SUBSCRIPTION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 RABI ALAWWAL 23, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Young Indian Pope says Sri For war-weary Messi admits publishes Lanka should Syrians, he could book of poetry seek truth opera brings leave in Kuwait5 over11 civil war welcome40 respite Barcelona20 Dashti immunity lifted Min 04º Max 17º over Bahrain remarks High Tide 05:12 & 17:44 Low Tide Ashour protests hosting Islamist activist on state TV 11:16 40 PAGES NO: 16402 150 FILS

By Staff Reporter

Omair warns KUWAIT: The National Assembly yesterday agreed to lift the immunity of Shiite MP Abdulhameed Dashti in a oil price fall closed debate demanded by 10 MPs so as to prevent sec- tarian exchanges in the session. Dashti was sued by the government over controversial remarks deemed offensive to continue to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Bahrain, and the public prosecution questioned the lawmaker and KUWAIT: Kuwait said yesterday that the sharp fall in pressed charges against him. world oil prices is unjustified but that the market may The court however requested his immunity to be lifted not improve before the second half of this year. so he could be tried on charges of insulting a sisterly coun- “Nobody can justify the drop now,” Oil Minister Ali Al- try and endangering relations with Bahrain. The Omair told reporters as prices slid towards six-year Assembly’s legal and legislative affairs committee rejected lows. Omair attributed the slide to a production glut of the request and sent its report to the Assembly for a final around 1.8 million barrels per day combined with a vote. Ahead of the debate, 10 MPs requested a secret ses- slowdown in global economic growth. “We expect this sion amid strong protests by MP Hamdan Al-Azmi, who situation to continue until the surplus on the market is wanted the debate to be public. absorbed and the world economy improves. Forecasts After the debate, Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said indicate that this will not happen before the second that following a brief discussion, the Assembly agreed to half of 2015,” he said. hold a closed debate and MPs voted to lift the immunity of World prices have been falling since June but the MPs Dashti and Nabil Al-Fadhl. He said 33 MPs voted for pace of the slide accelerated in November when the lifting Dashti’s immunity while 15 opposed it. Later, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Ghanem told reporters that the decisions on lifting the (OPEC) decided to maintain its production unchanged immunities is proof that members of this Assembly do not at 30 million barrels per day. OPEC members Algeria, hide behind their parliamentary immunities like the previ- Iran, and Venezuela have since called for action to ous lawmakers. He said Dashti has welcomed the shore up prices but Omair said he did not expect the Assembly’s decision and denied reports on social media cartel to review output again before its next regular that MPs had traded exchanges during the secret debate. meeting in June. “None of the OPEC members called He also insisted that he will not allow sectarian exchanges for an urgent meeting and we will have our next to take place in the Assembly. meeting in June,” he said. Omair said that even if the KUWAIT: (From left) Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair, Defence Minister MP Saleh Ashour meanwhile strongly protested to the cartel cut output by one million bpd, it would have lit- Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister information minister for hosting Islamist activist Shafi Al- tle effect on prices. “It will not be more than the sur- Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah attend a parliament session at Ajmi on state-run Kuwait Television although he has been plus that already exists on the market,” he said. — AFP the National Assembly yesterday. (Inset) MP Abdulhameed Dashti branded a “terrorist”. speaks during the session. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Continued on Page 13 OPEC will not shore up oil

Gulf to curb fuel smuggling • Bahrain to raise gas prices ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates said yesterday that OPEC will no longer move to shore up crude prices, arguing that rising North American shale oil output needed to be curbed. World prices have been falling since June but the pace of the slide accelerated in November when the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decided to maintain its pro- duction unchanged at 30 million barrels per day. Analysts say that richer cartel members like the UAE have been ready to accept the price fall in the hope that it will force higher-cost shale producers out of the market. “We cannot continue to be protecting a certain price,” UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei said. “We have seen the oversupply, coming primarily from shale oil, and that needed to be corrected,” he told participants in the Gulf Intelligence UAE Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi. BOBIGNY, France: People carry the coffin of slain French police officer Ahmed Mazrouei said the UAE remains “concerned” about bal- Merabet during a funeral ceremony on yesterday near Paris. — AFP ance in the oil markets but “cannot under any circum- stances be the only party responsible,” in reference to ris- ing output from non-OPEC members. France fetes slain cops, Oil producers outside the cartel should be rational about their output, he said, adding that current prices are BUSHEHR, Iran: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visits the control room of “not sustainable” for them. “We are telling the market and the Bushehr nuclear power plant in this Gulf port city yesterday. — AFP mag provokes Muslims other producers to be rational, to be like OPEC and look at growth in the market,” Mazrouei said. He said that if Rise in anti-Muslim attacks OPEC had opted to cut production, other producers Iran says Kuwait will would have stepped in to make up the lost output and PARIS: France’s prime minister yesterday house gave a stirring rendition of the the cartel would have lost market share without any declared “war against terrorism”, as the Marseillaise anthem, a first since the end effect on prices. Mazrouei said current prices were “not suffer from oil slide satirical magazine targeted in last week’s of World War I. sustainable”, particularly for producers outside the Gulf TEHRAN: President Hassan Rouhani said worst hit by the sliding price of crude, jihadist killing spree hit back with a defi- The special sitting came after region. yesterday that Iran would withstand the given its current budget was based on ant issue featuring a cartoon of Prophet President Francois Hollande oversaw a He said that with oil below $50 a barrel, it was uneco- economic pain of plummeting oil prices, sales at $100 per barrel. In a draft plan for Muhammad (PBUH) on the cover. A rare solemn ceremony paying tribute to three nomic for shale oil producers to keep investing in increas- with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait likely to the next financial year starting March 21, outpouring of national unity in the wake police officers killed in France’s bloodiest ing production. “Shale oil brings almost four million (bar- suffer more from the slump. Iran has Rouhani’s government cut the projected of the attacks that left 17 people dead week in decades, while four Jews shot rels per day) for the United States, and the hope is that it been among the oil exporting countries Continued on Page 13 spread to parliament where a packed Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13 Court ruling may free Mubarak

CAIRO: An Egyptian court on yesterday over- court had convicted Mubarak and handed him a Mubarak would remain in the military hospital turned former president Hosni Mubarak’s con- three-year jail sentence last May on charges that where he currently receives treatment. viction on corruption charges and ordered a he embezzled money earmarked for the main- In 2011, there were mass protests demand- retrial, but the ex-strongman remained in deten- tenance of presidential palaces. It had also given ing Mubarak’s prosecution after he retired to a tion pending a judicial order. Supporters of the four-year jail sentences to the toppled leader’s mansion in the Red Sea resort of Sharm al- 86-year-old broke into cheers and chanted sons, Alaa and Gamal, whose convictions were Sheikh following the Arab Spring uprising that “Long Live Justice!” as the Court of Cassation in overturned as well yesterday. Four other defen- forced him from power. He was detained two Cairo announced its decision, which concerns dants in the case were acquitted. months later and ordered to stand trial. In the the last remaining of a series of charges laid The Court of Cassation did not specify yester- murder case, the court ruled that prosecutors against Mubarak following his 2011 ouster. day whether Mubarak was a free man following should not have added Mubarak’s name to the Another court in November dropped murder its judgement and did not set a date for a retrial. list of defendants, after originally charging only charges against Mubarak over the deaths of pro- State media quoted a security official saying the his security chiefs. The seven security command- testers during the uprising, which ended his ousted leader would remain in detention absent ers, including feared former interior minister three decades of autocratic rule. a judicial order for his release. His lawyer Farid Habib Al-Adly, were all eventually acquitted. The If Mubarak walks free it would spur accusa- Al-Deeb told AFP that Mubarak ought to be ruling sparked a rare protest in central Cairo, CANBERRA: Kuwait’s Fahad Al-Hajeri (left) and South Korea’s Nam Tae Hee com- tions against President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi that released as he “has already served” three years in leading to clashes with police that left two peo- pete for the ball during an AFC Asia Cup football match yesterday. South Korea the former army chief is reviving the Mubarak detention, including the time he spent in cus- ple dead. won 1-0. — AP (See Page 20) era - something he has sought to deny. A lower tody awaiting trial. But Deeb said that for now Continued on Page 13 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 LOCAL

GCC Rail and Metro Conference: A Vision to Sustainable Development MUSCAT: Held under the auspices of His ing facilities for those requirements. Highness Sayyid Shihab Bin Tariq Al Said, 5. Extend invitations to rail and metro Advisor of His Majesty the Sultan, the specialized companies, and hold meet- GCC Rail and Metro Conference 2015 was ings with them to discuss the possibility held in Qasr Al Bustan Hotel, Muscat, of partnerships to establish joint GCC Oman from 11-12 January 2015. The companies that offer passenger and event was organized by Ministry of goods transport services and supporting Transport and Communications in Oman, logistic services in the GCC. in association with the Gulf Cooperation 6. GCC countries to participate as a Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. united economic bloc in international The event was headlined by about organizations such as UIC, AREMA, and 500 high-ranking rail and metro special- ERA, that work on developing engineer- ists, as well as supporting public and pri- ing specifications and standards, and rail vate sectors from more than 25 coun- and metro projects regulations and legis- tries. A total of 17 worksheets were pre- lation in the GCC, to play a more effective sented during the conference, address- role in making related decisions. ing the development of rail and metro 7. The necessity of reaching an agree- projects in the GCC, in addition to the ment between member countries to numerous opportunities available for the develop and improve institutional struc- private sector to localize some of the ture and establish comprehensive poli- supporting industries, and the chal- cies and systems to ease passenger and lenges and opportunities available to goods transportation between GCC improve and train GCC skills to sustain countries through border posts to the sector in the GCC. achieve the strategic goals and optimal Discussions were held between high- use of transportation and railsectors in ranking officials to consider the many the GCC countries. strategies related to the development of 8. The Gulf Cooperation Council most KUWAIT: A crowd of people lineup outside the embassy of the Philippines yesterday. —Photo by Ben Garcia the Transport and Communications sec- take the necessary actions in coordina- tor in the GCC, and achieve integration tion with member countries to follow up between member countries throughout the implementation of recommenda- Philippine Embassy the rail network. Talk also included dis- tions, and present a yearly report about cussions on investments in this sector, what will be achieved, and present it to partnership between public and private the GCC Railway project committee. sectors, and the transport and communi- cation sector’s role in intra-regional trade Government policies appeals for leniency and logistic services. Speaking at the conference panelists, HE Abdulrahim Hasan Naqi, Secretary The recommendations General, Federation of GCC Chambers of The conference reached the following Commerce and Industry (FGCC Hundreds flock to embassy to renew passports recommendations: Chambers), Eng Imran Abdool Karim, 1. The need to prepare a detailed Strategy and Marketing, Transnet By Ben Garcia pretty sad to see the long queue of people want- Gregorio, 28, were just two among the queue study to establish a Development Fund Engineering and Nigel Ash, MD, Network ing their documents to be corrected,” he said. interviewed by Kuwait Times. “I’ve been here to achieve sustainability in the GCC Rail Rail Consulting, did a series of short pre- KUWAIT: The Philippine Embassy appeals for Dado said they received 500 passports renewal since seven in the morning to finish early but as and Metro Sector. Called “GCC sentations followed by moderated dis- leniency in the current strict implementation of requests every day. you noticed we are just halfway and its already Sustainable Railway Development”, it will cussion on identifying and agreeing the passport and residency laws for expats in noon. I hope they’ll make it better next time. be financed in partnership with the pri- key areas and actions that need to be Kuwait or better known as law 121/1959. The Passport extension They must have a better system to manage the vate sector, and its main goals are: addressed to ensure effective and suc- law was fully implemented towards the end of Filipinos also complained that some of their people. I have more work to do but I cancelled it a- Establish training programs, includ- cessful public-private participation. December 2014 in Kuwait, creating a panic citizens are being asked to pay the penalty even when it is very obvious that I will not be able to ing on-the-job training, and establishing HE Abdulrahim Hasan Naqi spoke among expatriates who fell afoul of the regula- if their old passports bear extended periods of make it, been here for four hours now,” Gregorio a GCC Academy for the training and about government policies and regula- tions. The law stipulates that residency permit validity. said. “They should add people to manned the development of national talents. This will tions for the development of the rail and (visa) of foreign workers will be limited to the “We would also like to request to honor the need of everyone. This is very disappointing, we benefit from the already available railway metro projects - procurement, and validity of passports. Filipinos continue to flock extension given to our citizens on their pass- have to wait for the long queue and you see we training institutes in the GCC countries as labour issues. the embassy in the hundreds to renew their ports considering the circumstances we are fac- are braving the cold weather here,” Dalija men- much as possible. “In terms of labour, we are focusing on passports to correct their status. ing in terms of making the new ones. As many tioned. b- Establish programs for Specialized how to encourage GCC nationals to find “The Philippine embassy will visit the Ministry know, we gave a maximum 45-60 days period to Railway Academic Studies, including employment through various pro- of Foreign Affairs this week to address our con- get the new one, hope all this things will be con- Two-year validity research and technology development. grammes. These include training pro- cern,” said Philippine Charge d’ Affairs to Kuwait sidered by the Ministry” he added. Although on the books for years, the law has c- Study and establish programs to grammes, vocational and professional Atty Raul Dado. The embassy noticed the influx But in order to address the influx of Filipinos not been implemented. Now the government localize supporting industries for Rail and development initiatives such as the train- of Filipinos renewing their passports immediate- at the Philippine embassy in Faiha, Dado said will require that passports be valid for two years Metro projects with added value to the ing development that Saudi Arabian ly after the implementation of the law. He said starting tomorrow, the embassy will be imple- or more for an expatriate to obtain a residency GCC economies. Railways has established for building rail- the formal request will be sent to the Ministry of menting a queuing system. “While awaiting visa in Kuwait. Passports valid for two years or d- Create a working plan and time- way related skills and capability. Foreign Affairs this week to address the situa- reply from the Ministry, starting tomorrow we less will only get one year residency. Holders of frame to localize supporting industries, “We are encouraging entrepreneurs tion. “We want to request if we could get will be implementing the so-called queuing sys- passports valid for less than year cannot be knowledge, experience, and regional and and SMEs to be involved in this project- enough time of at least six months grace period tem. I hope it would somehow ease the condi- issued a residency visa or even renew their visa. international experiences to achieve sus- the Saudi metro projects, including the for the Filipinos in Kuwait to correct their docu- tion at the embassy,” he added. The government says fine of KD2 per day will be tainable rail and metro maintenance one in Riyadh, are focused on being ments. The queue started last week and I am Dominador Dalija, 45, and Jose Marie implemented to those who will violate the law. projects. established as public private partner- 2. Develop a comprehensive strategy ships. We are also inviting the GCC pri- to achieve Integration of rail and metro vate sector to get involved in the policies projects within a comprehensive trans- for the railway to enhance transparency portation system and all its forms in the and corporate governance.” GCC, including passengers and goods Also a part of the panel discussions transportation logistics. The strategy today, Mr Nigel Ash, MD, Network Rail should form a part of comprehensive Consulting outlined the key lessons that strategic planning in GCC countries. the GCC rail and metro sector can use for 3. Establish effective programs to defining a vocational development strat- encourage experienced foreign compa- egy. nies in the sector to enter real partner- He said: “There needs to be a greater ships with the regional private and public focus on the development of key voca- sectors, and to invest in rail and metro tional skills concerning the operation projects in the GCC, which will benefit and maintenance of a live railway system. from their professional and administra- The construction project may only last 5 tive experience. Related policies and reg- years but the railways will last for ulations should also be developed in line decades to come. with projects executions requirements, “Partnering with a large international to provide a suitable environment and railway operator can help accelerate the purchases systems that will guaranty fair development of the institutional capacity competitiveness and transparency. of the railway,” he concluded. 4. Member countries to ease process- The GCC Rail and Metro Conference es to establish partnerships between 2015 was headlined by high-ranking KD 85,000 donated to Syrian refugees GCC companies and specialized compa- government officials from the GCC States’ nies from developed countries who have Ministries of Transport, Trade and experience in manufacturing rail projects Commerce, and Finance, alongside top KRCS continues relief efforts requirements, to transfer technology and executives from Etihad Rail, Saudi experiences to the GCC countries Railways Organization, Saudi Railway KUWAIT/DOHA: KD 85,000 Several challenges charitable organizations would through establishing joint manufactur- Company, Qatar Rail, and Oman Rail. ($290,000) were donated in the first Meanwhile, Anwar Al-Hasawi, help overcome these challenges. day of a campaign to help Syrian deputy chairman of the Kuwait Red “Promoting partnership with other refugees facing harsh winter in Crescent Society (KRCS), underlined partners and unifying efforts to neighboring countries, Kuwait the society’s keenness on material- provide better humanitarian assis- Higher Relief Committee said. This izing His Highness the Amir Sheikh tance to vulnerable people are also sum is the tally of donations pre- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- required to overcome these chal- sented through state-run Kuwait Sabah’s vision of beefing up lenges,” he added. TV, and other donations gathered Kuwait’s role as a humanitarian He underscored the necessity of by charity societies will be added to center. KRCS’s participation in this meet- it, Jaber Al-Wanda, campaign coor- In statements to KUNA on the ing, especially as Kuwait has an dinator, said. sidelines of the Red Crescent and effective role in humanitarian Wanda, Director General of Red Cross Societies in the Middle action, noting that it has offered Kuwait Relief Society, said there East and North Africa (MENA)’s humanitarian assistance to many were companies pledging to pro- Consultative Meeting held in Doha, vulnerable countries across the vide cash money, as well as blan- Hasawi admitted the existence of globe. kets, garments and heaters. He said several challenges to achieve this the relief campaign would continue goal. Effective participation Anwar Al-Hasawi in the days to come through differ- “We are facing major challenges Hasawi hailed HH the Amir’s ent media. People can donate that need harnessing the capabili- support for the relief and donation Lebanon, Jordan, Libya, Palestine through calling the donation cen- ties of our national societies to be campaign for alleviating the suffer- and Iraq, noting Kuwait has been ter: 1808300 or logging in to tackled,” he said. He, however, ing of Syrian refugees. He said that seeking to effectively participate in WWW.IICO.ORG. stressed that the cooperation the KRCS offered several humani- relief action. among Kuwaiti humanitarian and tarian aid to Syrian refugees in “Due to Kuwait’s role in the humanitarian action, HH the Amir was honored by the UN last September as a humanitarian leader and Kuwait as a humanitari- an center,” he cited. The relief aid provided by KRSC to Syrian refugees were estimated at about $34 million in 2014 and about $13 million in 2013, he said. The KRCS offered humanitarian assistance worth about $11 million in 2014 to Palestinians, including school bags, food, medical equip- ment and fuel, he said, indicating the society also aided injured Palestinians hospitalized in Egypt. Hasawi said KRS delivered some aids worth $2.7 million in 2013 to Libyans. The Doha meeting reviews several proposals and amendments to be added to Treaty of Seville on humanitarian action. — KUNA Pictures from the conference held in the Omani capital, Muscat. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 LOCAL Crime Report IS poses no threat to Break-up turns ugly Kuwait: Interior Ministry

KUWAIT: A citizen accused his girlfriend of threatening Police lieutenant on trial for ‘joining insurgent groups’ him and giving him a hard time at the police station in revenge for dumping her. A security source said that a KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s Assistant Sheikh Mohammed belittled the possessing firearms and ammunition and woman in her 20s went to police in Ahmadi and Undersecretary for Border Security threats by Islamic State against Kuwait, transferring a machine gun and ammuni- accused a man of threatening her after dumping him, Affairs Maj General Sheikh Mohammed noting that their fighters were more tion to another person. and filed a complaint of threatening to kill her. The man Al-Yousef Al-Sabah disclosed that the active to the north of the Iraqi capital The defendant admitted that he had was summoned, and when questioned, he said it was ministry intends to use drones to moni- Baghdad, which is over 800 km away travelled to Turkey, entered Syria and she who had threatened him after he dumped her, and tor and secure Kuwaiti borders, and that from Kuwait. “Reviewing domestic and joined “Mohammed’s Army” and fought sent him an text message with her threats. this plan will reviewed soon to be put foreign information shows that these against the Syrian army before he joined Investigations are ongoing. into practice. “We are completely capable threats are mere rumors,” he said, point- “Jund Al-Sham” and got shot in an opera- of protecting all our borders,” he said, ing out that IS supporters in Kuwait are tion against the Syrian army. He added claiming that throughout the five years very limited and that many of them are that he was treated at a Syrian Free Army ‘Smuggling’ foiled he has been in his position, no terrorists, being prosecuted. field hospital and was then married to a A wanted man failed to leave Kuwait through car bombs or explosives managed to Syrian girl for a short while before he Salmy borders to Saudi Arabia. An officer noticed infiltrate through the borders. “The only Lieutenant’s trial fought with Jund Al-Sham against IS in a the man trying to hide, so he stopped him and case recently was the arrest of a hunting On another concern, the criminal fierce battle during which IS destroyed checked his ID. He was found wanted and was weapons smuggler,” he underlined. court recently adjourned hearing a case 90 percent of his group. “Along with the arrested. Responding to a question about steel against a police lieutenant who was survivors, we escaped to the Turkish bor- berms on the borders with Iraq, Sheikh arrested with charges of joining two ders where we were arrested and I was Break in and robbery Mohammed stressed that there were no insurgent groups till Feb 16 pending evacuated to the capital for investigation A thief broke into a school in Riqqa and stole the problems over the border demarcation summoning the concerned state security before the Turkish authorities contacted seals of the principal and two fire extinguishers. with Iraq. He denied the need to dig officer for testimony. The 26-year-old sus- the Kuwaiti embassy and I was arrested Detectives are investigating. trenches along the Kuwaiti-Iraqi border pect is accused of taking part in offen- on arrival to Kuwait,” said the defendant. because they were already hard to pene- sives against Syria by joining those two The defendant’s lawyer called the for- Maj General Sheikh Mohammed trate. “Our borders with Iraq are more groups without permission from the eign ministry’s undersecretary for testify- Al-Yousef Al-Sabah Cafe workers questioned secure than those between the US and Kuwaiti government, which jeopardizes ing about diplomatic relations with Syria demanded boycotting the Syrian regime Workers in a Salmiya cafe were sent for ques- Mexico that are infiltrated by thousands Kuwait’s relations with Syria. He was also and asked for a copy of a parliamentary and supporting the armed Syrian opposi- tioning after showing pornographic movies after every year,” he added. charged of undergoing military training, session’s agenda during which lawmaker tion against it. —Al-Anbaa and Al-Rai midnight. Security sources said while an off-duty detective was in the cafe, he noticed a few men going to a side corner, so he went with them to see what was going on, and was surprised to find Navy holds 3-day that pornographic movies were being shown. He called the police and criminal detectives came to live ammo drills the cafe and arrested the workers, who said they show these types of movies during the late hours KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Naval Force kicked off yesterday a of the night. When police called the owner, he live-ammunition exercise for three successive days, the denied knowledge of what was going on, and said Army has announced. The exercise starts at 6 am (local that he had rented the place to some Egyptians. time) for 12 hours daily. The shooting range is 16.5 nautical He was released and the workers were taken for miles east off Ras Al-Julai’a to Qaruh Island, and six nautical questioning. miles east of Ras Azzour to Umm Al-Maradem Island, the Ministry of Defense Directorate of Moral Guidance and Public Relations said in a press statement. It urged sea- Visa violations goers, both nationals and expats, to stay away from the Residency affairs detectives arrested 19 Asians of area for their safety. —KUNA both genders in Jleeb for running brothels and violating residency laws. A security source said that detectives received tips about Asians using a building for vice Court orders activities, then after confirming the tips, a warrant was obtained and the place was stormed and the suspects reinstating Dr Kefaya arrested. to Amiri Hospital KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Khaled Al-Jarallah received yesterday US Ambassador to Kuwait Douglas A Silliman and discussed Kuwaiti-US cooperative relations. During the meeting, they also KUWAIT: The court of appeal has ordered returning Dr Sheep thief caught mulled the latest developments on both regional and international arenas. Several other senior officials of Kefaya Abdul Malek to her former post at the Amiri Jahra police in cooperation with their Farwaniya the Foreign Ministry were present in the encounter. — KUNA Hospital. Notably, former health minister Sheikh colleagues arrested a young man who stole sheep Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah had transferred Abdul from Kabd jakhours following a long chase that Malek to the Infectious Diseases Hospital when she refused ended in Sabah Al-Nasser. A citizen told police that Kuwaiti, Qatari security officials meet to heed his orders to keep an MP’s father in the Amiri an unidentified person attempted to climb the Hospital’s ICU because other patients needed the ICU bed urgently. Kefaya’s lawyer argued that her transfer was not fence of a jakhour, so a patrol was sent there. As DOHA: Kuwait’s Ministry of on several aspects of security Khalifa Al-Thani. soon as the suspect saw them, he escaped in his car. for done for the greater good but was a punishment for Interior’s Undersecretary Lt Gen action. He voiced his optimism that In the message, Sheikh doing her job duties and not following the minister’s Police were able to corner and arrest him. The 17- Suleiman Al-Fahad has affirmed the the visit’s results would support Mohammad Al-Khaled expressed year-old said that he stole sheep for money to buy orders. He added that his client had received a call from an solid relations of security coopera- constant join coordination and his appreciation to joint security MoH undersecretary telling her that ministry officials, cigarettes and go with friends to restaurants. He tion and coordination between cooperation among senior security cooperation and coordination in dif- was sent to detectives for further questioning. including the minister, were very angry for what she did Kuwait and Qatar that are in favor of officials between the two countries ferent domains aiming at serving and that later, she received a call from the minister telling the interest of the comprehensive to achieve common aims. the comprehensive security system her that her technical decision was 100 percent correct but security system of GCC member Lt Gen Al-Fahad also voiced his among the GCC member states. she would be transferred because she disobeyed an states. gratitude to Kuwaiti Ambassador to Lt Gen Al-Fahad accompanied by administrative order. — Al-Jarida Following his meeting with Qatar Met’eb Saleh Al-Mutawtah the delegation arrived in Doha Qatar’s Director General of Public and embassy’s staff for their support Airport and held “successful talks” Security Staff Maj Gen Saad bin for him and his security delegation. with Maj Gen Al Khulaifi that includ- MSAL reduces expat Jassim Al Khulaifi, Lt Gen Al-Fahad Qatar’s Prime Minister and Interior ed all security domains. employees by 25% said that the visit achieved several Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser The Kuwaiti delegation, which aims and its results will be imple- bin Khalifa Al-Thani received Lt Gen includes senior security officials, KUWAIT: In implementation of a Civil Services Commission mented through the action mecha- Al-Fahad and the delegation accom- also held talks with Qatar’s (CSC) decision to reduce expat employees working at the nisms to serve the security of the panying him. Al-Fahad conveyed a Interior Ministry’s senior officials ministry by 25 percent, the Ministry of Social Affairs and GCC countries as a whole and their message from Kuwaiti Deputy and paid visits to many special- Labor (MSAL) has laid off 43 temporary expat employees. peoples. Prime Minister and Minister of ized security sectors. Lt Gen Al- According to a decision signed by Minister Hind Al-Subaih, He expressed his gratitude to Interior Sheikh Mohammad Al- Fahad and the delegation were the ministry gave 42 other employees notices that their Qatar’s government, people and Khaled Al-Sabah to Qatar’s Prime seen off by Lt Gen Al Khulaifi, the contracts would be terminated by the end of June 2015 Maj. Gen Al Khulaifi for warm recep- Minister and Interior Minister embassy’s staff and Qatar’s top and that they would be exempted from showing up to tion and talks that had similar views Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin security figures. — KUNA work from the beginning of June 2015.—Al-Rai Trio held with drugs, air gun

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Three persons were sent to the narcotics department for possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash. The arrest was made in Doha when a car was suspected and stopped. Police noticed three men and an air gun inside. The detainees were taken to the con- cern authorities to face charges.

Suicide case An Asian chalet guard was found hanging by the neck with a clothesline tied to water tank on the roof of his sponsor’s chalet. A case was filed and further investi- gations are in progress.

Fatal accident An Asian man was instantly killed when he was hit by a speeding vehicle driven by a young citizen in South Surra, said security sources.

Body found A 40-year-old citizen was found dead in his house in Bayan, said security sources, noting that the deceased’s brother reported finding his brother lying motionless on his bedroom floor. The body was referred to the forensic department to determine the cause of death.

Attempted theft An Egyptian female teacher reported she was stopped by two people on a motorbike in Farwaniya who asked her to hand over her purse, and when she refused, they pulled the purse, to which she strongly clung and was dragged her for a distance before she let the purse go. She said that the purse had KD 70, a mobile phone, a mini-router, her ID and ATM card. A case was filed.

Assault and robbery An Asian man reported being assaulted by four unidentified people in Hawally who stole KD 83 from him, said security sources. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

Morocco hails KFAED-funded development projects

MARRAKESH: Morocco’s National project to link rural areas with the Office of Electricity and Drinking national electricity grid from which 25 (NOED) Water has commended contri- percent of population benefited, Head butions by Kuwait Fund for Arab of the rural areas electricity project Economic Development (KFAED) in the Shuhaib Abdulmajeed told KUNA. development projects carried out in Officials briefed the students delega- Morocco. tion on the NOED’s activities, mainly This remark was made during a visit general utilities implemented nation- organized by KFAED to a delegation of wide. The delegation will also pay visits outstanding Kuwaiti female students to to other KFAED-funded projects in the the NOED office. The visit is part of a country. student trip to the country that lasts till The KFAED-sponsored trip is held on January 17. annual basis and it had been organized “The KFAED donated KD 3.5 million since 2010 with the aim to familiarize in 1975, as its first contribution, to build distinguished Kuwaiti high students the thermal power plant to generate with the Fund’s activities and projects in electricity in Kenitra city in the northern countries of operation. Morocco and contributed KD 10.5 mil- The KFAED has provided Morocco lion in 1992 to finance building of a with 39 Loans totaling about KD 387 hydroelectricity station,” NOED official million Kuwaiti Dinars to finance proj- Ibrahim Botmoula told KUNA on the ects in various sectors, in addition to sidelines of the visit. grants and technical assistance totaling The KFAED also donated about KD 6 about KD 1.14 million to finance the million to build a power plant in the preparation of the technical and eco- country in 1998, he said, noting that nomic feasibility studies for two proj- two other power projects totaling KD ects in the sectors of Potable Water and 35 million funded by the KFAED are Social Services The grants of the gov- about to be completed. The KFAED also ernment of Kuwait to Morocco is also KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received the visiting governor of the Iraqi city of Najaf contributed 14.8 million to the mega estimated at 211.72 million. — KUNA Adnan Al-Zurfi at Seif Palace yesterday. The meeting was attended by Jawad Ahmad Bukhamseen and Assistant Undersecretary of HH the Prime Minister’s Diwan for Local Affairs Sheikh Khaled Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah. — KUNA Arabic stressed as Ahamdi Governorate celebrate bastion of Arab identity national anniversaries KUWAIT: Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Fawaz Al-Khaled stressed that the Meeting concludes with Riyadh Declaration media have an important role in covering various activities and high- lighting the efforts exerted by Ahamdi Governorate to celebrate the national anniversaries this year, which coincides with the UN’s hon- oring of His Highness the Amir as a ‘Humanitarian Leader’ and naming Kuwait as a ‘Humanitarian Center’. Speaking on receiving Yarmouk Mayor Abdul Aziz Al-Meshari and media personality Noura Al-Mulaifi, Sheikh Fawaz commended the neighborhood councils in some areas and asked to follow the same steps in Ahmadi to exchange expertise among various gover- norates and areas. Mulaifi presented a copy of her poetry book about Information Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah titled RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Abdulaziz Al-Khudairi announces the Riyadh Declaration. ‘Salman...One of Us’. Meshari stressed that in collabo- Yarmouk residents living in houses decorate their houses in celebration RIYADH: Further attention to Arabic dance of Kuwait’s Information the highest medal of honor from the ration with Yarmouk Co-op, overlooking main streets annually of the national anniversaries. language as the bastion of Arab iden- Minister, Minister of State for Youth UNESCO for supporting peace and tity is required, according to the Affairs and President of the National dialogue among various civilizations. Riyadh Declaration which was issued Council for Culture, Arts and Letters Likewise, Al-Azhar had also granted yesterday at the end of the 19th con- Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- the Saudi Monarch an honorary Ph D ference of the Arab ministers in Sabah. In a keynote speech, Saudi degree in the Study of Humanities for charge of cultural affairs. Minister of Culture and Information his unlimited support of the Islamic Arabic must enjoy a special status Abdulaziz Al-Khudairi stressed the World. Furthermore, King Abdullah in the Arab cultural policies, as the pil- need for necessary support to be giv- was selected by the 8th meeting of lar of the identity, so that it can be en to establishing an Arab council of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award as the shifted from national plans to the lev- culture ministers, which will work to year’s most distinguished contributor el of an Arab strategy, the Declaration protect the sanctity of the Arabic lan- to culture worldwide, said the Kuwaiti demanded. It also urged openness of guage and protect the cultural identi- minister in his speech before the Arab Arabic to act as basis for human cul- ty of the region. ministers of culture. The minister also tural integration, through consolidat- Bahraini representative, Majed bin made mention of the UN granting the ing its presence in the world digital Ali Al-Nuaimi, said that the conference title of Humanitarian Leader to the content, and bolstering translation comes to increase efforts on cultural Kuwaiti Amir His Highness Sheikh from and into the language. In addi- empowerment, at a time when the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah tion, it recommended the use of mod- region is in immense need of culture and the title of Humanitarian Center ern methods and techniques for in order to instill its true identity. to the State of Kuwait. teaching it, supporting creativity in “Culture should not be regarded a Arabic, in a bid to realize integration form of ideological luxury but should Cultural achievements with other human cultures. be considered a pillar of an Arab ren- The minister gave the conference a The Declaration bears a call to aissance,” he said, adding that it “sup- synopsis of Kuwait’s cultural achieve- develop the UN Arabic Language Day ports self-belief as a major introduc- ments over the years, noting that into an occasion to disseminate tion to opening communication with Kuwait published a highly-esteemed knowledge about Arab creativity and the other.” pan-Arab magazine known as Al-Arabi culture, both at home and overseas, He also underlined the importance Magazine and a coveted dictionary for broadening communication and dia- of culture in pointing out the com- the Arab reader everywhere known as logue with the world to open up fresh mon cultural legacy between nations Taj Al-Aroos Dictionary. prospects for a positive and construc- of the Arab world, in the wake of cur- Since the theme of the conference tive interaction. rent tensions, which should also be is “the Arabic Language : a gateway to It stressed the leading role by passed on to following generations. integrated human culture,” the minis- Saudi Arabia for spreading toleration This can only carried out through ter further listed Kuwait’s penchant to and dialogue among various cultures, shedding light on creative minds, boost the importance of the Arabic and condemned in the meantime all diversifying cultural venues and bene- language and Arab and Islamic cul- forms of violence, extremism and ter- fiting from the intellectual minds scat- tures. For example, he said Kuwait rorism that tarnish the noble message tered densely throughout the Arab established toward the middle of last of human cultures. world, he added. year an Arabic language center whose According to the Declaration, the resources can be tapped into by all Arab League’s Educational, Cultural Boundless support those interested in the Arabic lan- and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) In his speech, Sheikh Salman Al- guage and literature. The minister also should build partnership with the Sabah praised the boundless support said that Kuwait last October opened Vienna-based King Abdullah bin Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz a highly-regarded national library Abdulaziz International Centre for gives to propagating Arab culture with departments for children, the Interreligious and Intercultural worldwide. He also listed the numer- youth, and people with special needs. Dialogue (KAICIID). It also applauded ous accolades King Abdullah had Sheikh Salman urged in his ALESCO efforts to promote Arabic and been awarded for his indefatigable speech to the Arab ministers of cul- bolster Intercultural dialogue. efforts to further the spread of Arab ture the establishment of a pan-Arab and Islamic culture in every corner of cultural TV station and a portal on Arab council the world. the internet to inform the world Arab cultural ministers and chiefs For instance, the Kuwaiti minister about the beauty of the Arabic lan- held their 19th session in the atten- said, King Abdullah had been granted guage and its culture. — KUNA

The participants, including Kuwait’s Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah, in a group photo. — KUNA photos WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 LOCAL

Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah and Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain present a memento to Ambassador Mohammad Al- Kuwait Times Publishing Department Manager Wathiq Darwish presents a memento to US Ambassador Douglas Roumi (second right) US Ambassador Silliman (left), Kuwait Times Deputy General Manager Adnan Saad, and Silliman. Malavika Jain (right) look on. Young Indian publishes book of poetry in Kuwait ‘The Crenellated Expletive’ figurative expressions of thoughts

By Sajeev K Peter Roumi with mementos. Kuwait Times Publishing Department Manager Wathiq Statement from the KUWAIT: Malavika Jain, the 17-year-old Darwish and Kuwait Times graphic design- daughter of Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain, er Ali Diab were also presented with Embassy of India released a second collection of poems, ‘The mementos on the occasion. Crenellated Expletive’ at a ceremony at the t has been our endeavour to assist in the earliest repa- Indian Embassy on Monday. Attending the Poetic journey triation of mortal remains of Indian nationals who die event were a gathering of dignitaries Talking about her poetic journey, Jain Iin Kuwait. As cremation facilities are not permitted in including Sheikha Fraiha Al-Ahmed Al- said poetry has always been her passion. Kuwait, it becomes necessary that many bodies are airlift- Jaber Al-Sabah, US Ambassador to Kuwait She began with riddles when she was in ed to India for final rites. Last year, 559 Indian nationals Douglas A Silliman, Director of the Kuwait Burning Tree Elementary School in the US died in Kuwait. Foreign Ministry’s Asia Affairs Department, before she actually learned to frame a sen- During last three months (October-December 2014), Ambassador Mohammad Al-Roumi, Indian tence. Jain enjoys writing in her free time. there were 143 Indian deaths in Kuwait. Mortal remains of Ambassador Sunil Jain and Kuwait Times “They were means of manipulating 112 Indian nationals were airlifted to India. The remaining Deputy General Manager Adnan Saad words and creating new meanings. I often 31 were buried in Kuwait as per the wishes of their family among others. submitted them for school magazines but members. From those sent to India, 89 were transported Published by the Kuwait Times, The because of my young age my credibility within 1 - 5 days of reporting the death to the Embassy (4 Crenellated Expletive, is dedicated to the was seriously doubted. So they often sur- days being the average time taken for transportation of everlasting ties between Kuwait and India. faced under other names. That was dis- the mortal remains). It is a collection of 40 poems, in which Jain heartening,” she recalled. The repatriation of mortal remains of 23 deceased per- explores questions about life. In her own sons, however, took longer time, ranging from 6 - 15 days. words, each poem in this book is a figura- The Dove of Thunder Delays in 23 cases occurred as police investigations were tive metonymy of each of the experiences Talking about the inspiration for her first required to be conducted in cases of suicides, murders she has had and how they have churned book ‘The Dove of Thunder’, she said, “It and traffic accidents. In some cases, local sponsors took and mixed into the poet’s thoughts. was not a planned idea. It was a part of the time to complete formalities. Non-availability of flights learning process. Though I have vague and intervening holidays were among the other reasons A US Education memories of reading Shakespeare, contributing to delays in repatriation of mortal remains of “I am particularly proud as the American Wordsworth or Carl Sandburg, my best Indian nationals from Kuwait. Complete data of Indian ambassador that an American education remembrance is Robert Frost and his nationals who have died in Kuwait since 1 July 2014 is has enabled Malavika to first of all develop ‘Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy available on the Embassy’s website. incredible vocabulary which you see in Evening’,” Jain recited the popular lines. “The Crenellated Expletive’ and cultivate “Whenever I recite this poem in my mind I her talents and develop creative and very always have this film running of an edenic Kuwait hosts petroleum individual voice she evokes so coolly in her solitary youth probing the world around poetry,” said Ambassador Silliman after him with numberless questions and unspo- economist hydrocarbons releasing the book. Jain attended elemen- ken words,” she said. KUWAIT: Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah lights the traditional Indian lamp to officially inau- strategy forum tary school in Maryland and an American In her own terms, at this difficult stage gurate the event. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat International School in Turkmenistan. She of life, poetry assumed a new role for her of poems are expressing what the impact three different styles of dance recitals — KUWAIT: On 21 January Petroleum Economist will run its first now studies finance and economics in being her life support. “To me, composing a thoughts are having on her mind without Tarana from Mughal India, ‘Ghoomar’, the Kuwait conference entitled “Cooperation: The Gulf’s new Lehigh University, Pennsylvania. verse was like confiding my problems and fully dissolving or losing her mind to them. swirling folk dance of Rajasthan and imperative”, and officially co-hosted by Kuwait Petroleum Sheikha Fraiha in her brief address said pressures with my parents,” she remarked. “As a poet as an artist knows no bound- Bhangra dance of Punjab-were presented Corporation, it will run at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuwait City Jain’s poems reflect the feelings of our soci- However, Jain acknowledges that there was aries such as country or creed. An artist showcasing India’s culture through the on 21 January 2015. It will discuss the impact of oil price eties. They seek to build better relations no inspiration for her to write the book prospers wherever his art is patronized. I’m medium of dance. declines and analyse Kuwait’s position in this ever-evolving between societies, said Sheikha Fraiha ‘Crenellated Expletive’. “My poetry grateful to my homeland India for making Jain also a glass painter, is twice the industry within the context of global and regional geopolitical speaking through an Arabic translator. emanates from incidents that have a bear- me realize my potential, to the US for turn- recipient of US president’s Award for developments. Sheikha Fraiha blessed the young poet and ing on my life,” she admits. ing me into a poet and to Kuwait for invest- Educational Excellence and has won inter- Dr Ali Saleh Al-Omair, Kuwait’s minister of oil and minister wished her all success in her life. ing faith in my poetry,” she acknowledged national awards for outstanding achieve- of state for national assembly affairs will open proceedings. Dr Earlier, Indian Ambassador Jain wel- Protective bulwark as she explained the consequences that led ment in poetry and art. Her first book ‘The Al-Omair will be joined by HE Mohammad Al-Ramahi, minister comed the gathering and honored chief For the young poet, ‘Crenellated to the publication of ‘The Crenellated Dove of Thunder’ was nominated for of oil and gas, Sultanate of Oman, and Nizar M Al-Adsani, guests and guests of honor Sheikha Fraiha, Expletive’ means a protective bulwark or Expletive.’ UNESCO’s Bridges of Struga for best debut deputy chairman and chief executive director, Kuwait Ambassador Silliman and Ambassador Al- cover she has made for herself where Marking a fitting finale to the event, poetry book. Petroleum Corporation. Speakers from the International Energy Forum, Kuwait Petroleum International, Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company, Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, SACE, Petrochemical Industries Company and SIBUR, among others, will also speak.

Necessary cooperation Commenting on the forum announcement, Victoria Behn, Forum Director said: “In a time of high prices cooperation was nice, but not essential. In a time of low prices and volatility it is a necessity. Countries of the Gulf must move towards genuine coopera- tion if they are to prosper. Interconnectivity is minimal com- pared with other regions globally and this event will analyse why this is true, what are the areas in which cooperation might work, how those cooperations might be enabled (com- mercially, not politically) and what financing/investment opportunities will stem from them”. Whilst this may be a first for the Petroleum Economist brand in Kuwait, the forum will use the skills of Euromoney Conferences in an exciting joint venture; already well-estab- lished in the minds of Kuwait’s professional circles with their hugely successful and annual Kuwait Conference. The aim of this forum is to provide a platform for policy- makers to communicate their strategy in their own words to a high-level international audience. It will also create an interac- A traditional Indian dance. A general view of the audience tive environment where industry participants can share views and connect as well as learn about the opportunities present- ed by the region’s hydrocarbons sector. Kuwait postal service ‘Joint projects with Japan enhance celebrates 100 oil scientific capabilities’ years anniversary KUWAIT: Joint activities with Japan in the meantime provide intern- try relies on some Middle Eastern KUWAIT: Kuwait marks in two weeks 100 years since the open- Petroleum Institute (JPI) and Japan ships for the Institute’s staff at the countries to provide up to 80 per- ing of its first official post office, which was the home of the Cooperation Center, Petroleum research centers in Japan, where cent of its oil. Yamamoto under- then British colonial administrator, currently known as Beit (JCCP) have benefited Kuwaiti oil they benefit on the scientific level lined the dire need to develop fresh Dickson Cultural Centre. companies, and enhanced the and exchange views on the key techniques for oil refining, to over- The centennial celebration, precisely on January 21, was dis- technical and scientific capabilities issues relevant to the Kuwaiti oil come several problems, with air cussed in a lecture on the history of postal services in Kuwait as of the sector, Executive Director of industry, she said. pollution on top. part of Al-Qurain Cultural Festival activities delivered by Kuwait’s Petroleum Research The symposium comprises 18 JPI President Professor Wataru Mohammad Abdulhadi, chairman of the Kuwaiti stamp and coin Center (PRC), Dr Meena Marafi said. lectures, two of them on the prob- UEDA also addressed the sympo- collectors’ union - officially known as the Kuwait Philatelic and Cooperation with the two lem of erosion and the use of cata- sium highlighting the outcome of Numismatic Society. Informal postal services began in 1775 dur- Japanese institutions includes joint lysts. The Kuwait National the technical and scientific cooper- ing which mail was carried in bags to Basra in Iraq and Aleppo in research projects to develop solu- Petroleum Company (KNPC) is tak- ation with Kuwait, through joint Syria, usually taking around 14 to 20 days to arrive, he said. This tions to the problems of the ing part in the two-day event , research projects, exchange of was followed by a period from 1879 to 1904 when the Indian Kuwaiti petroleum sector, Marafi along with KISR and Japan’s JPI and experts and training and organiz- postal service was handling mail sent within Kuwait and abroad. told the opening of the 16th JCCP. Discussions will review the ing conferences on oil refining and It was only in 1915 that the first official post office opened its Japanese-Kuwaiti symposium that problems of the KNPC refineries in processing. doors, leading to the creation of the first stamp baring the name of the country yet also baring the image of Britain’s King George kicked off yesterday to discuss the a bid to develop the best possible He expressed gratitude to His V and the Indian currency - the rupee. development of oil refining opera- solutions, Marafi said, commending Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah The Kuwaiti government assumed responsibility of postal tions. bilateral cooperation in the field. Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for services within the country from the British in 1958, releasing Marafi addressed the event on Kuwait ranks fourth on the list of donating five million barrels of their first stamp that same year, followed by its administration of behalf of the Kuwait Institute for oil exporters to Japan, Commercial oil, worth $500 million, to Japan exterior services a year later and Universal Postal Union mem- Scientific Research (KISR) Director Attach{ at the Japanese embassy in in the aftermath of the destruc- bership the following year.— KUNA General Naji Al-Mutairi. KISR and Kuwait, Shigeru Yamamoto told the tive quake that hit the country in PRC receive Japanese scientists and gathering. He added that his coun- 2011. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 LOCAL

kuwait digest kuwait digest Diesel theft, Darkness at the not subsidies end of tunnel

By Mudaffar Abdullah By Sami Al-Nisf

he state has every right to review subsidies ur region’s problems are very complicated, as we can- presented to citizens and expatriates if they not solve the problems in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Tpolitically and economically prove to be use- Oetc without reaching an alternative innovative solu- less or if they are manipulated. According to Oil tion to the main cause - the Palestinian cause - because if we Minister Ali Al-Omair’s statement, the total subsi- manage to extinguish its fires, other minor fires all over the dies cost the state budget $18 billion a year, Arab region will subsequently die out and eventually all including one billion for diesel alone. Meanwhile, regional peoples of all religions, sects and races will be happy. a number of ministers admitted that diesel and The solution begins by admitting the considerable mis- other oil derivatives were being smuggled and the takes we have committed in the century following the Belfour Declaration. One of the mistakes was having an parliament asked the Audit Bureau to investigate extremist - Sheikh Amin Al-Husseini - handle the cause and the matter, which was done. he was not held accountable despite the fatal mistakes he So, they admit that the main problem lies in committed in the very first days such as refusing the recom- stealing, smuggling and utilizing diesel subsidies mendations made by the Royal British Bill Committee, which for purposes other than those the government was the first to suggest a two-state solution giving had in mind when it decided subsidizing it and Palestinians 90 percent of the land. Husseini rejected such a other products. The government should have acti- solution and ran away seeking help from the two tyrants, vated its monitoring, inspection and arrest proce- Al-Jarida Hitler and Mussolini, while the Zionist movement bet on the dures by the MoI, the customs department, the Allies and won! public authority for industry and EPA to bring the It was also a fatal mistake to reject the UN’s resolution on culprits (be them individuals or companies) to jus- dividing Palestine in 1948 and opting for war despite the tice before considering lifting subsidies, which is a weak potentials. It was also a mistake to exaggerate what In my view happened in Deir Yassin to be used as an excuse to have decision hastily made without considering its pos- Palestinians immigrate and abandon their homes as another sible consequences that politically affected bak- excuse to facilitate Arab armies’ operations. There was anoth- eries that closed in protest over the decision, and Opposition and the domino effect er mistake of housing Palestinians in refugee camps with the finally the state had to increase its bread produc- excuse of protecting the cause from being forgotten and the tion in case the protest goes on longer. mistake of not understanding that those who opt for war and Consequences of this hastily-made decision By Thaar Al-Rasheedi lose will surely pay for it. include attempts to exempt this or that sector have written about the fall of the opposition, listing formed of individuals who form ideas rather than a Another historic fatal mistake was accepting that Arab from the lifting of subsidies - just like what hap- their mistakes such as their incoherent horizontal group of people agreeing on certain ideas, the opposi- revolutionists trade in the cause (1952-1967) and then hand- pened with construction material companies. This expansion especially after forming the majority bloc. I tion is devouring itself! ing its dossiers to adventurers like Abu Ammar and the rest of I ‘Abus’ without holding them accountable for the disastrous proves that the decision came out in a most unre- mentioned some of their mistakes and how they lack a Yes, indeed. The opposition is devouring itself and will mistakes such as interfering in Jordanian domestic affairs alistic way. second line of younger opposition members and that keep on doing so as long as it depends on individuals (1967-1970), Lebanon (1969-1989), supporting Saddam I believe the study on rationalizing or partially their disputes would sooner or later spread all over the rather than ideas or fixed principles, which according to Hussein for occupying Kuwait (1990-1991) and before that lifting electricity, water and petrol subsidies is opposition. I wrote that in several articles published in simple politics, means the end of any work, not only resorting to terrorist operations such as high jacking planes, starting to fade away because of the conse- the period of June-October 2014. To many of those in political. Such a fact was blocked by enthusiasm and by ships and buses as a means to, apparently, serve the cause quences of lifting diesel subsidies, which made a favor of the opposition, my articles seemed very pes- the temporary victory achieved in Nov 2011. Eventually, while they discreetly used it for blackmail and collecting number of lawmakers propose postponing the simistic and false. Some of them even thought what I when everything stopped, when wind stood still, the money. measure until next year, which is fair enough, and wrote must not be brought up in public as a taboo. opposition’s leaves are drying and falling just as I previ- Those mistakes have cost the Palestinian cause much and I hope the government will understand this is the However, between my predictions and opposition ously warned. They are willingly falling and I am now the mistakes still endlessly continue with Hamas leaders only way out to alleviate public anger and criti- supporters’ ideas, here we see that the opposition is writing as a neutral commentator on a fact that will end without holding any of them accountable, dismissible or cism. falling apart and experiencing new forms of endless divi- by the fall of the current opposition for good. even attempting to stop this chain of mistakes that is taking Once more, diesel smuggling helps prove that sions that will ultimately lead to the disappearance of Naturally enough, we must have an alternative and the Palestinian cause to very deep falls. we are less convinced of the need for accountabil- many blocs within a year. They will no longer exist there will be one - but not a better one either for the cur- Finally, one of the historically lost chances was told by Dr rent opposition, the country or the government. The ity. Some violating companies had harmed every- because as I mentioned, some of the new political blocs Tharwat Okashah, who served as an Egyptian military were unfortunately formed depending on certain people opposition must go back to constitutional and legal body including citizens and expats. This resulted attachÈ in Egyptian embassies in Bonn, Paris and Madrid in and not on a certain ideology. This was enough to make channels. They must contribute to the political process in two things - firstly, diesel smugglers were the 1950s then a minister of culture in the 1960s. Okashah the least spark of disagreement rock the whole bloc, within the law. We blamed the opposition when its mem- said that during his tenure in Paris, the Israeli ambassador immune to being held accountable. Secondly, the which already happened. bers boycotted the recent parliamentary elections. and some Zionist leaders asked him to report to Nasser (dur- government’s chances of promoting its economic To be more specific, our opposition is mainly nominal Things could have been more promising if they had run ing the Egyptian-Syrian union) that they accept the project of plans of conservation are decreasing because of depending on people and therefore no matter how in those elections and they would not have started uniting all Arab countries, support it and are willing to its bad direction of the diesel issue. strong it might be, it will always remain restricted to the falling apart in a rapidly accelerating domino effect we become part of that Arab Empire on condition of recognition I believe what we need now is to know how ideas and view of those people. In other words, ideas had wished never to witness. However, it is happening as and having some privacy within that promising state. As usu- much the smuggled diesel was worth and declare cannot be led and this was what many of the opposition a political fact. al, this proposal was rejected in order to achieve illusionary this to the public, and that those indicted with members of supporters overlooked and needs to be fully The best advantage in political observers’ eyes is that victories and throwing Israel into the sea with the result that smuggling should be legally held accountable understood. We should not question others’ intentions the opposition’s internal disputes have revealed every- the whole Arab nation has been lost ever since and only sees because this is a ‘political crime’. whenever an opposition or majority bloc member makes body’s affiliations! darkness at the end of the tunnel. — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida a statement. But it seems that since the opposition is — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa

In my view Development, tolerance are the answers

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

hen police cornered the two extremist broth- country from Iraq. The step comes as a precautionary ers who committed the attack on Charlie measure to maintain the state’s security in light of the WHebdo in Paris, the attackers said moments regional developments, according to a recent report. It before they died that they sought martyrdom for the is a necessary step to maintain security and prevent sake of Islam. I believe that the two brothers’ call has a entrance of anyone suspected to pose a security lot of misconceptions about religion and what actually threat. Countries that at one point encouraged terrorist it means to fight for it. practices are now paying heavy prices in the form of The attack that the two Islamist brothers committed reactions in their own lands. As a result, they started on the weekly’s headquarters for publishing cartoons preaching the importance of religious tolerance in offending Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is order to be able to live in peace. not the proper way to express dissatisfaction for the Some extremist groups have worked on damaging drawings. There are always legal ways that can be tak- the image of Islam through actions that include brain- en. Meanwhile, cities are not a place for battles, accord- washing young Muslims who could be out of jobs or ing to religion and reason. Islam preaches wisdom and sources of income. The undeniable truth remains adopting peaceful means, not attacking unarmed civil- though that Islam is not against other religions, and ians inside their cities. Muslims are not advocates of terrorism against civil- Something else that I believe needs attention is the ians. That is why we need extra effort from moderate anti-Islam demonstrations clerics in all religions to call that rightwing extremist for tolerance towards others young people called for in The world needs joint work regardless of their beliefs. several European nations. After all, God created Earth for Muslims living in Europe to fight terrorism through all humans to live here have migrated there legally. together, and therefore we They mostly came from Arab efforts to achieve sustain- must coexist, and take advan- and Muslim societies that suf- tage of our differences fer under tyrannical rule, and able development projects because the human nature is were left with little choice based on diversity. The world but to move to Europe, North that help give hope to needs joint work to fight ter- America and other parts of rorism through efforts to the world to free themselves young people for achieve sustainable develop- from strife. ment projects that help give Europe has always been a promising future hope to young people for a an attractive destinations for promising future, and take immigrants, and this has led to a situation where some them away from the hands of extremism. societies are struggling to deal with unemployment In Kuwait, we can take efforts to identify and stop and general budget expenses. And maybe this has led sources of financing terrorism, and protect young peo- some countries to look for energy sources outside, ple from forces that recruit them for jihad under false even if that leads to risks of wars that people pay for in hopes. We can also prepare for potential risks, such as the form of their security, safety and stability. The the Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s recently announced world needs to focus on establishing the foundations step to establish an emergency operations center in of understanding, tolerance and love in order to cooperation with international organizations to handle achieve security that people can feel in their cities and security and environmental challenges that countries homes. in the region face. I believe that this step is important In Kuwait, border security officers stopped a num- in light of the phase that the Arab region is going ber of Europeans of Arab descent from entering the through. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

Ryan out, Romney moves closer to Kerry urges Pakistan to fight terror groups 2016 campaign Page 11 Page 9 Pardon possible for Jazeera journalists Canada’s top envoy to go to Egypt to free Fahmy

NAIROBI: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi could still par- don three jailed Al-Jazeera journalists who are now facing a retrial if he deems it appropriate, the country’s foreign minister said yesterday. Canadian-Egyptian Mohamed Fahmy, Egyptian Baher Mohamed and Australian Peter Greste were sentenced last June to seven to 10 years for spreading lies to help a “ter- rorist organisation” - a reference to Egypt’s outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Sisi said in November the issue of a presidential pardon was under discussion. Egypt’s High Court ordered a retrial of the men on Jan 1. Asked about a presidential pardon, Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri said: “All avenues are on the agenda in the context of the president’s constitutional and legal rights.” “So in principle that is also an avenue that might be pursued but that is the prerogative of the head of state when he deems it necessary or appropriate to do so,” he told Reuters during a visit to the United Nations’ Africa headquarters in Nairobi. He said the fate of the three, who include Greste, a Nairobi- based journalist who was detained on assignment in Cairo, now depended on the retrial process. About a dozen Kenya- based journalists staged a small protest against the jailings in front of the minister in the UN compound, taping their mouths shut to reflect their view that Egypt was stifling free speech. Rights groups and Western governments have criticised the detentions. Al Jazeera says the trial was flawed and has demanded their release. Shukri said a decision by the Doha-based channel to halt broadcasts last month of its Egypt-focused operation Al- Jazeera Mubasher Misr, whose content angered Cairo, would help improve strained ties with Qatar. “You could say it is a con- tributory factor,” he said, although he did not mention other specific steps needed. Qatar was one of the main supporters of Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi and his Brotherhood during NAIROBI: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri is confronted by protestors demonstrating against the incarceration of Australian journalist Peter Greste and Al-Jazeera their year in power before his government was ousted by the colleagues Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed at a United Nations Environment program (UNEP) reception at the United Nations headquarters yesterday. — AFP army in July 2013. tions,” Shukri said, without saying when Egypt might send an to hold talks today and tomorrow in Luxor and Cairo with sen- discuss regional security, religious freedom and economic Egypt has accused Al-Jazeera of being a mouthpiece for the ambassador back to Doha. ior Egyptian officials, including his counterpart Shukri and Sisi. issues. now-banned Brotherhood, which the channel denies. Sisi met Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird “Canada has been an ardent supporter of Egypt’s efforts to Fahmy’s brother said a request has been submitted to have a Qatari envoy last month, the latest step in diplomatic efforts will travel today to Egypt to seek the release of Fahmy. Ottawa’s build a stable, inclusive, prosperous and democratic country him deported from Egypt under a new law signed by Sisi. led by Saudi Arabia to help patch up ties. “The efforts of Saudi top diplomat said last week he was close to reaching a deal based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and Greste’s lawyer has said he submitted a similar request, while Arabia, the recent emissary (from Qatar) ... his meeting with the with Egypt on deporting Fahmy to Canada, adding negotia- the rule of law,” Baird said in a statement. “This trip will be an Mohamed’s wife said she also was looking at ways to get her president, provide an opportunity for the normalisation of rela- tions were at a “critical phase”. His office said Baird is scheduled opportunity to further advance these priorities.” Baird will also husband out of Egypt. — Agencies

Panel Van p8_Layout 1 1/13/15 9:28 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Jihadists wage high-tech war to win recruits

BEIRUT: Jihadist groups tied to the The three men involved in the has frequently used Twitter to reach week’s hacking of the Pentagon’s people to come to them, but they men who attacked France’s Charlie France attack appear to be linked to dif- out to potential followers. Central Command Twitter feed, to gain know that there are a lot of barriers,” Hebdo magazine and a Paris kosher ferent jihadist groups. The two brothers But perhaps no group has harnessed notice. Experts say foreign recruits play said Watts. “In the absence of a way to supermarket are waging an increasing- who targeted Charlie Hebdo were the power of the Internet as effectively a key role in jihadist outreach. Most get there, they say ‘Stay where you are ly sophisticated propaganda campaign linked to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian as IS, which eschewed the password- prominent jihadist groups now adver- and do attacks at home,’ which is why targeting Western recruits, experts say. Peninsula (AQAP), which is based in protected forums preferred by Al- tise their operations in Western lan- you’ve seen a lot of these sort of Organisations ranging from the Islamic Yemen. The third attacker appears to Qaeda in favour of popular social guages and often feature videos of attacks in recent months.” State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria to Al- have pledged allegiance to IS. Jihadists media sites. It quickly established a Westerners describing life on the bat- Experts say radicalisation through Qaeda and even the Somali Al-Shebab use a variety of media for their mes- presence on Facebook and Twitter and tlefield. “They are a way to get through online propaganda can happen quickly group have sought to exploit the sage. Since 2010, AQAP has produced even allows its fighters to converse to a population that might otherwise or over the course of years. But they anonymity and reach of the Internet to the English-language “Inspire” maga- publicly with potential recruits on be difficult to reach,” Winter said. IS has agree that addressing root causes is key attract Western members. They urge zine, released periodically in PDF for- question-and-answer sites like Ask.fm. even used British hostage John Cantlie, to stemming recruitment, including by recruits to come to the battlefield, but mat with articles expounding on its “Islamic State has really honed its a journalist kidnapped in Syria, to pres- denying jihadist groups battlefield suc- also encourage them to carry out vio- ideology and instructing readers on media strategy,” said Charlie Winter, a ent a series of “documentaries” intend- cesses that fuel propaganda. Winter lence at home. how to carry out attacks. researcher at the Quilliam Foundation, ed to show what life is life in areas urged governments to work with grass- Jihadist groups have targeted a counter-extremist think tank. “It has a under its control. roots groups to address the marginali- Western recruits for decades, but the IS has ‘Honed Media Strategy’ standardised format, which makes it sation in Western countries that is send- Internet has revolutionised their In recent issues it singled out France easy to identify as official Islamic State Urging Attacks at Home ing some into the arms of jihadists. “Just approach, according to Clint Watts, a as a target and put Charlie Hebdo’s edi- propaganda. It is very productive, it has Though jihadist propaganda is pri- arresting people, stripping them of their senior fellow at the Foreign Policy tor-in-chief Stephane Charbonnier, who an output rate of four or five videos a marily intended to encourage Western citizenship, is a tricky and potentially Research Institute. “Thirty years ago it was killed in last week’s attack, on a week,” he said. recruits to join them in battle, it also harmful way to move forward, because took a long time to get everyone to “Most Wanted” list. Al-Nusra Front, Al- The group also relies on “a wide, urges sympathisers to carry out attacks you could end up alienating more peo- Afghanistan” where jihadists were fight- Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, publishes slickly decentralised network of people who at home. Last year, IS spokesman Abu ple,” he said. Governments need to ing Soviet troops, he said. “Now they produced video, as well as photos and are almost obsessive in their need to Mohamed al-Adnani singled out France ensure “levels of marginalisation that propagate through social media, that’s statements, through official accounts share things” to distribute its material, in a message urging followers to kill people feel in society are broken down, why it can happen so quickly, they can on Twitter and the video-sharing web- Winter added. IS and its backers also “disbelievers” in the West. “The first because that’s what drives people to rapidly ramp up recruitment.” site YouTube. And Somalia’s Al-Shebab use high-profile methods, like this thing they’re going to try to do is to get join these groups.” —AFP LRA commander to be tried at ICC

KAMPALA: Captured Ugandan Lord’s sex slaves. Other abductees were Resistance Army rebel chief Dominic deployed to carry out attacks on civilians Ongwen will be sent to the International in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ICC Criminal Court to face charges of war spokesman Fadi El Abdallah told AFP the crimes and crimes against humanity, court welcomed “all cooperation” that led Uganda’s military said yesterday. Ongwen, to wanted suspects being brought to trial. who is in the custody of US special forces after surrendering in the Central African Punishment Raids Republic last week, has been sought by Known as the “White Ant”, Ongwen’s the ICC for almost a decade to face troops excelled in punishment raids, charges including murder, enslavement, which involved slicing off the lips and ears inhumane acts and directing attacks of victims as grim calling cards. The US against civilians. State Department accused him of “mur- “Finally it has been decided, Dominic der, enslavement and cruel treatment of civilians,” and offered a $5 million bounty for information leading to his capture. Uganda is a signatory to the ICC and is legally bound to hand over wanted sus- pects to the court. However, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni last month called for African nations to quit the ICC, accusing the court of being used as a “tool to target” the continent. Over 12,000 ex-LRA fighters - mainly footsoldiers who were themselves abducted by the gunmen - have been JERUSALEM: The body of a victim is carried to be buried at a cemetery yesterday during the funeral of four Jews killed in an Islamist attack on a pardoned under a government amnesty kosher supermarket in Paris last week. — AFP designed to encourage those still in the bush to surrender. But presidential spokeswoman Lindah Nabusayi said yes- terday the amnesty did not cover those Jews killed in Paris accused of crimes against humanity or those wanted by the ICC, saying the presi- dent would not “pardon terrorists who Dominic Ongwen have abused the sanctity of human life.” buried in Jerusalem Long driven out of Uganda, small Ongwen will be tried at the ICC in The bands of LRA fighters now roam forest Hague,” Ugandan army spokesman Paddy regions of CAR, DR Congo, Sudan and Ankunda said, ending speculation that South Sudan. Kony, who claims mystical- Netanyahu calls Israel ‘true home’ for all Jews Kampala might seek to put the ex-rebel religious powers, has reportedly been on trial in its own court. “Ongwen will be based in the Sudanese-controlled Kafia JERUSALEM: Four French Jews killed in the Jewish people,” he said. Opposition leader Isaac Herzog also attended conveyed to The Hague by CAR authori- Kingi enclave in recent years. Uganda is attack on a kosher supermarket in Paris were and spoke. Netanyahu did not go to the funerals ties... in consultation with the relevant leading an African Union mission, backed buried in Jerusalem yesterday before thousands French Concern for four rabbis and a Druze policeman killed by bodies,” Ankunda said, adding he would by US special forces, to hunt down top of French and Israeli mourners, with Prime Despite many of the mourners having trav- Palestinian militants at a Jerusalem synagogue be transferred “hopefully very soon,” with- LRA commanders. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying they had elled from France and not speaking Hebrew, in November. He also did not attend the funerals out giving further details. On Monday, Uganda’s NTV television been returned to their “true home”. In an emo- none of the Israeli politicians who delivered of four French Jews killed in Toulouse in 2012, all The LRA has been blamed for the station broadcast an audio interview tional ceremony at a hillside cemetery amid addresses at the ceremony used any French. of whom were buried in Jerusalem. Asked why slaughter of over 100,000 people and kid- with a man they said was Ongwen, tight security, Netanyahu denounced the “terror- Friends of Yohan Cohen, 20, who was shot dead Netanyahu had chosen to go to yesterday’s cere- napping of more than 60,000 children appealing to remaining fighters to sur- ism of extremist Islam” behind Friday’s assault on by hostage-taker Amedy Coulibaly, said he mony, his spokesman said there was nothing to the grocery and the deadly shootings on would have wanted to be buried in Israel even if add beyond the prime minister’s comments at during a three-decade-long campaign render. He said he fled because Kony had Wednesday at the offices of the Charlie Hebdo he always regarded France as his home. “We the funeral. Netanyahu’s open invitation to across five central African nations. A for- wanted to kill him, telling comrades he weekly. know that there’s a day when we must ultimate- French Jews to move to Israel has caused some mer child soldier himself, Ongwen was a “only wants to be chief and for you to Netanyahu, who joined world leaders for a ly come to Israel,” said Michael Sitruk, 19, who discomfort to French leaders, with Prime senior aide to LRA leader and warlord work for him like a slave”. ICC arrest war- rally of over a million people in Paris on Sunday, like several others wore a white t-shirt bearing Minister Manuel Valls quick to reassure the Joseph Kony. rants were issued for five LRA command- said Jews around the world were always wel- Cohen’s picture. 550,000-strong community it is safe and an inte- Ongwen, who is in his mid-30s, is ers, but after Ongwen’s capture and the come to migrate to Israel. “Our president was Asked if he had any plans to move to Israel, gral part of the republic. That message was reit- accused of directing bloody campaigns in killing of other movement leaders, only right in saying that Jews have the right to live in he said it felt inevitable, given a steady increase erated by French Energy Minister Segolene northern Uganda in the early 2000s, Joseph Kony and Okot Odhiambo remain many countries,” Netanyahu said, delivering his in anti-Semitic attacks. “It’s hard. I was born in Royal, who attended yesterday’s ceremony. “The where thousands of people were killed or at large. Uganda has said Odhiambo may homily in Hebrew after Israeli President Reuven France, grew up in France, have my life and fami- French Republic shares your loss,” she said “Your abducted to be used as child soldiers or also have been killed. — AFP Rivlin had spoken. “Today, more than ever, Israel ly in France.” Netanyahu’s decision to attend the pain is ours. Your pain is that of all of France,” she is the true home of all of us, and the greater our funeral for Cohen, Yoav Hattab, 22, Philippe said, announcing that the victims were being number and the more united we are in our land, Braham, 45, and Francois-Michel Saada, 64, was posthumously awarded the Legion d’honneur, the stronger we will be in our one and only rare, lending a political atmosphere to the cere- France’s highest decoration. “France without its IS video shows young boy country - and that is the hope of the entire mony. Elections will be held on March 17. Jewish community is not France.” — Reuters executing ‘Russian spies’ BEIRUT: The Islamic State jihadist group are kneeling before the man and the Jewish community stunned released a video yesterday purporting to child, who steps forward and shoots show a young boy executing two men both men once in the head and then accused of working for Russian intelli- several times again after they collapse. by loss of ‘child of Tunisia’ gence services. The video shows the two The end of the video appears to feature men apparently being shot dead by the footage of the same boy from an earlier child after being interrogated on camera IS propaganda video telling an inter- TUNIS: The loss of a “child of Tunisia” has he coordinated his attack with two brothers News of his death was even more heart- about their alleged attempts to infiltrate viewer he wants to grow up to kill “infi- plunged its small Jewish community into responsible for a killing spree in the offices of breaking for family and friends because initially IS in Syria. Entitled “Uncovering an dels”. mourning after Yoav Hattab, son of a Tunis rab- Charlie Hebdo to avenge its cartoons of Prophet they thought he was among the survivors. Enemy Within” in English, the video is That footage appears to come from a bi, was killed in last week’s jihadist attack on a Muhammad (PBUH). Yoav “was a very dynamic “Watching footage of the released hostages, we narrated in Russian and opens with the video that emerged last year, showing Paris kosher supermarket. Hattab, a 21-year-old person. There are those who are stand back and said: ‘That’s him, that’s Yoav!’ before the bad interrogation of one of the men, who the boy participating in a training camp who was in France for international business watch their lives. But him, he played an active news struck,” Uzan told AFP in a trembling says he is a Kazakh citizen. for children, taking apart and reassem- studies, had a bright future in front of him. role,” said Moshe Uzan, a 25-year-old friend. voice.— AFP He says he was recruited by Russia’s bling a gun. In that video, he gave his “Tunisia paid a heavy price” in the attacks which Federal Security Service (FSB) to get name as Abdullah, and said he was from killed 17 people over three days in the French close to an unnamed IS fighter. The sec- Kazakhstan. Russia’s FSB agency had no capital, said Jacob Lellouche, who runs a restau- ond man, who does not give his nation- immediate comment on the video. The rant in the Tunis suburb of La Goulette and is ality but says he worked for the FSB in video appears to be the first time IS has president of a Jewish cultural organisation. Russia previously, says he was tasked shown a child carrying out an execution, Apart from Yoav, who held Tunisian citizen- with killing an unnamed IS fighter. Both though it has regularly featured children ship, other victims had their roots in the pre- men say they were told to collect and in its footage, showing them watching dominantly Muslim country, such as renowned transmit information about IS fighters in grisly killings and training to fight. Charlie Hebdo cartoonist Georges Wolinski, psy- chiatrist Elsa Cayat, who wrote a column in the Syria. After the interrogations, the video IS has held multiple foreign hostages, French satirical weekly, and Francois-Michel cuts to an outdoors scene, where a including a number of Western journal- Saada, gunned down like Hattab in the super- bearded adult IS fighter in military-style ists and aid workers, beheading five of market. Yoav Hattab, one of four Jewish victims clothes is standing next to a young boy them in gruesome videos published buried in Jerusalem on Tuesday, was widely armed with a pistol. online. The group, which emerged from known among the Jewish community of 1,500 The man recites religious verses and Al-Qaeda’s one-time Iraq affiliate but in Tunisia where his rabbi father runs the capi- says the two men are in the “custody of has since split with the organisation, tal’s Jewish school. the lion cubs” of IS’s self-declared controls swathes of territory in Syria and According to witnesses, he died trying to Islamic “caliphate”. The boy has long hair Iraq. It has declared an Islamic fight back against Amedy Coulibaly with one of and is dressed in a black zip-up sweater “caliphate” in territory it holds and has the assailant’s guns. Coulibaly last Friday took and military-style trousers. The two been accused of abuses ranging from hostages at the supermarket, killing four before TUNIS: Tunisian Jewish students study a religious text yesterday in the school that Yoav Hattab - one men, dressed in matching grey outfits, slavery to forms of crucifixion. — AFP being shot dead by police, after having claimed of the Jewish victims killed during the hostage-taking in Paris last week - was educated at. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 INTERNATIONAL DC subway system hobbled after fatal accident

WASHINGTON: The transit network in the cause of the arcing was not yet pretty quick,” passenger Jonathan the nation’s capital remained hobbled known. Rogers told The Washington Post. yesterday morning following an electri- “The third rail is high-voltage direct “People started praying. Smoke was cal malfunction that filled a busy subway current, and if that current starts arcing coming in pretty steadily.” The accident station with smoke, killing one woman to another conductor that it is not occurred around 3:30 pm Monday on a and sending dozens of people to hospi- designed to connect with, you get a Virginia-bound yellow line train that tals. The National Transportation Safety flash,” Flanigon said. “In certain cases, had just left the L’Enfant Plaza station in Board was investigating the accident, that arc can start sort of feeding on downtown Washington, one of the sys- which happened at the beginning of the itself, and it actually generates gases tem’s busiest stations. The train stopped Monday afternoon rush hour and led to that are more conductive.” about 800 feet beyond the platform, and the first fatality on Washington’s Metro Witnesses described a chaotic the arcing occurred roughly 1,000 feet system since a 2009 crash that killed scene aboard the train as passengers beyond the train, Flanigon said. The train eight passengers and a train operator. tried to escape the smoke, and many did not derail, and there was no fire, he NTSB investigator Michael Flanigon passengers left the train on their own said. told reporters late Monday night that an before emergency responders arrived The yellow line remained shut down electrical “arcing” involving the high- on the scene, Flanigon said. In addi- yesterday morning, and the system’s voltage third rail led a train to stop in a tion to the woman who died, whose orange, blue and silver lines were on a tunnel and quickly filled the tunnel with name had not been released yesterday reduced schedule. Service on the green smoke. An arcing occurs when electricity morning, at least one other passenger and red lines was normal. The Metrorail from the third rail comes into contact was in critical condition at a local hos- system, which connects downtown with another substance that conducts pital. Eighty-four people were taken to Washington with the Maryland and WASHINGTON: A woman coughs hard as she and another woman walk past electricity, such as water. While there hospitals, most with smoke inhalation, Virginia suburbs, carries an average of evacuation of people from a smoke filled subway tunnel on Monday. —AP was water in the tunnel, Flanigon said authorities said. “It started to get scary 721,000 passengers each weekday. — AP 4 men mourned as fear grips SF neighborhood SAN FRANCISCO: The residents of a shot dead a few blocks from San neighborhood plagued by gang vio- Francisco’s golden domed City Hall lence came together to mourn the where trendy cafes, antique stores and killings of four young men shot dead as popular restaurants are opening in a they sat inside a stolen car. Police said neighborhood long plagued by gang the killings are gang-related but no sus- violence. Ten men and a woman are in pects have been publicly identified. The jail awaiting trial on federal charges of San Francisco Police Department’s gang murder, racketeering and a host of other task force and homicide detectives were counts connected to a gang authorities investigating the Friday night shooting, say is based in the neighborhood. police spokesman Albie Esparza said. A makeshift memorial of candles, Police have stepped up patrols since flowers and handwritten signs appeared then, but that has done little to bring on the sidewalk next to where the calm to residents afraid of more violence shooting occurred across the street from in reprisal for the killings. the Samovar Tea Lounge and the San A prayer vigil was held Monday night Francisco Zen Center. Two bullet holes Paul Ryan Mitt Romney at the San Francisco Zen Center, across were visible in an empty storefront. the street from where the young men Graffiti mourning one of the men slain were killed. “I was commenting on how I was spray-painted on a nearby apart- Ryan out, Romney moves hadn’t heard of shootings or there ment building. hadn’t been any murders in the neigh- Chinyamurindi’s mother told the San borhood in so long, in a number of Francisco Chronicle that her son was at years,” resident Lynne Winslow told KGO- the “wrong place at the wrong time”. closer to 2016 campaign TV. “It used to be so common.” San Asale-Haqueenyah Chandler said her son Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr said worked at a nearby Japanese restaurant four guns were likely used in the shoot- and was headed to a liquor store to cash ing and two were recovered in the his paycheck during his 30-minute break. Bush, Christie also eyeing runs stolen car. He said preventing a reprisal “He called his friend to pick him up,” attack was a priority. Chandler said. “He only had a half-hour. ATLANTA: The GOP’s crowded 2016 presidential Calls from Romney went to several other nals that an announcement about his presiden- Community leaders said fearful par- He wanted to give me some money field shifted sharply Monday as Paul Ryan, the boldface names in Republican politics, including tial plans could be imminent. The Republican ents and residents were keeping their toward our rent and save money for a car.” party’s last vice presidential nominee, bowed Ryan; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich; New National Committee’s top fundraiser, Texas- children inside. “Our community is Witnesses reported more than a out, while two-time presidential hopeful Mitt Hampshire Sen Kelly Ayotte and the state’s for- based Ray Washburne, is preparing to join bleeding,” said Mattie Scott, a communi- dozen shots were fired into the double- Romney marched toward his third campaign mer governor, John Sununu; Meg Whitman, Christie’s team. He told the AP on Monday, “I ty activist whose 24-year-old son was parked car. “I heard ‘pop, pop,’ about 15 and New Jersey Gov Chris Christie stepped clos- chief executive at Hewlett-Packard Co; Utah Rep won’t be the national finance chairman at the slain in the same neighborhood in 1996. times in quick succession,” said Jason er to his first. The developments came as Jason Chaffetz; two former senators, Scott end of the week.” He declined to comment fur- “Fear is a major issue right now.” The Palmer, who was walking his dog two Republican officials from across the nation pre- Brown of Massachusetts and Jim Talent of ther because Christie has yet to announce his pare to gather in San Diego this week to finalize Missouri; and David Kochel, Romney’s senior 2016 intentions. Washburne was a leading coroner identified the dead as David blocks away when the killings occurred. an election calendar that will include the first Iowa strategist in both of his previous cam- fundraiser for Bush’s brother, former President Palmer, an actor who moved to San Saucier, 20, of Antioch; and San debates of the campaign this summer. Romney paigns. “We had a great conversation. He made it George W Bush. Francisco residents Yalani Francisco a year and a half ago, said the is among four potential White House contenders clear to me he is seriously considering the race,” Christie’s team is expected to start making Chinyamurindi, 19; Harith Atchan, 21; neighborhood is plagued with graffiti expected to attend that meeting. said Jim Merrill, a top Romney staffer in New moves to raise money for a prospective presi- and Manuel O’Neal, 22. The four were and crime. — AP Ryan, a Wisconsin congressman and close Hampshire during the 2008 and 2012 cam- dential campaign by the end of the month, Romney ally, thanked those who encouraged paigns. “When you get a phone call like that at according to a person who has been in touch him to seek the presidency, but said he wanted close to 9 on a Saturday night, it means some- with Christie’s team, but who spoke on the con- Muslims seek to reverse to focus all of his attention on his new role as thing.” dition of anonymity because the person was not chairman of the House Ways and Means authorized to discuss the plans publicly. That ruling that led to spying Committee. “I’m ready to get on with my job, Challenges could include the potential formation of a politi- and I’m excited about what’s ahead,” Ryan told Former aides suggested Monday that cal action committee to begin raising cash that The Associated Press in an interview at the Romney could easily become a force in the com- can be used to support a prospective campaign, Press. The series won a Pulitzer Prize in PHILADELPHIA: Muslim residents of Capitol. ing contest, pointing to the more than $1 billion the person said. Christie’s chief political adviser, New Jersey will be in court to try to 2012. Ryan was among those Romney personally he raised and 60 million votes he garnered in the Mike DuHaime, declined to comment. reverse a ruling that found New York City Martini wrote that police could not telephoned over the weekend to gauge their last election. Yet he would face far greater chal- Meanwhile, a handful of presidential con- police could legally monitor their activi- keep an eye “on Muslim terrorist activi- support for a third campaign, which was barely lenges in the next presidential contest than he tenders were preparing Monday to appear later ties. Two civil rights groups, Muslim ties without monitoring the Muslim com- on the horizon at this time last week and would did in the last, particularly in the early primaries this week at the Republican National Advocates and the Center for munity itself”. He also said the AP - and be the first return engagement of a losing major against a field expected to feature more than a Committee’s winter meeting in San Diego. The Constitutional Rights, will argue their not police -would be responsible for any party nominee in decades. Asked Monday if he dozen Republicans with legitimate White House agenda is expected to include Romney, former appeal Tuesday before the 3rd US Circuit harm that ensued. “The city’s surveillance would back another Romney run, Ryan resumes, including several sitting governors and neurosurgeon and conservative favorite Ben Court of Appeals in Philadelphia. The program is explicitly based upon, and demurred, saying, “It’s premature for any of that.” US senators. Carson, Wisconsin Gov Scott Walker and outgo- plaintiffs include a US soldier, a school accordingly perpetuates, a malignant The former Massachusetts governor shocked None threatens Romney’s prospects more ing Texas Gov Rick Perry. The gathering will take principal and several Rutgers University stereotype: that Muslims are a danger to former staff, supporters and donors on Friday than former Florida Gov Jeb Bush, an early place close to Romney’s southern California students. society,” lawyers for the civil rights when he told a private gathering in New York establishment favorite who has already begun home. In New Hampshire on Monday, former They argue that last year’s ruling from groups wrote in their appeal brief. They that he is again seriously exploring a campaign, to draw from the same pool of Republican New York Gov George Pataki capped a two-day US District Judge William Martini of also said their clients have suffered harm a change for Romney after several months of donors who fueled Romney’s last campaign. trip to the early voting state sounding very Newark gives police the authority to vio- to their reputations that could threaten insisting his career in politics had comes to its Bush has yet to formally launch a campaign, but much like a politician ready to jump into the late their civil rights. The case involves their livelihoods. New York City, in its end. The next day, he and his wife, Ann, began has been among the most aggressive would-be race. He told the AP in an interview he’s again the New York Police Department’s deci- response, noted that New Jersey authori- reaching out to others as members of their inner candidates in recent weeks, having launched a considering a White House campaign because sion to spy on Muslim groups at ties found no evidence the city police circle started to revive a political operation that fundraising operation and attended a series of the nation can’t risk electing another Democratic mosques, restaurants and schools since department had broken any New Jersey had begun to move on. “The chances of him run- private meetings with donors across the coun- president. “That’s one of the reasons I think the ning are better than 50-50,” said former try. outcome of this election is so important, and I’m 2002. The practice came to light through laws. A similar lawsuit is pending in fed- Minnesota Gov Tim Pawlenty, who spoke with Romney could also face another establish- so much more inclined to get involved,” Pataki eral court in Brooklyn. — AP a series of articles by The Associated Romney over the weekend. ment favorite, Christie, who is sending new sig- said. — AP Mexican govt, vigilante allies feud

APATZINGAN, Mexico: The Mexican govern- vehicles, sparking a shootout that left eight Last Friday, hundreds of people protested in ment legalized and armed vigilante forces to people dead. Apatzingan, holding white candles and empty help fight a drug cartel in the troubled coffins to demand the withdrawal of federal Michoacan state, but the strategy has backfired Los Viagras forces. The protesters claim that the death toll amid clashes between the allies and among Alfredo Castillo, the federal government’s was as high as 17 in the Jan 6 clash, but officials militiamen. The tensions took a deadly turn last special security envoy to Michoacan, said reject the allegation. “There were also arbitrary week when federal forces stormed the city hall Monday that most of the victims were killed in detentions. My husband was arrested as he was of Apatzingan, the main town in Michoacan’s the crossfire by bullets fired “by their own com- buying toys and he didn’t even support the violent region of Tierra Caliente, to remove for- rades”. Two of the dead had police and civilian rural (force),” said one protester. The military mer members of the rural militia who had been bullets in their bodies, and it was impossible to beefed up its checkpoints in Apatzingan over occupying the building. know who fired the fatal shots in their cases, the weekend. “Nobody bad will come in or out “People are in pain, they feel hate” for the Castillo said. The protesters said they were only of here,” said a military officer. government and its federal forces, a member of armed with sticks and stones. “The government the legal “rural force” comprised of former vigi- armed them and then disarmed them (in Militia Infighting lantes told AFP on condition of anonymity. “We December) to send them to be killed,” said the When the government deputized vigilantes feel used, because we are now being treated mother of Luis Alberto Lara, a 20-year-old for- in May, the move allowed it to turn the vigi- like criminals,” he said. With a gun holstered to mer rural force member who died in the shoot- lantes into a legal force that has helped it killed his belt in the neighboring community of ing. or capture most Knights Templar leaders. But Pinzandaro, the ex-vigilante accused the federal A federal police agent who took part in last now some have been accused of having been police of killing his comrades in Apatzingan week’s raid said the Los Viagras gang had infil- infiltrated by gangs, while others have been after authorities kicked them out of city hall on trated the vigilante group in a quest to take fighting each other. On December 16, vigilante January 6. hold of Apatzingan, the former bastion of the movement founder Hipolito Mora and his fol- A man was run over by a car during the con- Knights Templar drug cartel. The once domi- lowers engaged in a gunfight with members of fusion and eight other people died of gunshot nant Knights Templar gang is believed to have a rival militia led by Luis Antonio Torres, alias “El wounds in the clash, with officials and militia- been weakened since the emergence of vigi- Americano,” leaving 11 people dead. men giving conflicting accounts. Dozens of for- lante forces formed by lime and avocado farm- Mora and Torres and 35 of their loyalists mer members of the rural force, which was cre- ers in 2013. “I think that (the government) had have been jailed. Last week, Castillo ated by the government in May, had taken over to align itself with all kinds of people to get rid announced that the eight-month-old rural the municipal building last month to protest of the Knights Templar. The problem is that not force would be disbanded but that its mem- their dismissals and demand backpay. all enemies of this cartel are necessarily friends bers could join a unified state command being APATZINGAN, Mexico: Mexican soldiers inspect bus passengers at a checkpoint at Authorities say a group of armed people later of the law,” the agent said on condition of created as part of government efforts to curb the entrance of this community in the state of Michoacan on Monday. —AFP attacked a police convoy transporting stolen anonymity. police corruption. —AFP p10 2_Layout 1 1/13/15 8:36 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

We can’t prevent new attacks: EU anti-terror chief

BRUSSELS: European Union counter- vent (such attacks) 100 percent,” tors” of radicalisation. It also has about 3,500 troops and international army that has to be wiped terrorism chief Gilles de Kerchove told Kerchove said in an interview. He said “The threat remains serious,” said de special forces operating in the Sahel- out and that is why we are part of the AFP yesterday that there was no the answer was not to jail jihadists Kerchove, who met with European, US Sahara region hunting down Al-Qaeda- coalition,” Le Drian said. absolute way to prevent new terror returning to Europe from Syria and Iraq, and Canadian security ministers in Paris linked militants. France intervened in More than 1,120 French citizens are attacks like those in Paris. “We can’t pre- as prisons had become “massive incuba- on Sunday after the Islamist attacks in Mali to oust Islamist militants from its involved in jihadi cells linked to Iraq and the French capital last week in which 17 former colony in January 2013 and Syria, of which about 400 are in the people were killed. He said the Islamic Defens Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian not- region. The suspected female accom- State group, which is being attacked by ed that two years later French forces plice of one of the gunmen who US-led forces were now fighting the “same threat” on attacked a Jewish supermarket last week in Iraq and Syria, has said it wants to home soil. fled to Syria ahead of the killings, Turkish attack western targets while a “strongly “It is the same enemy. Our forces are officials said on Monday. degraded” Al-Qaeda wants to remain a on the ground here because ... for our France has 800 military personnel, force to be reckoned with. He warned troops it’s the same fight,” Le Drian told nine fighter jets, a maritime patrol air- that the Al-Nusra Front, the Al-Qaeda Europe 1 radio, referring to the 10,000 craft and a refuelling plane at its base in branch in Syria, is also looking for “clean soldiers being deployed across France to the United Arab Emirates as part of its skins,” Europeans with no record of radi- secure key sites following last week’s “Chammal” Iraq mission, as well as an cal activity, to mount attacks in Europe. attack on the satirical newspaper Charlie anti-aircraft warship in the Gulf. It also Hebdo by Islamist gunmen. Parliament operates six Mirage fighter jets from ‘Wipe out IS’ will vote later on Tuesday on whether to Jordan. It is due to send its aircraft carri- Islamic State fighters must be wiped extend France’s military mission in Iraq, er to the Indian Ocean today and Le out, France’s defense minister said yes- four months after its launch. In a Drian said in December Paris would terday, indicating that Paris would not posthumous video, one of last week’s send 120 military advisers to train Iraqi pull back from military operations over- killers cited France’s operations abroad and Kurdish forces. seas after 17 people were killed by as one reason for his actions, but there However, it has ruled out striking home-grown militants in Paris last week. have been no major calls in France for its the Islamic State in Syria, where it After the United States, France has the troops to withdraw from operations provides equipment and training to largest number of planes and troops against Islamic militants. “moderate” forces fighting President PARIS: Members of the French government and deputies stand as they observe involved in the coalition fighting Islamic “The response is inside and outside Bashar Al-Assad. There was no indica- a minute of silence in homage of the 17 victims of last week terrorist attacks, at State, which last year took control of France. Islamic State is a terrorist army tion of a change in that stance yester- the French national Assembly in Paris yesterday.—AP large swathes of Iraq and Syria. with fighters from everywhere ... it is an day.—Agencies Italy president to resign, posing risks for Renzi ROME: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi Deputies, parliament’s lower house, will announced the imminent retirement yes- name the date for the election of his suc- terday of President Giorgio Napolitano, set- cessor by 1,009 parliamentarians and ting up a risky search to replace the former regional representatives, which must begin Communist stalwart who extended his within 15 days. term to guide Italy through political tur- The voting, which requires a two-thirds moil. majority in the first three rounds, can be The 89-year-old Napolitano, who agreed highly unpredictable, with lawmakers to a second term in 2013 after a dead- using the secret ballot to scupper candi- locked election left the country in a crisis, dates and settle political scores. had let it be known he would leave after Renzi said this week he was confident a Italy’s six-month presidency of the president could be chosen in the fourth European Union, which ended yesterday. round, when only a simple majority is The Italian president plays little part in needed. The search for a new president will day-to-day politics, but has the powers to be closely watched by other EU countries, choose a prime minister and dissolve par- hoping it does not cause instability in the liament, which became crucial in the past euro zone’s third largest economy. They are few years when a divided parliament strug- already concerned by elections in Greece gled to agree on a government. on Jan 25 which point to a likely victory for The election of his successor carries the far-left Syriza party, also triggered over political risks for 40 year-old Renzi, a cen- a prime minister’s failure to win support for tre-left leader in power for almost a year. a president. Some analysts believe Renzi will push for The search for a new head of state new elections if he cannot find broad sup- comes at a difficult time for Renzi. He has port for a new candidate. “I would like us to many enemies in his own Democratic Party salute Napolitano, a committed (PD) who resent his uncompromising lead- Europeanist who in these hours will leave ership style and oppose his plans for his post,” Renzi said in a speech to the reform of the electoral law and the labour European Parliament. market. Napolitano, who was first elected to par- The economy is still stuck in recession a liament in 1953, became president in 2006 year after he took office promising a rapid as a prominent member of the Democratic recovery, and he has struggled to produce KHARKIV: Refugees from eastern of Ukraiine wait for their departure at the airport of northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv yesterday. Five Left, the rebranded Cold War-era deep reforms requested by the European military planes of Polish Forces will evacuate 178 of ethnic Poles, mostly families with children living in areas controlled by pro-Russian sepa- Communists. Commission. ratists. — AFP His supporters say he has been an The reform process is likely to come to anchor of stability in the country’s political halt while parliament is occupied with the maelstrom, while his detractors see him as election of a new president. There is no an arch representative of a discredited clear favorite to become the new president. Ukraine summit called off political class and accuse him of over- Among names mentioned have been for- stretching his powers. mer Prime Minister Romano Prodi and He is expected to formally resign today. European Central Bank President Mario Laura Boldrini, president of the Chamber of Draghi. — Reuters as truce move falters 6 Ukraine civilians die Kiev says attacks on troops continue BERLIN/KIEV: Ukraine, Russia, Germany and which much is expected and which must be pre- Military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said the when rocket hits bus France have scrapped plans for a summit this pared,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter rebels had used anti-aircraft systems and week on the conflict in Ukraine because of a lack Steinmeier told reporters. artillery against the airport’s flight control tower, DONETSK: At least six Ukrainian civilians civilians were killed and 13 injured. of progress in implementing a four-month-old Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said all destroying it down to the fifth floor. were killed and more than a dozen wound- Donetsk regional interior ministry ceasefire agreement. had agreed only a strict ceasefire could pave the A separatist leader, Denis Pushilin, blamed ed yesterday when a long-range Grad rock- department chief Vyacheslav Abroskin said With bloodshed continuing between way for the leaders to meet in Astana. The sepa- the postponement of the summit on Kiev’s “non- et apparently fired by pro-Russian insur- the rocket appeared to have gone astray Ukrainian government forces and Russian- ratists and government forces blame each other constructive position”, including not recognising gents hit a intercity bus. after being fired at a road block set up near backed separatists, there was no sign when a for regular violations of the ceasefire which tech- the “special status” of the separatist-held regions Local police said the rocket appeared to the town of Volnovakha. “It was a direct hit new attempt at a big-power meeting could be nically came into force in early September as in the east, Interfax news agency reported. Lavrov have gone astray after being fired by the on an intercity bus,” Abroskin said. “An scheduled. The Russian, German and French part of a 12-point peace protocol signed in said there would be another meeting of the gunmen at a checkpoint set up by govern- investigation is in progress. The road leaders had been invited to talks on Thursday in Minsk, capital of Belarus. Contact Group - Russia, Ukraine, Europe’s OSCE ment soldiers on the main highway con- between Donetsk and Mariupol has been the Kazakh capital Astana by Ukrainian President security group and pro-Russian rebels - to find necting the rebel stronghold of Donetsk closed,” he said in reference to a strategic Petro Poroshenko on ending the conflict in Attacks ways to implement the Minsk agreement. with Ukraine’s southeastern coast on the port city controlled by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s east that has killed more than 4,700 Kiev says more than 200 Ukrainian service Meetings of this group have often proved difficult Sea of Azov. Initial toll figures ranged There was no immediate comment about people in nine months. personnel have been killed in attacks by sepa- to arrange, with Kiev unwilling to confer recogni- between six and 10 people killed and at the incident from any of the main sepa- But the four countries’ foreign ministers said ratists since the truce was declared, including tion on separatist leaders by meeting them offi- least a dozen injured. A statement issued ratist leaders. The insurgents and Kiev fre- after talks in Berlin on Monday the failure to nine since the start of this year. cially. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said last by the press centre of Ukraine’s military quently blame each other for stray rocket implement the truce fully, and the need to agree The Ukrainian military said separatists used week Europe could not consider lifting sanctions campaign in the east said six people were and artillery fire that kills and wounds civil- on how to deliver aid and free prisoners, meant Grad multiple rocket launchers in 26 separate against Russia until all elements of the Minsk killed and up to 20 wounded in the inci- ians in the eastern industrial war zone on “further work needs to be done” before a sum- attacks on Ukrainian positions overnight, includ- agreement were implemented. Ukraine says dent 35 kilometres (22 miles) southwest of an almost daily basis. Kiev earlier reported mit is held. “The differences in opinion made it ing on the international airport in the city of Russia has not carried out part of the agreement Donetsk. The head of the regional police the death of three civilians and a soldiers in clear how difficult it is to make progress towards Donetsk over which government forces have calling for the withdrawal of troops, armed department told AFP by telephone that 10 the past day of fighting. — AFP a political solution or a summit in Astana, from tenuous control. groups and military equipment. — Reuters UN urges Nigeria to probe mass killings

GENEVA: The United Nations called Nigeria yester- fighters were killed in an attack on a military camp of them there,” UNHCR spokesman William Spindler day to restore law and order in the northeast and in Cameroon on Monday, the government in said, adding that the agency was transferring them investigate “mass killings” of civilians blamed on Yaounde said. to the Chad mainland. UN aid agencies have not Boko Haram insurgents. Some 11,320 Nigerian refugees have fled the been able to verify the number of people displaced Nigeria’s military said on Monday that at least violence by crossing into neighbouring Chad since within Nigeria because of a lack of independent 150 people had been killed in clashes with the start of the year, the UN refugee agency said. access to the areas affected, but stand ready to Islamists in the northeastern town of Baga, but the “Some of them are stranded on an island on Lake provide humanitarian assistance, OCHA UN human rights office noted that there were Chad, called Kangala Island, there are about 2,000 spokesman Jens Laerke said.— Reuters “wildly differing” accounts with some reports put- ting the toll this year at 2,000. “While the exact details remain unclear, what Hungary ruling party’s poll appears fairly certain is that mass killings and mass forced displacement have occurred,” UN human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a lead slips, far-right gains news briefing in Geneva. “We urge the government to act swiftly to restore law and order while ensur- BUDAPEST: Support for Hungarian Prime Jobbik was unchanged at 14 percent of the ing that security operations are conducted in line Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party electorate in January from December but has with international law and full respect for human slipped further in January, an opinion poll by grown from 12 percent measured in rights.” Nigeria’s military is battling to reclaim Baga Ipsos showed on Monday, with the far-right November, the survey said. It said as many as from the Sunni Muslim militants, who want to Jobbik party gaining most from its decline. 150,000 voters had switched from Fidesz to establish an Islamic state in northern Nigeria. Boko Backing for Orban’s party has been tar- Jobbik over the past months. Haram has killed thousands in a five-year rebellion nished by a proposed Internet tax that he later The survey said Jobbik had overtaken which is seen as the biggest security threat to scrapped and diplomatic rows with western Fidesz in popularity among the unemployed Africa’s top oil producer and is a headache for powers, including the United States and and skilled workers, while among voters President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of what is like- Norway, over allegations of corruption and a younger than 30 Fidesz retained a tight lead ly to be a closely fought vote on Feb. 14. crackdown on civil groups. The Ipsos survey, over the far-right. Support for leftist opposi- Opening his re-election campaign this month, conducted between Jan. 3-10, showed sup- tion parties, including the main opposition he defended his record on fighting the insurgency. port for Fidesz dropped another 2 points to 23 Socialists, was unchanged, the survey said. There is also the risk of the militants destabilising percent of all voters in January. It said Fidesz The next parliamentary election is due in STRASBOURG: European Council President Donald Tusk arrives yesterday for a remained the most popular party. Support for 2018. — Reuters debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France. — AFP neighboring countries. At least 143 Boko Haram WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Bootleg liquor kills 31 in India

LUCKNOW: A batch of bootleg liquor has killed at home secretary of northern Indian state of Uttar the victims were in serious condition, said Kausar tillery where the liquor was produced and sold, police least 31 people in India, where tainted illegal alcohol Pradesh, taking the total death toll since Monday to Usman, a doctor at King George’s Medical University in said. Deaths from drinking moonshine are common in often kills poor villagers unable to afford licensed spir- 31. The victims from Malihabad, about 25 km (15 Lucknow. Police have arrested two men who they sus- India. In 2008, 180 people were killed after consuming its. miles) from the state capital, Lucknow, became severe- pect made the brew with methanol, a chemical used poisonous moonshine in the southern states of Tamil Fifteen people died yesterday and about 90 ly ill after consuming the drink on Sunday night, their in industrial items such as fuel and antifreeze. Nadu and Karnataka in India’s worst spate of deaths in remained in hospital, said Debashish Panda, principal families said. The death toll may rise further as most of Angry family members burned down the rustic dis- recent years. — Reuters Kerry urges Pakistan to fight terror groups US will provide Pakistan with $250m in aid

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan must fight militant groups that threaten Afghan, Indian and US interests, US Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday as he offered sympathy for the victims of last month’s massacre of children at a Pakistani school. Nuclear-armed Pakistan has long been sus- pected by the West of playing a double game, fighting some militants while supporting those its generals have regarded as strategic assets to be used against rivals and neighbors, India and Afghanistan. Visiting Pakistan after going to India at the weekend, Kerry said all militant groups should be targeted to bring security to the region. “Terror groups like the Pakistani and Afghan Taleban, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other groups continue to pose a threat to Pakistan, to its neighbors and to the United States,” Kerry told a news conference in Islamabad, listing some of the most feared KATHMANDU: Nepalese protesters march during a general strike called by an groups. alliance of 30 opposition parties in Kathmandu yesterday. The strike was called in “And all of us have a responsibility to ensure protest of government plans to bring out a draft of the new constitution next week that these groups do not gain a foothold but without the agreement of the opposition parties. —AP rather are pushed back into the recesses of ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) and Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Sartaj (Pakistan’s) memory... Make no mistake. The task Aziz leave after a joint press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad yesterday. — AFP is a difficult one and it is not done.” Most US-led him to cancel,” said a senior State Department that must continue in the interests of both coun- forces in neighboring Afghanistan officially com- official. tries.” He reassured his counterpart that “action Nepal arrests dozens pleted their combat mission last month, prompt- The United States identified Pakistan as a key will be taken without discrimination against all ing concern about the stability of the region partner in its war against terror following the groups”. in Maoist-led strike where insurgents have been increasingly Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and spent billions of dol- But, although observers have noted some aggressive in past months. lars on military aid to help the country fight progress, most agree that Pakistan has yet to Following the attack on the Peshawar school insurgents. But there is growing consternation in show it is seriously committed to go after all KATHMANDU: Nepalese police arrested and publish a draft constitution by January in which 134 children were killed, Pakistan has Washington about continuing with the same groups equally, including the powerful Haqqani more than 70 protesters yesterday for 22. “We called the strike to oppose ruling promised to stop differentiating between “good” level of assistance unless Pakistan provides evi- network which attacks targets in Afghanistan attacking vehicles or coercing shopkeepers parties’ attempt to establish a new consti- and “bad” militants and to step up operations dence it is using the funds effectively to elimi- from its bases in Pakistan. during a Maoist-led strike called before tution by exploiting their majority numbers against their hideouts on the Afghan border. nate militants holed up in its territory. “Obviously, the proof is going to be in the next week’s deadline to draft a constitu- in the assembly,” said Prem Bahadur Singh, Kerry said, however, Washington would pro- pudding,” Kerry said. “It will be seen over the tion. an opposition alliance spokesman. Further aid vide an additional $250 million in food, shelter next days, weeks, months, how extensive and Protesters belonging to a 30-party The opposition warned the ruling par- Before leaving Pakistan for Geneva, where he and other assistance to help people displaced by how successful this effort is going to be.” alliance headed by the former Maoist ties against holding a vote to push through is due to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad conflict in tribal areas. “We expect our defense Aziz said, however, that the Haqqani group’s rebels vandalised a dozen vehicles whose a new constitution, and said it would Zarif, Kerry had been expected to travel to the forces to remain engaged in counterterrorism infrastructure had been “totally destroyed” as a drivers defied the strike call in the capital organise a nationwide strike next Monday northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar to visit operations for some time in the foreseeable result of the Pakistani army’s operation in a tribal Kathmandu, police spokesman Dinesh unless leaders agree to continue discus- the victims but the plan was scrapped. “Kerry future,” said Pakistani foreign affairs adviser region that has long been regarded as a safe Acharya said. “In two cases, protesters sions on disputed issues. A key sticking had hoped to make a brief trip to Peshawar to Sartaj Aziz. haven for militants. “Their ability to operate from broke the windows of moving vehicles. In point concerns internal borders, with the visit survivors of the school massacre recovering “Continuation of coalition support fund reim- here across to Afghanistan has virtually disap- another case cadres threw stones at a taxi, opposition pushing for new provinces to in a hospital there but weather concerns forced bursements are therefore a valuable support peared,” Aziz said. — Reuters injuring a passenger inside,” Acharya said. be created along lines that could favour Another police spokesman, Madhav historically marginalised communities such Joshi, said 74 people had been arrested for as the “untouchable” Dalit caste and the trying to vandalise vehicles or force shops Madhesi ethnic minority. to close. Other parties have attacked this model, The strike, which closed down factories, calling it too divisive and a threat to nation- schools, colleges and public transport, al unity. Despite extensive discussions since came nine days before Nepal’s deadline to national polls in November 2013 and the draft a new constitution and conclude a appointment of a new prime minister last peace process begun after Maoist rebels February, the parties have failed to agree ended their 1996-2006 insurgency. on key issues. The Himalayan nation has Opposition parties organized the one- endured prolonged political limbo since day strike to put pressure on politicians 2006, when the Maoists signed a peace from the ruling coalition. The coalition is deal which paved the way for constituent pushing for the country’s constituent assembly polls two years later. — AFP assembly to put disputed issues to a vote

India minister slammed over plans to ‘normalize’ gays PANAJI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra all people-including those who are les- Modi’s ruling party came under fire yes- bian, gay, bisexual and transgender,” Ban terday after a minister from one of its said in an address to a gathering that state governments announced plans to included India’s Nobel peace prize winner make gays “normal” in the Goa resort Kailash Satyarthi. region. “I speak out because laws criminalising Ramesh Tawadkar, from Modi’s consensual, adult same-sex relationships Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the Goa violate basic rights to privacy and to free- state government was planning to open dom from discrimination. Even if they are centres to treat homosexuals in the not enforced, these laws breed intoler- region, whose long sandy beaches and ance.” COLOMBO: Pope Francis (center) arrives at Colombo’s International airport, Sri Lanka, yesterday. — AP laid-back lifestyle have long been a haven for tourists. Supreme Court ruling “We will make them normal. We will The Supreme Court reimposed a ban Pope says Sri Lanka should have centres for them, like Alcoholics on gay sex in late 2013, ruling that respon- Anonymous centres,” sports and youth sibility for changing the 1861 law rested affairs minister Tawadkar told reporters with lawmakers and not judges. on Monday, adding that the government Gay sex had been effectively legalised seek ‘truth’ over civil war would “train them and give them medi- in 2009 when the Delhi High Court cines too”. ruled that banning “carnal intercourse Gay rights groups branded the com- against the order of nature” was a violation COLOMBO: Pope Francis called on Sri Lanka to Francis is the first pope to visit Sri Lanka in 20 “Sirisena has also said he is not going to back an ments offensive and ignorant, while the of fundamental rights. Hindu nationalist uncover the truth of what happened during its years. Fighting between the mainly Hindu Tamils international investigation,” said Ganguly. main opposition Congress party slammed hardline groups like the RSS, the ideologi- bloody civil war as part of a healing process and the and mostly Buddhist Sinhalese majority About 70 percent of Sri Lankans are the minister’s attitude as shameless. “We cal mentor of the BJP, have often called between religious communities, as he arrived in ended in 2009 with a crushing defeat for the Buddhists. Hindus make up about 13 percent should not respond to this kind of stupidi- same-sex relationships a disease and a Colombo a few days after the island’s wartime Tamils. A 2011 UN estimate put the death toll and Muslims 10 percent. Catholics are about 7 ty,” said Anjali Gopalan, founder of Naz Western cultural import. leaders were voted out. Soon after landing in from the final army assault at up to 40,000 civil- percent, split between ethnic Sinhalese and Foundation, which first launched a case to Goa’s laid-back feel and party scene Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka, Francis appeared to ians. Tamils. Francis will canonize Sri Lanka’s first decriminalise homosexual sex in India. have attracted tourists for decades, and it make the case for a truth commission to investi- Pope Francis had first-hand experience of Catholic saint today, and visit a pilgrimage site “It’s better to ignore such things com- has a reputation for being more gay- gate the 26-year civil war, an election pledge of devastating civil strife as a priest in his native that was shelled in 1999. ing from the BJP. Their regressive attitude friendly than other socially conservative the government voted into office on Thursday. Argentina during its “Dirty War”. A subsequent is not surprising,” Gopalan told AFP, calling states. “The process of healing also needs to include 50,000-page truth report revealed shocking Human dignity the minister an “incompetent nincom- Goa-based fashion designer Wendell the pursuit of truth, not for the sake of opening details of kidnappings, rape and torture by the Francis called for a more inclusive society in poop”. Rodricks said the BJP government was old wounds, but rather as a necessary means of military junta. Sri Lanka, in comments that seemed directed at Facing a barrage of criticism, Tawadkar attempting to deflect attention from prob- promoting justice, healing and unity,” he said, Francis will spend two days in Sri Lanka former president and wartime leader Mahinda on Tuesday insisted he had been misquot- lems afflicting the state. “There are lot of draped in a long garland of yellow and white before heading to the Philippines as part of a Rajapaksa, who lost office after a resurgence in ed even as television footage of his com- other issues which need urgent attention roses. Francis was speaking at Bandaranaike trip aimed at shoring-up the Church’s presence religious tensions and anger at alleged corrup- ments continued to be run on local news in Goa. They should concentrate on real international airport, where he was met by in developing nations. The week-long tour is his tion. “The great work of rebuilding must channels. issues like corruption, illegal constructions, President Maithripala Sirisena, troupes of second to Asia. embrace improving infrastructures and meeting The backlash came one day after UN drug mafia, lawlessness and others,” he dancers and a children’s choir. Sirisena said the The Pope carried a message of inter-faith dia- material needs, but also, and even more impor- chief Ban Ki-moon condemned legisla- told AFP. Tawadkar made his comments visit was a blessing for his new government. logue, chiming with the new government’s push tantly, promoting human dignity, respect for tion against gay sex. after releasing the state’s policy on youth The pontiff departed past a long line of cos- for religious harmony. “My government is pro- human rights, and the full inclusion of each Secretary General Ban said laws against issues, which listed lesbians, gays, bisexu- tumed elephants, reaching their trunks towards moting peace and friendship among our people member of society,” he said, speaking under the gay and lesbian relationships breed intol- als and transgenders (LGBT) as a stigma- his open-topped white jeep, which briefly came after overcoming a cruel terrorist conflict. We hot morning sun. erance, although he did not refer specifi- tised group that needed attention. to a halt surrounded by crowds lining the road. have people who believe in religious tolerance Rajapaksa is feted as a hero for ending three cally to India’s colonial-era prohibition. Nitin Karani, trustee of the gay rights The motorcade’s slow progress through the late and coexistence based on centuries old religious decades of war. He also presided over a period Speaking on a visit to the capital New advocacy group Samapathik Trust, said morning heat appeared to tire the 78-year-old heritage,” Sirisena said. of fast economic growth and infrastructure Delhi on Monday night, Ban said he the comments reflected his ignorance, and he cancelled a meeting with bishops. However, Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia reconstruction. However, he refused to allow a “staunchly opposed the criminalisation of while Goa Congress spokesman Agnelo “Due to the hot sun he could not go,” said Sri director of Human Rights Watch, was doubtful fully independent inquiry into alleged war homosexuality”. Fernandes called the minister regres- Lankan Church spokesman Cyril Gamini. The the new government would agree to a UN crimes and presided over a period of growing “I am proud to stand for the equality of sive. — AFP Pope attended a later meeting with the presi- inquiry into the end of the war. Sirisena was act- repression of religious minorities as well as polit- dent as scheduled. ing defence minister as the war wound up. ical opponents. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Rajapakse denies post-election coup bid

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s former president the final official results were released been appointed as Sirisena’s foreign ceremony for Francis which was headed from Rajapakse to launch a coup, lead- Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday denied and congratulated the new president,” minister, has said “it was anything but” a by Sirisena. ing lawyers have accused the country’s government allegations that he he said. The 69-year-old, who came to peaceful transition. Local media has reported that a Chief Justice Mohan Peiris of being par- attempted a coup to remain in office power in a 2005 presidential election, “He stepped down only when the number of Rajapakse’s relatives, includ- ty to a plot. after it became clear that he had lost added that he had “always bowed down army chief and the police inspector gen- ing his brother Basil who had been eco- Lawyers have been demanding the last week’s election. to the people’s verdict”. Sirisena’s new eral refused to go along with him,” he nomic development minister, left the resignation of Peiris, a former advisor to In comments published on Twitter as administration has pledged to make an charged at the weekend. country after the election results were Rajapakse who was appointed chief jus- Pope Francis landed on the island, investigation into what it has called “the announced. tice after the controversial impeach- Rajapakse insisted he had readily coup and conspiracy” one of its top pri- Papal visit The police criminal investigations ment of his predecessor Shirani accepted “the people’s verdict” in what orities and ordered the sacking of hun- Any sustained bid by Rajapakse to department has also been called in to Bandaranayake in January 2013. was his first reaction to last Thursday’s dreds of Rajapakse-appointed officials. cling to power would have thrown a probe a fleet of limousines that have Speaking on a visit to regional power- polls. Although the military has not con- huge question mark over the visit by gone missing from the president’s office house India on Monday, US Secretary of Top aides of new President firmed an approach from Rajapakse’s Pope Francis who called for human after Rajapakse’s defeat. State John Kerry told reporters he had Maithripala Sirisena have alleged the camp in the hours before the final rights to be respected on the island as But Rajapakse himself has reportedly impressed “the importance of maintain- veteran strongman tried to cling to results were announced, Sirisena’s top he flew into Colombo yesterday. told supporters that he plans to remain ing a peaceful process no matter what” power in the early hours of Friday by lieutenants have said there was clear Rajapakse, who had invited the pope on the island and engage in politics. “I when he spoke by phone to Rajapakse urging the island’s army and police evidence of a conspiracy. Rajapakse, last year, has been accused of presiding will continue to be engaged in politics,” last week. chiefs to deploy the security forces. But who had been South Asia’s longest- over large-scale human rights abuses, Rajapakse was quoted as saying While Kerry hailed the “peaceful Rajapakse wrote: “I deny in all possible serving leader, had initially been widely including allegations of mass civilian by a private TV network on Monday change of power” in an island which terms reports of attempts to use the praised for conceding defeat to Sirisena casualties at the end of Sri Lanka’s Tamil night. “I will not flee the country.” While was devastated by the 37-year ethnic military to influence election results.” before the final results were announced. separatist war. He was conspicuous by Sirisena’s camp have said that the army conflict, he also warned that “there are “I accepted the outcome long before But Mangala Samaraweera, who has his absence at the airport welcoming and police chiefs resisted the pressure still real challenges in Sri Lanka.” — AFP

Indonesia president’s pick for police chief named corruption suspect

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s anti-graft agency Monday he chose Gunawan on recommen- yesterday named President Joko Widodo’s dation from the National Police sole nomination for police chief a bribery Commission. “This will be discussed with suspect, a blemish on the new leader who the National Police Commission as consid- came to office in October promising clean eration material for the president in making government. Widodo on Saturday said a decision,” Tedjo Edi Purdijatno, coordinat- three-star general Budi Gunawan would be ing minister of politics, law and security, his only candidate to head the police, con- told Reuters. The nomination has to be sidered by many to be one of the most cor- approved by parliament. Widodo took the rupt institutions in the country. unprecedented step of asking the KPK to “Gunawan has been named a suspect by vet his cabinet picks. He did not seek simi- the KPK for holding suspect bank accounts lar action for his choice of police chief. But when he was the chief of the police’s some experts see Widodo’s choice as a bureau of human resources,” said an official political manoeuvre. Gunawan is close to with the Corruption Eradication Megawati Sukarnoputri, former president Commission (KPK), who declined to be and leader of the president’s political party. named because he was not authorized to “(Widodo’s) nomination is actually a politi- speak to the media. cally savvy move,” said Tobias Basuki, politi- Gunawan, who is currently the head of cal analyst at the CSIS think-tank. “After get- police training, could not be reached for ting all the people he wanted in the cabi- comment. Widodo told reporters on net, he can capitulate on this.” — Reuters HK leader seeks support in post-protest address

HONG KONG: Hong Kong leader Leung Barclays analyst Paul Louie said Leung may Chun-ying is expected to focus on housing, bolster this with a subsidized housing the economy and youth issues in his policy scheme and open up hilly, pristine country address yesterday, seeking to bolster sup- parks to limited development, a move like- PANGKALAN BUN: An Indonesian Air Force personnel holds the newly recovered Cockpit Voice Recorder from the ill-fated AirAsia Flight 8501 port after last year’s massive pro-democra- ly to infuriate environmentalists. during a press conference in Pangkalan Bun, Central Borneo yesterday. — AP cy protests and widespread calls for him to ”Not all of Hong Kong’s land has been quit. The annual policy blueprint has been used to construct flats. To increase land for a key platform for leaders in the Chinese- such a purpose, we need to rezone some controlled city to hand out billions to the land,” Leung said. “We will need the public’s Divers retrieve 2nd black less-advantaged in the form of tax breaks, support and we will also have to increase or to signal shifts in economic, property the number of construction workers.” and political policies. In tiny Hong Kong, more than seven mil- This year, however, after months of lion people are packed in high-rise apart- box from AirAsia crash political upheaval that saw protesters occu- ments into just 30 percent of the territory, py key parts of the city for more than two with green belts, country parks, woodlands months, Leung must try to boost his rat- and wetlands taking up the rest of the land. Experts get essential to tools to decipher cause of crash ings among a population that knows that, “Unlike 12 months ago, when home prices under Beijing’s watchful gaze, he is unable had only risen 2.3 percent in 2013, this past PANGKALAN BUN, Indonesia: Divers retrieved tification more difficult for desperate families divers. “We are committed to continuing our to offer anything significant in the way of year’s 11.2 percent increase should enlist a the crashed AirAsia plane’s second black box waiting to bury their loved ones. Nearly all pas- search for the fuselage, to find more victims democratic reform. The balancing act is to more hawkish tone, perhaps with a refer- from the bottom of the Java Sea yesterday, giv- sengers and crew were Indonesian. believed to be trapped there.” heal divisions, maintain strong ties with ence to ‘some signs of overheating’,” Louie ing experts essential tools to piece together The retrieval of the second black box is the The information obtained from the black box- Communist Party rulers in China, on which said in a research report. And with the what brought Flight 8501 down. latest boost in the slow-moving hunt in the shal- es - which are actually orange - will likely be Hong Kong’s economy overwhelmingly democracy protests driven by students, The cockpit voice recorder was freed from low, murky stretch of ocean. Over the weekend, vital. Designed to survive extreme heat and depends, and ensure the financial hub’s Leung may also offer concessions such as a beneath heavy wreckage at a depth of about 30 the tail of the Airbus A320 was recovered, pressure, they should provide investigators with economy - expected to grow around 2.2 new-business start-up fund for youngsters, meters (100 feet), a day after the flight data emblazoned with the carrier’s red-and-white a second-by-second timeline of the flight. percent this year - remains on a steady keel. the South China Morning Post reported. recorder was recovered, said Tonny Budiono, sea cursive logo. The black boxes are normally inside The voice recorder captures all conversations “It (the policy address) can rescue his At a time when China’s economy navigation director at the Transportation the tail, but were missing when the wreckage between the pilots and with air traffic con- approval ratings a little bit,” said political remains vulnerable to a protracted slow- Ministry. “Thank God,” he said. “This is good news was pulled to the surface. trollers, as well as any noises in the cockpit, analyst Ma Ngok. “It really depends on the down, Hong Kong has struggled on many for investigators to reveal the cause of the plane The devices were soon located after three including possible alarms or explosions. The public reception on the economic and fronts given its growing ties with the main- crash.” Indonesian ships detected strong “pings” being flight data recorder saves information on the livelihood policies, because people really land. The device will be flown to the capital, emitted from their beacons, about 20 meters (22 position and condition of almost every major won’t have much expectations on the polit- Initial public offerings, crucial to its Jakarta, to be analyzed with the other black box, yards) apart. Powerful currents, large waves and part in the plane, including altitude, airspeed, ical front.” The former British colony financial services sector and broader eco- a process that could take up to two weeks. Since blinding silt have hindered divers’ efforts direction, engine thrust, rate of ascent or returned to China in 1997 under a “one nomic health, have dried up, including it records in a two-hour loop, all discussions throughout the search, but they took advantage descent and what up-or-down angle the plane is country, two systems” formula that gives it from China. The offshore yuan market has between the captain and co-pilot should be of calmer early morning conditions on Monday pointed. In their last contact with air-traffic con- some autonomy from the mainland and a slowed markedly thanks to more offshore available. The plane disappeared from radar less and Tuesday to recover the instruments. trollers, the pilots of the AirAsia jet asked to promise of eventual universal suffrage. yuan hubs coming online. Even financial than halfway into a two-hour flight from “They worked together, facing bad weather climb from 32,000 feet (9,750 meters) to 38,000 Beijing has allowed a free vote for city services have seen torrid times as large Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore on Dec. 28. It and high risks to discover what was eagerly feet (11,580 meters) to avoid threatening clouds, leader in 2017, but insists on screening any global institutions struggle. Standard was carrying 162 people, but only 48 bodies awaited by all Indonesian people and the avia- but were denied permission because of heavy candidates first. Chartered Bank recently shuttered its glob- have been recovered so far. tion world,” First Adm. Abdul Rashid, navy search air traffic. Four minutes later, the plane disap- As one of the world’s most expensive al equities operations and laid off a number Decomposition of the bodies is making iden- and rescue task force commander, said of the peared. No distress signal was received. —AP cities for property, housing will again be a of people, many of them in Hong Kong. focus, Leung told reporters, saying the gov- Some analysts said that economic incen- ernment would boost supply to moderate tives alone were unlikely to appease the prices, including spikes over the past year youth. “Will our young generation welcome Taiwan slams China flight routes plan in smaller to medium-sized flats. The gov- these measures?” asked Joseph Wong, a ernment has already pledged to supply former senior Hong Kong government offi- TAIPEI: Taiwan slammed a unilateral move by China to open 480,000 flats over the next 10 years, but cial. “I really don’t think so.” — Reuters four new flight routes over the Taiwan Strait as “unacceptable” yesterday, saying it risked allowing planes to fly too close to air- craft on existing routes. China on Monday announced it would start flying four new routes from coastal Zhejiang province and the cities of Fuzhou and Xiamen in Fujian province over the Taiwan Strait. While China had consulted with Taiwan over one of the new routes, M503 — without reaching an agreement-it had not dis- cussed the other three flight routes W121, W122 and W123, due to start operations from March 5. “They unilaterally announced the new routes before reaching an agreement with us,” Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration said in a statement. “The measures are unacceptable to us. We demand the mainland side continue consulting with us”, it said, adding that the move breached the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Sources said the Chinese authorities hope to use the routes to ease congestion on existing paths caused by the growing vol- ume of air traffic. But Taiwan said the routes represented a potential air defense threat, with M503’s proposed path very close to skies in the Strait administered by Taiwan. “The military will monitor, intercept and disperse (unidenti- fied aircraft and ships) according to the established measures so as to safeguard the security of territory”, Taiwan’s defense min- istry said in a statement. Ties between China and Taiwan have improved markedly since 2008 after Ma Ying-jeou from the China-friendly Kuomintang party came to power. He was re- elected in 2012. However, many Taiwanese remain wary of Beijing’s increasing influence over the island. A planned pact to free up the services trade with China sparked an occupation of MANILA: Pictures of Pope Francis are sold at a store in Manila. Well before Pope PUTRAJAYA: Defense lawyer Kamarul Hisham Kamaruddin, addresses mediapersons Taiwan’s parliament and mass street protests last year. Francis’ plane touches down in this Asian bastion of the Roman Catholic faith, after the verdict to restore the death sentence against Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar China considers self-ruled Taiwan a part of its territory await- Filipinos have been snapping their selfies beside his life-sized cutout image in Umar for the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu at the Federal ing reunification-by force if necessary. They split in 1949 at the churches and malls. His face beams from welcome posters, shirts, cookies, Court in Putrajaya yesterday.—AFP end of a civil war. —AFP coins, stamps, coffee mugs and all imaginable mementoes. —AP NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

France fetes slain cops, mag provokes...

Continued from Page 1 Cherif Kouachi - who were working together - were killed in quick succession in two police blitzes on Friday. dead in one of the attacks in Paris were laid to rest in Questions have risen over how the three men, who were Israel. “Our great and beautiful France will never break, known to French intelligence agents and been on a US will never yield, never bend” in the face of the Islamist terror watch list “for years” had slipped through the cracks. threat that is “still there, inside and outside” the country, Prime Minister Manuel Valls, in a speech that drew said Hollande, surrounded by weeping families and uni- several standing ovations, called for the intelligence formed colleagues. capabilities and anti-terrorism laws to be strengthened Egypt’s state-sponsored Islamic authority, the Dar Al- after previously admitting to “clear failings” over the Ifta, said the latest cover of Charlie Hebdo - which has attackers. “France is at war against terrorism, jihadism, been widely reproduced around the world - was “an radicalism. France is not at war against Islam and unjustified provocation against the feelings of 1.5 billion Muslims,” Valls said. “I don’t want Jews in this country to Muslims”. But French Muslim groups urged their commu- be scared, or Muslims to be ashamed” of their faith, he nities to “stay calm and avoid emotive reactions” to the added. Tackling security weaknesses, Valls said convicted depiction of Muhammad (PBUH), which many see as extremists would be isolated in prisons before the end sacrilegious. The controversial weekly, which lampoons of the year to prevent them radicalising fellow inmates. everyone from the pope to the president, has become He also said an improved system for the exchange of the symbol of freedom of expression in the wake of the data on European travellers would be in place by bloodshed. This week it is preparing a print run of three September. million copies, compared to its usual 60,000. Meanwhile an outpouring of shock and grief that has “What is uncomfortable for us is the representation of united France and saw some four million people march the Prophet (PBUH),” Abdelbaki Attaf told Reuters at the across the country on Sunday, continued yesterday as funeral in the northern Paris suburb of Bobigny of several victims were buried. At the main police head- Ahmed Merabet, the Muslim policeman shot trying to quarters in Paris, a grim-faced Hollande laid the coun- defend the Hebdo cartoonists. “Any responsible Muslim try’s highest decoration, the Legion d’honneur, on the will find it hard to accept that. But we shouldn’t ban it,” coffins of three fallen police officers draped in the said Attaf, himself an administrator at the mosque in Tricolore. Two policemen were killed during the attack nearby Gennevilliers occasionally visited by Cherif on Charlie Hebdo and a policewoman was gunned Kouachi, one of the Hebdo killers. down by Coulibaly the next day when she arrived at the However, France’s Islamic council called on the gov- scene of a car accident in which he was involved. Many ernment to step up protection of mosques, saying that at believe he was on his way to attack a Jewish school near- least 50 anti-Islamic acts had been reported since the by. “They died so that we could live in freedom,” attack. Abdallah Zekri, head of the National Observatory Hollande said. against Islamophobia, said Muslim sites such as Paris’s To ease fears in a nation still jittery after its worst main mosque were not getting the same protection as attacks in half a century, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le CAIRO: A supporter of ousted President Hosni Mubarak reacts in a courtroom to a verdict ordering a retrial Jewish synagogues or schools. “There are websites out Drian announced that some 10,000 troops will be yesterday. — AP there calling for the murder of Muslim leaders and the deployed to protect sensitive sites. France has been on torching of Muslim religious sites,” he told France Info. high alert for several months over its citizens who go to “Let’s stop the double standards.” fight alongside Islamic State jihadists in Iraq and Syria, Court ruling may free Mubarak Home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim commu- some of whom have been pictured in grisly execution nities, France was shaken to the core by the attack in videos. The head of European police agency Europol, Continued from Page 1 United Nations says is “unprecedented in recent history”. which two gunmen killed 12 people in the assault on Rob Wainwright, said up to 5,000 European Union citi- Human rights group say that Sisi has been even more auto- Charlie Hebdo, while a third killed a policewoman and zens have joined jihadist militant ranks. Valls also said “The possible release of Mubarak is a double-edged cratic than Mubarak. The crackdown that initially targeted took hostages at a Jewish supermarket where another 1,400 people were known to have left France to fight in sword for the Sisi administration,” said Issandr El Amrani, the Morsi supporters has also jailed several leading youth lead- four people died. The supermarket killer, Amedy Syria and Iraq, or were planning to do so. Seventy French North Africa director for the International Crisis Group think ers who campaigned against Mubarak during the 2011 Coulibaly, and the Charlie Hebdo gunmen, Said and citizens have died there. — Agencies tank. “On the one hand there is a group of Egyptians and revolt. Egypt’s foreign backers in the Gulf who might welcome it,” Several Mubarak-era officials have made a comeback he said. “On the other hand, this regime which is vulnerable and the once reviled police have regained popularity. Iran says Kuwait will suffer from oil slide to attacks that it is a continuation of the old regime, also has Washington, meanwhile, has slowly warmed again to its ally, after it initially lashed out at Sisi’s crackdown on Morsi’s sup- Continued from Page 1 dollars in reserves from high prices in recent years - for to keep in mind the symbolism of seeing Mubarak go free.” failing to take steps to raise prices. Rouhani, elected in Sisi ousted Mubarak’s Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi porters. The United States delivered 10 Apache helicopters last month after lifting part of a freeze on aid. Washington sale price to $72 but oil has continued to dive toward June 2013 on a pledge to revive Iran’s sanctions-bat- in July 2013 and launched a deadly crackdown that has left annually allocates some $1.5 billion in aid to Egypt, includ- a six-year low, raising the prospect of a ballooning tered economy, has lifted Tehran out of recession and in more than 1,400 people dead. Thousands more, mostly ing $1.3 billion in military assistance it temporarily froze in deficit in Tehran. Brent crude for February delivery tum- recent months stressed the need to increase non-oil Islamist supporters of Morsi, have been imprisoned, and 2013. — AFP bled to $46.40 per barrel yesterday- the lowest since exports. dozens sentenced to death after mass trials which the March 2009. And with US benchmark West Texas But yesterday he denounced sliding crude prices as Intermediate (WTI) for the same month at $44.20 a bar- “a plot that will be overcome with unity and resistance”. rel, prices are 60 percent down from June 2014. “Those who have planned the oil price reduction OPEC will not shore up oil Rouhani, stating that oil was projected to account for against some countries should know that they will only one third of Tehran’s revenues in the next budget, regret it,” he said, without elaborating. Iran’s inflation Continued from Page 1 which they pay so that national fuel prices moved into said Saudi Arabia and fellow Gulf state Kuwait “will be rate has halved to less than 20 percent under Rouhani line with each other. However, such changes could hurt harmed more than Iran”. “Saudi Arabia’s budget reliance but with prices still rising people continue to be hit in will bring another four million by 2020. That cannot be consumers and would therefore be politically sensitive. on oil sales is 80 percent and 90 percent of its annual the pocket. Businesses are also largely cut off from liq- sustained, produced or invested in at the current oil The plunge in oil prices has prompted some Gulf govern- exports are related to oil. Kuwait’s budget is 95 percent uidity in the international banking system, because of price,” he said. Mazrouei said he did not expect a swift ments to reduce, or consider reducing, some fuel subsi- reliant on oil,” he told a crowd in the southern port city international sanctions linked to Iran’s controversial recovery in prices. “It is unlikely that we’ll see a sudden dies, but complete reform remains distant. of Bushehr in a speech shown live on state television. nuclear program. rise.” Meanwhile, Bahrain’s cabinet has decided to raise Falling prices have been attributed to rising produc- By seeking a nuclear deal with world powers, He said the drop in oil revenues would not stop the prices of natural gas sold to companies, official news tion of US shale oil and lower than expected demand Rouhani aims to open Iran up to foreign companies UAE from investing in its production capacity. “We aspire agency BNA reported in a sign that the government is from Europe and Asia, leaving income for major produc- under partnership deals. In Bushehr, he implicitly to keep our role as a reliable supplier and keep investing,” seeking ways to save money as the plunge of global oil ers including Iran, Venezuela and Russia sharply down. warned US lawmakers against adopting any new sanc- he said. “We cannot as a responsible oil producer and a prices pressures state finances. The price of natural gas The pace of the slide accelerated in November when the tions, saying they would fail as his country was begin- reliable supplier in the market just stop our plans every sold to industrial users will be unified and raised gradual- Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries decided ning to exit the sanctions-era. His comments came time there is volatility in the market, that is not wise and ly from April 1, BNA reported without specifying the size to maintain production at 30 million barrels per day. after Republicans in the US Congress said they were that’s not the plan.” of the increases. The cost of natural gas used to generate Rouhani’s comments follow similar remarks from preparing further sanctions against the Islamic republic Mazrouei also said Gulf countries including the UAE energy for industrial projects will also rise. Iranian officials who have criticised OPEC heavyweight to force concessions, a move opposed by the White and Saudi Arabia are formulating new legislation to curb The cabinet “stressed that the readjusted natural gas Saudi Arabia - which has built up hundreds of billions of House. — AFP fuel smuggling. Smuggling of fuel, including diesel, gaso- prices for power generation will not affect citizens nor line and other products, is frequent across the borders of will it have an impact on Bahrain’s competitiveness or its some Gulf states, where different levels of fuel subsidies ability to lure investors in the industrial sector,” BNA said. Dashti immunity lifted over Bahrain ... create price gaps that criminals can exploit. “The ministry State subsidies keeping gas prices down are a major is working on a law to prevent smuggling of diesel or drain on the government’s budget; 35 companies includ- Continued from Page 1 2020. The government rejected a request by a number of other products. Saudi is also working on a similar law, ing Aluminium Bahrain benefit from natural gas subsi- MPs to expand the ongoing investigation into alleged and some neighboring countries also where it is subsi- dies worth 610 million dinars ($1.62 billion) annually, the Ashour, a Shiite lawmaker, also questioned how Kuwait irregularities in the distribution of farms. The government dized,” he said. Gulf Daily News quoted officials as saying last year. University allows Ajmi to teach there while he harbors “ter- said it was ready for the move but wanted to be informed “If there’s a subsidy, countries don’t want those prod- Bahrain’s state finances are weaker than those of neigh- ror ideology”. He called on the government to ban such in advance. ucts to be sent across the border,” he said, adding that bouring Gulf oil exporters, so low oil prices threaten its people from appearing on state television and also called The Assembly could not debate the controversial issue Kuwait was also moving to curb fuel smuggling, which budget. Reducing subsidies is politically sensitive, how- to launch a campaign against terrorist culture and ideolo- of raising the prices of diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel was damaging partly because it encouraged excessive ever. In Dec 2013, the National Oil and Gas Authority said gy. due to time limitations and is expected to have the debate consumption. Mazrouei did not specify how the new it would gradually raise the domestic selling price for Separately, MP Abdullah Al-Maayouf said he was told today. A large number of MPs have objected to the way laws would work, but said details would be released diesel fuel, almost doubling it by 2017. But the plan was by the housing minister that 196,500 housing units are the government implemented the hike and some of them soon. One way to eliminate smuggling would be for gov- suspended after protests by some members of parlia- needed to meet applications by Kuwaiti families until have called for a delay until April 1. ernments to adjust the billions of dollars of subsidies ment. — Agencies WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

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

Focus Sisi scores early success with smart cards for bread

By Maggie Fick

he successful roll-out so far of a new “smart card” sys- tem to distribute subsidised bread has been a major Tachievement for Egypt’s government, saving money while earning praise from families who no longer have to wake early to fight for loaves. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi appears to be succeeding where predecessors Hosni Mubarak and Mohamed Morsi both failed in the delicate task of reforming a system that has drained the state’s finances while angering the population. While the government still has a long way to go to roll out the new system countrywide, success so far marks an impor- tant civilian achievement for the president, a former army chief mainly known for security issues, including a harsh crackdown against Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood followers. “In the time of Mubarak and Morsi, there was no organisation at bakeries. People fought each other. Now we all take what we need and there’s bread for all,” said Bakhita Ibrahim, a Cairo China linguist’s 109th birthday wish: democracy resident at a bakery in the Sayyeda Zeinab district. For generations, Egypt’s government has fed the public By Tom Hancock to 1980 as “wasted”, adding: “In all honesty I by distributing subsidised flour to bakeries, which sell bread haven’t got anything good to say about Mao for as little as 5 piastres a loaf, less than one US cent. The sys- orn when a Qing dynasty emperor was on Zedong.” He has a higher opinion of Mao’s succes- tem turned Egypt into the world’s biggest importer of the throne, the man who helped invent the sor Deng Xiaoping, who launched market-style wheat, draining the government’s foreign currency reserves: BPinyin system used for writing Chinese reforms which helped transform China into the Cairo spends $3 billion a year on imports for it. Nor has it worldwide turned 109 on Tuesday. But Zhou world’s second-largest economy. But since retir- pleased the public. Bread has been sold on a “first come, Youguang’s outspoken support for democracy ing aged 85, Zhou has written dozens of books means his works are still censored by the ruling arguing that Deng’s reforms are insufficient with- first served” basis, forcing people to queue up for hours in Communist party. “After 30 years of economic out political change. “Chinese people becoming the morning to get it before it runs out, and sometimes reform, China still needs to take the path of rich isn’t important,” he said. “Human progress is leading to violence. democracy,” Zhou told AFP in an interview, his ultimately progress towards democracy.” Those who arrive at the bakery early sometimes buy wrinkled face topped with a patch of white hair. extra bread to feed to their livestock. Meanwhile, those “It’s the only path. I have always believed that.” ‘Problem with the System’ who arrive too late can get nothing. And bakers are widely Zhou is commonly known as the “father of Zhou, probably China’s oldest dissenter, accused of siphoning off flour to sell on the black market, Pinyin”, a system for transliterating Chinese char- marked his birthday with friends and family, profiting while running up the government’s bills. Under acters into the Roman alphabet introduced in the enjoying dishes including braised sea cucumber the new system, families are issued plastic cards allowing 1950s and now used by hundreds of millions of and a date and mushroom soup, his editor Ye them to buy five loaves per family member per day. language learners in China, as well as abroad. But Fang said. Sleeping takes up an increasing pro- Buyers no longer have to queue. Bakeries are paid for the in his cramped third-floor apartment in Beijing, portion of his time as his health flags, but he is subsidised loaves they sell, rather than being given a fixed where dog-eared books including dozens by still a voracious reader. Confucius and Socrates allotment of cheap flour, making it harder to siphon off Zhou himself - line the walls, the writer was mod- This picture taken on Jan 11, 2015 shows Zhou Youguang resting at his home in remain his favourite thinkers. Age appears to subsidies. est about his achievements. “I don’t have any feel- Beijing. — AFP have been no barrier to a harsh crackdown ing of pride. I don’t think I’ve achieved very against critics of the party overseen by China’s ‘More Accountable’ much,” he said, speaking lucidly but slowly and country had been liberated, and had a new hope. ing Wade-Giles, produced by two British diplo- current President Xi Jinping. The cards have so far been introduced in 17 of Egypt’s 29 with obvious effort. “My birthday is of no impor- Also, because my mother was in China,” he wrote mats in the 19th century - Pinyin is regarded as Scores of journalists, lawyers and academics in a 2012 autobiography. He was attracted to Mao simpler. “With Chinese characters, you can’t tell provinces and consumption in those areas is already down tance at all.” have been arrested and dozens jailed, among Zedong’s Communists because “at that time they the pronunciation just by looking. So Pinyin was between 15 to 35 percent, Supplies Minister Khaled Hanafi, Born to an aristocratic family in 1906, Zhou them 71-year-old journalist Gao Yu, tried last year experienced the last years of the Qing dynasty promoted themselves as democrats”, he wrote. useful in teaching,” said Luo Weidong, a professor for leaking state secrets, and writer Tie Liu, 81, who has led the reforms, told Reuters. Hanafi forecasts that and its revolutionary overthrow, before studying at Beijing Language and Culture University. detained since September. once rolled out nationwide, the reforms will eliminate at elite universities in Shanghai and Japan. When ‘Pessimists Tend to Die’ “Pinyin made a big contribution to the literacy Zhou’s books have also come under more enough waste to enable Egypt to cut imports by 20 to 30 Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China in An amateur linguist who had taught himself movement in China.” intense scrutiny, with topics which could be tack- percent, without depriving needy citizens. While those fig- 1937, Zhou moved with his wife and two children some Esperanto, Zhou was assigned in 1955 to In recent decades, Pinyin has become key to led just a few years ago now taboo. Censors ures could not be independently confirmed, they seemed to to the central city of Chongqing, where he co-chair a committee tasked with increasing liter- the easy creation of Chinese characters on com- demanded that his latest book, due out next be born out at bakeries using smart cards in four provinces endured constant air raids but made contacts acy by reforming the Chinese language. He even- puters. But Zhou’s contributions did not save him month, be purged of some references to anti- visited by Reuters, where bakers confirmed that they were with leaders in the then comparatively weak tually backed a system based on one developed from the chaos of Mao’s decade-long Cultural intellectual movements, as well as a 1950s famine making less bread due to the reforms. Communist party. After Japan’s defeat he avoided in the Soviet Union, using Roman letters to repre- Revolution from 1966, during which intellectuals which killed tens of millions as a result of Mao’s The reforms have made him “more accountable”, says China’s civil war between the Communists and sent pronunciation alongside marks to indicate were persecuted. Zhou, then in his 60s, was sent “Great Leap Forward”. “The restrictions on publish- Hamdy Eid, a baker in Suez City, scene of some of the most Nationalists by going to work for a Chinese bank tone. The proposal, named Pinyin - “putting to work at a labour camp in faraway Ningxia for ing have got tighter. No one knows if it’s a short- violent demonstrations protests during the 2011 revolt that on Wall Street, twice meeting Albert Einstein together sounds” - is used in schools across China more than two years, separated from his wife and term thing, or a long-term change,” said Ye. Sitting brought down Mubarak. Customers were lined up peaceful- while visiting friends at Princeton. But following and has been instrumental in boosting the coun- son. “I had never slept on an earth bed before,” he beneath peeling paint in his flat, Zhou said the ly, presenting their cards to an employee who swiped them the Communist victory in 1949, Zhou returned try’s literacy rate from around 20 percent in the wrote of the experience, adding: “When you leader was not the issue. “I don’t think it’s a prob- through a card reader. “In the past they have accused us home to teach economics and became a close 1950s to more than 90 percent today. encounter difficulties, you need to be optimistic. lem of individuals,” he said. “It’s a problem with the bakers of stealing and working in the black market for flour,” associate of the party’s number two, Zhou Enlai. “I Though systems for transcribing Mandarin The pessimists tend to die.” system. We don’t have freedom of speech in Eid said. In areas where the reforms have yet to be imple- came back for two reasons: because I thought the into the Roman alphabet already existed - includ- He has described the two decades from 1960 China.” — AFP mented, discontent with the old system still simmers. “I have to wake up at dawn to get bread to avoid big crowds,” said Ibrahim Osman, a grocer in the southern city of Aswan. Abbas dramatically challenges Israel In Fayoum, just south of Cairo, housewife Samira Moustafa said she views bakers as “cheaters”. By Karin Laub and Ashrawi, a senior Palestine Liberation the Israeli sanctions. Arab countries have bro- said. Abbas has given no indication that he Mohammed Daraghmeh Organization official often briefed by Abbas. ken such promises in the past. plans to step aside. He was initially elected for Potent Mix The Israeli response to the court bid was swift. Netanyahu has no immediate plans to four years, but stayed in office because the Bread and politics have been a potent mix for decades in fter a decade in power, Palestinian Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu froze the resume tax transfers, Israeli Foreign Ministry formation of rival Palestinian governments Egypt, a nation that now has 90 million people, mostly poor. President Mahmoud Abbas has little to monthly transfer of $120 million in taxes that spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said. after the Hamas takeover of Gaza prevented Mubarak’s predecessor Anwar Sadat faced protests in 1977 Ashow. He is no closer to a deal on Israel collects for the Palestinians, forcing the Withholding the money “is a way to express new elections. He has not groomed a succes- after he tried to cut bread subsidies. Unrest broke out under Palestinian statehood, has failed to reclaim the Palestinian Authority - propped up by foreign our deep displeasure at the kind of steps the sor and instead has tried to beat back poten- Mubarak, notably in 2008 when the rising price of wheat Gaza Strip from political rival Hamas and is aid and chronically short of funds - to immedi- Palestinians have been taking lately,” he said. tial challengers. Thrall also noted Abbas hasn’t caused shortages, and three years later bread was a rallying being disparaged by some as a pliant ately halt salary payments for 153,000 govern- The Palestinian Authority was set up in played his ultimate card against Netanyahu: cry for the protests that finally toppled him. Morsi never guardian of Israeli security needs in the West ment employees. interim peace agreements in the 1990s as a Ending security coordination. Such a move managed to implement his plan for smart cards, blaming Bank. But the typically cautious 79-year-old Many civil servants live month to month stepping stone to Palestinian independence. would bring down the Palestinian Authority, the bureaucracy for sabotaging reforms. Frustration and dramatically changed course in the days and have mixed feelings Negotiations on a final deal repeatedly Thrall said, because almost every single anxiety over the failure to fix subsidies helped fuel the before this week’s tenth anniversary in office about joining the court. broke down, leaving the Palestinian Palestinian government action requires Israeli protests that led to Sisi removing him from power. by signing up to the International Criminal Government employee Authority in place. It still approval, from Abbas’ travel in and out of the Even now, government officials tasked with implement- Court. That could allow for war crimes com- Mohammed Jadallah, administers 38 percent of the West Bank to sending Palestinian police cruis- ing it worry whether the new smart card system is air-tight plaints against Israel in what many believe is 49, a father of five West Bank, but lost Gaza to a ers from one town to another. Israel holds enough to squeeze out middlemen working the black mar- his strategy of last resort. already falling Hamas takeover in 2007. If the national elections March 17. Netanyahu, who ket. “Those who depend on corruption are not easily going The court bid is part of a wider strategy behind on loan Palestinian Authority were is seeking a third consecutive term, has to go along with reforms,” said a Supplies Ministry official on Palestinians hope will bring international pres- payments, said to dissolve over its refused to accept the pre-1967 line as a start- condition of anonymity. Hanafi, the minister, acknowledges sure to bear on Israel and improve their lever- Abbas hadn’t money woes, Israel, ing point for border talks and continued to that the old system had its “beneficiaries”. He said he had age in future statehood talks. They say the done enough to as military occupier, build Jewish settlements on occupied lands in held hundreds of meetings with bakers to win over their approach stems from frustration with two explain his would be responsi- six years in power. cooperation with the changes. “I had to convince them, I had decades of failed talks overseen by staunch strategy to the ble again for provid- If he is re-elected, Abbas is bound to step to make compromises to reach this point,” he said. “For 40 or Israeli ally America. Israel accuses Abbas of try- suffering pub- ing services to up the campaign for greater recognition of a 50 years this was a nightmare for Egyptians.” — Reuters ing to replace negotiations with a campaign lic. In the long Palestinians, a costly state of Palestine in the West Bank, Gaza and to delegitimize the Jewish state. The move run, though, task. Israel also east Jerusalem, lands Israel captured in 1967. carries unprecedented risks, but Palestinian Abbas can count would lose out on The U.N. General Assembly recognized All articles appearing on these officials say Abbas had to act. “We are weak on public support coordination with such a state in 2012. Israeli critics of Abbas say and the only way before us is to bring the as Palestinians “will Abbas’ security serv- he shares responsibility for failed negotiations, pages are the personal opinion of Palestinian cause back to the international never trade their ices, which has particularly after not accepting a 2008 offer by the writers. Kuwait Times takes no community,” said one aide, speaking on condi- national cause for helped prevent mili- then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for a state in responsibility for views expressed tion of anonymity to describe Abbas’ private salaries,” Jadallah said. tant attacks. Gaza, 95 percent of the West Bank and parts of therein. Kuwait Times invites read- views. Palestinians close to Abbas say he has Nathan Thrall, an Jerusalem. But Palestinians counter that there been under intense domestic pressure to chal- Tenth Anniversary analyst at the International was no agreement on details at the time and ers to voice their opinions. Please lenge Israel since the summer’s 50-day Gaza Abbas, sworn in as president Crisis Group think tank, said that Olmert was a lame duck. send submissions via email to: opin- war between Israel and the Islamic militant on Jan 15, 2005, will he believes Israel wants the Since then, there have been no meaning- [email protected] or via snail Hamas group that killed more than 2,200 spend his tenth anniver- Palestinian Authority to survive ful negotiations - and Palestinians say it is Palestinians, many of them civilians, along sary tomorrow in Cairo, and won’t retaliate against time for a change. “We are willing to negoti- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. with 72 people on the Israeli side. appealing to Arab Abbas too harshly. In join- ate, but now in a different way, through an The editor reserves the right to edit “He had a choice, whether he listens to the League officials to keep ing the international international conference or a collective any submission as necessary. people and the leadership and the advisers, or promises to give $100 mil- court, Abbas took this process,” said Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian he isolates himself further,” said Hanan lion a month to make up for into consideration, Thrall UN ambassador. — AP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 SPORTS

Aston Villa sign Gil Busquets shrugs rift reports Pietersen looking for comeback LONDON: Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert hopes the sign- BARCELONA: Barcelona midfielder Sergio He noted that Messi had used a phrase LONDON: Batsman Kevin Pietersen believes there is a way back into the ing of Spanish midfielder Carles Gil from Valencia yesterday Busquets has become the latest to insist typical among soccer players, that England team now that Eoin Morgan has become one-day captain. Morgan can help spark some life into his shot-shy team. that all is well at the club, dismissing nobody can tell what the future will bring, replaced Alistair Cook in December and will lead the team at the World Cup in A miserly haul of 11 goals in 21 Premier League games, reports of a rift between Argentina for- and underlined the four-times World Australia. the worst tally in England’s top four divisions, has left the ward Lionel Messi and coach Luis Enrique. Player of the Year’s importance to the Pietersen’s colourful international career was ended by England last year Midlands club flirting with the bottom three and some fans Messi raised eyebrows on Monday club. “He is in charge of his future but for but the former skipper has been in fine form playing in Australia’s Big Bash calling for Lambert to be sacked. “We’ve been on the lookout when he told a news conference at the us it is vital that he is here,” Busquets competition for Melbourne Stars. for a creative player and he will certainly bring that extra ele- FIFA Ballon d’Or awards ceremony that he added. “What’s more, he said that he did “I know that the current captain would love to have me in the England ment to the side,” Lambert told the club’s website on Tuesday did not know where he would be next not want to leave.” team,” Pietersen said while co-commentating on the Twenty20 tournament on after the deal was confirmed. year, fuelling speculation he might seek Messi’s apparent dissatisfaction with Tuesday. “I want to play for England.” “He’s only 22 years of age but he will come here an exit from his boyhood club that began Luis Enrique’s management style and tac- Pietersen is fourth on England’s list of all-time run scorers and give us something I don’t think we have at in one-day internationals with 4,422 at an average of 41.32 the moment. “He can create chances and get following reports he had fallen out with tics reportedly prompted talks in recent Luis Enrique. days with Chelsea and Manchester City on and says there could be more to come, given the chance. those chances put away. “I’m 34. Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara is 38 (sic) years old Messi later clarified the comments and a possible move to the English Premier He has a lot to offer and I know we can get and has just scored a double hundred,” he was quoted on the the best out of him.” Gil, a Spain under 21 inter- said he had no intention of leaving, and League, while Catalan television claimed BBC. “I honestly believe I am batting as well as I have ever bat- national, has signed a four and half year Busquets told a news conference yester- Messi had demanded the coach be ted at the moment.” contract with Villa who are three day relations between the players and the sacked. The 27-year-old, who joined Pietersen’s contract was terminated by England after last points above the bottom three hav- coach were generally “good”. Barca’s academy when he was 13, denied year’s Ashes defeat by Australia, with the England and ing failed to hit the net in their last “It is a good relationship, of maximum the reports after Sunday’s 3-1 La Liga vic- Wales Cricket Board (ECB) implying that Pietersen four league matches. — Reuters respect, complying with decisions and for tory at home to Atletico Madrid, saying had become a divisive presence in the changing me everything is normal,” Busquets said. they were “lies”. —Reuters room. — Reuters

PHILADELPHIA: Claude Giroux No. 28 of the Philadelphia Flyers takes the third period shot on Ben Bishop No. 30 of the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Wells Fargo Center. —AFP

NHL results/standings Flyers stop Lightning Philadelphia 7, Tampa Bay 3; Washington 2, Colorado 1; Los Angeles 2, Toronto 0. Western Conference Montreal 26 12 3 111 95 55 Pacific Division Detroit 22 11 9 117 106 53 WL OTLGFGAPTS PHILADELPHIA: Jake Voracek was one of five game in place of injured Steve Mason. Mason scored a goal in six of his last seven games. Boston 22 15 6 113 111 50 Anaheim 27 10 6 121 118 60 Flyers to score in the second period, leading is expected to miss two weeks because of a Florida 20 11 9 100 105 49 Los Angeles 20 13 10 121 112 50 Philadelphia to a 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay lower-body injury. KINGS 2, MAPLE LEAFS 0 Toronto 22 18 3 137 132 47 Vancouver 23 14 3 113 104 49 Lightning on Monday night. Martin Jones made 19 saves in his seventh Ottawa 17 16 8 110 113 42 San Jose 22 16 5 116 118 49 Voracek, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Mark CAPITALS 2, AVALANCHE 1 career shutout, and Anze Kopitar scored in Calgary 22 18 3 123 114 47 Buffalo 14 26 3 81 147 31 Streit and Brayden Schenn all scored in a 6 Alex Ovechkin scored a tiebreaking power- the opening minute of the Kings victory over Arizona 16 21 4 97 136 36 Metropolitan Division minute, 52-second span in the second to chase play goal late in the second period to help the the Maple Leafs. Marian Gaborik got an emp- Edmonton 10 24 9 97 145 29 NY Islanders 28 13 1 131 116 57 goalie Evgeni Nabokov and help the Flyers Capitals beat the Avalanche. Jay Beagle also ty-net goal to seal Jones’ third shutout in his Central Division Pittsburgh 25 10 6 122 98 56 match a season high in goals. Michael Raffl scored and Braden Holtby stopped 31 shots to last four starts for the defending Stanley Cup Nashville 28 9 4 125 93 60 also scored in the five-goal period. earn his 21st victory for the Capitals. Alex champions, who snapped their three-game Washington 23 11 8 125 106 54 Chicago 28 13 2 134 95 58 Voracek boosted his NHL-best point total to Tanguay scored for the Avalanche, and skid with just their second victory in seven NY Rangers 24 11 4 124 95 52 St. Louis 26 13 3 136 105 55 52. Claude Giroux, who turned 27, had two Semyon Varlamov finished with 36 saves. games. Jonathan Bernier stopped 18 shots by Philadelphia 17 19 7 119 129 41 Winnipeg 21 14 8 113 109 50 assists to give him 34 on the season and match Ovechkin snapped a shot past Varlamov his former Los Angeles teammates in the Columbus 18 19 3 104 131 39 Colorado 18 17 8 113 124 44 his teammate for the league lead. Voracek and from left circle after passes from Troy Brouwer Maple Leafs’ third game under interim coach New Jersey 15 21 8 96 124 38 Dallas 18 16 7 126 135 43 Giroux were named NHL All-Stars over the and Nicklas Backstrom with 2:14 left in the sec- Peter Horachek, who will finish out the season Minnesota 18 18 5 111 121 41 Carolina 13 24 5 88 112 31 weekend. Even with the All-Star duo enjoying ond period. after replacing the fired Randy Carlyle six days Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one sensational seasons, the Flyers entered the It was Ovechkin’s 74th game-winning goal, earlier. Toronto opened a tough four-game Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not included game 14th in the Eastern Conference. moving him past Peter Bondra for first place in West Coast road trip with its ninth loss in 12 Tampa Bay 27 13 4 143 118 58 in the loss column (L). Philadelphia’s Rob Zepp won his second career franchise history. Ovechkin also now has games. —AP Refreshed Froome driven by duel with Contador

LONDON: Former Tour de France champion wonder how hard he’s training somewhere in Tour de France, but he and Froome are Chris Froome has put last year’s troubles snowy, wet Lugano.” Froome admits he has expected to battle for the yellow jersey this behind him and has Alberto Contador in his some way to go to cement his name among year when the race starts in Utrecht, sights as he plans an assault on cycling’s the cycling greats. But starting the season Netherlands in July. major prizes. fresh, without nagging back problems and “He is an extremely tough rival for me. If The Briton’s hopes of back-to-back Tour de with the spotlight off his supposed strained anyone knows how to win the Tour de France, France victories ended in agony when he relationship with team mate and 2012 Tour it’s him,” Froome says. “Alberto can smell crashed out early in the 2014 edition, just one de France winner Bradley Wiggins, will help weakness. He can smell it when you’re having of several setbacks for the Team Sky rider. his cause. a bad day.” But after the team’s training camp in “I feel I’m in a better place mentally,” Contador, who was stripped of a third Tour Mallorca, Froome is ready to go head-to-head Froome said in British media. “I feel I don’t de France victory because of a doping viola- with Contador after finishing second to the have the same kind of pressure I had last year. tion, will attempt to win the Giro and Tour de Spaniard in last year’s Vuelta. “Last year, through the winter it was very France in quick succession this year, a sched- “He definitely pushes me to train harder,” much ‘Okay, I’ve won the Tour, now I’ve got to ule some think is foolhardy. “I wouldn’t say it’s Froome said of the Tinkoff-Saxo rider who has do it again. Everyone’s banking on you doing impossible, but he’s set himself a dificult task. won the Tour de France twice, the Giro once this’. It felt a bit overwhelming at times.” By the time you get to the third week of the and the Vuelta three times. “When I’m out “There’s a better vibe than this time last second Grand tour, you’re on your hands and Chris Froome training, I wonder what he’s up to today, I year.” Contador also crashed out of last year’s knees,” said Froome. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 SPORTS

NEW YORK: Brooklyn Netsí Mason Plumlee (1) looks to pass under the basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game. — AP Rockets pound Nets, Magic triumph

NEW YORK: James Harden scored 30 points, streak with a victory over Chicago. Orlando best 31 points and had 12 rebounds for the carrying Houston on a night when Dwight shot a season-high 59 percent from the field in Raptors, who lost for the fifth time in six NBA results/standings Howard did little after fighting with Kevin its first win in Chicago since an 83-82 victory games. Kyle Lowry had 10 points and 12 Garnett, and the Rockets beat the slumping on Dec. 16, 2013. The Magic had lost three in a assists, Greivis Vasquez scored 16 and Lou Boston 108, New Orleans 100; Houston 113, Brooklyn 99; Detroit 114, Toronto 111; Orlando Brooklyn Nets 113-99 on Monday. row and 12 of 15 against the Bulls since the Williams had 15. 121, Chicago 114. Garnett was ejected in the first quarter after start of the 2010-11 season. Andre Drummond also had a double-dou- head-butting Howard in the face and throwing Victor Oladipo also scored 33 points for the ble in Detroit’s sixth consecutive road win, fin- Eastern Conference Western Conference the ball at him, while Howard received a tech- Magic, and rookie Elfrid Payton added 10 ishing with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Atlantic Division Northwest Division nical foul after appearing to punch or slap points and seven assists. Vucevic was 16 for 24 W L PCT GB Portland 30 8 .789 - Toronto 25 12 .676 - Garnett in the neck. from the field in his NBA-best 23rd double- CELTICS 108, PELICANS 100 Oklahoma City 18 19 .486 11.5 Brooklyn 16 22 .421 9.5 Denver 17 20 .459 12.5 Howard had a quiet night otherwise, finish- double of the season. Jared Sullinger had 27 points and 10 Boston 13 23 .361 11.5 ing with eight points and five rebounds, but Pau Gasol paced Chicago with 28 points rebounds for Boston, and rookie Marcus Smart Utah 13 25 .342 17 Philadelphia 7 29 .194 17.5 Minnesota 5 31 .139 24 the Rockets didn’t need much in the middle and 14 rebounds, and Derrick Rose had 18 nailed a key 3-pointer in the closing minute. NY Knicks 5 35 .125 21.5 while dominating from the outside with 16 3- points and seven assists. Jimmy Butler finished The Celtics won for the third time in their Pacific Division Central Division Golden State 29 5 .853 - pointers in 40 attempts. Mason Plumlee with 17 points. last 12 games. Jae Crowder scored 22 points, Chicago 26 13 .667 - LA Clippers 25 13 .658 6 scored a career-high 24 points for the Nets, Marcus Thornton had 13 and Brandon Bass fin- Milwaukee 20 19 .513 6 Phoenix 22 18 .550 10 who lost their sixth straight. Houston has won PISTONS 114, RAPTORS 111 ished with 12. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans Cleveland 19 19 .500 6.5 Sacramento 16 21 .432 14.5 four in a row, all by double digits, and blew Brandon Jennings had 34 points and 10 with 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Indiana 15 24 .385 11 LA Lakers 12 26 .316 19 away a Nets team that had held its previous assists, and Detroit won for the ninth time in Eric Gordon scored 21 points, and Tyreke Detroit 14 24 .368 11.5 Southeast Division Southwest Division eight opponents under 100 points, the longest 10 games. Greg Monroe had 22 points and 10 Evans had 19 points and eight boards. Houston 27 11 .711 - streak in the NBA this season. rebounds as the Pistons ended a four-game Clinging to a 101-100 lead, Avery Bradley’s Atlanta 29 8 .784 - Washington 25 12 .676 4 Memphis 26 11 .703 0.5 losing streak against Toronto. Jodie Meeks shot was blocked by Davis in the lane, before Miami 16 21 .432 13 Dallas 26 12 .684 1 MAGIC 121, BULLS 114 scored 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter Smart nailed a 3 from the left corner, falling Charlotte 15 24 .385 15 San Antonio 23 15 .605 4 Nikola Vucevic had 33 points and 11 and Jonas Jerebko had eight of his 10 in the into the seats as the shot swished through the Orlando 14 27 .341 17 New Orleans 18 19 .486 8.5 rebounds as Orlando ended a six-game losing final period. Jonas Valanciunas scored a career- basket with 39.7 seconds left. — AP Retiring Misbah vows to give all for World Cup win

LAHORE: Retiring Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq vowed Tuesday to roll back the years and lead his team to victory in the World Cup starting in Australia and New Zealand next month. Misbah, 40, on Sunday announced he would quit the one-day game after the mega-event in February and March. He is one year older than Imran Khan was when Pakistan won its only World Cup in 1992, an event also held in Australia and New Zealand. “For me it will be a big motivation to give what- ever I can, whether it’s physical, mental or skill-wise to finish on a high and do what the 1992 Pakistan team did-win the World Cup,” Misbah told reporters. Pakistan start their campaign with a highly-charged opening game against arch-rivals and title-holders India. They also face the West Indies, Zimbabwe, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Ireland in Group B, with the top four teams from two groups progressing to the quarter-finals. Misbah said his players were “focused and deter- mined” and he was confident they would adjust to the fast and bouncy Antipodean pitches. Misbah became Pakistan’s most successful Test captain with 15 wins last year, and has vowed to continue in the longer format. He has also led Pakistan in 78 one-day interna- CHILE: A competitor races past Cactus Island across the Uyuni salt flats during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Uyuni, Bolivia, and Iquique, Chile. — AP tionals with 41 wins, 34 losses and three ties or no results. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Rodrigues wins Dakar Rally stage Khan paid tribute to Misbah. “We respect Misbah’s decision to retire,” Khan told reporters. “It’s sad that a player of his calibre CALAMA: Portugal’s Helder Rodrigues won yesterday’s ride from the Chilean Pacific coastal city of Iquique to race is now only five-and-a half minutes. will leave one-day cricket. “A mature and decent ninth motorbike stage of the Dakar Rally as Marc Coma Calama in the Andes almost four minutes clear of his team- In third in the overall standings is Chile’s Pablo player like him is hard to find.” — AFP had his overall lead cut by three minutes. mate and fellow countryman Paul Goncalves. In third came Quintanilla-who won Monday’s stage on home turf — Rodrigues completed the 538 kilometre (450km timed) Coma, whose advantage over Goncalves in the riders’ title almost half an hour adrift of the front pair. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 SPORTS Golovkin wants 4 fights in 2015

LOS ANGELES: Gennady Golovkin always career just a few years ago. wants to stay in motion. Even when the Sanchez’s goal for 2015 is to make WBA middleweight champion broke away Golovkin impossible to avoid. Golovkin’s from his near-constant training camp in Big camp also still hopes to leverage his status Bear, California, to spend a few hours in as the mandatory challenger for Cotto’s downtown Los Angeles last week, he still WBC belt, although such distinctions often managed to squeeze in an NBA game mean little in big-money matchmaking. when he wasn’t talking up another big year “In 2015, it’s going to get to the point in his rising career. that these guys are going to stop making One of the busiest champions in recent the excuses that they’ve been making,” boxing history intends to stay incredibly Sanchez said. “They’re going to have to get active in 2015, starting with his bout into the ring with Gennady. Martin Murray against Britain’s Martin Murray in Monte is a tough opponent, but Gennady is going Carlo on Feb. 21. Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) to do what he needs to do on a different wants to fight four times this year, keeping level. ... There are guys that are threats to up the frenetic pace he has set since 2008. him, but we have to get them in the ring.” And after 18 consecutive stoppage vic- Along with the hefty checks written to tories and 12 defenses of his 160-pound Golovkin’s opponents by HBO, Sanchez and title, his team is determined to land the Loeffler point out Golovkin’s drawing pow- big-money shots at Miguel Cotto, Saul er last year, when he drew more than 8,500 “Canelo” Alvarez, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Carl fans to Madison Square Garden and sold Froch, even Andre Ward - anybody who will out the outdoor StubHub Center in Carson, test Golovkin’s entertaining brand of per- California. Although he hasn’t sold out a fection in new ways. “I respect all champi- huge arena, the numbers are impressive for ons, and they are all champions,” Golovkin a Central Asian-born fighter who was virtu- said. “I want to show my style to the world.” ally unknown two years ago while living Golovkin believes he deserves a fight and training in Germany. with Cotto or Alvarez, who are circling a “What does he have to do, sell out bout against each other in May. But Dodger Stadium before he’s a draw?” Golovkin’s camp realizes the two bigger- Sanchez asked. Golovkin is a growing star name fighters are still wary of the Kazakh in his adopted hometown as well. He knockout artist promoted by Tom Loeffler moved to Los Angeles late last year with his and the Klitschko brothers’ company, K2 wife and young son, giving up Stuttgart’s Promotions. brutal winters for year-round sun and surf. “The excuse that people don’t want to He nearly landed a big-money bout with Rory McIlroy fight him because he’s too high-risk with Chavez at the Forum last summer, but too little reward is out the window,” Loeffler Chavez eventually decided not to take the said. “His opponents are among the best- fight. Loeffler hopes Golovkin will land a compensated in the sport because of HBO.” fight worthy of that famed building this Indeed, HBO realizes it has a star in year, and he expects an enthusiastic recep- McIlroy keeps mystery Golovkin, and the pay-cable network has tion in L.A. made the former Olympian into a promi- “People are starting to run out of excus- nent feature of its boxing coverage - a es, because Gennady brings big numbers highly unlikely scenario when Loeffler and now,” Loeffler said. “I’m optimistic that this trainer Abel Sanchez took charge of his is our breakout year.” — AP goals in back pocket

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy’s goals for 2015 are tucked don’t want to share them. I’ll take that out at the weeks later before flying to the US for Palm away in his back pocket, scribbled on a boarding end of the year and see how well I’ve done.” Beach’s Honda Classic and Miami’s World Golf pass during a flight from Dublin to Dubai, and McIlroy may find it tough to better 2014 in Championships in February and March. the world number one will not look at them which he won two majors-the British Open and “Then (I’ll) see what my schedule is leading again until his season is over in December. The the US PGA Championship-to double his career up to the Masters,” said McIlroy. He has yet to Northern Irishman performs the same ritual tally to four, reclaimed the world number one decide on the Houston Open, a week before annually en route to his first tournament of the ranking, topped the European money list and Augusta starts on April 9. year, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. was part of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team. “It really depends how I feel. If I feel I need “Every year, I’m flying here  I write my goals “I didn’t achieve everything that I wanted to more golf, I’ll play. If not, I’ll probably take it off,” down in the back of my boarding pass, I put it in last year. I wanted to have six wins, I only had said McIlroy, who will cut his playing schedule to my wallet and I memorise them, but I don’t look four, but still a good year,” said a laughing 21-22 tournaments this year and took almost a at them until the end of the year,” McIlroy told McIlroy who revealed there are seven items on month off before beginning his preparations for reporters in Abu Dhabi, where he has finished this year’s list. 2015 on Jan. 5. “I’ve got a good routine and men- second in three of the past four seasons but is One is likely to be winning the U.S. Masters in tal strategy going into Majors now, where I try yet to win in the UAE capital. “In my back pocket Augusta, the only major to elude him. McIlroy, not to let too much affect me. I go into my own is a boarding pass with my goals for this year. I 25, will play Abu Dhabi and then Dubai two little world for those couple of weeks.” — Reuters Looming putter ban a Gennady Golovkin Meyer joins exclusive belly ache for some club with another title KAPALUA: Less than a year remains before to come out cold turkey next year and start lenges along the way but I feel what I’m going ARLINGTON: If he wasn’t a member of the about the need to make life uncomfortable PGA Tour players have to accept a ban by using a new putting technique.” to do will be just fine, though you’re only club before, he definitely is now. Take a bow, for those around him, saying that’s often how golf’s rulemakers on long putters being Clark, who uses a long putter with the top going to really know when you start in com- Urban Meyer. You’re one of the greatest you get the best out of people. anchored to the body and Tim Clark is among of the shaft pressed against his chest and his petition.” coaches in college football history. He’ll get no complaints from the those who expect “some challenges along the hands spread well apart, has a good idea of Most players believe users of the belly Meyer joined a very elite group - right up Buckeyes, whose victory signaled a north- way.” South African Clark has been using the how his technique will change for next year technique will find the adjustment easier to there with guys named Bryant and Leahy and ward shift in the game’s power structure after anchored technique for 17 years, and the but he was not prepared to divulge details. make than the ‘broomhandle’ brigade, and a Saban - by leading Ohio State to the national years of dominance by the Southeastern same putter for more than a decade, and he “I’m not going to tell you just in case they try few could end up following the example of championship with a 42-20 victory over Conference (with Meyer playing a key role in Oregon on Monday night. that, as well). was vocal in his opposition to the proposal to ban those,” 39-year-old South African Matt Kuchar. It was Meyer’s third national title. The first Meyer became only the eighth coach to when it was first suggested in December grinned. American Kuchar uses a putting stroke two came with Florida, this one with the win as many as three Associated Press and 2012. The PGA Tour also expressed initial dis- which will not be outlawed by the rulemakers’ Buckeyes - a program in disarray when he BCS national championships, a club led by agreement with the move but later fell in line DIFFICULT TO ADAPT proposal since his putter rests against his left took over in 2012 after taking a one-year sab- Bear Bryant with five. Frank Leahy and Nick with the Royal & Ancient and United States Clark said he would visit the Scotty arm and not against his chest, stomach or batical from coaching. Saban have four apiece, followed by Meyer, Golf Association, acknowledging that the ban Cameron putting studio in the San Diego area chin. He said he needed the time away to take Bernie Bierman, John McKay, Bud Wilkinson on anchored strokes would apply to its events after the Feb. 5-8 Farmers Insurance Open at Asked by Reuters if he had been sought care of his health and reconnect with his fam- and Barry Switzer, all with a trio. from Jan. 1, 2016. Torrey Pines to experiment with a revised out by players for advice on his technique, ily. But if anyone thought it would be a softer, Saban and Meyer are the only coaches to kinder - and more beatable - Meyer who win championships at different schools. By Several PGA Tour players who have been technique but he knows it will not be easy to Kuchar replied: “I haven’t had that many guys returned to the sideline, they were sadly mis- the time Meyer is done - remember, he’s still regularly using either belly or ‘broomhandle’ adapt. “It is going to be tough, for sure,” said ask me too much at this point but I wouldn’t taken. This was the 41st game he’s coached only 50 - he might go down as the greatest of putters have already started experimenting the two-time PGA Tour champion, who be surprised if there are more mid-year and since taking over in Columbus. He’s won 38 of them all, at least in the modern era. “I’m very with the shorter versions but Clark plans to booked his place in the elite winners-only late year. them, an astonishing turnaround for a team humbled by that,” he said, “but I’m also the stick with his long putter for most of this year. field of 34 at Kapalua by winning last year’s “It will be interesting to see what guys do- that went 6-7 during the 2011 season, reeling first one to appreciate the people who did it, “Maybe there’s a tournament where I’m Canadian Open. whether the guys that anchor go to a counter- from the forced ouster of longtime coach Jim and that’s our players.” dead-last playing on Sunday and I might do “Seventeen years of putting one way, I balance style or something else. “Whether it’s Tressel and an NCAA investigation into tat- Give Meyer some credit, too. This was his something, but it’s not really a move I want to don’t think there’s too many of the guys out the Adam Scotts and Tim Clarks (broomhan- toos and other illegal benefits. best coaching job yet. The Buckeyes lost star do this year,” Clark told Reuters while compet- here that have putted with a short one for dle putters) or the Webb Simpsons and the “The chase is complete,” Meyer said. Ahh, quarterback Braxton Miller to a season-end- the chase. That’s been the theme of the pro- ing shoulder injury during fall practice. They ing in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions that long would like to switch to something guys who put the putter in the belly, there will gram since Meyer watched Alabama demol- had to shake off an early home loss to at Kapalua Resort. “But at some point, I’m else that they haven’t used. be a lot of eyes focused to see how those guys ish Notre Dame in the BCS championship Virginia Tech, when Miller’s replacement, J.T. going to have to do it because you don’t want “I’m sure there’s going to be some chal- transition.” — Reuters game at the end of the 2012 season. The Barrett, struggled behind an inexperienced Buckeyes went 12-0 that year but were offensive line. Barrett improved to such an banned from postseason play. Nevertheless, extent that he finished fifth in the Heisman the coach knew his unbeaten squad didn’t Trophy balloting, but he sustained a season- match up to the Crimson Tide, so he sent ending injury of his own against Michigan. every member of the program a text that About the same time, the team had to deal very night with a simple message: “The Chase with something far worse: the death of scout is on.” team player Kosta Karageorge, who is Quicker than even Meyers envisioned, the believed to have taken his own life. Buckeyes became the team everyone else is Meyer had to turn to a quarterback who chasing. And with many of his top players started the year as a third-stringer, Cardale returning, including running back Ezekiel Jones. All he did in his first three career starts Elliott, they’ll certainly start next season as was guide the Buckeyes to a 59-0 blowout of the favorite to win another. Wisconsin for the Big Ten title, a stunning 42- “The word repeat, we’ll have that conver- 35 upset of Saban’s Alabama powerhouse in sation, but certainly not today. It’s about the Sugar Bowl, and finally a resounding tri- enjoying it,” a weary looking Meyer said umph over Oregon and Heisman winner Tuesday morning, the championship trophy Marcus Mariota, which would’ve been even by his side. “Elite warriors, when they accom- bigger if not for Ohio State’s four turnovers. plish their mission, they celebrate. The next There are not many coaches who could thing they do is learn from it, and then the overcome that sort of adversity. Maybe not final thing is they look forward to the next any. Not even Saban, dare we say. “One of the mission, next assignment. Right now, we’re in great stories in college football history of the celebration phase.” Meyer seemed a little closeness, of team, of selflessness and strain,” more willing to appreciate this title than the Meyer said. first two, but it’s not his style to relax for long. When he was growing up in Ashtabula, a “He just demands excellence out of every- small town on Lake Erie, his family had a pic- body, every aspect of your life,” said Elliott, ture of Woody Hayes hanging in the home. the MVP of the title game after rushing for The fiery Ohio State coach was clearly an 246 yards and four touchdowns. “When he inspiration, because Meyer found his calling demands that every day from you, you don’t on the sideline after a short-lived profession- have any choice but to change.” al baseball career in the Atlanta Braves organ- Clearly, Meyer is still the same fierce com- ization. To this day, he still keeps a picture of petitor he always was - mercilessly poking Hayes in his home. Maybe it’s time to put up players and coaches alike, all in a desire to something different. get the best out of them. Before a Sugar Bowl If Meyer wants a coach to look up to, all victory over top-seeded Alabama, he talked he needs is a mirror. —AP Tim Clark WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 SPORTS

TEMECULA: In this photo taken Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, a participant takes part in a trial run of the new tear gas obstacle for Tough Mudder in Vale Lake. Tough Mudder, one of several obstacle course-style distance running events is gaining in popularity. — AP Tough Mudder to add tear gas obstacle to its events in 2015

LONDON: For many, just the thought of run- up with the idea of asking people to pay mon- Crawling over logs and under wooden event near Pensacola, Florida, on March 7 at a 1915 in which more than 46,000 allied soldiers ning 12 miles (19 kilometers) over mounds of ey for the chance to challenge themselves in a beams through an enclosed area filled with cost of nearly $200 for a standard entry. Dean were killed among 250,000 casualties. mud and through pools of ice water is enough military-style obstacle course. Tough Guy, for tear gas is the most eye-catching of the new said he is expecting “Cry Baby” to be in place “Gallipoli has become a sacred place. I’ve to make them cry. Now comes something that one, has been around for nearly 30 years and obstacles on the slate for this year’s Tough for all 55 editions in 2015. recreated that.” will really make them weep. Tough Mudder, bills itself as “The Original since 1987.” Many Mudder events. There is also “Ring of Fire,” The tear gas that will be used was created The quest to give paying customers an one of several obstacle course-style distance others have followed in a similar vein, includ- where people slide down a fireman’s pole by the people at Tough Mudder to give run- exciting and challenging experience can come running events gaining in popularity, ing Spartan Race and True Grit. through a ring set alight and into a tub of ners a sense of what it’s like to be faced with with complications and catastrophes. In April announced Tuesday it is adding a tear gas- “I reinvent every year. Well, two or three muddy water, and “Birth Canal,” where partici- the chemical weapon often employed by 2013, 28-year-old Avishek Sengupta died at a experience to its repertoire this year with a times a year,” said Tough Guy organizer Billy pants crawl under a water-filled tarpaulin that police to disperse crowds, but the burning Tough Mudder event in West Virginia. stop labeled “Cry Baby.” It’s not dangerous, Wilson, who took Tough Mudder to court in its creates a sense of claustrophobia. sensation will wear off quickly. “We treat, first and foremost, safety as the according to the company’s CEO, but it can early days but eventually settled. “I create a The well-known “Electroshock Therapy” will “It’s best described as a tear gas-like sub- most important part of our event,” Barclay said. pose quite a challenge for participants. new obstacle for each event, sometimes two.” also be in the mix, with participants running stance,” said Lucas Barclay, the vice president “We are always reviewing our safety features.” “The idea of doing something that sounds Tough Mudder is a New York-based compa- through wires charged with 10,000 volts of of event delivery for Tough Mudder. “It has no The prospect of being injured certainly painful, disorientating, is definitely something ny that started in 2009 and this year is plan- electricity. “It’s as much about the mental chal- lasting effects.” keeps some people on the sidelines, but Dean that’s a little scary,” said Will Dean, who came ning to stage 55 events in eight countries lenge as it is the physical component,” said Tough Guy also tries to stay fresh and said Tough Mudder is expecting its 2 millionth up with the business plan for Tough Mudder around the world. In addition to the main 10- Dean, a 34-year-old British transplant who ahead of the competition, and Wilson is plan- competitor this year. And, as he is quick to while studying for a master’s degree at 12-mile (16-19-kilometer) challenge with worked in counterterrorism for the U.K.’s ning to commemorate a famous World War I point out, it’s not a race against the clock. It’s a Harvard. “It definitely will make your eyes sting about 20 obstacles for both men and women, Foreign Office before heading to Boston and battle at his next event near Birmingham in test of one’s inner strength. “We spend so while you’re in the smoke, but ultimately it’s the company also has Mudderella events for then New York. The first chance for runners to central England on Feb. 1. “I recreated Gallipoli much of our lives competing with one anoth- safe. “The reason we have it is because it’s women and Mini Mudder runs for kids face the new Tough Mudder challenges, beach for the 100th anniversary this year,” er,” Dean said. “In the long run, the race is only intimidating.” Dean was not the first to come between 8 and 12. including the tear gas, will be at the Gulf Coast Wilson said of the battle that started in April within yourself.” — AP Dongfeng pick through Kuwait take sixth place in top 10 By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Kuwait Shooting were able to man-made obstacles get sixth place among the best 10 world skeet shooters, taken by shooter ALICANTE: Leaders Dongfeng Race Team and the onds on average I saw a piece of rubbish floating before then. Abdallah Al-Rashidi, while Olympian rest of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet were carefully by, either big or small. I am not a scientist or None of the three Chinese-backed boats to have Fuhaid Al-Daihani took seventh place. picking their way through the Bay of Bengal on researcher, but the total weight of this trash floating taken part in the 41-year-old event - formerly the President of Kuwait and Arab Tuesday in Leg 3 of the nine-month marathon off- around in this part of the world must be enormous.” Whitbread Round the World Race - has won a leg Shooting Federations Engineer Duaij Al- shore race. Dongfeng skipper Charles Caudrelier Already crews have had to release fishing nets and victory in Sanya would be the ideal place to Otaibi congratulated HH the Amir, HH (France) protected a narrow 30-nautical mile (nm) and all sorts of debris from under their boats on break that duck. It would also put Dongfeng Race the Crown Prince and HH the Prime advantage over closest rivals Team Brunel their passage through the 4,670nm stage from Abu Team narrowly ahead in the overall standings. Minister, as well as the Kuwaiti people on (Netherlands) with three other boats within 5nm of Dhabi to Sanya, Hainan Island, on the southern- “Onboard we are focused but tired from the con- this occasion, and thanked them for their them. For all, however, it has been a case of very most tip of China. Dongfeng, Team Brunel and Abu stant battle of nerves. Nothing is ever for keeps on unlimited support for the sport of shoot- watchful progress because of the pollution in the Dhabi Ocean were locked at the top of the overall this leg, we need to fighting for another 15 days to ing. He said that Kuwait shooting will Bay as they headed towards another hazardous leaderboard on four points apiece after two of the get our boat home,” said Caudrelier, 40. The Volvo continue its efforts and development to stretch of water, the Malacca Strait, that separates 11 legs of the race, which started in Alicante, Spain, Ocean Race is held every three years and is general- reach the highest levels possible. Al- the Indonesian island of Sumatra and Malaysia and on October 4 last year and is scheduled to finish in ly accepted as offshore sailing’s toughest and most Otaibi said the board of directors and the is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Gothenburg, Sweden on June 27. prestigious event. This is the 12th edition. shooting sport community are looking the Amir, Information Minister, State Team Brunel skipper Bouwe Bekking wrote in a Caudrelier, a member of the victorious Latest standings after Leg 2: 1 Team Brunel forward to the opening of the most Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman blog: “There was so much plastic in the water that I Groupama crew in the previous edition in 2011-12, (Netherlands) 4 pts, 2 Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 4, important Kuwait championships which Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. started counting in several intervals of 10 minutes would dearly love victory in this stage, which is 3 Dongfeng Race Team (China) 4, 4 Team HH the Amir Annual International GP on Eng Al-Otaibi lauded the Public for a duration of four hours, the amount of plastic I expected to be completed around January 25-26 Alvimedica (Turkey/U.S.) 9, 5 MAPFRE (Spain) 11, 6 January 25, with the participation of 540 Authority for Youth and Sports and its could see floating by. after three weeks of racing depending on weather Team Vestas Wind (Denmark) 12, 7 Team SCA shooters, representing 52 countries Chairman Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mansour Al- “A scary result was the outcome. Every 37 sec- conditions. They have just under 2,500nm to sail (Sweden) 12. — AFP along with 150 officials. The tournament Sabah, for their support of the shooting will be opened by representative of HH sport. KSSC shooting tournament

By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: With the generous support from Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah every year, and in memory of her late father Sheikh Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwait Shooting Sport Club will organize the annual tournament in the name of late Sheikh Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah from Thursday, Jan15 until Saturday Jan 17 in the Olympic 10m pistol and rifle and Olympic archery. Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Secretary General expressed Kuwait Shooting’s appreciation to Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah, for her initia- tive and sponsorship of this tournament, which bears the name of one of Kuwait symbols, that contributed to the develop- ment and prosperity of modern Kuwait. Al- Osaimi said that this tournament attracts He said that Kuwait shooting saw a the attention of a large number of shoot- large number of shooters recording distin- ers, adding that those tournaments are in guished records that qualified many of the interest of youth to serve our dear them to join the national teams of Kuwait country, and contribute significantly to and that the board of directors is very keeping the KSSC local activity going, as proud of them and offer them all neces- well as develop the technical level of CHILE: Toyota’s driver Yazeed Alrajhi, of Saudi Arabia, and co-driver Timo Gottschalk of Germany, compete during the Stage 9 of the Dakar 2015 sary requirements to continue their Kuwait national team shooters. between Iquique and Calama. — AFP achievements. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 SPORTS

ZURICH: Rosengard’s Brazilian forward Marta (left) and former Switzerland’s team coach Koebi Kuhn pose next to a replica of the World Cup trophy during a press visit at the FIFA World Football Museum under construction in Zurich. — AFP Part of original World Cup trophy found in FIFA basement

ZURICH: A piece of the original World Cup trophy, which was also stolen three months before the 1966 World Cup Rimet himself,” he was quoted as saying by the BBC. The 10 artist Silvio Gazzaniga. was stolen in Brazil in 1983 and never recovered, has been was staged in England. centimetre high octagonal relic will be displayed in the Unlike the previous trophy which was awarded to a found in a basement at FIFA’s headquarters. That time, it was recovered a week later after being museum. Rimet, the “father” of the world Cup, was FIFA’s country winning three world Cups, the current trophy Part of the base of the Jules Rimet trophy, it is engraved found in a south London hedge by a dog named Pickles. president from 1921 to 1954. remains in FIFA’s possession but a replica is awarded to the with the names of the first four World Cup winners who David Ausseil, the creative director of FIFA’s museum which In the early 1970s, FIFA commissioned a new trophy for three-time winners instead. were Uruguay in 1930 and 1950 and Italy in 1934 and 1938. is due to open in March next year, said the trophy had the 10th World Cup in West Germany in 1974. Fifty-three The current base, made of two layers of semi-precious The trophy, which was handed to Brazil permanently been given a new base in 1954. designs were submitted to FIFA by experts from seven malachite, bears the engraved year and name of each after they won the world Cup for the third time in 1970, “We think no FIFA president has seen it since Jules countries, with the final choice being the work of Italian World Cup winner since 1974. — Reuters Vertonghen demands recovery against Burnley

LONDON: Tottenham defender Jan Palace. “I think we were a bit unlucky. I Vertonghen says today’s FA Cup third think we were the better team. “They round replay against Burnley offers a dropped off and I think they made the golden opportunity to make amends for first mistake, but then we made mistakes their reality check at Crystal Palace. at the end. “We have been very stupid to Mauricio Pochettino’s side started drop these points. Once again we have 2015 in memorable fashion as they failed to jump up to fourth place. thrashed Premier League leaders Chelsea “We have to go for fourth place, but 5-3 at White Hart Lane. But Tottenham we are still playing in three other compe- haven’t won since then as a 1-1 draw at titions. Maybe fourth place and a tro- Burnley in the FA Cup was followed by a phy?” dispiriting 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Burnley are currently 14 points below Saturday. Tottenham, and just one place above the The north Londoners had been on relegation, and would gladly sacrifice an course to secure three points after Harry FA Cup run if they could guarantee Kane’s opener, only to lose their momen- avoiding relegation from the top-flight. tum completely as struggling Palace The Clarets lost 2-1 at Spurs in stole the points thanks to goals from December, but Sean Dyche’s side head to Dwight Gayle and Jason Puncheon. the Lane in confident mood after a 2-1 Tottenham were aggrieved to denied the win over fellow strugglers QPR on chance to rescue a point when referee Saturday. Anthony Taylor waved away Kane’s And Scottish midfielder Scott Arfield, penalty appeals after being taken down who opened the scoring at Turf Moor, by Joe Ledley. knows a victory against Spurs would give Regardless of that controversy, the another major boost to his team’s confi- loss was a major blow to Tottenham’s dence. hopes of qualifying for the Champions “It was a massive win (against QPR). It’s League via a top-four finish in the been well documented how important Premier League as they dropped down these sorts of games are going to be,” to sixth place. Arfield said after his first goal since the But Belgium international Vertonghen opening game of the season. “The next hopes the visit of Burnley to White Hart clutch of games are important but none Lane will provide an opportunity to get more so than the next one which is back on track quickly, as well as securing Tottenham away. “It’s the FA Cup and a fourth round home tie against that’s what you want to be involved in so Leicester. Asked if it was a reality check we certainly won’t be going down there after the Chelsea win, the Belgium inter- to make up the numbers. “It’s no less national said: “Yes. There is no point win- important than beating QPR so we’ll go ning against Chelsea and then losing at there and try to win.”— AFP Moyes focused on La Liga but dreaming of Cup final DOHA: Bayern Munich’s Sebastian Rode (right) vies for the ball against Qatar Strars’ Talal al-Bloshi during their friendly match against Qatar Stars in Doha yesterday. —AP MADRID: Avoiding relegation from La ager. “When I took the job there was a Liga remains the overwhelming priori- risk of relegation and there’s still a risk ty for Real Sociedad although the of relegation.” Moyes praised his play- Cut-price ‘Galacticos’ on Basque club are still dreaming of ers for their hard work in training, reaching the final of the King’s Cup, which paid off handsomely this month coach David Moyes said yesterday. when they beat Barcelona 1-0 at home Sociedad, who host Villarreal in their in La Liga. display at the Asian Cup last 16, second leg on Wednesday They will need to pick up three needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from points against teams like Granada, last week’s first leg, have climbed to however, if they are to have any chance MELBOURNE: They may not model their own under- Bahrain striker Jaycee Okwunwanne perhaps coming Waddle has since morphed into a ponytail. 12th in Spain’s top flight since Moyes of qualifying for Europe. wear just yet, but a dizzying array of fake “Galacticos” closest so far, in terms of enthusiasm at least. South While today’s wannabe superstars largely eschew took over in November. However, they Moyes said he was hoping to add are strutting their stuff at the Asian Cup-from Korea forward Son Heung-Min is called “Sonaldo” by the nicknames of yesteryear, comfortingly there are Ronaldos to a Beckham prowling the touchline in a his Bayer Leverkusen team mates, and the jet-heeled still a few nods to the past, with Qatar claiming to are only three points above the drop “some creativity and some more shellsuit. superstar with the floppy Beatles haircut and romantic have a Maradona up their sleeve in the shape of zone following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at attacking options” by taking “two or Pele, Zico and Zinedine Zidane, not players you ties with K-pop beauties is already a huge celebrity in Khalfan Ibrahim. Iran are currently the Asian beach bottom side Granada and Moyes three players on loan” in the January would immediately associate with Asian football, were his home country. However, no Asian Cup would be football champions, but they have no time to lounge acknowledged there was still a real risk transfer window. “But January is not a once the far-fetched nicknames of choice. But times complete without Uzbekistan great Mirdjalal Kasimov, around on sunbeds at the Asian Cup, or indulge in of relegation. very good time to do business,” he change. This year’s tournament in Australia features rather excitedly dubbed “Uz-Becks” in his heyday for fanciful nicknames. Charlton Athletic forward Reza “If possible I’d love to get to a final added. “We hope to have some posi- the “Iraqi Cristiano Ronaldo”, “Asia’s Gareth Bale” and a his sublime free kicks. Ghoochannejhad is known as “Gucci” for short, pre- for the supporters and if we get to the tive news but there’s no guarantee you “Chinese Sergio Ramos”, mirroring the surge in popu- Now Uzbekistan’s head coach, Kasimov does not sumably not for an addiction to high-end shopping, Cup final it will be fantastic,” Moyes can get anybody at this time.” larity of European champions Real Madrid. And a flash have a pop star wife or own a collection of dodgy while Karim Ansarifard is known, conservatively, as the told a news conference previewing the If Sociedad, who last won the Cup in sobriquet can help as players look to put themselves sarongs, and looks-wise he and Beckham are worlds “Iranian Ali Daei”, out of deference for the country’s in the shop window. game at the Anoeta stadium in San 1987, manage to get past Villarreal into apart. And unlike Beckham the 44-year-old Kasimov record goal-scorer. Iraqi wide man Ahmed Yasin, who plays his foot- does not trouble the barbers of Tashkent for more South Korea have a Steven Gerrard in midfielder Sebastian. the quarter-finals, they would likely ball in Sweden, possesses the pin-up looks of than a sensible short back and sides-no shampoo Ki Sung-Yueng, while their rivals across the border “I think we should be realistic but meet Getafe, with one of holders Real Ronaldo-if not quite his jaw-dropping ability or “CR7” required. Uzbekistan’s twice player of the year Server boast the “People’s Wayne Rooney”-except Jong our hopes, our dreams are that we can Madrid, record winners Barca or line of bun-hugging briefs-while team-mate Ali Adnan Djeparov needs no fashion tips from Beckham, turn- Tae-Se, who plays in the K-League, is missing from get to the final,” added the former Atletico Madrid to come in the last has been likened to Bale for his marauding charges up ing up to awards ceremonies rocking crushed velvet the North Korean squad. The Asian Cup promised Manchester United and Everton man- four. — Reuters the left wing. It appears that few teams left home tuxedos-although his “mullet” haircut that invited big names and has delivered by and large, albeit in without a Ronaldo for the Asian Cup, with bulldozing unfortunate comparisons to former England star Chris a round-about way. — AFP Rockets pound Part of original Nets, Magic win World Cup trophy found in FIFA basement

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 201516 19

Golovkin wants 4 fights in 2015 Page 17

CANBERRA: Kuwait’s Mesaed Al-Enezi (left) and South Korea’s Lee Keun Ho (right) run after the ball during the AFC Asia Cup soccer match. — AP Aussies roar into Asian Cup q-finals Korea labor to 1-0 win over Kuwait

MELBOURNE: Hosts Australia and success- 0 win over Kuwait to join Australia in the last made it four with the pick of the bunch with Mubarak. “It’s a big loss because he’s a player with starved South Korea reached the Asian Cup eight. The Australians picked up where they a sharp finish after 70 minutes. Incensed Australian players surrounded a lot of experience,” said South Korea coach quarter-finals yesterday, although Korean left off after thrashing Kuwait 4-1 in the tour- “The players were fantastic,” gushed Japanese referee Ryuji Sato demanding a Uli Stielike. “I saw a lot of sad faces around joy was tempered by injuries to key players nament opener, Matt McKay poking in from Australia coach Ange Postecoglou, who has red card but Mubarak astonishingly him when we had to take this decision to and a flu bug sapping their squad. Australia close range in the 27th minute before seen eight different players score in their escaped with a yellow, raising further ques- send him home. But you have to go on.” dispatched Oman 4-0 with ruthless efficien- Robbie Kruse, who was a blur of movement first two games and promised no let-up in tions over the standard of officiating after Right-back Kim Chang-Soo also failed to cy in Sydney, making it eight goals in two all evening, added a superb second with their final Group A game against the South several controversies early in the competi- recover from a knock in time, while German games. A team which managed just a single Australia’s next attack. Koreans at the weekend. tion. Stielike also has illness concerns with sever- victory in 11 matches last year has caught Latching onto a clever flick from “They were outstanding tonight and we South Korea advanced courtesy of a Nam al of his players floored by a fever, including fire at the Asian Cup and they put Oman to Massimo Luongo, Kruse trapped the ball on won’t have the hand-brake on against Tae-Hee header in the 36th minute. But the superstar Son Heung-Min. The Koreans, who the sword boosted by two goals in three his thigh before clinically sweeping past Korea. We’ll be going for it.” The Socceroos news that midfielder Lee Chung-Yong will won the first two Asian Cups in 1956 and first-half minutes. Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi. will be grateful that talisman Tim Cahill did miss the rest of the tournament after suffer- 1960, have their work cut out to end that South Korea, World Cup semi-finalists in Mark Milligan, in for injured skipper Mile not join Jedinak in the treatment room, ing a fractured tibia cast a shadow over mystifying drought with Australia flying and 2002 but seeking to end 55 years of hurt in Jedinak, smashed home a penalty in first- however, after he was chopped down by a their win against 1980 champions Kuwait in defending champions Japan impressing in Asia’s showcase competition, labored to a 1- half injury time and substitute Tomi Juric shocking two-footed lunge from Ahmed Canberra. their opening game. — AFP Messi admits he could Ref rage boils over at Asian Cup leave Barcelona MELBOURNE: The big guns flex their muscles at game are clear. (The referee) didn’t give a single ZURICH: Lionel Messi saw arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo beat him the Asian Cup, refereeing controversies are leaving yellow. The referee was not at the level of the to the Ballon d’Or in Zurich Monday and then reignited specula- players and coaches hopping mad with the tourna- game.” tion over his own future by saying: “I don’t know where I’ll be ment barely five days old. Portugal’s Queiroz, nicknamed “Rottweiler” by next year.” Barcelona and Argentina superstar Messi appeared to Iran, Oman and holders Japan all raged at the former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson row back on his own comments made 24 hours earlier that officials after their opening games-not the start during two spells as his assistant coach, took a rumours that he could leave the Camp Nou for Chelsea or Asian officials were hoping for after a determined more conciliatory line over two poor offside deci- Manchester City were “all lies”. drive to improve refereeing standards. sions which denied Iran two more goals, shrug- “I always said that I would finish my career at Barcelona and Iran coach Carlos Queiroz launched a withering ging: “On the technical side, we all make mistakes.” then at (his home town club in Argentina) Newell’s,” Messi told attack on referee Ben Williams, accusing him of fail- Le Guen appeared to have genuine reason to reporters after Real Madrid’s Portuguese icon Ronaldo lifted the ing to keep a lid on Bahrain’s “dangerous” tackling feel aggrieved after New Zealand official Peter world footballer of the year title for the second year in succes- in Team Melli’s 2-0 win at the weekend and claim- O’Leary waved away appeals when Oman striker sion at a glittering FIFA awards ceremony. ing the Australian was out of his depth, despite the Qasim Saeed was clattered inside the box. “But I don’t know where I’ll be next year. “As Cristiano fact he officiated at last year’s World Cup. “I ask for equity,” fumed the Frenchman. “It’s 100 (Ronaldo) said recently, football has many twists and anything The red mist descended on Oman coach Paul Le percent a penalty, no hesitation. But (it’s not given) can happen,” added the Barca talisman, who himself won the Guen 24 hours earlier after the Gulf side were because of what? Because we are Oman?” Ballon d’Or four years in a row from 2009. denied what appeared a nailed-on penalty in a 1-0 Honda’s gripe was less clear, however, as five yel- After a superb performance in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over defeat by South Korea. low cards and a red were dished out for Palestine’s Spanish champions Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Messi had And Japan’s spiky playmaker Keisuke Honda rather agricultural tackling. angrily dismissed talk that he wanted to leave after clashing took aim at the man in the middle after Japan’s 4-0 “It was like a basketball game,” sniped Honda. with Barca’s manager Luis Enrique and the club’s board. win over Palestine, asking whether Qatar’s “As soon as we made contact with them, the refer- “I have never demanded anything to ensure that I stay Abdulrahman Hussain had been refereeing a bas- ee blew the whistle. They need to do something because I never had any intention of leaving,” he told Barca TV ketball game in comments dripping with sarcasm. about the level of refereeing here.” after the match. Despite the efforts of the Asian Football But an AFC spokesman told AFP: “We are happy Messi’s relationship with Enrique had come under scrutiny SWITZERLAND : Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Confederation (AFC) to raise standards, Asian refer- with the refereeing and happy that they (referees) after the forward was benched for the 1-0 defeat at Real Messi speaks on stage after being selected in the 2014 eeing came under the spotlight at the 2014 World have sufficient experience, including the World Sociedad a week earlier. The rumours grew after Messi missed FIFA FIFPro World XI during the FIFA Ballon d’Or award Cup when Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura Cup.” the first training session after that match, citing a stomach bug. ceremony on January 12. — AFP awarded hosts Brazil a soft penalty in the opening Despite the rumpus, South Korea coach Uli “I have heard it said that my dad has spoken to Chelsea or Manchester City. It is all lies. I have taken this chance to deny it million euros (195 million pounds, $296 million), without falling game, triggering fury from opponents Croatia and Stielike claimed, perhaps predictably, to be mysti- so that everyone knows the truth,” Messi said Sunday. foul of UEFA’s financial fair play rules. lighting up social media. fied at Le Guen’s comments. “I saw the game like But his latest comments are sure to regenerate interest from With Messi commanding a reported salary in the region of Queiroz’s ire centred on Bahrain’s Faouzi Aaish, the referee saw it,” said the German. “I don’t know a number of cash-rich English Premier League clubs. 20 million euros a year the total cost of acquiring his services on the team’s snarling forward. “He tried to elbow my which situation he is talking about. There cannot Manchester United are reportedly one of the few that could a five-year deal could be a world record-shattering 350 million players,” the former Real Madrid coach told AFP. “As be a clear penalty or I would remember the situa- afford the buyout fee from his contract, reportedly set at 250 euros. — AFP you know elbowing is dangerous. The laws of the tion.” — AFP QNB Q4 profit rises spurred by lending

Page 22 Business China 2014 trade surplus rockets to record high WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 Page 23 ABK wins three awards Oil price plunge casts doubt on GCC budgets from Banker Middle East Page 25 Page 26

DETROIT: Johan de Nysschen, President of Cadillac, poses for pictures with the new CTS V during the media preview at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) yesterday in Detroit. The auto show opens to the public January 17-25. — AFP Cadillac unfurls most powerful car in its history Hot Ford, Acura supercars upstage rivals in Detroit auto show

DETROIT: Cadillac came out all guns blazing at the gious. “It’s a comprehensive plan that starts with great designers say are as aerodynamically functional as they Ayrton Senna in 1989 and which still has fan clubs around Detroit auto show yesterday, unleashing the most power- products... we are here to disrupt and shatter the status are elegant architecture. the world. ful car in its storied 112-year history in an aggressive bid quo.” He added: “This 122-year-old brand is reinventing Speculation was rife that Ford, reviving the GT after a But it sets itself out as a hybrid racer, with a 550-horse- to return to preeminence. Once synonymous with itself.” 10-year hiatus, would take the 600-plus horsepower car to power twin turbo-charged V6 engines combined with American power and prestige, Cadillac has seen its share Le Mans when it comes into production next year, to mark three electric motors that Acura says gives it “zero delay in the luxury market gradually eaten up by its rivals, par- Spotlight the 50th anniversary of the victory of Ford’s original acceleration.” “It’s just badass... in a luxury kind of a way,” ticularly German competitors in the form of BMW and Ford and Honda stole the spotlight Monday at the supercar, the GT 40, at the iconic French circuit. Mike Accavitti, Honda senior vice president and Acura Mercedes. Detroit auto show with the debuts of two hot new super- But Ford chief executive Mark Fields was coy when general manager, told a throng of reporters. But it made a powerful statement in officially present- cars, reviving long-absent favorites: the legendary GT and asked if the new GT would race in France. “We have noth- “It not only lives up to the legacy of its predecessor, it’s ing its CTS-V, a sporty beast of a sedan packing what it the Acura NSX. While muscle and speed were abundant at ing else to talk about besides just presenting this great the stuff that our dreams are made of,” purred Accavitti. called “awesome” 640 horsepower and capable of top the premier US car and truck exposition, little could meas- looking car,” he said. Fields called the GT the embodiment The Acura NSX will hit the streets later this year at a price speeds of 200 miles (320 kilometers) per hour. Admitting ure up to the dazzle from the sleek track-ready-but-street- of Ford’s most advanced efforts in lightweight materials beginning $150,000. Mark Vaughn, industry expert at that Cadillac, owned by General Motors, had fallen legal rockets from the two big automakers. including aluminum and carbon fiber, high-power-and- Autoweek, said the two debuts hark back to the golden behind-it has faced “some adversity... for sure,” said its The unveilings marked a new stage for the US industry, fuel conservation in its engines, and aerodynamics. age of cars. chief Johan de Nysschen-the iconic brand is determined symbolizing a “full clear” from the more austere commer- “We looked at how we were driving innovation “Wouldn’t that be great to put these two pure GT race to fight its way back to the fore. cial-production focus automakers had after the 2008 eco- through the company,” Fields said. “And we said to our- cars onto the track,” he said. Such cars are not particularly Cadillac was launching “a product offensive” that nomic crash, when things like circuit-ready supercars selves, let’s have a showcase where we can highlight that profitable for automakers, “but they get people talking would take on its rivals across several segments of the were seen as expensive excess. innovation and technology in a really dramatic way.” about them,” he said. The introduction of the two gave a market and require more than $12 billion investment, The GT immediately won glowing approval from car boost to the glamour quotient of the annual North declared de Nysschen. “This is not just rhetoric,” he told enthusiasts who flooded social media to proclaim what ‘Badass cars’ American International Auto Show, after opening with car hundreds of journalists at the North American one called on Twitter “delicious.” The car sports buttresses Honda, meanwhile, revived the long-missed NSX, the and truck of the year awards going to the Volkswagen International Auto Show, one of the world’s most presti- behind each door creating two wind tunnels that Ford Acura supercar originally driven by champion driver Golf and Ford’s new aluminum-body pickup truck. — AFP

Gulf markets edge up as oil link weakens Salah Al-Fulaij appointed MIDEAST STOCK AMRKETS as CEO of NBK Kuwait

DUBAI: Gulf stock markets were volatile yesterday as oil net profit to 779 million riyals, below the average forecast of KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait prices hit new lows, but most bourses eventually edged up 893 million riyals. (NBK) Group has announced the on the back of positive corporate announcements and appointment of Salah Al-Fulaij as the expectations, continuing a trend towards partially decou- UAE, EGYPT new Chief Executive Officer of NBK- pling from oil. Brent crude fell to its lowest level in almost Dubai’s index rose 1.7 percent as the two most traded Kuwait. six years and traded below $46 per barrel on Tuesday as the stocks, developer Emaar Properties and builder Arabtec Al-Fulaij had been the CEO of NBK United Arab Emirates defended OPEC’s decision not to cut Holding, jumped 4.2 and 3.7 percent respectively. Investment Capital, NBK’s investment banking output to tackle a glut in the market. bank SHUAA Capital surged 3.3 percent after the firm said its arm, since 2007. Al-Fulaij enjoys an Most Gulf bourses opened lower against that background, unit Gulf Finance Corp had raised a 500 million dirham ($136.1 extensive experience in banking and but then moved into positive territory even as oil plunged fur- million) loan which will be used to fund its growth in the United ther. “The markets fell very steeply in the fourth quarter and Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. finance as he has joined NBK in 1985 hence investors think there is value in this market,” said Shakeel Abu Dhabi’s benchmark rose 1.4 percent as blue-chip and held several key positions at the Sarwar, head of asset management at Securities & Investment lenders National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi bank since then. Prior to joining NBK Co (SICO) in Bahrain. Commercial Bank climbed 4.5 and 4.4 percent respectively. Capital, he was the General Manger of “People think that the oil price decline is nearing its end,” he Qatar edged up 0.2 percent amid a mixed performance. Investment and Treasury Group. Al- said, adding however that volatility was likely to persist until oil Industries Qatar, which had tumbled in the previous two Fulaij is also a member of several indeed found a clear floor. sessions after its board proposed a lower-than-expected Executive committees at NBK Group. Saudi Arabia’s stock index edged up 0.7 percent as petro- 2014 dividend, stabilised and inched down just 0.07 per- Isam Al-Sager, NBK Group CEO said chemicals were nearly flat while banks extended their gains cent. The Bahraini market slipped 0.6 percent, dragged that the appointment of Salah Al- Salah Al-Fulaij Isam Al-Sager Fulaij as the CEO of NBK- Kuwait after a series of strong fourth-quarter results. down by Aluminium Bahrain, which dropped 2.9 percent track record of achievements. He also affirms the stability of NBK’s manage- a clear strategy and a strong vision Shares in Samba Financial Group, the kingdom’s fourth- after Bahrain’s cabinet decided to raise prices of natural gas led NBK Capital to become a leading ment team and reflects the bank’s that will enable it to continue leading largest bank by assets, jumped 4.5 percent after it posted a 22.5 sold to industrial users. Bahrain’s state finances are weaker investment firm in the region. We successful succession planning. It also the Kuwaiti market leveraging its percent rise in its fourth-quarter net profit, beating analysts’ than those of neighbouring Gulf oil exporters, so low oil prices extend our full support for him to represents a milestone in our efforts large pool of calibers and exceptional forecasts. are putting heavy pressure on its budget; cutting gas subsidies achieve the bank’s future ambitions to achieve our strategic goals. quality staff. The lender made 1.23 billion riyals ($328 million) in the quar- is one way to raise money. and maintain its market share in all Al-Sager added that Al-Fulaij is one Al-Fulaij holds an MBA and ter, while analysts surveyed by Reuters had expected it to business lines. of NBK’s top management calibers Bachelor degree in Industrial post an average of 1.09 billion riyals. Bank Aljazira added 1.3 EGYPT Al-Fulaij expressed his gratitude for who contributed to NBK’s success and Engineering from University of Miami, percent after its fourth-quarter profit rose 32.7 percent to Meanwhile, the stock market in oil-importing Egypt contin- being appointed as the CEO of NBK- to its transformation to becoming one United States of America. He has par- 199 million riyals, beating analysts’ average estimate of 178 ued to outperform the broad Middle East region and jumped Kuwait. “I will be closely working with million riyals. 2.2 percent in a broad rally. GB Auto, the country’s biggest listed of the leading regional banks. For over ticipated in a number of Executive my colleagues at the Executive Among losing stocks, Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Co slid 1.6 vehicle assembler and distributor, led gains as it surged its daily 30 years at NBK, Al-Fulaij successfully Programs at Harvard Business School, Management to strengthen NBK’s percent after reporting a 3 percent drop in fourth-quarter 10 percent limit for the second day in a row. — Reuters led many businesses building a long Stanford Graduate School of Business leading position in Kuwait. NBK enjoys and Duke University. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 Oil dives to six-year lows

LONDON: Oil tumbled towards six-year lows yesterday tion.” Global oil prices have slumped by almost 60 per- price fall in the hope that it will force higher-cost shale that “nobody can justify the drop now,” but “we expect on global oversupply and after OPEC kingpin Saudi cent since June, as the market faced abundant supplies, producers out of the market. this situation to continue until the surplus on the mar- Arabia said the era of $100 crude was over, analysts demand fears and a strong dollar in a stuttering global “We cannot continue to be protecting a certain ket is absorbed and the world economy improves.” He said. Brent crude for February delivery fell as low as economy. The slide accelerated in November when the price,” UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei said. said forecasts indicate that this will not happen before $46.40 per barrel-the lowest since March 2009 — and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries main- “We have seen the oversupply, coming primarily the second half of 2015. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for the tained its production ceiling at 30 million barrels per from shale oil, and that needed to be corrected,” he told Oil had already collapsed on Monday after Wall same month hit a similar trough at $44.20 a barrel. day. participants in the Gulf Intelligence UAE Energy Forum Street investment bank Goldman Sachs slashed its price “Today a Saudi official reiterated the belief ... that the in Abu Dhabi. The breakneck growth in shale oil output outlook for the commodity, adding to anxiety about a days of $100 oil are over,” said analyst Daniel Sugarman UAE seeks US output cut has made the United States a major producer again and global oversupply, weak demand and soft growth in at traders ETX Capital. The United Arab Emirates said yesterday that the has led to reduced need for crude imports from the the key Chinese and European markets. Despite collaps- “It is unclear whether this is truly what is felt in the cartel could not stop world prices plunging-and called Middle East. ing oil costs, Europe’s main stock markets pushed high- corridors of power in Riyadh, or just something intend- for a cut in booming shale oil output in the United er yesterday on lingering hopes that the European ed to stress the firm resolve of OPEC’s leading member States. Analysts say that richer cartel members-like the No justification Central Bank would implement quantitative easing (QE) not to back down from its stance of no output reduc- UAE and Saudi Arabia-have been ready to accept the Kuwaiti Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair said meanwhile stimulus to combat deflation in the euro-zone. — AFP Dubai World $14.6bn debt deal creditor vote set for March 17

DUBAI: The court administering conglom- new deal which would see part of its debt erate Dubai World’s restructuring yesterday repaid early and the maturity of the rest set March 17 as the provisional date for extended by four years with added incen- creditors to vote on whether to approve a tives for creditors. $14.6 billion debt deal. The Dubai World Tribunal yesterday held its first hearing on Kuwait crude oil price Dubai World’s second major debt restruc- The price of Kuwait crude oil per barrel turing. slumped by $1.92 to stand at $41.29pb in Mark Hyde of law firm Clifford Chance Monday’s trading compared to $43.21pb said that 73.01 percent of creditors who on Friday, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation would have a vote on the restructuring (KPC) said yesterday. On the international deal had signed a document saying they markets, the price of Brent crude oil for would vote in favor. Dubai World said on February delivery went down by $2.36 to Monday it had received backing from a stand at $47.75pb. The American light “substantial majority” of creditors on the crude dropped by $2.07 to $46.30pb. Oil slump boosts British Forties exports to S Korea BANGKOK: A worker paints a bird cage in a shop in Bangkok yesterday. Thailand’s economy grew at a lacklustre 0.6 percent in the third quarter, prompting LONDON: Around 4 million barrels of market, which means crude for delivery authorities to again clip the full year growth forecast, in a blow to a junta which has vowed to kick-start the economy following their coup. — AFP Britain’s North Sea Forties crude is heading now is cheaper than for future delivery, to South Korea on supertankers this month, meaning it can be bought, stored and sold according to traders and shipping data, as in future for a profit. “You buy now and sell prices near multi-year lows increase its long later,” said a North Sea trader with a trading QNB Q4 profit rises haul allure. The sailings, which traders say firm, declining to be identified. “Later it is are more than in recent months, arise as an worth more even after storage cost.” oil glut in the Atlantic Basin and global Oil trader Trafigura has arranged the oversupply has pushed crude prices to the Forties shipments, traders at other firms lowest since 2009, leading to expectations said. One dealer thought some of the crude spurred by lending more cargoes could sail east. would be placed into storage, before head- The shipping of Forties to South Korea ing to end-users. Trafigura did not immedi- grew as a trading play in 2012 as a free ately respond to a request for comment. Profit rises 3.3% at Gulf’s largest bank trade agreement between Europe and Brent crude futures for February deliv- South Korea removed the Asian country’s ery are trading at $46.20 a barrel, $1.30 a DUBAI: Qatar National Bank (QNB), the largest the year and again to 8.1 percent in the nine months That missed average forecasts from four analysts tariffs on imports of crude from Europe, barrel lower than the March contract. A lender in the Gulf, posted a 3.3 percent rise in to the end of September. However, the slowdown polled by Reuters, who forecast a net profit of 2.57 helping to make it economic to ship large contango is typically seen as a sign of very fourth-quarter net profit yesterday as faster lending came at a time when lending growth across the billion riyals for the quarter. Also aiding the increase volumes from the North Sea. ample supplies. growth and net fee and commission income bol- Qatari banking system tailed off significantly due to in fourth-quarter profit was income from fees and Flows dropped in 2013 due to tax Forties is one of the four North Sea stered its performance. The pick-up in loan growth delays in major infrastructure projects. Credit commissions, which rose 16.5 percent year-on-year changes that made the imports more crude oils that set the price of dated Brent, followed two successive quarters in which year-on- growth was 6.1 percent in November, its lowest to 561.1 million riyals, according to Reuters calcula- expensive. Now one supertanker, the DHT the crude benchmark used to price oil year lending growth slowed at the bank, which pro- since records started in 2006, according to central tions. Eagle, is en route to South Korea, having around the world, and the removal of large vides a window on the health of the Qatari econo- bank data. The fourth-quarter results were the first since the loaded with Forties crude, shipping data volumes of Forties from Europe can sup- my. Lending growth in Qatar has been a significant bank acquired a 23.5 percent stake in pan-African showed. A second vessel, the Caesar, is also port the North Sea market and Brent Fifty percent owned by Qatar’s sovereign wealth factor in supporting bank profits in recent years as lender Ecobank in September. The bank is targeting lined up for a South Korea shipment load- futures. But this time there has been less of fund, QNB’s net loans and advances rose 8.8 percent the state spends billions of dollars on infrastructure a profit contribution of about 40 percent from its ing around Jan. 20, shipping fixtures a sign of strength in the Forties market, giv- in the year to the end of December 2014 to reach and preparations to host the soccer World Cup in overseas operations by 2017, the year it wants to be showed, which traders said looked likely to en ample supply. Forties on Monday was 338 billion riyals ($92.9 billion), a statement showed. 2022. QNB made a net profit of 2.45 billion riyals for the biggest bank in the Middle East and Africa. go ahead. valued at a discount of 35 cents a barrel to That rate is still well short of the more than 20 per- the three months to Dec. 31, up from 2.37 billion QNB posted a full-year net profit for 2014 of Oil traders say the flow has been boost- dated Brent, off a four-month low in the cent lending growth QNB posted for five quarters in riyals in the same period of 2014, Reuters calculated 10.45 billion riyals, up 10.3 percent from 2013, the ed by the steep price contango in the Brent previous session. — Reuters a row, before it slowed to 10.1 percent in first half of based on financial statements. bank’s statement said. — Reuters 10 banks bid for Citigroup’s Egyptian retail ops

DUBAI: Citigroup has received 10 bids for its consumer banking around $250 million at June 30, 2013, according to a report filed Fattah Al-Sisi unseated Mohamed Morsi and his Muslim chasing BNP Paribas’ business for $500 million, while Qatar business in Egypt, three sources with knowledge of the matter with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In Egypt, Brotherhood from power in July 2013. The US bank said in National Bank bought the Egyptian operations of Societe said yesterday, with banks from the United Arab Emirates promi- Citigroup has eight branches in Cairo and one in Alexandria, serv- October that it was pulling out of consumer banking in 11 mar- Generale. Both deals concluded in 2013. Mashreq, which already nent among potential purchasers. Emirates NBD (ENBD) and ing over 100,000 retail customers, according to the bank’s website. kets, including Egypt and Japan, as it tries to trim costs. Citi wants has 10 branches in Egypt, is targeting the country and Turkey for Mashreq are among those bidding for the business put up for sale Citi declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. ENBD, to complete sales in those markets by the end of 2015, it said at acquisitions to expand beyond its crowded home market. by the US lender in October, two of the sources said. Mashreq, NBAD and ADIB also declined to comment. the time. There was likely to be less interest from Qatari banks A third source identified National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Abu The presence of numerous UAE banks among the bidding Several highly-liquid Gulf banks have sought to tap into the because of strained relations between Qatar and Egypt since Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) as having bid for the operations. The group underlines growing ties between the Gulf nation and Egyptian banking sector as the Middle East and North Africa’s Sisi took power or from Western banks, many of which have sources gave no indication of the size of the bids or other details Egypt. The UAE has backed Egypt with cash, oil products and largest consumer market begins to stabilise after two revolutions been reviewing their exposure in emerging markets, said one of surrounding the approaches. Citi’s net investment in Egypt was political support since former general turned president Abdel since 2011. ENBD has already made a recent buy in Egypt, pur- the sources. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Philippine Peso 0.006518 0.006798 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Singapore Dollar 0.217588 0.223588 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019592 0.028092 Japanese Yen 2.490 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Australian Dollar 232.53 229.53 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001861 0.002441 Indian Rupees 4.750 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 249.90 250.90 Taiwan 0.009151 0.009331 Pakistani Rupees 2.927 Turkish Lira 131.225 Swiss Franc 293.82 291.82 Thai Baht 0.008641 0.009191 Srilankan Rupees 2.221 Euro 350.75 351.75 Nepali Rupees 2.973 US Dollar 294.90 297.90 Arab Singapore Dollar 221.410 Sterling Pound 449.01 451.01 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 38.009 Bahraini Dinar 0.775237 0.783237 Japanese Yen 2.53 2.55 Bangladesh Taka 3.768 Egyptian Pound 0.038222 0.041322 Bangladesh Taka 3.778 4.048 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.577 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.746 5.046 Thai Baht 8.979 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.227 2.662 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007677 0.008677 Jordanian Dinar 0.411598 0.419098 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.964 3.499 British Pound 0.439910 0.448910 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.926 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004327 0.016327 Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.14 80.60 Danish Krone 0.042869 0.047869 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024074 0.048074 Saudi Riyal 78.618 Bahraini Dinar 782.70 784.77 Euro 0.342978 0.350978 Nigerian Naira 0.001199 0.001834 Qatari Riyal 80.995 Egyptian Pound 41.12 41.72 Norwegian Krone 0.034122 0.039322 Omani Riyal 0.759434 0.765114 Omani Riyal 766.050 Jordanian Dinar 419.01 424.66 Romanian Leu 0.084531 0.084531 Qatar Riyal 0.080236 0.081449 Bahraini Dinar 783.050 Omani Riyal 764.77 772.07 Slovakia 0.008649 0.018649 Saudi Riyal 0.077950 0.078650 UAE Dirham 80.289 Qatari Riyal 81.21 81.76 Swedish Krona 0.032541 0.037541 Syrian Pound 0.001748 0.001968 Saudi Riyal 78.55 78.95 Swiss Franc 0.283655 0.293855 Tunisian Dinar 0.153277 0.161277 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.134301 Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.131301 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.517 UAE Dirhams 0.079254 0.080403 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.132 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001331 0.001411 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.370 Australian Dollar 0.232286 0.243786 New Zealand Dollar 0.222732 0.232232 Tunisian Dinar 156.380 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 414.370 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 291.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.978 America Canadian Dollar 260.085 Syrian Lira 2.101 Canadian Dollar 0.241272 0.249772 Sterling Pound 456.630 Morocco Dirham 32.278 US Dollars 0.290600 0.295300 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.291100 0.295300 US Dollar 293.950 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 351.450 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 US Dollar Transfer 294.700 Asia Pound Sterlng 447.150 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Euro 350.100 Bangladesh Taka 0.003454 0.004054 Canadian Dollar 249.900 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Sterling Pound 448.240 Chinese Yuan 0.046034 0.049534 Indian Rupee 4.650 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Canadian dollar 247.340 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035911 0.038661 Egyptian Pound 41.095 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Turkish lira 129.000 Indian Rupee 0.004404 0.004805 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.223 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Swiss Franc 291.350 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Bangladesh Taka 3.749 Australian Dollar 241.950 Japanese Yen 0.002417 0.002597 Indian Rupees 4.716 Philippines Peso 6.528 US Dollar Buying 293.500 Kenyan Shilling 0.003278 0.003268 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Pakistan Rupee 2.920 Korean Won 0.000263 0.000278 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Bahraini Dinar 782.700 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.079761 0.085761 Philippines Pesso 6.481 UAE Dirham 80.050 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003012 0.003182 Cyprus pound 715.865 Saudi Riyal 78.500 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002739 0.003019 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 Plunging UK inflation dampens rate hike hopes

LONDON: British inflation dived in December to a percent against a backdrop of sliding inflation. point either side of the target, Carney is required to prices. While falling prices may sound good for con- record low level on sliding oil prices, data showed write a letter of explanation to Osborne. sumers, deflation can trigger a vicious spiral in yesterday, sparking deflation fears and dampening BoE facing pressure December’s CPI rate was pushed lower by sliding which businesses and households delay purchases, the prospect of interest rate hikes any time soon. “December’s ... inflation rate should increase the petrol prices and by flat domestic electricity and throttling demand and causing companies to lay off The 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI) halved pressure on the BoE to postpone starting to raise gas prices, compared with a year earlier when they workers. However, Alpari analyst Craig Erlam down- to 0.50 percent last month, from a 12-year low of 1.0 interest rates,” said economist Zach Witton at were hiked sharply. Oil has collapsed by almost 60 played a comparison with the euro-zone. “While percent in November, the Office for National Moody’s Analytics. “We had expected the BoE percent since June, as the market faced abundant people will be quick to compare the low inflation in Statistics revealed in a statement. The new level would start to gradually increase rates in the sec- supplies, demand fears and a strong dollar in a stut- the UK to that of the euro-zone, which fell into defla- equalled a record low set in May 2000 but also ond quarter. Yet, December’s CPI significantly tering global economy. tion territory last month, the two situations could fanned fears of deflation, or a damaging period of increases the risk that the BoE will not start raising Tumbling oil prices translate into lower inflation not be more different,” Erlam said. falling prices that undermines economic growth. rates until well into the second half of this year.” because they pull down energy, manufacturing and “While the euro-zone is seeing broad-based “Inflation took another big step down in That would leave interest rates on hold until transport costs. They also force down the cost of deflation, high unemployment and therefore no December and the halving in the oil price since the after Britain’s general election in May. The drop refined crude products like petrol and heating fuel. wage growth, UK unemployment is very low, wages summer should mean that the UK comes within a below 1.0-percent triggered a letter from BoE gov- are already starting to rise-which brings with it whisker of deflation soon,” said analyst Paul ernor Mark Carney to British finance minister Euro-zone in deflation territory inflationary pressures-and the areas in which we are Hollingsworth at Capital Economics research con- George Osborne. The BoE’s main task is to use mon- Yesterday’s news came one week after separate seeing deflation do not carry the same threat that sultancy. etary policy as a tool to keep 12-month inflation data showed the 19-nation euro-zone slid into defla- others would.” He added that falling prices of items The Bank of England (BoE) had voted last week close to a government-set target of 2.0 percent. tionary territory in December, with inflation at minus like fuel and food, left consumers with more cash to to keep its main interest rate at a record-low 0.50 When inflation strays more than 1.0 percentage 0.2 percent also on the back of slumping crude oil spend elsewhere. — AFP Ruble tumbles further along with oil prices

MOSCOW: The Russian ruble tumbled against Russians in December, with people rushing to the dollar and the euro for the second day in a convert their savings into dollars or euros, row yesterday, punished as oil prices plunged peaking on December 15 and 16 when the further. The ruble was worth 64.68 against the ruble lost around a quarter of its value in two dollar and 76.43 against the euro at around days. The ruble then stabilised, but still ended 0900 GMT, down from 63.17 and 74.68 on the year down 41 percent against the dollar, Monday evening. Stocks in the oil exporting and has remained weak in January as oil nation were also hit, with the RTS index down prices have continued to fall. 2.64 percent at around 0900 GMT. Russia’s In late December, Russian Finance Minister budget depends heavily on revenues from oil Anton Siluanov predicted that if a barrel of oil and gas, and the ruble’s fall yesterday came as was worth $60 the Russian economy could the price of a barrel of Brent fell to around contract by 4 percent in 2015 after having $46, approaching 6-year lows. edged out 0.6 percent growth this year. At “The performance of crude oil remains the that price, which is above the $50 average key focus for ruble traders,” VTB Capital ana- price per barrel in 2015 the US investment lysts said in a research note. The ruble’s plunge bank Goldman Sachs now forecasts, Russia has also been fuelled by the fallout from the would record a budget deficit of 3 percent crisis in Ukraine that has seen the West slap after balancing the budget for many years. the toughest sanctions on Moscow since the Russia’s central bank said Monday that it end of the Cold War. The sharp depreciation of had spent $76 billion to prop up the ruble the national currency has propelled official in 2014, leaving currency reserves of less inflation to over 11 percent. than $400 billion for the first time in five The falling ruble sparked panic among years. — AFP Economists see several factors behind euro slump

BRUSSELS: The policy shift of the European tively low for the coming months but added Central Bank, the slow economic growth in that it is difficult to predict towards the end of Europe, the Greek crisis and the steep drop in oil the year. BEIJING: Two women stand in front of an advertising billboard at the entrance to a market in Beijing yesterday. — AFP prices are factors behind the big drop in the On his part, Veron declined to forecast on euro exchange rate, according to two leading developments this year saying “I never make European economists. forecasts on foreign exchange rate. They are China 2014 trade surplus “It is a combination of different factors, it’s notoriously difficult to predict. I won’t be sur- not just one factor. Certainly the planned prised if the trend continues, but I am not mak- actions of the European Central Bank play a role. ing any forecasts.” The political uncertainty which is associated He said the drop in oil price “is also part of rockets to record high with the Greek crisis will also influence the euro the context “ and added “you see different reac- exchange rate,” Dr. Fabian Zuleeg, Director and tions in oil importing countries on this.” The chief economist at the Brussels-based think tank ECB’s governing body is expected to meet on 22 European Policy Centre, told the Kuwait news January to discuss a new government bond- Beijing misses trade growth target agency, KUNA, in an interview. “But I think fun- buying program hoping that injecting more damentally what is behind it is the long-run money into the economy will drive up demand BEIJING: China’s trade surplus soared by almost China’s economy rounds out a disappointing 2014, mist at Capital Economics, said the outlook for growth projections for Europe in comparison to and force up prices in the European economy. “It half last year to a record $382 billion, the govern- with growth slowing because of manufacturing overseas shipments should be brighter this year other regions of the world such as the US. In the is certain the ECB is going to do this so the ment announced yesterday, but the world’s sec- weakness, falling property prices and high corpo- and import growth is likely to remain soft. end we are looking at a weaker economy in exchange rate reflects that proposed action,” Europe which would mean that the Dollar will commented Zuleeg. He noted that the drop in ond-largest economy again missed its trade rate and local government debt burdens. This “Looking ahead, although the global economy continue to strengthen,” he opined. oil prices will have some influence but it growth target due to weakness overseas. prompted the central People’s Bank of China remains fragile we nonetheless expect growth in The euro last week hit a 9-year low against depends very much on what exchange rate. Exports increased 6.1 percent to $2.34 trillion in (PBoC) in November to cut benchmark interest many of China’s key export markets, such as the US, the dollar, at 1.17. It was the euro’s lowest level “The low oil prices are also affecting some other 2014, while imports rose 0.4 percent to $1.96 tril- rates for the first time in more than two years. to stage a slight recovery this year, which should since late December 2005. On his part, Nicolas countries so it depends very much on bilateral lion, the General Administration of Customs said Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded an provide support to Chinese exports,” he wrote in a Veron, senior fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels-based relationship whether you are oil exporting coun- on its website. annual 7.3 percent in the third quarter, the slowest note. “Meanwhile, we think that domestic demand, European think tank specializing in economics, tries or oil importing countries,” he said. That translated into a trade surplus of $382.46 since the height of the global financial crisis in ear- particularly for commodities, is likely to remain said the drop in the euro exchange rate is due to On the economic situation in Europe, Zuleeg billion, the highest ever and a 47.2 percent increase ly 2009. Some economists expect figures showing subdued and that those anticipating a stimulus- the European Central Bank’a (ECB) policy shift. said “we are in a period where economic growth on 2013. China’s huge trade surpluses were long a further weakness at the end of last year and in the driven pick-up in investment or a marked turn- “I don’t think it is much linked to the devel- remains difficult.” “We are not talking about very source of friction between Beijing and Washington, year ahead, with authorities openly describing around in the property sector will be disappointed,” opment in Greece. We saw in 2011 and 2012 high growth rates. Certainly we have some as the workshop of the world pumped out manu- slower and hopefully more sustainable expansion he added. that instability in the euro-zone did not mechan- problems with Germany starting to slow down factured goods and US debt mounted, but the as a “new normal”. “As such, import growth is likely to remain ically result in a decrease in euro exchange rate. so overall growth performance is not going to issue receded in more recent years. weak.” Analysts called for further policy loosening So I think it has much to do on the policy signals be very high in Europe. It is not going to be a Total trade in 2014 rose just 3.4 percent from ‘Negative factors’ given weak domestic demand. “With domestic coming from the ECB,” he told KUNA. Zuleeg said recession but certainly not high growth,” he the year before, far below authorities’ aim of about For December alone, the trade surplus soared demand growth still depressed, policy easing is still he expects that the euro rate will remain rela- added. — KUNA 7.5 percent and the third consecutive year the offi- 93.5 percent year-on-year to $49.6 billion, as needed,” economists of China International Capital cial target has been missed. exports increased 9.7 percent to $227.5 billion and Corporation said in a research note. “The world economy recovered rather slowly imports fell 2.4 percent to $177.9 billion, Customs The record-high trade surplus could lead to and couldn’t support China’s trade growing at a said. It had initially given the figures in yuan terms, volatility in the yuan, which depreciated by three high speed,” said Customs spokesman Zheng with different percentage changes as a result of percent against the dollar last year, warned ANZ Yuesheng. “China’s comparative advantage of low exchange rate movements. The export figure analysts Liu Li-Gang and Zhou Hao. costs continued to wane, while investment in exceeded the median forecast of six percent by 40 “This divergence has made Chinese corporates China’s manufacturing industry from developed economists in a Bloomberg survey, while the fall in become increasingly concerned about their large economies declined, containing trade (growth),” he imports was less severe than their prediction of a US dollar debt exposure” they wrote in a report, added, stressing that foreign-invested companies 6.2 percent decline. Zheng said that while China’s adding they could rush to buy dollars. “This could are responsible for about half the country’s trade growth is likely to rebound this year, it faces lead (to) both currency overshooting and increased exports. headwinds. volatility in the (yuan) exchange rate going for- Zheng attributed the record surplus to falling “We think the negative factors containing trade ward,” the analysts added, suggesting that the international commodity prices which dragged growth in 2014 will continue for a certain period of PBoC would probably intervene in such a scenario down import values. The trade figures come as time,” he said. Julian Evans-Pritchard, China econo- to prevent large capital outflows. —AP US job openings jump to 14-year high

WASHINGTON: The rapid hiring that made 2014 lion more people started earning paychecks in wages slipped in that report, and they have a stellar year for job gains is showing no sign of 2014. That drove the unemployment rate down only increased 1.7 percent in the past year. slowing down. US employers advertised the to 5.6 percent, the lowest in more than six That’s barely ahead of the 1.3 percent inflation most job openings in nearly 14 years in years, from 5.8 percent. Yet average hourly rate. —AP November, the Labor Department said yester- DETROIT: Kumar Galhotra, Vice President Lincoln Bran, reveals their MKX series during day. That suggests businesses are determined to the press preview at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit yesterday. keep adding staff because they are confident Some 20 manufacturers compete for the spotlight in a US auto market that has been a that strong economic growth will continue to bright spot in a world where other economies are struggling to grow. — AFP create more demand for their goods and servic- es. Job openings rose 2.9 percent to 4.97 million in November, the most since January 2001. More job vacancies generally lead to more hir- Ashmore assets fall ing. Employers have been slow to fill their open- ings for most of the recovery, but that started to to 3-year low change last year as companies ramped up their overall hiring. Job openings have soared over the last year. LONDON: Assets managed by Ashmore December from $71.3 billion in September. The fact that they continue to rise suggests com- Group fell to three-year low in the final That level was the lowest since December panies are still determined to hire even after quarter of 2014, hit by a sell-off in emerg- 2011, when the money manager had $60.4 adding a large number of jobs in 2014. With the ing market securities and as investors with- billion under management, and shows the unemployment rate lower, employers may be drew cash, sending its shares to their low- challenges faced by emerging market- forced to offer higher pay in order to attract the est since July 2010. The emerging market- focused funds as the prospect of higher US workers they need, though there is little sign focused money manager said yesterday interest rate make investors bail out of riski- that wages have started to rise yet. portfolio losses led to a $2.8 billion decline er assets bought in search of higher yields. “The surge in the number of job openings in assets under management during the “While asset prices have fallen, uncertainty since last spring is nothing short of spectacular,” quarter, while investors pulled out a net over the timing and pace of Federal Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon $4.2 billion, mainly from currency and Reserve rate increases is likely to weigh on Macroeconomics, wrote in a note to clients. fixed-income funds. sentiment in the near term,” said Chief Should such increases continued, “the greater is The sale of the group’s interest in a Executive Mark Coombs. the chance the wage pressures intensify.” Chinese real estate joint venture also cut He added, however, that emerging The healthy data echoes last Friday’s jobs assets by $600 million, as its total assets market fundamentals remained sound TOKYO: A truck leaves the international cargo terminal after its shipping container was loaded report, which showed that employers added a under management fell to a smaller-than- and uncertainties such as elections had onto an international freighter at Tokyo’s port yesterday. Japan posted a current account sur- net total of 252,000 jobs in December, capping expected $63.7 billion at the end of abated. —Reuters plus for the fifth consecutive month in November as a weaker yen helped boost repatriated the best year for hiring since 1999. Nearly 3 mil- returns on foreign investment, official data showed yesterday. — AFP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 Retail shares push up European equities

PARIS: A rise in retail shares pushed up consumers would have more money to spend. analyst at ActivTrades. European equities yesterday, while expecta- “The weaker oil price would put more mon- Greece’s benchmark ATG equity index also tions of new economic stimulus measures from ey in consumers’ pockets,” said Andrea Williams, rose 1.9 percent with the country’s election on Gold climbs as investors the European Central Bank (ECB) also propped European equities fund manager at Royal Jan. 25 looming. The leftist opposition Syriza up stock markets. London Asset Management. party, which has said it will cancel austerity seek refuge from volatility The STOXX Europe 600 Retail Index rose 1.9 imposed under Greece’s 240 billion euro percent, outperforming a 0.8 percent advance Italian presidency ($283.3 billion) bailout and renegotiate some LONDON: Gold hit a 12-week high yesterday as investors sought refuge from in the broader, pan-European STOXX 600 index Italy’s FTSE MIB equity index rose 0.7 per- debts, is leading the polls, but some traders volatility in the wider markets, with a slide in crude oil prices to their lowest in and a similar rise in the pan-European cent, helped by the country’s borrowing costs feel Greece will stay in the euro zone. nearly six years fuelling turbulence in stock markets and currencies. FTSEurofirst 300 index. reaching new record lows on speculation that Rupert Welchman, European equities fund The gold price peaked at $1,243.60, its highest since mid-October, before German retailer Metro AG climbed 3 percent the ECB could unveil plans for government manager at Union Bancaire Privee, said that retreating as European stocks turned higher and the dollar recovered from an ear- after it reported strong Christmas sales. British bond purchases at a meeting next week. while he had reduced his holding of Greek ly low. It remained elevated, however, thanks to the depressed oil price. Spot gold supermarket operator Morrison also rose 5.6 However, some traders remained cautious shares, he did not want to be completely out of was up 0.3 percent at $1,237.43 an ounce at 1255 GMT, while US gold futures for percent as investors welcomed the departure about the Italian market given the imminent the Greek market in case it rallied after the Jan. February delivery were up $5.20 an ounce at $1,237.90. of Morrison boss Dalton Philips, who had departure of Italian President Giorgio 25 vote. Gold has risen nearly 5 percent this month as equities, which were boosted presided over weak Christmas trading figures. Napolitano. “During this long-running European crisis, last year by hopes that the US economy was on the road to recovery, have come The European energy sector underperformed “Italy is still in a phase of a very fragile eco- we have been led to fear extreme outcomes under pressure. Strength in stocks helped to push down gold prices by 1.5 per- as oil prices tumbled to their lowest levels in nomic recovery and the new president will time and again, and then the eventual out- cent in 2014. almost six years, but traders said this would have to play a key role to sustain the current come has been one of compromise,” said “There is an element of beginning-of-the-year exuberance in gold, carrying help retailers as it theoretically would mean coalition,” said Carlo Alberto de Casa, senior Welchman. — Reuters over from the relative weakness in the equity markets at the moment,” Mitsubishi analyst Jonathan Butler said. “That gold can rally despite the dollar being relatively strong says something of the uncertainty regarding the US economy. There’s a question over whether we’ll revert to gold as a safe haven, as we’ve seen in recent days, or if US growth is going to pull through and ultimately drive the dollar higher, with negative impli- cations for gold.” European stocks turned higher, having fallen in early trade after a fresh drop in oil prices hit energy stocks. Brent crude oil futures slid 4 percent to their lowest in almost six years. The dollar index rose after the US currency skidded to its lowest level against 7XHVGD\-DQXDU\ the yen in a month as Treasury yields fell because of increased demand for safe- haven assets against the backdrop of plunging oil prices. — Reuters ,QGH[ &KDQJH &ORVLQJ /DVW&ORVLQJ +LJK /RZ

3ULFHLQGH[ Ÿ      9ROXPH 

:HLJKWHG,QGH[ Ÿ     9DOXH .:'  .6; Ÿ      1XPEHURI7UDGHV 

7UDGHV 7UDGHV

6HFXULW\ +LJK /RZ 9ROXPH 9DOXH .' 7UDGHV /DVW &KDQJH 6HFXULW\ +LJK /RZ 9ROXPH 9DOXH .' 7UDGHV /DVW &KDQJH

0$5,1       ŷ  62.28.       ŷ  ,.$586       ź  .5(       Ÿ  ,3*      ŷ  85&       ŷ  1$3(6&2       ŷ  15(       Ÿ  (1(5*<+       ŷ  65(       ź  *3,      ŷ  3($5/       ŷ  $%$5     ŷ  7$0       ŷ  2LO *DV     ź  $5((&       ź  0$66$/(+       Ÿ  .)28&       ź  $5$%5(&       ź  %3&&       ź  85(&     ŷ  $/.287       ŷ  (5(6&2       ź  $/485$,1       Ÿ  0$%$1((       ŷ  %DVLF0DWHULDOV     ź  ,1-$==$7       ź  ,19(67256       ź  .&(0       ŷ  ,5&       ŷ  5()5,       ŷ  $/7,-$5,$       ŷ  &$%/(       ŷ  6$1$0       Ÿ  6+,3       ŷ  $$<$15(       ŷ  3&(0       Ÿ  $4$5       ŷ  3$3(5       ŷ  $/$4$5,$     ŷ  05&       Ÿ  0$=$<$       ź  $&,&2       Ÿ  $'1&       ź  **0&       Ÿ  7+(0$5       ŷ  +&&       ŷ  7,-$5$       Ÿ  .3$.       ŷ  7$$0((5       ŷ  .%00&     ŷ  $5.$1       ŷ  1,&%0       Ÿ  $5*$1       Ÿ  (48,30(17       ź  $%<$$5       ź  1&&,     ŷ  0816+$$7       ŷ  *<3680       ŷ  ),567'8%$,       Ÿ  6$/%22.+       Ÿ  .%7       ź  $*/7<       Ÿ  5($0     ŷ  ('8       ŷ  0(1$       Ÿ  &/($1,1*       ź  $/08'21       Ÿ  &,7<*5283     ŷ  0$5$.(=     ŷ  .*/       ź  5(0$/       Ÿ  .&3&       ŷ  0$6+$(5       Ÿ  +80$162)7       ŷ  5HDO(VWDWH     Ÿ  1$)$,6       ź  6$):$1     ŷ  .,19       Ÿ  *)&       ź  )$&,/       ŷ  0$<$'((1       ź  ,)$       ź  &*&       ŷ  1,19       Ÿ  07&&       ŷ  .352-       ŷ  83$&       ŷ  &2$67       ŷ  $/$)&2       Ÿ  6(&+       ź  08%$55$'       ŷ  6*&     ŷ  /2*,67,&6       Ÿ  $5=$1       ź  6&(0       Ÿ  0$5.$=       ŷ  *&(0       ź  .0(),&       Ÿ  4&(0       ź  $/$0$1       ŷ  )&(0       ŷ  $/2/$     ŷ  5.:&       Ÿ  $/0$/       Ÿ  63(&       ź  *,+       ŷ  ,QGXVWULDOV     Ÿ  $$<$1       Ÿ  %$<$1,19       ŷ  .6+     ŷ  2628/       ŷ  16+       ŷ  .),&       ŷ  3$3&2     ŷ  .$0&2     Ÿ  &$77/       Ÿ  1,+       ŷ  '$1$+       ź  ,6.$1     ŷ  328/7    ŷ  0$'$5       ŷ  )22'       Ÿ  $/'((5$       ź  &RQVXPHU*RRGV     Ÿ  $/6$/$0       ź  (.77,7$%       ŷ  0+&       ŷ  485$,1+/'       ŷ  $7&   ŷ  $/0$',1$       ŷ  <,$&2       ŷ  1225       Ÿ  +HDOWK&DUH     ŷ  7$0,19       Ÿ  (;&+       ŷ  .&,1       Ÿ  7$,%$     ŷ  .+.+2727     ŷ  .6+&.6+&        ŷ  68/7$1       ź  675$7(*,$     ŷ  &$%/(79       Ÿ  .&,&       ŷ  (<$6     ŷ  0$1$)$(       ŷ  ,)$+5     ŷ  *1$+&       ŷ  28/$)8(/       Ÿ  $0:$/       ŷ  0817$=$+$7       ź  $/,07,$=       ź  -$=((5$       ŷ  0$1$=(/       ź  6225       ź  1,1'       ź  )8785(.,'       ŷ  %,,+&       Ÿ  $/1$:$',     ŷ  6(1(5*<       Ÿ  $/5$,       Ÿ  $*+&       Ÿ  =,0$+       Ÿ  .33&       Ÿ  8),*       ŷ  7$+66,/$7       ŷ  .287)22'       ŷ  -((5$1+       ŷ  &RQVXPHU6HUYLFHV     Ÿ  (.+2/',1*     ŷ  *)+       ź  =$,1       Ÿ  ,129(67       ŷ  225('22       ŷ  )LQDQFLDO6HUYLFHV     Ÿ  +,767(/(&       ź  9,9$       ŷ  ,QYHVWPHQW,QVWUXPHQWV     ŷ  7HOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV     Ÿ  $6&       Ÿ  1%.       ŷ  6$)7(&     ŷ  *%.       ŷ  )8785(       Ÿ  &%.     ŷ  +$<$7&200       Ÿ  $%.     ŷ  7HFKQRORJ\     Ÿ  $/087$+('       ź  .,%       ź  %$5((4     ŷ  %85*       ź  $)$4       ŷ  .),1       ŷ  $/6+$0(/       ŷ  %28%<$1       Ÿ  6$)5(       ź  $8%       ź  $-:$1       ź  ,7+05       ź  0$6$.(1       Ÿ  :$5%$%$1.       Ÿ  '$/4$1       ŷ  %DQNV     ź  $/(,'     ŷ 0,'$1       ŷ  .,16       ŷ  )/(;     ŷ  *,16       ŷ  7+85$<$       ŷ  $,16       ŷ  .&/,1,&     ŷ  :,16       Ÿ  $0$5    ŷ  .8:$,75(     ŷ  3DUDOOHO0DUNHW    ź  )7,       ŷ  :(7+$4       ŷ  %.,.:7       ŷ  )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFDOO*OREDO,QYHVWPHQW+RXVHRQZZZJOREDOLQYQHW ,QVXUDQFH    Ÿ  WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 BUSINESS Oil price plunge casts doubt on GCC budgets KAMCO GCC Economic Report

KUWAIT: The decline in oil prices during the social services, municipal services, water and lization in oil supply accompanied by a drop in last quarter of 2014 cast doubts on the GCC water treatment services, roads and highways, prices which averaged around $ 105.9/b dur- governments’ ability to sustain the planned with particular emphasis on science and tech- ing the year. Besides, there was limited activity level of spending in 2015. However, the release nology projects and e-government. in the non-oil sector due to political deadlock of expansionary budgets by Saudi Arabia, that almost stalled developmental projects Dubai and Oman set aside all such specula- Dubai Budget for 2015 aimed at expanding the non-oil sectors. tions. Saudi Arabia has budgeted revenues of As the Dubai government prepares to host Credit facilities extended by Kuwaiti banks SAR 715 billion ($190.7billion) in 2015 whereas the Expo 2020, its 2015 budget released at the during Q3-14 sustained the upward momen- expenditures are estimated at SAR 860 billion start of 2015 highlighted the fact that with oil tum seen during last year to record a quarterly ($229.3 billion) resulting in a fiscal deficit of revenues accounting for a merely 4 percent of growth of 1.27 percent and stand at KD 30.62 SAR 145 billion ($38.6 billion). Meanwhile, total revenues, the government would not rely billion at the end of Sep-2014. Personal facili- Dubai released a balanced budget at AED 41 on oil to plan its finances. The government pre- ties and credit to the real estate sector repre- billion ($11.2 billion), its largest budget since sented an expansionary budget balanced at sent the key drivers behind the growth in total the global financial crisis, implying a strong AED 41 billion ( $ 11.2 billion), its largest credit, together adding around KD 285 million growth of 9 percent as compared to 2014. budget since the global financial crisis, imply- or around 74 percent of the total credit growth On the banking side, credit facilities extend- ing a growth of 9 percent as compared to 2014. in Q3-14. Growth rate in Personal Facilities mar- ed by Kuwait banks during Q3-14 increased by The budget highlights an 11 percent ginally slowed down as compared to the last 1.27 percent to KD 30.62billion at the end of increase in government revenues as compared period to post an increase of 2.3 percent dur- Sep-2014 fuelled by growth in personal facili- to 2014 which relies significantly on increase ing Q3-14. While, credit to real estate sector ties and credit to the real estate sector that government fees and fines (74 percent), nearly maintained the same level of last quar- added a combined KD 285 million or around whereas tax revenues from customs, excise ter to grow by a marginal 0.2 percent during 74 percent of the total credit growth during charges and corporation tax imposed on for- Q3-14. the quarter. eign banks will is expected to increase by 12 Despite the risk-averseness of Banks and Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, money supply percent during 2015 and account for 21 per- the conservative lending policies, along with the restructuring of corporate debt and the ongoing delay in implementing a dozen of infrastructure and economic projects, the cred- it market has witnessed signs of recovery in 2013 and 9M-14 that will most likely continue through 2014/2015 driven by the gradual restoration of confidence in the private sector & the recovery of the property market and the local bourse. Following the upward trend seen over the last three quarters, Kuwait’s broad measure of money supply (M2) dropped by 3.8 percent in Q3-14 or KD 1.3 billion, to stand at KD 33 bil- lion as of Sep-14.

Saudi Arabia The Saudi GDP is estimated to reach SAR 2,821.7 billion at the end of 2014 with a growth rate of 1.09 percent compared to 2013. The Non-oil GDP is estimated to grow by 8.21 percent to reach SAR 1,600.8 billion, whereas the non-oil public and private sectors are esti- mated to grow by 6.06 percent and 9.1 per- cent, respectively. On the other hand, the oil (M2) increased by 3.43 percent during Q3-14 to cent of the budgeted revenue. On the expens- sector is estimated to decline by 7.17 percent higher money supply as well as lending activi- compared to BHD 1.98 billion during Q2-14, reach SAR 1,501 billion after growing by 2.9 es side, 37 percent of the budget was ear- during 2014 to reach the lowest levels during ties. The private sector continues to account for whereas, the government sector, which percent and 4.78 percent in Q2-14 and Q1-14, marked for salaries and 2,530 new jobs for citi- the last 4 years at SAR 1,198.3 billion. As the lion’s share of lending, however, increased accounted for the remaining 14.9 percent, wit- respectively, driven by ample liquidity with zens followed by 13 percent for infrastructure reported by the ministry of finance, the Real infrastructure investments has resulted in high- nessed a marginal increase of 0.8 percent dur- banks and remarkable growth in deposits base development and the remaining for adminis- GDP of the GCC’s largest economy is estimated er lending to the public sector as compared to ing Q3-14. and credit facilities. Whereas, inflation in the trative expenses, capital expenditure and to grow at 3.59 percent in 2014 compared to a year earlier. The country did see delays in Kingdom increased by 0.77 percent in Q3-14 as grants, that would largely benefit the Emirati 2.67 percent in 2013. The oil is estimated to project execution that also resulted in cost Oman compared to Q2-14, and by 2.75 percent dur- population. Moreover, around 6 percent of the grow by 1.72 percent while the government escalation; however, the government has Oman reported a fiscal deficit of OMR 364 ing the last 12 month. spending would go into financing the Dubai and private non oil sectors are estimated to recently accelerated work on infrastructure million in Q3-2014 as the government’s total In the UAE, total credit facilities further government’s debts. Meanwhile, although the grow by 3.66 percent 5.7 percent, respectively. projects which will have a similar effect on the revenues dropped during the quarter by improved to AED 1.18 trillion at the end of the budget is expected to balance, the govern- After accounting for seasonal factors, SABB pace of credit growth. around OMR 711 million or 17.9 percent to Q3-2014 as the low interest rate and economic ment expects to run an operating surplus of HSBC Saudi Arabia PMI recorded 57.6, com- Qatar’s broad measure of money supply stand at OMR 3.27 billion. This drop owes recovery led to improvement in lending activi- AED 3.6 billion, also the first since it projected pared to 59.1 in October. Although remaining (M2) increased for the 4th consecutive quarter mainly to lower oil revenues as average oil ties. Whereas, inflation edged to its highest lev- a surplus in 2008. well above the 50.0 mark that separates in a row, to add around QAR 5.75 billion or prices declined by around 11 percent com- el in more than five years, to report 2.9 percent growth from expansion, the latest reading of 1.19 percent in Q3-14 and stand at around QAR pared to Q2-2014 average level, this is in addi- in the last 12M-period ending Sep-14, as a Oman budget for 2015 the PMI was the lowest for six months. 490 billion as of September-14. The rise in M2 tion to lower other non-oil revenues. On the The broad measure of money supply (M2) in the Kingdom increased by 3.43 percent during Q3-14 to reach SAR 1,501 billion after growing by 2.9 percent and 4.78 percent in Q2-14 and Q1-14, respectively, driven by ample liquidity with banks and remarkable growth in deposits base and credit facilities.

United Arab Emirates UAE’s GDP has showed healthy recovery over the last three years to exceed the pre-cri- sis level by 2011 when it reported a nominal GDP of $ 348.6 billion. As per IMF latest esti- mates, UAE’s economy grew by 5.2 percent in real terms during 2013 and is expected to post a strong growth of 4.28 percent in 2014. In terms of budget allocations, the focus continues to remain on developing the non-oil sector in order to counter the expected weak- result of rising rents and food prices. Oman’s 2015 budget is based on total rev- ness in the oil sector, which accounted for enues of OMR 11.6 billion ( $ 30.1 billion), a 1/3rd of the economy’s GDP. The non-oil sector Saudi Arabia Budget for 2015 decline of 1 percent over 2014 revenues, equiv- is expected to get further boost from increased The recent announced budget figures for alent to 8 percent of the Sultanate’s GDP. investment spending for the World Expo 2020. 2015 by the Saudi ministry of finance, showed Whereas expenses are projected to be at OMR This would have an obvious impact of nega- that the total revenues are estimated to reach 14.1 billion ( $ 36.6 billion), up 4.5 percent tively affecting the current account balance as is mainly attributed to the significant increase other hand, government expenditure was less SAR 715 billion ($190.7 billion) in 2015 as com- from the previous year’s original budget plan. indicated by the IMF, making the economy vul- in foreign currency deposits of 14.3 percent or by around 7.9 percent, to record OMR 3.63 bil- pared to the preliminary estimates figures of Current expenditure is expected to account nerable to oil price shocks. The upturn in the QAR 20.4 billion. lion. Accordingly, the drop in revenues out- SAR 1,046 billion ($278.9 billion) in 2014. for 68 percent of the total public expenditure UAE’s non-oil sector continue to gain momen- paced that of expenditures to therefore result While Government expenditures are budgeted or OMR 9.6 billion. Investment expenditure is tum as the seasonally adjusted HSBC UAE PMI Bahrain in deficit during the third quarter. at SAR 860 billion ( $ 229.3 billion) in 2015 planned at OMR 3.2 billion or 22 percent of the rose to a record high of 61.2 at the end of Oct- Bahrain real GDP growth is forecasted at On the monetary front, money supply (M2) compared to the preliminary estimates of total expenditure and would mainly be spent on 2014, and 58.3 in Nov-2014. This also highlight- 3.88 percent for 2014, below its GCC bench- at the end of the third quarter dropped by a expenditure at around SAR 1,100 billion ( $ funding infrastructure projects, oil and gas ed a robust labor market and significant job mark average growth of 4.20 percent for the marginal 0.9 percent to OMR 12.9 billion as 293.3 billion). On the other hand, Fiscal deficit projects and projects implemented by govern- creation in the region. A majority of this same year. GDP during the 3rd quarter of 2014 compared to a growth rates of 2.5 percent and is projected at SAR 145 billion ( $ 38.6 billion) ment-owned companies. OMR 1.1 billion is growth came from the housing sector, as increased to BHD 3.3 billion, a Q-o-Q growth 7.6 percent seen during Q2-14 and Q1-14, in 2015 compared to the estimated deficit of expected to be spent on various government reflected in UAE Housing Index. Meanwhile, of 1.97 percent as compared to BHD 3.2 billion respectively. SAR 54 billion ( $ 14.4 billion) in 2014. support programs. total credit facilities further improved to AED seen during the 2nd quarter of the year. Quasi money that accounted for a 65.9 per- As per the ministry of finance in the Saudi 1.18 trillion at the end of the Q3-2014 as the Further, the key component of the GDP, name- cent of M2 increased by 2.2 percent over the Arabia, the budget will continue to focus on Kuwait low interest rate and economic recovery led to ly, non-oil sectors, continued the strong quarter to OMR 8.5 billion, whereas the more priority investment programs that enhance Subsequent to posting robust economic improvement in lending activities. momentum of last quarter to grow by an liquid M1 dropped by 6.3 percent to OMR 4.4 sustainable and strong economic development growth figures in 2011 and 2012 driven by ele- equivalent 2.7 percent in Q3-2014 and stood at billion on the back of a drop of 11.1 percent in and employment opportunities for Saudi vated price levels and higher oil output, Qatar BHD 2.4 billion as of Sep-2014. Whereas, the oil demand deposits during Q3-2014. This drop in nationals. Specifically, the focus will be on Kuwait’s GDP recorded a marginal growth of Qatar has made significant progress on sector saw a marginal drop of 0.1 percent com- money supply dragged down inflation level infrastructure, education, health, security, around 2.3 percent in 2013, owing to the stabi- developing the non-oil sector, especially after pared to a growth of 7.9 percent in last quarter, during the quarter to around 0.33 percent com- it secured the rights to host FIFA World cup given the weak oil market, to stand at BHD pared to 0.73 percent in Q2-2014. On the other 2022. The country plans to spend close to $ 859million as of Sep-2014. hand, credit facilities growth slowed down to 140 billion in the next five years as it prepares It term of sector contribution to GDP, it is record 0.9 percent as compared to an increase for the world cup. The resulting growth in GDP pertinent to note that non-oil sector as a per- of 2.8 percent and 5 percent during Q1-2014 has been consistently positive since Q3-2013, centage of quarterly GDP saw a quarterly and Q2-2014, respectively. Facilities to the con- yet at a slowing pace to then show a drop of increase of 50 bps during Q3-14 as compared struction sector as well as personal facilities 2.2 percent in Q2-2014. Based on the latest to Q2-14. Both components of the non-oil sec- represent the key growth drives during 2014, quarterly figures by the Qatar Information tor, the private and the government sectors, both adding a total of OMR 680 million over the Exchange, the Q-o-Q growth in GDP for Q3- saw improvement during the last quarter. GDP first nine month, therefore accounting for 2014 stood at 1.8 percent. for the private sector, which accounted for 85.1 around 51 percent of the total growth in credit As economic activity improved, demand for percent of the non-oil sector, increased by 3.1 facilities during the same period. credit facilities increased which resulted in percent during Q3-14 to BHD 2.04 billion as WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 BUSINESS All-new Ford F-150 named ‘North American Truck of Year’

DUBAI: The 2015 Ford F-150 took home or engine choice. The innovative new truck the North American Truck of the Year award can tow up to 500 more kilogram and haul on Monday. The all-new F-150 was picked up to 240 more kilogram than the 2014 over Chevrolet Colorado and Lincoln MKC model, and has the highest EPA-estimated to win the awards presented at the start of fuel economy ratings of any full-size gaso- the 2015 North American International line pickup on the market. When equipped Auto Show. with an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, “Ford is honored to be named the best the new F-150 4x2 has EPA-estimated fuel among such a strong field of competitors,” economy ratings of 12.38 L/100kmcity, 9.05 said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The L/100kmhighway and 10.69 L/100kmcom- Americas. “Ford employees and customers bined. Actual kilometers may vary. have a lot to be proud of with the innova- Numerous groundbreaking features tive and award-winning F-150.” debuted in the all-new F-150, including North American Car of the Year and these class-exclusives: Truck/Utility of the Year awards recognize • 360-degree camera view uses exterior vehicles based on factors that include inno- cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the vation, design, safety, handling, driver satis- truck faction and value. More than 50 veteran to help drivers park, maneuver in tight journalists vote for the vehicles, which spots, and navigate narrow roads and trails must be all-new or substantially changed • Integrated loading ramps enable easy from the previous model to qualify for the loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers awards. • BoxLink(tm) combines metal brackets The win by F-150 is the eighth time a and custom cleats to secure a variety of Ford vehicle has won Truck/Utility of the accessories in the cargo box - from ramps Year. This is the 22nd year for the awards. to storage bins to bed dividers Toughest, smartest, most capable • Trailer hitch assist adds a new rearview The all-new F-150 is the toughest, camera feature that incorporates a dynamic ABK CEO Michel Accad receiving the award smartest and most capable F-150 ever - line based on steering wheel angle in the boasting a military-grade, aluminum-alloy display to help customers line up their body and high-strength steel frame, and truck and trailer with no spotter or need to shedding up to 317.5kilogram for a lighter, exit the vehicle ABK wins three awards more efficient truck than any previous F- • Remote tailgate allows for tailgate to 150. These weight savings lead to customer be locked, unlocked and released with the benefits regardless of model configuration key fob. from Banker Middle East

KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait won three Debit Card’ and ‘Best Web / Mobile Site’ cate- ship through innovation and development, and awards from Banker Middle East, the leading gories. Robin Amlot, Managing Editor, and by providing easy-access banking services to our financial publication in the region. The Banker Fareed Dubery, Sales Director from Banker customer, who is always our top priority.” Middle East Kuwait Product Awards 2014 are Middle East, visited Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait and A specialized committee consisting of designed to identify and reward quality and presented the awards to Mr. Michel Accad, CEO. experts and leaders in banks and financial insti- excellence in financial products and services. At the occasion Accad said, “It is a great honor tutions nominated ABK for these awards. It’s Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait’s win came in recogni- for us to receive these prestigious awards from worth noting that the ‘Best Premium Card’ tion of its distinguished achievements and initia- Banker Middle East. I would like to thank the Award from Banker Middle East comes close on tives in providing superior banking services to esteemed panel of judges for choosing ABK this the heels of another award won by the ABK its clients, as well as its leading role in the year, as these awards are a testament to ABK’s World MasterCard last year, from MasterCard Kuwaiti banking sector. leading position in Kuwait. In light of the stiff itself, as the best performing premium credit ABK won the ‘Best Premium Credit Card’, ‘Best competition, we strive to maintain our leader- card in the GCC. Zain South Sudan bags 3 accolades at Chambers Quality Awards 2014 Malabar Gold & Diamonds Zain invested over $350 million in telecom sector in S Sudan

honors its team members JUBA: Zain, the leading mobile telecom opera- tor in South Sudan, announces its winning of DUBAI: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of Diamonds said, “We are proud of this three awards at the prestigious annual the leading jewellery retailers honored 60 achievement and consider this as the suc- Chambers Quality Awards 2014 organized by the staff for their involvement and participa- cess of jewellery industry as a whole. It South Sudan Chamber of Commerce Investment tion in the creation of World’s longest required 60staff, 28,800 man hours and 45 and Agriculture (SSCCIA). Zain South Sudan was handmade gold chain, which was jointly days for manufacturing 61.75 kg of the singled out as the winner of Best Telecom manufactured by Malabar Gold & total 256 kg chain. We consider this as the Company of the Year accolade; the Best Internet Diamonds, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group success of gold industry as a whole.” Provider of the Year; and the Best Innovative (DGJG) and Dubai Festival & Retail The management team members spent Campaign of the Year. Taken together, these Establishments (DFRE) along with selected a day with the factory team members and awards confirm Zain South Sudan’s status as the manufacturers. This chain has created together they cut a cake to celebrate this leading communications provider in the coun- another record for Dubai and secured yet success. Mementoes and certificates were try. another position in the Guinness Book of also distributed to the team members who The gala event was held at the Crown Hotel in World Records. were involved in the creation of “Dubai Juba on December 18, in the presence of repre- This remarkable creation, which is fit- Celebration Chain”. sentatives from all sectors in the South Sudan tingly named as ‘Dubai Celebration The public can be a part of this unique economy including government, NGOs, and pri- Chain’was manufactured to commemorate project by booking a piece of the chain. vate sectors including the Deputy Minister from the 20th Anniversary of DSF. Speaking on The booking can be made by paying 10% South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance and Economic this occasion, Shamlal Ahamed, Managing of the total amount as advance deposit. Planning, Mary Jarvas Yak, in place of South Director- International Operations said, Customers can own it as a bracelet of 8 Sudan’s Vice President, James Wani Igga, who “This is a very special occasion for us and gms or as chains ranging from 22 to 26 was unable to attend. we are honored to be a part of this success. gms. The chain will be delivered to cus- The awards together with a certificate of Being the largest partner in the manufac- tomers in an exclusive branded pack along appreciation for the best Corporate Social turing 1.32 km of the chain out of the total with a uniquely numbered certificate that Responsibility Contributor of the Year were 5.52 km, we can definitely say that it was a states that it is a part of the world’s longest received by Zain South Sudan CEO Basel painstaking task. But our entire team was in handmade chain. Manasrah, and Chief Operating Officer, Andre high spirits and took it as a challenge. As Other partners of DGJG in this initiative Claassen, respectively. recognition of their commitment and hard are Siroya Jewellers, Sky Jewellery, Joy Commenting on the awards bestowed on work, we honour our staff in our two manu- Alukkas and Emerald Jewellers DMCC. With Zain South Sudan, the judging panel stated, facturing divisions in UAE, who had worked every piece of chain, the customers will “Zain has made it clear that it believes in the day and night to complete this mission on also get raffle coupons, which will make long-term future of South Sudan, and this can time.” them eligible to win up to 100 kilo gold be witnessed by the investment the company is Basel Manasrah receiving Chamber Quality Award Faisal A K, Corporate Executive Director - and 40 carats of diamonds in raffle draws making in the infrastructure it is deploying in Jewellery Manufacturing, Malabar Gold & during the DSF 2015. the country, the people it is training and work- development of South Sudan. From the Group peace building as agents of positive change. ing with, and the wider South Sudan population, level to the operating entities, Zain believes in The program aims to develop youth’s capacity which it continues to support through far-reach- improving the lives of the communities of the building needed for reconciliation, peace build- ing CSR activities.” markets in which it serves. We are honored to be ing and to equip them with the social and tech- The judging panel continued, “In a young a contributing member of South Sudan’s corpo- nical competencies necessary to mitigate con- country such as South Sudan, with the young rate world, and we look forward to helping cre- flict within their communities. population that we have, it is critical to gain ate a wonderful world in the young country.” Also, Zain South Sudan is working closely access to information and communications tools A recent example of Zain South Sudan’s with the Vodafone Foundation Instant Network in order develop our economy and society and strong CSR credentials was its collaboration with to provide support to UNHCR in their support in catch up with the other nations of the world. It The International Rescue Committee as it of over 70,000 refugees in Yida refugee camp. . was clear through Zain’s vision and its actions on launched its Respect &Respond: We can end vio- During 2014, Zain South Sudan launched the the ground that it shares in this outlook, and lence campaign aimed at popularizing commu- latest ‘We are’ campaign that is supported by stands at the side of the people of South Sudan, nity support for gender-based violence sur- vibrant visuals that focus on the positive possi- delivering leading-edge technology and solu- vivors. Zain was happy to play the role of techni- bilities that exist in life, and the desire of regular tions.” cal partner to the marketing campaign that South Sudanese to aspire to a better future. Zain Addressing the award of multiple prizes, included providing a referral and information deliberately chose to depict scenes of education, Basel Manasrah commented: “I would like to helpline for survivors and supporters, as well as community-building, and youth in the latest thank the SSCCIA’s judging panel for recognizing providing localized SMS messaging to target campaign, re-emphasizing the idea that greater our efforts with respect to bringing the best ICT audiences. good will come from a community united rather infrastructure to South Sudan. These awards In 2013, Zain South Sudan embarked in a than divided. The campaign reminds South would not have been possible without the hard meaningful three year partnership with the Sudanese to remain unified and patriotic and Abdali Mall leases over 4,000sq m to work and dedication of all Zain staff and I would Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative look to the future with confidence and optimism like to extend my gratitude to all of them as (WPDI), Ericsson and UNESCO with the aim of Through telecommunications, Zain is focused entertainment center ‘Galaxy Park’ well.” establishing a Youth Peacemaker Network (YPN) on narrowing the digital divide, capacity build- Manasrah continued, “To date, Zain has comprised of youth from the 11 states in South ing and empowering the South Sudanese socie- KUWAIT: Abdali Mall Company (AMC) a Abdali Mall. We are very pleased with the invested over $350 million in the telecom sector Sudan. The network brings together young peo- ty with the necessary skills to develop a more joint venture company between develop- project’s progress and its contribution to in South Sudan, and is committed to the future ple who are motivated to be youth leaders in productive future. ers, United Real Estate Company - Jordan the urban regeneration of Abdali, as well and Abdali Investment & Development as its contribution to the Jordanian com- Company, announced its signing with munity as a whole. The project will offer Mubarak Al- Mansouri is winner ‘Galaxy Park’,a family friendly, space- various job opportunities for nationals, as themed entertainment center, to join well as introduce new standards for inte- of Mercedes S400L in Tijari draw AMC’s upcoming retail and leisure destina- grated commercial buildings in the area, tion, Abdali Mall. The mall, located in the which allows families and visitors to enjoy KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait full satisfaction with the services provided by new commercial and residential district of a range of activities in one location. As of announced the third lucky winner in the last the Commercial Bank of Kuwait and wished the Abdali in Amman, Jordan, covers a total December 2014, Abdali Mall is at 80 per- and final draw held under its campaign “With Bank all future success and progress. built up area of over 227,000 square cent construction completion, with a total Al-Tijari Credit Card, Luxury is in Your Hands!” in The successful conclusion of this campaign meters and is the first of its kind in the leased percentage of 56 percent.” the presence and under supervision of the targeting prepaid and credit cardholders reaf- country. General Manager of Galaxy Park Dr Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s represen- firms the bank’s efforts to enhance its banking Heading all leasing activities for Abdali Khaled Abu Hassan, said: “This partnership tative. The final draw was held on the luxuri- services to its customers and its ongoing Mall, AMC leased approximately4,000 arises from our belief in the importance of ous Mercedes S400L where the Bank efforts to better serve and reward its credit square meters of the mall’s entertainment the Abdali Mall project, which represents a announced the lucky winner of the car cardholders customer base, given the fact that component to ‘Galaxy Park’, which will new experience for shopping and enter- Mubarak Al- Mansouri who received the prize CBK credit cards are the best companion for comprise an exciting action zone including tainment with a unique architectural in Mercedes Dealer showroom. Mansouri customers when used locally or abroad in view an arcade center and a kid’s play area. design in the heart of the capital, Amman. expressed his pleasure and joy to win the luxu- of the numerous advantages and benefits it AMC’s General Director, Eng Marwan It is the perfect location for establishing rious car, and extended appreciation to the gives to customers such as free access to Abu Hassan, said, “AMC is proud to wel- one of our state-of-the-art family enter- bank for creating such unique campaigns with Airport lounges, free personal concierge serv- come its latest tenant, ‘Galaxy Park’ to tainment centers in Jordan, “Galaxy Park”. “ luxurious grand prizes. He also expressed his ice, as well as free travel insurance. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 technology

China shuts 50 websites and social media accounts

BEIJING: China has closed 50 websites and sites and 9 channels or columns on websites, watchdog, said the CAC would regularly publish Chinese officials called for controls on the social media accounts for violations ranging the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) a “black list” of violators, according to the state- Internet to preserve stability. from pornography to “publishing political news said in a statement on its website ment. With a population of 1.4 billion and 632 mil- without a permit”, Beijing’s cyberspace watch- (www.cac.gov.cn). Last fall, Xinhua said the cyberspace watch- lion people online, China is a market no one dog said yesterday. The government is pursuing The Weixin accounts were shut down during dog had closed nearly 1.8 million accounts on wants to miss out on. But it also has the world’s a crackdown on unwanted material online. the past two months, the state-run news agency social networking and instant messaging servic- most sophisticated online censorship system, Critics say the increasing restrictions further lim- Xinhua said. Some of the other offences listed by es since launching an anti-pornography cam- known outside the country as the Great Firewall. it free speech in the one-party Communist state. CAC include publishing fake information under paign earlier in the year. In 2014, authorities It blocks many social media services, such as Authorities shut 17 public pages on the the guise of the government or media, and pub- received almost 11 million reports of what was Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat mobile social messaging app Weixin, also lishing information related to gambling or fraud. described as harmful information online, Xinhua and Google, along with many rights groups sites known as WeChat in English, as well as 24 web- Jiang Jun, a spokesman for the cyberspace reported separately yesterday. In November, and some foreign media agencies. — Reuters With tech advances come privacy risks for America

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Monday proposed strengthening laws against identity theft by requiring notification when con- sumer information is hacked and protecting stu- dents’ private data. Obama also called for more free access to all consumer credit rating services. While customers can get annual credit reports free once a year, FICO credit scores typically cost money to obtain, although some banks have been offering them free to customers. Obama applauded those companies for offer- ing the service and called on more to do so. He said a credit score “is like an early warning system telling you that you’ve been hit by fraud so you can deal with it fast.” Obama said identity theft is a growing problem that costs billions of dollars and LAS VEGAS: People walk by a sign outside of the International CES — AP can “turn your life upside down.” He said the age of technology and digital innovation has created enormous vulnerabilities for the US and cited the After gadgets and gizmos, recent hack on Sony Pictures Entertainment as an example. CES exhibits get recycled “This is a direct threat to the economic security of American families and we’ve got to stop it,” LAS VEGAS: As exhibitors at the up in a landfill, Chase said. Obama said in a speech at the Federal Trade This year, for the first time, the show’s International CES showcase for consumer Commission. “If we’re going to be connected, we electronics packed up their booths last organizers reached out to trash and recy- need to be protected.” Just as Obama finished week, workers were just getting started cling haulers ahead of the event and coor- speaking, the Twitter and YouTube accounts for recycling what was left behind. dinated with companies and three Las U.S. Central Command were taken over by hackers WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama speaks at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offices Convention-goer badges become Vegas area nonprofits to find a home for who claimed to be working on behalf of Islamic at the Constitution Center in Washington about his plan to improve confidence in technology room keys, vinyl banners get a new life as some of their temporary displays by the State militants. by tackling identify theft and improving consumer and student privacy. — AP ice-skating rink covers or shade tarps and week’s end. Obama, previewing a push he plans to make in increased use of technology in schools that can America, the trade group for small, often regional massive magnetic signs affixed to the The picnic tables from Audi’s outdoor the State of the Union address next week, wants scoop up personal information. banks, said its members issued 4 million new debit convention center are ground up and display were donated as were the kitchen Congress to pass legislation called the Personal “Data collected on students in the classroom cards as a result of the Target breach last year, at a made into new magnets, for example. cabinets from the booth of electronics- Data Notification and Protection Act, which would should only be used for educational purposes - to cost of $40 million. CES boasted more than 2.2 million maker LG and the wood flooring and bar- require companies to inform customers within 30 teach our children, not to market to our children,” With that in mind, industry lobbyists said banks square feet of exhibits and 160,000 atten- becue grills in Sony’s exhibit. days if their data has been hacked. Obama said. are generally in favor of some sort of universal noti- dees at the weeklong event. Considered Habitat for Humanity made use of the Recent hackings at retailers including Target, A White House official said the proposed bill is fication law when it comes to data breaches. The North America’s largest trade show, the construction materials. Opportunity Home Depot and Neiman Marcus have exposed based on a California statute pushed by Common industry has also been pushing to get merchants event is contracted to return to Las Vegas Village took the furniture, appliances, the lack of uniform practices for alerting customers Sense Media, a group that promotes privacy. The to be required to use the same data security stan- in 2016 and 2017, and space is reserved lamps and shelves, for example. And in the event of a breach. The White House has organization said the proliferation of online plat- dards as banks. through 2025, according to the Las Vegas Teachers Exchange accepted any leftover blamed last month’s hacking at Sony Pictures forms, mobile applications, cloud computing and “We’re very pleased and see this as a meaning- Convention and Visitors Authority. notebooks, pens and lanyards, Chase said. Entertainment on North Korea and responded other technology allows businesses to collect sen- ful first step,” said Viveca Ware, an expert on data Jeff Chase, vice president of sustain- Other wood and material would be with new sanctions against the isolated nation. sitive data about students including contact infor- security with the ICBA. ability for Freeman - the show’s hired ground up into mulch and given to the Obama says every state currently has its own mation, academic records, and even what students The Center for Democracy & Technology also coordinator - said it’s been the goal of his Moapa band of Indians near Las Vegas, policy on when companies must notify consumers eat for lunch or whether they ride the bus to said it supports Obama’s moves to protect the company and the Consumer Electronics which contracts with the state of Nevada of a breach and that there should be a single stan- school. Nowhere is cybersecurity more talked data, while pointing out that his administration still Association to do what they can to not let to spread the material on the sides of dard across the country and baseline protections about, or costly, than in the banking industry. uses electronic surveillance for national security anything go to waste. roads to prevent erosion, Chase said. across industries. The legislation would also make it Banks often have to deal with unexpected expens- purposes. “Even with these proposed reforms, we In the past, the hundreds of exhibitors Jeff Joseph, senior vice president of a crime to sell customers’ identities overseas. es when a retailer is hit with a data breach, having must not forget about government surveillance displaying products with an eye on the communications and strategic relation- He also wants to prevent companies from sell- to reissue millions of credit and debit cards to cus- reform,” said Nuala O’Connor, the group’s president. future would pack up the framework of ships, said that in 2014, the show recycled ing student data to third parties and from using tomers, often for free. “Without the end to the mass surveillance prac- their booths and reach out individually, if 108,000 square feet worth of signs and information collected in school to engage in tar- Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has said tices of the US government, any privacy reform is at all, to nonprofits to volunteer the items banners and 74 percent of all the carpet- geted advertising. The Student Digital Privacy Act the company is spending upward of $250 million a woefully incomplete.” It’s unclear whether the new they had no use for beyond the show. ing was rolled up to be reused the next would prohibit companies from selling student year on data security and expects that cost to Republican-led Congress will take up Obama’s leg- Everything that was left would likely end year. — AP data to third parties, a move spurred by the increase. The Independent Community Bankers of islative proposals. — AP GM open to working with PC industry still struggling, but sales Google on self-driving car decline leveling off DETROIT: General Motors Co is open to working with Google Inc on Lauckner said any automaker teaming up with Google would need to developing self-driving car technology, the chief technology officer for establish how the relationship would work. “You have to figure out how SAN FRANCISCO: Despite some glimmers of it’s not a leading seller outside the United the US automaker said on Monday. would something like that actually work,” he said. “Would it be something recovery, the personal computer industry is States and Western markets. “I’m not in charge of deciding what we will and won’t do, but I’d say where it would be an opportunity to work together in a joint develop- still struggling with declining sales, according Consumers have been buying fewer PCs in we’d certainly be open to having a discussion with them,” Jon Lauckner ment agreement?” to two market reports issued Monday that recent years because they’re increasingly inter- said in an interview at the Detroit auto show. “I’d say probably anybody who’s interested ought to at least go over show global PC shipments fell in 2014 for the ested in alternatives such as smartphones and Lauckner made his comments two days before the head of Google’s and kick the tires,” Lauckner said. He said GM has worked with many of third year in a row. tablets. But the steep decline in PC sales over self-driving car project, Chris Urmson, is scheduled to speak at a confer- the people who are now in Google’s self-driving car program. Urmson One research firm, Gartner, estimated ship- recent years may be leveling off, as computer- ence held annually in conjunction with the auto show. Urmson is expect- was at Carnegie Mellon when the university worked with GM on a self- ments actually increased 1 percent in the makers introduce new models that are both ed to announce his company’s plans to seek partnerships within the auto driving SUV that won a DARPA challenge in 2007. fourth quarter. Using different methods, a sec- lightweight and low-cost, while still capable of industry. Car makers including GM are racing to develop features that will “I’d be completely surprised if Google doesn’t have something to offer,” ond firm calculated that shipments fell 2.4 per- performing more functions than tablets. Tablet make cars safer to drive. The longer-term vision includes cars that will Lauckner said. “We know they have talented people and we know they cent in the fourth quarter, but that’s not as bad sales are also slumping, analysts say, as the as the 4.8 percent decline that researchers at market has become saturated and some con- largely drive themselves. have capability.”-Reuters International Data Corp. had forecast for the sumers find them less useful than PCs. period. IDC estimates that computer-makers “There is improvement in demand,” said Jay shipped more than 308.6 million PCs last year, Chou, a senior researcher at IDC, although he or about 2.1 percent less than the previous added that 2014 was “still another difficult year. That’s a smaller decline than the 9.8 per- year” for the PC industry. cent drop that IDC measured in 2013, accord- Sales actually improved for several of the ing to IDC, which says shipments peaked at world’s biggest computer-makers, including 363.8 million in 2011. Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard and Dell, which Those estimates track roughly in parallel gained market share from smaller manufactur- with estimates by Gartner, which said PC-mak- ers in the last quarter. Lenovo remains the ers shipped 315.9 million units in 2014 or just world’s leading PC seller, but HP showed siz- 0.2 percent less than the previous year. Gartner able gains - especially in the United States. said shipments also fell in the previous two Apple also increased its overall sales, although years. — AP Facebook launches Amber Alerts to help find missing children NEW YORK: Facebook users in the US will Amber Hagerman in Arlington, Texas. Since soon receive Amber Alerts to help find miss- then, more than 700 children have been ing children who may be located near them. found as a direct result of the alerts. The alerts Facebook Inc. is working with the National are issued over TV and radio, on highway Center for Missing and Exploited Children to signs, as text messages and over the Internet. send the alerts to users’ mobile phones if they On Facebook, the alerts will include the are in a search area where a child has been missing child’s photo and any other informa- abducted. Facebook says people are already tion that could be relevant, said Emily Vacher, using its site to encourage their friends and trust and safety manager at Facebook and family to help find missing children, and that former FBI agent. She said Facebook’s Amber several children have been reunited with Alert distribution tool is “very comprehensive” their families as a result of information shared and complements other systems that are out on the site. there now. Text alerts and highway signs, for Last March, a missing 11-year-old girl was example, don’t include photos, and the text found in a South Carolina motel room when a alerts are limited to some 90 characters. motel clerk called police after seeing an Vacher said the alerts will only go to people Amber Alert on Facebook, according to the who may be in a position to help find the company and reports at the time. The Amber missing child. “When people see this on Alert warning system was started after the Facebook we want them to know that this is FRANCE: Professors and students work with an interactive touch table at the Innovation Centre of the Compiegne University ofTechnology (UTC). — AFP 1996 kidnapping and murder of 9-year-old a very rare occurrence,” she said. —AP HEALTH & SCIENCE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 FDA launches project to cut quality control

WASHINGTON: The US Food and Drug Administration launched an initiative on Monday aimed at reducing lapses in quality control at pharmaceutical manufactur- ing facilities. Dr Janet Woodcock, head of the FDA’s pharmaceuticals division, said at a news conference that the project, some 10 years in the making, is designed to establish consistent quality standards for all drugs, whether brand name or generic. The FDA has established an Office of Pharmaceutical Quality that will be responsible for some 10,000 decisions a year and manage the process. Drugs currently being evaluated for approval will remain with their existing review team at the FDA. New applications will be filed with the new office beginning WASHINGTON: In this Friday, Jan 9, 2015 photo, three of several commercially avail- WASHINGTON: In this Aug 21, 2014 file photo, health care tax form 1095-A is seen. immediately, Woodcock said. Under the new structure, able tax guides to help prepare this year’s tax return are photographed. — AP photos drug companies can expect a more integrated review and greater communication with the agency, she said. The FDA will propose a set of quality metrics for drug- New tax forms to fill out makers. After a public comment period the agency will produce a final rule. Woodcock was not able to give any time-frame for when that might be. Between 2013 and 2014, the number of drug recalls on health insurance coverage fell by 20 percent, and the Class I recalls, the most dan- gerous to public health, fell by 30 percent, according to Todd Harris, vice president of recalls at recall-manager WASHINGTON: Be prepared for the tax man to get even Stericycle Inc Still, the absolute numbers remain eye- more personal this year - with questions about your catching. health insurance. For the first time, you’ll have to state whether you had health insurance, through an employer, The average annual number of recalled units one of the exchanges or purchased privately. And if you between 2010 and 2012 was 225 million, Harris said. didn’t, you could face a penalty. Also, if you got advance The number between 2013 and 2014 was roughly 70 payments of the premium tax credit under the Affordable million units. “While we can’t say explicitly the cause of Care Act, even for only part of the year, there’s a new form the downward trend, what we do know is that there is a to file. You’ll have to file it even if you only got tax credits trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny, which may for part of the year. And tax filers accustomed to using a cause manufacturers to adhere to stricter quality guide- 1040EZ will no longer be able to do that if they got a tax lines,” Harris said. credit. Over the past year the FDA banned numerous gener- There’s more. If you had life changes - a new job with a ic drugs from India, citing quality control problems higher salary, for example - from the time those tax credits ranging from data manipulation to sanitation. India were approved, you could end up having to pay some or supplies roughly 40 percent of generic and over-the- all of the money back. Conversely, if you lost your job and counter drugs used in the United States. Brand name faced a long period of unemployment, you might now be drug companies have not immune either. Johnson & eligible for the credit. “I see deer-in-the-headlights looks,” Johnson, for example, has been forced to recall dozens said Dave Duval, TaxAudit.com’s vice president of con- of products over the past few years, ranging from artifi- sumer advocacy. “These are new items. ACA has been on cial hips to children’s Tylenol. Up until now, Woodcock the books since 2010. We’ve ignored it, not looked at it, not said, the FDA has only had a general sense of the state paid attention to it. It’s on the tax return that we’re going of manufacturing quality at the country’s drugmakers. to be doing for 2014.” Now, she said, the FDA will have quantitative informa- tion. — Reuters Insurance required for most The law requires individuals to have what the govern- NEW YORK: In this Sept 24, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama waves to a crowd at the Clinton Global ment calls minimum essential coverage unless they qualify Initiative as he walks onstage with former President Bill Clinton. — AP for one of more than 30 exemptions. For those without more that. “If you have it and you have the ability to of complicated,” said Barbara Weltman, contributing editor CDC director insurance - or an exemption - there’s a penalty stemming demonstrate you had it, that should be it and you’re not to the tax guide “J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2015.” The from the law’s premise that health care coverage is a going to be subject to having the additional penalty good news, she said, is most people use a paid preparer or ‘confident’ can get shared responsibility among federal and state govern- assessed,” said Greg Rosica, a tax partner at Ernst & Young. software to do their taxes, and they’ll be walked through ments, insurers, employers and individuals. For 2014, the People insured through the exchanges will get Form the questions that have to be answered for the health to zero Ebola cases penalty is the greater of 1 percent of your household 1095a in the mail attesting to their coverage and how insurance section of the tax return. “In the tax preparation income above the threshold for filing taxes or what the much of an advance premium tax credit they received. process, they’re not really exposed to forms until the very WASHINGTON: The director of the US Centers for Internal Revenue Service calls “your family’s flat dollar Employers are not required to provide proof of coverage last moment,” Adam said. “At TurboTax, we’ll figure out Diseases Control and Prevention said yesterday he amount” - $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, with a family for 2014. what forms need to be provided.” was “confident” that the Ebola outbreak ravaging maximum of $285 in 2014. West Africa can be brought under control but that However, the average penalty for the 2014 tax year is New forms to file Where to go for help “we are by no means out of the woods.” Speaking at expected to be higher - $301, according to Sacha Adam, “A fraction of taxpayers will take different steps, like The IRS has a page on its website devoted to the a breakfast meeting in Washington with public health care team leader at Intuit, maker of TurboTax. Under claiming an exemption if they could not afford insurance Affordable Care Act, http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care- health officials and lawmakers, Dr Tom Frieden said the law, those fines will go up for people who remain unin- or ensuring they received the correct amount of financial Act . There, you can access videos featuring the IRS it is vital that every case of the disease is eliminated. sured in 2015, to about $590 on average. “Getting health assistance,” Lew said. “A smaller fraction of taxpayers will Commissioner, John Koskinen, as well as a number of new “I remain very confident we can get to zero cas- insurance is a big decision for some folks,” Adam said. pay a fee if they made a choice to not obtain coverage they publications that provide information about health care es in this epidemic if we continue the way we’re “When it comes to reporting your health insurance on your could afford.” If you received a premium tax credit or might and taxes. Because of the complexity of the requirements, going and nothing unexpected happens,” Frieden taxes, it’s going to be very straightforward.” be entitled one, file Form 8962. That will determine Koskinen told Congress last fall that he expects an increase said. “The largest biggest risk is that it continues to whether you got too much of an advance credit payment in calls to IRS toll-free help lines about ACA and taxes. fester, and continues to spread at a low rate, which A box to check on Form 1040 and have to repay some of it, or if you didn’t apply and “Our ability to meet this demand may be strained due means it could flare up at any time,” he added. “We Reporting your health insurance coverage begins on might be eligible for the premium tax credit on your to ongoing budget constraints and the possibility of an have to get to zero and then stay at zero and that’s line 61 of Form 1040. “For the vast majority of Americans, return. additional increase in call volume related to the impact of going to require monitoring, surveillance.” The tax filing under the Affordable Care Act will be as simple as For those who didn’t have health insurance, there’s yet tax extender legislation that may be passed later this year,” Ebola epidemic has killed at least 8,371 out of checking a box to show they had health coverage all year,” another form - Form 8965 - which lists the possible exemp- he said. TurboTax and H&R Block are among the companies 21,000 people infected in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said in a statement. The tions and lets you claim the one that might apply. It’s also that provide guides to taxes and ACA on their websites, Guinea. — Reuters Department of Health and Human Services estimated that where you figure out your penalty if you didn’t have cover- and the Tax Policy Center can help you estimate your more than three-quarters of taxpayers will need to do no age for all or part of 2014. “There’s a lot to look for. It is kind penalty. — AP

Spain vows hepatitis C action after calls for new drugs

MADRID: Spain’s government Monday promised new measures to fight hepatitis C, following protests by patients who complained authorities were denying them the latest drugs to treat the deadly liver disease. A new committee will draw up a proposal within three weeks of examining the extent of the illness and clinical criteria, aiming to “include newly authorized drugs” in treatment plans, the health ministry said in a statement. But it did not specify whether it would widen access to the latest generation of hepatitis drugs to more patients as campaigners in Spain and other countries are demanding. The new committee of experts, patients and health officials was set up after weeks of protests by hepatitis C sufferers, who said public spending cuts were denying thousands of patients access to the drugs. Campaigners say the new generation of drugs is twice as effective as older medication in treating the illness, but also more expensive-costing tens of thousands of LOS ANGELES: Kaiser Permanente mental health professionals and family members rally outside the Kaiser LOS ANGELES: Joanna Manqueros, a therapist with euros per patient. Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center.-AP photos Kaiser in Richmond, Calif, right, raises a sign during a The ministry did not say how many patients might rally outside of a Kaiser Permanente facility. get access to recent drugs under the new plan. It had earlier estimated the number at up to 6,000, but insist- ed on Monday that was not a maximum limit. Kaiser’s 2,600 mental health Authorities say 50,000 people in Spain have been diag- nosed with the disease, but estimate that 700,000 peo- ple may be carrying the illness without having been diagnosed. workers strike in California “When we know the extent of the problem we will know how to fund the treatment,” the ministry’s senior health official, Ruben Moreno, said in the statement. SAN FRANCISCO: Hundreds of Kaiser Permanente mental The mental health workers are represented by the patients in crisis or with an emergency. Meanwhile, more “But it will be a clinical decision, not an economic or health professionals throughout California kicked off a National Union of Healthcare Workers, which has been than 18,000 Kaiser nurses and nurse practitioners in political one.” There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis weeklong strike Monday to protest what they say is a lack unable to reach a contract agreement with Kaiser since the Northern and central California are planning to strike Jan C, which is caused by a virus that can be caught from of staffing that affects care. The health care provider’s union formed five years ago. John Nelson, Kaiser’s vice 21-22. contaminated blood, and can lead to chronic liver dis- 2,600 psychologists, therapists and social workers walked president of government relations, denied there is a short- The nurses say Kaiser has cut hospital services, restrict- ease. The Platform for Hepatitis C Sufferers says 12 peo- out to demand that Kaiser Permanente offer timely, quality age of mental health staff. He said the health plan has ed admission of patients and has discharged patients who ple die each day from hepatitis C in Spain. mental health care at its psychiatry departments and clin- increased staffing statewide by 25 percent in the past still need care, The Oakland Tribune reported. The walkout Dozens of people infected with the virus have been ics, said Jim Clifford, a union member and San Diego psy- three years, while membership grew by 8 percent during will affect all 86 Kaiser Permanente hospitals and clinics. occupying the October 12 Hospital in southern Madrid chiatric therapist. the same period. The workers, who are part of the California Nurses for more than three weeks demanding the government Clifford said some patients have to wait up to two He said the false claims are part of the union’s bargain- Association/National Nurses Association, are striking to authorize doctors to prescribe the new drugs more months for follow-up appointments, which prolongs the ing tactic. “They think that attacking Kaiser Permanente’s protest what they call “a growing erosion of patient care widely. The protesters blame the lack of the treatment recovery process. “Kaiser purports to be the leader in reputation will get them a better contract,” Nelson said. “It’s standards,” according to a news release. Nurses held a two- on tough public spending cuts in health and other sec- health care, but it’s continuing the history of discrimination frustrating, it’s disappointing, but it’s their strategy.” day strike in November. The union and Kaiser are in con- tors by Spain’s conservative government in the recent against the mentally ill, and that’s unacceptable to us,” said He said that appointments are being rescheduled and tract talks, and the health provider has said it’s hopeful economic crisis. — AFP Clifford, who has been with Kaiser for 13 years. that during the strike, psychiatrists on staff will treat about reaching a fair agreement. — AP HEALTH & SCIENCE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

China bans US poultry, eggs imports amid avian flu fears

CHICAGO: China has banned all imports of US and hatching eggs. From January through “This move is somewhat hypocritical as there have ducks, according to USDA. poultry, poultry products and eggs amid recent November last year, US exports of poultry prod- been zero findings of high pathogenic avian This same strain has killed thousands of birds reports of highly pathogenic strains of avian ucts sent to China reached nearly $272 million, influenza in a commercial poultry flock in the US on two Canadian farms in British Columbia. influenza found in the Pacific Northwest, the US said Toby Moore, spokesman for the trade group. and, China already has a variety of avian influenza Additionally, the highly pathogenic 85N8 strain Department of Agriculture said Monday. All poul- US chicken exports to China from January- strains,” said Brett Stuart, chief executive of Global was confirmed in guinea fowl and chickens in a try and poultry related products shipped from the November 2014 was 239.768 million lbs, consist- AgriTrends in Denver, Colorado. backyard poultry flock in the city of Winston, United States after Jan 8 would be returned or ing primarily of chicken feet or paws. During that China’s actions came after Hong Kong in late Oregon. Neither virus has been found in US com- destroyed, according to the agency and the US same period, China imported 55.923 million lbs of December suspended imports of certain US poul- mercial poultry. No human cases involving either trade group USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. US turkey. try and poultry products after two separate virus viral strain have been detected in the United The ban, effective as of Jan. 8, also applies to The country’s import of eggs from the United strains were identified in Whatcom County, States or Canada, and there are no immediate poultry breeding stock, which includes live chicks States is marginal, according to industry sources. Washington, including H5N2 in northern pintail public health concerns, said USDA. — Reuters

Cancer survivors plagued by lack of personal control

NEW YORK: After treatment for cancer, survivors often com- plain about a loss of personal control, a new study found. The study’s lead author said that while the responses can’t be generalized to all cancer survivors, people in the study often mentioned a physical problem or a wish to return to “normal.” “Cancer survivors are often caught off guard about the lin- gering problems once treatment is complete,” said Mary Ann Burg, a medical sociologist and clinical social worker at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She and her colleagues write in the journal Cancer that in earlier studies, between a fifth and a third of cancer survivors ended up with physical or mental health concerns at least five years after treatment. Those results tend to be limited to a list of ailments presented by researchers for the partici- pants to pick from. For this study, the researchers used data from a 2010 American Cancer Society survey that asked TAIPEI: Geese are pictured at a farm in northern Taoyuan yesterday. TAIPEI: A local farmer (center top) walks amongst the geese at a farm in north- more than 9,000 participants an open-ended question about ern Taoyuan. — AFP photos their health after cancer treatments. “It seemed to me that there was a lot of data that had been not been tapped out of this American Cancer Society survey,” Burg said. “It’s very difficult to do an analysis of open- Taiwan culls 6,000 more ended questions especially when there are thousands of responses.” For the new report, the researchers analyzed the 1,514 responses to the open-ended question. geese to curb bird flu outbreak The respondents ranged in age from 24 to 97. About 65 percent were female, about 45 percent were breast cancer survivors, and about 21 percent were prostate cancer sur- TAIPEI: Taiwan yesterday slaughtered nearly 6,000 geese county began late Monday night and was completed yes- “I can say for sure that within the next month the num- vivors. About 38 percent - more than a third - reported some after 14 more farms were confirmed to have been infected terday. Further culls are expected as authorities adopt ber of infected farms will keep growing.” More than sort of physical problem after their cancer treatments. Those in the latest outbreak of avian influenza that has led to the stringent measures to eliminate a new variant of the H5N2 140,000 birds have been slaughtered since the first out- included anything from pain to problems with sexual health. culling of more than 140,000 birds. The confirmation and H5N8 strains, both discovered for the first time on the break was confirmed at a chicken farm in Pingtung county, brought to 21 the total number of farms infected by the island. “In order to swiftly wipe out the new disease, as where 122,000 chickens were destroyed last week. Taiwan Unanswered questions outbreak since last week-all in the south-according to the long as the samples collected from any farm are confirmed has reported several outbreaks of H5N2 but has no record- About a fifth of participants reported financial or insur- Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and as the H5 virus and the death rates there are high, all the ed cases of the potentially deadly H5N1 strain, although ance problems. About a fifth also complained about educa- Quarantine. poultry in the farm will be destroyed immediately,” agricul- authorities said pet birds smuggled from China tested pos- tion and information following their cancer treatments. The slaughter of the 5,830 geese at three farms in Chiayi ture minister Chen Bao-ji told reporters. itive for the strain in 2005 and 2012. — AFP Some of those individuals had unanswered questions about their care, such as what to expect and what to do after treat- ment. About 16 percent mentioned items related to personal ‘Braille Challenge’ sets high expectations for blind students control, which includes any problems that stand in a person’s way of being physically and socially independent. Those ‘Braille is a blind student’s alphabet’ items include a broad range of issues, including a person having poor bladder or bowel control following treatment. NEW YORK: More than a thousand visually impaired students mainstream public schools after passage of the 1973 dents and makes them better students.” Braille literacy, Ross said, Also, it can include a person having trouble making plans or are receiving the rare opportunity for head-to-head competition Rehabilitation Act, access to braille education became limited. is crucial for academic and professional success. According to socializing. Men were more likely than women to mention against their peers as the Braille Challenge begins across the US Literacy rates have suffered since. In 1960, 50 percent of legally the American Foundation for the Blind, 75 percent of visually unmet needs that fell under physical and personal control. and Canada. “For children with any disability, typically less is blind school-age children were able to read braille. Today, that’s impaired adults are unemployed. Close to 99 percent of those Prostate cancer survivors and older participants were also expected of them,” said Nancy Niebrugge of the Braille Institute down to 8.5 percent. who are employed are braille readers. Tiffany Zhao, an 18 year- more likely to report those unmet needs, too. in Los Angeles, California. “We are trying to fight that with the old University of California-Berkeley freshman, competed in the Women were more likely than men to report unmet challenge.” Forty regional events will take place in January, Tactile graphics Braille Challenge for twelve years. “I wanted to meet others like needs in other areas, however. Burg said the next step is to February and March as blind students in first through twelfth “Braille is a blind student’s alphabet,” Niebrugge said. “They me, other visually impaired students that knew what they were see whether preparing patients for the lingering effects of grades test skills in five categories: spelling, proof reading, speed can’t take notes, they can’t process their own information with- doing in the braille department,” Zhao said. cancer and its treatment may help people feel less burdened and accuracy, charts and graphs and reading comprehension. out it.” Many blind students in public schools rely on audio by these unmet needs. Sixty qualifying finalists, twelve from each of five age groups, books for instruction, but as Niebrugge explained, it is difficult - Similar friends “They may have been told to some degrees what the side will receive invitations to the Braille Challenge Finals in June at if not impossible - to do algebra equations in one’s head while She won the competition three times; among the prizes she effects are, but ultimately they find there is more of an the Braille Institute. “These students are given a lot of accommo- listening to a recording of a math lesson. The Braille Challenge received was a braille and speech computer. Zhao now uses the impact than they realized,” Burg said. “If people feel better dations,” Niebrugge said. “Everything they do is an accommodat- gauges not only competence in reading, but also in writing. prize daily to translate her college textbooks into braille. Zhao prepared even if they have negative consequences, do they ed version of a sighted activity, but the Braille Challenge is in Braille can be written with a Perkins Brailler- a typewriter- or an said the time pressures of the Braille Challenge helped her to their native medium” electronic brailler. prepare for the rigor of university studies. “You are trying to type cope with it better than if it were an unpleasant surprise?” According to the American Printing House for the Blind, The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts as quickly and as accurately as you can,” she said. she said. For people who may be currently undergoing can- there are more than 60 thousand legally blind students in the will host about 30 participants for the New England Regional The charts and graphs test was the most difficult for the cer treatment, Burg’s advice is to ask their doctors questions. US Only about five thousand read braille, a written language in competition in March. In February, the facility will host a “braille Arcadia, California native. She lost her vision as a toddler due to “I think one of the things we have to do is get patients which characters are represented by raised dot patterns. brush-up day” for students to practice with puzzles, brainteasers, retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. Zhao’s mother, Yali Li, first empowered and really suggest to patients that they need to The Braille Institute organized the first Braille Challenge fif- tactile graphics and speed drills. “They come because it is a entered her in the contest in order to meet students living with a continue asking questions and present questions when they teen years ago in an attempt to reverse the falling braille literacy social event,” said Karen Ross, Director of Education Services at similar disability. “It was good for her to know that she had other occur to your providers,” she said. — Reuters rate. As blind students were moved from specialized schools to the Carroll Center. “It encourages new friendships between stu- similar friends around,” Li said.—Reuters WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

‘Yalla MINI’ draws over 300 people to test drive the MINI models at 360 Mall Young MINI fans also tried out the MINI baby racers

li Alghanim and Sons Automotive, the exclusive and a kids area where young fans started their driving skills importer of BMW and MINI in Kuwait, treated MINI early through the MINI baby racers. There were also free Afans and enthusiasts to a pure energy, adrenaline entertainment and beverages provided by entertainment rush day as hundreds of visitors took to the wheels of a partners Redbull and beverage partners Refreshment range of new MINI models under the skillful guidance of Trading Company-Coca Cola. international driving instructors. Held on the 9th and 10th of January 2015 at the 360 Strong following Mall’s parking area in Kuwait, among the MINI models that “The MINI continues to enjoy a strong following in Kuwait visitors were able to test drive and enjoy the pure driving and around the world,” said Yousef Al Qatami - General pleasure of the iconic British brand included the new MINI Manager of Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive Company. John Cooper Works Countryman, the new MINI John Cooper “Holding the ‘Yalla MINI’ event is our way of bringing the cars Works Paceman, the MINI 3-door Hatch, and the all-new much closer to our customers and enthusiasts and for them MINI Hatch 5-door. to experience what the brand truly stands for - fun and Recently introduced to Kuwait, the MINI Hatch 5 Door excitement.” model is bigger in size, has increased interior space and Apart from the four models of the MINI that were show- boasts impressive TwinPower turbo engines for both the cased at the event, MINI lovers can also view, feel and test Cooper and Cooper S. The new model also dazzles with fresh drive the other range of MINI models at the new MINI show- exterior colours and an alluring array of new state-of-the-art room located within the Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive options, such as optional LED headlights, 2-zone AC,and facility along Airport Road 55 in Shuwaikh. navigation. Along with the test drives was an Instagram Exuding with contemporary and attractive colours that competition wherein the winner, which will be selected in a go along with the iconic and dynamic profiles of MINI cars draw, receives an all expenses paid trip to the MINI factory in on display, the 315-square meter area has the capacity to the UK courtesy of Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive. display six cars, including the latest models of the MINI Providing further excitement to the event were the Hatch, MINI Paceman, MINI Countryman, MINI Coupe, MINI sought-after MINI merchandises on display, a waiting lounge Roadster, and MINI Cabrio. AUK celebrates academic achievements of its top students

he American University of Kuwait Following a students’ procession, each (AUK) held its semi-annual President’s of the students in the different excellence THonor Roll and Dean’s Honor List cer- categories was called to the stage, where emony in recognition of top student aca- they accepted their awards from President demic achievers for the Spring 2014 Hamzeh and the college deans. Semester. The ceremony was held in the 21 students were awarded a place on AUK Auditorium, where students, parents, the President’s Honor Roll by the Interim AUK faculty members and staff, as well as President, a high distinction exclusively members of the AUK Board Trustees awarded to those who maintained a 4.0 attended the ceremony to support the stu- GPA for the term, while89 students were dents being recognized. AUK President recognized for achieving the Dean’s Honor Professor Dr. Nizar Hamzeh and the col- List; a distinction awarded by the College leges’ deans were present to honor the stu- Deans to students who maintained a mini- dents and celebrate their achievements. mum GPA of 3.7. Rawda Awwad, Dean of The ceremony commenced with open- the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and ing remarks from President Hamzeh, in John Russel, Interim Dean of the College of which he expressed his pride in celebrating Business and Economics (CBE) presented AUK President Prof Dr Nizar Hamzeh the academic achievements of AUK stu- the recipients with their awards. Dr Rawda Awwad, Dean of the College of Arts Dr John Russel, Interim Dean of the College of dents. and Sciences (CAS) Business and Economics (CBE) WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

The Heritage Festival

he Heritage Festival opened earlier this week under the patronage of His THighness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was repre- sented by Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs, Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. Many activities took place at the opening ceremony, and various participants held exhibitions on the occasion, including Sebamed. A classical car show was also held during the event. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat TV PROGRAMS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

Taylor 13:30 So Random 02:00 Red Dawn-PG15 18:00 Eleanor’s Secret 20:35 Nigellissima 13:55 Liv And Maddie 04:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron-PG15 20:00 The Happets 21:00 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 14:20 The Adventures Of Disney 06:00 Pitch Black-PG15 22:00 Back To The Sea 21:25 Celebrity MasterChef Fairies 23:30 Space Dogs 00:00 As Time Goes By 08:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron-PG15 22:20 Bargain Hunt 14:55 Jessie 00:30 Eastenders 10:00 Red Dawn-PG15 23:05 Come Dine With Me 15:20 I Didn’t Do It 01:00 Doctors 12:00 Police Story-PG15 23:30 The Little Paris Kitchen 15:45 Liv And Maddie 01:30 Being Erica 14:00 Pitch Black-PG15 23:55 The Planners 16:10 Austin & Ally 02:15 Saxondale 16:00 The Philly Kid-PG15 16:35 Binny And The Ghost 02:45 Being Eileen 18:00 Brave-PG15 17:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place The 00:00 One Direction: This Is Us-PG 03:15 Call The Midwife 20:00 The Chronicles Of Riddick- Movie 02:00 Skyline-PG15 04:00 Rev. PG15 18:30 Wolfblood 04:00 Stolen-PG15 04:30 As Time Goes By 22:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 19:05 Gravity Falls 06:00 Despicable Me 2-PG 05:00 Woolly & Tig 00:20 Dive Wars Australia 19:30 Liv And Maddie 08:00 The Great Gatsby-PG15 05:05 The Green Balloon Club 01:10 Manhunt 19:55 Austin & Ally 10:30 Death Clique-PG15 05:30 Gigglebiz 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 20:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 12:15 Stolen-PG15 05:45 Boogie Beebies 02:50 Auction Hunters 20:45 Suite Life On Deck 00:00 Fatal Instinct-PG15 14:00 A Common Man-PG15 06:00 Nina And The Neurons: In 03:15 The Liquidator 21:10 Hannah Montana 02:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 15:30 The Great Gatsby-PG15 The Lab 03:40 Dallas Car Sharks 21:35 That’s So Raven 04:00 In A World...-PG15 18:00 Closed Circuit-PG15 06:15 Woolly & Tig 04:05 How It’s Made 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 06:00 Bringing Down The House- 20:00 Stand Up Guys-PG15 06:20 The Green Balloon Club 04:30 How It’s Made 22:25 A.N.T. Farm PG15 22:00 2 Guns-18 06:45 Gigglebiz 05:00 Dual Survival 22:50 Shake It Up 08:00 RV-PG 07:00 Boogie Beebies 06:00 Siberian Cut 23:10 Wolfblood 10:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 07:15 The Weakest Link 06:50 Rods N’ Wheels 23:35 Wolfblood 12:00 Straight Talk-PG15 08:00 As Time Goes By 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 14:00 In A World...-PG15 08:30 Being Eileen 08:30 Auction Hunters 16:00 RV-PG 09:00 Eastenders 08:55 The Liquidator 18:00 Along Came Polly-PG15 00:00 Live MSNBC Now With Alex 09:30 Doctors 09:20 Dallas Car Sharks 20:00 Mental-PG15 Wagner 10:00 Being Erica 09:45 How It’s Made 22:00 House Party: Tonight’s The 01:00 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 10:45 The Weakest Link 10:10 How It’s Made 00:00 Escape Club Night-18 02:00 Live MSNBC Politicsnation 11:30 As Time Goes By 10:35 Get Out Alive With Bear 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 03:00 Live NBC Nightly News 12:00 Being Eileen Grylls 01:25 Keeping Up With The 03:30 ABC World News With David 12:25 Kidnapped 11:25 Dive Wars Australia Kardashians Muir 13:15 Eastenders 12:15 Manhunt 02:20 Giuliana & Bill 04:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 13:45 Doctors 13:05 Auction Hunters 03:15 Giuliana & Bill Hayes 05:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel 14:15 Being Erica 13:30 The Liquidator 03:40 Giuliana & Bill 01:00 Everything Must Go-PG15 Maddow Show 15:00 Rev. 13:55 Dallas Car Sharks 04:10 THS 03:00 The Factory-PG15 06:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word 15:30 As Time Goes By 14:20 Outback Truckers 05:05 Beyond Candid With Giuliana 05:00 Temptation: Confessions Of W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 16:00 Being Eileen 15:10 Rods N’ Wheels 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take A Marriage Counselor-PG15 07:00 NBC Nightly News 16:25 The Weakest Link 16:00 Fast N’ Loud Miami 07:00 Christmas Magic-PG15 07:30 ABC World News With David 17:10 Eastenders 16:50 How It’s Made 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 09:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 Muir 17:40 Doctors 17:15 How It’s Made Miami 11:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 07:57 NBC Nightly News 18:10 Being Erica 17:40 Dual Survival 07:50 Style Star A Marriage Counselor-PG15 08:18 ABC World News With David 19:00 Rev. 18:30 Troy 08:20 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 13:00 There Be Dragons-PG15 Muir 19:30 Saxondale 19:20 Dynamo: Top Ten Moments 08:45 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 15:00 The Last Harbor-PG15 08:39 Live ABC Nightline 20:00 Mad Dogs 20:10 The Liquidator 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 17:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 09:06 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow 20:45 DCI Banks: Aftermath 20:35 Dallas Car Sharks 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 19:00 Safe Haven-PG15 Show 21:30 The Omid Djalili Show 21:00 Troy 11:10 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 21:00 Disconnect-PG15 10:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 22:00 Money 21:50 The Big Brain Theory Hamptons 23:00 Side Effects-18 22:50 Waking The Dead 22:40 You Have Been Warned 12:05 House Of DVF Lawrence O’Donnell 23:45 Waking The Dead 23:30 Troy 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 11:00 Live ABC World News Now 13:35 E!ES 11:30 Live ABC World News Now 12:00 Live NBC Early Today 14:30 Style Star 01:30 Silent Victim-PG15 PITCH BLACK ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 12:30 Live ABC America This 15:00 Keeping Up With The 03:30 Robot & Frank-PG15 Morning Kardashians 05:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of 16:00 Going Deep With David Rees 13:00 Live ABC America This 16:00 Keeping Up With The Thailand 16:30 Going Deep With David Rees 07:00 Life Happens-PG15 00:00 Homes Under The Hammer Morning Kardashians 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 17:00 Street Genius 09:00 Blackfish-PG15 00:55 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 13:30 Live ABC America This 00:00 Violetta 17:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 17:30 Street Genius 10:30 Snow Falling On Cedars- Taylor Morning 00:45 The Hive 17:30 E! News 12:00 Chopped 18:00 Sea Patrol 00:00 Unforgettable PG15 01:20 Nigellissima 14:00 Live ABC America This 00:50 Art Attack 19:00 Live From E! 12:50 Siba’s Table 19:00 Diggers 01:00 Good Morning America 13:00 The Great Train Robbery-PG 01:45 Home Cooking Made Easy Morning 01:15 Art Attack 19:30 Live From The Red Carpet 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks The 19:30 Diggers 03:00 Dracula 15:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 02:15 Celebrity MasterChef 14:30 MSNBC First Look 01:40 Jungle Junction 21:30 Inner Circle Riviera 20:00 Going Deep With David Rees 05:00 Good Morning America 17:00 For Greater Glory-PG15 03:05 Antiques Roadshow 15:00 Live NBC Today Show 01:50 Jungle Junction 22:00 E! News 13:40 Mystery Diners 20:30 Going Deep With David Rees 07:00 Emmerdale 19:30 The Best Man-PG15 04:00 Come Dine With Me 18:57 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris 02:05 Jungle Junction 23:30 The Soup 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 21:00 Street Genius 07:30 Coronation Street 21:30 My Piece Of The Pie-PG15 04:25 The Good Cook Matthews 02:15 Jungle Junction 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 21:30 Street Genius 09:00 24 23:30 Beautiful Creatures-18 04:50 Homes Under The Hammer 19:38 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow 02:30 Violetta 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:00 Sea Patrol 10:00 Emmerdale 05:45 Nordic Cookery With Tareq Show 03:10 The Hive 15:45 Farm Kings 23:00 Storm Worlds 10:30 Coronation Street Taylor 20:19 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 03:20 Art Attack 16:35 Chopped 13:00 Unforgettable 06:10 Nigellissima Lawrence O’Donnell 03:45 Art Attack 00:05 Chopped 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The 14:00 24 06:35 Home Cooking Made Easy 01:15 Dead Man Down-PG15 21:00 Live MSNBC Ronan Farrow 04:10 Jungle Junction 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes Riviera 15:00 Live Good Morning America 07:05 Celebrity MasterChef 03:15 Peeples-PG15 Daily 04:20 Jungle Junction 01:45 Reza’s African Kitchen 17:50 Reza, Spice Prince Of 18:00 Unforgettable 08:00 Antiques Roadshow 05:15 The Chateau Meroux-PG15 22:00 Live MSNBC The Reid Report 04:35 Jungle Junction 02:10 Reza’s African Kitchen Thailand 19:00 24 08:50 Come Dine With Me 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 07:00 Epic-PG 23:00 Live MSNBC The Cycle 04:45 Jungle Junction 02:35 Ching’s Restaurant 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 Unforgettable 09:15 Homes Under The Hammer Stewart 09:00 Red 2-PG15 05:00 Art Attack Redemption 18:40 Siba’s Table 22:00 Dracula 10:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 01:00 Two And A Half Men 11:00 Amour-PG15 05:25 Art Attack 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 23:00 True Detective Taylor 01:30 Web Therapy 13:15 Ender’s Game-PG15 05:50 Mouk 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 19:30 Mystery Diners 10:35 Nigellissima 02:00 Ja’mie: Private School Girl 15:15 The Bag Man-PG15 06:00 Dog With A Blog 04:40 Reza, Spice Prince Of 19:55 Burger Land 11:00 The Roux Legacy 02:30 Louie 17:00 Red 2-PG15 06:25 Liv And Maddie Thailand 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 11:35 Celebrity MasterChef 03:00 Back In The Game 19:00 The Internship-PG15 06:50 So Random 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 00:00 Police Story 02:00 PGA Tour Highlights 12:25 Antiques Roadshow 03:30 About A Boy 21:00 The Family-PG15 07:15 I Didn’t Do It 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of 22:00 Chopped 02:00 Sunshine 03:00 Hero Indian Super League 13:20 Come Dine With Me 04:00 New Girl 23:00 Rush-18 07:40 Jessie Thailand 22:50 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:00 Red Dawn Highlights 13:45 Homes Under The Hammer 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 08:05 Austin & Ally 05:50 Siba’s Table 23:15 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron 05:30 Ryder Cup Official Film 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq Jimmy Fallon 08:30 Binny And The Ghost 06:10 Sweet Genius 23:40 Burger Land 08:00 Pitch Black 07:00 Top 14 Highlights Taylor 05:30 My Boys 08:55 Suite Life On Deck 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 10:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron 07:30 Snooker - The Masters 15:00 Nigellissima 06:00 Last Man Standing 01:00 Top Cat: The Movie 09:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 12:00 Red Dawn 11:30 Top 14 Highlights 15:25 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 02:45 Shark Bait 09:45 Hannah Montana 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:00 Police Story 12:00 Hero Indian Super League 16:15 Celebrity MasterChef 08:00 New Girl 04:30 The Swan Princess: A Royal 10:10 That’s So Raven 08:15 Chopped 16:00 Pitch Black Highlights 17:05 Antiques Roadshow 08:30 My Boys Family Tale 10:35 Girl vs Monster 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 18:00 The Philly Kid 14:30 PGA Tour Highlights 18:00 Come Dine With Me 12:15 Austin & Ally 09:00 Back In The Game 20:00 Brave 06:00 Barbie In The Nutcracker 15:30 Futbol Mundial Basics 00:40 The Hungry Sailors 18:25 Homes Under The Hammer 12:40 Jessie 09:30 The Simpsons 22:00 The Chronicles Of Riddick 08:00 Dragon Hunters 16:00 Live Snooker - The Masters 09:30 Farm Kings 01:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 19:15 The Planners 13:05 I Didn’t Do It 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 10:00 Eleanor’s Secret 20:00 Inside The PGA Tour 10:20 Recipes That Rock Of Dogs 20:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 11:30 The Great Bear 20:30 European Tour Weekly 02:00 Emmerdale Jimmy Fallon 13:00 Shark Bait 21:00 Trans World Sport 02:25 Emmerdale 12:00 Last Man Standing 14:30 Back To The Sea 22:00 Live Snooker - The Masters 02:55 Coronation Street 12:30 New Girl 00:00 Sunshine-18 16:00 Space Dogs 03:25 Midsomer Murders 13:00 My Boys 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 13:30 The Simpsons 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 14:00 About A Boy 07:05 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 14:30 The Simpsons Of Dogs 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 07:30 Midsomer Murders 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 09:20 The Chase Stewart 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 16:00 Two And A Half Men 11:10 Emmerdale 16:30 Last Man Standing 11:35 Emmerdale 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:00 Coronation Street 18:00 Back In The Game 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 18:30 About A Boy 13:25 The Jonathan Ross Show 19:00 Melissa & Joey 14:20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 19:30 Hot In Cleveland Of Dogs 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries Jimmy Fallon 15:35 The Chase 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 16:30 The Great Fire Stewart 17:25 Chasing Shadows 21:30 Two And A Half Men 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:00 Brickleberry 19:10 Coronation Street 22:30 The League 19:35 The Chase 23:00 Louie 20:30 The Great Fire 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 21:25 Chasing Shadows 22:20 Coronation Street 22:50 Emmerdale 23:15 Emmerdale 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 00:00 White Collar 01:00 Killer Women 02:00 True Blood 03:00 Mistresses 04:00 State Of Affairs 05:00 Criminal Minds 06:00 White Collar 00:00 How Hard Can It Be? 07:00 Necessary Roughness 01:00 Caught In The Act 08:00 C.S.I. 02:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 09:00 Criminal Minds 03:00 Ancient Secrets: China’s Lost 10:00 State Of Affairs Pyramids 11:00 Necessary Roughness 04:00 Chasing UFOs 12:00 Emmerdale 05:00 Space Mysteries 12:30 Coronation Street 06:00 Pirate Patrol 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 Megacities 14:00 C.S.I. 08:00 How Hard Can It Be? 15:00 White Collar 09:00 Caught In The Act 16:00 Emmerdale 10:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 16:30 Coronation Street 11:00 Storm Worlds 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 Dangerous Encounters 18:00 C.S.I. 13:00 Street Monkeys 20:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 14:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 21:00 Top Gear (UK) 15:00 Diggers 22:00 Legends SUNSHINE ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 15:30 Diggers 23:00 Mistresses MENTAL ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (08/01/2015 TO 14/01/2015)

SHARQIA-1 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 6:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 5:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:00 PM VICE 8:00 PM AUTOMATA 7:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 1:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 10:00 PM VICE 9:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 12:15 AM AUTOMATA 11:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:00 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:00 PM MARINA-2 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:45 AM AL-KOUT.3 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:15 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM THE IMITATION GAME 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM THE IMITATION GAME 1:45 PM SHARQIA-2 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 6:00 PM UNBROKEN 4:00 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 11:45 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:15 PM THE IMITATION GAME 7:00 PM SEVENTH SON 2:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM UNBROKEN 9:15 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 4:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:45 AM THE IMITATION GAME 12:05 AM SEVENTH SON 6:15 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 8:15 PM MARINA-3 AL-KOUT.4 SEVENTH SON 10:30 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 12:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:45 AM SEVENTH SON 12:45 AM SEVENTH SON 3:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 2:00 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 5:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM SHARQIA-3 SEVENTH SON 7:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 6:15 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 11:30 AM SEVENTH SON 9:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM THE IMITATION GAME 1:15 PM SEVENTH SON 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM THE IMITATION GAME 3:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 5:45 PM AVENUES-1 THE IMITATION GAME 7:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 1:00 PM BAIRAQ-1 THE IMITATION GAME 9:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:15 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 12:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 12:05 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:30 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 3:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 7:45 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 5:15 PM MUHALAB-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM SEVENTH SON 7:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 AM SEVENTH SON-3D 9:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 2:30 PM SEVENTH SON 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 4:15 PM AVENUES-2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:15 PM VICE 12:15 PM BAIRAQ-2 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:15 PM VICE 2:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM VICE 4:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 6:15 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 3:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:15 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 5:30 PM MUHALAB-2 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:15 PM THE IMITATION GAME 11:30 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 9:30 PM THE IMITATION GAME 1:45 PM UNBROKEN 11:45 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 4:00 PM AVENUES-3 THE IMITATION GAME 5:45 PM AUTOMATA 1:15 PM BAIRAQ-3 THE IMITATION GAME 8:00 PM AUTOMATA 3:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 PM VICE 10:15 PM AUTOMATA 5:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 2:00 PM THE IMITATION GAME 12:15 AM VICE 8:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 4:15 PM AUTOMATA 10:15 PM THE IMITATION GAME 6:15 PM MUHALAB-3 AUTOMATA 12:30 AM VICE 8:30 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 12:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:30 PM SEVENTH SON 3:00 PM 360º- 1 THE IMITATION GAME 12:30 AM SEVENTH SON-3D 5:15 PM SEVENTH SON 11:30 AM SEVENTH SON 7:30 PM SEVENTH SON 1:45 PM PLAZA FOR SALE SEVENTH SON 9:45 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 4:00 PM SEVENTH SON 4:00 PM SEVENTH SON 12:05 AM SEVENTH SON 6:15 PM NO FRI+MON SEVENTH SON-3D 8:30 PM P.K -HINDI 3:30 PM Toyota Camry - GL 2014, FANAR-1 SEVENTH SON 10:45 PM FRI+MON light blue color, km 12000, AUTOMATA 12:30 PM SEVENTH SON 1:00 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 6:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 2:30 PM SEVENTH SON 8:30 PM KD 4100. Mob: 50994848. AUTOMATA 4:15 PM 360º- 2 AUTOMATA 10:30 PM (C 4904) UNBROKEN 6:15 PM TEVAR (HINDI) 1:15 PM VICE 9:00 PM TEVAR (HINDI) 4:15 PM LAILA AUTOMATA 11:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:45 PM Mitsubishi Lancer GLX AUTOMATA 1:00 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:15 PM SEVENTH SON 6:00 PM 2013, white color, km 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM AUTOMATA 8:15 PM 44000, KD 2000. Tel: FANAR-2 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 AM SEVENTH SON 10:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:30 AM 66729295. (C 4905) THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:45 PM 360º- 3 AJIAL.1 12-1-2015 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM TEVAR (HINDI) 3:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM TEVAR (HINDI) 6:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM TEVAR (HINDI) 9:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM TEVAR (HINDI) 7:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:15 AM INTO THE WOODS 10:30 PM AJIAL.2 Prayer timings VICE 1:00 AM AUTOMATA 4:30 PM FANAR-3 SEVENTH SON 6:30 PM Fajr: 05:20 THE IMITATION GAME 11:45 AM AL-KOUT.1 AUTOMATA 8:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 2:15 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 11:30 AM SEVENTH SON 10:45 PM VICE 4:45 PM SEVENTH SON 1:30 PM Shorook 06:44 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 6:45 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 3:30 PM AJIAL.3 THE IMITATION GAME 8:30 PM SEVENTH SON 5:45 PM P.K -HINDI 4:45 PM Duhr: 11:57 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:45 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 8:00 PM P.K -HINDI 7:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 12:45 AM SEVENTH SON 10:15 PM P.K -HINDI 10:30 PM Asr: 14:51 SEVENTH SON 12:30 AM MARINA-1 AJIAL.4 INTO THE WOODS 11:30 AM AL-KOUT.2 P.K -HINDI 3:45 PM Maghrib: 17:11 THE IMITATION GAME 2:15 PM AUTOMATA 1:00 PM P.K -HINDI 6:45 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 4:30 PM AUTOMATA 3:00 PM P.K -HINDI 9:45 PM Isha: 18:32

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 14/1/2015 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 Departure Flights on Wednesday 14/1/2015 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time MRJ 4814 Mashhad 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 IYE 827 Mukalla/Sanaa 14:30 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 KAC 203 Lahore 02:00 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 MSC 408 HRG 15:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 15:55 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 SYR 342 Damascus/Latakia 15:30 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 CLX 792 Luxembourg/Amman 16:05 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:35 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 FDB 8057 Dubai 17:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 QTR 1073 Doha 17:10 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 KAC 545 Alexandria 17:30 BAW 157 London 06:40 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 CLX 792 Hanoi 17:35 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:45 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 FDB 8058 Dubai 19:05 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 KAC 117 New York 10:05 JZR 552 Alexandria 19:30 IRM 1186 Tehran 10:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 20:30 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:40 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 204 Lahore 11:25 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:30 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:05 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 103 London 12:20 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 12:55 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 IYE 826 Sanaa/Mukalla 13:30 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 920 Dubai 22:25 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:15 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSC 407 HRG 14:20 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

CROSSWORD 784 STAR TRACK

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

This is not a good time to make any concrete decisions about a rela- Others appreciate your ability to make practical decisions concerning tionship or a business deal. There could be a collision of powerful ener- group issues. You have a natural sense of what the public wants at this gies, spilling into your life in unpredictable ways. The decisions and actions of today time. Clear decisions affecting others could be made now. Relations with a spouse or will have ongoing effects; take time to think through your decisions. You might say business partner are on a solid ground. You display an urge to be recognized by co- that this would be a good time for much consideration. Rise above any jealous workers for your hard work. There is a possibility that during this period, work as a action from a co-worker. This afternoon, you may seek out friends who are eccentric whole will come under scrutiny and you definitely need to feel secure in the profes- or unconventional in their social behavior, seeking release from the strictures you sional realm of life. Do not fear; business dealings are fruitful now-particularly if you may see in the workplace. This could also be a good time for solitude and self-dis- give one hundred percent. Expressing affection should come easily at this time and covery. You attract a new love interest today-the rest of this month you may feel like can do much good for your disposition. Be sure you follow through with any prior dancing. commitments tonight.

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

You have a desire to succeed-financially and personally. Your creative However you deal with people, interacting one-on-one, leading a group mind is inspired and it is a good time to lead the way on a project. You show a toward a common goal or convincing others in a sales or public rela- propensity to engage in hard work to obtain financial security. You can refurbish tions effort will have positive results. All will feel the warmth of your understanding. your energy by finding a pleasant spot in the country or gaze at a spectacular view Your efforts will be genuinely appreciated. You are apt to spend a considerable from a hill. Find ways to lighten a conversation when it seems to be turning too amount of time and effort finding ways to improve finances. This may include part- serious. Your awareness of the needs of a loved one may become more acute. You time work. The desire for material success and considerable monetary gain is great. may feel you finally have found a soul mate. Go with the flow-and be thankful! Your power of creativity is good and if you concentrate on the budget this afternoon, Helping friends and relating to their true feelings can be accomplished with little you will find many helpful ways to create a balance. Put off engaging in social activity effort on your part. Hold fast to friends and family now, for they are a great source for now. Socializing is fun but you may decide to wait until you are not so worried of strength. about money matters.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) The practical use of your time and energy will most certainly pay off in There could be some misunderstandings at work, particularly with positive ways. You should take note to rely on your natural abilities and members of the opposite sex. Be kind to yourself and think positive-try talents to succeed. Interactions with the opposite sex on the professional level may to avoid disruptive events and troubled people. If there is any indication of a problem occur a great deal during this time. You may feel pleased to be invited to business on the horizon, you have a breather, at least for now. People are your best friends so surround yourself with good people. You communicate well and may become inter- ACROSS DOWN meetings and conferences. This may not happen all year long but for now, certain projects may need your insight. You are wise to take a serious attitude about this ested in a new intellectual pursuit. You may find yourself in a library this afternoon. 1. Type genus of the family Myacidae. 1. A form of rummy using two decks and four advantage but you would be wiser to take notes of each meeting, think first before You become aware of petty problems with friends more than usual. Do not try to force 4. Like the sounds of frogs and crows. jokers. giving your input and keep your regular work up-to-date. You may feel the urge to an issue during the next few days. This is also a good time to practice discretion with 2. Not only so, but. break out of monotonous patterns at home and enjoy socializing more with a variety any romantic advances-you should exhibit self-control. This is a good evening for cor- 12. The local time at the 0 meridian passing respondence. through Greenwich, England. 3. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in of people. 15. A graphical record of electrical activity of the Turkey). brain. 4. An outbuilding (or part of a building) for hous- ing automobiles. 16. A drug (trade name Inocor) used intra- Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) venously in heart failure. 5. A benevolent aspect of Devi. 6. Genus of herbs of southern United States. Any need for negotiation or persuasion has found its day. Your mind is You are brainy and quick to find answers to the most difficult problems. 17. Of or relating to a member of the Buddhist You could be working as a person who finds and corrects, or points the people inhabiting the Mekong river in Laos 7. Emperor of Rome. clear and alert and anyone should be able to grasp your point of view. It is 8. Take away the weapons from. also a good time to plan, write or expand your intellectual horizons. This is an excellent direction for others to correct, problems that could turn into bigger problems if not and Thailand. corrected. This could mean an inspector for medicines, airplanes, chemical equations, 9. An artificial language for international use that time to get many things accomplished. Today is for new ventures. Also, you are very 18. The syllable naming the sixth (submediant) expressive and sociable. Artistic activities are favored as well as just going out to have machinery, plumbing or any other similar type of problem detection. It is good to find rejects rejects all existing words and is based someone like you who can cull through and clear away problems and make life easier note of a major or minor scale in solmization. fun. Your personal magnetism is high, making you attractive to the opposite sex and instead on an abstract analysis of ideas. to live. Now is a good time to ask for a raise and also a good time to become more 19. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped popular in general. You are in touch with your feelings now and very loving-this evening 10. Thin-shelled freshwater mussels. is a good time to call old friends or spend time with loved ones. The love you give will be focus oriented. A change in job responsibilities would call for you to instruct others cucumbers and spices. 11. (Irish) The sea personified. returned tenfold. The romantic-dreamer side of you is in full blossom now. and more of you would be a very good thing. Create a positive direction now. 20. Chief deity of Zoroastrianism. 12. A tract of land with few or no trees in the mid- 22. An Indian tree of the family Combretaceae dle of a wooded area. that is a source of timber and gum. 13. A large hardwood drinking bowl. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. Horrible in fierceness or savagery. 14. The present time or age. Leo (July 23-August 22) 25. The content of cognition. 21. French revolutionary who was prominent in This is a great day to get things done, whether you are alone or with oth- You see what is wrong and you know what to do: the time has come to 26. Attempting to get personal recognition for the early days of the French Revolution ers, especially if you take the lead. State your agenda logically and even make corrections or changes. This means cooperation and organization, those who may disagree will respect you. Strong-minded persons are attracted to you authority and discipline, responsibility-and all these things are what it takes to get you yourself (especially by unacceptable means). (1749-1791). where you know you must go. You may feel the need to secure your own feelings 28. Planetarium consisting of an apparatus that 23. Left-hand page. and you to them. However, it is most important to exert control over your feelings. Do not let anyone mislead you or distract you from the job at hand! Discussions with rela- about yourself through another person. You may try to increase your power of attrac- illustrates the relative positions and motions 27. Relating to bone or to the skeleton. tives should flow smoothly and you can expect sudden benefits from a family member. tion whether consciously or subconsciously. You face great responsibilities in relation- of bodies in the solar system by rotation and 29. A radioactive gaseous element formed by the You create pleasant surroundings in the home and in the workplace. Joint activities ships with loved ones and are apt to have difficulty expressing wants and desires openly to others. You should try during this time to loosen up and enjoy your com- revolution of balls moved by wheelwork. disintegration of radium. that take place at this time should be both well-attended and successful. This evening, you may attract or be attracted to a stranger. This is a time of rejuvenation. panions without being afraid to voice true feelings. Ask your loved ones about their 30. A female actor. 31. Type genus of the Carangidae. goals; you will find insight. 34. A mountainous landlocked communist state 32. Used by Maoris for thatching. in southeastern Asia. 33. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that 35. A slab of stone or wood suitable for bearing was responsible for research into atomic Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) an inscription. energy and its peacetime uses in the United States. 38. Strong woody fibers obtained especially Use the confidence you feel to get the most pressing projects complet- Business dealings may be particularly productive because of your from the phloem of from various plants. 36. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the ed-this could bring considerable success. There may be an air of seriousness to all determination to see the finished result. There is much reflective think- 42. Having a melody (as distinguished from Dali region of Yunnan. your dealings. Also, you are concerned more about the future of business and roman- ing about your work. There is energy available all day that is best applied in your 37. An honorary law degree. work or in accomplishing your goals. This is a most favorable time to work with a recitative). tic associates now than at any other time. Be sure to keep an open mind about all 39. Squash bugs. ideas or proposals-pay attention to the details. Restlessness and a desire for change in group of close associates. You are very energetic and could use some vigorous exer- 43. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely 40. An elongated leather strip (or or strip of simi- career are best appeased by peeling away things that distract you from seeing your cise to properly channel your thinking and your energy. You feel particularly inde- the razorbill. true self. If you maintain a realistic outlook at this time, you may help a loved one pendent and may find that profound insights are easy to come by just now. The uni- lar material) for binding things together or 44. (prefix) Within. greatly. If you are looking for a new romance you will find it while you are involved in versal power gives you a love of life that manifests itself in good cheer and generosi- holding something in position. some sort of volunteer or social activity, at the least expected time. ty. This is a time when relationships, especially with women, are good. This is an 45. The seventh and last day of the week. 41. The subject matter of a conversation or dis- aspect of good fortune. 46. Harsh or corrosive in tone. cussion. 48. An association of people to promote the 47. The basic unit of money in Ghana. welfare of senior citizens. 50. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue. Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 49. A small knob. 52. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily one- 51. Japanese painter whose work influenced the seeded fruits. impressionists (1760-1849). 53. A festival featuring African-American culture. 54. The upper angle between an axis and an off- 56. The branch of computer science that deal shoot such as a branch or leafstalk. with writing computer programs that can 55. An informal term for a father. solve problems creatively. 57. A radioactive transuranic element synthe- 60. Leave immediately. sized from californium. 61. A communist nation that covers a vast territo- 58. A drug combination found in some over-the- ry in eastern Asia. counter headache remedies (Aspirin and 62. The capital and largest city of Lithuania. Phenacetin and Caffeine). 63. A reptile genus of Iguanidae. 59. (computer science) American Standard Code 65. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells. for Information Interchange. 66. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls. 64. A formal spoken communication delivered 67. French couturier whose first collection in to an audience. 1947 created a style (tight bodice and narrow 71. Someone who is morally reprehensible. waist and flowing pleated skirt) that became 72. A colt with undescended testicles. known as the New Look (1905-1957). 68. Greater than normal in degree or intensity or 75. The basic unit of money in Zaire. amount. 76. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from 69. Relating to the Urdu language. aba cloth. 70. The month following August and preceding 77. Large arboreal boa of tropical South October. America. 73. The longer of the two telegraphic signals 79. Measure of the US economy adopted in used in Morse code. 1991. 74. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the 80. A barrier constructed to contain the flow or pilot is talked down by ground control using water or to keep out the sea. precision approach radar. 81. A great raja. 78. A person who announces and plays popular 82. Temporary military shelter. recorded music. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 information

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

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 GOSSIP The Prodigy’s album has ‘sense of danger’

he Prodigy wanted their new album Tto have a “sense of danger”. The trio will release their sixth studio album ‘The Day Is My Enemy’ on 30 March, and frontman Liam Howlett has said they were keen for their music to be an “attack,” which is why the record sounds “so angry”. He said: “I can’t tell you why this record came out so angry, I think it’s just inbuilt in me.”It’s more about what I like music to do. I’ve always seen music I like as a form of attack. That’s what I use music for, it’s an attack.” Despite the hard-hitting electronic sound they are famous for on hits such as ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Smack My Bitch Up’, the 43-year-old musician said he wasn’t trying to make a violent album this time around, but the result came as a result of his per- sonal emotions. He explained: “I didn’t plan this album to sound violent, it’s just the sound that came out of the studio, a kind of build up over the last 4 years. ‘Anger is an energy’, that’s a lyric which always resonated with me. The tension is buried deep in the music right from the first drop. It’s all about the sound having that sense of danger. That’s what The Prodigy sound is about.” The band - which also features Maxim and Keith Flint - recently premiered their new single, ‘Nasty’, as well as announcing a 14-date tour which will take them across the UK.

Beetlejuice 2 writer J Dunn left hopes for Keaton return eetlejuice 2’ has been written with the hope teases ‘embarrassed as hell’ Michael Keaton will return. The 63-year-old Lorde ‘Bactor played the title role in the 1988 super- natural comedy, and the screenwriter for the movie’s ‘amazing’ new music after runway fall sequel, Seth Grahame-Smith, has now revealed he hopes it will feature the original star. Instead of the orde has written “amazing stuff” for her new album. idea the film could LThe ‘Royals’ hitmaker is currently working on the fol- be rebooted with a low-up to her debut album ‘Pure Heroine’ - which was new cast, the 39- released in 2013 - and has been pleased and impressed by year-old writer the lyrics she has written. Speaking at the Golden Globes in admitted he is keen Los Angeles on Sunday - where she was nominated for for the ‘Batman’ Best Original Song for her contribution, ‘Yellow Flicker actor - who picked Beat’, to the soundtrack for ‘The Hunger Games: up the Best Actor Mockingjay - Part 1’ - she said: “So I’ve written a lot of amaz- (Comedy or ing stuff and I’m just tentatively starting to make it music.” Musical) Golden The 18-year-old singer - whose real name is Ella Marija Lani Globe on Sunday Yelich-O’Connor - suggested it may be a while before the for ‘Birdman’ - to record is released however, because although she has writ- return for the ten plenty of lyrics, she hasn’t turned them into songs yet. movie which will be She explained: “For me I have to kind of write a project lyri- set in the present cally before I attack it musically.” On the subject of a day. Seth was planned release date, she admitted she is in no rush to ourdan Dunn was “embarrassed as hell” when she fell embarrassed as hell because Naomi went backstage and employed by release the collection but wants to make sure it is “differ- over in front of Naomi Campbell. The 24-year-old was like, ‘Who fell? Who fell?’ And I was like...” The mother acclaimed director ent” from what she has done previously before she lets J beauty has confessed she still cringes at the memory of one - who has a five-year-old son, Riley - also shared her Tim Burton to pen people hear it. She told MTV: “I have no timeline. I really of taking her first tumble on the runway in front of the pet hates in the clip, counting feet and speaking on the the film’s script don’t care. You have to be a different person and write a world-renowned supermodel. Speaking about her most phone amongst the things that annoy her the most. She after previously different record.” In November she joked she may wait a embarrassing model moments in a new video for Vogue said: “Keep your shoes on. I don’t want to see feet. I hate working with him while before releasing new music in a bid to become a bet- magazine, entitled ‘At Home with Jourdan Dunn’, she said: feet. I hate my own feet. “I hate talking on the phone. If on an adaptation of ter musician, but added she may not like being at home “When I did a show... there is a show in London and Naomi you phone me while I’m texting I will not answer. I will his book ‘Abraham with nothing to do, after a busy couple of years touring. was walking it and I took my first trip on the runway. “I was continue texting.” Lincoln: Vampire She said: “Part of me thinks that the longer I leave it, the Hunter’ as well as better a musician I’ll be. [Laughs] I used to do the same the script for 2012’s thing with homework! But I don’t know if I’ll be good at Cohen’s new film upsets Grimsby ‘Dark Shadows’. having time off.” Choosing not to speak about the acha Baron Cohen has made himself an enemy of Grimsby in England. The 43- project in great Syear-old actor has visited various pubs in the town and has been filming scenes for detail while in con- Clarkson’s daughter his new comedy film - titled ‘Grimsby’ - but locals are incensed by his unflattering versation with The portrayal of the sea port. Nev Carrick, landlord of the Corporation Arms, explained: “Sacha Hollywood Baron Cohen was in here for a couple of hours with other people.”They were all sat there Reporter, he did confess he has decided to take the ‘loves’ her music in the corner, just talking and watching. “He was loving it. He told me he wanted to use Michael’s “less is more” approach with the character, the pub as the base in the film for his character’s gang. “He also asked for a receipt for his pointing out he doesn’t feature until the halfway expenses - for a £3.50 pint. I told him we don’t do receipts, but he needed one, so we had point in the original film. Speaking in December while to write one on the back of a beer mat.” However, Nev, 51, is horrified by how his home- promoting ‘Big Eyes’, Tim Burton mentioned he misses town has been depicted, insisting it’s unfair and inaccurate. He told The Sun newspaper: the creepy character and teased the project is “closer “They were being polite but we could see through them, we knew what they were going than ever”. He said: “There is a script, and I would love to do.”For a successful comedian I would’ve thought he’d have come up with a more orig- to work with [Keaton] again. I think there is now a bet- inal joke than ‘it’s grim in Grimsby’. But by the looks of it he’s made a whole film out of it. ter chance than ever. I miss that character. There’s “A lot of people in this town are unhappy about it, especially his fat, tattooed women something that’s cathartic and amazing about it. I characters. I don’t know where he’s seen them around here, I certainly haven’t.” ‘Grimsby’ - think it’s closer than ever.” which also stars Isla Fisher and Penelope Cruz - is set for release in July 2015.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ‘will not be released as two films’

elly Clarkson’s daughter “loves” listening to her Kmusic. The ‘Since U Been Gone’ hitmaker gave birth to her daughter, River Rose, in June, and despite the tot only being a few months old, she has already taken a liking to her mother’s hits and cries when her mother stops singing. The blonde beauty admitted: “She loves it. “She’s so weird man. She loves music to go to sleep to, she loves loud music. She’s the perfect tour baby. She’ll go to rehearsals and when we’re all playing she like, loves it, and she can fall asleep, and then right when the music stops she starts crying.” However, the 32-year-old star - who is married to talent manager Brandon Blackstock - joked she hopes her daughter does not embark on a career in music because she wants her to work in healthcare. She quipped: “Unfortunately I really want her to be a doctor or something but we’re in the entertainment world so...” On Monday, the singer premiered the first track, ‘Heartbeat Song’, to be taken from her forth- coming seventh studio album ‘Piece By Piece’, which she plans to release in early March. Speaking about the LP, Kelly - whose last album ‘Wrapped in Red’ was released in 2013 - said she is eager for her fans to hear her new music and teased an “evolution” in her sound. atman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ will not be contrary to internet speculation last week. Cavill also ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ is progressing. She told BBC Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw: “It’s been fin- ‘Breleased as two separate films. Henry Cavill, who came out in support of his co-star Affleck, saying he Asked whether he’s been injured in any of his fight ished for a while so I’m really stoked for everybody to is playing the role of Superman in the much- makes a “great” Batman, having taken over the iconic role scenes with Affleck, he said: “Are you kidding? I’m the hear it. “It’s really cool, it’s got kinda everything on anticipated movie that will also feature Ben Affleck, has from Christian Bale, who starred in three films in the fran- Man of Steel.” Cavill was also quizzed on how ‘Dawn of there, but it’s kind of an evolution. I guess every moved to dismiss claims the film will be released in two chise: ‘Batman Begins’, ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘The Dark Justice’ will compare to the Marvel films, to which he album is for every artist.” parts. The 31-year-old star told Variety that the Zack Knight Rises’. Speaking at the BAFTA tea at the Four replied: “You’ll see.” ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ Snyder-directed film will be released as a single picture, Seasons in Beverly Hills, Cavill offered an update on how is set to open in March 2016. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 MOVIES & MOVIES NY clinic that treated Joan Rivers to lose accreditation

he New York clinic where comedian was immediately available at the clinic to Joan Rivers suffered cardiac arrest comment on the letter. In November the Tduring an outpatient procedure last CMS released a report listing various year will lose its federal accreditation and problems at the clinic following an inves- funding at the end of this month, a gov- tigation by the New York State ernment health agency said on Monday. Department of Health. Rivers died on Sept 4 at the age of 81 in a Among the issues cited were no med- New York hospital a week after her heart ical records of medical consent for all of stopped during an examination of the the procedures performed. It also said back of her throat and vocal cords at the the physician failed to detect Rivers’ Yorkville Endoscopy center on deteriorating vital signs. It added that an Manhattan’s Upper East Side. unannounced survey would be conduct- The Centers for Medicare and ed at the clinic to see if corrections were Medicaid Services (CMS) said Yorkville made. The survey done in mid-December Endoscopy no longer meets the condi- showed the clinic continued to be non- tions for coverage as a supplier of ambu- compliant, the CMS said. latory surgical center services. “It is nec- The CMS said the clinic can request a essary, therefore, that we terminate on hearing if it does not believe the decision January 31, 2015, the Medicare Health to terminate the Medicare agreement is Benefits Agreement between Yorkville correct. Lawyers for Melissa Rivers, the Endoscopy LLC and the secretary,” the only child of the comedian, are investi- CMS said in a letter to the clinic. gating the circumstances surrounded her The decision means the clinic will not mother’s death. A representative for be reimbursed for services to Medicare Melissa Rivers was not immediately avail- beneficiaries under the program. No one able to comment. — Reuters Animated adventure ‘Ooops! Noah is Gone...’ sells worldwide unich-based sales company Global South Korea (Smile Entertainment), Poland (Kino in which Finny learns something very important Screen has sold the 3D animated fea- Swiat), Portugal (Pris), Israel (Five Stars), Latin about himself that will save the life of his father Mture “Ooops! Noah Is Gone...” to distribu- America (Swen), Middle East (Gulf), Turkey and of his new mob. tors across the world ahead of the European Film (Medyavizyon), Bulgaria (Art Eternal), Iran The family entertainment pic is from the mak- Market in Berlin. Multiterritory distributor eOne (Century 21) and Indonesia (Onevision ers of the hit animation feature “Niko,” Ulysses has picked up all rights for the US, Canada, Entertainment). Filmproduktion and Moetion Films, in co-produc- UK/Ireland and Australia/New Zealand, while Senator Filmverleih will release the film in tion with Fabrique d’Images and Grid Animation, Eagle Pictures has picked up all rights for Italy, Germany in the summer. The adventure film is and supported by Filmfund Hamburg Schleswig- and Scanbox acquired all rights for the based on the story of Noah’s Ark, only this time Holstein, DFFF, FFA, Filmfund Luxembourg, Scandinavian territories. it’s about the unlucky critters on the wrong side Screenflanders, the Irish Film Board, Media i2i Flame Node will release the film in China, 2i of evolution. The land-based Nestrians Dave and audiovisual and Media development. It is direct- Film in the former Yugoslavia, Picture works in his son Finny have made it on to Noah’s Ark with ed by Toby Genkel and Sean McCormack. The India and Silverbird in the African territories. Last the help of Grymp and her daughter Leah, but film was presented to buyers at AFM in a 2D ver- year, Global Screen sold the pic to Russia, when the Ark floats away, Finny and Leah acci- sion, while at the European Film Market the film Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (Barnhill Group), dentally fall off. This is the start of an adventure will screen in 3D. — Reuters ‘Taken 3’ takes top slot at N American box office This Oct 5, 2009 file photo shows Joan Rivers posing as she presents “Comedy ction sequel “Taken 3” seized the top spot Roast with Joan Rivers “ during the 25th MIPCOM in Cannes, southeastern at the North American box office, ending France. — AP Athe three-week reign of fantasy epic “The Hobbit,” according to industry data Monday. The crime thriller starring Liam Neeson in his third stint as retired spy Bryan Mills, who this time must clear his name of a ruthless murder, earned a hefty $39.2 million in its debut weekend, said All bets off for Oscars box office tracker Exhibitor Relations. Historical drama “Selma,” depicting the epic after Globes ‘curveball’ 1965 Alabama march led by Martin Luther King in his battle for equal voting rights, took second oming-of-age drama “Boyhood” ny. “The loud applause a certain film gets place in its wide release debut, earning $11.3 may have earned top honors at the during the show is something you can million. The film won a Golden Globe Sunday Golden Globes weekend, but indus- feel because the audience really are the night for best original song. In third place this C try watchers say everything is still up for people voting on awards,” Stone told week, Disney’s “Into the Woods,” the star-stud- grabs in the all-important Oscars race. All AFP. “I felt that ‘The Grand Budapest ded big-screen adaptation of the Stephen eyes in Hollywood are now on the Hotel’ was well received with the crowd, Sondheim musical, added $9.6 million to its Academy Award nominations, to be as was ‘The Theory of Everything,’ three-week haul of more than $105.1 million. announced tomorrow, after a few surprise Fantasy epic “The Hobbit” slipped down to Globes wins on Sunday injected some fourth place after three weeks in the number drama into the annual awards season. one slot. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five This photo released by 20th Century Fox shows Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills in a scene from the “My first caution to Globes winners: Armies,” by Oscar-winning director Peter don’t get over-confident,” said Variety film, “Taken 3.” — AP Jackson, is the last of six films adapted from J.R.R awards editor Tim Gray, warning that the Tolkien’s books and the third and final install- took in $8.2 million. “The Imitation Game,” about title role and Jamie Foxx as the tycoon who takes Globes are a poor predictor of glory at ment based on the author’s novel “The Hobbit.” a code-cracking mathematician and logician her under his wing, brought in $4.8 million, the Oscars, set for February 22. Gray It took in $9.4 million over the weekend, for a during World War II, rose to sixth with $7.2 mil- good enough for eighth place. And rounding pointed out that balloting for the Oscar total of $236.5 million since its release four lion, beating out “Night at the Museum: Secret of out the top ten were horror flick “The Woman in nominations-due to be unveiled at a tra- weeks ago, according to box office tracker the Tomb,” which slipped to seventh. The family Black 2,” in ninth with $4.6 million, and “Hunger ditional pre-dawn ceremony-closed last Exhibitor Relations. comedy, the third in the Ben Stiller franchise Games: Mockingjay, Part 1,” which fell to tenth week. “So the Globes won’t affect nomi- Fifth place was occupied by “Unbroken,” the about a museum security guard trying to keep with $3.8 million. The third installment in the nations. As for Oscar winners on Angelina Jolie-directed drama about Louis track of exhibits that come to life, took in $6.7 hugely popular series starring Jennifer February 22, nobody hurt their chances, Zamperini, an Olympic athlete taken captive by million. “Annie,” about the adventures of an Lawrence, has racked up a whopping $329.5 mil- and a few people boosted their good- Michael Keaton, winner of Best Actor the Japanese during World War II. The movie orphan girl starring Quvenzhane Wallis in the lion since its debut eight weeks ago. — AFP will,” he told AFP. in a Motion Picture - Musical or Going into the Globes race, the fron- Comedy for ‘Birdman.’ China box office: trunner was dark comedy “Birdman,” which had been nominated in seven cat- ‘Birdman’ and ‘Selma.’” For Variety’s Gray, Elba developing egories-on top of a series of nods and some Globe-winning actors definitely ‘Night at the Museum 3’ wins in other prize races. It won two, improved their Oscar chances. “The wins thriller ‘Poe Must including best comedy/musical actor for for Patricia Arquette, Julianne Moore and beats ‘Miss Granny’ remake Michael Keaton-now seen as being in a J.K. Simmons are added to some critics’ Die’ as trilogy tight Oscar with the other Globes best prizes, and it’s always nice to have a rep- ight at the Museum: Secret of the reports a four day gross of RMB122 million and actor winner, Britain’s Eddie Redmayne utation as a winner,” he said. Tomb” topped the Chinese box office over $20 million.) The picture was directed by (“The Theory of Everything”). “And Michael Keaton’s speech was “Nwith a $26.2 million week. It beat the Taiwan’s Leste Chen, who has become one of the But the top prizes went to “Boyhood”- one of the highlights of the evening,” he strong local opener “20, Once Again!” (aka “Miss most bankable young directors working in the best film drama and best director for added. Keaton teared up while talking Granny”) and the still-firing war film “The Taking mainland Chinese industry. Richard Linklater. Amy Adams won best about his childhood and his own son. of Tiger Mountain.” “Night at the Museum 3” was In third place, veteran director Tsui Hark’s comedy/musical actress for “Big Eyes,” “Globes always give out two best picture released on Sunday a week ago and did not “Tiger Mountain” was not far behind. It added while Julianne Moore won best dramatic prizes, comedy/musical and drama. But have a chance to make a big impression on the $17.2 million to extend its 20-day cumulative actress for “Still Alice.” Both women have even with doubled odds, the Globes previous weekend’s chart. But the weekly score score to $128 million. “The Grandmaster 3D,” the multiple Oscar nominations, but neither winner went on to win Oscar only four helped it to a healthy $30.9 million eight-day 3D remastered version of Wong Kar-wai’s 2013 has ever won. out of the past 10 years,” Gray said. total this time around, according to data from hit martial arts biopic, opened to $4.85 million “Bottom line: It’s the work that counts Ent Group. from its first four days. That was ahead of ‘Budapest Hotel’ surprise with members of the Academy.”—AFP Second place went to “20, Once Again!,” a Chinese picture “100 Bad Jokes,” which added Possibly the biggest surprise of the Chinese-South Korean co-produced remake of $3.93 million for a cumulative score of $17.3 mil- evening was Wes Anderson’s stylish last year’s Korean body swap hit “Miss Granny” lion after 12 days, and “Love on the Cloud,” which crime caper “The Grand Budapest Hotel” with $19.75 million in four days. (Korean con- added $2.74 million for a score of $45 million taking best comedy/musical film, over glomerate CJ Entertainment, which co-produced after 19 days. Australian thriller “Predestination” “Birdman.” “The ‘Grand Budapest’ tri- the picture with C2M Media, Zhejiang Huace opened in sixth place with $1.11 million in 3 umph throws something of a curveball Film & TV, and Media Asia Film Production, days. — Reuters into the Oscar race,” wrote the Los dris Elba is developing Marc Olden’s his- Angeles Times. “Long a fan favorite with toric thriller “Poe Must Die” as a trilogy modest Oscar traction, awards groups Ithrough his Green Door Production Co. have been warming to the quirky The story, published in 1978, is set in New Anderson of late.” York City in the 1840s, with Edgar Allan Poe A key point as the Oscars race unfolds fighting demonic forces and his personal is the vast difference between who votes demons while teaming with a renowned for the Globes, and who chooses the fighter pursuing a sorcerer who murdered Oscar winners. Whereas the Globes are the fighter’s wife. The sorcerer is seeking the selected by fewer than 100 members of Throne of Solomon, which will grant him the Hollywood Foreign Press Association immortality and control over Lucifer. (HFPA), the prestigious Academy of Elba is producing and starring in Jim Motion Picture Arts and Sciences-which O’Hanlon’s drama “A Hundred Streets” along hands out the Oscars-has some 6,000 with Gemma Arterton, Samantha Banks, Ken voting members. “The HFPA are not the Stott, Charlie Creed-Miles, Tom Cullen and film industry,” said Sasha Stone, founder Steve Mackintosh. The British actor will be and editor of film/awards discussion seen in Marvel-Disney’s “The Avengers: Age website Awards Daily-something of an of Ultron” and is voicing Shere Khan in understatement about a body long lam- Disney’s “The Jungle Book.” The option deal pooned in Hollywood. for “Poe Must Die” was negotiated by Dana For some pundits, the reaction from Julianne Moore poses with the award Spector at Paradigm, on behalf of Liza Fleissig the Globes audience, most of whom are for Best Actress - Motion Picture, Drama at Liza Royce Agency. The news was first In this image released by 20th Century Fox shows, from left, Mizuo Peck, Patrick Gallagher, Academy members, could be the most for her role in “Still Alice”. — AP/AFP reported by Publishers Weekly. — Reuters Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Rami Malek and Skyler Gisondo in a scene from “Night at the telling aspect of Sunday night’s ceremo- photos Museum: Secret of the Tomb.”— AP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

Fashion Formerly ‘banished’ Galliano storms back with London show lmost four years after being effectively “It’s John Galliano so it’s okay, it’s fabulous,” banished from the Paris fashion scene, accessory designer Manolo Blahnik told Reuters. ADior’s former star designer John Galliano “It’s a beautiful show. I am glad he’s working made what some hailed as a triumphant return again.” Hilary Alexander, veteran fashion journal- on Monday with a haute couture show in ist and former fashion editor of the Daily London. The 54-year-old British designer is Telegraph newspaper, could not contain her widely regarded as one of the most flamboyant excitement at the return of the enfant terrible. and successful fashion minds of his generation, “The show was sensational,” she said. “I am but was fired by Dior in 2011 after he was absolutely thrilled, I am ecstatic, I couldn’t be caught on camera making anti-Semitic remarks happier. in a Paris cafe. “It was Galliano at his very best, on peak form Since then, Galliano has acknowledged hav- and surprising and delightful and just wonderful ing undergone treatment for drugs and alcohol, ... There were ribbons and incredible masks and and worked briefly as a designer for New York shells and gilt and gold and embroidery and tai- fashion brand Oscar de la Renta in 2013. Maison lored trouser suits.” Galliano, a graduate of Martin Margiela gave him a permanent role London’s prestigious Central Saint Martin’s when it appointed him creative director in College, had won praise from fashion critics for October. his theatrical, romantic shows at Dior as well as Among the supporters who attended his new for his creative designs for his John Galliano Margiela show in London, which featured sever- brand, which is still owned and run by LVMH, the al striking red dresses, were model Kate Moss, world’s biggest luxury group. — Reuters whose wedding dress Galliano designed, and In a file picture taken on March 6, 2009 British designer A picture taken on January 25, 2010 in Paris shows British designer John John Galliano acknowledges the public at the end of the Burberry Chief Executive Officer Christopher Galliano acknowledges the audience following the Christian Dior spring-sum- Christian Dior during the autumn/winter 2009 ready-to- Bailey. Other fashion world figures in the front mer 2010 haute couture collection show. — AP/AFP photos wear collection show in Paris. row expressed their support for Galliano’s return from the wilderness. Autumn/Winter 2015 London Collections: Men fashion event

Models present creations by Moschino on the third day of the Autumn/Winter 2015 London Collections: Men fashion event in London. — AFP photos Nasir Mazhar lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 Fashion

Models present creations by Tiger of Sweden.

Craig Green

Tommy Hilfiger announces Rafael Nadal as global brand ambassador

he Tommy Hilfiger Group, which is wholly owned by PVH The campaign imagery will be photographed in early 2015 in comfort. The Fall 2015 Tommy Hilfiger Tailored collection features Corp, announces that internationallyrenowned tennis star Spain and it will break globally in fall 2015 with dedicated print, sharp silhouettes, modern tailoring and rich textures. TRafael Nadal will appear as the global brand ambassador online, and out-of-home media placements worldwide. To fur- Born in 1986 in Manacor, Spain, Nadal has ranked amongst for the Tommy Hilfiger underwear and Tommy Hilfiger Tailored ther support the global initiative and collaboration, Nadal will the world’s top five tennis players since 2003. Widely regarded as collections beginning in Fall 2015. Both collections are available attend exclusive Tommy Hilfiger launch events in North America, one of the greatest professional tennis players in history, at the at Tommy Hilfiger stores globally, through select wholesale part- Europe and Asia. age of 24 he became the youngest athlete to complete the nersand online at tommy.com. “I’ve always admired Tommy Hilfiger’s cool, all-American “Grand Slam” and is the second male player in the world to have “Rafael Nadal has been a longtime personal friend and sup- designs which are sophisticated and easy to wear, and I’m excited completed the “Career Golden Slam” after winning the French, porter of our brand, and I’m continuously inspired by his dedica- to be partnering with the brand,” said Rafael Nadal, the 14-time Australian and US Opens; Wimbledon; and a 2008 Olympic gold tion and passion for his sport,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “This exclusive Grand Slam winner. medal. Nadal currently holds a record for his nine French Open partnership brings one of the greatest athletes of this generation The Fall 2015 Tommy Hilfiger underwear collection refreshes victories - the most won by a single player - including five consec- into our Tommy family. Rafael embodies an effortless sense of classic styles with updated fits, revamped fabrics and elevated utive title wins. style that exemplifies and reflects our brand spirit - he’s confi- details.Design innovations combine with premium fabrics for a dent, fun and cool.” result that’s sophisticated, durable and essential for everyday NY clinic that treated Rivers to lose accreditation

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 37

Cast member “Rum Tum Tugger” performs during a media preview for the musical “Cats” at Marina Bay Sands theatre in Singapore yesterday. Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s record-breaking musical ‘Cats’ makes a return to Singapore and will be showing from January 9 to February 1 at the Marina Bay Sands theater. — AFP

n indignant letter from a British aristocrat who survived New England auction house RR Auction, which regularly Newfoundland on April 15, 1912 after hitting an iceberg, in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 is coming up for auc- handles Titanic memorabilia, said Monday the letter could what remains the most storied maritime tragedy of all time. Titanic survivor Ation in the United States next week. Lady Lucy Duff- fetch as much as $6,000 at the live auction in Boston on The couple were alleged to have bribed the crew in order not Gordon, a target of public outrage after she fled the doomed January 22. The sale will follow a week of online bidding. Duff- to go back to rescue other survivors-a claim that a British ocean liner on a nearly-empty lifeboat, penned the two-page Gordon, 48, and her husband Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon, 49, were inquiry concluded was unfounded. They were the only passen- letter in London a month after the disaster. “How kind of you to traveling first class on the Titanic on its ill-starred maiden voy- gers called to testify before the inquiry, conducted by the letter up for send me a cable of sympathy from New York on our safety,” the age from Southampton, England to New York. They became British Wreck Commissioner in London from May through mid- fashion designer wrote to a stateside friend. “According to the the subjects of derision when it emerged that their lifeboat July 2012. — AFP way we’ve been treated by England on our return we didn’t carried only 12 people, including seven crew members, seem to have done the right thing in being saved at all!!!! Isn’t despite having room for 40 souls. auction in US it disgraceful.” Some 1,500 died when the Titanic went down off For war-weary Syrians, Damascus Opera brings welcome respite fter years of war forced it into near silence, centre, has struggled throughout the conflict, man- “Those who died gave their lives so that we can Damascus’ once-thriving Opera House is aging to keep its doors open but with the number of live, and so that the theatres can stay open... They Aslowly coming back to life, bringing respite its performances dropping considerably. Near key did not die so that we close down,” Opera House and a little culture to residents of Syria’s capital. government and military buildings on Umayyad director Juan Karajoli, who took charge last autumn, Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in the Square, the Opera House was even damaged during told AFP. Karajoli said the opera planned to hold number of performances at the Opera House, as res- a mortar attack last April that killed two people. “many music festivals and cinema screenings” in idents look to revive some of the capital’s cultural ‘Keep heritage alive’ 2015, as well as book fairs and art exhibitions. life despite a civil war that has killed more than Fewer than half of its employees and musicians Baraq Tanari, a musician from Syria’s former com- 200,000 people. For Darin, a young woman from a remain from before the war, many having fled the mercial hub Aleppo, sees the revival of the Opera Damascus suburb hit by heavy fighting, the per- country or been drafted into the military. But the House as a chance to maintain Syria’s artistic side formances have been a welcome break. Opera House has launched an attempt at a revival, after fighting destroyed many of the country’s cul- “When the concert begins, when the first note of dropping the price of first-class tickets to the equiva- tural landmarks. “We established our band in order the piece is played, I’m taken to another world lent of $1.50 (1.30 euros) in a bid to attract new visi- to keep our heritage alive during this crisis,” Tanari, where I can forget about the noise of war,” she told tors. It has also brought it in local artists and who heads the Tarab Dahab group, told AFP as he AFP as she wandered the halls of the Opera House in groups-some of them fledgling-to grace its stage. prepared to take the stage in December. central Damascus. “We’re hungry for art. We need to Recent performances have included classical and Tanari said he believes that his band’s perform- escape... and to give ourselves a boost of positive Latin music concerts, as well as a poetry reading. ances of traditional Arab music help show that energy to keep on living.” Attendance even temporarily returned to pre-war Syrians are still on the cultural map despite their Syria’s crisis erupted in March 2011 with peaceful levels last month, as more than 5,000 people attend- ruined country. Amidst the chaos of war, he said, his demonstrations against the regime of President ed a five-day Arab music festival. The Opera House- musicians are trying to “keep the message of art Bashar Al-Assad and has since evolved into a multi- known officially as Dar al-Assad (The Assad Centre) flowing”. — AFP fronted war pitting rebels and Islamist militants for Culture and Arts-contains three halls, the largest against government forces. The Opera House, inau- of which can accommodate 1,200 people in its red gurated by Assad in 2004 as a showpiece cultural velvet seats.

Musicians perform on stage during the Oriental Music Festival at Damascus Opera House (aka Dar Al-Assad for Culture and Arts) in the Syrian capital Damascus. — AFP photos