networking site Reddit yesterday to es!!! (sic)” The London-born actor is set to star when he wears sunglasses. inform fans that while he will have to remain reprise his role as Chewbacca in the highly Speaking to BBC Radio 1, he added: “I’ve in hospital for a few days, he’s expected to anticipated ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, been doing a lot of TV performances of make a full recovery. She wrote: “Thank you which was filmed in the Abu Dhabi desert ‘Uptown Funk’ with Bruno Mars and he for all the well wishes, prayers, good vibes, and at England’s Pinewood Studios. The film wears sunglasses all the time and he and happy thoughts. Doctors are incredibly is slated for release on December 18, 2015. just wears them because he’s cool, he happy with his improvements.” Mayhew - looks like a superstar, so you have to who stands at an incredible seven feet and wear sunglasses all the time. But I just three inches tall - previously spent time in wear them and look shifty and like I’m hiding something. I’m like, ‘do we have to wear sunglasses again?!’” Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting an Johnny Depp’s ‘unprofessional’ actress aley Cuoco-Sweeting thinks she is an “unprofes- 20 moustaches sional” actress. The ‘Wedding Ringer’ star has Kadmitted that she and her co-stars, Kevin Hart ohnny Depp’s ‘Mortdecai’ moustache was such a “huge and Josh Gad, were constantly laughing on set and part” of the film, he had 20 of them. The 51-year-old actor ruining the film’s takes. When asked who ruined the Jworked hard with make-up artist Joel Harlow to craft the most takes, she said: “No, I laughed a lot. Kevin laughs a perfect facial hair for his character, art dealer aristocrat Charlie lot actually. Josh and I laughed a lot too. We all were Mortdecai. Joel said: “The moustache plays a huge part in the very unprofessional. We laughed all the time. “But film, it’s almost a separate character”On screen it’s a great Kevin, he could be so funny; he would just go off on source of pride to Mortdecai, and angst with his wife these tangents and because we all knew we weren’t (Gwyneth Paltrow). And Johnny works it in the movie. He going to use it, we just started dying laughing. It was

knows what a mustache can do and how to use it.” Joel first endless laughter; I just look at the poster and laugh.” upset he’s not popular in Russia visited Johnny in August 2014 and the actor drew his vision Despite admitting that she did cause a few takes to be for the two-toned ‘tache on a napkin before his make-up artist redone, the 29-year-old actress quipped that her co-star crafted 30 styles in different colours and lengths from real hair was the worst. She joked: “I didn’t really wanna put that and the pair whittled them down to the 20 versions used in out there, because I didn’t want to offend Kevin, but he the film, both for the ‘Rum Diary’ star and his stunt doubles. was terrible. Every take, laughing. “There’s probably Joel told USA Today newspaper: “You don’t want it to be over- actually an entire movie that will be released of just powering on the face. For Mortdecai, he wanted it simple and Kevin’s bloopers, which is gold.” Kaley also praised the elegant. “I’d groom it the night before and fix the curl. And film’s director, Jeremy Garelick, admitting that he gave basically we’d apply it in the morning. We’d complete the look the cast the “freedom” to follow their instincts. She con- by painting a split in Johnny’s teeth and then it was off to the tinued to Collider: “This script has been going around races.” Now the movie is finished, Johnny - who had his mous- for a long time, it’s had a lot of different titles. I’ve tache replaced every three days - is working on regrowing his known Jeremy for a while but I’ve never worked with own facial hair for his role of Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates him so I was so excited to be able to work alongside Ronson of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’. Joel said: “Captain him. “He’s just a cool director, he’s a cool guy. He’s a Jack needs his moustache. And it’s coming in nicely.” great writer - he’s so funny. And I think he’s relatable to actors; he doesn’t feel like there’s separation. He kind of gets in there with you. I mean, the freedom he lets you do whatever you feel you need to do. That was just so awesome.”— Bang Showbiz lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Music & Movies TLC looks to fund final album through Kickstarter campaign

rammy-winning R&B group TLC is depending on writing phase and production of their fifth album, tom voicemail by T-Boz and Chilli, an in-person fitness fans to fund the release of their final album expecting to release it in May when their tour starts. class taught by Chilli and wardrobe pieces worn by TLC Gthrough a Kickstarter campaign. The group, The group is hoping to collect at least $150,000 during their music videos. which now consists of T-Boz and Chilli, launched the through the campaign to fund the recording process Chilli said using Kickstarter would allow them to campaign on Monday. It’s been nearly 13 years since from paying for studio time, production, compensating have more control over the direction of the album. “We their last album, “3D,” which was released seven months the musicians and promoting the album. could knock out two birds with one stone,” Chilli said. after the death of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in 2002. “We’ve “People may say, ‘Hey, you are celebrities. Why can’t “We can have them involved in our album. Then also, always been known to do things differently,” said T-Boz, you just pay for it yourself?’” Chilli said. “But it doesn’t we can have control over everything. That’s a perfect who was born Tionne Watkins. “We’ve always been trail- work that way. There’s a lot that goes into it. We want to combination.” — AP blazers and trendsetters. We’ve always been outspoken, bring our fans into the process and see how it’s done.” and this seems like the perfect opportunity.” TLC’s campaign efforts follow Neil Young, who used TLC released back-to-back hits, including “Creep,” Kickstarter to raise $6.2 million through 18,000 sup- This June 24, 2008, file “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs.” Their Grammy-winning porters last year to fund his digital music project photo shows Tionne “T- sophomore album, “CrazySexyCool,” sold more than 10 PonoMusic. With donations starting at $5, supporters Boz” Watkins, right, and million units. The group once filed for bankruptcy in will receive an exclusive digital track and communicate Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas 1996, despite having two multiplatinum albums. T-Boz with them during their recording process. Higher arrive at the BET Awards and Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas have already begun the pledges will include VIP concert tickets, a recorded cus- in Los Angeles. — AP

Sharjah World Music Festival rounds up Al-Majaz performances on a high note l-Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah’s popular out- Souq’, released this month, including ‘Where are beginning of 2014. As a result of the resounding door leisure destination, was the scene of a you now’, ‘Around the Clock’, and ‘Endless Summer’, success and increasing public attention, it was Amagical musical evening this Sunday the which she dedicated to the UAE. decided to expand the festival into various venues 18th of January as it played host to the third con- The Sharjah World Music Festival features free- in the emirate of Sharjah. cert in the Sharjah World Music Festival, being pre- to-public and ticketed concerts. The first set of free By organizing the festival, Shurooq seeks to sented by the Sharjah Investment and concerts took place at Al-Majaz Waterfront, while boost the cultural and art presence of Sharjah and Development Authority (Shurooq) and organised the remaining free concerts have been relocated the UAE, introduce various musical cultures around by Furat Qaddouri Music Centre and taking place from Heart of Sharjah to Al-Qasba due to inclement the world to the UAE community, and add a new from the 16th to the 25th of January 2015. weather. The the ticketed events are being hosted product to the Emirate’s list of tourist, art, and cul- Talented Moldovan violinist Pasha Cazan mes- at Al-Qasba and Flag Island. The concert calendar is tural attractions. merized the audience at Al-Majaz as she performed available at www.sharjahworldmusicfestival.com. a diverse selection of musical pieces influenced Tickets for the festival’s concerts are available both by her Balkan heritage and her new home in online at www.ticketmaster. the Middle East. Her performance also included a The first edition of the Sharjah World Music number of songs from her first album ‘Back to the Festival was run at Al-Qasba in Sharjah in the Coen brothers to jointly head Cannes festival jury he Coen brothers, award-winning American directors of have also worked regularly with the pair. won more than 100 prizes together. They have been jointly hits like “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski”, will jointly head Since exploding onto the scene in 1984 with their offbeat nominated for 12 Academy Awards and one individual Oscar Tthe jury at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, becoming the thriller “Blood Simple”, the two have reeled off a dozen films, each. The siblings are known as the “two-headed director” first pair to chair the world’s top cinema showcase. Joel and each notable for their distinctive quirky humor or macabre within the movie world for their seamless ability to work Ethan Coen will preside over the panel of filmmakers and themes. The darlings of critics and film festivals, they have alongside each other. — AFP actors judging the movies in the main competition of the fes- tival staged in the glamorous French Riviera resort town from May 13 to 24. “We look forward to returning to Cannes this year,” the directors said in a statement. “Cannes is a festival The past 10 presidents of the Cannes Film Festival that has been important to us since the very beginning of our career.” 2014: Jane Campion, New Zealand director of “The Piano” (1993) “Presiding over the jury is a special honor, since we have 2013: Steven Spielberg, US director of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Jurassic Park” and “Schindler’s List” never heretofore been president of anything. We will issue fur- 2012: Nanni Moretti, Italian actor and director of Cannes winner “The Son’s Room” ther proclamations at the appropriate time.” The nearly insepa- 2011: Robert De Niro, American actor in “Raging Bull”, “Casino” and “Meet the Fockers” rable brothers are considered two of the most innovative 2010: Tim Burton, US director of “Edward Scissorhands” and “Alice in Wonderland” directors in the world and have jointly written, directed and 2009: Isabelle Huppert, French actress in “The Piano Teacher”, “La Ceremonie” produced a series of hits over the past three decades. The sib- 2008: US actor and director Sean Penn, “Dead Man Walking”, “Mystic River” and “Milk” Director Peter Jackson, left, and actor Richard Armitage lings are also Cannes darlings, having presented seven of their 2007: British director Stephen Frears, “Dangerous Liaisons”, “Philomena” pose for photos during a press conference for the third 16 features there at the festival. They picked up the festival’s 2006: Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai, “In the Mood for Love” movie of The Hobbit trilogy titled “The Battle of the Five top Palme d’Or prize for “Barton Fink” in 1991, its runner-up 2005: Serbian director Emir Kusturica, “Underground”, “Black Cat, White Cat”— AFP Armies” in Beijing. — AP photos Grand Jury Prize for “Inside Llewyn Davis” in 2013, and its Best Director award for “Fargo” (1996) and “The Man Who Wasn’t There” (2001).

Director Peter Jackson Popular ‘auteur’ filmmakers The wry humor of the Coen brothers screenplays, their demanding production standards, and the outstanding cine- brings last ‘Hobbit’ matography they bring to bear on their movies have won a slew of awards in other competitions-most notably the Oscars, where their “No Country for Old Men” cleaned up in several film to China categories including Best Picture in 2007. “The Coens incar- irector Peter Jackson attended a red-carpet premiere nate a certain ‘auteur’ filmmaking that is universal and with of the final “Hobbit” film in Beijing yesterday , saying wide appeal, full of humor and totally original in their way of Dthat he has been having a hard time getting used to looking at the world,” the director of the Cannes Film Festival, the nickname “Peter the Great” affectionately given to him by Thierry Fremaux, told AFP. Chinese fans. Jackson was joined at the event by actor Richard Joel, 60, and Ethan, 57, take over running the Cannes jury Armitage, who said he would miss playing in the “Hobbit” tril- from last year’s president Jane Campion, the New Zealand ogy and would now focus on his role in TV drama “Hannibal.” director of “The Piano”. The other members of the jury will be The New Zealand ambassador to China also gave a speech announced in mid-April, with the festival organizers fond of welcoming fans to visit his country, where the films were bringing in filmmakers and actors of note from different made. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” ends regions around the world. Jackson’s massively successful six-film franchise that started The Cannes Film Festival’s official selection of movies com- with the 2001 release of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship peting for the Palme d’Or top prize is also usually an eclectic of the Ring.” list. The line-up is usually announced the month before the Jackson was told about his “Peter the Great” nickname at a festival opens. If the Coen brothers’ filmography is anything to media event on Monday. Jackson said then that when he was go by, judges will be looking for dark humor and offbeat char- making “Lord of the Rings” he was thinking much more about acters or situations. The duo have also increasingly been fame, while making “The Hobbit” trilogy was experimental attracting Hollywood stars to their own films. George Clooney and personal. “I didn’t feel the need to prove myself in quite has already appeared in three of their movies-”O Brother, that way,” he said. “Actually I just wanted to enjoy myself as a Where Art Thou?”, “Intolerable Cruelty” and “Burn After filmmaker. I wanted to learn. ... It was a more personal journey Reading”. Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Jeff Bridges, John The Coen brothers, Ethan and Joel , posing on arrival for the closing night gala screening of ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ for me.” —AP Goodman and Frances McDormand, who is married to Joel, at the AFI Fest 2013 in Hollywood, California. —AFP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Fashion

Models present creations part of the Gucci collection show during the Fall/Winter 2015 Men’s Fashion Week on January 19, 2015 in Milan. — AP/AFP photos

GUCCI SALUTES FRANCE IN FIRST POST-GIANNINI COLLECTION

he fashion curtain call is part of the ritual of the run- the collection from scratch “a new chapter.” recapture some grit with a style that was not too aggres- way show, with each designer’s personality reflected A team of young designers, led by head accessories sive, but with pride and refined materials and shapes,” Tin that final bow. Some, like Miuccia Prada, appear in designer Alessandro Michele, came out and took a collec- Armani told reporters. Trousers come with a zip at the the doorway for a nanosecond. Donatella Versace walks a tive bow, to sustained applause. Gucci said a successor to ankle, while more athletic cuts of pants carried the zip dra- good 10 meters (yards) out to salute the crowd, while Giannini would be announced “in due course.” matically across a diagonal all the way down to the cuff. Giorgio Armani stands perfectly lit in the darkened stage Armani continued his exploration of the jacket, creating entrance. Monday was to be Frida Giannini’s last bow as Gucci salutes the French Republic new versions out of soft rough-cut jersey with a waistband creative director at Gucci’s menswear after a decade at the Gucci’s androgynous collection, worn by both male and in the back that gives it a blousy feel. Florentine house - but that was not to be. The highly antici- female models, appeared to be a tribute to French artists, The collection opened with a line of models dressed in pated curtain call was cancelled without explanation. intellectuals and revolutionaries in the wake of the twin ski racing bodysuits, a glimpse of his EA7 line of athletic Instead, the bow went to a young design team that com- terror attacks in Paris this month that have shaken Europe wear - which the designer said in a little over four years has pletely revamped the collection Giannini had prepared. and the world. The hues of red, white and blue, the colors grown to revenues of 100 million euros. “Nothing to laugh Here are some highlights from menswear previews for next of the French flag, contributed to the sense of #jesuischar- about,” he said. autumn and winter from the third day of Milan Fashion lie camaraderie that sprung up worldwide in the wake of Week on Monday: the recent terror attacks in Paris. Expo’s fashion ambassador Many of the outfits suggested characters from France’s Giorgio Armani, who celebrates 40 years in the fashion A new Gucci chapter rich cultural history: A white shirt with a dark ribbon tied in business this year, has been appointed to the role of Expo The Gucci style team may have pulled off a fashion a bow around the neck, worn with blue trousers and 2015 fashion ambassador for the six-month world’s fair record. They designed and produced the menswear run- capped with a red beret, was reminiscent of a French opening May 1. The 80-year-old designer is planning a gala way show for next winter in five days, after outgoing cre- school uniform. A more elaborately tied silken bow con- runway show at his theater to coincide with Expo’s open- ative director Frida Giannini left sooner than had been jured the image of a poet. A fur-trimmed cape was befit- ing. Armani said he won’t necessarily create a new Expo announced. Giannini’s exit from the storied Florentine ting of an artist setting up his easel in a Parisian park. collection, and he hasn’t decided what elements of his col- fashion house was announced last month by the French lections he will highlight: menswear, womenswear or his owners, Kering, which said she would leave after showing Emporio Armani highly prized Prive couture line. Armani also has invested the men’s and women’s collections for autumn and winter Metallic brush strokes across classic fabrics and dramat- 50 million euros to open an exhibit space called Silos 2016. No reason was given for the change of plans. Gucci’s ic zipper placements defined the new Emporio Armani where he will show a retrospective of his 40-year career press team on site Monday called the decision to redesign line, aimed at youthful-minded dressers. “I wanted to “from the first clothes, to the last,” he said. Fendi lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

Fashion

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani poses with models after presenting the Emporio Armani men’s Fall-Winter 2015-2016 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan.

Extreme craftmanship Call it craftsmanship at its most extreme. What appears to be thick corduroy strutting down the Fendi runway on jackets and trousers is actually sheepskin and leather. And those pinstripes? Wrong again. Laser-cut 3D stripes. The collection was very tactile, with a soft silhouette featuring sloping shoulders. And everything has a purpose: big scarves can function as blankets and feature handy pock- ets. The bags are made for men who will use them: A back- pack features a netted pocket big enough for a soccer ball. And if the classic color scheme-dark blue, maroon and gray-give a button-down, serious impression, well then take a look at the quirky bag charms: a furry smiley face and half an apple.—AP

David Beckham’s oldest son models for Polish fashion brand clothing spokeswoman says Brooklyn Beckham, the year-old Brooklyn Beckham will be the face of the spring photographer Kacper Kasprzyk. Brooklyn Beckham has oldest son of British soccer star David Beckham and “Volcano Explosion” collection that links sports style with appeared on the covers of style and fashion magazines Adesigner Victoria Beckham, will be promoting youth high-street fashion. Inspired by extreme sports clothing, “Man About Town” and “T Magazine.”— AP fashion for a Polish clothing brand. Agata Krajewska of the the collection uses intense colors and graphic patterns. Reserved brand told The Associated Press on Friday that 15- The promotional pictures were shot in London by Polish Gucci salutes France in first post-Giannini collection

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 38

Models wear creations of Rebekka Ruetz’s Fall-Winter 2015-2016 collection as part of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. — AP Jacqueline An inviting hand: Calligrapher to the fashion world Kennedy’s is hand is steady and sure as it delicately traces the con- Different writing styles es, redone the logo for the Ritz Hotel in Paris, hired his hand to old tours of the biggest names in the world of style: the But building an “exclusive” reputation was, he says, the real key aristocratic families-and even stylized designs for unique tattoos. Hcelebrities, the magazine editors, the clients. Nicolas to success. For each client he develops a tailored style of writing, There have been requests for messages to be engraved on photos sold Ouchenir is a calligrapher, a member of a rarified profession “like a fingerprint”. For the French fashion brand Berluti, known for tombstones. Also contracts for couples enjoying sado-masochistic whose ink appears on the must-have invitations of Europe’s fash- its men’s luxury shoes and leatherware, the writing is “very mascu- relations who want their “rules” spelled out in flourish and verse. few dozen pieces of personal correspon- ion shows. He may not personally meet all the VIPs attending the line, very simple, straight-lined, very bespoke,” he says. “Versace Once, a Russian oligarch, he says, asked for wedding invitations to dence by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, along catwalk parades. But his personalized flourish to them, deliberate- writing is more rococo, with very long upstrokes and down- be drawn up-in blood. He complied, by seeking the ingredient at with photographs of the former first lady in ly evoking the elegance of times past is carried close in their strokes. Margiela writing, for haute couture, is John Galliano a butcher’s shop. In his personal life, Ouchenir doesn’t entirely A hands, in handbags, in tailored breast pockets. Palm Beach, sold at a Florida auction Saturday for a With Paris Fashion Week about to kick off on Wednesday, total of $28,400. The items up for bidding at Palm Ouchenir is being kept busy. The phone rings incessantly in his Beach Modern Auctions included Onassis’ handwrit- office with the fashion houses’ press and publicity people calling ten notes to interior designer Richard Keith to reserve his service-most at the last minute. “You have to react Langham and Bill Hamilton, then the design direc- fast,” says the 36-year-old, who is dressed in jeans and a white tor at Carolina Herrera. Onassis corresponded with shirt, and sat behind a desk upon which piles of invitations await. both men about clothes and furnishings she was Next to them are pots filled with quill pens, pens of whittled reeds buying from the mid-1980s through her death in and calligraphers’ instruments, all of them on a stained leather 1994. desk pad. Letters written by Onassis rarely appear at auc- He knows well the codes and hierarchies of the fashion world, tion, and the auction house fielded “tremendous having eased ink onto countless cards that serve as coveted entry passes to the biggest fashion events in the world. He is especially interest” in the roughly 20 lots available, said co- versed in the seating plans for those invited. Codes often marked owner Wade Terwilliger. “When we hold auctions of on the invites correspond to the spots where the guests are to sit- art and furniture, you don’t see people engaging in with the front row, just a stiletto’s slide away from the catwalk, dialogue at the preview. This was different. People reserved for the elite. wanted to comment on her clothes and recall where they were and what was going on when ‘Fall asleep in the office’ Jackie appeared in a particular outfit,” he said. “I have no fixed working hours,” Ouchenir says. He works out of Potential bidders related to Onassis’ thoughts on an office on Paris’s chic-and-expensive rue Saint-Honore-shared her personal style, which included detailed instruc- with several other entrepreneurs working in different sectors. tions on how she wanted her jackets and pants to “Sometimes I work all night and fall asleep in my office and awake to find ink everywhere, or I spend whole nights waiting for a seat- fit and pleas for more color in her wardrobe, ing list in a PR’s office,” he says wryly, his humor serving him well in Terwilliger said. a business where “nervous breakdowns happen often”. Ouchenir In one note Onassis wrote to Hamilton, along has been a professional calligrapher for 12 years. He had an with her own sketch of a pant suit, she said: “I just “obsession” with writing, he says, born from when he saw his French calligrapher Nicolas Ouchenir works in his workshop in Paris. — AFP photos love this suit & will wear it everywhere as I am SO childhood doctor in Paris scribbling out prescriptions with an old- sick of everyone constantly in black - like fashioned quill. Mediterranean villages where everyone is in mourn- There was no specialized course. He taught himself the craft English-style, but for its pret-a-porter it’s more like a typewriter.” spurn e-mails and other digital correspondence, but he still sends ing for 20 years.” “One of the women at the preview after completing business studies. His career began when he Dior, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Gucci, Pucci, Missoni- letters and postcards, too. Today, he muses, “so many people are was reading that note and said, ‘I know what she started writing invitations for art show openings at the gallery Ouchenir has an enviable portfolio of clients including not only afraid of writing and the pen.” Calligraphy endures, he says, meant about black. I’m sick of seeing black, too, and where he was an assistant. “I didn’t know that it was a profession. I the biggest brands but also young names like jewelry designer because “it has become rare-it’s like haute couture itself: the more just loved doing it.... And it worked really well and people got used Elie Top and Hugo Matha, who makes “pochette” bags. It’s not just exclusive it is, the more it is desired”. — AFP I’m from that generation.’ People really connected to seeing it. After a while, they only had to see the writing on the the fashion world that he lends his talents to. He has also done with Jackie,” Terwilliger said. envelope and they almost didn’t have to open the invitation to illustrations in magazines, worked for the Venice Biennale art exhi- The auction house says 1,100 people offered know where it came from.” bition, provided lettering for carmakers and for Champagne hous- bids by phone, online and in person. Co-owner Rico Baca had expected bidding to start from $800 to $1,200 for each lot. Fetching the highest bid was a book about Onassis’s restoration of the White House, which she signed for Langham. It sold for $4,575. “What fun it would have been to work with you then,” Onassis wrote to Langham in an accom- panying note on her signature blue stationery. A pair of black-and-white photographs of Onassis by society photographer Bob Davidoff, who spent decades as the Kennedy family’s photographer in Palm Beach, sold for $2,200. — AP

A calligraphy by Nicolas Ouchenir on a window in his A photo shows calligraphy pens in the French calligra- French calligrapher Nicolas Ouchenir poses in his work- workshop. pher Nicolas Ouchenir’s workshop. shop.