RAMADAN 28, 1442 AH MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021

16 Pages Max 42º Min 24º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18431 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Kuwait civil aviation says PCR After crossing river into US, Bayern Munich eye decade of test mandatory for arrivals immigrants face harsh reality dominance after Bundesliga title 3 6 15 Fajr 03:31 Shurooq 04:59 Dhuhr 11:44 Asr 15:20 Maghrib 18:30 Isha 19:55

Arab world slams Zionist entity over ethnic cleansing, violence

Ghanem calls for urgent AIPU meet • Zionist entity continues Jerusalem attacks

KUWAIT/JERUSALEM: Kuwait and malize, or normalized, relations with other Arab countries, including four the Jewish state. Zain Group generates that last year agreed to normalize rela- Kuwait’s National Assembly tions with Zionist entity, have con- Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem yester- revenue of $1.3bn in Q1 demned a weekend of violence after day called for holding an emergency occupation forces attacked hundreds meeting for the Arab Inter- KUWAIT: Zain Group, a leading the quarter reached KD 158 million ($523 of Palestinian worshippers around east Parliamentary Union (AIPU) to discuss mobile innovator with operations in million), down 7 percent Y-o-Y, reflecting Jerusalem’s revered Al-Aqsa mosque the Zionist attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque seven markets across the Middle East an EBITDA margin of 41 percent. compound and the Old City. The vio- and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in and Africa, yesterday announced its Net income for the quarter reached consolidated financial results for the KD 45 million ($147 million), down 5 per- lence is the latest outbreak in a years- Jerusalem. In his letter to the Union, first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2021. cent Y-o-Y reflecting an earnings per long attempt by Jewish settlers to steal Ghanem called for holding the meeting Zain served 48.5 million customers at share of 10 fils ($0.03). Significantly, Zain Palestinian homes in the Sheikh Jarrah as soon as possible to discuss devel- the end of the period. Group net income grew operationally by neighborhood. opments in Jerusalem and to take a Zain Group generated consolidated 4 percent Y-o-Y for Q1, 2021, when Criticism of the Zionist entity has decisive and clear position on them. revenue of KD 382 million ($1.3 billion) excluding the one-time gain from the Zain Group Chairman Zain Vice-Chairman and poured in from Sudan, Morocco, the Occupying forces have been regu- for the first quarter of 2021, down 6 per- sale and lease back of towers in Kuwait Ahmed Al-Tahous Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi United Arab Emirates and Bahrain-all larly raiding Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y). EBITDA for during Q1 2020. (See Page 9) nations that last year agreed to nor- Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Monday, May 10, 2021 Local Amir receives Crown Prince, Premier, acting speaker

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sabah meets His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- meets His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan photos Hamad Al-Sabah. meets National Assembly’s Acting Speaker Ahmad Al-Shuhoumi.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Sabah at Bayan Palace yesterday. His Highness the National Assembly’s Acting Speaker Ahmad Al- Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, and Deputy Prime Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received His Highness the Amir also received His Highness the Prime Minister Shuhoumi. His Highness the Amir then received Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Integrity Promotion Abdullah Al-Roumi. — KUNA

ing with bilateral relations and ways to enhance them at Kuwait, Mauritania all possible levels. He said he and Ghazouani discussed collective efforts to strengthen immunity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. “This cannot happen individually share big potentials but within a systematic collective manner,” he added. They also discussed boosting food security between the to promote ties: FM two countries, he said. Sheikh Dr Ahmad said points of view of Kuwait and Mauritania regarding regional and NOUAKCHOTT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr international issues were eye-to-eye on basis of dialogue, Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah has said there were good neighborliness and non-interference in internal great potentials to further cementing relations and coop- affairs of other countries. eration with Mauritania. Kuwait and Mauritania estab- During his visit, Sheikh Dr Ahmad also held talks with lished diplomatic relations 44 years ago and “there are Mauritania Foreign Minister Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad, wide spaces of cooperation between the two countries in which highlighted bilateral relations. The two ministers different domains, which would be activated in the com- also delved into ways of boosting cooperation and devel- ing days” through bilateral agreements and a meeting of a opment in various fields, including discussion on the latest joint committee due end of this year, he said. developments in the region and international arena. Sheikh Dr Ahmad, also Minister of State for Cabinet Furthermore, Sheikh Dr Ahmad held talks with Affairs, made remarks at a news briefing at end of his Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal, focus- official visit to Nouakchott late Saturday. Sheikh Dr ing on bilateral relations and aiming to bolster ties across Ahmad noted that he delivered a letter from His Highness numerous fields. The Kuwaiti foreign minister’s official the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to visit to the West African nation came as part of a com- NOUAKCHOTT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah speaks during a Mauritanian President Mohammad Ould Ghazouani deal- prehensive tour of the region. — KUNA press conference in Nouakchott late Saturday. — KUNA

experience. Parents can cre- achieved fruitful results in Ooredoo launches ate individual profiles for each Mexican ambassador cooperation in various of their children, decide what fields. I attach great content to make available for sends Eid greetings importance to the devel- ‘Safer Internet for them, set a timer to limit opment of Mexico-Kuwait screen time, see recent videos KUWAIT: Ambassador of Mexico Miguel Angel relations, and am willing to Kids’ campaign their kids have been watching, Isidro has the honor to extend his sincere con- work closely with the gov- and so much more. Hence, gratulations and best wishes to His Highness the ernment of the State of KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce YouTube Kids is specially Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness the Kuwait to take the oppor- innovative digital services in Kuwait, in association with designed for children under Crown Prince, His Highness the Prime Minister, tunity to carry forward the the Communication and Information Technology the age of thirteen. the government and the people of the State of traditional friendship and Regulatory Authority (CITRA) has launched a new In this context, Mijbil Mijbil Alayoub Kuwait, on the occasion of the advent of “Eid-al- deepen cooperation in Mexican Ambassador campaign entitled ‘Safer Internet for Kids’, the first of Alayoub, Senior Director, Fitr”, wishing the friendly people of Kuwait fur- various fields, so as to Miguel Angel Isidro its kind. The campaign tackles YouTube Kids applica- Corporate Communications, ther prosperity and stability. bring benefits to the two tion, comes under the umbrella of Ooredoo Kuwait’s Ooredoo Kuwait, said: “Through this campaign, we aim Ambassador Isidro added, “In recent years, countries and peoples. I look forward to strength- social responsibility program, and aims to raise public to nurture public awareness and shed light on the importance of raising children in a safe environment Kuwait and Mexico have built a strategic partner- ening the strategic partnership between Mexico awareness, encourage parents to take positive role in including a safe online experience free from any dis- ship, continuously deepened mutual trust and and the State of Kuwait.” offering their children with a safer online experience through YouTube Kids’ parental control options. turbing scenes. Children, as users of technology, may YouTube Kids is a filtered version of YouTube, be at risk through their contact with others or being designed only for children to explore their talents and exposed to inappropriate content.” to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and threat- interests in a contained, age-appropriate experience. “We are fully aware of how hard parenting children Arab world en the region’s stability. Yet, not all content is manually reviewed by YouTube, in the age of social media and screens could be, and The ministry welcomed the statement issued by thus, there might be inappropriate content that may what kind of real dangers children can face and deal with if applications were not monitored by parents. Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, in which it impact the child’s behavior. Children by nature are Child’s online experience must be safe, fun and educat- slams Israel... called on the Zionist entity to suspend its decision to recipients of information, they accept everything they hear and translate them into actions. ing. Ooredoo is committed to supporting the communi- proceed with the expansion of the settlements and to Continued from Page 1 We are all responsible for our children, and through ty, raising public awareness and educating both; par- stop the ethnic cleansing measures in East Jerusalem, YouTube Kids, parents have the authority to approve ents and youth on the risks and responsibilities they especially in Sheikh Jarrah. most sacred mosque for Muslims, during the holy or decline what their kids can watch. Childhood is a may encounter when using YouTube Kids and the Sudan labeled Zionist measures in Jerusalem internet,” Alayoub added. The multimedia campaign month of Ramadan leading to clashes with worship- precious time in which children should live free from against Palestinians as “repression”, and “coercive fear, safe from violence and protected from mishandling aims to reaching out to millions of parents, through TV, pers that left hundreds of Palestinian civilians wound- action” in a foreign ministry statement late Saturday. and exploitation. and social media posts under the slogan ed. The UAE and Bahrain condemned Friday’s storming YouTube Kids has a full suite of parental controls in #Safer_Internet_for_Kids, as well as printed press, and Zionist settlers meanwhile are stormed the Al- of Al-Aqsa mosque by occupation forces, and the the app so parents can customize their children’s online outdoor advertising. Aqsa compound today (Monday) under the protec- ensuing crackdown on worshippers seeking to tion of occupation forces despite worldwide con- access the site. Abu Dhabi urged Zionist authorities demnation. occupation authorities are also trying to to “take responsibility for de-escalation” of violence steal homes from Palestinian families in Jerusalem’s at the holy site, while Manama called on the occupy- Iceland volcano’s Sheikh Jarrah suburb. ing government “to stop these rejected provocations Kuwait Foreign Ministry denounced the Zionist against the people of Jerusalem.” lava geysers occupation and ethnic cleansing of the Sheikh Jarrah Morocco expressed “deep concern” over the vio- neighborhood residents in East Jerusalem. In a state- lence saying King Mohammed VI “considers these ment Friday, the ministry condemned the Zionist set- violations... (are) likely to fuel tensions.” Saudi Arabia’s thrill visitors tlement expansion process, saying that these meas- foreign ministry said it “rejected” plans to evacuate REYKJAVIK: Iceland’s Fagradalshraun volcano lies ures violate the international law principles and dis- Palestinian households from Jerusalem, and called for quiet for a spell before suddenly spewing red molten lava rupt global efforts aimed at reaching a final solution the reinstatement of the pre-1967 borders. — AFP geysers high into the air, visible from the capital Reykjavik in an awe-inspiring display. The volcano, which sprang into life in mid-March in the Geldingadalir valley near Mount Fagradalsfjall, has drawn visitors from The skyline of the Icelandic capital Reykjavik with the around the world, many venturing as close as possible to glow from the lava coming out of a fissure near the the safety perimeter set up to protect against sprays of Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula behind. — AFP red-hot rock. “It’s incredible to see,” said Henrike Wappler, a we can go to look at a volcano so close. It’s just really German woman who lives in Iceland, standing with her amazing and so beautiful,” she said. Bjarki Brynjarsson, daughter at the edge of the volcano. Marvelling at “the 25, was enthralled by the alternation of slumber and fury. power of the earth,” she told AFP Saturday on her fourth “I’m just waiting for the bomb to pop,” he joked. visit to the site: “I feel small so near to this power — but Despite outward appearances, the volcano’s activity is I’m not scared.” continuous, vulcanologist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson Up until a week ago, the volcanic activity was contin- said. “All the time the magma is flowing,” Gudmundsson uous and low key, but now it is alternating between quiet told AFP. “This is not uncommon and this is a normal spells and furious outbursts. One geyser was measured at behavior. It is, if anything, less common to have a very more than 460 meters (1,500 feet) at dawn last continuous flow with no pulsations.” Wednesday, according to the national meteorological The eruption, which began on March 19, is the first on office. The powerful bursts throw up rock fragments the Reykjanes peninsula in more than eight centuries, and called tephra, some still hot, that land several hundred it has been nearly 6,000 years since the last activity at meters from the crater, which is located in an uninhabited the precise site. Since the original eruption in the area on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland. Geldingadalir (Eunuchs in English) valley, several new A low roar precedes the next explosion, a noise that “kind vents opened up. Vulcanologists have predicted that the of reminds me of an airplane,” said Freyja Wappler- activity will continue for several months — if not decades. Fridriksdottir. But they are certain that the eruption is far from superfi- She was among more than 2,500 people at the site on cial, coming from the Earth’s crust. “This is the most prim- Saturday, kept back some 500 meters (yards) from the JERUSALEM: Palestinian devotees pray on Laylat Al-Qadr (Night of Destiny) outside the Dome of the Rock itive lava that we have seen since the last Ice Age” some crater — a safety radius that varies from 400 to 650 in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the holy month of Ramadan Saturday. — AFP 10,000 years ago, said Edward Marshall of the Institute meters depending on the wind speed. “It’s not every day of Earth Sciences. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Monday, May 10, 2021 Kuwait civil aviation says PCR test mandatory for arrivals Health Ministry launches second phase of mall staff vaccination drive By B Izzak it will resume giving the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Tuesday after KUWAIT: The Directorate General of Civil shipments have arrived in the country. Last Aviation yesterday denied reports that it week, the ministry extended the second has exempted some people from taking the dose from three months to four months cit- PCR coronavirus test while arriving in the ing unavailability of the vaccine from the country. The agency said on its Twitter manufacturers. account that every person arriving in The Ministry of Health launched yester- Kuwait through the international airport day the second phase of COVID-19 vac- must undertake the PCR test to prove they cine field units, as it includes providing are free of the coronavirus disease. The vaccines to workers in malls and commer- Center for Government Communication cial centers around the country. Ministry also released a statement in which it said spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said in a social media rumors about certain people statement that this service is part of the being excluded from having to hand in a ministry’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 test report upon arrival in the pandemic. The units are provided with Kuwait were untrue. These tests are the various necessary equipment in order “mandatory, according to health require- to ensure smooth functioning of the vacci- ments, for all nationalities and groups com- nation procedures and application of all ing to the State of Kuwait,” it said. precautionary measures, Dr Sanad said. A health worker administers a COVID-19 KUWAIT: Mall workers wait to receive their COVID-19 vaccine shot at the Avenues Mall yes- A decision by the council of ministers to The campaign operated yesterday at vaccine shot to a mall employee. terday. — KUNA photos ban Kuwaiti citizens who have not been the Avenues Mall in two periods, and it was vaccinated from leaving the country was expected to provide the first dose of vacci- yesterday published in the Kuwait Al- nation to around 10,000 people working in who continue to perform their duties that the total recoveries have reached said. Meanwhile, 7,747 tests were conduct- Youm official gazette despite strong criti- the mall, he added. More than 34,758 according to the best quality standards. 268,316 after 1,399 patients recovered ed over the same period, with infection rate cism and a court case challenging the employees who have direct contact with The Ministry of Health had on Saturday from coronavirus over the same period, 14.13 percent, making the total conducted legality of the decision. The publication the public received vaccinations through reported seven new COVID-19 deaths and making the recovery rate 94.45 percent tests 2,396,532, he added. Dr Sanad means that the decision has become official this service in its first stage, he said. Dr 1,095 infections registered in the previous out of the conducted tests. renewed his call on the public to maintain but it will take effect starting May 22 as per Sanad praised efforts of those in charge of 24 hours. Dr Sanad said that the total Moreover, 14,125 patients in total were social distancing and to abide with all the decision. the campaign and the medical staff partici- fatalities increased to 1,635, and the case- receiving health care as of Saturday, health regulations that would help in limit- The health ministry said yesterday that pating in the various vaccination centers load to 284,076 as of Saturday. He added including 210 at intensive care units, he ing the virus’ spread.

remain steadfast defending the soil of Jerusalem rent situation in India. Palestinians proved regardless of the cost.” Indian embassy makes Ambassador George Helping Jerusalem and its sanctities is a national, announced that a crisis religious and moral duty of every Arab, Muslim and management group of offi- Jerusalem a red Christian, as well as every peace lover in this world, as virtual address on cers in the Embassy has peace starts in Jerusalem and ends in it, the been set-up to monitor the line: Ambassador Ambassador declared. “I stand with respect over the COVID-19 situation situation real time. This stands of the State of Kuwait towards Jerusalem and group will be available KUWAIT: The Palestinians, once again, proved that its sanctities, which issued two statements in one day KUWAIT: The Embassy of India in Kuwait recently 24x7 for any clarification Jerusalem is a red line that will not be crossed in any in support of Jerusalem,” he said. “This constant and organized a virtual address to the Indian community in and assistance. On way, Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub continued stand by the State of Kuwait is the result of Kuwait by the Ambassador of India to Kuwait on requests from various KUWAIT: Ambassador of said in a statement yesterday. The upris- the conviction of this country with its “COVID-19 Situation in India and Assistance to India State Governments and India to Kuwait Sibi George ing the holy city is witnessing during wise leadership headed by HH the Amir from Abroad”. Union Territories, the delivers the address. During his address, Ambassador of India to Kuwait these blessed days is a clear message for Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- ambassador mentioned Sibi George briefed the community on the current all those concerned that Jerusalem with Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh that each such request is COVID-19 situation in India and the efforts undertak- its Muslim and Christian sanctities will Mishal Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, that being responded to by the embassy team. en by the government to control the spread of the Ambassador George emphasized that it is impor- remain Arab, Muslim and Christian, he the Palestinian cause will remain the cen- deadly pandemic. He highlighted the assistance in the tant to ensure that all contributions and donations are added. The Palestinian people, led by tral cause of Kuwait and the Arab nation, form of emergency medical supplies received by India made after due verification and that standard operat- Jerusalemites, will defend their city and and that Jerusalem will remain in Kuwait’s from abroad, including the friendly State of Kuwait. ing procedure is followed which envisages that all sup- sanctities with their bare chests on behalf heart forever.” Ambassador George stated that India and Kuwait plies of COVID-19 related equipment that is offered to “I will not forget to express all respect of the Arab and Muslim nations, and have always stood with each other in times of difficul- be sent to India is to be routed through Indian Red and appreciation to all the people of Palestinians will remain the guards of Al- ties and emphasized that Kuwait was one of the coun- Cross Society, which will receive it on behalf of gov- Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock and the Kuwait, who since the moment of the bat- Palestinian Ambassador tries which came forward and offered support to India. ernment of India. Ambassador George concluded by Church of Resurrection, he professed. tle of Sheikh Jarrah, Damascus Gate and Rami Tahboub The ambassador also acknowledged the efforts of the thanking His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- “The Israeli actions in Jerusalem are a Al-Aqsa Mosque, moved to help their Indian community, spearheaded by the Indian Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown continuation of miserable attempts to brothers in Jerusalem and flooded social Community Support Group (ICSG) in mobilizing sup- Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, impose the status quo and Judaization of the holy city media with their support for their brothers in port and medical relief. The ambassador also elucidat- His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- through falsifying facts and the story about Palestine,” the ambassador indicated. “Thanks also to ed in great detail the COVID-19 response management Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the government and Jerusalem, as well as the rabid campaign to replace the Kuwait media, which became the spokesperson for infrastructure set-up by the government of India to the people of the friendly State of Kuwait for their the original city inhabitants with settlers,” the ambas- Jerusalem and the Arab Palestinian people there. We coordinate the global efforts in dealing with the cur- support in this hour of need for India. sador said. “The battle of Sheikh Jarrah is another promise our nation that Jerusalem will remain free and witness that this occupation did not and will not seek Arab, and the eternal capital of the State of Palestine anything other than removing the landowners, but with the support of the Arab nation, and we will remain this will not materialize and the Palestinian people will the first line of defense for our beloved nation.”

the world in lending support to India in its time of Al-Rashed Group need and in ensuring the flow of emergency medical supplies in a timely manner. Kuwait with its centuries of social and trade ties ensures smooth and decades of diplomatic relations with India, is extending full support to India in its fight against the movement of pandemic. The medical aid from Kuwait so far includes liquid medical oxygen, oxygen cylinders and high-flow oxygen concentrators. The initial cargo oxygen to India was loaded from Shuaiba Port and headed to Nhava KUWAIT: The government of Kuwait has initiated Sheva Port in Mumbai, India on May 5, aboard the measures to send emergency medical supplies and Indian commercial vessel MV Capt Kettleman. equipment to India, which is facing a shortage in Meanwhile, another cargo of medical supplies was medical supplies due to the recent surge in COVID- loaded from Shuwaikh Port onboard Indian Naval 19 infections. The government level assistance efforts vessels INS Kolkata, INS Kochi and INS Tabar, are being coordinated by the Public Authority of which are in the Middle East to procure equipment Industries, which has already sent over 313MT of aid from oxygen manufacturers. INS Kolkata sailed out cargo to India. of Shuwaikh Port on May 5 while the latter two The Indian Embassy in Kuwait, along with Al- frigates were loaded and dispatched the following Rashed International Shipping Company, the day. Public Authority for Industries, along with sup- embassy’s logistics-partner in shipping emergency port provided by the Kuwait Port Authority, Kuwait medical aid to India, have been working round-the- Customs, and various other government entities, have clock to ensure the smooth flow of assistance being joined to ensure the smooth flow of the noble shipped to India. Kuwait stands alongside the rest of endeavor of Kuwait. 4 Established 1961 Local Monday, May 10, 2021

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KUWAIT: Muslim men pray at Fatmah Mosque in the Kuwait City just before daybreak early yesterday, during the night of the 27th day of the holy month of Ramadan, widely presumed as Laylat Al-Qadr. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Ramadan Diwaniya Thirty percent office capacity Aluminum plant on fire poses challenges for law firms KUWAIT: Firemen put out a blaze reported in an aluminum manufacturing plant in Family issues increased during pandemic: Attorney Otaibi Subhan yesterday. Five fire stations respond- By Ben Garcia Kuwait Times: How is the law firm business in government to enact a law to help and support ed to the emergency call, and the fire teams the time of the COVID-19 pandemic? small and medium enterprises, but until now it were able to put out the fire in a 500 square KUWAIT: Kuwaiti professionals are interviewed Abdullah Al-Otaibi: While some law offices remains a proposal. The problem is they want to meter area out of the total area of 2,500 by Kuwait Times to learn more about the nature of decided to close down due to slow business, other wait until the pandemic ends, but of course we do square meters. No injuries were reported, and their jobs, and changes and challenges they have law offices continue to operate and are doing great. not know when this will happen. an investigation was opened to reveal the faced during the pandemic. The following are From March 12, 2020 till the end of August 2020, we Hotels and restaurants have been badly affected; cause of the blaze. excerpts from Kuwait Times’ interview with were all closed. But we tried to carry on, since I many decided to close down. I went to the biggest Attorney Abdullah Al-Otaibi: have people working for me. I paid them salaries shopping mall in Kuwait and found many shops because I know they have families to feed. have shut down. I went to the oldest shopping malls We thought things will be okay when we in Kuwait City and only a few shops are open. reopened in September, but everything has been in Businesses need help. If the government needs disarray due to the recent curfews and lockdowns. workers, if they need business, they must do some- Business is very slow and people are tired and thing for the people who are doing their best to broke. We needed to restart and pick up the pieces create vibrancy in business. of what is left and continue. Our law office must Kuwait Times: Where did you graduate from continue to help others and those who are in need and what was your first job? of our services, so we started receiving clients Otaibi: I completed my law degree from Kuwait again. I would say business has increased, but the University in 2005. Then I studied sharia law in problem now is the fact that many offices in the Saudi Arabia. When I came back to Kuwait, I court are operating at 30 percent capacity. joined the roster of new lawyers at the ministry of Even the shuoon (litigation department) for justice assigned to the Hawally and Ahmadi court labor-related issues only receives 30 at the judgment enforcement depart- percent of transactions, so our cases ment. I worked there for eight years. are piling up and snowballing every The job was to enforce the law after day. We cannot do anything about it, the final verdict. as the delay is not from us but from Then I moved to a family court, jug- government agencies. The courts too gling my time at various family courts operate at 30 percent capacity. So all over Kuwait to settle issues of fam- even if you want to finish the case the ilies, divorce, marriage, certificate for soonest, the problem is we cannot set Islamic marriages and inheritance the time on our own. issues. There, I stayed for over three I went to a court the other day, but years. These are the kind of jobs I it announced it has to close because Attorney Abdullah readily accepted to hone my judicial COVID positive people were Al-Otaibi skills and knowledge and practical allegedly found there, so automati- experience. cally they closed. Some areas in the Then I created this law office to help justice building will operate, while other sections people six years ago. At that time, we started with will be closed. This continues to date. We cannot just two lawyers, but now we are five. One is strand- blame the people in the ministry building because ed in Egypt during the pandemic - inshallah he will their reasons are all valid, to protect everyone come back soon. We have two mandoubs and two against the virus. secretaries to help me with my work. Even though I Nonetheless, we are surviving. My lawyers and have people with me, I prefer to attend to every staff are paid regularly, thanks to clients who are call. Every day I receive 100 plus calls. Some calls I still trusting us to act on their cases on their behalf. cannot attend, but I schedule meetings with my Thank God we have been winning cases too. It is clients because I want to know about every single our desire to help people win their cases and ulti- step being taken to ensure their rights are observed. mately get their rights correctly and equitably. Sometimes I arrange meetings online via WhatsApp. Sometimes you have to remind clients Labor and family cases to be patient because this pandemic is biting us all. Kuwait Times: Most of your cases are labor The work at the ministry of justice and shuoon is and family related. Why is it so? very tricky now. We cannot easily get the barcode Otaibi: Yes, but we also accept all other cases needed to be called by the judge. Every hour only such as civil and criminal cases, corporate or com- 50 people with barcodes are allowed to enter. pany cases, and family or domestic cases. During I wanted to become a lawyer since I was little the pandemic I noticed an increase in family issues, because I wanted to see myself in court. We have maybe because of the curfews and lockdowns. We no lawyer in the family. I feel it is a very good pro- receive several cases that need our expertise - hus- fession. I want to be active - I don’t want to just sit ISSUE NO: 18431 RAMADAN 28, 1442 AH band and wife issues, inheritance issues, even and wait for my salary. I want to practice and help divorce. There are issues of domestic violence too. many people in their legal battles. All these are now piling up in our office and we I am not a chai guy. I remember I had a client for Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz need to do something about it. whom I wasn’t able to do enough. He paid, but I 28- We have received several labor-related cases of returned his money because I wasn’t happy about Dates aren’t an example of a food Date : unpaid salaries, indemnities and some abandoned the result as he lost his case. I didn’t deserve the Muslims can eat during Ramadan. Name : workers because their company has closed down. money given to me because I didn’t focus much on Our citizens have many issues of companies closing his case. ❏ A. True Civil ID : down, rental issues, release issues, etc. These are all Kuwait Times: Are you planning to set up more connected because of this pandemic. Some are no offices in Kuwait or GCC countries in the future? Tel : ❏ B. False longer repaying loans to the banks. The govern- Otaibi: That time will come, inshallah. Who Email : ment wants to help our people, but I think the doesn’t want to grow and get a bigger and better problem for decision makers nowadays is the fact operation or network? It’s part of our vision to that they have no idea when to give the money or upgrade, but we have to survive this pandemic first. until when they are going to give money so people Kuwait Times: What does this Ramadan look can survive. like and how is it different? The government is doing its job to help our peo- Otaibi: Till 2019, we worked two shifts in ple in many ways. Some Kuwaitis are receiving Ramadan, from 9 am until noon, then 7 pm till 10 salaries without work, but there are Kuwaitis who pm. This timing couldn’t be applied last year, and work for private companies who are not receiving this year too because of the partial curfew. But we their salaries completely. There are plans by the try to work 4 to 5 hours. International MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021 Afghans bury dead from bloody school blasts as toll rises to 50 A month after crossing river into US, immigrants face harsh reality Page 6 Page 7 Scotland vote may fuel independence clash

UK election setback sparks Labour infighting LONDON: The Scottish National Party yesterday of the Scottish people,” she said. “I think it is an said its landslide victory in Edinburgh’s devolved understatement to say that that wouldn’t play well.” parliament was grounds for a fresh independence Yesterday, senior UK minister Michael Gove referendum, despite opposition from London. While sought to downplay the brewing conflict. He insisted in the SNP campaigned on promises to hold a new comments to the BBC that for all UK leaders including vote, the UK government-which would need to give Sturgeon the priority is recovery from the coronavirus formal legal permission-is opposed, raising fears of pandemic and claimed the country did not have time a protracted political and legal battle. now for a “protracted conversation about the Now the nationalists say their slightly increased Constitution”. Gove also argued that the fact that the share of seats, one short of an overall majority of SNP do not have an outright majority in the devolved 65, gives them a mandate for “indyref2”, so called parliament-as they did before the first referendum in after the “no” vote in Scotland’s first independence 2014 — made a “significant difference”. vote in 2014. Meanwhile, Britain’s main opposition Labour Scottish media stressed the SNP’s strong show- Party was split over future strategy and embroiled ing, with The Herald on Sunday headlining its front in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge page simply with the word “Landslide”. But UK- losses in local polls. Keir Starmer, Labour’s leader wide newspapers had a different take, as The since 2020, sacked the chair of the party Angela Sunday Telegraph declared “Sturgeon falls short of Rayner on Saturday evening after saying he was majority”. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said in her “bitterly disappointed” by the results. Starmer was victory speech that Westminster now has “no dem- reportedly set to launch a reshuffle of his shadow ocratic justification” to deny a second independ- cabinet, while speculation mounted over his own ence referendum. future as leader. “I hope to lead Scotland to independence,” she The Times wrote that Starmer’s reshuffle “could told the BBC yesterday. She said that it would be begin as early as Monday”. Supporters of previous “absurd and completely outrageous” for the refer- leader Jeremy Corbyn led criticism of Starmer, with endum to lead to a legal wrangle in the Supreme Corbyn’s close ally, Labour MP Diane Abbott, Court, as could happen if Westminster blocked it telling Sky News it was “in many ways a disap- and the Scottish parliament passed its own legisla- pointing result”. “I think sacking Angela Rayner was EDINBURGH: Scotland’s First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon tion. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the 2014 not a forward-thinking thing to do,” she added. gives a thumbs-up on the steps of her official residence Bute House in Edinburgh yesterday following the referendum where 55 percent voted “no” should be John McDonnell, former Shadow Chancellor party’s landslide victory in the Scottish parliament elections. — AFP a once in a generation event. under Corbyn, in a BBC interview accused Starmer of failing to create attractive policies. ‘Wouldn’t play well’ “You can’t send candidates into the field like that Starmer “needs time” to turn the situation around. ment and in several mayoral races including London, Johnson said Saturday that the SNP’s aim of a naked, without any policy,” he said. Under hard- “We’ve got to have a positive policy platform where Sadiq Khan won a second term. second referendum was “irresponsible and reck- left Corbyn, Labour was damaged by accusations and that’s what Keir Starmer is determined to do,” Andy Burnham, who easily won re-election as a less” while he wrote a public letter to Sturgeon ask- of anti-semitism and had a disastrous general he said. Labour performed poorly in Thursday’s popular mayor of Greater Manchester in northern ing her to “work together” in “Team UK.” Sturgeon election showing in 2019. council elections in England and lost to the Tories in England appeared to issue a veiled challenge to told the BBC that she thought the UK government Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer and a key by-election in Hartlepool in northeastern Starmer’s leadership, telling Sky News: “If the party ultimately would not stand against the referendum public director of prosecutions, was elected leader England, a Labour heartland since the 1970s. were ever to feel they needed me, I’m here”. The because this would come across as disrespectful of in April 2020, promising to “re-connect” with vot- In Scotland, Labour dropped two seats in the results in England appeared to be a vote of confi- Scots’ democratic rights. ers. “On last week’s showing, he has spectacularly devolved parliament under new leader Anas Sarwar, dence in Johnson’s leadership post-Brexit and the “It would mean that the Conservative govern- failed”, The Times said. However Ian Stewart, who took over in February. It counted successes in UK’s successful vaccine rollout, despite the country’s ment had refused to respect the democratic wishes Shadow Secretary for Scotland, told Sky News that Wales, holding onto power in the devolved parlia- death toll remaining the highest in Europe. —‚ AFP

are boxing coaches. He also ran the London Khan: London’s Marathon in 2014. At school, he wanted to study science and become a dentist. But a teacher spotted his gift for verbal sparring and directed him towards feisty mayor law. He gained a law degree from the University of US Navy says seizes North London and started out as a trainee lawyer in wins second term 1994 at the Christian Fisher legal firm, where he was huge arms cache eventually made a partner. He specialized in human LONDON: London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who won rights, and spent three years chairing the civil liber- in Arabian Sea re-election Saturday, has risen from humble roots to ties campaign group Liberty. spar with prime ministers and presidents since tak- DUBAI: The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said yester- ing charge of the British capital five years ago. The Muslim PM? day it had seized a huge cache of illicit Russian 50-year-old politician from the main opposition Khan joined Labour aged 15 when Conservative and Chinese weapons from a stateless dhow Labour party, a former human rights lawyer brought prime minister Margaret Thatcher was in her pomp. sailing in international waters of the North up on a London public housing complex, won a He became a local councillor for Tooting in the Arabian Sea. second stint at City Hall with victory over Conservative-dominated Wandsworth local bor- The Fifth Fleet, which is based in Bahrain, said ough in 1994, and its member of parliament in 2005. Conservative rival Shaun Bailey. This continues a LONDON: Sadiq Khan gives his acceptance speech the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey inter- He still lives in the area with his lawyer wife Saadiya remarkable journey for the Pakistani immigrant bus after being declared the winner of the London cepted the vessel and discovered the cargo and their two teenage daughters. Then prime minis- driver’s son, who became the first Muslim mayor of Mayoral election at City Hall in London Saturday during a routine boarding, in a two-day opera- ter Gordon Brown made him the communities minis- a Western capital when initially elected in 2016. winning his second term as London mayor. — AFP tion on May 6-7. He has made a name for himself as a vocal critic ter in 2008 and he later served as transport minis- “The cache of weapons included dozens of of Brexit and successive Conservative prime minis- ter, becoming the first Muslim minister to attend advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided mis- ters, including his mayoral predecessor Boris recently arrived from Pakistan, Khan was the fifth Cabinet meetings. In parliament, he voted for gay siles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault Johnson, as well as for a feud with former US presi- child out of seven brothers and one sister. He grew marriage-which earned him death threats. rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, dent Donald Trump. The pair became embroiled in up in public housing in Tooting, an ethnically mixed As mayor, he vowed to focus on providing sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades an extraordinary war of words, after Khan criticised residential area in south London, and slept in a affordable homes for Londoners and freezing trans- launchers,” it said in a statement. The arms are Trump’s controversial travel ban on people from bunkbed until he was 24. port fares, but-like many in power around the in US custody and their source and intended certain Muslim countries. His modest background plays well in a city that world-saw his agenda engulfed by the pandemic. destination is under investigation, it said. In a series of bizarre attacks, Trump accused is proud of its diversity and loves a self-made Khan has said his priority for a second term will The Fifth Fleet said the Monterey was in Khan of doing a “very bad job on terrorism” and success story. In his victory speech on Saturday, be “jobs, jobs, jobs” as he bids to keep London on operation for 36 hours, providing security for called him a “stone cold loser” and a “national dis- Khan described himself as “a Londoner through its perch as a top world city while tackling the crisis boarding teams. grace”. The mayor in turn allowed an infamous and through”. and the fallout from Brexit, which could threaten the “After all illicit cargo was removed, the blimp of Trump dressed as a baby in a nappy to fly “I grew up on a council estate, a working class capital’s vital financial sector. He is London’s third dhow was assessed for seaworthiness, and above protests in Parliament Square during his 2018 boy, a child of immigrants, but I’m now the Mayor of mayor after Labour’s Ken Livingstone (2000-2008) after questioning, its crew was provided food visit to Britain. “He once called me a stone cold los- London,” he said. Khan still regularly recalls how his and Johnson (2008-2016), with widespread specu- and water before being released.” The state- er. Only one of us is a loser, and it’s not me,” a typi- father drove one of London’s famous red buses, and lation he could try to follow in his predecessor’s ment did not indicate where the vessel may cally combative Khan told AFP as he campaigned his mother was a seamstress. One of his brothers is footsteps to Downing Street. Khan predicts Britain have come from, but said the US Navy’s regu- ahead of Thursday’s poll. a motor mechanic. will have a Muslim prime minister “in the not-too- lar patrols in the region “disrupt the transport He is a handy boxer, having learnt the sport to distant future” but insists it will not be him. “As long of illicit cargo that often funds terrorism and Street fighter defend himself in the streets against those who as Londoners continue to trust me to be their may- unlawful activity”. — AFP Born in London in 1970 to parents who had hurled racist abuse at him, and two of his brothers or, I’m currently in this job,” he said.— AFP

and downstream countries over the Renaissance Sudan Civil Society Forum. “The civil society is get- Congo president dam,” the agency reported. During the talks, South Sudan ting frustrated and no longer believes that even if the Mahdi voiced “strong rejection of unilateral steps” parliament is reconstituted it will be a very viable by Ethiopia, which began filling the dam’s reser- parliament.” visits Sudan for voir last year. president dissolves In accordance with the 2018 accord, the new Addis Ababa has said it will proceed with fur- assembly will number 550 lawmakers, the majority — talks on Nile dam ther filling this year regardless of whether a deal is parliament 332 — from Kiir’s governing SPLM party. The parlia- reached. Cairo views the dam as an existential mentarians will not be elected but nominated by the KHARTOUM: The new chair of the African threat, while Khartoum fears its own dams could JUBA, South Sudan: South Sudan’s President Salva different parties. The dissolution of parliament came Union arrived in Sudan on Saturday for talks over be harmed without a deal. Kiir has dissolved parliament, opening the way for on the eve of a visit to the capital Juba by US special Ethiopia’s controversial Nile dam, state media Also on Saturday, US Special Envoy for the lawmakers from opposing sides of the country’s civil envoy to South Sudan Donald Booth. reported. The one-day visit by Felix Tshisekedi, Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman held talks with top war to be appointed under a 2018 peace accord. “Of particular concern to the United States is the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudanese officials over the GERD as well as Kiir’s decision was announced on public television slow implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on came as Sudan and Egypt push Ethiopia for a Sudan-Ethiopia border tensions. Feltman under- Saturday evening but no date was given as to when the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of binding deal over the filling and operation of the scored “the importance of leading the negotia- the new parliament will begin working. South Sudan, ongoing violence, and deteriorating Grand Ethiopian Renaissance dam. tions under the umbrella of the African Union with The setting up of a new legislative body was part economic and humanitarian conditions,” the US State Ethiopia says the electricity the structure will the involvement of the international community,” of an accord signed in September 2018 between Kiir Department said in a statement. generate is important to its development, but Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement. and Vice President Riek Machar, for years on oppo- Kiir and Machar formed a coalition government downstream Egypt and Sudan fear for their own Relations between the two countries have sition sides during the five-year civil war that left on February 22, 2020 after nearly a year of delays. dams and vital water supplies. Last month, the soured in recent month over Al-Fashaqa, a fertile 380,000 people dead and four million displaced. However few provisions of the truce have been DRC hosted negotiations between the three coun- border region where Ethiopian farmers have Activists and civil society groups welcomed the dis- honored, and analysts have warned of a return to tries but the talks ended without a deal. long cultivated land claimed by Sudan. The two solution of parliament, saying it was long overdue war. The oil-rich country remains severely under- Tshisekedi met Saturday with Sudan’s head of sides have traded accusations of violence and but also expressing distrust. developed and poorly managed. Despite the peace state Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, prime minister territorial violations in the area. Tshisekedi took “It is a welcome development and we hope that deal, brutal communal conflicts-often over cattle Abdalla Hamdok, and foreign minister Mariam al- up the rotating presidency of the AU in February the dissolution (will not) also open the way to a raiding-continue, with more than 1,000 killed in Mahdi, according to SUNA news agency. “Talks after a one-year stint by South Africa’s Cyril lengthy process towards reconstituting the parlia- violence between rival communities in the last six mainly focused on differences between upstream Ramaphosa. —AFP ment,” Jame David Kolock, chairman of the South months of 2020. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Monday, May 10, 2021 A month after crossing river into US, immigrants face harsh reality Central American immigrants face challenges of finding work, threats of deportation

HARTFORD, US: They crossed the Rio Grande apply to minors who arrive alone. In the Rio into the United States without papers and clutch- Grande Valley in Texas, families who arrive with ing their young children. Now, thousands of children under the age of seven are also exempt. Central American immigrants face myriad chal- It was through this area that Valeriano and his lenges including finding work and threats of son managed to enter the United States for a sec- deportation, all without speaking any English. ond time, following five weeks crammed in a ware- A month after meeting three undocumented house in Mexico with other migrants. Jhowell, an families in Texas, AFP caught up with them as they 11-year-old Honduran, entered the United States adjust to their new lives near New York. They all without papers in March with his parents and two said life in the United States is harder than they siblings aged one and four. They were detained imagined but that it is much worse in Honduras or and deported after walking for hours through the Guatemala. Valeriano, a Guatemalan, quickly found New Mexico desert, where Jhowell broke his foot, work cleaning yards in Hartford, Connecticut. He said his mother Ivania. must save to pay moneylenders and family mem- They decided to cross again through the bers the $10,000 he was charged by smugglers, a Mexican city of Reynosa, which borders McAllen, fortune for this 34-year-old farmer. Texas, after hearing they could enter there with He and his family first fled from Guatemala to small children. But since Jhowell is older than sev- Belize after they were chased by a drug cartel that en the family decided to separate and leave him in killed his brother and threatened Valeriano with Mexico to cross alone. death. After the traffickers followed him there, he Jhowell was detained in a government shelter decided to seek asylum in America with one of his after smugglers got him into Texas. He was trau- four children, seven-year-old Arnold. He can’t talk matized by the separation from his family, said his about his family left behind in in Belize without mother, who now lives with a sister in Brooklyn. crying, knowing that he may never see them again. After a month, the US government paid for “I start thinking, why did I come? And then I Jhowell to fly to New York. Jhowell and Ivania remember that if I hadn’t they would have killed hugged and burst into tears when he arrived at me, the kids would be alone, and then it’s more dif- LaGuardia Airport. “I wanted to be with her for Fatima,29, sits with her 5-month-old baby, Diego, in the headlights of a US Border Partrol vehicle ficult for them,” he says with tears in his eyes. such a long time,” he said. after arriving in the US illegally across the Rio Grande river in Roma, Texas.—AFP Valeriano earns $14.50 an hour and thinks it will Ivania, 29, doesn’t have a job yet but her hus- take him a year to pay off his debts. He must also band finds occasional work carrying boxes. Fatima, send money to his family and pay for the small a 29-year-old single mother who lost her job at a on me,” she says desperately. prove they are victims of persecution. Unless she basement where he lives with his son, sister, broth- Honduran tortilla factory during the pandemic, moves and goes into hiding, she might be deport- er-in-law and niece. The five sleep in two beds sep- crossed the Rio Grande in late March with her five- Restrictive asylum laws ed. Anne Pilsbury, a lawyer for Central American arated by a sheet. Family separations - “It’s hard month-old baby only the clothes she was wearing. Fatima thought she could receive a work permit, Legal Assistances (CALA), which helps undocu- here, but it’s harder in my home country,” he says. “I come to work for my children. Without work you but during her first appointment with the ICE mented immigrants, describes America’s asylum Valeriano and his son were deported from the have nothing,” she told AFP at the river. But a immigration police, officers confiscated her laws as very “narrow.” US back in February by President Joe Biden’s gov- month later in Plainfield, New Jersey, where she Honduran identity card and began her deportation “Hunger and poverty don’t count, extortion ernment under Title 42, a policy of former presi- lives crammed into a small room with her sister and process. “We feel anxious every day because we almost doesn’t count,” she said. “They’ll have some dent Donald Trump’s that allowed for the immedi- other immigrants, Fatima still doesn’t have a job. do not know what is going to happen tomorrow,” time here to catch their breath but eventually ate expulsion of immigrants to prevent the spread “I have absolutely nothing, nothing, nothing. she said. Fatima will eventually get a hearing with they’ll have a removal order. “That’s unfortunately of coronavirus. Despite criticism from activists, I have my other two children in Honduras. I an immigration judge but she may not receive asy- hard for people to understand. But that’s the sad Biden has maintained Title 42, although it does not need to find work soon because they depend lum as they are reserved only for those who can truth.” —AFP

News in brief ‘Silence is not 400 migrants land on Lampedusa an option’ in ROME: More than 400 migrants arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa yesterday, Italian media reported, as authorities in Sicily again blocked a rescue boat from east Jerusalem leaving port. A 20-metre boat carrying 325 people was intercepted about eight miles (13 kilometers) off the coast JERUSALEM: Adnan, a Palestinian from east of Lampedusa, and another was found slightly closer with Jerusalem, vowed rubber bullets fired by Israeli 90 people aboard, news agencies reported. Meanwhile police would not deter him: “Silence is not an judicial authorities in Sicily reinstated a detention order option” in defense of Arabs in the Holy City, he said. against the Sea-Watch 4 vessel, run by Germany’s Sea- East Jerusalem, the majority Palestinian part of the Watch organization, which had kept it in Palermo for six city annexed by Israel in 1967, has been hit by some months until March, media reports said. —AFP of its worst unrest in years. Hundreds of Palestinians have been wounded and dozens arrested in confrontations with police who Sicilian judge takes step to sainthood have been hit with stones and other projectiles hurled by mainly young and male Palestinian pro- ROME: An Italian judge murdered by the mafia in Sicily testers, who have also torched cars and dumpsters. takes a step towards sainthood Sunday, almost three Friday night saw violent clashes following decades after being declared a martyr by pope John Paul evening Ramadan prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque II. The beatification of Rosario Livatino will take place in compound, Islam’s third holiest site, a flashpoint the cathedral in Agrigento, the Sicilian town near where he area also sacred to Jews-who call it the Temple was gunned down aged 38 on September 21, 1990. In a Mount-where tensions trigger swift global alarm. preface to a new book about the judge, Pope Francis hailed For 20 year-old-Adnan, who like many him as a “righteous man who knew he did not deserve that Palestinians in east Jerusalem refused to give his JERUSALEM: Israeli forces fire stun grenades at Palestinians outside the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s unjust death”. Livatino, who prayed in church every day name for fear of Israeli police retribution, protesters Old City Saturday. —AFP before going to court, had been involved in a mass trial against mafioso and was about to launch a new case when are responding to what he said was as a persistent he died. — AFP effort by Jewish settlers to expel them from the city. an unavoidable reality facing Palestinians in the city. flames. Last month, Israeli police closed the staired “We are here, in the street, to say that we are not “The Israelis want us to work for them, but they plaza outside the Old City’s Damascus Gate, a tradi- going leave,” he said. “For years, settlers have don’t want us to live here,” he said. Earlier this year, tional gathering spot for Palestinians following NY Times Square shooting injures 3 attacked us and taken our land but silence is no an Israeli court ruled in favor of Jewish settlers evening Ramadan evening prayers. longer an option.” seeking to evict Palestinian families from their The closure triggered violent clashes with police NEW YORK: A shooting in New York’s bustling Times homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, just north who removed the barricades after several nights of Square on Saturday injured a four-year-old girl and two ‘Don’t want us to live here’ of the Old City. unrest. Next came the clashes at the Al-Aqsa plaza women, in the latest incident of gun violence in the city, Several events have triggered the flare up in east The court said the Jewish families had proven a following Ramadan’s final Friday prayers, which police said. The shooting took place just before 5 pm local Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim as the capital of decades-old claim to the land, infuriating Palestinians wounded more than 200 people. Police said they time (9 pm GMT), at the intersection of 7th Avenue and their future state. Mohammed, who also refused to and triggering months of protests that have intensi- were responding to projectiles hurled by “thou- 44th Street, a NYPD spokesperson told AFP. The three vic- give his last name, argued each incident is linked to fied in recent nights. Other incidents have fanned the sands” of rioters. —AFP tims were a four-year-old child in a stroller, who was hit in the leg while her family was buying toys, a 46-year-old woman hit in the foot, and a 23-year-old tourist from Rhode Island hit in the leg. They were hospitalized in Manhattan, Obamas’ dog Bo, Iraqi activist’s killing and their lives were not in danger, said New York police commissioner Dermot Shea, at a press briefing. —AFP a star of White sparks protests Guatemala protests over vaccine KARBALA: A leading Iraqi anti-government activist House, dies was killed early yesterday, security sources and GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala: Dozens of Guatemalans activists said, sending supporters of a protest protested Saturday in the capital to demand the resigna- WASHINGTON: Barack Obama’s family dog Bo, who movement onto the streets to demand an end to tion of President Alejandro Giammattei, holding him became a popular resident of the White House, died on bloodshed. Ihab Al-Wazni, a coordinator of protests responsible for a lack of COVID-19 vaccines. “We are Saturday from cancer, the former president said, in the Shiite shrine city of Karbala, was a vocal protesting for him [Giammattei] to resign and to tell us remembering him as “a constant, gentle presence in our opponent of corruption, the stranglehold of Tehran- where the money for the vaccines is,” Karla Perez, a 48- lives.” Obama had promised his young daughters Malia linked armed groups and Iran’s influence in Iraq. year-old woman who held up a banner at the demonstra- and Sasha that they could get a dog after the 2008 He was shot overnight outside his home by men tion, told AFP. “Vaccines go in the arm, not in the pockets,” election, and Bo joined the family soon after they on motorbikes, in an ambush caught on surveillance said the banner, displayed during the protest held in front moved into the president’s official residence. cameras. His death was confirmed by security of the National Palace, the former seat of government, “Today our family lost a true friend and loyal com- forces and activists. Wazni narrowly escaped death which was guarded by a large contingent of police. —AFP panion,” Obama said on Twitter, sharing photographs in December 2019, when men on motorbikes used of him and Bo running down a White House corridor silenced weapons to kill fellow activist Fahem Al-Tai and Bo being petted by children. as he was dropping him home in Karbala, where S Africa reports cases of India variant “For more than a decade, Bo was a constant, gentle pro-Tehran armed groups are legion. Both were key presence in our lives-happy to see us on our good figures in a national protest movement that erupted JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s health ministry on days, our bad days, and everyday in between,” Obama against government corruption and incompetence in Saturday said four cases of a coronavirus variant wrote. “He tolerated all the fuss that came with being Iraq in October 2019. Around 600 people were fuelling a devastating surge of COVID-19 in India had in the White House, had a big bark but no bite, loved killed as a result of their association with that move- been recorded in the country. “The four cases of to jump in the pool in the summer, was unflappable WASHINGTON: In this file photo, former US President ment — many on the streets during rallies, others B.1.617.2 have been detected in (the provinces of) with children, lived for scraps around the dinner table, Barack Obama pets his dog Bo outside the Oval Office Gauteng (2) and KwaZulu-Natal (2) and all have a histo- targeted on their doorsteps away from the rallies. of the White House in Washington, DC. —AFP ry of recent arrival from India,” Health Minister Zweli and had great hair.” Protests broke out in Karbala, Nassiriya and Mkhize said in a statement late Saturday. Eleven cases of Bo, a black-and-white Portuguese water dog, was a Diwaniya in southern Iraq in reaction to Wazni’s another variant first detected in the United Kingdom and gift to the Obamas from senator Edward Kennedy, and killing, as people called for an end to the bloodshed known as B.1.1.7 have also been found, the statement was chosen due to the breed’s hypoallergenic coat. He “As a family, we will miss Bo dearly,” former first lady and to rampant corruption. In a video recording in added, noting that community transmission of that vari- appeared regularly at White House events, particularly Michelle Obama wrote on Instagram. “But we are thank- the morgue where his body was initially held, a fel- ant had “already set in”. —AFP the annual Easter Egg Roll, met the Pope, visited chil- ful that he lived such a joyful life full of snuggles, games low activist made it clear who he and colleagues dren in hospital and flew on Air Force One. of fetch, and evenings spent lying on the couch.” —AFP blamed for the killing. —AFP Established 1961 7 Monday, May 10, 2021 International Afghans bury dead from bloody school blasts as toll rises to 50 Government blames Taleban, US continues pullout

KABUL: Dozens of young girls were buried yester- and bones smashed,” said Mohammad Taqi, a resi- day at a desolate hilltop cemetery in Kabul, a day dent of Dasht-e-Barchi, whose two daughters were after a secondary school was targeted in the blood- students at the school but had escaped the attack. iest attack in Afghanistan in over a year. “All of them were girls. Their bodies piled on top A series of blasts outside the school during a of each other.” Last week the school’s students had peak holiday shopping period killed more than 50 protested about a lack of teachers and study mate- people, mostly female students, and wounded more rials, said Mirza Hussain, a university student from than 100 in Dasht-e-Barchi, a west Kabul suburb the area. “But what they got (in return) was a mas- populated mostly by Hazaras. The government sacre.” Books and school bags belonging to the blamed the Taleban for the carnage, but the insur- victims still lay scattered at the site of the attack. gents denied responsibility and issued a statement Afghan officials including President Ashraf Ghani saying the nation needed to “safeguard and look blamed the Taleban. “This savage group does not after educational centers and institutions”. have the power to confront security forces on the Saturday’s blasts came as the United States mili- battlefield, and instead targets with brutality and tary continues to pull out its last 2,500 troops from barbarism public facilities and the girls’ school,” the violence-wracked country despite faltering Ghani said in a statement after the blasts. The peace efforts between the Taliban and Afghan gov- Taleban denied involvement, and insist they have ernment to end a decades-long war. Interior not carried out attacks in Kabul since February last Ministry spokesman Tareq Arian told reporters that year, when they signed a deal with Washington that a car bomb detonated in front of the Sayed Al- paved the way for peace talks and withdrawal of the Shuhada girls school on Saturday, and when the remaining US troops. students rushed out in panic, two more devices But the group has clashed daily with Afghan exploded. forces in the rugged countryside even as the US Residents were shopping ahead of this week’s military reduces its presence. Eid Al-Fitr holiday-which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan-when the blasts Taleban chief warns US occurred. Yesterday, relatives buried the dead at a The United States was supposed to have pulled KABUL: Mourners and relatives dig graves for girls, who died in Saturday’s multiple blasts outside a girls’ school, hilltop site known as “Martyrs Cemetery”, where all forces out by May 1 as agreed with the Taleban during the burial at a desolate hilltop cemetery in Dasht-e-Barchi on the outskirts of Kabul yesterday. —AFP victims of attacks against the Hazara community are last year, but Washington pushed back the date to laid to rest. Hazaras are Shiite Muslims and consid- September 11 — a move that angered the insur- ered heretics by extremist Sunnis. Sunni Muslims gents. The leader of the Taleban, Hibatullah try should “safeguard and look after educational Sunni Islamist militants. In May last year, a group of make up the majority of the Afghan population. Akhundzada, reiterated in a message released centers and institutions”. gunmen launched a brazen daylight raid on a hospi- ‘Bodies on top of each other’ ahead of Eid that any delay in withdrawing the UN agency UNICEF condemned the attack on tal in the area that left 25 people dead, including 16 Bodies in wooden coffins were lowered into troops was a “violation” of that deal. “If America the school. “Violence in and around schools is never mothers of newborn babies. graves one by one by mourners still in a state of again fails to live up to its commitments then the acceptable... Children must never be the target of On October 24, a suicide bomber blew himself up shock and fear, an AFP photographer said. “I rushed world must bear witness and hold America account- violence,” it said, urging the country’s warring sides at a tuition center in the same district, killing 18 to the scene (after the blasts) and found myself in able for all the consequences,” Akhundzada warned to protect human rights. The Dasht-e-Barchi neigh- people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State the middle of bodies, their hands and heads cut off in yesterday’s message. He also said that the coun- borhood has been a regular target of attacks from group. —AFP

over the Arabian Peninsula at approximately 10:15 for the fourth-biggest objects in history to undergo Large Chinese rocket pm EDT on May 8 (0215 GMT Sunday)”. “It is an uncontrolled re-entry, according to data from News in brief unknown if the debris impacted land or water.” Harvard-based astronomer Jonathan McDowell. Monitoring service Space-Track, which uses US The uncertainty and risks of such a re-entry Lebanon stops 51 from crossing segment crumbles military data, said that the location in Saudi Arabia sparked accusations that Beijing had behaved irre- was where American systems last recorded it. sponsibly. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sug- BEIRUT: Lebanese police said Saturday they had thwart- over Indian Ocean “Operators confirm that the rocket actually went gested last week that China had been negligent, ed an attempt to smuggle 51 Syrians to neighboring into the Indian Ocean north of the Maldives,” it and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson echoed that Cyprus, weeks after the army foiled a similar operation. BEIJING: A large segment of a Chinese rocket re- tweeted. The segment’s descent matched expert after the re-entry on Sunday. “Spacefaring nations “On May 4th 2021, the Internal Security Force’s informa- entered the Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrated predictions that any debris would have splashed must minimize the risks to people and property on tion branch stopped 51 Syrian nationals, including 39 men, over the Indian Ocean yesterday, the Chinese space down into the ocean, given that 70 percent of the Earth of re-entries of space objects and maximize five women and seven minors, who were heading to agency said, following fevered speculation over planet is covered by water. Because it was an transparency regarding those operations,” Nelson Cyprus by sea,” said a police statement. It said they were stopped while waiting along Lebanon’s northern coast where the 18-tonne object would come down. uncontrolled descent, there was widespread public said in a statement. “It is clear that China is failing after paying a smuggler $2,500 each for the trip. Officials in Beijing had said there was little risk from interest and speculation about where the debris to meet responsible standards regarding their the freefalling segment of the Long March-5B rock- Lebanon, home to more than six million people, is just 160 would land. American and European space authori- space debris.” kilometers (100 miles) from Cyprus. —AFP et, which had launched the first module of China’s ties were among those tracking the rocket and try- new space station into Earth orbit on April 29. ing to predict its re-entry. China’s space ambitions But the US space agency NASA and some To avoid such scenarios, some experts have Germany’s Greens exclude mayor experts said China had behaved irresponsibly, as an Accusations of negligence recommended a redesign of the Long March-5B uncontrolled re-entry of such a large object risked Objects generate immense amounts of heat and rocket-which is not equipped for a controlled BERLIN: Germany’s Greens on Saturday voted to damage and casualties. “After monitoring and friction when they enter the atmosphere, which can descent. “An ocean reentry was always statisti- exclude from the party the mayor of the southwestern analysis, at 10.24 (0224 GMT) on May 9, 2021, the cause them to burn up and disintegrate. But larger cally the most likely,” McDowell tweeted. “It town of Tuebingen over racist remarks he made on social last-stage wreckage of the Long March 5B Yao-2 ones such as the Long March-5B may not be appears China won its gamble (unless we get media about a black soccer player. Members of the party launch vehicle has re-entered the atmosphere,” the destroyed entirely. Their wreckage can land on the news of debris in the Maldives). But it was still in Baden-Wurtemberg overwhelmingly voted to remove China Manned Space Engineering Office said in a surface of the planet and may cause damage and reckless.” Boris Palmer, who has often been criticized over his com- statement, providing coordinates for a point in the casualties, though that risk is low. Chinese authorities had downplayed the risk, ments about immigrants and minorities. In a posting Indian Ocean near the Maldives. Last year, debris from another Chinese Long however. “The probability of causing harm to avia- Thursday on Facebook, Palmer called former German It added that most of the segment disintegrated March rocket fell on villages in the Ivory Coast, tion activities or (on people and activities) on the player Dennis Aogo a “bad racist” and used a racial slur. and was destroyed during descent. The US mili- causing structural damage but no injuries or deaths. ground is extremely low,” foreign ministry His comments were met with outrage by members of his tary’s Space Command said the rocket “re-entered That, and the one that came down Sunday, are tied spokesman Wang Wenbin said Friday. —AFP party, which is leading in the polls ahead of the September elections. —AFP

man were arrested on Saturday. Third arrest after The bomb detonated as Nasheed walked to his Guards ex-official for Iran president car. Family members tweeted that the 53-year-old ex-president, now the parliament’s speaker, TEHRAN: A former official of Iran’s Revolutionary bomb attack remained in the intensive care unit of a hospital. But Guards who has thrown his hat into the ring for Iran’s June he was able to speak to close relatives on Saturday 18 presidential election pledged Saturday to initiate in Maldives after no longer needing life support, they added. change and build a “powerful” government. Saeed There was no immediate update on his condition Mohammad, 53, headed the Guards’ construction and engineering arm for over two years before announcing his from the hospital. Nasheed underwent 16 hours of MALE, Maldives: A third man has been arrested resignation in early March to run in the poll. Registration following the attempted assassination of Maldives’ surgery to remove shrapnel from his body and doc- at the interior ministry to contest the poll runs from former president Mohamed Nasheed, police said tors said one shard narrowly missed his heart. Tuesday to Saturday, with names to be handed to the yesterday, as they renewed an appeal for more There has been no claim of responsibility for the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting information about another suspect. The democracy attack, but officials from Nasheed’s Maldivian before being allowed to run. —AFP pioneer and climate activist was seriously hurt after Democratic Party (MDP) have alleged that religious a bomb attack in the capital Male on Thursday night extremists and political interests could be involved. that also injured a British national and two others, The Indian Ocean archipelago of 340,000 peo- MALE: Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) per- sonnel stand guard in the capital Male yesterday fol- Guinea to put 60 people on trial which police have blamed on “religious extremists”. ple is Muslim majority and in October 2019 police lowing the May 6 attempted assassination of arrested a suspected Islamic State recruiter CONAKRY, Guinea: Some 60 people, including opposi- “We can confirm that a third individual has been Maldives’ former president Mohamed Nasheed who is accused of sending dozens of Maldivians to Syria. tion figures detained for months, will stand trial in Guinea arrested in connection with the May 6 attack early recovering in hospital. —AFP today,” police said in a statement. No further details The same man was accused of setting off a home- over deadly protests surrounding last year’s presidential about the man were released. Police also appealed made bomb that wounded 12 Chinese tourists in election, according to the government. Alpha Conde’s bid for more information about another man seen in the Male in September 2007. Nasheed ended decades He is known internationally as a champion in the for a third term in office was met with months of demon- area where a motorcycle that the bomb had been of one-party rule in the Maldives and became its fight against climate change and rising sea levels strations by political opposition and civil society groups, which security forces countered with sometimes brutal rigged to was parked. first democratically-elected president in 2008, only that he says threaten to submerge the nation of The owner of the motorcycle as well as another to be toppled in a military-backed coup in 2012. force, and dozens of people died after the protests began 1,192 coral islands. —AFP in October 2019. In March 2020, at the same time as leg- islative elections, Guinea held a referendum to change the healthcare system, and many experts suspect the offi- constitution and allow the president to serve more than Variant among cial death and case numbers are a gross underestimate. two terms. Despite mass opposition and claims of an Swaminathan, an Indian pediatrician and clinical scien- “electoral coup d’etat”, Conde, 83, was re-elected in the tist, said the B.1.617 variant of Covid-19, which was first first round in October 2020. —AFP accelerators of detected in India last October, was clearly a contribut- ing factor to the catastrophe unfolding in her homeland. India virus surge: “There have been many accelerators that are fed into Spain ends COVID emergency this,” the 62-year-old said, stressing that “a more rapid- MADRID: Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place ly spreading virus is one of them”. The WHO recently WHO scientist since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards listed B.1.617 — which counts several sub-lineages with to travel between regions for the first time in months. “It’s slightly different mutations and characteristics-as a GENEVA: A COVID-19 variant spreading in India is like New Year’s,” said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in more contagious and it is feared it could be dodging “variant of interest”. Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with some vaccine protections, contributing to the country’s shouts, applause and music. “We’re getting a bit of nor- GENEVA: World Health Organization’s chief scientist explosive outbreak, the World Health Organization’s Resistant to antibodies? mality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that But so far it has stopped short of adding it to its Soumya Swaminathan checks her smartphone during the virus is still around,” he added. “I was fed up with not chief scientist said Saturday. In an interview with AFP, an interview with AFP in Geneva Saturday. —AFP Soumya Swaminathan warned that “the epidemiological short list of “variants of concern”-a label indicating it is being able to get out of Madrid,” jewellery designer Blaca features that we see in India today do indicate that it’s more dangerous than the original version of the virus Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions. “I felt frustrat- an extremely rapidly spreading variant”. by being more transmissible, deadly or able to get past follow suit. “B 1.617 is likely to be a variant of concern vaccine protections. Several national health authorities, because it has some mutations which increase trans- ed, locked down, with no freedom,” added the 46-year- India on Saturday for the first time registered more old who plans to go to Galicia, in northwest Spain, next than 4,000 Covid-19 deaths in just 24 hours, and more including in the United States and Britain, have mean- mission, and which also potentially could make (it) while said they consider B.1.617 a variant of concern, weekend to celebrate a birthday. —AFP than 400,000 new infections. New Delhi has struggled resistant to antibodies that are generated by vaccina- and Swaminathan said she expected the WHO to soon to contain the outbreak, which has overwhelmed its tion or by natural infection,” she said. —AFP 8

Monday, May 10, 2021

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Dr. Hamoud Abdullah Alarouj ENT Consultant, Laryngologist Kuwait Board of Otolaryngology. Experienced In: Laryngology Fellowship, McGill Management of benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. University- Canada. Vocal cord augmentation. Fellow of the European Board of Diagnosis and treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery. Adenotonsillectomy using latest techniques. Member of the American Academy of Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Surgery for the deviated nasal septum. Member of the British Laryngological Endoscopic sinus surgery. Association. Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Member of the European Laryngological Tympanoplasty. Society. Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. Member of the Canadian Society of Thyroid surgery Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of snoring.

To advertise on this Page Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] Established 1961 9 Business Monday, May 10, 2021 Zain Group generates revenue of $1.3bn, net profit of $147m for first three months of 2021 KUWAIT: Zain Group, a leading mobile innovator with operations in seven markets across the Middle East and Africa, Vice-Chairman & Group announced its consolidated financial results Chairman Ahmed Al-Tahous: for the first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, CEO Bader Al-Kharafi: “We 2021. Zain served 48.5 million customers at “Board working closely with the end of the period. continue to maintain healthy Zain Group generated consolidated rev- management in mitigating enue of KD 382 million ($1.3 billion) for the cash flows and focus on first quarter of 2021, down 6 percent year- the unavoidable currency on-year (Y-o-Y). EBITDA for the quarter digital transformation in reached KD 158 million ($523 million), down devaluations and impact of 7 percent Y-o-Y, reflecting an EBITDA mar- serving communities, enter- gin of 41 percent. Net income for the quarter COVID-19 on the business” Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO Bader reached KD 45 million ($147 million), down 5 prises and governments” Zain Group Chairman Ahmed Al-Tahous Al-Kharafi percent Y-o-Y reflecting an Earnings Per Share of 10 fils ($0.03). Significantly, Zain Group net income grew operationally by 4 Kingdom thank all the government entities and regu- tered on expanding and monetizing our 4G, Saudi Arabia: For Q1 2021, Zain KSA percent Y-o-Y for Q1, 2021, when excluding 5. Zain KSA enters MoU with Mobily to latory authorities across our markets for FTTH and 5G networks creating vast and generated revenue of SAR 1.9 billion ($517 the one-time gain from the sale and lease unify telecom towers aiming to maximize effi- their proactivity and cooperation with the lucrative opportunities particularly related million), EBITDA for the period reached back of towers in Kuwait during Q1 2020. ciency and improve coverage throughout the telecom sector at large, in supporting oper- to Enterprise (B2B) services to government SAR 735 million ($196 million), reflecting an For Q1 2021, foreign currency translation Kingdom ators, mobile consumers and societies dur- and businesses of all sizes. At the same time, EBITDA margin of 38 percent. Net income was impacted mainly due to the currency 6. Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) grants Zain ing these times.” we continue to make significant progress in for the three months reached SAR 41 million devaluation in Sudan from 55 to 375 KSA fintech subsidiary, ‘Tamam’, first con- Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice- raising the company to new heights and ($11 million). Having the Kingdom’s largest (SDG/USD) during end of February, and a 19 sumer micro-financing license in the region Chairman and Group CEO commented: “The maximizing value for shareholders through 5G network covering 50 cities, the opera- percent currency devaluation in Iraq from 7. Zain Iraq and Zain South Sudan launch Group’s resilient performance for the quar- our ‘4Sight’ strategy. We are evolving the tor’s data revenue represents 51 percent of 1,190 to 1,470 (IQD/USD), cost the Group high-speed 4G commercial services boosting ter reflects the reality of the unavoidable company’s core telecom business and build- total revenue and customers served stood at $177 million in revenue and $66 million in connectivity and socio-economic activity combination of both COVID-19’s ongoing ing on its many strengths to selectively 7.2 million. EBITDA. 8. Zain eSports successful rollout as one disruption on socio-economic activity and invest in growth verticals beyond standard Iraq: Zain Iraq’s Q1 2021 revenue reached Zain Group’s resilient results for Q1 2021 of the fastest growing eSports brands across the impact of currency devaluations on the mobile services.” $184 million and EBITDA amounted to $75 were achieved despite the widespread dis- Middle East attracting over 15,000 regis- business. Nevertheless, our culture of inno- million, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 41 ruption in economic and social activity tered players and 25 million views across var- vation has been invaluable at this time of Financial KPIs of key markets for Q1 percent. The operation reported a net profit caused by COVID-19, further compounded ious social media channels rapid change, and our business continuity Kuwait: Maintaining its market leader- of $12 million for Q1 2021. The operator by the recent and significant currency deval- 9. The Zain Group Application Program strategy has been executed impressively to ship, Zain Group’s flagship operation saw its served 16.2 million customers maintaining its uations in Iraq and Sudan. It should be noted Interface (API) platform continues to grow counter these factors. Management has customer base serve 2.5 million. It remains that the impact of the pandemic on the busi- market leading position. with 12 digital partnerships offering 21 attrac- proactively undertaken numerous decisive the Group’s most profitable operation with Sudan: For Q1 2021, Zain Sudan generat- ness was minimal during Q1 2020, given its tive services, resulting in substantial revenue digital transformation and cost optimization revenue for Q1 2021 reaching KD 79.4 mil- early stage of spread at the time, however in ed revenue of $92 million, with EBITDA with 5 million monthly transactions and total- initiatives while maintaining healthy cash lion ($263 million), EBITDA reaching KD 28 amounting to $42 million, reflecting an EBIT- Q1 2021 the impact was more profound. ing over 80 million transactions since its flows, and both Zain Iraq and Zain Sudan million ($93 million), representing an EBIT- DA margin of 46 percent. Net income for the launch have recently taken measures in dealing with DA margin of 35 percent. Net income period reached $18 million. Data revenue Key operational notes for Q1 2021 10. Zain was the highest ranked MEA currency devaluations by revamping prices reached KD 17 million ($56 million) for Q1 grew by 32 percent representing 29 percent 1. Zain Group consolidated data revenue operator in CDP global index with respect to and offering new attractive data monetiza- 2021, with data revenue growing by 2 per- reached $530 million, representing 42 per- its efforts to address climate change tion packages.” of total revenue, while the operator’s cus- cent and accounting for 39 percent of total tomer base reached a record 17.2 million, cent of the Group’s overall revenue 11. Zain Group publishes 10th annual sus- Al-Kharafi continued, “Given the limita- revenue. maintaining its market leadership. 2. Zain KSA completely settled the Group tainability report, titled ‘The Ten-Year tions on mobility, locally and travel abroad, During the quarter, the operator wit- Jordan: For Q1 2021, Zain Jordan rev- Shareholder Loan with an upstream of $553 Journey’ as well as an insightful report on we have continued to play a key role in nessed impressive growth in both 5G mobile enue reached $124 million, EBITDA million during Q1 2021 ‘Women in Technology- Bridging the Gender keeping people socially distanced while and broadband customers and resulting rev- 3. Throughout the quarter, Zain Group Gap in STEM Fields’ remaining connected and productive during enue capturing the largest 5G market share reached $56 million, reflecting an EBITDA invested $415 million in CAPEX (tangible and Commenting on the Q1 2021 results, the current learning and working from home in the country. Continual innovation and digi- margin of 45 percent, with net income intangible) reflecting 33 percent of total rev- Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zain environment. All Zain operations’ response to tal transformation saw the launch of a new reaching $20 million. Zain Jordan served enue, predominantly in expansion of Fiber- Group, Ahmed Al-Tahous said: “The Board these modified circumstances has been noth- and dynamic customer app offering many 3.6 million customers maintaining its market to-the-Home (FTTH) infrastructure; spectrum and Executive Management have been ing but exemplary. We implemented addi- new features, as well as enhancement of its leading position. fees; 4G upgrades and new network sites focused on minimizing the ongoing impact tional digitalization initiatives to better serve web and zBot chat service. From a B2B per- Bahrain: Zain Bahrain generated revenue across its markets, as well as ongoing 5G of COVID-19 and significant currency businesses, governments, and communities, spective, Zain Kuwait partnered with the of $44 million for Q1 2021. EBITDA for the rollouts in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain devaluations in Iraq and Sudan on the busi- granting them increased digital access to Ministry of Interior to revamp the Kuwait TV period amounted to $14 million, reflecting an 4. Kuwait witnessed impressive growth in ness. We are dedicated to ensuring our everyday life and essential medical and com- app to live stream 9 local video and 11 radio EBITDA margin of 33 percent. Net income 5G consumer and B2B customers, with Zain mobile networks are operating at optimal mercial services, aiming to lessen the impact channels. Also, the operator entered deals amounted to $4 million, with Data revenue Saudi Arabia expanding its 5G network to levels and providing meaningful connectivity of the pandemic on the societies we serve.” with Kuwait International Bank and Boubyan growing 4 percent to represent 45 percent over 50 cities covering all regions in the to the communities we serve. I would like to “Our operational focus has been cen- Bank for data related services. of total revenue. 10 Established 1961 Business Monday, May 10, 2021 KIB reports KD 6.9 million operating profit for Q1 2021

13% growth in operating income l 27% growth in operating profit l 4% growth in total assets

KUWAIT: Despite the current economic situation be committed to developing and expanding its this year reflecting the Bank’s success in achieving and the lingering repercussions of the COVID-19 financing footprint on the local, regional and its profitability and diversification objectives. crisis, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) achieved international level. Profits were credited to depositors’ accounts KD 6.9 million of operating profit before provi- Al-Jarrah noted that KIB acted as a Joint Lead upon announcement of the financial results.” sion during the first three months of 2021, com- Manager and Bookrunner in the Additional Tier 1 He further added: “By pushing ahead with its pared to KD 5.4 million recorded at the end of the (AT1) perpetual NC6Y Sukuk issuance by strategy for continuous growth and development, same period last year, an increase of KD 1.5 mil- Boubyan Bank, for USD 500 million. Additionally, KIB strives to maintain its position as a key player lion and a growth of 27 percent. During the first KIB participated as Co-Manager in the first-of- in the banking sector by providing services and three months of the year, KIB reported a net prof- its-kind issuance of ‘Sustainability Sukuk’ by the products with exclusive features tailored to fit it of KD 1 million compared to KD 2.7 million in Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in 2021. The customers’ unique requirements, including the the first three months of 2020. The lower net prof- Bank has raised US $2.5 billion via the launch of the new KIB Black segment in the first it could be attributed to the prudent buildup of Sustainability Sukuk, and the proceeds were allo- quarter of 2021, which offers exclusive lifestyle provisions. cated to funding/refunding sustainable develop- benefits to KIB customers. The launch of this Commenting on the Bank’s financial results, the ment (10 percent) and social impact projects (90 campaign came as part of the Bank’s commitment Sheikh Mohammed Bank’s Chairman, Sheikh Mohammed Jarrah Al percent). to providing its customers with exclusive privi- Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah Raed Bukhamseen Sabah, noted that KIB’s financial statements have Moreover, Al-Jarrah emphasized that KIB’s leges that fit right into customers’ contemporary shown that the Bank’s assets grew by 4 percent to drive to continuously participate in successful lifestyle and meet their expectations.” 22.19 percent as of December 31, 2020, thus reach KD 2.81 billion, comparable to KD 2.7 bil- financial deals demonstrates a high level of confi- Bukhamseen also stressed that KIB was able to exceeding the minimum required levels of the lion at the end of March 2020. This growth was dence and expertise, which contributes greatly support its growth strategy in order to maintain Centra; Bank of Kuwait’s (CBK) regulatory bodies. the result of an increase in the size of the financ- towards fortifying the Bank’s position in the local, its financial position in the regional debt capital During 2020, the Bank made significant progress ing portfolio by KD 73 million to reach nearly KD regional and international investment market. He markets. That being said, the Bank successfully in terms of enhancing its capital, as highlighted by 2 billion, compared to KD 1.92 billion at 31 March further mentioned that, Fitch Ratings, vide report concluded a series of successful financial transac- Fitch assigning KIB’s AT1 Sukuk ‘A-’ rating and a 2020, achieving a growth of 4 percent. In addition, issued on 29 April 2021 has affirmed KIB’s Long- tions last year, including the issuance $300 million final A+’/’F1’ long- and short-term ratings respec- KIB’s investment securities portfolio grew (mainly term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘A+’ and via- Tier 2 Basel III compliant 10-Year non-call 5-year tively to the Bank’s Sukuk program. high quality Sukuk) by about KD 22 million. bility rating (VR) at “bb-”, with a negative outlook. Sukuk. These first-of-its-kind instruments were at Concluding his statement, Bukhamseen lauded Depositors’ accounts grew by KD 165 million, a On his part, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive a profit rate of 2.375 percent per annum, with a the sincere efforts of KIB’s employees and praised growth of 11 percent to reach KD 1.73 billion Officer at KIB, Raed Jawad Bukhamseen, said: total participation reaching approximately US$2.7 their great performance in dealing with customers compared to KD 1.56 billion at the end of March “KIB achieved growth in its financial position dur- billion, which is about 9 times the volume of professionally while delivering the best-in-class last year, while the shareholders’ equity reach to ing the first quarter of 2021, with total assets ris- Sukuk issuances. The Tier 2 Capital Sukuk are the banking services, stressing that these efforts con- KD 260 million. ing by 4 percent compared to March 2020, reach- highest rated T2 in Kuwait and the GCC, in addi- tributed to maintaining the confidence of share- In his statement, Al-Jarrah pointed out that KIB ing KD 2.81 billion at the end of the first quarter tion to being the first USD T2 Sukuk from Kuwait holders and customers in the Bank’s ability to always seeks to maintain growth across his key of this year. Operating income for the first quarter to be listed on London Stock Exchange (LSE). achieve excellent financial results and perform its financial indicators whilst preserving the stability of 2021 also increased by 13 percent compared to This issuance enhanced the bank long term role effectively, adding: “Our vision is to achieve of its financial returns, as well as strengthening its the same period last year. Furthermore, distribu- funding base and increased KIB’s capital ratios in further growth in shareholder returns and expand financial position as a key player in the regional tion ratios on depositors’ accounts recorded good accordance with Basel III; this was reflected on our customer base by continuing to follow pru- debt capital markets. He added: “KIB continues to annual returns by the end of the first quarter of the Bank’s capital adequacy ratio, which reached dent risk management policies.”

URL hosts. In addition, over 440,000 malware Trend Micro blocked attacks were identified and stopped, while more than 100 online related banking malware threats more than 12m threats were blocked. Kamco Invest reports The report also shows that home networks in Kuwait were a major draw for cybercriminals look- in Kuwait during 2020 ing to pivot to corporate systems, devices, and net- net profit of KD1.5m works. Across the country, Trend Micro’s Smart KUWAIT: Trend Micro Incorporated, a global Home Network (SHN) solutions blocked over for first quarter of 2021 leader in cybersecurity solutions, yesterday 190,000 inbound and outbound attacks combined, released its 2020 Annual Cybersecurity report: A preventing over 1.2 million (1,284,047) such SHN KUWAIT: Kamco Invest, Constant State of Flux. The report shares insights events for hackers to target or control home devices a regional non-banking from last year’s threat landscape and provides from executing malware, obtaining sensitive infor- a guidance for IT decision-makers in the country financial powerhouse strategic guidance for leaders to protect and navi- mation, intercepting communications, or launching to direct their organization better in this new with one of the largest gate their organisations better in the new normal. external attacks. economy. AUMs in the region, The global insights reveal that Trend Micro blocked “In the past year, organizations have re-defined In its efforts to ensure secured digital transfor- announced its financial 62.6 billion threats last year, 91 percent of which their growth strategy due to the forced digital mation journeys of organizations in Kuwait, Trend results for the first quar- were email-borne. The findings also cited an aver- transformation attributed to the global pandemic,” Micro has been working closely with public and ter ended 31 March 2021. age of 119,000 cyber threats detected per minute in said Assad Arabi, Managing Director, Trend Micro private sectors to create awareness and bridge the The Company reported a 2020 as home workers and infrastructure came Gulf Cluster. “To complement their success story gaps. Earlier this year, the company launched its net profit of KD 1.5 mil- under new pressure from attacks. in the new digital economy, enterprises in Kuwait Trend Micro Vision One platform to empower secu- lion (EPS: 4.52 fils) com- Across Kuwait, Trend Micro solutions detected need a robust cybersecurity framework, that safe- rity teams in adopting a new approach that goes pared to a net loss of KD and blocked over 11 million (11,138,903) email guards their assets and customer data from being beyond - to provide enhanced visibility, threat intel- 4.6 million during the ligence, with extended detection and response at Faisal M Sharkhou threats, prevented over 800,000 (878,853) mali- compromised to evolving modern-day attacks. The same period in 2020 cious URL victim attacks, and over 5,000 (5,303) findings from our annual security report will act as every layer of their IT environments. (EPS: -13.50 fils). Total revenue for the period reached KD 5.2 million (Q1 2020: KD 0.4mn), with fee & commission income World Expo was held in London in 1851, global fairs also promote the country’s agricultural potential. amounted to KD 3.4 million, representing 65 percent African nations have been used to showcase innovations and as a “The Congo has 80 million hectares of arable land. of total revenue. branding exercise for participating countries. And in its We exploit only 10 percent,” Manga said, adding that As at end of March 2021, assets under manage- quest to gain influence on the international scene, the the country has taken steps to ease property owner- ment stood at KD 4.02 billion (USD 13.3 billion). gear up to polish United Arab Emirates has increased its political and ship hurdles and improve the business climate. “This Kamco Invest’s equity funds and managed portfolios economic presence in Africa in recent years, particular- image of Africa that is sold - of misery, suffering, war - continued to outperform their respective bench- image at Expo ly in the eastern Horn. that’s in the past!” he told AFP. marks and income generating properties were acquired in the UK amounting to GBP 72.3 million. DUBAI: African nations are attending this year’s Dubai ‘That’s in the past!’ ‘The goal is to sell’ The Special Situations Asset Management team Expo 2020 in force, hoping to project an image of a Africa witnessed 25 years of growth before falling into At the Dubai meetings, members of the Benin del- continued exit negotiations with several parties on modern and ambitious continent and shed stereotypes a COVID-induced recession in 2020. It continues to dom- egation said the country was working overtime to behalf of clients. The Asset Management team also of conflict and underdevelopment. The six-month inate the bottom half of the global Human Development promote tourism by rehabilitating cultural sites and worked to launch several investment offerings mega-event, delayed by the COVID pandemic, is a Index. Aside from exceptions such as Rwanda, Morocco improving its business potential through economic including leveraged fixed income in addition to ven- milestone for the wealthy Gulf emirate. It has spent and Kenya, African states also fare poorly on indices that reforms. “The objective is to sell the destination,” ture capital. some $8.2 billion transforming a barren stretch on the measure the ease of doing business. said Ines Monwanou, the country’s main delegate at The Investment Banking team successfully outskirts of the city into an eye-popping site bristling But Madueke said that despite the need to develop Expo 2020. played the role of Fiscal and Principal Paying Agent with high-tech pavilions. infrastructure and the existing barriers to international While expectations are high, even the continent’s for the redemption of Burgan Bank’s KD 100 mil- As the huge project nears completion ahead of the trade, Africa has “a lot to offer” thanks to its rich natu- heavyweights acknowledge that selling a revitalized lion subordinated T2 Capital Securities. The team scheduled October 2021 opening, African delegates ral resources and youthful population. The Democratic image at the Dubai Expo will be a challenge. The also acted as issuance advisor and subscription touted their ambitions to generate trade and investment Republic of Congo, long seen as a country marred by Egyptian pavilion, featuring pyramids and hieroglyph- agent to the rights issue of a listed company on at a high-level meeting this week. With nearly all conflict, corruption and human rights abuses, is looking ics, will showcase the country’s ancient history and vast Boursa Kuwait and was the exclusive buy-side African states represented for the first time, Expo pro- to attract investment from around the world. tourism appeal, but the main objective is to draw in advisor to an insurance group to acquire 66 per- vides a stage to advertise a “continent that is ready to “Often when we talk about Africa, about Congo, peo- business investment and cooperation, particularly in cent of a non-listed insurance company. First move forward” and “a secure place to do business,” ple will say - there is war in the east, there are rebels... new technologies. Securities Brokerage Company, Kamco Invest’s Levi Uche Madueke from the 55-member African No!” said Eugene Manga Manga, DR Congo’s general “The world has started to look at Africa and redis- brokerage arm, continued to provide its services to Union told AFP. commissioner for Expo 2020. “We have everything we cover it,” said Ahmed Maghawry Diab, an official clients without interruption while increasing market “The time has come for us to actually reach out to need. If you go out at night in Kinshasa, life is good.” from Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry who is share and attracting new clients through the online the world, and for the world to understand us, and also Known for its rich mineral resources, DR Congo will representing the country at Expo 2020. “The conti- trading platform. The company successfully com- see how they can collaborate with us,” said Madueke, showcase its culture and landscape in promotional videos nent has a lot of difficulties, but it has also started to pleted the MD3 test for netting, which is a new line the AU’s head of strategic partnerships. Since the first in a bid to attract tourists, from its pavilion that that will develop.” —AFP of revenue stream for the company. Furthermore, Kamco Invest managed to rational- ize its cost base where general and administrative Jacobs Douwe Egberts and distribution Better alternatives Fire and rehire is virtually expenses dropped by 31.6 percent in Q1 2021 to Fire and rehire: center employees for Tesco are now Chris Forde, co-director of the unknown in Germany thanks to legis- reach KD 2.95 million. The Company also reduced its locked in disputes over new contracts Centre for Employment Relations, lation protecting workers on perma- which unions have denounced as fire- Innovation and Change at the nent contracts. total liabilities by KD 0.9 million, a reduction of 1.3 UK’s new labor and-rehire tactics. University of Leeds, said recruitment Employers can resort to a similar percent, to reach KD 64 million at the end of March Fire and rehire is allowed in Britain freezes, voluntary redundancies and practice with workers on fixed-term 2021. The Company enjoys a strong financial posi- but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has furlough offer better alternatives to contracts only in a limited set of cir- tion with KD 52.7 million in shareholders’ equity as battleground? called it “unacceptable”, and trade the “last resort” of fire and rehire. The cumstances. In Canada, fire and rehire of 31 March 2021 (an increase of 5.3 percent in com- unions and the main opposition Labour practice could “chip away further at is legal and particularly affects non- parison to end of December 2020) and a “BBB” LONDON: As coronavirus wreaks severe economic damage, some British party are demanding a ban. Unite, the the quite lightly regulated labor mar- unionized workers, who are powerless long-term credit rating and “A3” short-term rating UK and Ireland’s largest union, claimed ket in the UK”, where zero-hour con- against employers resorting to it, with stable outlook by Capital Intelligence in their employers stand accused of taking a highly controversial measure to stay fire and rehire is “ripping through work- tracts and flexibility clauses are more according to labor law specialist Dalia latest review in June 2020. afloat: Fire and rehire. The practice, places like a disease”. prevalent than elsewhere, he told AFP. Gesualdi-Fecteau, at the University of Faisal Mansour Sarkhou, Chief Executive Officer, which involves dismissing employees A survey of 2,231 workers by the Fire and rehire is banned in neigh- Quebec in Montreal. said: “The pandemic still casts a shadow over the and re-engaging them on inferior terms, Trades Union Congress umbrella group boring Ireland, while other European Workers governed by the labor operational certainty in most sectors. Despite these flared up in April, when British Gas dis- found almost one in 10 were told to countries require sector-level consul- laws of Quebec, Nova Scotia and the unprecedented times, we had a profitable quarter missed almost 500 engineers after they reapply for their jobs on worse terms or tation with unions and social partners Canada Labour Code - just 10 percent and managed to benefit from positive market per- refused to accept new contracts. face dismissal, with young and ethnic- when employers seek to terminate of the country’s workforce - enjoy formance while strengthening our financial position. Last year, British Airways staff bat- minority workers disproportionately contracts. some protection. But employers can This allowed us to further enhance our liquid assets tled with the national airline’s manage- affected. Public industrial relations body “I cannot see any circumstances in circumvent it by proving they are fir- and reduce our total liabilities. We also rationalized ment over proposed fire-and-rehire the Advisory, Conciliation and which this is a right way to go,” said ing for economic rather than personal our cost base and most importantly remained schemes, while supermarket giant Asda Arbitration Service (ACAS) submitted a Forde. “It is a basic assault on work- reasons, she told AFP. There is little focused on the recurring fee-based income.” faced a similar stand-off in 2019. Bus report on the practice in February but ers’ rights and there are alternative debate about the issue in the United drivers in Manchester, coffee workers at the government has yet to publish its means through which they (employers) States, where labor regulations are findings. might achieve the same outcomes.” more lax. —AFP Established 1961 11

Monday, May 10, 2021 Business

NBK Money Markets Report US dollar dips amidst economic recovery concerns and sluggish labor market data

KUIWAT: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Manufacturing in the US In the BoE’s central projection, inflation rises ers and young people, “and we have to look at it retracted her comments about the interest rates The ISM manufacturing index fell 4 points to temporarily above 2 percent towards the end of very carefully.” need to rise, stating last Tuesday that she neither 60.7 in April (consensus 65.0), the biggest down- 2021, owing mainly to developments in energy predicts nor recommends a rise in interest rates. side surprise since January 2014 even though the prices. But conditioned on the market path for Market Movements As earning season illustrates the highest levels of level of the index was still in the top 2 percent of interest rates (which includes about 50bps of FX Movements revenue and profits, nonetheless the debate per- monthly readings over the past 30 years. Many tightening over the next three years), inflation The US dollar had a volatile week reacting to sists on whether quantitative easing will create a manufacturers continue to cite robust demand returns to around 2 percent in the medium term. major developments. The dollar index opened the surge of unwelcomed inflation. Although the alongside widespread supply chain challenges. The MPC saw downside risks to its growth fore- week at 91.25 and continued to trade in a range Federal Reserve and other central banks have cast in the near term (due largely to COVID-19 until after nonfarm payrolls were released on assured that interest rates will remain, however it Europe & UK and the risk of mutations). Further ahead, the Friday sending the index to a 3 month low of has been evident that the actions taken by these BOE Policy Meeting risks were seen as more broadly balanced. But 90.349. Hence, we saw the single currency climb to institutions are reactive. Therefore, the hike in The UK’s MPC voted unanimously to maintain there were also upside risks if households’ cau- break the 1.21 level and reach a 1 week high of interest rates or the implementing of tapering will Bank Rate at 0.1 percent, as expected. But it tion dissipated more quickly than anticipated in 1.2171. The greenback also reversed its gains on happen suddenly rather than periodically. voted 8-1 to keep the target for the stock of coming quarters. the Swiss franc and sent the pair a 3 month low of Following the remarks we noticed that LIBOR government bond purchases at GBP875 billion 0.9011 rates continued to drop, 3-month LIBOR opened as Chief Economist, Andy Haldane, preferred a Lagarde’s Speech the week at 0.175 percent and continued to drop to reduction from GBP875 billion to GBP825 bil- European Central Bank President Christine Commodities reach 0.159 percent on Friday prior to the release lion. The MPC was unanimous in keeping the Lagarde delivered a speech about the global The prices are significantly high and continuing of non-farm payroll data. The release of the labor stock of corporate bond purchases at GBP20 economy at The State of the Union 2021, in to increase, which is raising the debate as to market data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics billion, so the total target stock of asset pur- Florence last Friday. She iterated that the ECB’s whether there will be a halt to the economic caught market participants by surprise. Economists chases remains at GBP895 billion. The BoE also monetary policy has helped lessen inequality dur- growth worldwide. The price of gold has increased were expecting non-farm payroll to add 1 million announced a slower purchase pace of GBP1.147 ing the pandemic. Policy makers’ efforts to lift about 3.82 percent at the value of $1,836.60 an jobs in April. The data released showed 266,000 billion per auction (ie. GBP3.4 billion a week, inflation in the 19-nation euro area through large- ounce on weekly basis. For oil, the West Texas jobs were added only compared to the 1 million down from GBP4.4 billion). After a 1.5 percent scale asset purchases, long-term loans and Intermediate crude rose and closed the week at forecasted and the 916,000 jobs added in March. q-o-q contraction in 2021 Q1, the BoE expects record-low interest rates has supported the the value of $64.90 a barrel while Brent closed the Moreover, the private payrolls added in April were GDP to rise sharply in Q2. economy and underpinned the labor market, she week at $68.28 per barrel. 724,000 which magnified the surprise when non- Although activity in Q2 is expected to be said on Friday. And “contributing to more jobs farm payroll data surfaced. Employment rate around 5 percent below its level in 2019 Q4, the has a direct impact on reducing inequality. Kuwait nudged up to 6.1 percent while economists fore- MPC projects GDP to recover strongly to pre- Lagarde also said the coronavirus crisis “will cre- Kuwaiti Dinar casted 5.8 percent to the world largest economy. COVID-19 levels over the remainder of this year. ate inequality,” especially for low-income work- USD/KWD closed last week at 0.30140.

Clients are also entitled to a period of at least of controls for banks to Gulf Bank two days to review the contract comprehensively adhere to when financing before signing it. Upon signing the contract, clients. clients can also obtain a draft of the contract, The set of controls continues Diraya which includes details such as: the type of loan, apply to all clients, both KFH: Activating the repayment period, the amount of the install- employees and retirees, campaign efforts ment, and the loan return. and take into account the The instructions from the Central Bank of various financial condi- employees to raise KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is continuing to spearhead Kuwait necessitate that banking and financing tions of each of these various efforts in support of the Diraya campaign, establishments provide financial advice to the two categories, mandat- awareness of an awareness campaign initiated by the Central customer before and during financing. As per the ing the provision of Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banking instructions, financial institutions are obligated to financial advice and all Association. Gulf Bank’s efforts are in keeping clarify the risks of increasing financial obligations the necessary details of Hamza Al-Tailji Diraya campaign with the Bank’s commitment to educating cus- to the client, especially in the event of a change in the financing contract, KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) stressed tomers about their banking rights and raising the client’s financial conditions, whether due to a including the clarification of the various features the great importance it attaches to the role of its awareness about cybersecurity. change in work, retirement or even a change in of the financing process, including: The interest employees in contributing to the “Diraya” cam- The Diraya campaign spans several topics, the absolute interest rate. rate to the amount of financing, the ratio of the paign launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait in including the borrowing process, bank cards, monthly installment to the net monthly salary, the collaboration with the Kuwait Banking cybersecurity, security tips, and services for cus- Loan Types number of installments that the customer must Association aiming at spreading financial aware- tomers with special needs. The campaign also There are two types of personal loans avail- pay, the components of each installment, and oth- ness of the best ways of benefiting from the aims to clarify the mechanisms for raising official able to clients: consumer and housing loans. It is er related information. banks’ financial services and shedding light on complaints in an effort to protect customers’ important for clients to be aware of the differ- Details regarding the financing process must customers’ rights as well as their responsibilities rights, and also aims to highlight the banking sec- ences between the loans, and the instructions be provided before the contract is signed, with and obligations. tor’s tasks and roles in stimulating and developing related to each of them, in order to be able to the loan institutions factoring in a two-day period KFH is intensifying its campaign messages to the economy. assess their financial requirements in the best for their clients to review the contracts and read the employees with the aim of benefiting from The Assistant Manager of Corporate possible way. their terms and conditions carefully, in an effort their direct interaction with customers in achiev- Communications, Hamza Al-Tailji, commented, “At to guarantee that every client is fully aware of ing maximum effective awareness and the cam- Gulf Bank, we remain keen to promote financial Consumer Loans their rights and obligations under the contract paign goals. literacy and a culture of savings and investment in A consumer loan is a medium-term personal before signing. Coinciding with its continuous efforts to raise an effort to educate customers about the various loan with a loan period not exceeding five years. It is worth noting that Gulf Bank is keen on customers’ awareness, and through successive banking services available to them, and their ben- The maximum amount that can be granted under spearheading numerous awareness campaigns messages to employees, KFH aims to achieve the efits. We appreciate the latest initiative by the a consumer loan is KD 25,000 and is provided to and initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment maximum possible objectives of the campaign Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banking clients for the purpose of financing personal to economic sustainability, and regularly high- which continues until the end of the year at the Association to educate the general public about needs, such as the purchase of a car, furniture, or lights similar awareness initiatives on social highest level of effectiveness as it relies on direct financial and banking matters, and we affirm Gulf obtaining various educational and health services. media. Last year, Gulf Bank launched “Let’s Talk interaction between employees and customers to Bank’s commitment to providing support from our Business,” a series of interviews with local entre- convey messages that enhance credit, financial various departments in service of this campaign Housing Loans preneurs designed to stimulate an entrepreneurial and banking culture of customers and the society and its objectives.” A housing loan is a long-term personal loan culture in Kuwait, and discuss how to overcome as a whole. meant to to be repaid over a period not exceed- business challenges during an economic crisis This approach reflects the great importance Borrowing and Financing ing 15 years. The maximum amount that can be such as the pandemic. KFH attaches to its employees and their major The Central Bank of Kuwait has set clear and granted under a housing loan/financing facility As part of the series, business leaders and role in achieving its objectives, consolidating its specific policies to direct borrowing and financ- per customer is KD 70,000, and is provided to entrepreneurs discuss the keys to success for position in the banking industry and its confi- ing operations for banks. With this in mind, the clients for the purpose of buying, building or ren- small businesses, how to conduct business during dence in their potential and performance as a key Central Bank of Kuwait has issued clear and ovating a private residence. times of crisis, how to successfully diversify and asset in the bank. It also stresses the necessity of specific instructions to banks and financing As part of the regulatory process of granting expand your business, and more. Gulf Bank is a high level of coordination of the employee’s per- companies to provide their customers with loan personal loans, and in an effort to enable cus- committed to maintaining a robust sustainability formance and their interaction with customers to details, including: the value and number of tomers to benefit while averting the risk of diffi- program at the community, economic, and envi- realize the common interest, enhance banking installments, payment dates, the ratio of the culties in re-payment, and in an effort to avoid ronmental levels through sustainability initiatives business in general and contribute to financial installment to the net salary, and the conse- burdening clients with financial obligations, the that are strategically selected to benefit both the stability and sustainable development in society. quences of non-payment. Central Bank of Kuwait has allocated a clear set country and the Bank.

KD 500 or more to the Bank, especially Kuwaiti Al-Tijari announces employees and residents working in the govern- ment, oil sectors and companies listed with the winners of Al Najma, Bank as well as retirees, and take advantage of the benefits of this campaign and get an instant salary campaign cash gift from KD 250 to KD 500 Kuwaiti Dinars or an interest-free loan of 5 times the salary and KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait conduct- a maximum of KD 10,000/- , Kuwaiti pensioner, ed the weekly draws on Al Najma Account and along with expatriate customers who transfer Salary Transfer Campaign yesterday. The draws their debt amounting to KD 10,000/- or above were conducted in the presence of Ministry of to the Bank will receive an instant cash gift of 1% Commerce and Industry representative Ahmad from their transferred debt. Al-Basman. The Bank stated that Al Najma Account prizes are distinguished by the highest cash prize and The results of the draws were as follows: diversity of prizes throughout the year clarifying 1- Al Najma weekly account - the prize of that the account offers weekly prize of KD 5,000/- Kuwaiti Dinars went to the winner Amira 5,000/-, monthly prize of KD 20,000/- and a Abdulkareem Arabi Al-Shaar semi-annual prize of KD 500,000 in addition to all draws on Al-Najma Account prizes. tomer’s account and all CBK banking services 2- Salary account campaign - the prize of up the largest prize - linked bank account payout of As for the chances of winning, the more bal- that customer can enjoy. to 1,000/- Kuwaiti Dinars - went to the winner KD 1,500,000. ance a customer maintains in Al Najma Account, The Bank revealed that Al Najma account is Mohammad Hasan Abdalhussain Ali Al-Najma Account can be opened by deposit- the more chances the account holder will get to available to everyone, and anyone can open Al The Bank stated that the salary campaign is ing KD 100, and customer should maintain a min- win, the account also offers additional benefits Najma account through CBK mobile application aimed at customers who transfer their salaries of imum amount of KD 500 to be eligible to enter like the ATM card, a credit card against cus- in simple steps from anywhere and at any time.

The lucky winners are: requires customers to maintain a minimum Burgan Bank announces 1. NOUF HABES ALOTAIBI amount of KD 500 in their account for two 2. DALAL YASEN SHAHADA months prior to the draw date. daily lucky winners of 3. JASSIM MOHAMMAD ALMUDHAF Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will 4. ADEL MAHMOD BIN NEKHI entitle customers to one chance of winning. If Yawmi account draw 5. MUBARAK FAISAL ALSABAH the account balance is KD 500 and above, the In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also account holder will be qualified for both the offers a Quarterly Draw with more chances to quarterly and daily draws. Burgan Bank encour- KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the win higher rewards, offering the chance to one ages everyone to open a Yawmi account and/or names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi lucky customer to win KD 125,000 every three increase their deposit to maximize their chances account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of months. The Yawmi Account offers Daily and of becoming a winner. The higher the level of the KD 5,000. Quarterly Draws, wherein the Quarterly Draw deposit, the higher the likelihood to win. 12 Established 1961 Monday, May 10, 2021 Lifestyle Features ‘Dracula’s castle’ offers tourists COVID shots

isitors to Romania’s forbid- Dracula author Bram Stoker is ding Bran Castle, widely believed to have been inspired by Vknown as the inspiration for Vlad and descriptions of Bran the lair of Dracula, are being Castle when writing his 1897 novel jabbed with needles rather than that helped found the modern vam- vampiric fangs this weekend in a pire genre. Romania’s government coronavirus vaccination drive. “I has turned to local vaccination came to visit the castle with my drives and 24-hour “marathons” at family and when I saw the poster I major venues like the National gathered up my courage and Library in Bucharest to get as agreed to get the injection,” said many citizens as possible immu- 39-year-old engineer Liviu Necula. nized. “These centers are for Those who take the jab are everyone who wants to get vacci- handed a certificate hailing their nated but doesn’t feel like making “boldness and responsibility” an appointment online,” Marius promising they will be welcome at Nasta hospital director Beatrice the castle “for the coming 100 Mahler told AFP. years”-as well as offered a free But she added that it would still tour of the “torture chamber”. be difficult to reach people living in Nestled in a misty valley in the the many areas without local doc- Carpathian mountains, Bran Castle tors. Almost 3.6 million Romanians is associated with the 15th-century of the country’s 19 million people A banner reading in Romanian “Who’s afraid of vaccine” and depicting syringes as People arrive at a vaccination center during the vaccination Romanian prince Vlad Tepes, have received at least one vaccine vampire fangs advertises the vaccination marathon organized at the “Bran Castle” marathon organized at the “Bran Castle” in Bran village. known as “the Impaler”, although dose, with authorities aiming for (in background) in Bran village. —AFP photos he never stayed there. five million by June. —AFP

People inside a tent use mobile phones’ light to fill-in forms prior being vaccinated during the vaccination Medical staff vaccinate resident during the vaccination marathon organized at the “Bran Castle” in Bran village. marathon organized at the “Bran Castle” in Bran village. Coldplay beam new Hollywood Foreign Press Association reiterates that we are commit- Jolie says her mother taught her to be ted to making necessary changes within our organization and in our industry as a whole. We also acknowledge that we should have done song into space in more, and sooner. As a demonstration of our commitment, the board ‘warm and gentle’ with her children has unanimously approved a plan to increase membership to a mini- mum of 100 members this year, with a requirement that at least 13 chat with French percent of the membership be Black journalists.” astronaut Biel’s eldest son Silas aware of his famous parents essica Biel’s eldest son recognizes that he has famous parents. The 39-year-old star shares sons Silas, six and Phineas ,11 months, with Jhusband Justin Timberlake and explained that Silas is aware of his father’s music and acting but she is unable to persuade him to watch ngelina Jolie is always “warm and gentle” with her children her children’s show ‘Pete the Cat’. She revealed that Silas knows about after her own childhood experience. The Hollywood star his father’s stardom as a result of his voice role as Branch in the ‘Trolls’ Arecalled how her late mother Marcheline Bertrand would film series and can recognize his tunes. Asked if her children under- always treat her with love and kindness and she aims to do the same stood what their parents do, Jessica told ‘The Tonight Show Starring with her brood. Angelina - who shares Maddox, 19, Pax, 17, Zahara, Jimmy Fallon’: “Silas does definitely with Justin because of Branch. 16, Shiloh, 14, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 12, with ex-husband Brad “And also his music - whenever Pitt - told the Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald newspaper: “My he hears daddy’s song he’ll go mother was very gentle. “I can be many things in my work and in my ‘Oh yeah, that’s dad. No big life, but I am very warm and gentle with my children. That kindness deal, whatever.’” Jessica con- Members of Coldplay watch the view from the window of International Space and warmth is a foundation that’s unbelievably important. “She gave fessed about how Silas loves her me many other things and taught me many lessons. But if you don’t Station during an interview with French ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet (not pic- to do impersonations from ‘Pete tured), in this still image from an undated handout video obtained by REUTERS. have that base, to feel valued and safe, then it’s hard for any of the the Cat’ even though he doesn’t other messages or lessons to land.” The actress continued: “I hope even watch the series. She said: —Reuters photos that I’ve been able to be that (for my own children), that I’m that “But the funny thing about ‘Pete warm, safe place. Because - and it’s maybe a funny thing to say - but the Cat’ is I tried to get him to considering what my different jobs are, or what people think they watch the show, he will not know of you, or what you feel you have to be in the world, in truth watch. And yet he says ‘Hey none of those things are what you really are. Who you are to your mom, hey mom, do one of those children is everything.” Angelina stars as a firefighter Hannah Faber in voices from the show’ and I’m her new film ‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ and suggests there is “a lot like, ‘But you’ve never seen the to discover” in terms of females playing flawed heroes on screen. She show you don’t even know.’ explained: “There’s a lot to discover, there’s a lot that’s yet to be rep- “He’s just like ‘Just do it mom”, so I’ll do one of the voices and he’ll be resented, and there’s a space being created right now that is not yet like, ‘Cool, mum, cool.’” Justin previously compared the process of there. “There’s a lot of trauma behind the strong women in a lot of looking both Silas and Phineas to adopting NFL tactics. The ‘Mirrors’ these roles, and it will be nice to get to a place where we’re also in hitmaker said: “It’s a lot of fun but I guess the saying goes, ‘Go from a our maternity, in our femininity, strong and intelligent and not fighting zone defense to a man-to-man very quickly. “‘You go get that one, I’ll to survive.” get this one.’ But it’s great and Silas is super excited. Right now, he’s very much liking it but, you know, Phin can’t walk yet or chase him down, so, I don’t know, we’ll see what happens.” Scarlett Johansson: Naomi Watts French ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet gestures during an interview with members Take a step back from the HFPA loves of Coldplay. carlett Johansson has urged Hollywood to take a step back from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association as she slammed the being woken up by her dog oldplay gave new meaning to how long it took to don a space suit “sexist questions and remarks” she’s received from members. the idea of a single launch, and go outside. “In the movies, it just S he 52-year-old actress - who has two children, Kai, 12, and playing new song “Higher happens... space suit on, boom you’re The ‘Black Widow’ star has called on her fellow actors and actresses C to take a “step back” from the organi- Sasha, 13, with ex-husband Liev Schreiber - says her ideal Power” for the first time during a outside,” he said. “In reality... it takes zation - which presents the Golden Tday starts with being woken up by her rescue pooch, Izzy, video link-up with French astronaut hours to prepare.” Globes - as she claims she has before getting ready for the day. Describing her perfect day, she Thomas Pesquet. Pesquet spoke with Coldplay, who have quit touring received “remarks by certain HFPA said: “Being woken up by my dog, Izzy, although she likes a lie in the British group from the over environmental concerns, found members that bordered on sexual just as much as I do. Smaller bladder though. And then I love get- International Space Station. “We sent common ground with Pesquet as he harassment”. In a statement, she told ting breakfast on the table, which is usually followed by a pre- you some music, because right now described his perspective from space. Variety: “As an actor promoting a film, dictable nagging yell to get the kids either off their devices or out we aren’t able to play for anyone on “It’s amazing how small and finite and one is expected to participate in of bed, what can I say, teens will be teens.” However, before she Earth, so we thought we would just fragile the Earth is,” he said. “It’s a puts breakfast on the table, Naomi aims to complete a fitness rou- awards season by attending press con- play for you,” singer Chris Martin said ball, it’s self-contained. Everything we tine before her children wake up to ensure she has a nice start to ferences as well as awards shows. In before playing the song late Thursday. have is here, there’s nothing else. You the past, this has often meant facing the day. In an interview with Hamptons.com, she continued: “I do like a slow start, but if I don’t get some exercise in it sits on me all “This is the premiere for the have to use your resources wisely.” sexist questions and remarks by cer- whole... galaxy,” he added, saying the Pesquet then donned some sunglass- tain HFPA members that bordered on day, so if I get that in before the kids wake up all the better.” What’s more, the ‘Gypsy’ star loves being surrounded by her song was about “trying to find the es, adding they were necessary in the sexual harassment. It is the exact rea- astronaut in all of us, the person who viewing pod. “Now you look more like son why I, for many years, refused to friends and family and take a dip in the ocean under the warm sun. She added: “I like a busy house, kids’ friends over, mums over, can do amazing things.” The band a rock star than we ever did!” Martin participate in their conference. “The took the opportunity to quiz Pesquet said, laughing. Has he seen any HFPA is an organization that was legitimized by the likes of Harvey sometimes my brother will pop by, snag some breakfast. about his time on the station, includ- strange lifeforms out there, the singer Weinstein to amass momentum for Academy recognition and the Unstructured, gentle chaos is comfort to me - but somehow the industry followed suit. Unless there is necessary fundamental reform best days always follow the same rhythm. And hopefully end with ing how he unwinds. “In the evenings asked with a grin. “Not yet, but I keep within the organization, I believe it is time that we take a step back salty hair and not too much of a sunburn.” It comes after Naomi when everyone goes to bed... I put on an eye for them... I keep looking.” from the HFPA and focus on the importance and strength of unity revealed she had her second coronavirus jab last month and she is my headset and play some music and Coldplay also had an imaginative within our unions and the industry as a whole.” It comes after the ready to get “back to biz”. Alongside a selfie of herself masked up just float... it’s really cool, you feel launch for the last album, 2019’s Hollywood Foreign Press Association vowed to have at least 13 Black after getting the vaccine, she wrote: “Love the shot, the science completely free,” Pesquet said. Asked “Everyday Life”, for which they members by the next Golden Globes after it was revealed they do not and the shirt. “Got that second dose! Thank you!! Here’s to getting by guitarist and sci-fi fan Guy placed ads in the classified sections of have one Black member in their current line-up. They wrote: “The back to biz! (sic)”. —Bang Showbiz Berryman what movies get wrong newspapers around the world, includ- about being on a space station, ing in the local newspapers of their Pesquet said the biggest mistake was home towns in Britain. —AFP Established 1961 13 Monday, May 10, 2021 Lifestyle Features Iraq’s heritage battered by desert sun, rain and state apathy

Pictures show views of the Al-Aqiser archeological site in Ain Tamr near Karbala in Iraq, which includes what has been described as one of the oldest eastern Christian churches. —AFP photos

ne of the world’s oldest churches is crumbling and the fabled “ziggurat” pyramid-like structures of Akkadians and later the Babylonians. Much of that site crumbled while sections of wall threaten to crash deep in Iraq’s desert, another victim of years of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, residents was looted after Saddam’s fall from power by armed down. Like Nippur, the citadel’s deterioration could Oconflict, government negligence and climate and officials say. bandits and many others destroyed by jihadists who mean it might not be promoted from UNESCO’s change in a country with a rich heritage. After Pope seized swathes of Iraq in 2014 until their defeat three Tentative List of heritage sites to the coveted World Francis made a historic visit to Iraq in March, many Missed opportunities years later. “Investing in these sites would create jobs Heritage List. Iraqis hoped that busloads of tourists would flock to Al Abdullah Al-Jlihawi, who lives in Diwaniya province in our province, which is poor and has few investment Local authorities said frequent heavy rains that bat- Aqiser church southwest of the capital Baghdad. But in bordering Karbala, told AFP he believes that “foreign- opportunities,” Shaalan said. ter the mountainous region are to blame. Iraq is one of a country that has been battered by consecutive con- ers care more about our heritage than we do”. “Until But there is another problem beyond renovation the countries most vulnerable to climate change, flicts and economic crises, the church-like Iraq’s the 1980s, an American university led excavations here, and preservation, Jlihawi said. If they came, “where according to the United Nations. Galloping desertifi- numerous Christian, Islamic and Mesopotamian relics- there were plenty of job opportunities,” he said. “Our would the tourists go?” he asked. “There’s nothing for cation in a country where desert already covers 50 has been left to weather away. parents and grandparents worked on those sites, but them-the roads haven’t been paved since the 1980s, percent of the territory is threatening human and ani- All that remains of Al Aqiser, which has stood in Ain all that stopped in the 1990s” with the international the electricity poles are from the 1970s,” in a country mal life, and has sounded death knells for Tamr for more than 1,500 years, are crumbling brick embargo against Saddam’s regime. with chronic shortages of electricity and water. Mesopotamian sites as well as recent constructions. and red earthen walls. Archaeologist Zahd Muhammad Diwaniya’s governor, Zuhair Al-Shaalan, boasts of Energy-rich Iraq suffered due to a decline in world oil Abdullah Al-Jlihawi from Diwaniya recalled that blamed this on “climate conditions, the fact that under the province’s more than 2,000 historic sites and sees prices and has been struggling with rising prices, high between the 1960s and the 1980s archeological ruins Saddam Hussein the area was transformed into a mili- in each a potential economic windfall. But almost 20 unemployment and poverty, which doubled last year to “were protected by the green belt”. tary firing range and the lack of regular conservation”. years since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled 40 percent amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But trees that had blocked the wind were burned, Ain Tamr mayor Raed Fadhel said upkeep is a question Saddam’s dictatorship, promising democracy and blasted apart by shelling during successive Iraqi wars of budget. “Such maintenance requires an enormous prosperity, Iraqis are still waiting to for an economic Returned to dust or felled to make way for new towns. Scorching sum- amount of money, but we only get meagre funds” from upturn. Diwaniya is home to Nippur, the ancient Historical sites in the central province of Kirkuk are mer temperates above 50 degrees (122 Fahrenheit), the federal government, he said. Sumerian city and jewel of Iraq’s glorious also in a sad state of disrepair and “neither authorities dust storms and heavy winter rains have also dealt Some 60 kilometers (38 miles) further east, Shiite Mesopotamian past with its temples, libraries and nor private organizations are doing anything for her- blows to Iraqi heritage. And many fear that sites built shrines in Karbala attract millions of pilgrims each palaces. itage”, said resident Muhammad Taha. He pointed to with bricks made thousands of years ago by year. But these potential visitors fail to stop by Iraq’s Seven thousand years ago Nippur, now in southern the 3,000-year-old citadel and the “qishla”, an Mesopotamian laborers will one day soon turn back numerous ancient churches, its Mesopotamian cities Iraq, was one of the main religious centers of the Ottoman-era garrison, where chunks of mosaics have into dust. —AFP

Long-overlooked Black artists dominate New York spring sales lack artists are represented like never before up to $12 million. lowing the police murder of George Floyd have at New York’s spring sales next week after Works by Norman Lewis, Mark Bradford and contributed to a reassessment that was already Byears of being overlooked and underappreci- Kerry James Marshall are all expected to top $1 underway, experts and artists say. Sherman ated, with several expected to set new records for million. David Galperin, head of evening sales for Edmiston, president of New York’s Essie Green their works. American-born Jean-Michel Basquiat, contemporary art at Sotheby’s in New York, said a Gallery, which has been promoting Black artists of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent, becomes the “historical reevaluation” and growing visibility in since 1979, says the breakthrough has happened in first Black painter to headline both Christie’s and galleries and museums is boosting the popularity of recent years, in part thanks to the emergence of Sotheby’s main auctions, on Tuesday and marginalized artists. “There’s a sense of increased prominent Black collectors. Michael Jordan Wednesday respectively. market appreciation and demand that correlates Jay-Z, Kanye Michael Jordan Rapper and producer Swizz Beatz is considered a college jersey fetches pioneer, while Sean Combs, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West are also recognized as major col- $1.38m at auction lectors. “It’s all about culture. Hip Hop was a cultural phenomenon and they were early adopters and tastemakers,” he told AFP. Another contributing fac- Michael Jordan game-worn jersey tor was the shift in the 1990s from art being a col- from his 1982-83 season at the lectors’ market to an investors’ market. AUniversity of North Carolina has sold As the supply of works by traditional artists, for $1.38 million dollars at auction, Heritage almost all white, dried up, investors turned to minor- Auctions said Saturday. “We’re extremely ity artists at attractive prices to boost their portfo- proud to have shattered records for a Jordan lios. “That’s when Black art began to really take off,” game-worn jersey,” Chris Ivy, Heritage’s said Edmiston. Artists such as Basquiat, Marshall director of sports auctions, said in a state- and Jacob Lawrence have, in their own way, opened ment. Adding to the value of the blue and a window into an element of American life that was white No. 23 Tar Heels jersey is the fact that missing from mainstream art-the experience of it’s the kit Jordan was wearing on the cover of being Black in the United States. “A lot of the art that we’re seeing today could the March 1983 Sporting News, which not have happened without a group of artists that declared Jordan the NCAA player of the year. kind of broke through and sort of changed the dia- The season was Jordan’s second at UNC, logue around art,” said Ana Maria Celis, head of and the season after a freshman Jordan 21st century evening sales at Christie’s. She consid- helped take the Tar Heels to the 1982 national ers 32-year-old Jordan Casteel as among the heirs championship over a Georgetown team that of this movement, which is “challenging existing featured Patrick Ewing. The same jersey had notions of what art should say or how it should be brought $63,500 when it was auctioned in made.” “The art that is being made today by these 1999, and Heritage had expected it to go four artists are reflective of the times. They want to push ‘George Washington Carver Crossing the Delaware: Page from an American History Textbook’ by Robert about $1 million in its Spring Sports Catalog forward conversations that might have been uncom- Colescott is on display during Sotheby’s NY press preview of the upcoming Contemporary Art Evening Auction. The previous high for a Jordan jer- Auction. —AFP fortable,” said Celis. The push to buy works by Black artists, resulting sey was set in October when a Chicago uni- The 1983 “In This Case,” part of his trilogy of with prices that we are seeing at auction,” he told in a steady stream of records over the past three form worn by the NBA icon-who won six “skull” paintings, and his 1982 work “Versus AFP. For Sanford Biggers, a Black sculptor whose years, has seen prices go way above their initial championships with the Bulls-sold for Medici” are expected to fetch around $50 million 25-foot-tall bronze “Oracle” statue has just been estimates, a rare phenomenon at top auctions. $480,000. That jersey and shorts kit was each during the virtual auctions. The late Robert installed at the Rockefeller Center, the development “There’s a tendency along the lines of, ‘If it’s Black from the 1986-87 NBA season when Jordan Colescott, renowned for expressionist paintings that is a long overdue “correction.” it’s great,’” said Edmiston, adding that he favors a was the league’s leading scorer but the Bulls dealt with Black identity and history, is expected to “For a long time the work was overlooked but the distinction between artists and the quality of their were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first increase his record tenfold, with his 1975 “George work has been actually fantastic for decades,” he work. He even thinks the market might be overheat- round of the playoffs. —AFP Washington Carver Crossing the Delaware: Page said. The massive Black Lives Matter protests that ing. “At the same time I realize I could be way off, from an American History Textbook” estimated at swept the United States and the world last year fol- and most likely, I am,” he said, smiling. —AFP 14 Sports Monday, May 10, 2021 ‘Canelo’ Alvarez stops Saunders to unify super middleweight titles ARLINGTON: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez stopped Billy 20 feet to 22 feet. But no amount of extra space was Joe Saunders in eight rounds on Saturday to unify going to allow him to escape Alvarez’s devastating three super middleweight titles in front of the punching power. The victory serves as another step largest US crowd in history to watch an indoor box- in Alvarez’s quest to dominate the 168-pound (76- ing event. kilogram) division. Four-weight world champion Alvarez retained his The Mexican pound-for-pound king’s only World Boxing Council and World Boxing career loss to date came as a 23-year-old against Association titles and seized Saunders’ World the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2013. He has Boxing Organization belt when the previously 13 wins and a draw since losing to Mayweather by undefeated Briton retired on his stool after taking a majority decision. On Saturday night, the 30-year- beating in the eighth round. old Alvarez bided his time until he could impose his Alvarez won by technical knockout after will on Saunders, who had never faced an opponent Saunders’ corner called a halt in front of 73,126 fans of this magnitude. at AT&T Stadium, which was also the biggest to watch an American sports event since the coron- ‘I am coming man’ avirus pandemic. Saunders didn’t budge from his Everything changed in the eighth and the end stool saying he couldn’t see out of his right eye which came suddenly for Saunders as the fight came down was badly swollen from Alvarez’s precision blows. to Alvarez’s power and speed and the boxing skills Alvarez could sense victory in the eighth as he of Saunders. But to his credit Saunders proved to chased the southpaw around the ring waving his be a tough opponent for the Mexican to catch in the arms in the air as if to let the pro-Mexican crowd early rounds. know that the end was near. “I knew it,” Alvarez Alvarez had his way in the eighth as Saunders said. “I think I broke his cheek. He didn’t come out tried to duck and clinch his way through the round, to fight because I broke his cheek.” but he was inflicting too much pain and the Briton’s ARLINGTON: In this handout photo provided by Matchroom Boxing, Mexican boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (left) Saunders headed from the ring to the hospital to right eye was closing fast. Alvarez often brutally throws a jab at British boxer Billy Joe Saunders during their super middleweight title fight at the AT&T get medical treatment on his injured eye. The previ- overpowers his opponents before knocking them Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday. — AFP ous largest indoor crowd for a boxing card in the out and even though that wasn’t the case in United States had been 63,350 for Muhammad Ali’s Arlington, he followed the game plan set out by his rematch against Leon Spinks in 1978. Alvarez, who trainers to perfection. “I said before the fight that it a victory over Liverpool’s Callum Smith in wants to fight Plant as soon as possible. improved to 56-1-2 with 38 knockouts, was ahead was going to develop by seventh and eighth round,” December, and now includes former WBO mid- “I am coming man, I am coming my friend,” said on all three judges’ scorecards, 78-74, 78-74 and Alvarez said. “I was winning round by round. I dleweight champion Saunders. Alvarez, who is trying to become the first Mexican- 77-75, when Saunders did not come out for the started to adjust really quick.” The one remaining title for Alvarez to win in the born fighter to hold all four belts in one division. ninth round. Alvarez has now beaten seven English chal- super-middleweight division is the International “That’s the fight that has to happen for boxing — The 31-year-old Saunders, who dropped to 30-1 lengers in his career. That streak began with a Boxing Federation belt held by unbeaten American the undisputed championship at 168 pounds,” said with 14 KOs, had during fight week argued, and points decision against Matthew Hatton when Caleb Plant, 21-0 with 12 knockouts. Alvarez was promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s the must-make fight won, his case to increase the size of the ring from Alvarez was 20 years old in 2011, continued through fighting for the third time in six months and now he next. What’s Caleb Plant going to do?” — AFP Westbrook milestone fuels Wizards, Curry pours in 49 in Warriors win LOS ANGELES: Another historic night from Russell Westbrook helped the Washington Wizards to a 133- 132 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Westbrook notched the 181st triple-double of his career on Saturday, tying Oscar Robertson for the most in NBA history. MADRID: Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka poses with He finished with 33 points, 19 rebounds and 15 her trophy after beating Australia’s Ashleigh assists, draining the go-ahead free-throws with one Barty during their 2021 WTA Tour Madrid Open second left in overtime then blocking a potential tennis tournament singles final match at the game-winning shot from Indiana’s Caris LeVert as Caja Magica in Madrid on Saturday. — AFP time expired. INDIANAPOLIS: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reacts after blocking a shot to win the game “That’s Russell, he’s an incredible player and per- against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. — AFP son,” said Wizards coach Scott Brooks, who said he thought the triple-double record established by Sabalenka shocks Robertson during an NBA career from 1960-74 in Atlanta. But he and the rest of the Wizards are Kerr was running out of superlatives for his super- “would never be touched.” focused on the standings, where their narrow victory star. “I don’t know how to describe it,” Kerr said. Barty to win Bradley Beal scored 50 points for the Wizards but in a game that featured 33 lead changes saw them The Warriors led by as many as 41 points and missed overtime with a hamstring strain. Beal’s out- inch ahead of the Pacers into ninth place in the were up by 39 after three quarters, after which Curry burst wasn’t the only impressive performance over- Eastern Conference standings. and fellow Golden State starters Andrew Wiggins Madrid Open shadowed by Westbrook. LeVert scored 35 for The seventh through 10th-placed teams will com- and Draymond Green checked out, along with all of pete in the play-in tournament for a berth in the the Thunder starters. MADRID: Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka stunned Indiana whose Domantas Sabonis also had a triple- playoffs proper. “We just want to keep playing good The Grizzlies, fueled by a double-double of 18 world number one Ashleigh Barty to win the double of 30 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. basketball moving into it,” Brooks said. “If we keep points and 21 rebounds from Jonas Valanciunas, beat Madrid Open for the first time on Saturday But before Beal’s departure — a worrisome devel- moving up, that’d be great.” the Toronto Raptors 109-99 as the 10th-placed San and put her success down to losing her fear opment for the Wizards with the regular season Among other teams fighting for play-in spots, the Antonio Spurs fell 102-124 to the Portland Trail of playing on clay. Sabalenka was beaten by winding down — Westbrook had secured his Golden State Warriors notched a 136-97 rout of Blazers. Barty in the final in Stuttgart last month but record-equaling triple-double with his 10th assist Oklahoma City thanks to Stephen Curry’s 49 points Despite the defeat, the Spurs remained two games exacted revenge at the Caja Magica, a storm- late in the third with an arching pass to Beal for a in three quarters. The win kept the Warriors ahead of ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans for the final play- ing 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 victory clinching the biggest floater in the lane. the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth place in the Western in spot. The Utah Jazz improved their Western title of her career. “Man, it’s unbelievable,” Westbrook said of Conference. Curry was on fire from the opening tip- Conference-leading record to 50-18 with a 124-116 The 23-year-old has never gone past the matching Robertson. “I take a lot of pride in doing off, draining five three-pointers on the way to 24 victory over the Houston Rockets — who are fourth round at a Grand Slam but on this evi- everything that impacts winning, as much as I can points in the first quarter and maintaining his lead assured of finishing among the worst three teams. dence she will be among the contenders at leave it on the floor. To be in a conversation with over Beal in the NBA scoring race, despite the The Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia the French Open, which starts in Paris later Oscar, one I just want to thank him, because he set Washington star’s big night. 76ers romped past already eliminated Detroit 118- this month. “She takes the racket out of my the stage.” Curry connected on 14 of 26 shots from the field, 104. But the Brooklyn Nets had to battle for a 125- hand when she serves the way she did in the including 11 of 21 from three-point range. It was 119 victory over the Denver Nuggets that put them first set,” Barty said. “I guarantee it won’t be Focus on standings Curry’s fourth game this season with at least 11 half a game ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks for sec- the last time that it happens. I’ll continue to Westbrook gets a first chance to overtake three-pointers, an NBA record. Warriors coach Steve ond in the East. — AFP fight and try to find a way back in each and Robertson tonight when the Wizards play the Hawks every time.” This was Sabalenka’s 10th career title but among the fields witnessing major cooperation her first on clay and it will see her rise to Kuwaiti boxer to between the two countries. Andres Carrasco is number four in the world rankings on coaching the national football team and the Rafa Monday. “Before I was too much thinking launch professional Nadal Academy is in Kuwait, in addition to many about clay, that this surface is not for me, that Spanish sports specialists in various fields in it’s really tough to play, it’s about long rallies,” Kuwait, which confirms the well-established sports said Sabalenka. “Something changed in my career in Spain relations between Kuwait and Spain. mind this year. I’m not really scared of this Aguilar said that he met Information Minister surface anymore.” By Abdellatif Sharaa and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdelrahman Barty was the heavy favorite heading into Al-Mutairi last week to discuss means for more the final, especially after beating Sabalenka in KUWAIT: Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait Miquel development of sports relations, as he is expected Stuttgart last month, also on clay, in a match Jose Moro Aguilar is pleased his country is the to visit Spain soon. He wished Arab boxers who will that also went to three sets. The Australian location where two Kuwaiti and Arab boxers are participate in the championship all success, adding KUWAIT: Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait Miquel Jose appeared to have recovered from a chasten- launching their professional boxing careers. The “this is a start and they need to learn a lot from out- Moro Aguilar (left) with WBC representative in Kuwait ing opening set, after leveling up in the sec- event is the international boxing championship to standing European boxers”. Aguilar said it is nice to and the Gulf Mishal Al-Fajji. ond and then leading 4-3, 30-15 on be hosted in La Coruna on July 17. The ambassador see Kuwaiti boxers representing their country in Sabalenka’s serve in the decider. spoke during a meeting with WBC representative in one of the most popular world sport and they are Arab boxers as they start their careers. “We are But her opponent never gave in and pro- Kuwait and the Gulf Mishal Al-Fajji at the embassy. always welcome in Spain. coordinating with WBC and Northern Spain duced a brilliant finish by winning the last 11 The ambassador said Kuwait and Spain’s rela- Fajji lauded the support of the Spanish ambassa- Professional Boxing Association in order to present consecutive points to hand Barty her first tions are highly advanced in all fields, and sports is dor and his interest in the success of Kuwaiti and the Arab Championship as best as can be,” he said. defeat on red clay since 2019 in Rome. “To be honest after the final in Stuttgart, I was injured, I couldn’t move and wanted to with- Coach Abdullah Al-Rashid, along with draw,” Sabalenka said on court afterwards. Disabled players Khalid Majid, Nizar Ramadhan “But the recovery was good, in four days I and Rashid Al-Qallaf. Mishal said this feel better and now I’m the champion. It’s badminton team championship is important because it been an amazing week.” includes a large number of world Barty will still be one of the favorites at heads for Spain champions, adding that it will help ele- Roland Garros, where the Australian won her vate the world ranking of Kuwait’s first Grand Slam title in 2019. Her route to the KUWAIT: Kuwait’s disabled bad- players. Mishal thanked Captain Ali final in Madrid included beating reigning minton team left for Spain recently to Jaber Al-Merri, Chairman of the Board French Open champion Iga Swiatek in the participate in the Spanish of Kuwait Badminton Association, for round of 16. After losing the second set 6-0 in International badminton championship supporting the club in this sport. He Stuttgart, Sabalenka took some revenge by currently held in Cartagena, Spain. also thanked Kuwait Disabled Club delivering the same punishment to Barty, in a The delegation is headed by Chairman and its Chairman Shafi Al-Hajiri for whirlwind opening frame. —AFP of Warba Handicapped Club Jamal Al- opening the club’s facilities for the Mishal, Mohammad Al-Shimmari and players. KUWAIT: Kuwait’s disabled badminton team and staff. Established 1961 15 Sports Monday, May 10, 2021 Bayern Munich eye decade of dominance after ninth straight Bundesliga title

DORTMUND: Bayern Munich already have their Kingsley Coman struck the post before Jamal eyes on a decade of Bundesliga dominance after Musiala’s pass picked out Thomas Mueller to slot winning the league title for the ninth successive in his 11th league goal of the season, then season on Saturday, celebrating their success with a Lewandowski volleyed home his second on 34 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchengladbach. minutes. Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave Kingsley Coman made it 4-0 before the break, him on 39 league goals this season — one short of then won a penalty which Lewandowski converted Gerd Mueller’s all-time Bundesliga record — as the in the 66th minute to leave him one goal short of champions swept Gladbach aside at the Allianz Gerd Mueller’s historic mark, before Leroy Sane Arena. “We wanted to show on the pitch that we are added a late sixth. Julian Nagelsmann, the 33-year- German champions,” said Lewandowski, who will old coach who will leave Leipzig to replace Flick at “keep stepping on the gas” in chasing Mueller’s Bayern next season, offered a terse “congratulations record. “Today was a great game, we played really on a deserved title” to his future employers. well and scored a lot of goals.” The emphatic victory leaves Bayern 10 points Sancho double clear of second-placed RB Leipzig, whose 3-2 loss Earlier, England winger Jadon Sancho netted at Borussia Dortmund sealed Bayern the title, with twice as Dortmund’s win lifted them into the two games left. The players learned they were Champions League places. Even without injured champions again while still warming up following striker Erling Braut Haaland, Dortmund were 2-0 up Dortmund’s victory. early in the second half thanks to goals from Marco “It was a bizarre situation. We were just getting Reus and Sancho. ready, when we realized that we were champions,” Leipzig fought back through a Lukas said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer. Board member Klostermann header and Dani Olmo’s equaliser, only MUNICH: (From left) Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich’s German forward Oliver Kahn has already challenged Bayern to for Sancho to grab the winner. The two clubs meet Thomas Mueller and Bayern Munich’s German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer celebrate after the German first divi- secure a 10th title in a row. again on Thursday in the German Cup final at sion Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich v Borussia Moenchengladbach in Munich, southern “We watched the Leipzig game together, the Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. Germany on Saturday. — AFP atmosphere was great,” said Kahn. “You don’t get “We showed a lot of morale, the game had used to it, it’s an incredible achievement. Now we absolutely nothing to do with the final in Berlin, but can do something next season that no team in the of course we want to win on Thursday too,” said Dortmund goalkeeper Marwin Hitz did not come floated in a corner and Klostermann steered his world has ever done: become champions 10 times Reus. Dortmund hope to have Haaland back from a out for the second half after being injured colliding header past Buerki. in a row.” thigh problem before the final, and even with their with his centre-back Manuel Akanji just before the Leipzig drew level when South Korea striker The only blot on a near-perfect night for Bayern top-scorer watching from the stands, the hosts still break and was replaced by Roman Buerki. Hwang Hee-chan broke clear of Dortmund defender was a red card for Tanguy Nianzou for a clumsy raced into the lead after less than seven minutes. Dortmund doubled their lead just six minutes Mats Hummels and squared for Olmo who tapped tackle 15 minutes from time. Bayern wasted no time Reus span out of Lukasz Piszczek’s pass, sprint- after the interval with a superb piece of skill from home from close range. However, Sancho snatched in hitting their stride, Lewandowski finding the ed behind the defence and took a beautiful back- Sancho, who cut inside after a Raphael Guerreiro all three points when he flicked the ball to bottom corner of the net with just under two min- heeled ball from Thorgan Hazard before sweeping pass and fired in off the far post. The visitors pulled Guerreiro, took a return pass and slotted in to hand utes gone. his shot past Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. a goal back on 63 minutes when Emil Forsberg Bayern the title. — AFP

four minutes latching onto an Ashley Young cross. Five-goal Inter Alexis Sanchez added two more in a 10-minute first half spell, either side of Balde sending scoring off celebrate title a rebound. Substitute Andrea Pinamonti added another after the hour with Lautaro Martinez com- Five-star Flick raises pleting the rout from the penalty spot with 20 min- with record 14th utes to go to seal victory against a side Inter had lost against earlier this season, just one of two defeats. the bar for next consecutive home win Since losing against Sampdoria, Inter have gone 18 games without defeat and have now won 14 games Bayern coach MILAN: With thousands of fans celebrating outside in a row at home for the first time. The entire team the San Siro stadium and a guard of honor onto the celebrated under the ‘Curva Nord’ tribune usually Nagelsmann pitch, Inter Milan celebrated their first Serie A title in occupied by Inter fans. over a decade with a 5-1 victory over Sampdoria “We continue to do exceptional things, we have DORTMUND: Hansi giving Antonio Conte’s side a record 14th successive 85 points and haven’t lost since the away game Flick landed a ninth con- home win. against Sampdoria,” said Conte. “The boys continue secutive Bundesliga title Saturday’s match took place behind closed doors to impress, and it’s a real pleasure to watch them play for Bayern Munich on because of coronavirus restrictions but thousands of We’ve brought back credibility to this club.” Saturday, but his youthful ‘Nerazzurri’ supporters celebrated outside the San replacement Julian Siro. “The satisfaction is immense,” said Conte. “It’s Napoli move second Nagelsmann has already natural that we and our fans are now so desperate to Napoli beat Spezia 4-1 to move second, 15 points been warned what to celebrate something that we’d been waiting for so behind Inter, and keep in the Champions League expect as head coach of long to do. We’re happy to bring this joy to them.” chase, but Lazio’s hopes of elite European football MILAN: Inter Milan supporters gather to celebrate next season’s new-look Sampdoria players formed a guard of honor as the took a knock with a 2-0 loss at Fiorentina. Napoli are prior to the Italian Serie A football match Inter squad. Bayern secured newly-crowned champions took to the pitch after one point ahead of three teams — Atalanta, Juventus Milan vs Sampdoria on Saturday at the San Siro the Bundesliga title Hansi Flick sealing their 19th ‘Scudetto’ and first since 2010 last and AC Milan — who are tied on 69 points before stadium in Milan. — AFP before they even kicked weekend. Claudio Ranieri’s ninth-placed Sampdoria they play this weekend. Lazio are sixth, five points off a ball on Saturday. did not spoil the party with Keita Balde scoring the the top-four having played a games less. Dusan Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 win over second- only goal for the visitors after 35 minutes. “Inter Vlahovic scored twice for Fiorentina to bring his tally Victor Osimhen to score the second eight minutes placed Leipzig sent the title back to Munich played on the wings of enthusiasm,” said Ranieri. to 21 goals this campaign, and push the Tuscany side later. Osimhen completed his first Serie A brace ahead of Bayern’s evening home game against “They played a great match.” away from the relegation zone. before the break off a Lorenzo Insigne free-kick to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Flick will sign off Ranieri, who led Leicester to the 2016 Premier “There are a lot of regrets,” said Lazio coach bring his tally to seven goals in as many games. with the 56-year-old the hot favorite to succeed League title, said his Genoa side had wanted to mark Simone Inzaghi. “In the changing rooms the faces The 22-year-old has scored a total of 10 goals in Joachim Loew as Germany’s next head coach the occasion with a guard of honor. “I told the players were sad, now we have to gather strength and start 21 games played this campaign, having been side- after this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament. He it would be nice to celebrate as they do in England again.” Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli had lost 2-1 to lined with injury. Roberto Piccoli pulled a goal back won seven honors in his 18 months in charge, and they immediately agreed with me,” he said. Spezia at home in January, but hit back against the for Spezia after an hour but Osimhen was on hand to including two Bundesliga titles and the Inter’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku and other play- relegation-threatened side to extend their unbeaten roll the ball across for Hirving Lozano. The goal was Champions League. ers who played a key role in the title success stayed run to 12 consecutive games. confirmed after a VAR viewing. Napoli lost all-time Flick also became the on the bench with Conte opting to start with some Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski finished off a record goalscorer Dries Mertens to an ankle injury in first Bayern coach to win players who had been less present during the season. Giovanni Di Lorenzo pull-back after 15 minutes and the second-half just seven minutes after the Belgian all six available titles Roberto Gagliardini opened the scoring after just then provided the cross for Nigerian international came off the bench. — AFP available from one sea- son in 2019/20. Bayern have lost just eight Stalemate between Atletico, Barca matches under Flick in all competitions. His record raises the bar high for hands advantage to Real Madrid Nagelsmann, who at 33 has forged a reputation Julian Nagelsmann MADRID: Barcelona and Atletico had to deny Messi after a vintage run as one of Germany’s best Madrid knew victory could fire them forward from the Argentine, who then young coaches. It will towards the La Liga title but had a well-placed free-kick in the last cost Bayern 25 million euros ($30 million) to buy Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Camp Nou minute, only for Atletico to watch the Nagelsmann out of his contract at RB Leipzig, handed Real Madrid the chance to go ball spin inches wide. “We started who he steered to last season’s Champions top. Four wins from their last four better and they finished a little bet- League semi-finals. Nagelsmann stands to games will now be enough for ter,” Oblak said. “Real Madrid has reportedly earn around eight million euros ($9.7 Zinedine Zidane’s side to retain their four games left but for sure they are million) for each year of his Bayern contract, La Liga crown. going to be tought games. We have to which runs until 2026. However, his first task next The first part of a blockbuster keep going.” season will be to win over stars like captain and weekend in the Spanish title race Diego Simeone said on Friday goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is two years old- pitched first against third but neither Suarez had been “vindicated” since er than his new head coach. could take a decisive step forward, being forced to leave Barcelona, his 19 despite the best attempts of Lionel goals making him top scorer for the Beckenbauer warning BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi and Atletico Messi and Luis Suarez, who faced team. Koeman admitted it would be Even top scorer Robert Lewandowski is only Madrid’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez leave the pitch during the Spanish each other for the first time since “strange” for everyone, including a year younger than Nagelsmann, who has league football match FC Barcelona against Club Atletico de Madrid at the Suarez departed last summer. Messi, who sent a heartfelt open letter already received a blessing from a Bayern leg- Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Saturday. — AFP A point each leaves Atletico three to his former team-mate, neighbor end. “Bayern have made a good choice there. points clear of Real Madrid, who have and best friend last year. Definitely,” said the club’s honorary president a game in hand and also the superior by Ilaix Moriba after a clash of heads ing the space for a shot, but Oblak Franz Beckenbauer. However, the 75-year-old head-to-head over both Atleti and ‘Always welcome’ that meant he had to be taken to hos- tipped it wide. warned, “It’s clear that the team will test him. Barcelona. Barca remain two points The pair shared a few words in the pital for tests. Without Busquets, Felipe fired over from a well- That’s just the way it is. He knows that. He has to off the top but their chances took the center circle before kick-off after the Barcelona were rudderless for a while worked Atleti short corner before be prepared for that.” biggest hit, given they now need both Camp Nou stadium announcer had and the Atletico chances came thick half-time but Barca were better after From next season, Bayern can wear a fifth star Atletico and Real Madrid to slip up in already beamed that Suarez “will and fast. Marc-Andre ter Stegen had the break, with both Ilaix and Pique on their shirts having now won 30 titles since the the final stretch. always be welcome”. But, in truth, the to palm away Marcos Llorente’s shot going close shortly after the hour. Bundesliga started in 1963/64. The Bavarian Anything can still happen because Uruguayan was not at his ruthless and then stick out a foot to deny Both coaches made changes, hoping giants have been German champions 31 times, of what we’ve seen so far,” said best as a handful of openings went Suarez from the angle. to inspire a winner. but their first title win, in 1932, came in the pre- Gerard Pique. “If Madrid wins their unconverted in a contest full of Suarez then tried to nod in the Ousmane Dembele was one of Bundesliga era. As well as a new star above their four games they will be champions, chances but that lacked precision rebound after a winding run from them and he should have grabbed it badge, there will be a new coach at the helm. At but it is difficult for the big teams to when it mattered most. Yannick Carrasco before claiming a with six minutes left but headed over 1.90m (6ft 3ins), Nagelsmann makes his presence be consistent. If we win all our three Messi was repeatedly knocked penalty after feeling a flick of Ter from six yards in perhaps the best felt on the sidelines and will not be afraid of ruf- games, I think we’ll have a chance.” over in the opening few minutes Stegen’s hand across his head. chance of the game. Messi could have fling the egos of Bayern’s stars. During matches Atletico will be disappointed too, before Gerard Pique went through the Barcelona were rattled, the usually won it at the end, standing over the played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 given they spurned a number of back of Suarez, both teams scrapping steady Ter Stegen booting one ball ball with a free-kick placed centrally pandemic, Nagelsmann’s voice can often be chances in during a dominant first for control. Atletico slowly took straight into the stands, only for and 25 yards out. Atletico held their heard barking instructions at his players or half, before Ronald Koeman’s side charge, helped by the departure of Messi to give Atletico a reality check, breath, the ball whistling just wide of remonstrating with the referee. — AFP recovered in the second. Jan Oblak Sergio Busquets, who was replaced his driving run past six chasers open- Oblak’s post. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021 Man City made to wait for Premier League title as Man Utd beat Villa

LONDON: Manchester City’s Premier League title top four but a 3-1 defeat at Leeds was a hammer blow celebrations were put on hold again as Manchester for managerless Tottenham. United fought back to win 3-1 at Aston Villa yesterday. Guardiola was frustrated at the manner of his side’s Pep Guardiola’s side missed a chance to seal the title defeat — just their fifth loss of the season — but they when they were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea on Saturday. have a huge 13-point lead over second-placed Man- City could have started the party if second-placed chester United. “We missed our chance in the last United lost at Villa Park, but their arch-rivals kept the minute of the first half for the penalty, but we were in leaders’ champagne on ice as they came from behind a good position,” he told Sky Sports. “We conceded a thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Green- goal, suffered for 15 minutes, then reacted well, but in wood and Edinson Cavani. the end they scored.” On the missed spot-kick, Chelsea had on Saturday forced Manchester City Guardiola said: “I have always said to him (Aguero), to put their Premier League title party on hold, winning take one decision and take it full convincing, so he de- 2-1 to strengthen their grip on a top-four place as Liv- cided to do it this way. I have nothing to add.” erpool kept their Champions League qualification hopes alive. Chelsea threat Victory for City in a rehearsal for the Champions Tuchel’s in-form team ended City’s dreams of a his- League final would have confirmed them as English toric quadruple by beating them in the FA Cup semi- champions for the third time in four years but they must final last month and they once again proved tricky wait for their inevitable coronation. Hundreds of City opponents. Guardiola made nine changes from the side fans had gathered outside the empty Etihad Stadium that saw off Paris Saint-Germain in midweek while hoping to spur their team on to victory. Chelsea made five changes following their triumph As supporters spilled into the road and blue flares over Real Madrid. were lit, the coaches carrying the players needed to Sterling broke the deadlock shortly before half- slow down to get through the crowds as they made time, tucking home after a poor touch from Aguero fol- their way to the ground. Guardiola’s men were on the lowing a pass from Gabriel Jesus. City should have right track when Raheem Sterling gave them the lead gone into the break two goals in front after Jesus won BIRMINGHAM: Manchester United’s Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during but Hakim Ziyech leveled in the second half and Mar- a spot-kick when he was bundled over by Billy Gilmour the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park in Birmingham, cos Alonso grabbed the winner in the dying seconds. but Argentine striker Aguero squandered the chance. central England yesterday. — AFP Sergio Aguero could have made his side’s task As the second half wore on the visitors started to much easier on the stroke of half-time but saw his ca- establish a foothold and they equalized just after the turnaround. Tuchel admitted the match would have had Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted to sual Panenka spot-kick easily saved by Edouard hour mark when Cesar Azpilicueta picked out Ziyech, a different complexion if Aguero had converted from see his team back to winning ways following two costly Mendy, with Guardiola turning away in frustration. who drilled home from the edge of the area. The finish the spot. “If they score the penalty maybe it is over be- draws, with Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara both The win lifts the Londoners into third spot above was frantic. Chelsea substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi fore it starts — at 2-0 you have no chance to come finding the net at Anfield. Speaking about his side being Leicester and six points clear of fifth-placed West had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside before Ster- back,” the Chelsea boss said. “I was impressed by the in the race for the top four, he told the BBC: “We are, Ham with just three games left for Thomas Tuchel’s ling had a penalty appeal turned down. reaction and the performance in the second half. If you kind of. It’s not impossible but it’s difficult. We will give side. Outgoing champions Liverpool beat Southamp- Alonso slotted home the winner in stoppage time want to steal all three points here after being down, it a try and see where we get to.” Earlier, Crystal Palace ton 2-0 in the late kick-off to stay in the mix for the after Timo Werner pulled the ball back to complete the you need a bit of luck, decisions from the referee.” beat already relegated Sheffield United 2-0. — AFP