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MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 RABI AL-THANI 18, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Iraqi invasion Outgoing CIA Ringling Bros Ibrahimovic memorial chief rips into circus closing strikes late museum faces Trump over show after to rescue demolition4 tweets,7 Russia 14640 years Man20 United In Paris, Trump warned Min 6º Max 20º over Middle East peace High Tide 01:29 & 15:18 Low Tide Kuwait urges ‘final settlement’ of conflict 08:53 & 20:53 40 PAGES NO: 17112 150 FILS PARIS: France warned of “serious consequences” yester- Eurowings flight day if Donald Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as representatives from 70 countries met in Paris lands in Kuwait to try to revive stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians are attending the after bomb threat conference, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed as “futile”. France called the KUWAIT: A Germany-bound Eurowings passenger gathering to reaffirm global support for a two-state flight from Oman landed in Kuwait yesterday over a solution to the seven-decade-old conflict, seen as bomb threat, but no explosives were found onboard, increasingly reclusive. authorities said. The Airbus A330 from Salalah heading The Palestinians have warned that Trump’s campaign to Cologne, Eurowings flight EW117, landed at 8 am at pledge to move the US embassy to the contested city of Kuwait International Airport after the captain received Jerusalem could torpedo their chances of obtaining an word of the threat, said Mansour Al-Hashemi, a independent state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc spokesman for Kuwait’s civil aviation authority. Ayrault warned such a move would have “extremely Security officials found no signs of explosives on the serious consequences” and predicted the incoming US aircraft, Hashemi said. He declined to discuss how the leader would find it impossible to implement. “When threat was made against the aircraft. you are president of the United States, you cannot take Eurowings said there were 287 passengers and 10 such a stubborn and such a unilateral view on this issue. crewmembers onboard the plane, which was being You have to try to create the conditions for peace,” he flown by SunExpress on its behalf. Eurowings said the told France 3 TV. flight was a charter for tour company FTI. The plane In a final statement, the conference warned Israel was diverted to Kuwait “for security reasons and in and the Palestinians against “unilateral steps” on consultation with the relevant authorities,” Eurowings Jerusalem and borders that could threaten a two-state said in an emailed statement, without elaborating. The solution. It called on them to avoid steps that “prejudge airline added that the flight would take off at 1 am the outcome of negotiations on final status issues, today to head to Cologne as legal restrictions on maxi- PARIS: (From left) Russian Ambassador to France Alexander Orlov, US Secretary of State John Kerry, French including, inter alia on Jerusalem, borders, security, mum crew working time abarred it from leaving President Francois Hollande, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, European Union Foreign Policy Chief refugees”. It also said the pre 1967 war borders should Kuwait sooner. Passengers were put up a hotel in the Federica Mogherini and French State Secretary for European Affairs Harlem Desir pose for a group photo dur- provide the basis for negotiations, Ayrault said. meantime, it said. — AP ing the Mideast peace conference yesterday. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah is seen in the second row behind Ayrault. — AFP Continued on Page 13 MPs file grilling over sports ban

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: Three opposition lawmakers yesterday carried out their threat and filed to grill Minister of Information and Youth Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah for allegedly failing to do enough to end an international ban on Kuwaiti sports. The lawmakers - Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, Al-Humaidi Al-Subaei and Abdulwahab Al-Babtain - also charged the minister of committing a variety of financial and administrative violations in the two ministries. The grilling blamed the minister for playing a key role in triggering the international suspension on Kuwaiti sports by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), world football body FIFA and several other federations. They also charged him of failing to take the necessary and appropriate steps demanded by IOC and FIFA to end the suspension, which ultimately barred Kuwait from taking part in the qualifiers for the 2019 Asian Cup last week. The lawmakers claimed that the minister has refused to implement requirements and standards demanded by the international sports organizations, which have maintained the ban. “The minister did not take the necessary measures to resolve the sports crisis in Kuwait and lift the suspension despite the repeated ultimatums that were given to him,” RIYADH: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz (right) yesterday decorates Spanish the grilling said. “The minister has caused to deprive a gen- KUWAIT: (From left) Opposition MPs Al-Humaidi Al-Subaei, Abdulwahab Al-Babtain King Felipe VI with the cordon of King Abdul Aziz, the highest Saudi honor for a eration from external sports participations,” it added. and Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, who filed to grill the minister of information and youth, foreigner.— AFP Continued on Page 13 arrive for a session at the National Assembly yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Spanish king meets Saudi Bahrain executes king, warship sale mooted 3 convicted over RIYADH: Spain’s King Felipe VI met yes- riyals ($51 billion) for military spending police bombing terday with Saudi King Salman, official including equipment and weaponry, media said, during a visit coinciding with down from 205 billion riyals spent in 2016. DUBAI: Bahrain yesterday carried out its first execu- talks to sell Spanish warships. King Felipe A separate budget allocation of 97 billion tions since an Arab Spring uprising rocked the was guest of honor at a lunch hosted by riyals is to pay for new naval bases for the country in 2011, putting to death three men found King Salman, who decorated him with Border Guards, and other security projects. guilty of a deadly bomb attack on police. Bahrain’s the cordon of King Abdul Aziz, the high- Felipe’s father, Juan Carlos, who reigned public prosecution said the death sentences were est Saudi honor for a foreigner, the Saudi from 1975 to 2014, has close ties to the carried out by firing squad. Press Agency said. Later they discussed Saudi royal family. Abbas Al-Samea, Sami Mushaima and Ali Al- relations between the two nations and A Spanish consortium, Al-Shoula, is Singace were found guilty in 2015 of killing two how to further develop them “in various building a high-speed railway across the Bahraini policemen and an Emirati officer deployed fields”, it said. desert to link the holy cities of Makkah and to bolster the country’s security forces in a bomb They also reviewed the situation in the Madinah. The project is behind schedule attack the previous year. A court upheld their death Middle East, before Felipe held separate and is now set to open in 2018. Spanish sentences last Monday. Government forces crushed talks with Saudi Finance Minister construction group FCC leads one of three the 2011 uprising with help from allies Saudi Arabia Mohammed Aljadaan and Minister of consortia building a $22.5-billion rapid and the United Arab Emirates, but the country con- Commerce and Investment Majed Al- transit system in the Saudi capital. tinues to face low-level unrest. Qasabi. The Spanish king arrived late If the deal for the five corvettes goes Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, which Saturday in Riyadh for a three-day stay. ahead, it would provide jobs for over 2,000 patrols the waters around the Arabian Peninsula Madrid’s foreign ministry said its minister people for several years, said Jose Antonio and is the naval counterweight to nearby Shiite Alfonso Dastis, and Public Works Minister Fernandez Vidal, a representative of powerhouse Iran. Bahrain also maintains close ties to Britain, which is building a naval base of its own Inigo de la Serna, are accompanying Felipe Spain’s biggest union, Comisiones Obreras, in the country. Over the past two and a half months, during the visit. in the northwestern region of Galicia, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Theresa May and Spanish media have linked this trip to a which is home to a major shipyard. “We are Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson have all paid visits much-anticipated deal to sell Avante 2200 awaiting this like rain in summer to create to the island. frigates for an estimated two billion euros jobs in shipyards,” he said. Spain’s jobless Hundreds of protesters took to the streets ($2.1 billion). “We can only confirm that rate of 18.9 percent is the second highest Saturday in solidarity with the condemned men as negotiations are very advanced to build in the European Union after Greece. The rumors spread that their executions were imminent. five warships which would be sold to the contract is not a done deal yet as Saudi Images shared on social media showed activists Saudi navy,” a spokesman for state-owned Arabia is slashing spending with falling oil blocking roads with burning debris and hurling Spanish ship builder Navantia told AFP. prices having led to a drop in revenues. petrol bombs in clashes with police. Protests and Spain is the seventh largest arms exporter And Spain faces stiff competition. France clashes continued yesterday despite a heavy pres- in the world, and Saudi Arabia is one of the hopes to sell another type of navy ship to ence of riot police deployed in predominantly Shiite biggest buyers of military gear. the Saudis, said a source at French defense Continued on Page 13 This year’s budget allocates 191 billion contractor DCNS. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with a number of ministers and state officials. Al-Sabah receives the 2016 statistical manual of the Ministry of —Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Public Works’ projects from Minister Abdurrahman Al-Mutawa. Amir, Crown Prince receive Minister of Public Works Premier meets Harvard graduates KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al- Sabah received Minister of Public Sabah, in addition to Minister of State Works Abdurrahman Al-Mutawa at for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Bayan Palace yesterday. During the Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. reception, Minister Al-Mutawa pre- His Highness the Crown Prince also sented to His Highness the 2016 sta- received Minister of Commerce and tistical manual of the Ministry of Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan, Minister of Public Works’ projects. Mutawa later Awaqf and Islamic Affairs and Minister of presented the manual to His Highness State for Municipal Affairs Mohammad the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Al-Jabri and Director General of Kuwait Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Direct Investment Promotion Authority In other news, His Highness the (KDIPA) Sheikh Dr Meshal Jaber Al- Crown Prince received National Ahmad Al-Sabah. Separately, His Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- Highness the Prime Minister received Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al- Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Abdullah accompanied by graduates Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Premier and of Harvard University from different Defense Minister Sheikh Mohammad nationalities. His Highness the Prime Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister during the meeting praised Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh the graduates’ tour in the area and Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah and wished them success in achieving Minister of Information and Minister their goals in practical life. —KUNA His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with graduates of Harvard University. Awqaf Minister underscores social unity KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti social unity scourge of extremism and hardline has been a major deep-rooted thought. He added that the Muslim characteristic of the Kuwaiti people, world’s economic problems and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic sufferings and political contradic- Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri said tions have been used as a pretext yesterday. Jabri, who doubles as for extremism and terrorism. Minister of Municipal Affairs, made Therefore, Islamic and world the remark in a keynote speech organizations and foundations during the 13th Seminar on should exert more concerted Developments of Islamic Thought efforts to address the reflections of organized by the Ministry of Awqaf terrorism and to rebuff extremists’ and patronized by His Highness the easily refuted justifications and Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- excuses as well as to protect young Jaber Al-Sabah. people from extremist thoughts. He said that it is imperative to Political Advisor at the GCC maintain and safeguard social unity Secretariat General Nawaf Al- in order to wipe out the horrible Mutairi said the swift regional KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah meets with a delega- phenomenon of terrorism, com- KUWAIT: Awqaf Minister Awqaf Ministry’s Undersecretary developments have regrettably tion from the Kuwaiti-Yemeni relief agency. —KUNA mending the political leadership’s Mohammad Al-Jabri speaks Fareed Emadi speaks during the imposed security and social chal- effective response to this scourge. during the 13th Seminar on 13th Seminar on Developments lenges on GCC member states. He The Muslim world has been hit by Developments of Islamic of Islamic Thought. listed such major challenges as Deputy FM receives relief the pestilence of terrorism and Thought. —KUNA photos growing terrorist and extremist extremism that has pushed many groups and movements and lack of young people to commit murders edged that the causes of terrorism relevant challenges. moderation and tolerance. Mutari agency delegation and launch bombings, thus serious- are very complicated, and terror Meanwhile, Undersecretary of emphasized that the phenomenon KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled The delegation lauded the generous aid ly distorting the image of the toler- has various forms and manifesta- the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic of terrorism needs to be addressed Sulaiman Al-Jarallah yesterday received a Kuwait offers, which reached different ant religion of Islam. tions, calling for sharpening anti- Affairs Fareed Emadi said the Arab by regional and international delegation from the Kuwaiti-Yemeni relief parts of the country. The meeting was However, the minister acknowl- terrorism efforts and overcoming world needs to effectively fight the efforts. —KUNA agency, which includes the charity organi- attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for zations operating in Yemen, and is working the Affairs of Al-Jarallah’s Office in cooperation with the Kuwaiti Society for Ambassador Ayham Abdullatif Al-Omer, Relief. The meeting reviewed the agency’s and Assistant Foreign Minister for Follow- KRCS calls for int’l coordination efforts to deliver the aid provided by the up and Coordination Plenipotentiary State of Kuwait to the Yemeni people. Nasser Al-Sabeeh. —KUNA for better humanitarian services

KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society Kuwait reaffirms stance on (KRCS) Dr Hilal Al-Sayer yesterday emphasized the momen- tousness of coordinating among the international humani- having Arab seat in UNSC tarian organizations to provide the best services to those afflicted by catastrophes or wars. DOHA: Kuwait has stressed yesterday the fair balance in representation and efficiency During a meeting with the UN Office for the importance of reforming the United Nations in performance. The reform is still under Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Gulf Director Security Council (UNSC) to improve and consideration since talks on the matter Saeed Hersi, Sayer stressed the importance of drawing up bring more transparency to the Council’s began 23 years ago, it is important to find field programs, boosting partnerships and exchanging work. Head of Kuwait’s permanent mission new mechanisms to expand membership at data and expertise to overcome the logistic challenges hin- to the UN headquarters’ in New York, the council, he said. dering delivery of relief aid to Yemeni governorates. He Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi said that The meeting, which Qatar called for, said that he and Hersi discussed the partnership and coop- part of the reforms should include fair Arab came after the UNSC failure in carrying eration between OCHA and the KRCS. Partnership is of the representation at the UNSC, appropriate with out its responsibilities in underscoring the major strategies of relief work, Sayer said. The meeting also the number of Arab countries and Arab importance of fast reform. Thirty addressed the KRCS’s efforts in Yemen, Iraq and Syria, espe- issues discussed by the Council’s agenda. Members are participating in the two-day cially for assisting people displaced from Aleppo. Otaibi; coordinator of the Arab Group on meeting, along with the President of the Meanwhile, the OCHA Gulf chief lauded the KRCS’s lead- the Council reform, added that UNSC reform 71st UN General Assembly Peter Thomson ing humanitarian role. It is one of the chief donor agencies on can only be realized by bringing greater and the Co-Chairmen of the Inter- the world scene, he said. Hersi referred to the society’s posi- transparency to the work of the Council and Governmental Negotiation on Security tive response to relief efforts through cooperation with the increasing its members according to stan- Council Reform Ambassador Mohammad regional and the UN organizations. He said they are looking KUWAIT: KRCS’ Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer meets with OCHA’s Gulf Director dards and regulations that would create a Khairi of Tunisia. —KUNA forward to further cooperation with the KRCS. —KUNA Saeed Hersi. —KUNA

KRCS delivers 1,200 food baskets to displaced Iraqis in Irbil IRBIL: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) dis- aid is part of “humanitarian efforts to mitigate the adding that Kuwait’s General Consulate will help food baskets.” On the “varied” aid package, Al- amount” of humanitarian aid given to displaced tributed yesterday 1,200 food baskets to dis- misery of the Iraqi people.” Moreover, Kandari facilitate the aid process. Meanwhile, KRCS’s Miraj said that it covers the basic needs of dis- Iraqis. Kuwait has doled out an incessant flow of placed Iraqi families residing in camps in the noted that KRCS has launched a comprehensive Director of Disaster Management Yousef Al-Miraj placed families in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. In the aid to displaced Iraqis since 2015, where some autonomous region of Kurdistan. Kuwait’s Consul aid package for displaced Iraqis, which includes said that KRCS has “delivered humanitarian aid to meantime, Al-Barzani Charity official Mohammad 130,000 food baskets were delivered to displaced General in Irbil Dr Omar Al-Kandari said that the providing them with nutritious food baskets, 1,200 families, all of whom were the recipients of Baha-el-Din thanked Kuwait for the “copious Iraqis and Syrian refugees. —KUNA LOCAL MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

Legalese Labor market flooded with Kuwaiti citizenship unnecessary workers: MP

By Attorney Fajer Ahmed Info minister defends recent recruitments

By A Saleh Housing units itizenship means the status of being a legally Responding to a parliamentary inquiry, recognized subject of a particular country. In KUWAIT: MP Mubarak Al-Hajraf said that Minister of Housing and Minister of State for every country, there are different procedures, C he met recently with Minister of Social Services Yasser Abul said the Public Authority requirements and types of citizenships. In some Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Sabeeh, who for Housing Welfare contracted local qualified countries it comes in the form of a card or a smaller told him that she is fully aware of the companies to build housing units in Jaber Al- passport - in others, you do not get a physical docu- demographic imbalance problem and the Ahmed, Sabah Al-Ahmed and West Sulaibikhat ment. In some countries, you need to have money to amend the labor law and protect cities, and that foreign companies were only and a business to become a citizen, while in others Kuwait against visa traffickers. hired for South Mutlaa City. you can get it by working for a certain amount of Hajraf said that he agreed to the state- years, and so on. Therefore, I am not surprised when ments made by his colleague Safaa Al- Ultimatum I get confused questions from readers regarding Hashem concerning reducing the number The Cabinet’s economic affairs committee Kuwaiti citizenship. of expats in the country within 4-5 years gave the Ministry of Commerce and Industry one Kuwaiti citizenship has rightfully been a very sen- because the labor market is flooded with month to take proper measures to reorganize sitive matter to discuss, but I am here to explain the unnecessary workers. He also criticized the construction material subsidies paid to citi- law behind the citizenship and not the political the statements made by Egyptian Minister zens. Notably, the commerce ministry had pre- aspect of it. Being Kuwaiti means monetary benefits of Manpower and Immigration Mohamed pared a full study under former minister Yousef as well as political ones. Therefore, Kuwaiti citizen- Safaan, who recently announced plans to Al-Ali to organize the KD 30,000 construction ship is in high demand and unfortunately has been a find jobs for Egyptians in Kuwait. Hajraf material subsidies stated in law number 19/2014. subject of attempted fraud, a very serious crime! noted that it was unacceptable that for- Statistics issued by the commerce ministry said Today I hope I will answer questions by my readers eign embassies in Kuwait have been inter- 54 percent of the subsidies paid by the ministry about Kuwaiti citizenship. fering in domestic matters and violating MP Mubarak Al-Hajraf Minister Hind Al-Sabeeh were allocated for construction materials, with local laws for their people’s interests. KD 62 million during the first half of 2016-2017. How difficult? “Kuwait is the only GCC state where expats Info ministry year contracts that are only renewable upon Question: Is obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship diffi- do not respect the laws,” he underlined. Meanwhile, and in response to parliamen- approval from the Civil Service Commission Air force division cult and if so, how difficult? We applied for citizen- Separately, Hajraf said that citizens with tary inquiries about the number of citizens (CSC). “These workers get no incentives or Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmed Al- ship but our application was not accepted and we severe and medium disabilities will be working for the information ministry versus indemnities,” he said. Sheikh Salman explained Manfouhi approved a request by the Defense were told we could not take the matter to court. Is able to do their transactions online with- expats, Minister of Information and Minister of that the same policy is followed at the news and Ministry to allocate a site to build a new air this true? out having to visit the disabled authority. State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al- political programs sector. “The same applies to force division over a total area of 6,250,000 Fajer: Difficult is all about perspective, but when I He also noted that during Minister Humoud Al-Sabah said 87 percent of the min- KUNA,” he added, noting that the total number square meters north of the country. Manfouhi personally say it is difficult, I mean the procedure is a Sabeeh, she told him that she closely istry’s employees are Kuwaitis. He also explained of expats working for it was 146, while only 75 also approved a request by the Ministry of lot tougher than other countries in general, but I am watches the disabled authority’s perform- that only 311 expats were appointed with con- worked for the National Council for Culture, Arts Health to allocate a plot to be used as a heli- sure that there are valid reasons by the Kuwaiti ance and would never allow delinquency. tracts, while 897 were hired on temporary one- and Letters (NCCAL). pad at Farwaniya Hospital. authorities for such procedures, Kuwait is in a very sensitive region and area and these decisions are made to protect Kuwait. As a very patriotic person, I trust that the officials are doing what is best for Citizens discouraged from Kuwait. Citizenship in Kuwait (and many other coun- tries) is seen as a matter of sovereignty and in Kuwait joining oil sector: Union the law states that the matter cannot be taken to court. By Meshaal Al-Enezi briefed him about using e-transactions in Passing citizenship over the municipality and how it would cut the Question: I am a Kuwaiti woman married to a KUWAIT: Deputy chairman of the oil sec- paperwork needed on issuing all munici- non-Kuwaiti man. Can I pass over the citizenship to tor’s employees syndicate Abbas Awadh pality licenses. Jabri added during an event my husband? described what recent oil recruits are suf- held yesterday to demonstrate the use of e- Fajer: Generally speaking, no. With that said, fering from as a ‘continuation of provoca- transactions at the municipality that he saw there is a law that allows a Kuwaiti woman to pass tive policies’ in the oil sector with the aim of a presentation showing the details about on her citizenship to her husband if he is Arab and limiting the rights of employees and new the project due to be trialed from Feb 1, Muslim. recruits. Awadh stressed that holders of starting with Mubarak Al-Kabeer gover- diplomas and university degrees were norate before using it in all other areas. Long procedure demoted the same way indemnity was pre- “This step will be followed by many others Question: I was born to a Kuwaiti father, but I viously dealt with. “Such practices are to stop corruption and bureaucracy,” he have never been to Kuwait and I do not see my meant to discourage citizens from joining added, noting that the automated services father very often. My father does not want me com- the oil sector and replace them with lesser system is capable of rejecting any incom- ing to Kuwait. Can I get Kuwaiti citizenship? skilled and experienced expats,” he said, plete transaction, and transactions that Fajer: Yes you can, but if your father is not willing noting that the syndicate will never allow used to take six weeks will be processed to cooperate with you, then you will have to go privatization of the oil sector. “It seems that within two days once the system goes in through a long procedure before you can obtain the senior oil sector officials did not learn their use. Acting director of the Central Agency citizenship. My advice would be to hire a lawyer in lessons when thousands went on strike,” he for Information Technology (CAIT) Qossai Kuwait. It will be a lot easier for the lawyers if you concluded. Al-Shatti congratulated the municipality have any official Kuwaiti documents or if your dad and stressed that e-services will be handy registered you previously in Kuwait. E-transactions for both citizens and engineering firms. For any legal questions, queries or if you need legal KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmad Al-Manfouhi speaks during Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Shatti added that CAIT provides technical assistance, email [email protected] an event held yesterday to demonstrate the use of e-transactions at the Mohammed Al-Jabri said Kuwait and operational services to all government municipality. —Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh Municipality Director Ahmad Al-Manfouhi establishments. Airport passenger Kuwait, India amend Private sector traffic reached targeted for top 10,848,550 in 2016 double taxation agreement KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of as Article 26 on exchanging tax data, Development (OECD), noting that employer: MGRP By Hanan Al-Saadoun Finance yesterday signed a protocol both on individuals and corporates, the Kuwaiti-Indian agreement was KUWAIT: The Manpower and Government with India amending the agreement the ministry’s Undersecretary Khalifa effective as of October 17, 2007. Restructuring Program (MGRP) is hard at work to create KUWAIT: Official statistics for 2016 showed that total pas- between the two countries to avoid Hamada said in a press release. He also said that the agreement of the private sector the major employer of national senger traffic at Kuwait International Airport reached double taxation on income and to He added that Kuwait ratified on encouraging investments workforce in the country, through encouraging young 10,848,550 last year, for both arrivals and departures, the prevent tax evasion. The protocol the form on exchanging tax data between the two Asian countries Relations and Security Information Department at the amends the types of Kuwaiti taxes in of endorsed by the Organization was put into effect on June 28, people to work in non-government jobs. Interior Ministry said in a statement. The arrival figure for Article two of the agreement, as well for Economic Cooperation and 2003. —KUNA The trend is part of the government’s efforts to reme- Kuwaitis was 1,884,888, while departures were 1,887,753. dy the imbalance in the structure of the local labor mar- Meanwhile, GCC nationals recorded 337,340 arrivals and ket, director of developing national manpower at the 337,432 departures, while other nationalities saw 3,253,291 MGRP Eman Al-Ansari told a graduation ceremony of 30 departures and 3,147,846 arrivals. It said the number of job seekers from the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK). visas issued at Kuwait airport passports was 216,529, while It aims to replace the migrant labor with nationals, the fingerprints scanners helped arrest 696 deportees who Ansari said. The MGRP seeks through manpower devel- were trying to reenter the country. In the meantime, 224 opment schemes to qualify those seeking jobs in the people were caught with forged passports, and 164 were private sector through training programs in coopera- carrying passports that do not belong to them. The num- tion with various Kuwaiti institutions, she noted. She ber of those caught through the fingerprint system and highlighted the state’s high interest in youth as eventually allowed in was 114, 2,744 were sent back, while “Kuwait’s real wealth,” citing a significant saying of His 1,123 were sent to residency affairs detectives. Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Domestic helpers Established amongst the first private higher educa- Meanwhile, the relations and security information tional institutions, the Australian College of Kuwait department said domestic help department statistics (ACK) offers unique experiential education programs showed the number of complaints received in 2016 was which are recognized in the region. The ACK is to “gen- 1,304, including 48 from domestic helpers, 1,236 from employers and 20 from domestic help offices. It also erate human capital equipped with practical knowl- showed that 1,118 domestic helpers were deported with edge and employability skills that contributes to the travel documents, while 1,806 offices were inspected and economic development and welfare of Kuwait.” —KUNA 39 persons were sent to residency affairs detectives. It said that the number of domestic help offices in Kuwait reached 267, while licenses of 42 were revoked. KISR, ACK join forces

Injuries for greater oil A fire broke out in a house in Qusoor, leaving two peo- KUWAIT: Ministry of Finance’s Undersecretary Khalifa Hamada and Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain ple injured, the public relations and information depart- production ment at Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) said. shake hands after signing the protocol. —KUNA KUWAIT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) signed an agree- Sheikha Fariha: ‘Amir of Hearts’ ment in the field of petroleum engineering, part of efforts Kuwaiti official to boost oil production. During a press conference held yesterday, KISR’s Director General Dr Samira Omar under- affirms commitment orchestrated Kuwait’s progress scored that the agreement signed between both sides will give ACK pupils the opportunity to participate in research- to custom union KUWAIT: The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- Kuwait during the era of Sheikh Jaber Al- who came up with the idea of creating es conducted by KISR germane to oil extraction. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah led Kuwait to Ahmad, she said, adding that he was cho- the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Moreover, she noted that such endeavors allow both CAIRO: The State of Kuwait is committed to meeting progress in various fields, mainly sen Head of the Organization of Islamic suggested a GCC Advisory Council which institutes to share their knowhow with one another, which requirements for launching the Arab custom union, a including urbanization, said President Conference (OIC) when its rotating session acts as a legislator for the six GCC mem- in turn, results in a more adept workforce. Meanwhile, visiting official of the Gulf State affirmed yesterday. of the Kuwait Association for the Ideal was held in Kuwait. The late Amir played a ber states. Director of KISR’s Oil Research Department Dr Mina Marafie Establishing the Arab custom federation was Family Sheikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al- key role in the promotion of the OIC’s Furthermore, Kuwait, during his era, said that the partnership forged between KISR and ACK will endorsed at the Arab economic summit hosted by Jaber Al-Sabah. position at the world level and worked made considerable progress in terms of be instrumental in bringing the oil sector’s goal for the year the State of Kuwait in 2009, where the top leaders Although Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, or hard to establish many regulative laws, revamping women’s status and ensuring 2030 to fruition. entrusted the Arab Economic and Social Council with “Amir of Hearts”, passed away 11 years she said. gender equality as Kuwaiti women setting up the federation for boosting pan-Arab eco- On the agreement, she added that it comprises lec- ago, people will remember him forever, Having been keen on Kuwait’s interna- obtained political rights; mainly the tures, workshops and seminars that will prove mutually nomic merger, said Mona Al-Rashidi, the head of the Sheikha Fariha said in a press release yes- tional presence, the late Amir adopted the appointment of the first female cabinet beneficial for both sides. Similarly, ACK Chairman secretariat bureau of the committees at Kuwaiti terday. During his rule, which began in country’s policy for opening up to the minister in the country’s history, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sharhan noted that the main objective of this General Administration for Customs. She was speak- 1977, the late Amir steered the country’s world, and established strong relations Fariha boasted. She quoted the late Amir agreement is to allow ACK students the chance to partake ing in a statement on sidelines of the 31st session of advancement and development in vari- with many world countries, thus enabling as having emphasized national unity as in activities offered by KISR. He also pointed out that the the Arab custom committee, due at the Arab League ous domains and sectors, she added. Kuwait to fulfill its people’s expectations the most effective way to create miracles agreement fits into state plans to bolster the national for three days. —KUNA She pointed to the great role and and ambitions, she added. and achieve national development and achievements made by the State of On the Gulf level, it was the late Amir prosperity. —KUNA workforce. —KUNA MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 LOCAL

What does the museum consist of?

KUWAIT: The museum comprises of are paintings dedicated to the struggle numerous halls that reconstruct the his- of Kuwait women. tory of Kuwait from that dark day of August 2, 1990 to the day of liberation, 6 - Hall of Martyrs and POWs when Kuwait again became a free This hall describes issues related to nation. This is accomplished by the use Kuwait’s POWs and martyrs through of light and sound effects, voice recon- pictures and mock-ups. It places structed models, paintings, photo- emphasis on the negative impact the graphs and documentary films. The visi- Iraqi invasion has had on the lifestyle tor can find the following: and outlook of the Kuwaiti people as well as the rest of the society. 1 - Reception Hall Documents as well as pictures of badly- Visitors enter the museum and its tortured martyrs are on display that control center through the reception incriminate the Iraqi regime for these KUWAIT: Dr Yousef Al-Amiri, President of the Kuwait House for National Works Museum (cen- A bust of former Iraqi president Saddam hall. The walls of this hall are adorned crimes against the Kuwait people. A ter) speaks during the press conference. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Hussein is displayed at the museum. with hand-drawn portraits of the rulers special zone will be assigned for the of Kuwait from the late Sheikh Mubarak portrayal of a life of anguish and tor- Al-Kabeer to our present Amir. It also ment the Iraqi people led under has a large map of Kuwait made of col- Saddam Hussein’s regime. Iraqi Invasion memorial ored glass. 7 - Hall of Peace 2 - Kuwait Heritage Hall This hall contains information on In this hall are voice recordings of old each member of the Arab-Western museum faces demolition folk songs and miniature models of old coalition that contributed to the libera- Kuwaiti buildings. Visitors will gain tion of Kuwait. Touch screen computers insight into the ancient history of provide additional information about Kuwait. The main objective of this hall is the museum. July 1 was ultimatum to vacate building to disprove Iraq’s consistent claims of sovereignty over Kuwait. The source of 8 - Photo Exhibit Hall all records is the Kuwait Institute for A large collection of photographs are By Nawara Fattahova it is demolished. “This museum was launched in some outfits of Odai, Saddam’s son,” he added. Research and Studies. displayed as a permanent exhibition for 1997, and during these 20 years, I collected all the “Three years ago, and after long negotiations, the public, as indelible proof of the KUWAIT: The only museum in Kuwait telling the items including the audiovisual materials. I did the government offered us a 5,000-sq-m plot in 3 - The Invasion Tunnel atrocities committed by Iraq’s ruthless story of the 1990 Iraqi invasion - the Kuwait everything from my own resources with the sup- Garnata and we paid the fees, but it didn’t work (the main exhibit) regime. House for National Works Museum - may be port of donations. I have spent over KD 600,000 out. We are presently located in an area related Considered the main area of the demolished soon to complete the road develop- on this historical work, and they want to demolish to Kuwait’s history on the seaside, while Garnata museum, it narrates the story of the 9 - Story of a Martyr ment project in the area. This will be a great loss everything,” he said sadly. is far away, and it may be difficult for foreign visi- Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait This section illustrates in drama form for the country due to its value and cultural role. tors to reach us,” complained Amiri. from Aug 2, 1990 until the liberation of the real-life account of one of the mar- The government had given the museum - Field trips According to him, the ministry of information tyrs - his capture, interrogation, torture located on Street 70 in Shuwaikh - along with The museum is very active. “We receive about announced providing an alternative house to Kuwait on Feb 26, 1991. Using special other NGOs in the area, an ultimatum until July 150 students daily, who come on school field move into, but this is only ink on paper. “It’s a sound and light effects, it brings to life and finally his cold-blooded murder in 1, 2016 to vacate the building. Today, the trips to learn about Kuwait’s history. Also, this promise on paper and not in reality. I saw the the systematic destruction by Iraqi sol- full view of his family. Also exhibited are Kuwait House for National Works remains in museum is included on four pages of the cur- house but I never received the keys. We commu- diers of Kuwait’s infrastructure. many of instruments of torture used the same location, but in fear of being demol- riculum. Moreover, all foreign military delega- nicated with the ministry many times repeated- during the interrogation. ished any day, and its electricity may be cut at tions visiting Kuwait visit the museum as part of ly, but they never respond. I really don’t know 4 - Cinema any moment. The property on which it is locat- their trips, in addition to other delegations and what to do and how to deal with the ministry, so The cinema is used to screen docu- 10 - Open Panorama ed is state property, so the government can Kuwaiti visitors and residents. We also have twin- this why I call on the media to help us highlight mentary films about the Gulf War for Many of the weapons used by the forcibly evict it. ning agreements with 27 countries to have a this problem. Also, I know that the government museum visitors. With a seating capaci- Iraqis during the invasion and in the Most other NGOs moved to other locations, permanent booth for Kuwait at their museums, let a private museum have a section at the ty of 100, the theater can also be used Gulf War, as well as an Iraqi field com- as they were given replacement buildings by the which is a great achievement for Kuwait,” added Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center that hasn’t to conduct lectures and seminars. mand tent are displayed in the muse- Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, as they come Amiri. The museum includes many valuable been launched yet, but they didn’t give it to our um’s garden. under its umbrella. But the museum is under the pieces, although it hasn’t received any govern- museum,” he said. “The government has refused 5 - Hand-drawn Panorama National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, mental support. “We have a bronze statue of to support our museum financially since it was The main wall of this hall displays a 11- Gift Shop which is supervised by the Ministry of Saddam Hussein, which an American soldier founded. And today, it’s not even providing an unique 22-meter-long painting by vari- In order to keep their trip to the Information, which hasn’t provided a replace- brought for us from Baghdad. We received an alternative place, although the government ous Kuwaiti artists that depict the atroc- museum alive in the minds of its visi- ment place for the museum to move to. offer from a Qatari sheikh who runs a museum gave a grant of $8.8 million to an Arab country ities committed by the invaders, the suf- tors, souvenirs, booklets, movies, CDs Dr Yousef Al-Amiri, President of the Kuwait there to buy this statue for one million dollars, for the maintenance of a museum there, while it fering of the Kuwaiti people during the and stickers outlining the museum’s House for National Works Museum, held a press but I refused, especially after Sheikh Nasser Al- refuses to even spend on the maintenance of occupation, and their joy at the libera- various activifies are available at the conference yesterday at the museum to call on Mohammed, one of our major donors, asked me our air-conditioning system that costs only KD tion of their country. Also highlighted gift shop. the government to find a place to move to before not to sell it. We also have the cigar, diary and 8,000,” he rued. Gulf popular heritage festival kicks off

KUWAIT: A Gulf popular heritage festival Moreover, he spoke of the greenery galore opened yesterday in Sabah Al-Ahmad vil- found in the village, in addition to numerous lage, drawing a large turnout in an event outstanding services it provides, adding that sponsored by His Highness the Amir Sheikh the festival coincides with the 11th anniver- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The opening cer- sary of the passing of late Amir Sheikh Jaber emony was attended by Deputy Minister of Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al- Meanwhile, Director General of the Public Sabah, Amiri Diwan Advisor and the village’s Authority for Youth (PAY) Abdulrahman Al- supervisor Mohammad Daifallah Sharar, Mutairi noted that PAY is participating in the Deputy village supervisor Sheikh Sabah festival, which aims to instill in youth values Fahad Al-Nasser Al-Sabah and the director of of national unity and patriotism. Mutairi the village Saif Al-Shallahi, along with a added that he was hopeful that Kuwaiti number of government officials. In a state- youth would be able to showcase a favorable ment to the press, Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah said image of Kuwaiti culture. The festival will that the festival will allow the people of include a plethora of contests and activities Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah speaks to the Kuwait and the Gulf region the chance to designed to illustrate Kuwait’s profound mar- press during the event. mingle amid a delightful ambiance. itime heritage. — KUNA KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah tours the Sabah Al-Ahmad Village after the opening of the Gulf Popular Heritage Festival 2017. — KUNA

Int’l invention fair opens today: KSC

KUWAIT: The 9th International Invention Fair in the Middle East, aims to galvanize the Arab and Organization (WIPO). Meanwhile, Dr Salam Al- the Middle East (IIFME) will take place in Kuwait Muslim youth into making innovative achieve- Ablani, director of the scientific culture dept. of starting from today with 200 inventors from 36 ments in the area of scientific research and mar- Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of countries taking part. The three-day event, ket their inventions,” he pointed out. Sciences (KFAS), affirmed the commitment of themed “investor-inventor meeting is to be The participation of investors in the event the IIFME to providing the conditions necessary held under auspices of His Highness the Amir will contribute to the promotion of scientific for creativity and innovation in science. “KFAS Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah;” it and technological advancement in the Arab attaches great importance to such events that will showcase 150 inventions, Kuwait Science world and Arabian Gulf region. “The event will provide an opportunity for Kuwaiti young Club (KSC) said. provide an opportunity for revealing the cul- inventors to network with their peers from Speaking to reporters on Saturday evening, ture of invention to societies and strengthening around the globe,” he noted. head of the organizing committee Talal Al- the existing relationships among the inventors Dr Al-Ablani welcomed the participation of Kharafi extolled His Highness the Amir for his and corporations,” Kharafi noted. investors in the event, saying it opens new hori- kind patronage of the gathering and limitless It will offer cash awards totaling in value zons for inventors to sell their viable and appli- support to youth inventors. “His Highness the $100,000; these include a grand prix of $15,000, cable inventions. Chief of the arbitration panel Amir’s care for science and scientists offers the KSC prize - $10,000, the GCC Patent Office David Farouqi said his panel is made up of more encouragement to the KSC activities meant to prize - 50,000 Saudi riyals for the three top win- than 35 world-renowned judges who have long foster the skills of talented youth,” Kharafi said. ners from the GCC countries, the award of the experience in assessing the inventions as per KUWAIT: Head of the organizing committee of the 9th International Invention Fair in the “The fair, one of the most significant and International Exhibition of Geneva - $15,000, the standards set by the International Middle East Talal Al-Kharafi (center) speaks during the press conference. largest specialized exhibitions of inventions in and an award from World Intellectual Property Exhibition of Geneva. — KUNA — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat LOCAL MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 Survey shows Kuwait happier in 2017 56% of respondents satisfied with their standard of living

KUWAIT: As we enter the New Year, hap- piness and wellbeing have come into Kuwait bourse witnesses focus in the Middle East and North Africa. A new survey by Bayt.com, the number record hefty chips’ buying one job site in the Middle East, and KUWAIT: Kuwait Bourse posted yesterday record fig- YouGov, a pioneer in online market ures, reaping more profits, buoyed by hefty buying research, titled the Bayt.com ‘Happiness covering most exchanged chips, thus reflecting posi- in the Middle East’ survey, revealed that tively on most of the indices. more than half (56 percent) of respon- According to economic analysts, the current bull dents in Kuwait are satisfied with their trend in the national bourse is largely attributed to liq- current standard of living, at least to uidity pumped by Kuwait Investment Authority, some some degree. local and Gulf investment portfolios, targeting small To determine levels of happiness in and medium chips. the Middle East, the survey addressed This trend is also linked to mounting optimism elements of respondents’ personal regarding profits of listed companies, namely banks lives, their professional lives, their cur- forecast to post noticeable growth and well calculated rent country of residence, and other purchases of stagnant stocks, amid news of their aspects of life relating to their health engagement in new projects. The economists forecast and wellbeing. earning pocketing, targeting the enlisted stocks after Respondents rated the top five most their prices soared. important factors that impact their gen- Maitham Al-Shakhs, the former chief executive offi- eral happiness levels in their country of cer at Al-Arabi Company for financial brokerage, said residence. In Kuwait, general safety and that the bourse status has improved due to several security was stated by more than half of positive factors such as Americana’s deal, forecast to respondents (56 percent) as the most shift KD 200 million into the market-out of the KD 235 important factors. This was followed by million transaction. He noted in this respect that leading a financially stable life (50 per- Kuwait Investment Authority injected KD 100 million cent), employment opportunities (46 respondents are satisfied), support from ties. In Kuwait, respondents are generally sen to concentrate on the professional into the market last October.—KUNA percent), ability to maintain healthy per- managers (49 percent), work-life balance satisfied with factors such as availability and career-related angle by persistently sonal relationships (34 percent), and atti- (46 percent), working hours (45 percent), of utilities (84 percent), general safety producing information and services that tude and behavior of people in general freedom to take decisions at work (42 and security (71 percent), availability of aim to address our region’s needs, espe- (34 percent). percent), and recognition at work (39 public transport facilities (59 percent), cially when it comes to employment and percent). availability of entertainment avenues (59 job search. We will continue to monitor Happiness with personal life Other factors that contribute to percent), and access to healthcare facili- the region’s satisfaction levels and According to the survey, personal life Kuwait respondents’ work satisfaction ties (57 percent). empower everyone with what they need elements that respondents in Kuwait are revolve around stress levels, and career as professionals and individuals.” most satisfied with include relationship advancement. More than four in ten Happiness and stress “Despite the various socio economic with family (84 percent of respondents (41 percent) respondents are satisfied Stress is another element of happi- inconsistencies that the MENA region are satisfied), current physical health (79 with the amount of stress they face at ness addressed by the Bayt.com survey. undergoes, it is positive to see that hap- percent), mental wellbeing (77 percent), work; and more than a third (32 per- For respondents in Kuwait, factors that piness in Egypt and across the general independence to take one’s own deci- cent) of respondents are satisfied with contribute the most to stress levels are landscape is highly prevalent. Much of sions (69 percent), and support received the availability of career advancement the increase in the cost of living (69 per- the satisfaction that is felt in the Middle from family (67 percent). opportunities. cent), work related issues (57 percent), East today is connected to many Health-related factors emerged in the and inability to maintain a good work-life improvements relating to professional survey as important contributors to Happiness with country of residence balance (41 percent). Nonetheless, nearly opportunities, standards of living, and Kuwait respondents’ happiness and well- Across the MENA region, respondents one quarter (23 percent) of Kuwait overall development,” said Arleen being. Nearly three quarters (74 percent) are satisfied with many factors pertain- respondents have low stress levels. Gonsalves, Assistant Research Manager of respondents describe their general ing to their country of residence, includ- “Happiness and wellbeing is prevalent at YouGov. state of health as good or excellent, and ing general safety and security (60 per- across the Middle East and North Africa, Data for the 2016 Bayt.com ‘Happiness almost half (47 percent) are not currently cent), ability to maintain healthy person- and is most likely linked to many person- in the Middle East’ survey was collected suffering from any health issues. al relationships (65 percent), availability al, professional, and social factors,” said online from December 6, 2016 to of utilities (62 percent), comfortable Suhail Masri, Vice President of Employer December 22, 2016. Results are based on Happiness with professional life weather (60 percent), and opportunities Solutions at Bayt.com. “We, at the Middle a sample of 3,747 respondents. Cities As for their professional lives, factors to socialize (49 percent). East’s #1 Job Site, have always believed assessed include UAE, Saudi Arabia, that respondents in Kuwait are most sat- Other factors considered by the sur- that improving happiness and wellbeing Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, isfied with include support from col- vey relate to social wellbeing and access is a shared responsibility that we should Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, leagues and coworkers (54 percent of to healthcare and other lifestyle ameni- live by as an organization. We have cho- and Syria. MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Jarida Report Policeman hurt ‘Kick expats out’ in hot pursuit By Dr Hassan Abbas KUWAIT: A traffic policeman was rushed to Adan Hospital for treatment for injuries he suffered after his vehicle Academic degrees flipped over during a chase in Sabahiya. The policeman bserving the government and lawmakers’ responded to a call about reckless driving in Sabahiya, but behavior, one can easily see that they are both lost control of his car during the chase. Police are looking Oat war with expatriates residing in Kuwait. The for the fugitive driver. proposed list of costs for the Ministry of Health’s healthcare services for expats is really frightening. believe that whoever proposed them expects expats Maid commits suicide to leave the country, and cannot wait to see the last An Asian maid jumped to her death from the win- one of them out. We can easily see that this expulsion dow of a domestic help office in Hawally. Her body was policy is adapted by both cabinet and parliament, and recovered by the coroner. The maid was returned earlier is most probably motivated by relatively old parlia- by her sponsor because she wanted to go back to her mentary enthusiasm on the topic; repeated state- country. Police have launched an investigation. ments made by former MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi come to mind. Hit-and-run Personally, I am neither with nor against expats A Pakistani man was rushed to Adan Hospital and because what really matters here is not residency in admitted inside the intensive care unit (ICU) in critical con- Kuwait, it is rather how useful those people are. So dition after he was run over on Fahaheel Expressway. many expats are more honorable than a Kuwaiti traitor Detectives are looking for the culprit, who fled the scene. or thief. I believe we all know what happened during Al-Jarida the Iraqi Invasion, and most of us have come across first or second hand experiences about expats who Duo deported again sacrificed their lives and possessions for Kuwait, Two Bangladeshis, who are very close friends and whereas some Kuwaiti traitors helped the Baathi who were deported from the country six years ago, invaders or collaborated to rob their own country. were arrested and deported once again. Police stopped Dear members of the government and distin- the two who did not have IDs, but upon inquiries, they Al-Qabas guished MPs, expats came to Kuwait upon official con- were discovered to have been deported twice before. tracts and visas in order to rightfully earn a living as Both had returned to Kuwait using forged passports a one of their rights, and in return respect the obliga- year ago. The two were sent to the deportation center. Thanks to ministers tions in those contracts. Anything else is a violation for the contract agreed upon between Kuwaitis and for- eigners. Well, I want to point out that both the govern- Cop, cabby fight By Dr Nermin Al-Houti ment and lawmakers adopt a ‘double-standards’ and A police officer and a taxi driver ended up at the police simpleminded view for both citizens and expats. In the station for exchanging blows. The off-duty officer got into t is impossible that there is nothing positive left in media outlet, whether it is public, private or an individ- case of Kuwaitis, one finds that the government cate- an argument with the Egyptian taxi driver in Mirqab after our society and ministries. We thank Allah that there ual should be punished if they publish anything about gorizes them to classes A, B and so on, and according the taxi driver swerved towards him. The officer then Iare still some people among us who are optimistic any case. This does not go against personal freedom, to the type of citizenship they hold, the way each cate- stopped him and got into a fight. — Al-Rai and carry on with their jobs to develop and build a bet- rather it helps preserve the society. ter Kuwait. Our article today sheds Meanwhile, I would like to express gory is dealt with varies. On the other hand, it equally light on recent decisions made by the gratitude to the new Minister of Higher views all expats the same, and classifies them all under Ministry of Interior and Ministry of This does not go Education Dr Mohammad Al-Fares for one single category. Higher Education. his optimism towards reforming higher Things should be the other way round. A citizen The first decision was issued by against personal education. We laud the stand that he must be merely viewed as one, while expats should be the new interior minister Sheikh took when he ordered the payment of categorized. Instead of setting laws to deal with expats Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah to ‘ban due payments to students of art institu- as one category and classifying them regardless of publication and maintain secrecy of freedom, rather tions. Not only that, but he also ordered their levels and standards, they should be divided into work at the interior ministry.’ It is a that every institution must have a those who had been in Kuwait for decades, for 100 percent positive decision, and it helps preserve closed bathroom for female employees instance, those with higher and rare degrees, marginal should not be limited to the interior and give them their own keys, and that labor, those married to Kuwaitis and have family rela- ministry alone. Rather, there should tions with them, those who are not related to Kuwaitis, be an agreement between the interi- the society for privacy reasons. He gave these immediate orders without waiting for those who have had clean criminal records for years or, justice and information ministries, and those who do not have clean criminal records, etc. to receive an approval from the cabi- complaints or investigations. We hope that with such a positive approach he will reform what is Therefore, I heartily advise and beg legislators and net and propose a law to be passed in the National those making hotshot and rocket-like proposals to be Assembly to ban publication of any criminal case that corrupted at supervisory and scientific posts. — Translated by Kuwait Times reasonable and up to their responsibilities. does not complete its legal and judicial process. Any —Translated by Kuwait

Abdul Wahab Al-Johairi UFIG, UMS join Horeca; event kicks off today

KUWAIT: Under auspices of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al- Humoud Al-Sabah, the Horeca Kuwait 2017 exhibition kicks off today with participation of over 80 companies specialized in hospitality, catering and hotel equipment. The three-day event is organized by Leaders Group Company for Consulting and Development in collabora- tion with the Hospitality Services Company at Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Mishref. In this regard, the United Food Industries Group (UFIG) and the United Medical Services Compay (UMS) announced their participation in the exhibition. Speaking about the exhibition, UFIG’s Marketing Manager Abdul Wahab Abdullah Al-Johairi stressed that Horeca had proved its significance in supporting hospitality projects over the past few years, especially since Kuwait is witness- ing an upsurge in construction and expansion projects. “This is our first participation,” he noted, pointing out that Horeca had become a major platform to stay up to date with the latest in the business. Johairi added that UFIG has over 25 years of experience, adding that it supplies products of brands such as Sable, Roche, Al-Deek Al-Roumi Restaurant, Planet Donuts and Abu Zaid Konafa. “We also have branches in UAE and Qatar and plan to open a new one in Saudi Arabia soon,” he explained. In the meantime, UMS’s General Manager Mo’ezz Ali Sadeq stressed that Horeca is very effective in promoting various projects, adding that this was the reason why UMS decided taking part. Sadeq added that UMS provides prod- ucts that are supplementary to food services such as alu- minum containers, plastic utensils and paper products used in serving, storing and transporting food.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality inspectors carried out KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) launched an awareness campaign recently at the Ministry of campaigns in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Hasawi recently, Defense’s camp in Subhan, in cooperation with EQUATE. They gave instructions on how to prevent fires and during which they removed two truckloads of vegeta- other incidents during camping. bles, fruits, furniture, used clothes and electric devices; Mo’ezz Sadeq all sold illegally in both areas. MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

Gloomy times in India boat accident toll rises to 26 Spain’s Podemos as divisions rage Page 12 Page 10

PRAGUE: People hold a banner reading Civil march for Aleppo while taking part in a solidarity civil march for Aleppo yesterday in Prague. —AFP Deadly clashes grip flashpoint area near Syria’s capital

BEIRUT: Heavy fighting gripped a into Wadi Barada to restore water to the jihadist group’s brutal assault on flashpoint region near Syria’s capital Damascus, but the deal was called regime-held territory around the yesterday, leaving seven civilians off after chief negotiator Ahmed al- city, the capital of the oil-rich dead and threatening a nationwide Ghadban was killed the next day. province by the same name. truce designed to pave the way towards peace talks. Further east, Local deal null US invited to Astana Syrian government troops lost The two sides accused each oth- The fresh advance came “despite ground to a brutal assault by the er of assassinating the retired army more than 120 air strikes carried out Islamic State group near the key officer, who had only assumed his by regime forces on jihadist posi- Deir Ezzor military airport. The esca- duties to restore the water supply tions since Saturday morning, in lating violence across Syria in recent on Saturday. “The agreement was addition to heavy artillery fire,” said days augurs ill for peace negotia- considered null this morning after Abdel Rahman. IS unleashed a wave tions in Kazakhstan later this the regime’s multiple violations and of tunnel bombs and suicide attack- month. especially after the killing of the ers against government forces on In the Wadi Barada region north- negotiations official,” Shami said. Saturday, leaving 12 government west of Damascus, fresh clashes Shami said the government’s main- fighters dead. Another 20 IS jihadists broke out between rebel groups tenance workers left Wadi Barada were killed in the clashes. and advancing government forces, without completing the repairs, The extremist Sunni Muslim the Syrian Observatory for Human leaving 5.5 million in Damascus and group has lost swathes of territory in Rights said. Regime shelling of the its suburbs without water. northern Syria to Kurdish fighters as Deir Qanun village killed seven civil- An official from Syria’s reconcilia- well as to a Turkish-backed rebel ians and wounded at least 20 other tion ministry earlier said the local alliance, but it remains on the offen- people, the Britain-based monitor deal in Wadi Barada “had not com- sive in other parts of the country. In said. Observatory head Rami Abdel pletely collapsed.” “We are commu- addition to its push in Deir Ezzor, IS Rahman said it was the “highest toll” nicating and pursuing new efforts in recently recaptured Palmyra in cen- there since the nationwide truce parallel with the ongoing military tral Syria from government forces. came into force on Dec 30. Omar al- action,” the official said. Many of The conflict began with protests Shami, spokesman for the Wadi Syria’s battlefronts have quieted against the rule of President Bashar Barada Media Committee, said since the entry into force of the al-Assad in 2011 but has since mor- shells struck a temporary shelter nationwide ceasefire brokered by phed into a multi-front war. where displaced women and chil- regime backer Russia and opposi- Although they support opposing dren had been seeking refuge. tion ally Turkey. The deal excludes IS sides in Syria’s war, Moscow and The activist group published and its jihadist rival, the Fateh al- Ankara have worked closely to gruesome pictures of what it said Sham Front-formerly known as Al- negotiate the nationwide truce and was the aftermath of the attack, Nusra Front. to prepare talks in the Kazakh capi- including photographs of blood- Yesterday, IS fighters edged clos- tal Astana on January 23. US presi- stained floors and body parts er to the key Deir Ezzor military air- dent-elect Donald Trump’s transition wrapped in blankets. Fighting has port, despite heavy air strikes by team has been invited to take part in persisted for weeks in Wadi Barada, government warplanes. The the talks, but has not yet officially which is the main source of water Observatory said the raids on responded. Attendance by the new for the capital. Local officials struck Sunday killed five civilians, includ- president’s team would be a strong a truce with Syrian authorities on ing two women and two children, in signal of Trump’s determination to Friday to allow maintenance teams Deir Ezzor. It was the second day of improve relations with Russia. —AFP Sudan extends ceasefire in three conflict areas

KHARTOUM: Sudan yesterday extended a ceasefire for six months in the war-torn regions of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan, official media said. “The cabinet headed by President Omar al-Bashir decided to extend the ceasefire by six months,” Sudan’s official news agency reported. In June, Bashir declared a unilateral four-month truce in the three regions, where fighting between government forces and rebels has killed tens of thousands of people. He extended it in October to the end of the year and again for a month on Dec 31. The conflict in Darfur-a region of the size of France-erupted in 2003 when eth- nic minority rebels took up arms against Bashir’s Arab- dominated government, accusing it of marginalizing the region. Similar conflicts also erupted in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states after neighboring South Sudan broke away in 2011. At least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced in Darfur since the conflict began, the UN says. —AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 Gambia’s president-elect in Senegal ‘until inauguration’

DAKAR: The Gambia’s president-elect Dakar “until his inauguration,” the official edly called on Jammeh to respect the on the European migrant crisis-but refuse to leave office. ECOWAS has made Adama Barrow landed in neighboring APS agency said citing an official. “Barrow result of the vote and leave after 22 years The Gambia’s political impasse domi- clear in the past that force will not be Senegal yesterday where he will remain is in Dakar as of Sunday, just after mid- in power. Barrow flew into the Malian nated events. ruled out as a last resort, but the Nigerian until his planned inauguration this week, night,” the official said. “The Senegalese capital as a surprise guest at the Africa- The specter of a military intervention army has denied reports it is preparing Senegalese sources said, following an president accepted the request of his France summit after talks broke down has arisen in recent days following decla- troops for a Gambian intervention. There agreement with west African leaders. The Liberian counterpart Ellen Johnson Friday between a three-nation west rations by the United Nations and African are just three days left of Jammeh’s five- president-elect is due to take power on Sirleaf, the current ECOWAS president,” it African delegation and Jammeh. Union that boots on the ground could year term, and he has warned the inter- January 19 when President Yahya added. A source in the Senegalese presi- Nigerian President Muhammadu get the green light without a rapid reso- national community against “undue Jammeh’s mandate runs out, but the dency confirmed to AFP that Barrow was Buhari, Sirleaf and Ghana’s ex-president lution of the crisis. Mohamed Ibn external interference.” Jammeh has said long-serving strongman has refused to in Dakar following consultations with John Mahama have appealed to Jammeh Chambas, head of the UN Office for West he will not stand aside until the country’s cede power after disputing the result of a heads of state from the Economic to step down twice in person, without Africa and the Sahel, said on Friday that Supreme Court decides on his legal chal- December 1 election won by Barrow. Community Of West African States success. The leaders of at least 30 nations ECOWAS would ask the Security Council lenge seeking to annul the result of last Senegalese President Macky Sall (ECOWAS) at a Bamako summit. had gathered in Bamako to discuss jihad to approve the deployment of troops to month’s polls, which he had initially con- accepted a request to host Barrow in ECOWAS, a 15-nation bloc, has repeat- on the continent and Africa’s impact The Gambia if Jammeh continues to ceded losing. — AFP IS gains ground near key eastern Syrian city

BEIRUT: The Islamic State group gained airport. It launched one of its fiercest ground around a key eastern Syrian city assaults yet on Saturday, unleashing a wave yesterday, a monitor said, despite a heavy of tunnel bombs and suicide attackers. At air strikes by government warplanes. The least 12 government fighters and 20 IS jihadists pressed their brutal assault on Deir jihadists were killed. A military source in Ezzor for the second day, seizing territory Deir Ezzor said that IS was “amassing its near an air base on the city’s edges, accord- forces to attack Deir Ezzor and breach gov- ing to the Syrian Observatory for Human ernment lines” in order to cut off regime Rights. “IS seized several hilltops that over- access to the base. look the airport,” and clashes gripped the The extremist Sunni Muslim group has area yesterday, said Observatory head Rami lost swathes of territory in northern Syria Abdel Rahman. The advance came “despite to Kurdish fighters as well as a Turkish- more than 120 air strikes carried out by backed rebel alliance, but it remains on regime forces on jihadist positions since the offensive in other parts of the country. Saturday morning, in addition to heavy In addition to its push in Deir Ezzor, IS artillery fire,” he said. recently recaptured Palmyra in central Around 200,000 people live in Deir Ezzor Syria from government forces. The jihadist city, which has been besieged by IS since faction is excluded from a nationwide early 2015 and is the capital of the oil-rich ceasefire in Syria, in place since December province of the same name. IS already con- 30 but increasingly strained by fighting. trols more than half the city, but it has The truce is meant to pave the way for sought to capture the remaining govern- peace talks later this month in the Kazakh ment-held territory, including the military capital Astana. —AFP Clashes near Damascus after negotiator killing BEIRUT: Heavy clashes erupted supplies the capital with water in overnight between regime and rebel exchange for a cessation of hostilities forces near Damascus after the official and the withdrawal of rebel fighters will- MOSUL: A soldier with elite counterterrorism forces rides atop of an armored vehicle celebrating as he holds a flag of the Islamic State group as who negotiated a deal to restore water ing to do so. Iraqi special forces fight against Islamic State militants to regain control of Mosul University, in the eastern side of Mosul,Iraq. —AP to the Syrian capital was killed, a moni- The official SANA news agency tor said yesterday. Government workers reported on Saturday night that “ter- had entered the formerly rebel-held rorists opened fire” on Ghadban after Mosul University fully area in the Wadi Barada region near he left a meeting with armed groups in Damascus on Friday to begin restoring the village of Ain al-Fijeh. Activists and water to the capital after weeks of civil committees in Wadi Barada shortages. “Fierce fighting broke out denounced the killing of Ghadban, liberated by Iraqi troops after midnight between regime forces, which they said had been ordered by fighters from Hezbollah and the rebels, the regime with the intention to “kill after gunmen killed the negotiator, any hope of a peaceful solution.” In a BAGHDAD: US-backed Iraqi government troops removed bombs left by IS militants, Brig. Gen. swift territorial gains in recent weeks by the US- Ahmed al-Ghadban,” said Rami Abdel joint statement, they urged rebel fac- yesterday fully liberated the sprawling complex Haider Fadhil of the special forces said. Fadhil backed Iraqi military. Some 30,000 troops - a Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for tions not to attend peace talks in the of Mosul University, an Iraqi military spokesman added that the troops also entered the nearby force that includes not only Iraq’s conventional Human Rights. Kazakh capital Astana later this month said, a major step in the massive operation to Andalus neighborhood, which he expected army but an array of other armed groups, Ghadban had been on his way to the and called for international observers retake the Islamic State group-held city of would be fully retaken later in the day. Iraqi including Shiite and Sunni paramilitary troops Ain al-Fijeh spring with maintenance to monitor the ceasefire. Mosul. The spokesman for the Joint Military forces had entered the university grounds and Kurdish fighters - are taking part in the teams, he said. But following the killing Fighting has persisted in Wadi Barada Command, Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, declared the Friday and managed to secure more than half Mosul offensive which begun Oct 17. The of Ghadban, “regime forces and their since the entry into force on December campus was under the full control of Iraqi spe- of the campus the next day amid tough resist- Islamic State group captured Mosul in 2014 allies tried to advance to Ain al-Fijeh,” 30 of the ceasefire brokered by Russia cial forces, officially known as the Counter ance from IS militants, who mainly deployed along with nearly a third of Iraqi territory and bombarding rebel positions with heavy and Turkey. The violence caused damage Terrorism Service, who raised the Iraqi flag over sniper and mortar fire to slow down the large parts of neighboring Syria. Iraq’s second- artillery, said Abdel Rahman. The two to pipes, leaving more than five million its buildings. advancing troops. largest city, Mosul is the last major IS urban bas- sides accused each other of killing the people in Damascus without water. The The troops searched campus buildings and Yesterday’s progress is the latest in a string of tion in the country. —AP retired army officer, who had only ceasefire and planned talks are the latest assumed his duties to restore the water effort to negotiate an end to a conflict supply on Saturday. Under the agree- that has killed more than 310,000 people ment, Ghadban was to oversee teams since it began with anti-government New taxi app books a ride working to repair the infrastructure that protests in March 2011. —AFP for Ivory Coast middle class

ABIDJAN: In bustling Abidjan, a homegrown But the start-up’s sleek vehicles-which are Tapping into growth company has tapped into the global taxi app owned by the company, not by the driver-are all “When I came here, I often had difficulty revolution that has spawned Uber and other air-conditioned. They are fitted with tablet organizing journeys. You had to get out on the online transport networks. While Uber has devices and offer free Wi-Fi internet access. “Brr, street, haggle... or sometimes rent a car and already jumped into several African markets it’s cold inside!” jests Ivorian comedian Michel brave the traffic,” he said. “The cars (regular taxis) from South Africa to Egypt, Africab seeks to pro- Gohou in an advertising video for Africab’s fleet. were dilapidated, they are often more than 20 vide Ivory Coast’s emerging middle class with a “Africab is the new way of getting around,” brags years old. Drivers are badly trained and for the locally-owned high-tech and reliable travel Vangsy Goma, the founder and managing direc- most part, there is no air-conditioning.” Until option. Africab’s clients can use the company tor of the firm. The company, Goma says on political strife erupted in 2010-11, Ivory Coast app to book its taxis-which cannot be hailed in Africab’s website, seeks “to build an entrepre- had long been the star economic performer in the road, and it advertises its services only neurial culture that is based on technology and west Africa. But when former president Laurent online. Its fixed fares tend to be higher than for respects African identity.” The idea for Africab Gbagbo refused to step down despite an elec- regular taxis, but clients benefit from extra perks. came from trying to navigate Abidjan’s unruly tion defeat, 3,000 people were killed in months A daytime trip that would cost around 2,000 CFA traffic, says Goma, a native of the Republic of of conflict. With a 10-percent yearly economic francs ($3.2, three Euros) in an old cab can cost Congo educated in the US and Europe and mar- growth rate, the west African country is now 3,300 CFA francs in an Africab. ried to an Ivorian woman. back on the rails. The International Monetary Fund said last month that it was on track towards becoming the continent’s fastest-growing economy. Companies like Africab are tapping into the bud- ding optimism that the upward trend has brought. Its launch in February 2016 cost one billion CFA francs (1.5 million Euros, $1.6 million) in investment, of which 800 million was raised by bank loans. Goma is confident about expand- ing the firm, with a monthly turnover that rose AMMAN: Jordan’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, right, and newly from 20 million CFA francs in April to 60 million appointed Education Minister Omar Ahmad Munif Al Razzaz speak together upon by September and a fast-growing portfolio of their appointment following a meeting at the Jordanian Royal Palace in Amman business clients. yesterday. —AP In coming weeks, he says, Africab taxis will take to the streets of Lome and Cotonou, the capital of Togo and the economic capital of Jordan ministers Benin. To make it work, the company is striving to adapt its services to local needs. As is often unseated in reshuffle the case in African towns and cities, many of Abidjan’s backstreets and alleys have never been AMMAN: Jordan’s interior minister lost his the ministers were being replaced. It is the named. To get round this, Africab maps the job yesterday after criticism following a second reshuffle since Sept 28. Last addresses of clients and familiar landmarks. And deadly jihadist attack, in a government month’s attack in Karak, home to one of the in a striking contrast with ordinary taxis, Africab reshuffle that also saw long-serving foreign region’s biggest Crusader castles, killed sev- drivers are bound to abide by the highway code. minister Nasser Judeh cast aside. Ten peo- en policemen and two Jordanian civilians ple including a Canadian were shot dead at as well as a female Canadian tourist. Four Less stress the popular Jordanian tourist destination assailants were killed by the security forces Driving on pavements or in emergency lanes of Karak on Dec 18, in an attack claimed by after an hours-long siege of the castle, to avoid traffic jams is strictly banned, and all the Islamic State group. Following the where the suspects had fled after opening company cabbies have to retake both driving attack, some 50 lawmakers called for a fire on police. and highway code tests. Satisfied client Fatou motion to censure interior minister Salama IS claimed responsibility on Dec 20, say- Bamba, who manages her own company, finds Hammad. Yesterday Prime Minister Hani ing four “soldiers of the caliphate” used Africab’s cars clean and comfortable-plus there’s Mulqi said, in a statement from the royal machineguns and hand grenades in the the Internet bonus. “Above all, you’re safe... You palace, that Hammad was being replaced attack. Jordan is part of the US-led military can work inside an Africab and you don’t feel the by Ghaleb Zohbi, a lawyer who had previ- coalition against IS and has carried out air stress of driving and the traffic jams,” Bamba ously held the same post. strikes targeting the extremist group. It also said. Taxi driver Ahi Mian, 32, appears happy to The same statement announced that hosts coalition troops on its territory. The have joined Africab’s fleet. “It’s better for me. I Judeh, who had served as foreign minister kingdom was hit by four attacks last year, drove a (regular) taxi before. Here we have fixed since 2009, was making way for Ayman including a suicide attack in June that killed hours and the car is air-conditioned. But above Safadi, formerly an adviser to the king and seven guards near the border with Syria ABIDJAN: A man speaks with a regular taxi driver in Abidjan. —AFP all, there’s less stress,” he says. —AFP deputy prime minister. It did not say why that was also claimed by IS.—AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Quaker group marks centennial with ‘Waging Peace’ exhibit

PHILADELPHIA: The American Friends Service 2015 after Freddie Gray died in police custody. Committee is celebrating 100 years of nonviolent There’s also a first-person account from a for- activism with an exhibition, “Waging Peace,” that mer committee staffer who resisted Japanese showcases the group’s accomplishments while internment during World War II. In “Addressing also illustrating work that remains to be done. Prisons,” visitors can crowd onto a floor mat that General Secretary Shan Cretin hopes both aspects mimics the size and shape of the 5-by-7-foot soli- of the exhibit inspire visitors. “We don’t want to tary confinement cell that committee employee just be looking backward, (but) a lot of the issues Ojore Lutalo occupied for more than 20 years. “I that are so urgent today - how we treat immi- really wanted to tell personal stories,” said exhibit grants, racial justice issues - are issues we have coordinator and content developer Elizabeth been working on for nearly our entire history,” Tinker, an independent museum professional. “We Cretin said. “We don’t believe peace is a destina- want to encourage discussion,” she said. One inter- tion. We believe it’s a path. We always have to be active feature highlights the challenges facing working toward peace and justice in our lives.” immigrants. Founded by Quakers during World War I, the Set up like a giant board game, visitors allow organization has been promoting peace and jus- rolls of oversize dice to determine citizenship tice as an expression of faith in action. The centen- paths. Millionaires and star athletes have a much nial exhibit, on display at the African American easier time than those who have family members Museum of Philadelphia through April 30, is divid- already in the US. Asylum seekers with proof of ed into four categories: “Ending Discrimination,” persecution have a much easier time immigrating “Addressing Prisons,” “Just Economies,” and than those without proof - but it’s still not fast or “Immigrants Rights.” “Ending Discrimination” easy. Tinker noted that this one category also illus- includes two 8-by-8-foot photos, one showing trates why many people enter the US illegally: shows a group of civil activists led by the Rev. What parent wouldn’t risk violating the law and PHILADELPHIA: Elizabeth Tinker and Noah Smalls install an exhibit at the African American Museum in Martin Luther King Jr. facing a wall of police offi- leaving their home country if they feared their Philadelphia. —AP cers in the 1960s, the other taken in Baltimore in children were in danger there? she asked. —AP

Trump clashes with civil rights leader as inauguration looms

NEW YORK: Donald Trump’s feud with civil African-American, said on MSNBC. “John rights icon John Lewis is highlighting the Lewis has a walk that very few people in this president-elect’s willingness to attack any country - least of all Donald Trump - have and all political rivals even with his inaugu- ever walked. So you have to respect that ration less than a week away. The and pay attention to that in a real sense,” Republican billionaire slammed the Steele said. One of Lewis’ Democratic col- Democratic congressman - and his Atlanta- leagues, Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., also declared area district - on Saturday, a day after Lewis he would skip Trump’s inauguration, in part described Trump as an illegitimate presi- to defend Lewis. dent. Lewis, like a handful of Democratic “Trump - who lost the popular vote - has lawmakers, vowed to skip Trump’s Friday made a series of racist, sexist and bigoted swearing-in ceremony. statements. In addition, he has attacked Trump tweeted that Lewis “should spend Gold Star parents, veterans such as John more time on fixing and helping his district, McCain and now civil rights icon John which is in horrible shape and falling apart Lewis,” Lieu said. He added, “For me, the per- (not to mention crime infested) rather than sonal decision not to attend the falsely complaining about the election Inauguration is quite simple: Do I stand with results.” The incoming president added: “All Donald Trump, or do I stand with John talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!” Lewis? I am standing with John Lewis.” Trump continued to jab Lewis on Saturday night, charging that the congressman Falling apart “should finally focus on the burning and The weekend clash highlighted the crime infested inner-cities of the US.” “I can sharp contrast between how many African- use all the help I can get!” Trump tweeted. Americans view Trump’s inauguration com- pared with that of Barack Obama, the Personal decision nation’s first black president, eight years Trump’s response was in line with his ago. Trump critics also noted that his aggressive style throughout his unorthodox aggressive tweet came days before the campaign in which he found political suc- national holiday honoring Martin Luther cess even while attacking widely lauded fig- King Jr. Trump’s assertion that Lewis’ district ures- a prisoner of war, parents of a slain US is “falling apart” and “crime infested” is hard to back up with facts. MANAUS: Special Operations Command personnel stand by an empty prison cell in the Anisio Jobim Penitentiary Complex where 56 inmates Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, were killed during a riot two weeks ago, in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. —AFP which includes the Atlanta metro region, is considered one of the nation’s fastest-grow- ing areas, although its crime and poverty rates are higher than the national average. The district has an 8.2 percent unemploy- Brazil police quell ment rate and the median household income is about $48,000, according to the Census Bureau. The area also covers part of the upscale Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead, along with the headquarters for deadly jail riot Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, Emory University, Georgia Tech, several historically black col- ‘At least 10 dead’ WASHINGTON: In this file photo, Rep. leges and universities and the Hartsfield- John Lewis, D-Ga. testifies on Capitol Hill Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of in Washington. —AP the world’s busiest. BRASILIA: Brazilian police yesterday quelled a come out of different parts of the prison and for a maximum of 620 inmates but currently The Lewis-Trump feud began when the riot that left at least 10 people dead in a north- clashed violently. houses 1,083, the state justice department said. soldier, and a beauty queen, among others. 16-term congressman said he would not ern jail, the latest of several gruesome gang- “There are at least three inmates dead Brazilian media said the riot was thought to Lewis is among the most revered leaders of attend Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. It will related massacres in the country’s overcrowded because we were able to see their heads,” state be a clash between Brazil’s biggest drug gang, the civil rights movement and devoted his mark the first time he skipped an inaugura- prisons. Officials raised the death toll from prisons manager Zemilton Silva told local media the First Capital Command (PCC), and a group life to promoting equal rights for African- tion since joining Congress three decades Saturday’s riot at the Alcacuz prison from three on Saturday. District security authorities said in a allied to its main rival Red Command. It was Americans. He suffered a fractured skull ago. “You know, I believe in forgiveness. I to 10. They earlier said at least three inmates statement on Sunday that there were “at least 10 believed to be part of a war between drug gangs while leading the march in Selma, Alabama believe in trying to work with people. It will were beheaded. Security forces stormed the confirmed deaths.” “We cannot yet confirm the battling for control of one of the world’s most more than a half century ago. be hard. It’s going to be very difficult. I don’t prison in northeastern Rio Grande do Norte state final number of victims. We are going to verify important cocaine markets and trafficking “The tweet is unnecessary, it’s unfortu- see this president-elect as a legitimate pres- at dawn yesterday and restored order after 14 the extent of the damage,” district security official routes.A series of massacres early this month left nate,” former Republican National ident,” Lewis said in an interview with NBC’s hours of violence, local authorities said. Officials Caio Berreza said on Globo News television. The 100 prisoners dead-many of the active members Committee chairman Michael Steele, who is “Meet the Press” set to air Sunday. —AP said members of two separate drug gangs had prison, just outside the state capital Natal, is built of gangs, authorities said. —AFP Kremlin counts days to Trump’s Lawmakers urge May to clarify Brexit intentions inauguration, blasts Obama LONDON: A committee of British lawmak- warned that the task of preparing for ers is urging Prime Minister Theresa May Brexit was placing a “strain” on depart- to clarify her intentions on Brexit - particu- ments across the British government and MOSCOW: Exulted by Donald Trump’s victory in thaw with Moscow. Moscow similarly refrained larly whether she intends to keep Britain in said more staff may be required. The com- the US, the Kremlin is counting the days to his from retaliation when the White House last week the European Union’s large single market. mittee is seeking a framework of the UK’s inauguration and venting its anger at Barack added five Russians, including the chief of The House of Commons’ Exiting the EU future trading relationship with the EU as Obama’s outgoing administration, no holds Russia’s top state investigative agency, to the US committee urged May to publish her plan part of the Article 50 negotiations - argu- barred. Careful not to hurt chances for a thaw in sanctions list. While Putin and his lieutenants soon and to give lawmakers a vote on ing that transitional arrangements would US-Russia relations, President Vladimir Putin and hope Trump will open up to Russia, they know whatever deal is concluded with the 28- be needed for trade to continue if a deal other Russian officials have deferred questions any attempt to fix ties will face massive obsta- nation EU. Their report was released wasn’t complete by 2019. about their plans for future contacts with Trump cles, including possible strong resistance in the Saturday, just days before May is to deliver It acknowledged, though, that Britain’s and any agenda for those talks until he takes US Congress. her vision about Britain’s post-EU future in government may not be in a position to office on Friday. Trump’s open admiration of Putin a major speech. “This is going to be a deliver this objective, since it would also has brought wide expectations of improved Tense period hugely complex task and the outcome will depend on the other 27 members of the Moscow-Washington relations, but Trump has not “Any future contacts will have to be prepared affect us all,” committee chair Hilary Benn EU. “The UK’s relationship with the EU is articulated a clear Russia policy. His Cabinet nomi- quite accurately and thoroughly, as they would said. “The government needs to publish its deep and complex, not least in terms of nees include both a retired general with a hawkish follow a tense period,” Putin spokesman Dmitry Brexit plan by mid-February at the latest, the legal rights of parties in both the UK stance on Russia and an oil executive who has Peskov told reporters. Fyodor Lukyanov, chair of including its position on membership of and the EU-27,” the report said. “It would done extensive business in Russia. the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, a MOSCOW: In this file photo Russian President the single market and the customs union, be unsatisfactory and potentially damag- At the same time, Russian officials are blasting group of Russian foreign policy experts, said Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with so that it can be scrutinized by Parliament ing to both sides were the UK to leave the the outgoing US administration in distinctly Syria is one area where a US-Russian rapport is Russian prosecutors in Moscow, Russia. —AP and the public.” EU with no agreement having been undiplomatic language, dropping all decorum likely. During the call with Flynn, the Russian Members of the committee also reached.” — AP after Obama hit Moscow with more sanctions in ambassador invited US officials to a conference ble area where Moscow and Washington could his final weeks in office. Moscow calls Obama’s on Syria to be held in Kazakhstan later this try to find common ground. While new arms con- team a “bunch of geopolitical losers” engaged in a month, according to a transition official, who was trol treaties are unlikely, the two countries may last-ditch effort to inflict the maximum possible not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. In try to find ways to increase global stability, Facebook announces ‘fake damage to US-Russia ties to make it more difficult an interview Friday with The Wall Street Journal, Lukyanov said. for Trump to mend the rift. In a clear effort to Trump said he might do away with Obama’s Putin has pushed for the US to recognize news’ offensive in Germany avoid risking a rapprochement with Trump, Putin sanctions if Russia works with the US on battling Moscow as an equal global heavyweight and to showed a remarkable restraint when the US terrorists and achieving other goals. acknowledge that Russia’s ex-Soviet neighbors FRANKFURT: Social media giant Facebook targets “unambiguously wrong reports” expelled 35 Russian diplomats over accusations of The Kremlin would be eager to embrace a US are in its sphere of “vital interests” - demands announced yesterday that it will introduce being shared on the social media platform. meddling in the US election campaign. Instead of offer of cooperation on Syria. Obama’s adminis- rejected by the West. Many in Russia hope that new measures to combat fake news in The firm said it would offer a simpler report- a usual tit-for-tat response, Putin invited US diplo- tration had refused to coordinate action against Trump could be more inclined to strike a “grand Germany, as Europe’s largest economy and ing process for users to flag suspected fake mats’ children to a New Year’s party at the Kremlin. the IS with Russia, saying Moscow was bent on bargain” with Putin, carving up spheres of influ- most populous nation enters an election news, display warnings next to statements Trump’s national security adviser, Michael shoring up Syrian President Bashar Assad. The ence and helping cement Russia’s role as a global year. “It’s important to us that the reports and identified as false by independent fact- Flynn, and Russia’s ambassador to the US were in complexity of the conflict in Syria - where opposi- power. Alexander Lebedev, a multimillionaire news posted on Facebook are reliable,” a blog checking organizations, and cut off advertis- frequent contact in recent weeks, including on tion groups backed by regional players are pitted Russian owner of Britain’s Evening Standard and post on the Silicon Valley firm’s German web- ing revenue to fake news sites presenting Dec 29, the day Obama hit Moscow with sanc- against Assad’s troops and often fight each other Independent newspapers, believes that Putin site read. German politicians have warned themselves as real news organizations. tions in retaliation for election-related hacking, - makes hopes for quick progress elusive. “Russia wants a “big deal” that would envisage coopera- that populist parties and foreign nations Stories flagged with a fake news warning will according to a senior US official. That call and and the United States are important players (in tion in Syria and possible cooperation in other could use fake news to try and influence par- not be eligible to be converted into an ad others suggest that the incoming administration Syria) but not the only ones,” Lukyanov said. He spheres, including the fight against international liamentary elections slated for September or seen by other users or “promoted” into other is already laying the groundwork for a possible noted that nuclear arms control is another possi- financial crime. —AP October. Facebook’s new German initiative users’ feeds for a fee. —AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Congolese M23 rebels cross over from Uganda, take village

KINSHASA: Congolese rebels who had and took over the village of Ishasha, in territory?” he said. Mende said the ment launched a plan to disarm, only 13 out of hundreds left in Rwanda taken refuge in neighboring Uganda North Kivu province, government Democratic Republic of Congo army demobilize and reintegrate more than coming back. crossed the border overnight armed spokesman Lambert Mende said. (FARDC) had engaged them in “con- 12,000 former rebels, many of whom Congolese authorities regularly crit- with weapons, the DR Congo govern- “How could our Ugandan neigh- frontation... because the Congolese lived in Uganda and Rwanda where icize Rwanda and Uganda for allowing ment said yesterday. About 200 former bors, with whom we are bound by army will not allow anyone to cross the the UN and Kinshasa say they received “these criminals to circulate freely” members of M23, an ethnic Tutsi very serious commitments, allow peo- border without authorization-and with support. But the return of the former within their territory instead of trying group defeated by the Congolese ple who had been living in refugee weapons”. rebels has stalled, with fewer than 200 them in court. Both countries deny army in 2013, arrived from Uganda camps to cross over-armed-into our Following M23’s defeat, the govern- of the 1,900 sheltering in Uganda and providing backing. —AFP Gloomy times in Spain’s Podemos as divisions rage ‘Reproducing age-old behavior patterns’

MADRID: Spain’s Podemos was born in 2014 internal battle,” says Gabriel Colome, politics pro- Iglesias and his baby-faced number two started out of rage over austerity politics and buoyed fessor at the Autonomous University of to emerge. But it was only after repeat June elec- by its promises of change, but the mood has Barcelona. “They are reproducing age-old tions saw a Podemos-led coalition lose votes that darkened as infighting ravages the far-left party. behavior patterns typical of other parties.” He the rift between the combative Iglesias and more As it prepares to celebrate its third birthday and warned “they do this right, or this project is moderate Errejon leapt to the fore. While the aim inches closer to a crux congress in February, going to explode.” had always been to overtake the Socialists and supporters are watching in dismay-and oppo- become Spain’s main left-wing force, exactly how nents with glee-as Podemos chief Pablo Iglesias Airing dirty laundry to achieve this was a subject of much debate. spars with his deputy Inigo Errejon over what After its emergence in January 2014, Podemos Should the party continue its struggle for change-but from within institutions it now occu- pied such as parliament, and in a moderate way that would attract Socialist voters too, as Errejon advocated? Or should it also go back to the streets, keep resisting and shaking things up as a protest par- ty, as Iglesias wanted? These divergences broke out into the open in September in a war of tweets. “We are already scaring the powerful, that’s not the challenge. The challenge is to attract those people who suffer but still don’t trust us,” Errejon wrote. “Yes comrade @ierrejon but we stopped attracting one million people in June. We seduce more by speaking clearly and being different,” Iglesias retorted. From then on, divisions played out publicly, continuing even as the Socialists (PSOE) implod- ed and the conservative Popular Party came back GENEVA: Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci gestures as he speaks during a press to power at the head of a minority government conference on UN-sponsored Cyprus peace talks at the United Nations headquarters with little support-all of which could have profit- in Geneva. —AFP ed Podemos. The situation left supporters in a state of distress. Once an enthusiastic Podemos militant, Tristan Duanel has now stopped all activ- Cyprus security talks ities for the party, as have others he knows. “We have ended up really bitter,” he says. Such has to conclude this month been the dismay that Iglesias felt compelled to apologize last month. “If the press and social NICOSIA: A working group due to con- Turkish troops invaded in 1974 in media continue to be a stage for us to try and air vene on Jan 18 to hammer out security response to a short-lived coup by Greek our dirty laundry, we will destroy Podemos,” he arrangements for a post-settlement Cypriot militants seeking union with recognized. Cyprus will meet for two to three days Greece. But intercommunal violence had only, followed by another round of high- simmered since the 1960s when a power- Two strategies level talks, a source close to the Turkish sharing system collapsed soon after inde- The issue will likely be set to rest at the party Cypriot side said yesterday. Talks in pendence from Britain. There are also congress in February, when Podemos members Geneva last week failed to produce a unsettled issues on redrawing the bound- will vote for a new leadership council, a process breakthrough in a conflict spanning aries between the two sides, settling that may or may not unseat Iglesias, and for what decades, though the three countries property disputes and on how to co-gov- direction to take. With this in sight, Errejon’s clan which are stakeholders in Cyprus - Britain, ern. Greece, Turkey and Britain were published a policy document on Friday acknowl- Greece and Turkey - agreed to set up the assigned as “guarantor” powers in a treaty edging there were “two strategies” vying for pow- working group to look at security arrange- adopted when Cyprus gained independ- er. On the same day, Iglesias and his team pub- ments after these turned out to be a ence of London in 1960. lished their own document, in which they major sticking point. The Greek side seeks abolition of the warned that “only a united and strong Podemos The Greek Cypriot side has previously guarantor system, accusing Turkey of will be able to rule.” said there was no time frame for the talks. abusing it through its 1974 invasion and To further complicate matters, a third move- The working group made of technocrats the continued stationing of some 30,000 ment which is neither behind Iglesias or Errejon from all countries involved were sched- Turkish troops in the north. The Turkish has emerged as kingmaker. The more radical uled to meet at the Swiss resort of Mont side says some form of presence must be MADRID: This file photo shows leader of left wing party Podemos Pablo Iglesias (L) and anti-capitalists, as they call themselves, want to Pelerin on Jan 18. “The general agreement maintained to protect the minority Turkish Podemos member Inigo Errejon applauding during The Congress on your Square meeting take to the streets again like Iglesias. But they is that (working group session) should not side from a repeat of the turbulent 1960s. held at El Pozo cultural center in Vallecas, a neighborhood of Madrid. —AFP also feel that the party’s power is currently in the take place for more than two or three Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said hands of too few people, calling for decentraliza- days,” the source told Reuters, requesting a total pull out of Turkish soldiers from the strategy to take. The dispute between the once- rose at meteoric speed to score big in elections tion... like Errejon. “They will be pivotal,” says anonymity because of the sensitivity of island is not possible. inseparable pair has forced party members into just under two years later. In those December political analyst Pablo Simon. He also struck a present discussions. This would be fol- Any deal should address how consti- one faction or another, played out on social 2015 polls, it became Spain’s third political force, positive note, saying all was not lost for lowed by a new summit of politicians, tutional order should be respected in a media and in the press, gaining such traction putting an end to the two-party system but also Podemos and now was the time to resolve their possibly at a ‘higher level’ than the foreign united island, as well as protecting it that an apologetic Iglesias warned it could leaving no grouping with any absolute majority. differences. “The PSOE hasn’t recovered and ministers who met in Geneva last week, from ‘external threats’, the Turkish “destroy” Podemos. “It’s one thing to have differ- As coalition negotiations dragged on, rumours of cannot challenge them much, and we’re far the source said. Cypriot source said. Cyprus is on the ences, another thing is this hugely exaggerated a rift between the charismatic, pony-tailed from new elections,” he said.—AFP “All this should take place within verge of the volatile Middle East, and January.” Cyprus was split among its eth- less than 100 kilometers away from war- nic Turkish and Greek populations since torn Syria. —Reuters Police release three after Brussels anti-terror raids BRUSSELS: Belgian police have released attacks in Paris and the suicide bombings three people held overnight following anti- of Brussels airport and the metro in March terror raids late Saturday in Brussels, local 2016. Belgian authorities stepped up secu- prosecutors said. Police mounted four raids rity after the killings and there have been in the Molenbeek district, which was home periodic police raids and arrests since then to several perpetrators of the jihadist as the investigations have continued. attacks in Paris and Brussels, but found Belgian-born French national Salah nothing, according to the Brussels prosecu- Abdeslam, the only known jihadist to have tor’s office. “Three men were arrested and survived the Paris massacres, hid in questioned overnight... they were released Molenbeek and was arrested there four afterwards,” it said in a statement. months later, on March 18, 2016, four days Media reports showed armed police set- before the attacks on the Belgian capital. ting up a security perimeter during the Some 20 people have been charged in operation. The gritty Molenbeek area has Belgium in connection with the Paris gained notoriety recently as the home of attacks. Investigators say the Paris and several of those who took part in the dead- Brussels attacks were carried out by the ly Islamic State-claimed November 2015 same cell.—AFP Chechen leader says over 50 Islamist insurgents detained MOSCOW: Chechen strongman Ramzan ing in Syria and Iraq. The Chechen leader Kadyrov said yesterday his forces had said police on Saturday detained several detained more than 50 insurgents linked participants of the armed group includ- to the Islamic State jihadist group, com- ing an “especially dangerous terrorist” pleting a major security operation. named as Imran Datsayev who threw a PARIS: French elected officials and members of the pro-Israel community speak in front of the Israeli Embassy in Paris yesterday during a rally Kadyrov wrote on Instagram on Sunday hand grenade but was captured alive. He against the Paris Middle East peace conference. —AFP that security forces had captured an said Datsayev testified that he received armed group coordinated by a Chechen orders from Islamic State to kill a police fighter located in Syria, with the latest officer and had killed a police sergeant France says ‘serious consequences’ arrests taking place in various locations last November. on Saturday. Russia fought two brutal separatist “Now the whole group of bandits has wars over the past two decades in if US embassy moves to Jerusalem been neutralized and more than 50 Chechnya but the region has been largely members have been brought to police pacified under Kadyrov’s iron-fisted rule. A PARIS: French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc his campaign to transfer the embassy. Doing so would reverse decades of US policy stations,” Kadyrov said, He also posted a dwindling group of Islamist insurgents are Ayrault said yesterday that if US President-elect “When you are president of the United States, that has until now maintained that the final sta- video of himself speaking to a group of still fighting the authorities in Chechnya Donald Trump moves the American embassy in you cannot take such a stubborn and such a uni- tus of Jerusalem-whose eastern and largely Arab the captured men in Chechen. and across the volatile North Caucasus, Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem it would have lateral view on this issue. You have to try to cre- side has been occupied by Israel since 1967 — The Moscow-back leader of the North and sporadically launch eye-catching “extremely serious consequences.” Speaking as ate the conditions for peace,” Ayrault said. should be determined in peace negotiations Caucasus region called the operation- attacks. Kadyrov, a former fighter against 70 countries gather in Paris to try to revive Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas warned with the Palestinians. The Paris meeting is mainly planned since last summer-”a big suc- Russia’s rule who now supports President Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, Ayrault told Saturday that peace could be dealt a mortal symbolic, but comes at a crucial juncture for the cess for the law enforcement agencies.” Vladimir Putin, regularly announces raids French TV he believed Trump would find it blow if Trump, who has vowed unstinting sup- Middle East, five days before Trump is sworn in The Russian North Caucasus is one of the to capture insurgents, which he some- “impossible” to fulfil the pledge he made during port for Israel, moves the embassy to Jerusalem. as US president.—AFP major sources of foreign jihadists fight- times personally coordinates.—AFP

MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 INTERNATIONAL China’s Zhou Youguang, linguist turned dissident, dies at 111 BEIJING: Linguist Zhou Youguang, the man who an aristocratic family in 1906, Zhou experienced acy by reforming the Chinese language. He eventu- his wife and son. He has described the two helped invent the Pinyin system used for writing the last years of the Qing dynasty and its revolu- ally backed a system based on one developed in the decades from 1960 to 1980 as “wasted”, adding: “In Chinese worldwide before becoming an outspoken tionary overthrow. He avoided China’s civil war Soviet Union, using Roman letters to represent pro- all honesty I haven’t got anything good to say critic of the communist government died Saturday between the Communists and Nationalists by nunciation alongside marks to indicate tone. about Mao Zedong.” He had a higher opinion of in Beijing. He was 111. Zhou, who was probably going to work for a Chinese bank on Wall Street, The proposal, named Pinyin-”putting together Mao’s successor Deng Xiaoping, who launched China’s oldest dissenter, died Saturday at his house twice meeting Albert Einstein while visiting friends sounds”-is used in schools across China and has market-style reforms which helped transform China in the country’s capital, a day after having celebrat- at Princeton. been instrumental in boosting the country’s litera- into the world’s second-largest economy. ed his 111th birthday, state media said. “He lived But following the Communist victory in 1949, cy rate from around 20 percent in the 1950s to But after he retired aged 85, Zhou wrote dozens through many eras and helped enlighten ordinary Zhou returned home to teach economics and more than 90 percent today. In recent decades, of books arguing that Deng’s reforms were insuffi- people,” the Communist Party mouthpiece the became a close associate of the party’s number two, Pinyin has become key to the easy creation of cient without political change. “Chinese people People’s Daily said. Zhou Enlai. He was attracted to Mao Zedong’s Chinese characters on computers. But Zhou’s con- becoming rich isn’t important,” he said. “Human Zhou is commonly known as the “father of Communists because “at that time they promoted tributions did not save him from the chaos of Mao’s progress is ultimately progress towards democracy.” Pinyin”, a system for transliterating Chinese charac- themselves as democrats”, he wrote in a 2012 auto- decade-long Cultural Revolution from 1966, during “After 30 years of economic reform, China still ters into the Roman alphabet introduced in the biography. An amateur linguist who had taught which intellectuals were persecuted. Zhou, then in needs to take the path of democracy,” Zhou said in 1950s and now used by hundreds of millions of lan- himself some Esperanto, Zhou was assigned in 1955 his 60s, was sent to work at a labor camp in faraway a 2015 interview. “It’s the only path. I have always guage learners in China, as well as abroad. Born to to co-chair a committee tasked with increasing liter- Ningxia for more than two years, separated from believed that.”—AFP China appoints Tibet governor

BEIJING: China has appointed a new gov- of Tibet remains a difficult issue for China, ernor of Tibet, one of the country’s most which has struggled with decades of often politically sensitive regions, state news violent unrest in protest at Chinese rule, agency Xinhua reported yesterday. A thirty- which started when Chinese troops five-year veteran of the Communist Party, marched into Tibet in 1950. Qi Zhala, 58, has also served as the region’s China says its rule has brought prosperi- Communist Party vice-secretary and the ty and stability, and rejects claims from party boss of regional capital Lhasa, Tibetan exiles and rights groups of wide- according to his resume, published by par- spread repression. Of Tibetan ethnicity, Qi ty mouthpiece the People’s Daily. He originates from neighboring Yunnan replaces Luosang Jiangcun who was province. He held official posts in Yunnan named secretary of the region’s National before transferring to Tibet in 2010. As gov- People’s Congress in the same Xinhua ernor, he is the second-most powerful fig- announcement. ure in the region, after the regional Managing the remote Himalayan region Communist party boss.—Reuters S Korea prosecutors to decide today on Samsung heir arrest SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors investi- dozens of units ranging from electronics to gating a major influence-peddling scandal hotels. Its collective revenues are equiva- involving impeached President Park Geun- lent to around 20 percent of South Korea’s Hye said they would decide today annual economic output. Flagship firm whether to arrest the heir to the giant Samsung Electronics is the world’s top Samsung group over alleged bribery. Lee smartphone maker. Recent health prob- Jae-Yong, Samsung Electronics vice chair- lems concerning the senior Lee, currently man and the son of the group’s current bedridden after suffering a heart attack last INDIA: This picture shows Indian rescue workers carrying the body of a man who drowned in a boat accident on the river Ganges near Patna, as chairman Lee Kun-Hee, is accused of year, prompted the group to step up the bodies of other victims lay in the water. —AFP approving a decision to pay Park’s secret restructuring efforts. confidante Choi Soon-Sil large sums of Prosecutors are probing whether money to secure favorable decisions. The Samsung’s donations were aimed at secur- India boat accident junior Lee was quizzed through Thursday ing approval for a controversial deal it and Friday as a criminal suspect, and three sought in 2015. The merger of two other senior Samsung executives were Samsung units-Cheil Industries and also questioned. Samsung C&T-was seen as a key step “We will reach a decision on Monday... towards ensuring a smooth third-genera- toll rises to 26 on whether or not to arrest Lee by taking tion power transfer to Lee Jae-Yong. The into account the complexity and the signifi- deal was opposed by many investors who cance of the issue,” Lee Kyu-Chul, said it willfully undervalued spokesman for a special team of prosecu- Samsung C&T’s shares. But the National ‘More people feared dead’ tors probing the scandal, said yesterday. Pension Service-a major Samsung share- The prosecutors had planned to make the holder-approved the deal, which eventual- NEW DELHI: The death toll from a boat accident authority said. “Workers pulled out 22 bodies in pensation of 400,000 rupees ($5,900) for the decision on Sunday but legal deliberations ly went through. A former welfare minister in eastern India rose to 26 yesterday, a senior the night and this morning four more bodies families of the victims. Prime Minister Narendra took longer than expected “due to the sig- who at the time oversaw the operations of official said, warning of more casualties with res- were recovered,” he said by phone. “The boat Modi also condoled the deaths while cancelling nificance of the move”, Lee told a televised the pension fund has been arrested for cue workers still scouring the waters. The non- capsized not very far from the shore. Some peo- an event he was scheduled to attend in Patna briefing. The scandal centers on Choi, who allegedly pressuring the fund’s managers motorized wooden boat, packed beyond capaci- ple managed to swim to safety. But we are fear- yesterday. is accused of using her close friendship to to approve the merger. Park is accused of ty with revelers returning from a kite festival, ing the number of dead could go up further.” Boat accidents are common in the country, the president to coerce top Seoul firms into colluding with Choi to extract money from capsized Saturday in the Ganges river near Among those to survive the tragedy was an 18- mainly because of overcrowding, poor mainte- “donating” nearly $70 million dollars to two local businesses and letting her meddle in Patna, the capital of Bihar state. The exact num- month toddler, now recovering in a city hospital, nance, lax regulations and a lack of life jackets non-profit foundations which Choi then a wide range of state affairs. ber of missing could not be ascertained due to Kumar said. and other safety equipment. Some 20 people allegedly used for personal gain. She was impeached by parliament last the absence of a passenger list but police said The revelers were on their way back from the died after a ferry capsized in a rain-swollen river Samsung-the biggest contributor to the month. The Constitutional Court is current- the boat was carrying at least 40 people. annual Hindu harvest festival of Makar Sakranti, in India’s northeastern state of Assam in foundations-is also accused of separately ly reviewing the validity of the impeach- Rescue workers were working round the marked by kite-flying and other festivities. State September 2015. More than 100 people lost providing millions of Euros to Choi to ment. If it upholds the decision, a fresh clock looking for survivors, Anirudh Kumar, joint Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an their lives in 2012 in Assam when a boat sank in bankroll her daughter’s equestrian training presidential election must be held within secretary of the state disaster management inquiry into the accident and announced com- the Brahmaputra river during a storm.—AFP in Germany. The Samsung group has two months. —AFP Roadside bomb kills seven Afghan civilians

JALALABAD, Afghanistan: At least seven civilians, ity,” a term Afghan officials use to refer to Taliban. including women and three children, were killed when Nangarhar is also home to Islamic State group fighters, their truck hit a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan who are trying to expand their presence in Afghanistan yesterday, officials said. The villagers were travelling from by winning over sympathizers, recruiting followers and Pacheer Agam district to a nearby village in Nangarhar challenging the Taliban on their own turf. province, Hijratullah Rahmani district governor of Afghan civilians are paying a heavy price for the esca- Pacheer Agam said. “Unfortunately, in the blast, seven lating conflict across the country. A total of 2,562 civilians civilians, including a woman and three children were were killed and another 5,835 wounded in the first nine killed and one wounded,” he said. months of 2016, according to a UN report. Last week, No one claimed responsibility, but the interior min- over 50 people, mostly civilians, were killed in multiple istry in a statement blamed “enemies of peace and stabil- Taliban bombings across Afghanistan. —AFP Philippines’ Duterte threatens martial law BOGOR: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) speaks as Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo looks on as they give a MANILA: Philippine President Duterte to prosecute his war “the to stop an invasion or a rebellion. statement to the media following their meeting at the presidential palace in Bogor yesterday. —AFP Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to right way”. Parliament can revoke the measure impose martial rule to prosecute his Duterte has reacted furiously to within 48 hours while the Supreme deadly war on drugs, three decades the criticism and vowed to continue Court can review its legality. Indonesia, Japan affirm deeper after the nation shed dictatorship his war until illegal drugs are eradicat- But Duterte, speaking to local busi- with a famous “People Power” revolt. ed. Duterte has raised the prospect of nessmen in his southern home town ties during Abe’s Asian tour “If I wanted to, and it (the illegal imposing martial law previously. of Davao city, warned he could ignore drugs problem) will deteriorate into However Saturday’s comments were the 60-day limit. “The 60-day (limit) BOGOR, Indonesia: Japan and Indonesia, and for preliminary dis- Japan is a crucial part of. Australia and something really very virulent, I will the most direct threat. will be gone,” he said. “And I’d tell you Indonesia yesterday affirmed a deep- cussions of a Jakarta-Surabaya rail Japan agreed to greater military coop- declare martial law if I wanted to. No Martial rule would allow Duterte to now, if I have to declare martial law, I ening of economic and political ties line. He did not give specifics. Abe’s eration, and in the Philippines, Abe one will be able to stop me,” Duterte use the military to enforce civilian law will declare it not about invasion, during a visit by Japanese Prime trip is largely aimed at taking a lead- pledged $8.7 billion in business said in a speech on Saturday night. and detain people at length without insurrection, not about danger. I will Minister Shinzo Abe, who is using a ership role in promoting regional opportunities and investment. The 71-year-old former state prose- charging them. The Philippines last declare martial law to preserve my four-nation tour of Asia to underscore cooperation to counter Beijing at a Jokowi said that in his meeting cutor said the aim would be “to pre- endured martial law during the 20- nation-period,” he said. Also on his government’s role in countering time of increased tension between with Abe, he asked for Japan to open serve the Filipino people and the year rule of dictator Ferdinand Saturday Duterte said he has ordered China’s assertiveness in the South China and the US and uncertainty access for Indonesian agricultural youth of this land”. Marcos, who was accused of plunder- the military to “blast” Islamic militants China Sea. After meeting with Abe, about the policies of the incoming goods, improve access for Indonesian Duterte won elections in May last ing billions of dollars from state cof- who have been on a kidnap-for- Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Donald Trump administration. nurses to work in Japan, commence a year on a pledge to wipe out illegal fers and overseeing widespread ransom spree, even if hostages would Widodo said the increase in Japanese With the tour, Tokyo wants to send review of the Indonesia-Japan eco- drugs, promising an unprecedented human rights abuses. also be killed. investment in Indonesia, Southeast a message that its respect for a rules- nomic partnership agreement this crackdown to stop the Philippines Marcos declared martial law in “They say, ‘What about the Asia’s largest economy, has been “very based international system, in con- year, and grant national carrier from becoming what he termed a 1972, invoking the threats of crime hostage?’ Sorry, collateral damage. significant,” more than doubling to trast to China’s more aggressive Garuda rights for a Jakarta-Tokyo-Los narco state. The crackdown has left at and a communist insurgency, and lift- Then if they are blasted every day, that $4.5 billion in January-September of behavior in the South China Sea, Angeles route. After Indonesia, Abe least 5,700 people dead in just over ed it in 1981. His rule ended in 1986, (kidnappings) would stop, or, at least, last year. where it has vast territorial claims, will visit Vietnam, which the US has six months, raising concerns of a when millions took to the streets in places us in a very-and into a parity-So He said the countries agreed that makes it the best partner for cultivated stronger ties with as a part breakdown in the rule of law with the largely bloodless military-backed better not get yourselves kidnapped.” their defense and foreign ministers Southeast Asian countries. The trip of President Barack Obama’s pivot to security forces and vigilantes carry- “People Power” revolt. A new constitu- The Abu Sayyaf, a loose network of will meet in Indonesia this year has included two of America’s main Asia policy. Trump, however, has said ing out extrajudicial killings. tion drawn up in 1987 in an effort to militants formed in the 1990s with under a new forum they established allies in the region, Australia and the he will scrap US involvement in the The Philippines’ longtime ally, the avoid another dictatorship specified a seed money from Al-Qaeda, preys on in 2015 to increase maritime cooper- Philippines, where Philippine Trans Pacific Partnership trade agree- United States, has led international single six-year presidential term. It southern Philippine waters and has ation. Jokowi said there were agree- President Rodrigo Duterte’s hostility ment, which was a signature part of criticism of the killings, with outgo- also said the president could impose earned millions of dollars from kidnap- ments on development of a deep- to the US has raised doubts about its Obama’s policy. Wright reported from ing President Barack Obama urging martial rule for just 60 days and only pings-for-ransom. — AFP sea port and the Masela gas field in commitment to the US alliance that Jakarta, Indonesia.—AP NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 In Paris, Trump warned over... Continued from Page 1 time limit for completing the negotiations, as well as the immediate implementation of any The Palestinians regard Israeli-annexed agreement to be concluded for reaching a east Jerusalem as the capital of their future two-state solution based on relevant UN reso- state, while Israel proclaims the entire city as lutions, mainly the UN General Assembly’s res- its capital. The status of the city is one of the olution 1994, and the Security Council’s reso- thorniest issues in the conflict. President lutions 242, 338, 1397, 1515, 1850 and 2334, in Francois Hollande told the gathering that addition to the Arab peace initiative, paving the prospect of two independent states the way for establishing a Palestinian state on coexisting side-by-side was “not the dream the pre-June 1967 borders, with east of yesterday’s system”. “It remains the goal of Jerusalem as its capital. the entire international community for the In order to achieve these goals, the con- future,” Hollande said. cerned world’s bodies - especially the Middle Netanyahu, who insists only direct talks East Quartet, the UNSC’s permanent members with the Palestinians can bring peace, has dis- and the international bodies - have to play an missed the Paris meeting as “a last gasp of the effective role in supporting and implementing past”. Yesterday he called it a “futile” exercise them, the Kuwaiti foreign minister noted. He aimed at “imposing upon Israel conditions expressed hope that the Quartet would that are incompatible with our national include Arab members to make it more vital needs”. Both Netanyahu and Palestinian presi- and effective. dent Mahmoud Abbas have been invited to Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled expressed deep meet with Hollande to discuss the conclusions concern over reports that the new US of the Paris talks. Abbas is expected to travel to administration would move the US embassy Paris in the coming weeks but Netanyahu has from Tel Aviv to “Occupied Jerusalem”, a rejected the offer, French diplomats said. matter that is most likely to undermine The conference is mainly symbolic, but opportunities for peace and contradict with A horse walks through deep snow yesterday in its paddock near Ruderatshofen in southern Germany. — AFP comes at a crucial juncture for the Middle East, UNSC resolutions, especially no 478 that five days before Trump is sworn in as US presi- states: “Those states that have established dent. Trump has said “there’s nobody more diplomatic missions at Jerusalem to with- Bahrain executes 3 convicted over police bombing pro-Israeli than I am” and his choice for ambas- draw such missions from the Holy City.” sador to Israel, David Friedman, is a hardliner At the onset of the address, the chief Continued from Page 1 Jamra, west of the capital Manama, the Bangladeshi man in 2010. A number of who says he looks forward to working from Kuwaiti diplomat said that the world’s pub- Interior Ministry said yesterday. It gave no fur- death sentences have been issued since “Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem”. lic opinion, especially in the Arab region, is areas. Witnesses said shops were shuttered ther details. The Ashtar Brigade, a Shiite mili- then. The three put to death yesterday were Israel, which is still seething over a critical closely following the conference and the in Daih, where the 2014 bombing happened. tant group that claimed the 2014 police the first who had held Bahraini citizenship UN resolution last month, fears the Paris meet- regional and international momentum it Garbage bins were seen overturned and set attack and a number of other bombings in executed since 1996, though they were ing could produce measures hastily put to the could produce to resume the stalled peace alight in the streets. Bahrain, took responsibility for the attack on technically stateless at the time of their Security Council before Trump takes over. The process. Thus, participants in the Paris meet- One police officer was wounded when sev- the police officer on social media. deaths after being stripped of their citizen- French have stressed they have no such plans. ing should seek by all means that the event eral people shot at a police patrol in Bani Bahrain’s last execution was of a ship when convicted. — AP But EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the would lead to the activation of the outcome conference’s conclusions today, EU sources of previous conferences and initiatives that said. It was uncertain whether they would sought a solution to the Palestinian cause, issue a statement, with Britain and some cen- such as Madrid 1991, Oslo 1993 and Camp MPs file grilling over sports ban tral European countries reluctant to upset the David 2000, besides the several resolutions Continued from Page 1 sial laws to be compatible with the Olympic They questioned the minister about enacting incoming Trump administration, a European by the UN’s General Assembly and the UNSC Charter and to write to the IOC and FIFA those legislations without consulting the IOC, diplomat said. US Secretary of State John on the major issue, he said. IOC, FIFA and several international sports requesting a temporary lifting of the ban until and then later compounded the situation by Kerry, who rebuked Israel recently over its set- The results of not applying UN resolutions federations suspended Kuwaiti sports bodies in the law has been amended. dissolving local sports bodies recognized by tler activity, joined the Paris talks on his and the non-commitment to what have been Oct 2015 over alleged government interference Both the IOC and FIFA rejected Kuwait’s international sports organizations. farewell tour, along with delegates from the concluded in relevant international confer- in sports. Sheikh Salman and other sports digni- request. IOC demanded three conditions to lift The grilling also accused the minister of UN, EU and Arab League. ences have “aggravated the humanitarian taries had directly accused Kuwaitis with lead- the ban - the amendment of the laws, with- squandering public funds and not taking any Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and tragedies of the unarmed Palestinian people, ing positions in international sports and promi- drawing of all court cases and reinstating all dis- measure to stop it at the youth and information Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al- and heightened tension in the region”, Sheikh nent figures leading Kuwaiti sports bodies of solved sports bodies. ministries and at the public sports authority. It Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said the Paris Sabah Al-Khaled stressed. Moreover, this has orchestrating the suspension, which they Sheikh Salman refused to accept the second also accused the minister of committing a num- conference should focus on an end to the been reflected on international peace and sta- described as illegal. and third conditions, and only promised to ber of administrative violations in several Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conference bility, as the region started to see the emer- Exploiting the presence of a totally pro-gov- withdraw the court cases as part of a compre- appointments in the information ministry. should concentrate on reaching a “final set- gence of further crises, such as extremism and ernment National Assembly in the past few hensive settlement with IOC, which rejected Finally, the grilling charged that the ministry tlement” for the conflict and not only con- terrorism that cannot be dissolved unless the years, the government introduced a number of the offer outright. IOC even said the Kuwaiti played an active role in issuing a number of tinuing to manage it, Sheikh Sabah Al- root of the problem, namely the Palestinian legislative amendments including a 2016 law sports situation had deteriorated further and laws and decisions that negatively impacted Khaled told the meeting. issue, is settled, he noted. that complicated the suspension crisis. Sheikh demanded concrete steps to lift the ban. the freedom of press and speech in Kuwait, cit- This can be realized through incentives to Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said that this year Salman implemented the law in August by dis- The three lawmakers recounted the minis- ing the electronic crimes law as an example. the Israelis and the Palestinians to resume marks the 69th anniversary of the Palestinians’ solving the Kuwait Olympic Committee, Kuwait ter’s involvement in sports since he was Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said peace negotiations, creating favorable condi- Nakba, suffering and pain, and the 50th Football Association and several sports federa- appointed minister in 2012 and how he played the grilling will be placed on the agenda of the tions and climate for interaction and econom- anniversary of the occupation of Arab territo- tions over alleged misappropriation of public a key role in changing a milestone sports law Jan 31 session and if the minister wants to delay ic, educational and vocational cooperation, he ries in 1967. He also highly appreciated the funds and administrative violations. issued in 2012 and which was compatible with the debate, he has to seek approval from the said. “This is likely to lay down bases for peace peace initiative offered by Hollande to save But with the election of the new Assembly in the Olympic Charter. They said the minister was Assembly. The debate of the grilling could lead and dismiss all forms of extremism and vio- the Mideast peace process, recalling France’s November, the picture has partially changed. instrumental in getting sports legislations to a vote of no-confidence, which will lead to lence,” he added. stances in support of the Palestinian cause on Opposition MPs pressured the minister and the passed in the previous Assembly and which the minister’s dismissal if approved by half of Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled called for setting a international levels. — Agencies government to accept to change the controver- eventually led to the suspension of Kuwait. the Assembly’s 50 elected members. MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

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Focus Kasich to doubters: I’m no lame duck

n less than a year’s time, Ohio Gov John Kasich has gone from an “adult in the room” alternative in a Ifractious Republican presidential field, to a potential convention spoiler in Cleveland, to now facing a hostile new president who reached down personally to seize control of the state GOP. The rollercoaster ride has left many wondering whether Kasich’s political star and personal influence have faded. To this, Kasich had a direct answer this week: “You know (how) they talk about lame duck? They never met me.” With his characteristic defiance, Kasich has re- emerged in recent weeks after a period of retreat that followed a painful decision to concede his presidential ambitions for a second time. The 64-year-old Republican has vetoed what would have been one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion laws and Republican-backed legislation further delaying Ohio’s alternative-energy mandates. He has resumed his public schedule in Ohio and scheduled appearances over the next week in Atlanta for Martin Luther King Jr. Warren embraces role as foil to Trump Day and in Washington to discuss health care with senators and attend President-elect Donald Trump’s onald Trump’s election has propelled Sen Elizabeth Warren told the AP. “I’m all for making the ACA better, but committee - PAC for a Level Playing Field - she has inauguration. Warren into an even sharper partisan spotlight as not for throwing it out. What the Republicans are doing is doled out hundreds of thousands of dollars in the past Kasich is Republicans’ singular 2016 presidential she embraces her role as a top Democratic foil to irresponsible and cruel.” two years to Democratic candidates and committees in contender never to fall in line behind Trump. His D the Republican president-elect. In just the past few weeks, the hope of strengthening the party’s hand in future actions cost Kasich control of the Ohio Republican Warren has penned a scathing 16-page critique of Trump’s elections. “The Democrat’s agenda is the American Party on Jan. 6, when then-Chairman Matt Borges was Long view nominee for education secretary, Betsy DeVos; grilled his Warren is taking the political long view. She is an people’s agenda,” she said. Warren won’t say whether pushed out by Trump’s favored candidate after the pick for housing secretary, Ben Carson; co-sponsored legis- aggressive fundraiser, and through her political action she is prepping for a possible 2020 run for president, president-elect made personal phone calls to some lation requiring the president and vice president to dis- although she has announced plans to run for re-elec- central committee members. close and divest any potential financial conflicts of interest; tion in 2018, making the case for a second term in part “The governor faces some unusual political prob- and signed onto legislation to block the creation of a feder- by again pointing to “Donald Trump and his team of lems because of the fallout of the presidential election,” al religious registry. billionaires, bigots, and Wall Street bankers” in an email said John Green, of the University of Akron’s Bliss The Massachusetts Democrat is leaning on every lever to supporters. Institute. University of Dayton associate political sci- of power she has - from her fundraising prowess to her Massachusetts Republicans have labeled Warren a ence professor Nancy Martorano Miller said, “I think the social media accounts - to position herself as a leading “hyperpartisan bully more interested in scoring rest of the state GOP is trying to walk that line between voice of a party in political exile. “My priorities haven’t political points than delivering actual results.” But the two of them, because we don’t know how this is changes since the day I got into office,” Warren said in an among voters in her home state where she remains going to play out. The big question marks are how is interview with AP. “I see my job as making sure the voices popular, the reaction to Warren’s spikes-up approach President Trump going to react to places and things of ordinary people aren’t drowned out in Washington by is more nuanced. “I’m just tired of all the fighting,” and people that didn’t line up behind him?” those who have money and power.” said Tim James, 26, of Newton, who works in macro- That Kasich aides remain engaged on social media Her list of grievances with Trump is long and growing economics. “I don’t agree with a lot of the things and that Kasich is writing op-eds and a book suggest longer. But in a shift from the campaign, when Warren that Trump had to say ... but we’ve had about eight the former congressman isn’t done running for office, lobbed Twitter grenade after Twitter grenade to get under years or so of gridlock in Washington, and I think Miller said. In other words: This, too, is politics. “They Trump’s skin, she says her criticism is now more focused on that it’s important for us to try to put some of the may be banking on a strategy that things go horribly her top priority: The economic well-being of middle- and more divisive rhetoric to the side.” Jay Fiset, a 30- wrong for the Republican Party in the next two years,” working-class families. year-old chef from Somerville, also said that while she said. “It’s a risky bet.” She has excoriated Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary, Trump and Warren may be political polar opposites, Steven Mnuchin, saying he profited from the foreclosure it’s time to ditch the campaign. Voter Support crisis; called out Trump’s Department of Labor nominee, “They’re going to butt heads,” he said. “But I think But Kasich has sustained voter support in his closely fast food entrepreneur Andrew Puzder, after hearing from that they should come together and try and figure out divided bellwether state. A Monmouth University Poll in workers who said they were underpaid, had their wages the problems rather than pinpointing who’s doing what October found that Kasich’s anti-Trump stance hadn’t stolen, and were forced to work in unsafe conditions; and wrong.” Others see a reason to applaud every Warren hurt his overall favorability rating, though he has lost vowed to fight to protect President Barack Obama’s health- missive. “She should definitely keep going hard after some support among fellow Republicans and gained care law and preserve the Consumer Financial Protection him because he hasn’t admitted to anything yet. He has- some among Democrats. Bureau, which she helped create. n’t apologized for anything,” said Dencis Pena, 37, of During public events this week, Kasich espoused a “The Republicans have put us on the path to repealing Boston, who works in the insurance industry. “Until he message that’s equal parts John F. Kennedy and Mr. the ACA (Affordable Care Act), and that will make a pro- changes and shows he actually understands the facts, Rogers, urging people to ask not what politicians can found difference in the lives of millions of Americans,” people should not let him off the hook.” — AP do for them, but to “stick your nose in somebody else’s Elizabeth Warren business” to help solve society’s tough problems. Bracing the state for a painful budget cycle, he says that every person is special and that the country needs peo- ple engaged in their communities to effect change. Iran wary of rising US ‘hostility’ Nazek Habatfha, 35, of Dublin, is a graduate student and Islamic youth leader who petitioned for Kasich’s eventual veto of the renewable energy bill. She said year after its nuclear deal took effect, Iran is increas- Instead, Hadian said, the Trump administration is likely the return of France’s PSA, which operates joint ventures Kasich impressed her as he weathered the year’s politi- ingly concerned over the arrival of US President- to put pressure on Iran in areas outside the nuclear agree- with local carmakers. cal blows without seeming to betray his values. Aelect Donald Trump, who has threatened to tear up ment, including with more sanctions based on its human The lifting of sanctions also allowed the signing of two “Sometimes doing the right thing is not necessarily the historic accord. Analysts say it is unlikely the Trump rights record, ballistic missile program and alleged support huge contracts for the purchase of 100 aircraft from doing the popular thing. That’s really the position that administration will completely dismantle the agreement, for “terrorism” in the Middle East. That may be bad news for European aerospace giant Airbus and another 80 from US John Kasich is in, as I view it, and I hope that we will which he described as “the worst deal ever negotiated”. A Rouhani, who is hoping to point to the agreement and the rival Boeing. But ordinary Iranians have yet to see much look back at John Kasich and say he was that minority series of cabinet appointments, however, have signalled end of Iran’s international isolation as he seeks re-election improvement in their daily lives. While the economy grew voice that stood up for what is right,” said Habatfha, a Trump is likely to take a hard line on Tehran. And that will in a presidential vote in May. Rouhani, a moderate, man- by six percent between March and September last year Hillary Clinton voter. “Right now, popular opinion is not ratchet up pressure on Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, aged to push through the deal despite vocal opposition and inflation was brought back below 10 percent, jobless- on his side.” — AP who is making the nuclear deal a centrepiece of his re-elec- from hardliners, largely by touting its potential economic ness continued to rise, with 12.7 percent of the working tion bid this year. benefits for Iranians stung by years of sanctions. population unemployed. Among those under 29, more “Some of the people who are taking office in the execu- than a quarter were out of work. Many Iranians believed tive branch have a long history of being against Iran,” said Rouhani ‘oversold’ accord the nuclear agreement would see a surge in economic Foad Izadi, a professor of international studies at Tehran In some areas, the deal has started paying off. Iran more activity, including foreign investments, “but a lot of those University. “We are going to see a harsher policy toward than doubled its oil exports to more than 2.5 million bar- hopes have not materialized,” Izadi said. Iranian officials Iran during the Trump administration,” he said. On Sunday, rels per day last year, earning $29 billion in the nine have accused Washington of failing to abide by the spirit of Iran’s top negotiator in the nuclear talks accused months leading to Dec 20. Energy giants including France’s the deal, including with a raft of other sanctions related to Washington of doing “whatever it can to slow down Iran’s Total and Anglo-Dutch Shell are lining up to seek oil and non-nuclear issues that have helped deter major Western progress” after the deal. “In the last 12 months, we have gas deals, and manufacturing has been given a boost with banks from returning to Iran. — AFP witnessed delays and the disrespecting of promises by the US and some countries. Their hostility increases by the day,” Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters. In confirmation hearings ahead of Trump’s January 20 inauguration, several of his cabinet nominees made clear their opposition to a further softening of ties with Tehran. Secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson said he would rec- ommend a “full review” of the nuclear agreement. John Kasich ‘Stupid’ to tear up deal Defense secretary pick James Mattis said Washington needed to “live up” to its word on the accord, but also All articles appearing on these pages described Iran as “the biggest destabilizing force in the Middle East”. Despite his fierce rhetoric and the views of are the personal opinion of the writers. senior cabinet members, Trump is not likely to try to Kuwait Times takes no responsibility reverse the deal, experts say. “The situation may become worse, but the (nuclear deal) will not be torn up, simply for views expressed therein. Kuwait because that’s stupid,” said Nasser Hadian, another profes- Times invites readers to voice their sor of international relations at Tehran University. The agreement, which lifted a wide range of interna- opinions. Please send submissions via tional sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear pro- email to: [email protected] or gram, took effect on Jan 16, 2016 following years of talks. Negotiated by Tehran and six world powers including the via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, United States, Russia and China, the agreement was widely Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to seen as a major victory for international diplomacy. That edit any submission as necessary. would make reneging on the deal nearly impossible and fraught with huge risks, analysts say. “Even the American An Iranian man walks along a street past a mosaic mural on the first anniversary of the nuclear agreement in the hawks are all saying don’t tear it up,” Hadian said. capital Tehran on Saturday. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS

Struggling Forest Crisis-ridden Valencia Marsh out of sack Montanier ease relegation fears Pakistan ODIs

MADRID: Valencia moved four points clear of La Liga’s relega- MELBOURNE: Australia’s fast bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled LONDON: Nottingham Forest have sacked their French manager Philippe tion zone as goals from Martin Montoya and Santi Mina sealed out of the remainder of the one-day international series against Pakistan with a Montanier after just seven months in charge, the struggling English a first league win in nine games in a 2-1 victory over Espanyol shoulder injury, the country’s cricket board said yesterday. The 25-year-old Championship club said on Saturday. “Nottingham Forest can confirm that the yesterday. The home fans once again called for Singaporean Marsh was named in Australia’s 16-man squad for the four-test series in India club have parted company with head coach Philippe Montanier,” the Midlands owner Peter Lim to leave the club before kick-off after a disas- and will hope to recover in time for the tour starting next month. Marsh has had outfit said on their website (www.nottinghamforest.co.uk). The trous campaign that has seen two coaches and the sporting problems with his right shoulder, which has restricted his bowling ability, and he former double European Cup winners are struggling in director leave the Mestalla. However, there was finally some pulled up sore after Australia’s six-wicket loss against Pakistan in England’s second-tier and were recently the subject of a relief on the pitch in the first game since interim coach Voro yesterday’s second one-day international at the Melbourne takeover attempt by a U.S.-owned consortium. Forest have Gonzalez was put in charge until the end of the season as Cricket Ground. “Mitchell has had an ongoing shoulder injury taken two points from their last 21 and Saturday’s 0-0 draw Montoya rounded off a fine team move to give Valencia the which we have been managing but it is now at a point where with Birmingham City left them 20th, three points above perfect start after 17 minutes. Mina sealed a first home win in he is unable to function at the level required,” Cricket Australia the relegation zone. The 52-year-old Montanier, who has La Liga since September 17 minutes from time when he forced physio David Beakley said in a statement. “He now requires a also been in charge at Stade Rennes, Real Sociedad, home the rebound after Diego Lopez clawed Dani Parejo’s period of rest and rehabilitation in order to return to full fitness.” Valenciennes and Boulogne, is the seventh permanent free-kick off the line. David Lopez ensured a nervy finish when Cricket Australia did not name a replacement for Marsh but manager to leave Forest since the club was taken he pulled a goal back with five minutes to go, but Valencia added batsman Peter Handscomb to the Australia ODI squad over by businessman Fawaz Al Hasawi in clung on to gain some breathing space from the bottom three. with Chris Lynn ruled out of the third ODI in Perth due to an July 2012. Forest have put academy man- At the other end of the table, Real Madrid will look to extend ongoing neck injury. Lynn, who also missed yesterday’s ager Gary Brazil in charge until a succes- their lead and a Spanish record 40-game unbeaten run when second ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, will trav- sor is named. — Reuters they travel to third-placed Sevilla later.—AFP el to Brisbane to consult with a specialist. —Reuters

Jack, DeGale fight to draw in super-middleweight clash

NEW YORK: Badou Jack knocked out a this man. He is tough, he’s durable, he’s tooth and almost knocked out the referee skillful. You are the man. I won that fight.” but he couldn’t convince the judges DeGale said he felt those punches from Saturday that he did enough against James Jack in the 12th. He managed to gather his DeGale to become the unified super-mid- senses and buy some time by getting into a dleweight champ. clinch. “I was kind of hurt. I am willing to do Both boxing champions suffered knock- it again,” DeGale said. downs in the action-packed title fight which ended in a draw after two judges ‘BAD FOR BOXING’ scored it 113-113 and the other had it 114- One of the strangest moments in a bru- 112 in favour of DeGale. tal, but thrilling, fight took place at the end The fighters retained their belts and the fifth round, when Jack accidentally each complained afterwards that they had punched Arthur Mercanti Jr., sending the won the fight at the Barclays Center arena. referee staggering across the ring. World Boxing Council champion Jack was Mercanti shook it off, took a couple of knocked down in the opening round when sips of water, and returned to action for the he got hit by a left hand. sixth round. It was the third time he had been Jack’s promoter Floyd Mayweather also knocked down in his career, but he gained complained about the scoring. a measure of revenge by knocking out one “This is the second time in a row Badou of DeGale’s teeth in the 10th round. has gotten a bad decision,” Mayweather DeGale barely survived the final round said. “James DeGale is a hell of a fighter, but when he was knocked down by a right tonight he didn’t win. At the end of the day, uppercut on the chin. He managed to get I don’t know what the judges are looking up but threw very few punches during the at. “This is bad for boxing.” rest of the 12th round. Mayweather my win out in the end as “I thought I won the fight,” said Sweden’s the two will probably have to set up a Jack inside the ring immediately following rematch to determine who is the best 168- the fight. “I finished stronger. His knock- pound fighter in the world. On the under- down was a flash knockdown.” card, Gervonta Davis knocked out Jose International Boxing Federation champ Pedraza in the seventh round to capture DeGale was standing next to Jack and had the IBF junior lightweight title. heard enough. The 22-year-old Davis won his 17th “Don’t listen to this rubbish. I threw the straight fight with no losses with a domi- Graeme Storm cleanest shots,” said DeGale, who is the first nating performance against the Puerto Briton to win both Olympic gold and a pro- Rican, who was making the third defence fessional world title. “I got huge respect for of his title. — AFP Storm pips McIlroy for ‘dream’ SA Open triumph

JOHANNESBURG: Graeme Storm of England defeated world number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland in a play-off yesterday to win the South African Open 83 days after losing his Late birdie rush puts Thomas European Tour card. Storm, 249 places below McIlroy in the world seven ahead in Hawaii listings, regained the right to compete only because American Patrick Reed was sidelined for HONOLULU: Justin Thomas overpowered American Zach Johnson (65). playing insufficient events last season. Waialae Country Club over the previous two England’s Olympic champion Justin Rose “This is a dream come true. The whole experi- days but his patience was tested early in the (66) is a further stroke back at 14-under, level ence this week has been absolutely incredible,” third round on Saturday before he caught fire with Americans Gary Woodland (68) and said Storm after his triumph at Glendower Golf to stretch his overnight lead to seven shots at Hudson Swafford (66). Club in Johannesburg. the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii. American journeyman Kevin Kisner, who “I also have to thank Patrick Reed. I got my The American parred the first eight holes made the cut right on the number, narrowly playing card back because he did not play before he finally clicked into gear with con- missed a 10-foot eagle putt on his final hole enough events and I have embraced the second secutive birdies, followed by a strong finish as that would have earned him a 59 and settled chance with both hands.” he carded a five-under-par 65 for a 22-under for a 60 that left him nine shots off the pace. “I am in shock,” he admitted after winning a total of 188 in the PGA Tour’s first full-field Thomas, five strokes clear overnight after competition first staged in 1893, and the second event of the year. setting a PGA Tour record low for 36 holes oldest national golf championship after the His aggregate of 188 tied the record low with a 17-under total of 123, had to wait until British Open. “What can I say? This is surreal. I for 54 holes on the PGA Tour, set by Steve the par-five ninth before he picked up his first Badou Jack have just beaten a golfer who is the best in the Stricker at the 2010 John Deere Classic. “Just shot of the day with a comfortable two-putt world right now.” Gracious loser McIlroy said: patience,” the long-hitting 23-year-old told from range. “Obviously it is disappointing to finish runner- Golf Channel when asked what had been the He then birdied the driveable par-four up, but Graeme has played well all week and key to his bogey-free round. “I didn’t hit my 10th, getting up and down from a greenside Lewis scores 3 TDS as Pats what a story it is for him. “He thought he had lost iron shots as well I felt like today as I did the bunker, and the par-four 14th, where he hit a his card at the end of last year and now he is first two days. superb second shot from the right rough to advance to AFC title game standing with a trophy in his hands after the first “I had a lot of scoring opportunities and within three feet of the cup, to extend his event of this year. I am delighted for him. scoring clubs, I just hit really poor iron shots lead to six strokes. “I wish I could have done a little more, but it is to 25-30 feet. But it was great. I managed my Thomas also birdied the 16th, draining a The New England Patriots Brock Osweiler was intercepted three times FOXBOROUGH: not a bad way to start the season and gives me day really well and to shoot five-under not 10-footer, and the par-five last, where he are headed back to a familiar spot: The AFC after that, and the Texans managed only a something to build on in the weeks ahead.” having my best stuff was great. And going missed the fairway off the tee and clipped championship game. Dion Lewis had a 13- field goal the rest of game. Storm, whose only other European Tour triumph bogey-free was awesome.” palm trees fronds with his second shot before yard touchdown reception , a 98-yard kick- It was the first breakout game of the came 10 years ago in the French Open, won with Thomas, who opened with a magical 11- hitting a wedge to 14 feet and sinking the off return for a score, and a late 1-yard season for Lewis, who spent the first eight a par four at the third extra hole when McIlroy under 59 at Waialae to take control of the putt. “I just have to go out and do what I did touchdown to help the Patriots hold off the games of the season on injured reserve missed a seven-foot putt. tournament, is seeking his third victory of the today,” Thomas said of Sunday’s final round. “I Houston Texans 34-16 on Saturday night recovering from offseason surgery on his It was the third time McIlroy, who trails young season, and a second in a row, and will played with a big lead today and felt like I and advance to an NFL-record sixth straight left knee. Brady finished 18 of 38 for 287 Australian Jason Day in the world rankings, had head into the final round seven clear of fellow handled it pretty well.”—REUTERS conference title game. yards and two touchdowns and was show- been involved in a European Tour play-off, and New England will host the winner of ered with chants of “MVP! MVP!” and “Brady! the third time he failed. tonight’s Pittsburgh-Kansas City matchup Brady!” late in the game. Julian Edelman Three strokes ahead going into the final next Sunday for the right to play in the was Brady’s most dependable target, catch- round, Storm carded a 71 while McIlroy, second Super Bowl in Houston on Feb. 5. ing eight passes for 137 yards. overnight, fired a 68. “Whoever we play next week is going to Osweiler was just 23 of 40 for 198 yards Storm had a let-off at the penultimate hole of be a great football team,” Tom Brady said. with the two turnovers. “You need to capi- the final round, which he parred, when McIlroy “We’re going to have to play better than we talize on great opportunities against a foot- dropped a stroke having taken two shots to get played tonight on offense.” Lewis became ball team like this,” Osweiler said. “That’s my out of a greenside bunker. the fifth Patriots player to score three fault, I’ll clean that up.” They finished on 270 — 18 under par-one touchdowns in a playoff game. He’s also When New England did have the ball in stroke ahead of Englishman Jordan Smith, who the first player in the Super Bowl era to the first half, it gave Houston a steady diet closed with a 68. The play-off was confined to score on a rush, a catch and a kick return in of Lewis early with LeGarrette Blount com- the 18th and McIlroy twice survived wayward a postseason game. ing off an illness that limited him during drives to salvage pars, and match the steadier “I just approached it that I would be in practice this week. Without Blount to con- Storm. McIlroy was short and just off the green there on every play. That’s just the way I tend with, the Texans applied pressure to with his second shot at the third extra hole, then prepare,” Lewis said. “So when it does hap- Brady. A.J. Bouye intercepted a slightly narrowly missed a par putt while Storm reached pen, I won’t be surprised. I’ll always be overthrown ball by Brady late in the first the green in two and two putted for victory. ready.” Bill Belichick’s Patriots (15-2) sur- quarter on a pass that bounced out of the Storm closed with a round of two birdies and vived a gritty effort by the Texans’ top- hands of receiver Michael Floyd. That led one bogey over the 6,942-metre (7,100-yard) ranked defense, which intercepted Brady to a 27-yard field goal that cut New parkland track. Taking anti-inflammatory tablets twice. Houston’s special teams also forced a England’s lead to 14-6. On the ensuing to ease a back pain he suffered since Thursday, third turnover. But the Texans (10-8) kickoff, Lewis coughed up the ball on a hit McIlroy birdied five holes and bogeyed one in couldn’t find enough traction on offense to from Akeem Dent. Eddie Pleasant fell on it his final round. take full advantage of the Patriots’ mis- at the Patriots 12, and two plays later, It was his second South African Open appear- takes, settling for field goals on both of Brock Osweiler hit C.J. Fiedorowicz from 8 ance, eight years after missing a play-off by one Brady’s picks. yards out to cut the deficit to 14-13. Brady shot when a virtual unknown. New England led just 17-13 at the half, only threw two interceptions during the Defending champion Brandon Stone of but pushed its lead to 24-13 early in the regular season. With his 28 touchdown HONOLULU: Justin Thomas of the United States plays his shot from the 17th tee during South Africa, on the back foot after an opening third quarter on a 19-yard touchdown pass passes, that was the lowest touchdown to the third round of the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on Saturday in 74, closed with a 71 to finish 11 shots adrift of from Brady to James White. Houston’s interception ratio in NFL history. — AP Honolulu, Hawaii. —AFP Storm and McIlroy. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16 , 2017 SPORTS Murray takes aim at Australian Open jinx

MELBOURNE: Andy Murray sets out over the years, and I just haven’t man- “The reality is, in sport, that things record for Australian titles if he wins for a International winner Grigor Dimitrov in today to end a record run of Australian aged to get over the final hurdle. keep moving on, the game will get bet- seventh time in Melbourne. the fourth round, powerful Austrian Open final defeats as his great rival “But I think I’m in a decent position to ter. I’ll obviously get older, the young The Serb is currently tied with eighth seed Dominic Thiem in the quar- Novak Djokovic vies to become the tour- do it. I think I have a chance to win here.” guys will continue to improve, and also Australia’s Roy Emerson on six Australian ters and Canada’s big-serving third seed nament’s greatest champion of all-time. Murray is coming off a magnificent 2016 Novak and Roger (Federer) and Stan titles. “One of the reasons I’m here is to Milos Raonic in the semi-finals. World number one Murray is looking to which included a second Wimbledon (Wawrinka) and Rafa (Nadal) and all the try to win every match that I play, and Outside the top two, the main hopes avoid becoming the first man in the crown, a successful Olympic title guys at the top are still going to be eventually the title,” Djokovic said. rest with reigning US Open champion post-1968 Open era to lose six Grand defence and knocking Djokovic off the wanting to get there,” he said. Djokovic faces a potential banana- Stan Wawrinka, who won in Melbourne Slam finals at the same major. His coach top spot to become world number one “So that’s why having someone like skin in the first round against experi- in 2014, Raonic and Japanese hope Kei Ivan Lendl lost five finals at the US Open for the first time. Ivan on my team who has been in that enced Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. Nishikori. Grand Slam warriors Federer before he broke through in New York in Murray is drawn to meet Japanese position before and knows what that’s Verdasco, ranked 40, has beaten and Nadal should also be in the mix, but 1985. Murray, who opens his campaign fifth seed Nishikori or Swiss legend like has been important. Djokovic four times in their 13 encoun- they lack match time and their rankings with a match against Ukraine’s Illya Roger Federer in the quarters and 2014 “I need to continue to improve. I need ters and the Serb had to save five match have slipped. Marchenko on Rod Laver Arena, says he’s winner Wawrinka in the semis. to keep working hard.” points in beating him earlier this month Seventeen-time Grand Slam great in a better position this time to finally Murray knows that Djokovic will be in the semi-finals in Doha. Federer, who at 17 is out of the top 10 break through for his maiden Australian SIX OF THE BEST gunning for him in the year’s first Grand Last year, Verdasco knocked out com- for the first time since late 2002, is eas- Open. “I obviously feel pretty confident He has Lendl back in his team and is Slam where he has a fantastic record of patriot Rafael Nadal in a five-setter first ing his way back after six months out after the way the last season finished,” conscious he has to keep improving to six finals and six victories going back to round thriller in Melbourne. with a knee injury, while 14-time Grand Murray said. “I do love it here. I love the keep his rivals at bay to hold on to the 2008. The 12-time Grand Slam champion Should Djokovic get off to a winning Slam winner Nadal is coming off another conditions. I have played really well here world’s top ranking. can take outright ownership of the start he is seeded to face Brisbane injury-hit season. — AFP

Comeback king Haas readies for Melbourne Park return

MELBOURNE: Tommy Haas’s body has reporters at Melbourne Park on Sunday. been carved open by the surgeon’s knife “It’s very important just to be back on and pockmarked by pain-killing injections tour, back here at the Australian Open, it’s over the course of a 20-year career, but the been a while since I’ve played here. 38-year-old German is still looking forward “I’m very excited about the chance to go to putting himself through another punish- out on the court one more time ... I’ve had ing grand slam campaign. great memories here. Haas will return to the court for the first “As this year goes on ... I’m just very time since October 2015 as a wildcard at excited to see what’s in store for me. “And the Australian Open after a long rehabilita- then (later) know exactly the right time to tion following surgery for a torn ligament say goodbye.” Twice named the ATP Tour’s on his right foot. ‘Comeback Player of the Year,’ in 2004 and The ligament repair last April was his 2012, Haas is a three-times semi-finalist at ninth major surgery, having been under Melbourne Park, the last trip to the final the knife for a litany of shoulder complaints four coming in 2007. and other problems with his elbows, hips He will kick off his latest return in tough and ankles. Haas’s previous comeback from conditions on Tuesday, with a scorcher surgery on a troubled right shoulder was in forecast for his first round match against mid-2015 but it lasted only four months 47th-ranked Frenchman Benoit Paire. before he was sidelined with the foot Named tournament director for Indian injury. Rather than feel his body might be Wells last year, Haas has a comfortable telling him something, the aborted come- retirement waiting but said he still back only reinforced Haas’s determination dreamed of going deep at a tournament to bow out on what he called his “own one more time. But as the oldest player in terms”. “I think it’s very important for any the men’s draw, he could be forgiven the athlete, it doesn’t matter what sport you old cliche of taking it one match at a time are in or whatever it is you may do, it’s at Melbourne Park. “Now it’s really about important to find that right time or that playing point for point, game for game,” he moment for you, when you feel it’s over, to said. “I’m very stoked about the next oppor- move on and do something else,” he told tunity.” — Reuters MELBOURNE: Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Rafael Nadal says Melbourne yesterday. — AFP no plans to retire Kerber lurks as Serena

MELBOURNE: Rafael Nadal isn’t planning to really say that I did something wrong. She give up tennis anytime soon. Johanna Konta was just playing amazing tennis.” Konta said won’t take too seriously her dominating win yesterday she’s not reading too much into chases record Slam in the Sydney International last Friday. And those plaudits. “Obviously to have beaten a Sam Stosur, who has never done well at her player like Aga, I’m definitely very pleased home Grand Slam tournament, isn’t getting with the level I played,” Konta said. “But we all MELBOURNE: Serena Williams has vowed to “I would definitely not take me as a favourite of month. Also out on maternity leave is two-time too down on herself after her preparation - know that it’s not a given. It doesn’t decide make life difficult for top seed Angelique Kerber this tournament,” said the tall 24-year-old, who Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka, along or lack of it- for Melbourne Park. Following how you will do in the next event. I’m taking and a host of dangerous players out to derail her won the girl’s singles title at Melbourne Park in with five-time major champion Maria Sharapova, are some thoughts and impressions from it as a positive from the week itself, but I’m at the Australian Open, warning she is in 2010. Several notable players are missing, who is suspended until April after failing a drugs players who spoke yesterday, the day before looking to, again, work hard here and really Melbourne to win. The American gets her quest including two-time Wimbledon champion Petra test at last year’s tournament. World number the start of the Australian Open: try to do the best that I can here.” for an Open-era record 23rd Grand Slam title Kvitova who was injured by a knife-wielding eight Madison Keys is another absentee after underway in a difficult first-round clash against intruder at her home in the Czech Republic last minor wrist surgery. — AFP RAFAEL NADAL SAMANTHA STOSUR Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in forecast swelter- The takeaway: Rafa is not about to call it Competing in her 15th Australian Open, ing heat tomorrow. quits anytime soon. Nadal, a 14-time major the highest-ranked Australian woman in the It will be one the few matches she has played winner, is coming off two lengthy injury lay- draw has never made it past the fourth round after a four-month lay-off. But the 35-year-old, Dark horse Johanna Konta offs last year, including 2 1/2 months off after at Melbourne Park. Her preparation for her seeded two, is in fighting mood despite being pulling out of the French Open before the home major wasn’t helped with first-round bundled out in the second round of her only keeping it all in perspective third round with left wrist injury and another losses at Brisbane and Sydney “I can’t change warm-up tournament, the Auckland Classic. “I rest at the end of the season. Just don’t ask it, it is what it is,” Stosur said of her early exits. didn’t come here to lose in the first round, or the MELBOURNE: Johanna Konta did her best to December soon after her sports psychologist him if he’s ready to pull out a rod and reel, or “I’m not going into my first round freaking second round, or at all,” she said on Saturday. “If I downplay expectations yesterday but there Juan Coto, a friend of the Spaniard, died sud- a 9-iron. “If I don’t believe that I can be com- out that I haven’t had more than two match- can play the way I’ve been practising, it will be was no quieting the chatter around denly at the age of 47. petitive, and when I mean competitive, is es. Like I said, I’ve done everything else that I fine. “I’ve been spending so much time on the Melbourne Park that, for the first time in Belgian Wim Fissette, a former mentor of fighting for the things that I fought for dur- can. Obviously it would have been really nice court. It feels really good to be back, just hitting decades, Britain has a genuine contender for grand slam champion Kim Clijsters, has taken ing the last 10 years, I will be probably play- to have played more. But I’m pretty sure I’m on Rod Laver (Arena), hitting on all the stadiums, the Australian Open women’s crown. up the coaching reins and Konta was pleased ing golf or fishing at home,” Nadal said. “I am not the only person in that situation from the it’s a good feeling. I love it here.” Having been born and raised until her early with how the relationship was going. being honest ... I am here because I believe ... first two weeks of the year.” The 18th-seeded If she gets past Bencic, Williams could then teens in Sydney has clearly helped the 25- “I guess we’re doing well together,” she I can fight for the things that really motivate Stosur has a tough first-round match against encounter either in-form Briton Johanna Konta, year-old to a higher profile in a host nation laughed. “I think he’s a very calm individual, me.” Given his history with injuries, Nadal Heather Watson of Britain. who won this week’s Sydney International, or desperate for local success, even by proxy, but but he’s also quite funny. So far we’re having a was asked if he was playing pain free. “What sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova in the quarter- there are good reasons why the ninth seed is good time.” Having a good time is clearly do you mean ‘pain-free’?” he said. “I am not SIMONA HALEP finals. And then there’s Germany’s Kerber, who is attracting such attention. important to a player like Konta, who strug- injured, no. Pain-free is a long time ago.” The fourth-seeded Halep lost in the first scheduled to meet her in the final as the newly- A surprise run to the semi-finals at last gled to deal with the pressures of the game round last year at Melbourne Park. This year engaged Williams looks to better Steffi Graf’s 22 year’s tournament was followed by a season before she embarked on her meteoric rise. “I JOHANNA KONTA she’ll have the distinction of opening play on Grand Slam singles titles by winning her seventh where Konta won her maiden title at Stanford am extremely grateful and really am enjoying The Sydney-born British player, a surprise the main Rod Laver Arena today, against Australian crown. Kerber stunned the tennis and moved into the top 10 for the first time, what I do,” she said. “I really love playing. I love semifinalist at Melbourne Park last year, won American Shelby Rogers. “I hope is going to great at Melbourne Park last year, upsetting her just missing out on a spot at the season-end- learning. I just try to make the most out of the Sydney International final against be better this year ... it’s special to open the in the decider for her first major title before later ing WTA Finals. every single day, and therefore really just max- Agnieszka Radwanska last Friday, a victory so tournament on the biggest stadium. I’m not replacing her as the world number one. The chatter reached fever pitch last Friday, imise the career that I have.” —Reuters dominating that the Polish player, ranked thinking very much at that thing. I just have to That win sparked a memorable season for however, when Konta simply demolished third in the world, said: “I can’t remember go there. I know the opponent pretty well.” Kerber, who followed it up by claiming the US world number three Agnieszka Radwanska in playing someone like this on that level, that Halep beat Rogers in straight sets in the third Open, where Williams crashed in the semi-finals the city of her birth to claim her second tour consistent for the whole match. I couldn’t round at the 2015 US Open in their only previ- and has barely played since. title. Konta’s huge improvement over the last ous meeting. Kerber gets her campaign started against year has come on the back of intensive work Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko on a Monday evening on the mental side of her game, so it was no TOMMY HAAS centre court clash. But she has not had a good surprise that she was not buying into talk of The 38-year-old German veteran has said start to 2017, falling to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina grand slam titles on Sunday. 2017 will be his last year on tour - he’s taking in the Brisbane International quarter-finals, then “I’m definitely very pleased with the level I over as tournament director at Indian Wells. slumping out in round two of the Sydney played,” she said of the Sydney International Haas, who plays Benoit Paire of France in the International to Russian teenager Darya final. “But we all know that it’s not a given. It first round, wants to go out with some digni- Kasatkina. Despite this, she is confident of find- doesn’t decide how you will do in the next ty after a career of injuries. He has been ing her best form over the next fortnight. event. I’m taking it as a positive from the week ranked as high as No. 2, won 15 ATP Tour “For me, I’m expecting the same as I was itself, but I’m looking to, again, work hard here titles, reached the semifinals of the expecting the years before-going out there try- and really try to do the best that I can here.” Australian Open three times and Wimbledon ing my best, fighting till the last point,” she said. Virginia Wade was the last Briton to win the once, and won a silver medal at the 2000 “This is always how I’m playing, how I am. This Australian Open back in 1972 and her 1977 Sydney Olympics. His career has been stalled will not be changing.” Wimbledon triumph remains the last in a by injuries since he had shoulder surgery grand slam by a British woman. two years ago and right foot surgery in the KONTA ON A HIGH middle of last year. “I think it’s important to Aside from Kerber, Polish world number three TRICKY OPENER find that right time, or that moment for you Agnieszka Radwanska, who lost to Williams in “It’s always been my dream to be at the top when you feel it’s over and it’s time to do last year’s semi-finals, Romanian pocket-rocket of the game,” Konta added when asked about something else,” Haas said yesterday. “For me Simona Halep and Spain’s Garbine Muguruza all whether she could keep her career on an it’s very important just to be back on tour pose a threat. The form players are British ninth upward trajectory. and back here at the Australian Open. It’s seed Konta and Brisbane International winner “As a possibility, of course. But I think been a while since I’ve played here and I’m Karolina Pliskova, ranked five. there’s a lot of work to be done between reali- excited to get the opportunity to go out on Konta, who made the semis last year and was ty and dreams. I think there’s work to be done there.” The work starts again tomorrow in a the court one more time and compete.” And named the WTA’s most improved player for first round tie against Kirsten Flipkens, who to keep playing, hoping that his best is once 2016, has blossomed and is encouraged by win- beat Konta in their one previous meeting and again around the corner. “When you are a ning in Sydney. “I’m definitely very pleased with reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2013. dreamer, and a lot of us are, you obviously the level I played,” she said. “But we all know that “I’m looking forward to the challenge, the MELBOURNE: Eugenie Bouchard of like to play at your best level again, maybe it’s not a given. It doesn’t decide how you will do opportunity to play her again. She’s a great Canada hits a return during a practice play against some of the top players some- in the next event.” MELBOURNE: Johanna Konta of Britain hits player,” Konta said. “She’s been around the tour session ahead of the Australian Open where on a big stage and play a great Czech Republic’s Pliskova is another danger- a return during a practice session ahead of for a long time. That’s by no accident.” tennis tournament in Melbourne yes- matches,” Haas said. “Maybe get far in a tour- ous floater but like Konta is taking nothing for the Australian Open tennis tournament in Konta split with coach Esteban Carril last terday. —AFP nament one more time.” — AP granted despite her stellar early season efforts. Melbourne yesterday. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS

Australia look to spin, versatility, to turn India tide

MELBOURNE: Australia have included 16-man squad as a third pace option “No country has performed all that could play a part over there. If he does- fielder and his off-spin is handy,” said uncapped Mitchell Swepson and along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell well over there in the last 10 years or n’t, he’ll gain a lot from being there.” Hohns. Opener Matt Renshaw and Peter recalled Ashton Agar in a four-man spin- Starc, despite being dropped for the more, but somehow, some way, some- Hohns described Agar, who scored 98 Handscomb, who both impressed after bowling unit for the test tour of India, final Test against Pakistan to allow two one has to turn the tide.” with the bat on debut in the 2013 Ashes, making their debuts in the home sum- part of a versatile squad they hope can spinners to play in Sydney. Leg spinner Swepson and left-arm as a “good all round package” who mer, were also included, the latter offer- turn the tide of their recent results in the The Australians will review their fast- orthodox spinner Agar, who played two offered yet more versatility to the squad. ing back-up to the single specialist wick- country. The Australians, who have lost bowling resources after the second Test tests in England in 2013, will act as back- Mitchell Marsh edged out all-rounder et-keeper, Matt Wade. their last nine series in India, also in Bangalore. “We don’t know what pitch up to off spinner Nathan Lyon and left- Hilton Cartwright, who made his debut The first test starts in Pune on Feb. 23 recalled all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and conditions we will come up against in armer Steve O’Keefe. Swepson, who has in the Pakistan series, because of his and is followed by matches in Bangalore, Glenn Maxwell to allow flexibility to deal each of the venues but wanted to make played 14 first class matches, won out superior bowling, Hohns said. Ranchi and Dharamsala. Squad: Steve whatever conditions they face in the sure we have plenty of options available over Adam Zampa because he is the Maxwell, a fast-scoring batsman who Smith (captain), David Warner, Matt four tests starting next month. Top to us,” head selector Trevor Hohns said. more attacking of the two spinners, has been largely restricted to the shorter Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, order batsman Shaun Marsh, Mitchell’s “We know India is an incredibly tough Hohns said. forms for his country, played the last of Peter Handscomb, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn brother, was also recalled after losing his place to tour and to succeed in, but we “He is an exciting young leg spinner, his three tests two years ago. Maxwell, Matt Wade, Mitchell Starc, Josh place in the side for the series against have a squad here which we believe can he gives the ball a very good rip, he’s a “Glenn is very experienced in Indian Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon, South Africa and Pakistan through perform well enough in those condi- wicket-taking leg-spinner,” he added. conditions, he’s generally regarded as a Stephen O’Keefe, Ashton Agar, Mitchell injury. Jackson Bird was included in the tions to give a good account of itself. “Given the opportunity, we think he good player of spin bowling, he’s a good Swepson. — Reuters

Pakistan record first ODI win in Australia in 12 yrs

MELBOURNE: Pakistan beat Australia by six James Faulkner (2-35) effective with his wickets in the second one-day international changes of pace. But the other bowlers were at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday, ineffective and expensive, with off-spinner their first ODI win on Australian soil for 12 Travis Head going for 23 runs off his 2.4 overs. years. The win was also Pakistan’s first ODI victory at the MCG since 1985 and levels the IMPRESSIVE five-match series at 1-1. Amir and Junaid Khan set the tone early Australian captain Steve Smith won the with their impressive opening spells. Junaid, toss and chose to bat first on a flat-looking brought into the team in place of Wahab Riaz, wicket, but Pakistan’s opening pair induced an edge from the dangerous David Mohammad Amir (3-47) and Junaid Khan (2- Warner (16) to leave the Australians on 31-1. 40) bowled superbly to help restrict the home Junaid soon added the scalp of Usman Khawaja side to 220 all out. They were backed up by when he edged to first slip Sharjeel Khan, who left arm spinner Imad Wasim (2-37), whose took a fine catch low to his left. Australia pro- 10-over spell in the middle of the innings tied moted all-rounder Mitchell Marsh up the order the batsmen down and slowed the scoring. but the experiment failed as he scooped the The modest total never looked enough once first ball he faced from Amir to Imad at cover to Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez (72) and leave the home side 41 for three. fellow opener Sharjeel Khan (29) had put on Head then joined Smith in the middle and 68 for the first wicket. Babar Azam chipped in hit five boundaries on his way to 29 before he with 34 before Shoaib Malik (42 not out) and edged Hasan Ali to Mohammad Rizwan with Umar Akmal (18 not out) guided the visitors Australia on 86 for four. Smith (60) brought home with 2.2 overs to spare. “I think the up a hard-fought 50 from 91 balls with only bowlers did a great job for us,” said Hafeez, two boundaries and no sixes, but with eight who was also named man of the match. overs to go he got an inside edge onto his “We wanted to get a total on the board pads and then stumps to give Imad his sec- that we were comfortable with because the ond wicket. There was a steady procession of ball wasn’t coming onto the bat. wickets until Faulkner skied a ball to point off “The bowlers took wickets at the right time Amir to leave Pakistan needing only 221 to and kept the pressure on.” Australia went into level the series. Smith said the Australians the match without a recognised spinner and had paid the price for attacking too early and were made to pay the price on a two-paced losing key wickets before the spinners came wicket that favoured the slower bowlers. Their on to bowl. “We were probably about 40 runs seam attack did its best to restrict the Pakistan too short-the bowlers did a pretty good job batting, with Josh Hazelwood (0-32) the most of trying to contain them, but we just weren’t impressive despite not taking a wicket, and good enough,” he said. — AFP

PUNE: India’s captain Virat Kohli celebrates after India won the first one-day international cricket match against England at The MCA SCOREBOARD International Cricket Stadium in Pune yesterday. — AFP

MELBOURNE: Scoreboard after the Australian innings in the second one-day international against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday. Kohli, Jadhav hundreds help Australia Hasan 7-0-29-1, Hafeez 10-0-45-0 (1w), Malik 4-0- U. Khawaja c Sharjeel b Junaid 17 15-1 D. Warner c Rizwan b Junaid 16 Pakistan S. Smith b Imad 60 Sharjeel Khan c Wade b Faulkner 29 India eclipse England’s 350 M. Marsh c Imad b Amir 0 Mohammad Hafeez c Hazelwood b Faulkner 72 T. Head c Rizwan b Hasan 29 Babar Azam c Hazelwood b Starc 34 G. Maxwell b Imad 23 Asad Shafiq c Wade b Starc 13 M. Wade b Malik 35 Shoaib Malik not out 42 PUNE: Virat Kohli and Kedar Jadhav hit cen- per Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not last long third man for a boundary to bring up his second J. Faulkner c Asad b Amir 19 Umar Akmal not out 18 turies and combined in a 200-run stand to help either as India were left staring at a heavy defeat. ton off 65 balls. M. Starc run out (Junaid) 3 Extras (lb6, w7) 13 India comfortably chase down a steep target of But Kohli, playing his first match as India’s full- Stokes dismissed Kohli after a 105-ball 122, P. Cummins c Rizwan b Amir 0 Total (4 wickets, 47.4 overs) 221 351 against England and win the first one-day time captain across all formats, and Jadhav then studded with eight fours and five sixes. Jadhav J. Hazelwood not out 0 Fall of wickets: 1-68 (Sharjeel), 2-140 (Babar), 3-142 international by three wickets yesterday. India’s took the attack to the England bowlers. was out after a 76-ball 120, with 12 fours and Extras (lb7, w11) 18 (Hafeez), 4-195 Total (48.2 overs) 220 (Shafiq) chase seemed over when England reduced them Kohli, who was the highest scorer in the four sixes, to fast bowler Jake Ball, the most suc- Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Warner), 2-40 (Khawaja), 3-41 Did not bat: Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, to 63-4 in the 12th over but captain Kohli and recent Test series, was stranded on 99 for three cessful English bowler with three for 67. Hardik (Marsh), 4-86 (Head), Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan local boy Jadhav turned the match on its head deliveries before he danced down the pitch to Pandya, unbeaten on 40, and Ravichandran 5-128 (Maxwell), 6-193 (Smith), 7-199 (Wade), 8- Bowling: Starc 10-1-45-2 (2w), Hazelwood 10-2- with the hosts reaching the target with 11 balls hit paceman Chris Woakes for a six and bring up Ashwin (15 not out) combined in a crucial 207 (Starc), 9-212 (Cummins), 32-0 (1w), Cummins 10-1-48-0 to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match his 27th ODI hundred, which came in 93 balls. eighth-wicket stand of 38 at the end to take 10-220 (Faulkner) (1w), Faulkner 9-0-35-2, Head 2.4-0-23-0 (1w), series. The touring side, who lost a five-match Jadhav, who struggled with cramp towards the India home. The second match of the series will Bowling: Amir 9.2-0-47-3 (1w), Junaid 8-0-40-2 Marsh 6-0-32-0 (2w) (3w), Imad 10-0-37-2 (2w), Pakistan win by 6 wickets. test series 4-0 before returning home for end of his knock, guided the same bowler to be played at Cuttack on Thursday. — Reuters Christmas, would have felt confident of victory after posting 350-7. Half-centuries from Jason Roy, Joe Root and SCOREBOARD Ben Stokes took England to their highest ODI total against India, who won the toss and opted PUNE, India: Final scoreboard of the first one-day international between India and England in Pune yesterday. to bowl first. England S. Dhawan c Ali b Willey 1 England lost Alex Hales early but opener Roy J. Roy st Dhoni b Jadeja 73 V. Kohli c Willey b Stokes 122 (73) and Root, who top-scored for his side with A. Hales run out (Bumrah) 9 Y. Singh c Buttler b Stokes 15 78, added 69 for the second wicket to lay a solid J. Root c Pandya b Bumrah 78 M.S. Dhoni c Willey b Ball 6 foundation. E. Morgan c Dhoni b Pandya 28 K. Jadhav c Stokes b Ball 120 Roy was given out leg before on 18 off pace- J. Buttler c Dhawan b Pandya 31 H. Pandya not out 40 man Umesh Yadav but reviewed successfully to B. Stokes c Yadav b Bumrah 62 R. Jadeja c Rashid b Ball 13 M. Ali b Yadav 28 overturn the decision with replays showing the R. Ashwin not out 15 C. Woakes not out 9 ball was missing the stumps. Stokes provided Extras (b1, lb4, w 11) 16 the late assault with a 40-ball knock of 62, stud- D. Willey not out 10 Extras (b1, lb11, w6, nb4) 22 Total (7 wickets; 48.1 overs) 356 ded with two fours and five sixes, as India bled Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 350 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Dhawan), 2-24 (Rahul), 3-56 (Singh), 105 runs in the last eight overs. Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Hales), 2-108 (Roy), 3-157 (Morgan), 4-63 (Dhoni), 5-263 (Kohli) 4-220 (Buttler), 5-244 (Root), 6-317 (Stokes), 7-336 (Ali) Bowling: Woakes 8-0-44-0 (2w), Willey 6-0-47-2 (3w), Ball IDEAL START Bowling: Yadav 7-0-63-1 (1nb, 3w), Pandya 9-0-46-2, 10-0-67-3 (4w), Stokes 10-0-73-2 (2w), Rashid 5-0-50-0, Left-arm seamer David Willey gave England Bumrah 10-0-79-2 (3nb, 1w), Jadeja 10-0-50-1, Ashwin 8- the ideal start with the ball by dismissing Indian 0-63-0 (2w), Jadhav 4-0-23-0, Singh 2-0-14-0. Ali 6.1-0-48-0, Root 3-0-22-0. Did not bat: A. Rashid, J. Ball Did not bat: J. Bumrah, U. Yadav MELBOURNE: Australia’s Josh Hazlewood (C) appeals for an LBW decision against Pakistan openers Lokesh Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan inside the first six overs. Yuvraj Singh, playing India Result: India won by three wickets batsman Mohammad Hafeez (R) as fellow batsman Sharjeel Khan (L) looks on during their L. Rahul b Willey 8 Series: India lead the three-match series 1-0 one-day international (ODI) cricket match at the MCG in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP his first ODI in over three years, and former skip-

SCOREBOARD New Zealand strike back at Bangladesh

WELLINGTON: New Zealand stormed back into lenging target, but Taskin said that may Bangladesh tried to rattle the New Zealand WELLINGTON: Scoreboard yesterday on the fourth day of the first test between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Basin Reserve: the first Test against Bangladesh yesterday, with change. “It depends on the situation. tail with short balls. Santner took one fierce blow three quick wickets to back up a Tom Latham Obviously we are looking for a win but it to the head from Taskin Ahmed and Neil Wagner century and set the stage for an intriguing final depends. It’s a pretty flat wicket and when the was hit three times by Kamrul Islam drawing Bangladesh, 1st Innings 595-8 decl. Roy 26.2-6-89-2 (1nb), Taskin Ahmed 29-4-141-1 day in Wellington. After being on the back foot batsmen get set it’s easy to score.” blood from his chin. Wagner, New Zealand’s New Zealand, 1st Innings(Overnight: 292-3) (2w), Kamrul Islam 26-4-87-3 (1w), Shakib Al for most of the first four days, New Zealand were A short-pitched barrage by the Bangladesh short-ball specialist, passed a concussion test Jeet Raval c Kayes b Kamrul 27 Hasan 27-2-78-2, Mahmudullah 3-0-15-2. boosted by reducing Bangladesh to 66-3 in their quicks and poor shot selection against part-time and replaced his helmet after the third blow Tom Latham lbw b Shakib 177 second innings, at 122 by stumps. spinner Mahmudullah stopped the New Zealand only to be dismissed two balls later for 18. Kane Williamson c Kayes b Taskin 53 Bangladesh, 2nd Innings “Funny things can happen on that last day as first innings at 539. Despite the pace barrage, it was part-time Ross Taylor c Mahmudullah b Kamrul 40 Tamim Iqbal b Santner 25 it did against Pakistan in that last series,” Latham The tourists built on the 56-run lead to be 66 spinner Mahmudullah who broke through the Henry Nicholls c Mehedi b Shakib 53 Imrul Kayes retired hurt 24 said, referring to the dramatic finish to the for three at stumps in their second innings with Watling-Santner partnership. November Test when New Zealand took nine Mominul Haque not out on 10 and Tamim Iqbal The pair put on 73 after Latham’s dismissal to Colin de Grandhomme c Kayes b Roy 14 Mominul Haque not out 10 wickets in the final session to beat Pakistan. out for 25. After New Zealand resumed the reach 471 for six when Mahmudullah came into B.J. Watling c Kayes b Mahmudullah 49 Mahmudullah c Watling b Wagner 5 Bangladesh were also sweating over Imrul fourth day at 292 for three, opener Latham bat- the attack and the innings was all over 68 runs Mitchell Santner b Roy 73 Mehedi Hasan run out 1 Kayes, who was injured on 24 and taken to hos- ted on to 177 to ensure the follow-on mark was later. Mahmudullah’s first ball was short-pitched Tim Southee lbw b Mahmudullah 1 Extras (1nb) 1 pital for hip x-rays. comfortably passed. BJ Watling (49) and and well off-line which Watling went to smack to Neil Wagner c Kayes b Kamrul 18 TOTAL (for three wickets) 66 Captain Mushfiqur Rahim, unable to field Mitchell Santner (73) reduced the deficit to less the boundary only to scoop it into the hands of Trent Boult not out 4 Overs: 18.3. because of an injured hand, was confirmed as than 100, with Santner and Trent Boult (4 not wicketkeeper Imrul down the leg side. Extras (10b,3lb,16w,1nb) 30 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-63, 3-66. being available to bat if required. out) frustrating Bangladesh with a 35-run part- With his fifth ball, Mahmudullah had Tim Total (all out) 539 To bat: Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahman, Bangladesh have never beaten New Zealand nership for the final wicket. Southee trapped in front for one. Wagner was Overs: 148.2. Sabbir Rahman, Kamrul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and pace bowler Taskin Ahmed said their caught behind trying to hook his way out of chances of a breakthrough victory were dam- BOUNCER BARRAGE Kamrul’s bouncer onslaught to give Imrul his Fall of wickets: 1-54, 2-131, 3-205, 4-347, 5-366, 6- Subashis Roy. aged with the loss of three wickets in the last Santner lofted Shakib Al Hasan over the long- fifth catch, a Test record for a substitute wicket- 398, 7-471, 8-473, 9-504, 10-539. Bowling: Trent Boult 4-0-21-0, Tim Southee 3-1-12-0, five overs on Sunday. on boundary for six, his third of the innings, to keeper. Latham, who spent 463 minutes at the Bowling: Mehedi Hasan 37-5-116-0 (1w), Subashis Mitchell Santner 6-0-19-1, Neil Wagner 5.3-1-14-1. Bangladesh had been hoping to declare on overtake his previous best 71 against India at crease, was trapped in front for 177 by Shakib Al Monday in time to give New Zealand a chal- Kanpur four months ago. Hasan. —AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS

KUWAIT TIMES NBA POWER RANKINGS

By Ahmad Jabr KUWAIT: In addition to its usual coverage of the NBA, Kuwait Times introduces a new feature this year: the NBA Power Rankings. It is a weekly list ranking each team based on its performance during the week. The actual record for each team (put between brackets, for games played as of Sunday morning in Kuwait’s local time) plays a role in the assessment process but is not the main factor for deciding each team’s ranking, thus making it different from tradi- tional league standings. This week’s edition features changes in the top ten, including a new number one. (For any comments or suggestions, e-mail the writer at: [email protected]) 1- Golden State Warriors (34 - 6) Last week: Wizards and Knicks. He finished with 28 points 2 - The lethal combination of balanced in 39 minutes, and went 3-of-4 from the three- offense (second in the league in offensive effi- point line and 7-10 from the free-through line. ciency) and strong defense (third in the league in defensive efficiency) is driving the Warriors’ 16- Portland Trail Blazers (18 - 24) Last case for the title this year, but they know that week: 18 - Coach Terry Stotts made the neces- they need to beat the Cavs tonight in order to sary defensive adjustments since the Blazers have the confidence boost necessary to finished 2016 with the league’s worst defense. achieve that ultimate goal. They improved to third in the league in defen- sive rating since losing to the Raptors on Dec 2- Cleveland Cavaliers (29 - 10) Last week: 1 26, and held the Cavs, who rank fifth in offen- - Kyle Korver finally found his rhythm and sive rating, to only 86 points en route to victo- went for 18 points (four three-pointers) to lead ry on Wednesday. the Cavs to victory on Friday and snap a two- game skid. They need all of their power 17- Charlotte Hornets (20 - 20) Last week: tonight as they prepare to go against a 13 - No loss probably hurt in their current Warriors squad looking to avenge their four-game skid as much as their defeat to the Christmas Day loss. 76ers on Friday. Their defense has been sub- par during that stretch, and couldn’t stop Joel 3- San Antonio Spurs (31 - 9) Last week: 4 - Embiid on Friday as he went for 24 points and The Spurs came up short against the Suns in shot 12-14 from the free-through line. MEXICO CITY: Phoenix Suns’ T.J. Warren (C) vies for the ball with San Antonio Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge (R), during the NBA’s annual showdown in Mexico City, an NBA Global Games match at the Mexico City Arena, on Saturday, in Mexico City. — AFP after Phoenix’s guard Devin Booker took 18- New Orleans Pelicans (16 - 25) Last advantage of being guarded by Tony Parker week: 20 - Following Monday’s win over the instead of the two-time reigning NBA Knicks, Anthony Davis had four straight games Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard for with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds. Only Suns beat Spurs 108-105, most of the game. Booker finished with 39 three players have had a streak of five games points to Leonard’s 38. or longer in the last 30 seasons: Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Kevin Love (per Clippers defeat Lakers 4- Toronto Raptors (26 - 13) Last week: 6 - ESPN Stats and Information). The Raptors made a statement with their win over the Celtics on Tuesday, and look poised 19- New York Knicks (18 - 22) Last week: 19 MEXICO CITY: Devin Booker scored a Paul added 20 points and 13 assists to Gobert blocked Nikola Vucevic’s shot, as a relatively easy schedule ahead can help - The Knicks recuperated a little with their win career-high 39 points for the second help the Clippers improve to 6-0 in Hood was hurt when his right knee them further tighten their hold over the sec- over the Bulls after a frustrating loss to the straight game in Mexico City as the 2017. They are off to their best start buckled as he went up for a layup. ond place in the Eastern Conference stand- 76ers. Derrick Rose admitted that his team Phoenix Suns beat the San Antonio since going 7-0 to begin 1974 when Hood screamed in pain and clutched ings. They received good news last week needs to play better defense, and suggested Spurs 108-105 on Saturday in the fifth the franchise was located in Buffalo. the knee immediately upon falling. when it was announced that key summer that coach Jeff Hornacek should ‘go hard’ on regular-season game in the country. Their streak is the longest active one The Jazz said it was a hyperextended free-agent acquisition Jared Sullinger, who them in that regard. Booker was 12 of 22 from the field in the NBA. Jordan Clarkson scored 21 knee and Hood was walking gingerly has been out since October with an injury, was and Eric Bledsoe added 17 points and points for the Lakers. but without assistance in the locker cleared for team practice. 20- Detroit Pistons (18 - 24) Last week: 17 - 10 assists. Coming off a loss to Dallas room. Gobert added 19 points and Coach Stan Van Gundy tweaked his starting in their Mexican opener Thursday BULLS 107, PELICANS 99 19 rebounds for Utah. Hood had 14 5- Houston Rockets (31 - 11) Last week: 3 - lineup on Saturday, starting center Aron night, the Suns overcame an 11-point Jimmy Butler scored 28 points in points. Elfrid Payton had a career- The Rockets lost consecutive games for the Baynes over the injured Kentavious Caldwell- deficit to snap a two-game losing his return from the flu while Dwyane high 28 points and added nine first time this season ollowingf defeats against Pope, alongside big man Andre Drummond. streak. Kawhi Leonard had 38 points Wade had 17 of his 22 points in the rebounds and nine assists for the Grizzlies and Timberwolves, which also But it didn’t do much for the team on both for the Spurs (31-9). Booker made two fourth quarter in Chicago’s victory Orlando. came after a nine-game winning streak. The ends, as they finished with only 77 points and baskets in the last minute, including a over New Orleans. Butler returned matchup against Memphis seems to be a bad allowed the Jazz to score 110. dunk off a break with Bledsoe to put after missing two games, and had 19 WIZARDS 109, 76ERS 93 one for Houston, and they hope to avoid fac- the Suns up 106-103. Leonard made points in the first half. Taj Gibson John Wall had 25 points, seven ing them in the playoffs. 21- Minnesota Timberwolves (14 - 26) Last two free throws to get San Antonio added 15 points and 16 rebounds to rebounds and seven assists while week: 27 - Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his within one, P.J. Tucker made two free help the Bulls snap a three-game los- Bradley Beal added 20 points as 6- Boston Celtics (25 - 15) Last week: 5 - The 11th career game with at least 25 points and throws for Phoenix, and the Spurs’ ing streak. Anthony Davis had 36 Washington used a second-half spurt Celtics recovered from their loss to the Raptors 15 rebounds on Friday. Over the past 30 sea- Danny Green missed an open 3- points, 14 rebounds and three blocks to beat Philadelphia. The 76ers had on Tuesday with wins against the Wizards and sons, only three other NBA players have more pointer to seal the win for the Suns. for New Orleans. won three straight for the first time in Hawks. Isaiah Thomas made sure that Al such games before turning 22: Shaquille more than three years. They played Horford’s return to Atlanta on Friday would be O’Neal (31), Dwight Howard (12) and Tim CLIPPERS 113, LAKERS 97 JAZZ 114, MAGIC 107 without rookie star Joel Embiid. He a triumphant one by scoring the buzzer-beat- Duncan (12) (per ESPN Stats and Information). DeAndre Jordan scored 24 points Gordon Hayward scored 23 points sat out to rest after scoring 24 points ing go-ahead basket. on 12-of-13 shooting as the Los to help Utah beat Orlando, a victory Thursday night against Charlotte. 22- Phoenix Suns (13 - 27) Last week: 24 - Angeles Clippers shot 52 percent to tempered by the loss of Rodney Hood Jahlil Okafor, who hadn’t played in 7- Los Angeles Clippers (28 - 14) Last week: Beating the Spurs is impressive, and doing cruise past the Lakers on Saturday. to a right knee injury with 1:44 the last three games, had a season- 8 - Saturday’s win over the Lakers capped a that in a grand stage such as the Arena Ciudad Jordan had 21 rebounds and Chris remaining. On a fast break after Rudy high 26 points for the 76ers. — AP six-game winning streak which came after a de Mexico is even more remarkable. Devin six-game skid. Strong play from DeAndre Booker scored 39 points in each of his team’s Jordan, Chris Paul and JJ Redick helped the games played in Mexico (a win over the Spurs NBA results/standings Clippers maintain a perfect record over the and loss to the Mavs). past couple of weeks, and they hope to keep Washington 109, Philadelphia 93; Phoenix 108, San Antonio 105; Chicago 107, New Orleans 99; LA Clippers 113, LA Lakers 97. winning as they prepare to welcome injured 23- Sacramento Kings (16 - 23) Last week: Eastern Conference Western Conference forward Blake Griffin back to the lineup. 21 - Recent reports suggest that DeMarcus Atlantic Division Northwest Division Cousins intends to sign a contract extension W L PCT GB Utah 26 16 .619 - 8- Utah Jazz (26 - 16) Last week: 7 - The Jazz with the Sacramento Kings worth an estimat- Toronto 26 13 .667 - Oklahoma City 24 17 .585 1.5 has the best defense in the league, and exhibit ed $207 million over five years, paying him Boston 25 15 .625 1.5 Portland 18 24 .429 8 a 9-1 record with Gordon Hayward, George more than $40 million annually. Meanwhile, NY Knicks 18 22 .450 8.5 Denver 15 23 .395 9 Hill and Rudy Gobert play together. Injuries the Kings are still trying to figure out how to Philadelphia 12 26 .316 13.5 Minnesota 14 26 .350 11 continue to hinder their ambitions this season: improve their rebounding, which ranks 23rd in Brooklyn 8 31 .205 18 Pacific Division Central Division Rodney Hood left Saturday’s game against the the league. Golden State 34 6 .850 - Cleveland 29 10 .744 - Magic with a hyperextended knee. LA Clippers 28 14 .667 7 Milwaukee 20 18 .526 8.5 24- Denver Nuggets (15 - 23) Last week: 22 Sacramento 16 23 .410 17.5 Indiana 20 19 .513 9 LA Lakers 15 29 .341 21 9- Memphis Grizzlies (25 - 17) Last week: 10 - Italian star Danilo Gallinari felt at home in the Chicago 20 21 .488 10 - With their win over the Rockets on Friday, the Nuggets’ victory against the Pacers in London, Detroit 18 24 .429 12.5 Phoenix 13 27 .325 21 Grizzlies now boast a 4-0 record against England on Thursday, finishing with 18 points. Southeast Division Southwest Division Houston and the Golden State Warriors this The win snapped Denver’s five-game losing Atlanta 22 17 .564 - San Antonio 31 9 .775 - season. They play the Rockets again on streak and ended the Pacers’ five-game win- Washington 20 19 .513 2 Houston 31 11 .738 1 Saturday. ning streak. Charlotte 20 20 .500 2.5 Memphis 25 17 .595 7 Orlando 17 25 .405 6.5 New Orleans 16 25 .390 15.5 10- Oklahoma City Thunder (24 - 17) Last 25- Orlando Magic (17 - 25) Last week: 23 - Miami 11 30 .268 12 Dallas 12 27 .308 18.5 week: 9 - Getting tired of hearing so much The Magic has so far won only one game out about Russell Westbrook’s triple-doubles? of four in their current six-game Western Neither are we. His triple-double in Friday’s Conference road trip which still includes stops loss to the Timberwolves is his 19th this sea- in Denver and New Orleans. They return home son (56th overall), breaking a tie with Magic for three games after that against tough Clermont into Euro Cup Johnson for the most in a season since 1967- opponents: the Bucks, Warriors and Bulls. 68. It was not enough to secure a victory for his team though as he struggled to shoot (7- 26- Philadelphia 76ers (12 - 26) Last week: q-finals, Saracens draw of-23 field goals) and couldn’t protect the ball 28 - Joel Embiid’s quest to make the 2017 NBA (10 turnovers). All-Star Game is gaining momentum, and he PARIS: Clermont edged Bordeaux- counterpart Ian Madigan booted two They had to rely on an injury-time even received an unlikely endorsement from Begles to qualify for the European of his own penalties as the visitors ran try from England winger Chris Ashton, 11- Atlanta Hawks (22 - 17) Last week: 11 - WWE’s Triple H. He is putting All-Star numbers Champions Cup quarter-finals yester- out 9-6 victors in western France. converted by Owen Farrell, to snatch a The loss to the Celtics snapped Atlanta’s sev- to support his claim as well: he’s had eight day as defending champions Saracens Clermont, with 21 points in Pool 5, 22-22 draw in Llanelli. Scarlets had en-game winning streak, and it was also the consecutive games with at least 20 points left it late to snatch a thrilling draw joined Irish provinces Munster and dominated much of the game and first defeat since the Hawks decided to pull despite playing fewer than 30 minutes in each with Scarlets. Leinster, from Pools 1 and 4 respec- looked set for a memorable victory forward Paul Millsap off the trading block. game. That’s the longest streak of its kind in France fly-half Camille Lopez tively, in the last eight. But there was over the champions. According to reports, Atlanta is looking to sign the shot-clock era, which began in 1954-55 kicked three penalties for Clermont in no automatic qualification for But a turnover at the death handed veteran shooter Gary Neal after trading away (per the Elias Sports Bureau). an error-strewn game in which they Saracens, who were chasing a 14th Saracens the opportunity they need- sharpshooter Kyle Korver. were reduced to 13 men early on. Irish Champions Cup win in a row. ed. Winger Nathan Earle scored the 27- Dallas Mavericks (12 - 27) Last week: 25 English side’s first try thanks to fine 12- Milwaukee Bucks (20 - 18) Last week: 15 - Dirk Nowitzki is beginning to return to form, offloading skills from full-back Alex - The Bucks are finally starting to find ways to scoring a season-high 26 points against the Lowzowski. win without relying heavily on Giannis Timberwolves on Monday and following it up Dan Jones kept the penalties tick- Antetokounmpo. Michael Beasley scored 28 with 18 in Thursday’s win over the Suns; a ing over for a 9-5 halftime lead for points and Jabari Parker finished with 22 to game in which Deron Williams finished with Scarlets, stretching that with his help the Bucks upset the Spurs on Tuesday in 23 points and 12 assists. fourth early in the second half. a game in which the ‘Greek Freak’ was limited But Lowzowski again turned to playing only nine minutes due to illness. 28- Los Angeles Lakers (15 - 29) Last week: provider, his break and inside pass 26 - The Lakers had an ugly 134-94 loss at San seeing Ashton scoot through for his 13- Indiana Pacers (20 - 19) Last week: 12 - Antonio on Thursday, which was their fifth by first try. Scott Williams hit straight The Pacers won five straight games before a margin of at least 40 points over the last four back, lining up a long, flat pass from falling to the Nuggets on Thursday in London, seasons (per the Elias Sports Bureau). scrum-half Aled Davies to cross under England. Their offense has been solid during the posts. that stretch (good for second in the NBA), and 29- Miami Heat (11 - 30) Last week: 29 - The Farrell and Jones traded penalties while their defense wasn’t remarkably bad, Heat are officially in rebuilding mode and not before the England fly-half made a they allowed Denver to score 140 points. only have they made their star point guard crucial break and found the ubiqitious Goran Dragic available, but they are also Ashton on his shoulder to break 14- Washington Wizards (20 - 19) Last reportedly willing to listen to trade offers for Scarlets’ hearts. week: 16 - John Wall’s game-winning shot in center Hassan Whiteside who signed a long- Saracens, on 20 points, now top the Wizards’ win over the Bulls on Tuesday was term contract last summer. Pool 3, with second-placed Toulon his first go-ahead field goal in the last five sec- playing Sale later Sunday. onds of the 4th quarter/OT in his NBA career. 30- Brooklyn Nets (8 - 31) Last week: 30 - There’s still all to play for in Pool 2, He was 0-of-16 on such shots entering the There is nothing much interesting happening headed by Connacht (18 pts) but with night (per ESPN Stats and Information). in the land of the Nets, other than perhaps Wasps (17) in the driving seat with a reports saying that former number one pick final group match at hapless Zebre 15- Chicago Bulls (20 - 21) Last week: 14 - Anthony Bennett is close to signing with who have lost all five games, shipping Jimmy Butler returned to help his team beat Turkey’s Fenerbahce after Brooklyn released COLOMBES: Leicester Tigers’ Graham Kitchener, top, catches the ball on a 290 points. Connacht have to travel to the Pelicans on Saturday after missing two him last week. line out on top of Racing Metro’s players during their European Rugby four-time champions Toulouse where games with illness; which the Bulls lost to the Champions Cup match at Yves Du Manoir Stadium in Colombes, north of both sides will still be in contention to Paris, France, Saturday. — AP make the last-eight. —AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 SPORTS

Austrian skier Scheyer wins downhill, Vonn 13th upon return

ALTENMARKT-ZAUCHENSEE: Christine mobility of her hand. it was pretty good.” Scheyer, whose pre- Stuhec of Slovenia, who had won all result. A late starter with bib No. 26, Scheyer of Austria upset the pre-race After announcing a few days ago that vious best was ninth in last month’s three previous downhill races this sea- Wiles beat Gut by 0.01 to bump the favorites to win a women’s World Cup she had come to win, Vonn still saw the downhill in Val d’Isere, became the son, came fifth. Swiss overall champion, who was sitting downhill yesterday, while Lindsey Vonn positives of her comeback race after 322 unusual winner of an unusual race. After “It’s hard to describe,” said Scheyer, in third, off the podium. “I try to always placed 13th in her first race in nearly 11 days. “All things considered it’s about heavy snowfall had canceled the pro- who started in speed racing this season have confidence in myself,” Wiles said. months. Not being able to push out of what I would expect,” she said. “I felt like I gram for the past three days, the manda- after recovering from two severe knee “For me to be able to come out today the start gate as usual, the American was was skiing pretty well, just maybe not tory training session had to be held just injuries. “I just wanted to have a good and have a successful run the way I did, more than half a second off the lead at quite on the limit yet.” hours before the race. training run. After that, I was hoping for is pretty awesome.” the first split and finished 1.54 behind Vonn had three weeks left, including a top-10 finish.” In her training run, Vonn Wiles’ win also felt like a victory for the Austrian. speed weekends in Germany and Italy, FASTEST TIME held back and got out of her tuck well Vonn, whose foundation starting finan- “I have a little start routine with my to find her best form for the world Scheyer impressed in training as she before finishing 2.71 seconds off the cially supporting Wiles this season. “I am poles and I couldn’t really do that with championships in St. Moritz, posted the second fastest time, but fastest time, posted by Ester Ledecka of very happy for Jackie,” said Vonn. “This is my right hand,” Vonn said. “I also kind of Switzerland. “That’s definitely a huge went one spot better in the race. In only the Czech Republic. an incredible result for her. I am super lost grip on my pole after the last jump.” goal of mine,” she said. “For now I am her fourth World Cup downhill start, she “It was definitely getting a lot faster happy.” In training, Nadia Fanchini of Italy The four-time overall champion, who happy. It’s not really a matter of results. beat Tina Weirather of Liechtenstein by from the training run to the race,” Vonn and Edit Miklos of Hungary crashed and holds the women’s record of 76 victories, It’s a matter of just being happy to be 0.39 seconds. Jacqueline Wiles of the said. “I had a hard time pushing the limit were airlifted to hospital. Austria team was out nursing a knee injury and a bro- racing again. Of course I had higher United States was 0.54 behind in third with the flat lights and the bumps.” doctor Anton Wicker said Fanchini broke ken arm since February last year. The expectations of myself but considering for her first career podium. While the podium remained far out of her right upper arm and had a fracture of fracture in her right upper arm also dam- the conditions and the fact that we had Defending overall champion Lara Gut reach for Vonn, teammate Wiles stepped the spinous process, while Miklos suf- aged nerves, which was still limiting a training run and the race today, I think of Switzerland finished fourth, while Ilka in to grab her second career top-10 fered a right-knee injury. — AP Hamsik closes in on Maradona’s record

MILAN: With Diego Maradona in Naples to cel- ebrate the 30th anniversary of his side’s first title win, Marek Hamsik closed in on the Napoli leg- end’s goalscoring record. Hamsik netted his eighth goal in all competi- tion this season to help Napoli beat Pescara 3-1 yesterday and keep up the pressure on the top two. The Slovakia international needs just nine more to equal Maradona’s record of 115 goals for Napoli. Maradona is still revered in Naples after lead- ing the team to its only two league titles in 1987 and 1990 and that was evident when he was greeted by more than 100 fans upon his arrival in the city on Friday night. Napoli struggled to get past a well-organized Pescara side in the first half but broke the dead- lock immediately after halftime as Lorenzo Tonelli headed in a free kick. It was the defend- er’s second goal in as many matches after sitting on the bench for the first half of the season. FRANCEVILLE: Zimbabwe’s forward Nyasha Mushweki (R) advances with the ball past Napoli doubled its lead less than two min- Algeria’s defender Rami Bensebaini and Algeria’s midfielder Adlene Guedioura (C) utes later as Hamsik volleyed in a brilliant during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group B football match between Algeria and chipped pass from Piotr Zielinski. Zimbabwe in Franceville yesterday. — AFP The home side was in full control and had chances to extend its advantage as Jose Callejon carved out space for himself before fir- Mahrez scores twice but ing narrowly wide and Jorginho saw his effort tipped onto the bar by Pescara goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri. Dries Mertens got Napoli’s third Algeria held by Zimbabwe five minutes from time following a one-two with Allan. Pescara netted a late consolation as FRANCEVILLE: Riyad Mahrez scored inside Costa Nhamoinesu in the area Gianluca Caprari converted a penalty in stop- twice but Algeria had to settle for a 2-2 before curling a delightful shot in off the page time after Elseid Hysaj fouled Alexandru draw with rank outsiders Zimbabwe as far post with his left foot. Mitrita. Napoli moved four points behind their Africa Cup of Nations campaign got But Zimbabwe were level only five min- Juventus, which visits Fiorentina later, and is off to a slow start in Franceville yesterday. utes later, South Africa-based Mahachi three points below Roma. Newly-crowed African player of the beating goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi with a NAPLES: Napoli’s Belgian forward Dries Mertens (L) fights for the ball with Pescara’s Croatian year Mahrez gave Algeria an early lead in speculative low strike on his left foot from UDINESE 0 ROMA 1 the Group B match but Kudakwashe the left-hand edge of the box. defender Dario Zuparic during the Italian Serie A football match between SSC Napoli and Roma recorded another slender win to Delfino Pescara yesterday at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples.— AFP Mahachi quickly equalised and a penalty Remarkably, they went in front as the move to within a point of Juventus - for a few before the half-hour mark scored by half-hour mark approached, Mushekwi hours at least. It was Roma’s third 1-0 win in minutes later but he blazed his spot kick over ly after the hour, making it a 25th consecutive Nyasha Mushekwi had the Warriors in sending Mbolhi the wrong way from the its past four victories. Radja Nainggolan the bar after Marco Davide Faraoni had been year that he has played in Serie A. front. In an action-filled encounter penalty spot after a foul in the area by scored the only goal, in the 12th minute, vol- penalized for handball. The 40-year-old almost set up Roma’s second Zimbabwe-whose build-up to the finals Mokhtar Belkhither. leying Kevin Strootman’s ball over the top Dzeko should have sealed the match 10 min- with his first touch as he spooned up the ball was overshadowed by a row over bonus- Zimbabwe won 2-1 in the only previous across into the bottom left corner. Edin utes from time but he headed wide from close toward Nainggolan, who just failed to meet it es-were just eight minutes away from meeting of the nations at the tournament, Dzeko should have extended Roma’s lead six range. Francesco Totti came off the bench short- six yards from goal.— AP claiming a famous victory before Mahrez 13 years ago, and they missed chances to struck again to secure a share of the spoils. go further in front in this game. While Mahrez saved Georges Leekens’ Only a great save by Mbolhi prevented side from a humiliating defeat, the draw Khama Billiat from adding to the lead after was not the best start ahead of games he had turned Algerian captain Aissa McGinn has goal, 3 assists against Tunisia and another pre-tourna- Mandi inside out at the start of the second ment favourite Senegal. half. Algeria then stepped up the pressure Those two sides were due to meet and Ramy Bensebaini headed against the each other in Franceville later on Sunday, bar and Elisha Muroiwa struck the frame and Canes beat Isles 7-4 at 1900 GMT. Amid calls from opponents of his own goal as he attempted to clear a of the government in Gabon to boycott Faouzi Ghoulam cross. NEW YORK: Rookie Brock McGinn had a goal and goal and backup goalie Jonathan Bernier made 26 the Cup of Nations there was a sparse In between those two incidents Algeria three assists, while Lee Stempniak scored the MAPLE LEAFS 4, SENATORS 2 saves as the Pacific Division-leading Ducks won for crowd in the 20,000-seat stadium in the appealed for a penalty as Mahrez went game-winner early in the third as the Carolina Curtis McElhinney made his debut with Toronto the sixth time in seven 2017 games with a 3-0 vic- south-eastern city. Those who were there down when he collided with goalkeeper Hurricanes remained virtually unbeatable at home, by stopping 35 shots in a victory over Ottawa at tory over the Coyotes. witnessed a cracking match, with Tatenda Mkuruva in the box. downing the New York Islanders 7-4 on Saturday. Canadian Tire Centre. The win pulled the Maple Zimbabwe recovering brilliantly from a Zimbabwe looked like they might hold Carolina scored 21 goals in a four-game homes- Leafs into a tie with the Senators in the Eastern KINGS 3, JETS 2 (OT) nightmare start. on, but substitute Cuthbert Malajila shot tand sweep of Boston, Columbus, Buffalo and the Conference standings. Jeff Carter scored the game-winning overtime They lost striker Knowledge Musona to straight at Mbolhi with a great chance and Islanders, improving to 14-1-1 in its last 16 games goal and Anze Kopitar registered three assists as an early injury and then fell behind in the Algeria went straight downfield to equalise, at PNC Arena. The Islanders, playing their third CANADIENS 5, RANGERS 4 Los Angeles defeated Winnipeg. Carter took a feed 12th minute as Leicester City star Mahrez Mahrez’s shot from 20 yards going straight game in four nights, led by two goals early in the Montreal rallied from a third-period deficit to from Jake Muzzin and beat Jets goaltender Michael ran onto Islam Slimani’s pass and cut under Mkuruva and in.— AFP second but could not keep pace with a fast beat New York at the Bell Centre. Alex Galchenyuk, Hutchinson for his team-leading 23rd goal of the Carolina team without injured defensemen Johnny Brian Flynn, Alexei Emelin, Max Pacioretty and Paul season at 1:36 of the extra session. Boychuk and Travis Hamonic as the Hurricanes reg- Byron scored for Montreal. istered 45 shots. OILERS 2, FLAMES 1 (SO) Burke nets as RB WILD 5, STARS 4 Edmonton got shootout goals from Leon PANTHERS 4, BLUE JACKETS 3 Jason Zucker scored the winning goal with 6:45 Draisaitl and Mark Letestu in a win over Calgary. Jonathan Marchessault scored the go-ahead remaining as Minnesota held off Dallas for a victory Brian Elliott made 26 saves for the Flames. Oilers Leipzig rout Rangers goal to lead Florida to a win over Columbus at the at American Airlines Center. Zucker, who also had goalie Cam Talbot made 24 stops and was perfect BB&T Center. In a battle of backup goalies-James an assist, scored his 11th goal of the season after a in the shootout. Reimer for Florida and Joonas Korpisalo for pass from Mikael Granlund, who had two assists, LEIPZIG: Scottish international Oliver 18-year-old French defender Dayot Columbus-the Panthers prevailed over the Blue deflected off Kari Lehtonen’s stick and then off BLUES 4, SHARKS 0 Burke-his country’s most expensive trans- Upamecano, came on. Poulsen netted his Jackets. The Panthers got a goal and an assist from Zucker’s chest. St Louis played a physical brand of hockey and fer-netted for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in second with clinical finishing on 80 minutes. Vincent Trochek as well as goals from two polar received stellar goaltending from one-time San their 4-0 hammering of Glasgow Rangers in Leipzig are second behind Bayern Munich in opposites, Jaromir Jagr, who is second in NHL his- DUCKS 3, COYOTES 0 Jose farmhand Carter Hutton en route to the win. a friendly yesterday. Germany’s top flight in their debut tory in points, and defensive forward Shawn If the Anaheim Ducks’ New Year’s resolution was Hutton stopped 23 shots for his fifth career shutout Mark Warburton’s Rangers, second in Bundesliga season, but have a tough start to Thornton, who rarely gets on the board. Columbus simply to win games, they are staying remarkably as San Jose was blanked at SAP Center for the sec- the Scottish Premiership and who play 2017. They host Eintracht Frankfurt on got goals from Scott Hartnell, Cam Atkinson and true to their promise. Hampus Lindholm scored in ond time in 21 games. The Sharks were last shutout Motherwell in the fourth round of the Saturday, then play Hoffenheim and Borussia Boone Jenner. the first period, Nick Ritchie added an insurance at home by Pittsburgh on Nov. 5. — Reuters Scottish Cup next Saturday, were well beat- Dortmund with all three opponents in the en at the Red Bull Arena. top six of the German league. — AFP PREDATORS 3, AVALANCHE 2 Striker Timo Werner scored the opener Filip Forsberg and Mike Fisher scored goals in and then set up two more as Denmark’s the third period, Pekka Rinne had 28 saves and Yussuf Poulsen netted twice in the rout. Nashville beat Colorado. Cody McLeod also scored a This was Leipzig’s final warm-up for the day after Nashville acquired him from Colorado. The resumption of the Bundesliga next Matches on TV Avalanche honoured him with a video tribute early Saturday and was a confidence booster (Local Timings) in the first period, and then he dropped the gloves having been hammered 5-1 by Ajax a week with Jarome Iginla early in the second period. ago in a friendly. SPANISH LEAGUE In falling snow and sub-zero tempera- BRUINS 6, FLYERS 3 tures, Werner put the hosts ahead on 21 Malaga v Real Sociedad 22:45 beIN SPORTS Brad Marchand has played in 500 NHL regular- minutes, rounding Rangers goalkeeper Wes season games, and his milestone performance was Foderingham to fire home, despite the ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE certainly one of his best. Marchand scored two efforts of Rangers defender Danny Wilson. goals and three assists to lead Boston to a victory Torino FC v AC Milan 22:45 Werner then turned provider when his over Philadelphia at TD Garden. pass put Burke, who cost Leipzig a reported beIN SPORTS 4 HD 15 million euros (£13m, $15.8m) from AFRICAN NATIONS CUP RED WINGS 6, PENGUINS 3 Nottingham Forest in August, into space. Andreas Athanasiou took the puck in his own The Scottish international fired home on Ivory Coast v Togo 19:00 end and kept it all the way until he fired a shot over 43 minutes before being substituted at beIN SPORTS the glove of Marc-Andre Fleury. The unassisted tal- Congo v Morocco 22:00 half-time. ly snapped a 3-3 tie at 1:46 of the third period, NEW YORK: New York Islanders’ Thomas Hickey (14) dives between Carolina Hurricanes’ Noah beIN SPORTS Werner then set up Poulsen on 63 min- which proved to be the game-winner in Detroit’s Hanifin (5) and goalie Cam Ward (30) as he chases the puck during the first period of an NHL utes for Leipzig’s third, just after new signing, victory over Pittsburgh at Joe Louis Arena. hockey game, Saturday, in Raleigh, N.C. — AP Kerber lurks as Kohli, Jadhav tons Serena chases help India eclipse record16 Slam England’s17 350 MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

Mahrez scores twice but Algeria held by Zimbabwe Page 19

LIVERPOOL: Manchester City’s Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo puts out a hand but cannot stop Everton’s Belgian striker Kevin Mirallas’s shot beating him for their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England yesterday.— AFP Guardiola rocked as Everton crush City

such humiliation in his trophy-laden spells finished with a clinical left-foot strike. vert yet another decisive pass from De Bruyne. But for all their possession, City struggled at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The opening goal had drawn an instant In first half stoppage-time, City almost to place Robles under pressure. On a rare Everton 4 The defeat was City’s fourth in their last response from Guardiola’s team as Sergio snatched what would have been a deserved occasion that the home defence allowed eight league games and left them 10 points Aguero came within a whisker of connect- equaliser after Clichy’s left-wing cross found Aguero too much space on the edge of their behind leaders Chelsea. ing with Kevin De Bruyne’s low cross just six Bacary Sagna whose athletic leap allows area, the Argentinian’s low shot was turned Lukaku’s 12th goal of the season contin- yards from goal. him to power a goal bound header which behind expertly by Robles. Any lingering Man City 0 ued his rich vein of form and the Belgian And Raheem Sterling, from a cleared City was nodded off the line by Davies. hope of a comeback evaporated in the 78th striker was too hot for City’s error-prone corner, just missed the home goal with a Better was to come for Everton a minute minute when Davies capped a brilliant mid- LIVERPOOL: Pep Guardiola suffered the defence to handle through a torrid after- powerful half-volley from outside the area. into the second half when Lukaku sparked field display with a deserved goal, his first largest league defeat of his managerial noon for Guardiola and company. Although the game had been finally bal- the move that led to the second goal, his for the club - the move having been started career as Manchester City slumped to a 4-0 As has been the case so often this sea- anced, City had enjoyed the better chances, through ball being touched by City defend- when he collected the ball in his own half. loss against Everton yesterday. son, Lukaku’s opener in the 34th minute even before the opening goal. After 11 min- er John Stones into the path of Ross Barkley. Davies carried the ball half the length of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas put showed up frailties in City’s defence and utes, Sterling failed with a strong penalty The England midfielder produced a the field, exchanged passes with Barkley Everton in control at Goodison Park before goalkeeping as Davies intercepted a Gael appeal after he went down under slight superb pass for Mirallas whose equally and then lifted the ball over Bravo, with teenager Tom Davies scored his first goal for Clichy pass just inside the visitors’ half and contact from goalkeeper Joel Robles as he excellent shot from 15 yards flew beyond Lukaku ensuring the ball crept over the line. the club and debutant Ademola Lookman found Mirallas sprinting into the City area. appeared poised to score from another per- the dive of Bravo.As City struggled to gain a Lookman, signed from Charlton this completed the rout after coming on as an With Yaya Toure slow to respond to the fect cross from the excellent De Bruyne. foothold, Silva’s free-kick found ex-Everton month, added a fourth goal in stoppage- 89th minute substitute. runner, and Nicolas Otamendi playing And the Everton keeper was again forced defender Stones, booed by his former sup- time after Seamus Coleman had charged It was another chastening experience for Everton on side from a deep position, into action, with a strong block to thwart porters with every touch, who headed down a poor attempted clearance by City boss Guardiola, who wasn’t used to Mirallas was able to pick out Lukaku, who David Silva as the Spaniard looked set to con- directly at Robles. Stones. — AFP Ibrahimovic rescues Man Utd in Liverpool draw

Plymouth Argyle and a defeat at but errors from Phil Jones and Pogba enabled Southampton, Liverpool have gone four them to take the lead in the 27th minute. Man Utd 1 games without victory at the start of a calen- Jones’s heavy touch allowed Roberto dar year for the first time since 1993. Firmino to rob him on the edge of the box, But with United five points below them, obliging Marcos Rojo to tidy up at the Liverpool 1 Jurgen Klopp’s men remain the more likely expense of a corner. champions. Pogba inexplicably leapt with his hands An abdominal injury to Nathaniel Clyne above his head as he defended Milner’s set- saw Liverpool’s 18-year-old right-back Trent piece and the Liverpool number seven tucked MANCHESTER: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored an Alexander-Arnold given a full league debut the ensuing spot-kick past David de Gea for 84th-minute header as Manchester United and he had the onerous task of handling the his sixth penalty of the season. prevented Liverpool from recapturing second livewire Anthony Martial. United twice threatened an equaliser place in the Premier League table in a 1-1 Martial scored a memorable goal against before half-time, Ibrahimovic blasting a free- draw yesterday. Liverpool on his United debut last season and kick towards the bottom-left corner and Paul Pogba stood to be United’s fall guy at he fashioned the first opening with a deep Mkhitaryan taking aim from Ander Herrera’s Old Trafford after conceding a soft first-half cross for the leaping Ibrahimovic, who could pass, but Mignolet saved twice. penalty for handball, which James Milner only volley wide. Mourinho took remedial action at the converted, only for Ibrahimovic to save his Ibrahimovic gave the visiting fans a heart- interval, sending on Wayne Rooney for his blushes. in-mouth moment when he chased down 450th league appearance and withdrawing MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s English midfielder Michael Carrick (L) vies with Ibrahimovic’s 19th goal of the season Dejan Lovren’s weak back-pass, with Simon Michael Carrick, with Herrera dropping into Liverpool’s German midfielder Emre Can (2L) during the English Premier League extended United’s unbeaten league run to Mignolet’s clearance striking him and looping the holding role. football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in seven games, but after winning the previous onto the roof of the net. United spurned a great chance to equalise Manchester, north west England, yesterday. — AFP six, momentum has been lost. United appeared to be taking control and when, having robbed Alexander-Arnold on Jones allowed substitute Philippe Valencia’s cross after Marouane Fellaini’s Jose Mourinho’s side remain sixth, four in the 19th minute Henrikh Mkhitaryan halfway, Martial sprinted into the box to meet Coutinho to slip in Firmino, obliging De header came back off the post. points off the Champions League places, bisected the Liverpool defence with a neatly Mkhitaryan’s low cross, only to miscue his Gea to block, and Georginio Wijnaldum The noise that Mourinho had called while Liverpool rose one place to third, seven judged pass for Pogba, only for the attempt at a back-heel. headed Emre Can’s cross over. for after United’s mid-week League Cup points below leaders Chelsea and beneath Frenchman to scuff wide with his left foot. But with Carrick off, United’s back four was It was left to Ibrahimovic to ride to semi-final first-leg win over Hull City duly Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference. Liverpool’s play had been more conspicu- exposed to counter-attacks. Divock Origi saw United’s rescue, the Swede steering a arrived, but Liverpool withstood the After draws against Sunderland and ous for misplaced passes than anything else, a shot deflected wide, a missed header by fine header over Mignolet from Antonio crescendo. — AFP Egypt to cut subsidies, boost revenues under reform package Page 23

US politics trumps Business forex markets Page 25 MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 New Porsche Panamera range launched KFH Group traded $11.4bn in sukuk market in 2016 in Kuwait Page 26 Page 22

WASHINGTON: In this March 3, 2016 file photo, a jogger passes by the Arlington Memorial Bridge at sunrise in Washington. DonaldTrump talked during his campaign about making America’s infrastructure great again, and his inauguration will put the spotlight on some glaring needs in the nation’s capital. —AP Infrastructure mess presents opportunities for Trump As inauguration looms, doubts persist over campaign promises

WASHINGTON: As a candidate, Donald Trump said he Congress. “But we don’t yet have, especially for the first 100 During the campaign, Trump positioned himself as capa- Barack Obama’s first inauguration - Metro was in much bet- wanted to make America’s infrastructure great again. As days, any indication that he wants to start off with a plan.” ble of addressing the public works problem because of his ter shape. Since then, ridership has declined and service has president, he’ll have plenty of ways to get started in his Trump has promised to employ millions of workers to business background. But his plans have been open-ended become less reliable amid a series of calamities, including new home town. rebuild the nation’s highways, bridges, tunnels and airports and short on specifics, and many Republicans in Congress track fires, derailments and collisions. Metro’s leaders say The Arlington Memorial Bridge, Washington’s most rec- and make them “second to none” in the process. are not eager to approve large-scale infrastructure spending. the system needs major new spending to reverse the ognizable span over the Potomac River, is in such bad shape It’s an unquestioned need. Nationwide, governments are A paper circulated after the election recommended using decline. But elected officials in Maryland, Virginia and the that it will be closed to all vehicle traffic during Friday’s inau- short $1.4 trillion of the money needed to make necessary $137 billion in federal tax credits to generate $1 trillion in city can’t agree on a regional tax to fund the system. guration. Hundreds of thousands will rely on the Metro sub- repairs to infrastructure - including drinking, wastewater and private-sector infrastructure investment over a decade. Such Republicans in Congress have been hostile to the sugges- way to reach the Capitol and the National Mall, and they’ll mass transit systems - through 2025, according to the private investors are typically interested only in projects that tion of more federal dollars, saying Metro’s problems result get a firsthand look at a system that’s deteriorated signifi- American Society of Civil Engineers. create revenue, such as tolls. That solution isn’t practical with from poor management. cantly during the past eight years and has repair needs That’s the problem with the Arlington Memorial Bridge, many infrastructure projects. To balance Metro’s budget, general manager Paul measured in the billions. which connects the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington Said Beyer, “I do not want to make Arlington Memorial Wiedefeld has proposed laying off workers, raising fares, Even the Washington Monument is shut down because National Cemetery and is arguably the region’s most press- Bridge a toll bridge.” Mayor Muriel Bowser said she hopes the reducing service and asking local governments for bigger of a broken elevator. Visitors won’t be able to ride to the top ing need. One of the five spans that bring vehicles across the inauguration will be “an opportunity to focus the incoming subsidies. The Washington Monument is one thing that will again until at least 2019. Political leaders in the region, Potomac River into traffic-choked Washington, it will be administration’s attention” on the 85-year-old bridge. get fixed regardless of whether Trump or Congress takes mostly Democrats, say the city’s infrastructure mess pres- forced to close by 2021 without a reconstruction, expected Vehicles weighing 10 tons or more have been barred from action. Billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein came to ents an opportunity to Trump and Republicans in Congress to cost at least $250 million. The National Park Service won a using it since 2014, and during the inauguration, it will be the rescue of the monument with $3 million to fix the eleva- to show they can govern and deliver on one of the new $90 million federal grant last year to start the project, but is closed to all but pedestrians. Metro, the city’s beleaguered tor, just as he paid for major repairs to the 555-foot obelisk president’s touted campaign promises. But as Trump gets still looking for a way to come up the rest of the money. subway system, has handled past inaugurations smoothly. after it was damaged in a 2011 earthquake. ready to take office, they’re not optimistic that he’s ready to “It’s the absolute poster child for our crumbling infra- The system changes its schedule on Inauguration Day, open- Norton said going big on infrastructure could be a politi- follow through. structure nationally,” said Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat who ing earlier than usual and running trains at rush-hour levels cal win for Trump. “He seems to understand, if you engage in “It’ll be in his face. He’ll see the worn-out infrastructure represents the Virginia side of the bridge. “We’re allowing our throughout the day. Some downtown stations will be closed building something, it tends to generate its own wealth,” right here where he lives,” said Eleanor Holmes Norton, a national capital to crumble before our eyes and the eyes of for security reasons. Norton said. “And by wealth he means jobs, so it would be a Democrat who’s the District of Columbia’s delegate in the whole world. It’s pretty embarrassing.” But in 2009 - when 1.8 million people attended President perfect way for him to proceed.” —AP

UK wants reciprocal markets deal with EU Kuwait outperforms as

BERLIN: Britain and the EU should reach a deal European Union without an agreement on mar- Saudi stalls, Dubai slips allowing reciprocal access to each other’s mar- ket access, then we could suffer from economic kets-though London cannot compromise on damage at least in the short-term,” he said. “In MIDEAST STOCKS regaining immigration control, finance minister this case, we could be forced to change our eco- Philip Hammond said yesterday. nomic model and we will have to change our DUBAI: Stock markets in the Gulf Sales rose marginally and the cost of sales London and Brussels should not fight against model to regain competitiveness,” Hammond diverged yesterday with Saudi Arabia fell. Analysts at NCB Capital said that each other’s red lines but work in the space in said. “We will change our model, and we will stalling near a six-week low and Dubai despite the relatively flat earnings and between to find an agreement on Brexit, the come back, and we will be competitively retreating on profit-taking, while Kuwait revenue growth, strong margin expansion chancellor of the Exchequer told Germany’s Welt engaged.” continued to outperform. Kuwait’s stock from lower operating expenditure and am Sonntag newspaper. Hammond said Britain German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said market gained 1.9 percent with the improving sales in Almarai’s poultry seg- had not taken a firm position on post-Brexit EU the EU must consider limiting Britain’s access to largest logistics firm in the Gulf, Agility, ment were important positives. immigration, but the message from the June ref- its market if London fails to accept the bloc’s and National Bank of Kuwait each climb- The company, one of the few in Saudi erendum vote to leave the bloc was: “we must ‘four freedoms’ in Brexit negotiations. ing 3.0 percent. Arabia that give forward guidance, said it control our immigration policy”. The EU’s single market emerged from the Kuwait’s index is up 8.2 percent since would “continue to focus on costs control, He said European Union citizens would be 1992 Maastricht Treaty on European integration. Jan. 1, outperforming the region after a efficiency gains and cashflow preserva- free to travel to Britain and do business there- This enshrines the EU’s “four freedoms” - of long period of sluggish performance. tion while maintaining its strategic direc- but the debate was over the right to work, settle movement of goods, capital, people, and servic- “Sentiment is very positive in the market tion of profitable growth”. However the and set up business. Philip Hammond es. British Prime Minister Theresa May has but no change in fundamentals,” said results revealed the dairy and juice seg- “Clearly we need people to come and work in repeatedly said she will not reveal her Brexit Bader Al-Gahnim, head of regional asset ment had suffered its first year-on-year our economy to keep it functioning,” he said. But forced to change its model “to regain competi- negotiating strategy before triggering Article 50 management at Kuwait-based Global decline in sales, according to NCB Capital. as for having no control, “that has to stop”. British tiveness”. Britain plans to hand in its two-year of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, a step expected by the Investment House. “From an economic This sent some other food producers low- Prime Minister Theresa May is to set out details notice before April. Hammond said he was end of March. May has said she wants Britain to perspective the country is well positioned er, with Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff drop- of the government’s Brexit negotiating strategy expecting to start “substantive negotiations” in regain control over immigration, restore its sov- due to prudent fiscal management and a ping 3.4 percent. tomorrow. the following months. ereignty and also establish the best possible lower fiscal break-even oil price.” Bank Aljazira, the first bank to report Hammond said Britain wanted market access “We are ambitious to do this as quickly as trading relations with the EU. Saudi Arabia’s index added 0.1 per- earnings in the kingdom, reported a 4.4 without Brussels politics. “We are optimistic that possible,” he said, and “move seamlessly” to the But senior EU leaders have warned Britain cent. Nine of the top 10 performers were percent drop in fourth-quarter net profit we will be able to reach an agreement that gives new arrangement in 2019, though there could there could be no “cherry picking”, and Merkel from the insurance segment with Wafa to 152 million riyals. Aljazira cited higher reciprocal access to each other’s markets. The be an “interim period” before it kicks in. has urged the 27 remaining EU states not to Insurance in the lead, jumping 9.1 per- impairment charges for credit losses. logic is there,” he said. He hinted that London In a thinly veiled threat that Britain could use allow themselves to be divided. Hammond said cent. Interest in the sector has risen The bank’s stock closed 0.4 percent was ready to push through aggressive cuts to its corporate tax as a form of leverage in Brexit in the interview Britain had not taken a firm partly because of local media reports higher after trading lower for most of the business taxes to ensure British-based firms negotiations, Hammond told Welt am Sonntag position yet on what form of immigration con- late last year that Saudi Arabia was look- session. However, some other banks were remained competitive in the face of EU tariffs. he hoped Britain would remain a European-style trols it wants. ing at the possibility of including haj knocked lower, with Saudi British Bank Hammond hoped Britain would remain “in economy with corresponding tax and regulation “But we are aware that the message from the and umra pilgrims in a compulsory dropping 1.4 percent. Egypt’s main index the mainstream of European economic and systems. referendum is that we must control our immigra- health insurance scheme. rose to yet another record close in healthy social thinking”, but said it would have to change “But if we are forced to be something differ- tion policy,” he added. Hammond said Britain did Almarai rose 0.4 percent after the trading volume. The index has risen 56 course “if we are forced”. “The British people are ent, then we will have to become something dif- not want to close its doors completely to EU citi- Gulf’s largest dairy company reported a 1 percent since the currency was floated on not going to lie down and say, too bad,” he said. ferent,” Hammond said when asked directly zens who wanted to work in the UK. “Clearly we percent increase in fourth-quarter net Nov 3. Arabian Cement jumped its 10 per- “If we have no access to the European market, if about Britain’s plans to lower corporate tax. “If need people to come and work in our economy profit to 488.5 million riyals ($130 million), cent daily limit for a third consecutive ses- we are closed off”, then short-term economic we have no access to the European market, if we to keep it functioning,” Hammond said. “But we roughly in line with analysts’ forecasts. sion to 9.91 Egyptian pounds. — Reuters damage could follow, but Britain would then be are closed off, if Britain were to leave the must have overall control.” — Agencies MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 BUSINESS New Porsche Panamera range launched in Kuwait Panamera concept comprehensively enhanced

KUWAIT: A sports car and luxury saloon in one, the new Panamera launch phase has offi- cially begun. Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, marked the introduction of the new generation by unveil- ing two all-wheel drive versions: the Panamera 4S and Turbo to attendees at a special event in Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa. In its second generation, the Panamera has been redeveloped down to every last detail. Modifications to the engine, transmis- sion, chassis and overall design concept, make it a performance icon in the luxury class. The new model further extends the boundaries between an ambitious sports car and a comfortable cruising car with technical highlights such as rear axle steering, electro- mechanical roll stabilisation and a three- chamber air suspension. Meanwhile, inside a completely new dis- even better gear ratio spread alongside a Refined chassis with touch-sensitive panels and individually The new Panamera Turbo accelerates to 100 play and control concept greets the driver and reduction in fuel consumption, because the In keeping with the overall concept of the configurable displays. km/h in 3.8 seconds, whilst with the Sport passengers upon entry. In many areas, touch- seventh and eighth gears are designed as Panamera, the chassis unites the cruising In addition, the Porsche Panamera offers Chrono Package the sprint time is down to 3.6 sensitive surfaces replace classic hard keys, engine speed-reducing overdrive gears, with all comfort of a luxury saloon with the perform- the best layout variability of any model in the seconds. The new turbo model features a top and high-resolution displays merge into the models reaching their top speed in sixth gear. ance of a true sports car. This is achieved by luxury class, making it the most practical for speed of 306 km/h and a power-to-weight interior. The digitalisation of the Porsche interi- The Panamera 4S and Turbo apply their power supplementing the basic layout with innova- everyday use with a 40:20:40 split of the fold- ratio of just 3.6 kg/hp. A lower combined fuel or, which began with the 918 Spyder, is now to the road via Porsche Traction Management tive systems such as an adaptive air suspen- ing rear bench backrests (495 to 1,304 litres of consumption of 9.4 - 9.3 l/100 km, is up to 1.1 available in the Stuttgart-based manufactur- (PTM) - a permanent, fully variable all-wheel sion with new three-chamber technology and luggage capacity). Raising the comfort experi- l/100 km less than that of the previous model er’s four-door saloon. drive system. Tuned to the specific driving situ- Porsche Active Suspension Management ence of the Panamera to an entirely new level (NEDC), therefore equating to CO2 emissions Speaking at the launch event, Roger ation, PTM sensors continually monitor wheel (electronic damper control), the further are new equipment options such as the of 214 - 212 g/km. Kyriacou, General Manager of Porsche Centre speeds and perfect performance on dry roads enhanced Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient Engine response can be further increased Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company said: “In as well as in wet conditions. Sport system including Porsche Torque lighting and a 3D high-end sound system using the standard Mode Switch with the the new Panamera, our customers and enthu- Vectoring Plus, as well as a new electro- from Burmester. Sport Response Button. The Mode Switch, siasts will experience a fundamentally New design philosophy mechanical steering system. The integrated which was first introduced in the Porsche 918 redesigned car with new turbo engines, sharp- At first glance, the unique concept and per- 4D Chassis Control system analyses and syn- Panamera 4S Spyder, is an intuitively operated rotary ring er exterior design, intuitive interior features formance credentials of the four-door sports chronises all chassis systems in real time for The 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine of the on the steering wheel, which can be used to and innovative technologies. All models car are reflected in a new design which creates even better handling. In combination with Panamera 4S is a completely new develop- activate one of four driving modes (Normal, launched here today are more powerful than a stylistic link to Porsche’s design icon, the 911. improved brake performance, Porsche is now ment, which produces 440 hp, available at Sport, Sport Plus or Individual). Located at the previous versions, whilst also significantly Recognizable sports car aesthetics which also introducing rear axle steering adapted 5,650 rpm and represents a 20 hp increase centre of the switch is the Sport Response improving fuel economy and reducing emis- make up the typical Porsche flyline in the new from the 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo to its from the previous model. Reaching 100 km/h Button. It can be used to free up the maxi- sions. As a result, this four-door saloon is a Panamera include pronounced shoulders, ath- Panamera range. in just 4.4 seconds (4.2 seconds with the mum power potential of the Panamera at the unique offering and an embodiment of com- letic flanks and an extremely fast roof line that Sport Chrono Package), the Panamera 4S has press of a button. fort, performance, luxury presented in the is 20 mm lower at the rear. LED headlights and Behind the steering wheel a top speed of 289 km/h. A NEDC combined Presenting a harmonious balance most beautiful form. The enhancements larger wheels also add to a sporty look. The luxury saloon drive experience is taken fuel consumption of 8.2 - 8.1 l/100 km (186 - between sporty performance, comfort and applied to the new Panamera make it a true The sharpened exterior includes a com- to a new level, through the functionality and 184 g/km CO2) means that the new luxury, the new Panamera has been devel- segment leader, one that I am sure will be well pletely new front-end design, with a crossbar easy interaction of the new Porsche Advanced Panamera 4S offers a fuel saving of up to 1.0 oped for sports car drivers who appreciate received here in Kuwait.” in the radiator grille emphasizing the car’s Cockpit. Its intuitive user interface, makes l/100 km or 11 per cent in comparison to the four doors and four seats. Achieving a new width and an arrow-shaped bonnet that fea- operation of the communication, conven- first generation model. lap record of 7 minutes 38 seconds on the New engines and transmission tures a prominently contoured powerdome. ience and assistance systems easier than ever. legendary N¸rburgring-Nordschleife circuit All Panamera engines have been redesigned The rear of the vehicle now further high- The 12.3-inch display touchscreen marks the Panamera Turbo and a unique design concept that replicates to produce more power, whilst significantly lights the Panamera’s four-door coupÈ creden- next stage of development for the Porsche With its powerful petrol engine, the the brand’s iconic 911, the revamped model improving fuel economy and reducing emis- tials, distinguishing it from a conventional Communication Management (PCM) system. Panamera Turbo’s new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is a truly attractive offering in its segment. sions. Two new twin-turbo engines have been saloon. Features, such as the three-dimension- For the benefit of the driver, front and rear develops 550 hp at 5,750 rpm, with a maxi- With a range of derivatives set to be introduced, combined with the brand’s first al LED rear lights that include integrated four- passengers, classic hard keys and convention- mum torque of 770 Nm between 1,960 and launched throughout the year, the new eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) point brake lights, interconnected by a narrow al instruments have been significantly 4,500 rpm. It has 30 hp more than its prede- Panamera 4S and Turbo are available now at transmission. The eight-speed PDK enables an LED strip, result in a distinctive night design. reduced. Instead they have been replaced cessor as well as a torque increase of 70 Nm. Porsche Centre Kuwait. Iran sells 11 million bbl Echoes of Thatcher News condensate to S Korea in UK railway battle in brief DUBAI: Iran exported 11 million barrels of report is based on monitoring of vessels Qatar National Bank condensate to South Korea in December, passing through the Strait of Hormuz (at LONDON: Rona Jeff loved her job as a PR The unions say that would be danger- Q4 net profit up 8.3% partly delivered from tankers located out- the mouth of the Gulf), while Iran had consultant for an education charity in cen- ous. Management says it is the practice on DUBAI: Qatar National Bank (QNB), the Gulf’s largest lender, side the Gulf, the Iranian oil ministry’s several supertankers full of condensate tral London. But last month she quit. Her other lines and deemed safe by regulators. reported a 8.3 percent increase in fourth-quarter net profit, news website SHANA said yesterday. located since earlier in open seas and train commute had become so unbearable It would mean trains could sometimes run according to Reuters calculations yesterday. The bank’s net “Three South Korean companies bought a near China that covered some of these it was ruining her health. without a guard on board, although the profit was 2.75 billion riyals ($755 million) in the three total of 11 million barrels of gas conden- sales,” SHANA said. “It became untenable to try to go to company says it has no plans to reduce months to Dec. 31, compared with 2.54 billion riyals in the sates from Iran in December, so the Asian Although Reuters’ report referred to work,” said Jeff, whose journey into London staff and will keep “supervisors” on trains to corresponding period of 2015, Reuters calculations showed, country remains the biggest receiver of January sales, SHANA did not give conden- from Brighton on England’s south coast help passengers. Despite the narrow issue, using financial statements in lieu of a quarterly earnings condensate from Iran,” SHANA said. sate export figures for January. Iran, a should have taken just over an hour, but both sides accuse their opponents of hav- breakdown. EFG Hermes forecast the bank would make a The report was published as a denial member of the Organization of the was regularly taking 4 1/2 hours because of ing far bigger aims, turning it into the most net profit of 2.99 billion riyals during the quarter, while SICO of a Reuters story that quoted a source Petroleum Exporting Countries, does not cancellations, slow-downs and strikes. She consequential industrial action in Britain Bahrain forecast a quarterly net profit of 3.44 billion riyals. with knowledge of Iran’s preliminary publish monthly data on its condensate rarely saw her husband, gave up a photog- for decades. For 2016 as a whole, QNB, now the largest bank in the tanker schedule as saying Iranian con- and crude exports. Iran scored a victory raphy class, repeatedly cancelled plans Members of the ruling Conservative Middle East and Africa by assets, reported a net profit of 12.4 densate exports were set to fall 17 per- when it was exempted from an OPEC deal with friends, missed a theatre performance party say militant unions are deliberately billion riyals, up 10 percent from 2015, according to a state- cent to a five-month low in January, as agreed in November to reduce production after saving up for tickets. Finally, the stress fomenting commuter chaos for political ment. QNB’s board proposed a cash dividend for 2016 of 3.5 main buyer South Korea cut purchases by 1.2 million bpd, and traders have expect- was wrecking her sleep: “It got to the point reasons. Unions and the opposition riyals per share and a bonus share dividend which would by nearly half and takes more barrels ed it to raise output slightly and boost where I was ill.” Labour Party say the government is pro- award one free share for every 10 shares currently owned. from Qatar. “It appears that Reuters’ exports to reclaim market share. —Reuters Southern Rail, one of more than a dozen longing the feud to break the back of the privatized railways that bring commuters labour movement. into London, has seen 25 days of strikes And it could get worse. Unions are Saudi’s SAFCO reports Saudi’s Almarai Q4 net profit up 1% over 10 months. Even when staff are not threatening more strikes against other 25% drop in profits officially striking, workers have been calling railways. Conservative politicians are call- DUBAI: Saudi Arabia Fertilizers Co (SAFCO), a unit of DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Almarai, the Gulf’s Improving efficiency and cost control in sick en masse and refusing overtime, ing for changes to laws to make such Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC), reported yesterday largest dairy company, reported a 1 per- measures would remain a priority “given causing trains to be cancelled and timeta- strikes more difficult, or even ban them, a a 24.85 percent drop in its fourth-quarter net profits, cent increase in fourth-quarter net profit the changing economic environment and bles cut. When trains do run, nearly 40 per- step which would be seen as a broad to 284.5 million Saudi riyals ($75.85 million), blaming yesterday, broadly in line with analysts’ the increasing competitive conditions,” cent are late. attack on labour. lower product prices and higher costs. The firm, which forecasts, and said cost controls would con- Almarai said. For a labour dispute on a railway with Already the worst industrial dispute on reported a fall in profits in 13 of the preceding 14 quar- tinue to be a priority. Almarai said net profit It reported quarterly sales of 3.61 billion just 4,000 employees, the costs have been Britain’s railways since privatisation, it lends ters according to Reuters data, was forecast by five totalled 488.5 million riyals ($130 million) in riyals in the fourth quarter, up 0.7 percent colossal. Hundreds of thousands of people Prime Minister Theresa May’s new tenure analysts on average to make a profit of 273.76 million the three months to Dec. 31, up from 483.7 from a year earlier. Saudi retailers had to con- are regularly affected. A university study an echo of the era of her hero Margaret riyals in the three months ended Dec 31. Saudi compa- million riyals in the year-earlier period. tend last year with government austerity last month estimated the dispute had so far Thatcher, who transformed and polarised nies issue brief earnings statements early in the report- Six analysts polled by Reuters had fore- measures imposed to curb a state budget cost the economy 300 million pounds. Britain by crushing its coal miners. ing period before publishing more detailed results lat- cast on average that Almarai would make a deficit, including utility price increases and Officially, the argument is over a seem- Since Thatcher left office in 1990, Britain er. Like many petrochemical firms in the kingdom, quarterly net profit of 519 million riyals. reduced financial allowances for public sector ingly small issue: who should open and has experienced nearly three decades of SAFCO’s earnings have been hit hard by falling oil Almarai said earnings were hit by a 12.4 employees. Almarai said on Dec. 6 that its close train doors. That task now sometimes labour peace, with only a fraction of the prices, which have dragged down product prices and million riyals impairment of assets, changes board had recommended a cash dividend of falls to conductors who ride in train car- thousands of days per year lost to strikes reduced the benefits to their margin of subsidized in foreign exchange rates and higher fund- 0.9 riyal per share for 2016, lower than the cash riages; Southern says train drivers can do it that were typical from the 1950s through energy and feedstock costs. ing costs during the quarter. dividend of 1.15 riyals for 2015. — Reuters themselves. the 1980s. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan Renminbi 31.240 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 302.020 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Australian Dollar 222.200 Thai Bhat 9.535 Japanese Yen 0.002515 0.002695 US Dollar Buying 305.650 Turkish Lira 87.725 ASIAN COUNTRIES Kenyan Shilling 0.002984 0.002984 Japanese Yen 2.615 GOLD Korean Won 0.000244 0.000259 Indian Rupees 4.510 20 Gram 238.24 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.064568 0.070668 Pakistani Rupees 2.934 10 Gram 122.04 Nepalese Rupee 0.002944 0.003114 Srilankan Rupees 2.053 5 Gram 57.97 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.002620 0.002910 Nepali Rupees 2.823 Philippine Peso 0.006083 0.006383 Singapore Dollar 212.790 Europe Hongkong Dollar 39.563 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.369279 0.379279 Sierra Leone 0.000053 0.000059 Bangladesh Taka 3.893 Czech Korune 0.003802 0.015802 Singapore Dollar 0.206584 0.216584 Philippine Peso 6.173 Danish Krone 0.038891 0.043891 South African Rand 0.016294 0.024794 Thai Baht 8.601 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Euro 0. 313975 0.322975 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001651 0.002231 Malaysian Ringgit 223.230 US Dollar 306.550 Norwegian Krone 0.031398 0.036598 Taiwan 0.009393 0.009573 Canadian Dolla 230.500 Romanian Leu 0.070497 0.070497 Thai Baht 0.008228 0.008778 GCC COUNTRIES Sterling Pound 384.385 Slovakia 0.009229 0.019229 Saudi Riyal 81.881 Euro 322.080 Qatari Riyal 84.334 Swedish Krona 0.029450 0.034450 Arab ani Riyal 797.427 Swiss Frank 300.105 Swiss Franc 0.292152 0.303152 Bahraini Dinar 0.808282 0.816782 Bahraini Dinar 815.330 Bahrain Dinar 812.640 Turkish Lira 0.082529 0.092829 Egyptian Pound 0.013279 0.022532 UAE Dirham 83.599 UAE Dirhams 83.855 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 Qatari Riyals 85.080 Australasia Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 ARAB COUNTRIES Saudi Riyals 82.675 Australian Dollar 0.213906 0.225908 Jordanian Dinar 0.428238 0.47238 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.250 New Zealand Dollar 0.205822 0.215322 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.073 Jordanian Dinar 433.540 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.232 Egyptian Pound 16.830 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Tunisian Dinar 133.590 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.060 America Moroccan Dirhams 0.020263 0.044263 Jordanian Dinar 432.400 Indian Rupees 4.530 Canadian Dollar 0.222898 0.231898 Nigerian Naira 0.000407 0.001042 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.046 Pakistani Rupees 2.924 Georgina Lari 0.138751 0.138751 Omani Riyal 0.791501 0.797181 Syrian Lira 2.188 US Dollars 0.303100 0.307500 Bangladesh Taka 3.887 Qatar Riyal 0.083569 0.085019 Morocco Dirham 30.839 US Dollars Mint 0.303600 0.307500 Philippines Pesso 6.143 Saudi Riyal 0.080833 0.082133 Cyprus pound 168.345 Syrian Pound 0.001303 0.001523 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Asia US Dollar Transfer 306.850 Tunisian Dinar 0.128697 0.136697 Japanese Yen 3.600 Bangladesh Taka 0.003578 0.004160 Euro 323.270 Turkish Lira 0.082529 0.092829 Syrian Pound 2.435 Chinese Yuan 0.042632 0.046132 Sterling Pound 379.270 UAE Dirhams 0.082215 0.083915 Nepalese Rupees 3.825 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037520 0.040270 Canadian dollar 229.680 Yemeni Riyal 0.000999 0.001079 Turkish lira 87.300 Malaysian Ringgit 69.340 Indian Rupee 0.002789 0.005523 MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 BUSINESS Gulf Bank holds Red and Salary Account draw Fahed Al-Azmi receives key to new Cadillac Escalade

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank would like to congratulate Fahed Mohammad Al-Azmi, the lucky winner of the Red and Salary Account quarterly draw held on the 5 January 2017 at The Avenues during the exciting event when Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account KD1 mil- lion prize set a new Guinness World Records Achievement for the “largest prize linked to a bank account” in the world! The lucky new red and salary car winner was wel- comed at the Cadillac showroom in Al-Rai Area by Susana Al-Barrak, Manager, Consumer Banking at Gulf Bank. Al-Barrak presented the winner the key to the brand new Cadillac Escalade. During 2016 , Gulf Bank’s Salary Offer consisted on instant gifts up to KD 200 and quarterly draws in which it gave away 4 Cadillac cars to the following quarterly lucky winners: 1st quarterly winner (March 31, 2016): Salem Saleh Salem Alajmi (Cadillac CTS) 2nd Quarterly winner (June 30, 2016): Mariam Adel Fahad Alkhamees (Cadillac SRX) 3rd Quarterly winner (September 29, 2016): Ahmad Abdul Azeez Qasem Al-Matrood (Cadillac CTS) Susana Al-Barrak, Manager, Consumer Banking at Gulf Bank handing over the keys to 4th Quarterly winner (January 5, 2017): Fahed The new Cadillac Escalade car at Al-Danah yearly millionaire draw event. the winner. Mohammad Al-Azmi (Cadillac Escalade). Egypt to cut subsidies, boost India airlines soar as experts revenues under reform package

CAIRO: Egypt will make further cuts to biggest challenge” the government faces warn of turbulence ahead energy subsidies, raise taxes and seek on the economy, Garhy said. The Egyptian more international financing as it pursues pound, which had been pegged at 8.83 to economic reforms this year, Finance the dollar before November, was trading SpiceJet acquisition underscores market potential Minister Amr El-Garhy said yesterday. at more than 18 pounds to the dollar yes- Speaking at a Cairo press conference, terday. Garhy said the government was Garhy said the steps are part of ongoing also planning to raise the rate of the value NEW DELHI: A major acquisition by Indian with just 90 of the country’s more than 460 air- The policy aims to slash airfares to 2,500 economic reforms the country urgently added tax by one point to 14 percent as budget airline SpiceJet this week underscored ports currently operational. rupees ($37) per hour of flying on many regional needs. The International Monetary Fund of July. Egypt introduced VAT in the vast potential of the world’s fastest-growing “Consistent 20-percent-plus growth per se is routes through a slew of tax incentives and sub- approved last year a $12 billion loan after September and in December also raised aviation market, but experts say woefully inade- not a cause for celebration if the institutional sidies. The first round of bids for these subsi- Egypt floated its pound and cut energy tariffs on hundreds of imported items by quate infrastructure and high operating costs framework is weak,” said Kapil Kaul, South Asia dized regional routes are due to start this week, subsidies. The finance minister also up to 60 percent as it seeks to boost gov- could threaten the industry’s rapid expansion. head of industry advisory and research firm with winners getting a three-year exclusive on revealed that the IMF loan carries an inter- ernment revenues. India’s burgeoning middle classes are taking CAPA.“This only increases safety and security flying rights. Auctions for routes will be conduct- est rate of 1.5 to 1.75 percent. Garhy said the IMF deal had raised to the skies in ever greater numbers, with pas- risks. And skill shortages are also emerging. An ed twice a year. The reforms come as Egypt faces major investor confidence in Egypt, especially as senger growth of 20 percent in 2015 according urgent fix is required.” CAPA has warned that economic challenges after the political the fund regularly reviews the implemen- to industry body IATA-nearly double China’s 11- India could face a capacity crisis unless it builds ‘Costliest and toughest’ turmoil that followed the 2011 uprising tation of the reform package. IMF over- percent increase over the same period. 50 new airports over the next decade. High operating costs represent the second that toppled longtime leader Hosni sight and twice-yearly reviews “allow all Low-cost airlines are rushing to expand their To avoid that, the government is trying to major threat to the industry. Mubarak. Economic growth has slowed, investors... to be assured of the level of fleets to take advantage of that growth, encour- revive some of the hundreds of disused regional High fuel import taxes mean that about 50 investment has fallen sharply and curren- seriousness of this (reform) program,” aged by a fall in fuel prices that last year pushed airports-among them a number of “ghost air- percent of an Indian airline’s costs go towards cy reserves have plunged. Egypt’s govern- Garhy said. The full details of the IMF deal several private operators into profit for the first ports” that were built by the government but fuel, while a scarcity of pilots has pushed up ment agreed in November to slash fuel have not yet been disclosed, but as well time. SpiceJet, India’s fourth biggest airline with never used. That is because most airlines opt to salaries to global levels. “Most of the large cost subsidies as part of the IMF reform pack- as providing the interest rate Garhy said a 13-percent market share, said Friday it was increase flights to popular locations rather than heads in Indian aviation like fuel, leases, mainte- age but because the country floated its yesterday that each tranche would be buying up to 205 Boeing planes worth $22 bil- adding new routes, analysts say. KPMG and nance, airport charges and interest rates are currency at the same time, the subsidy bill repaid within 10 years of disbursement, lion to fuel a major expansion of its domestic industry body FICCI recently named 44 such air- some of the highest in the world,” said Amber ballooned, Garhy said. with a 4.5-year grace period. Egypt will operations. ports that could quickly be brought into use in a Dubey, India head of aerospace and defense at The cost of subsidies rose “as a result of also seek to raise more money on interna- Experts say the country’s aviation sector research report. global consultancy KPMG. “There are shortages the exchange rate we currently have and... tional markets, he said, starting with a holds vast untapped potential, with just 100 mil- In 2015 the government announced a plan to of commanders and bringing in expat pilots is that we as a state import a large part of roadshow from today to promote dollar lion of India’s 1.2 billion people taking to the “take flying to the masses” by making air travel costly and time-consuming... Overall, the Indian our petroleum needs,” he said, without bonds in the United Arab Emirates, United skies last year. But they warn that India’s rickety affordable for millions more Indians, reviving market is one of the costliest and toughest to providing figures. “This, right now, is the States and Britain. —AFP infrastructure could hold back future growth, struggling airports and connecting rural areas. operate in.” — AFP

NEW DELHI: This file photograph shows an aircraft of Indian airline SpiceJet making a final approach for landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. — AFP Davos elites struggle for answers as Trump era dawns

DAVOS: The global economy is in better shape than it’s the Forgotten?”, “Tolerance at the Tipping Point?” and been in years. Stock markets are booming, oil prices are on “The Post-EU Era”. the rise again and the risks of a rapid economic slowdown The list of leaders attending this year is also telling. The in China, a major source of concern a year ago, have eased. star attraction will be Xi Jinping, the first Chinese president And yet, as political leaders, CEOs and top bankers ever to attend Davos. His presence is being seen as a sign make their annual trek up the Swiss Alps to the World of Beijing’s growing weight in the world at a time when Economic Forum in Davos, the mood is anything but Trump is promising a more insular, “America first” approach celebratory. and Europe is pre-occupied with its own troubles, from Beneath the veneer of optimism over the economic Brexit to terrorism. British Prime Minister Theresa May, who outlook lurks acute anxiety about an increasingly toxic has the thorny task of taking her country out of the EU, will political climate and a deep sense of uncertainty surround- also be there. But Germany’s Angela Merkel, a Davos regu- ing the US presidency of Donald Trump, who will be inau- lar whose reputation for steady, principled leadership gurated on the final day of the forum. Last year, the con- would have fit well with the WEF’s main theme of sensus here was that Trump had no chance of being elect- “Responsive and Responsible Leadership”, will not. ed. His victory, less than half a year after Britain voted to leave the European Union, was a slap at the principles that ‘REJOICING IN THE ELEVATORS’ elites in Davos have long held dear, from globalisation and Perhaps the central question in Davos, a four-day affair free trade to multilateralism. of panel discussions, lunches and cocktail parties that Trump is the poster child for a new strain of populism delve into subjects as diverse as terrorism, artificial intelli- that is spreading across the developed world and threat- gence and wellness, is whether leaders can agree on the ening the post-war liberal democratic order. With elec- root causes of public anger and begin to articulate a tions looming in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and response. possibly Italy, this year, the nervousness among Davos A WEF report on global risks released before Davos attendees is palpable. highlighted “diminishing public trust in institutions” and “Regardless of how you view Trump and his positions, noted that rebuilding faith in the political process and his election has led to a deep, deep sense of uncertainty leaders would be a “difficult task”. Guy Standing, the author and that will cast a long shadow over Davos,” said Jean- of several books on the new “precariat”, a class of people Marie Guehenno, CEO of International Crisis Group, a con- who lack job security and reliable earnings, believes more flict resolution think-tank. Moises Naim of the Carnegie people are coming around to the idea that free-market Endowment for International Peace was even more blunt: capitalism needs to be overhauled, including those that “There is a consensus that something huge is going on, have benefited most from it. global and in many respects unprecedented. But we don’t “The mainstream corporate types don’t want Trump know what the causes are, nor how to deal with it.” and far-right authoritarians,” said Standing, who has been The titles of the discussion panels at the WEF, which invited to Davos for the first time. “They want a sustain- runs from Jan. 17-20, evoke the unsettling new land- able global economy in which they can do business. More scape. Among them are “Squeezed and Angry: How to Fix and more of them are sensible enough to realise that they the Middle Class Crisis”, “Politics of Fear or Rebellion of have overreached.” —Reuters MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 BUSINESS Kerry defends trade pact on last trip as US diplomat

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam: Secretary of State Kerry admitted that the future of the TPP, the he said would allow the US to impose higher some countries to import, and that’s going warships close to the man-made features. John Kerry, making his last trip as the top US centerpiece of the Obama administration’s pivot labor, environmental and human rights stan- to put US businesses at even greater disad- Kerry, a Vietnam War veteran, also diplomat, defended the 12-nation trade pact to Asia, is in doubt when Donald Trump is sworn dards and protection for intellectual property as vantage.” praised relations with his former foes, say- that the incoming administration said it would in as president next week. He, however, well as give US businesses access to some of the Kerry said that the US and Vietnam have ing two-way trade had jumped from just scrap and urged countries to refrain from believed that U.S commitments to the region fastest growing economies. shared support for security and freedom of $451 million 20 years ago, when US- provocative acts in the South China Sea. will not change. The deal would have slashed 18,000 taxes navigation and overflight in the South Vietnamese ties were normalized, to more “I can’t predict what the new administration “Shift in our administrations in Washington is that other countries impose on American goods China Sea, which Vietnam along with than $45 billion. is absolutely going to do with the trade, but I not going to alter or fundamentally undermine and services, he said. “But unfortunately, China and four other government claims in The number of Vietnamese students can absolutely tell you that the fundamental the commitments of the United States to pros- Congress did not take action on the agreement whole or in part. “We believe all countries studying in the US also has increased from reasons for the TPP haven’t changed,” Kerry told perity and stability and security of the Asia- that the Obama administration negotiated, and in the region, whether big or small, that 800 to 21,000, while American visitors to students of University of Technology and Pacific,” he said, adding that “our friendship that’s unfortunate because early indications are they all refrain from provocative acts that the communist country rose from 60,000 Education in southern Ho Chi Minh City on doesn’t depend on individuals or personalities.” that other countries are prepared to move for- add to tensions or might lead to greater to half a million. Friday, referring to the Trans Pacific Partnership White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest ward without the United States,” Earnest told militarization of the area,” he said. Kerry, however, urged greater respect agreement. He said the US cannot grow unless said President Barack Obama had dedicated a reporters in Washington. “It means that other He also repeated the US opposition to for human rights in Vietnam. The USand it’s able to sell goods to the rest of the world. significant portion of his last term to TPP, which country’s products are going to be cheaper for coercion or threat of force “by any state to some European governments often criti- assert its claim over another... and I’m con- cize Vietnam for arresting or jailing people fident that the next administration will who peacefully express their views. Hanoi continue to adhere with the same good has said it only jails law breakers. faith to that policy.” Kerry and Sen John McCain, who was China claims virtually the entire South held prisoner of war when his Navy jet was China Sea. The US has challenged Beijing’s shot down over Hanoi during the war, assertiveness and the construction of were key participants in the efforts to nor- islands in the disputed waters by sending malize relations in 1995. —AP

HANOI: US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) arrives with Vietnam’s acting Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before their meeting on Friday in Hanoi. —AP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 BUSINESS US politics trumps forex markets

NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT The week started on a continued the single European Market. She reit- unchanged at 1.1 percent. The elevated ries were revised upwards to show an The eurozone unemployment was sector will make a decent contribu- strength in the US dollar as markets erated being “tempted to say that the level of job openings suggests that the increase of 1.0 percent on a monthly unchanged at 9.8 percent in tion to 4Q GDP. were eager to listen to the first post- people who are getting it wrong are labor market conditions remain strong. basis in November. That was the November from the prior month com- Currently, the annual rate of manu- election speech of president-elect those who print things saying I’m talk- Another evidence of a healthy largest increase since November 2014. ing in line with consensus market facturing growth is 1.2 percent, but Trump. To markets’ disappointment, ing about a hard Brexit, or it is labor market is jobless claims coming Moreover, the component of whole- expectations. This is the lowest rate the PMI is historically consistent with the press conference did not provide absolutely inevitable it is a hard Brexit. at 247,000 this week, an increase of sale inventories that goes into the cal- since July 2009 and also declined from annual growth of around 3 percent on any further details as to the potential I don’t accept the terms soft and hard 10,000 from the earlier week’s level. culation of gross domestic product the 10.5 percent seen in November a yearly basis. Certainly, the pound’s fiscal policies causing a major setback Brexit.’’ Adding to the tension were This marks 97 consecutive weeks of rose 0.7 percent in November. 2015. The rate of youth unemploy- fall will boost international competi- to the Dollar and to risk in general. comments from Scotland’s First initial claims below 300,000, the Producer price growth in the US ment increased to 21.2 percent from tiveness and therefore should be sup- Although there was a very brief Minister Nicola Sturgeon who stated longest streak since 1970. came in line with economist estimates 20.9 percent previously, although portive for exports of manufactured mention of a “major border tax on she was not “bluffing” when speaking On a different front, US retail sales in the month of December at 0.3 per- there was a net reduction from the goods. companies leaving the US” and that about a second independence vote in accelerated in December on the back cent and 1.6 percent on a yearly basis, 21.8 percent seen a year ago. German Obamacare will be repealed and Scotland. of a stronger demand for motor vehi- the largest yearly gain in just over two unemployment held at a record low of UK house prices replaced “almost simultaneously”, In the same fashion, markets cles and provided further evidence years. The increase in producer prices 4.1 percent and the French unemploy- UK House prices in the final quarter overall markets were however disap- ignored better than expected UK eco- that the economy ended the fourth was primarily due to a jump in energy ment rate fell to 9.5 percent from 9.7 of the year were 2.5 percent higher pointed at the lack of substance nomic figures indicating that the quarter with positive momentum. In prices, which spiked by 2.6 percent percent. In contrast, the Italian unem- than in the earlier quarter. The annual around policy in particular. economy continues to perform rela- the previous month, retail sales rose during the previous month. Excluding ployment rate increased to 11.9 per- rate of growth increased, rising for the In this whole political mess, mar- tively well despite the political uncer- second consecutive month, from 6.0 kets chose to ignore another set of tainty. Although data on industrial percent in November to 6.5 percent in important news around the balance production, manufacturing output December. Slower economic growth, sheet unwinding comments out of and exports all came in above consen- pressure on employment and a the Fed and the positive comments sus, investors have continued to shy squeeze on spending power, together from the Fed chair Yellen. Indeed, the away from the Pound in the wake of with affordability constraints, are later was largely positive, saying that the unclear path of the government expected to reduce housing demand “unemployment has now reached a towards the European negotiations. during 2017. low level, the labor market is generally In summary, on the currency front, UK house prices should, however, strong and wage growth is beginning the dollar index had a volatile week continue to be supported by an ongo- to pick”. The Fed Chair also said that opening the week at 102.24 and ing shortage of property for sale, low Dodd-Frank bank regulation made reached a 25 day low of 100.72. The levels of house building, and excep- “important changes” and that she index managed to close the week at tionally low interest rates. Total UK would not want to see it “rolled back”. 101.22. home sales however have started to Moreover, Philadelphia Fed The pound sterling opened the depict a different picture as in the President Patrick Harker mentioned week at 1.2266 and reached a low of three months from September to that the Fed can start considering 1.2036 against the US dollar. However, November, sales were 9 percent lower stopping balance sheet reinvestment the Pound recovered with the release than in the same period last year. and later start unwinding the balance of positive economic data and man- sheet when the Fed funds rate gets to aged to close the week at 1.2180. Japanese consumer confidence 100 basis points. St Louis Fed Despite many election posing The Japanese consumer confidence President James Bullard reiterated by threats in 2017, the euro was able to jumped in December from the previ- saying that the “committee may be in recoup some of its losses during the ous month, improving for the first a better position to allow reinvest- week. The currency’s rally was not time in three months hitting the high- ment to end or to otherwise reduce triggered by events within the euro- est level in more than three years. The the size of the balance sheet”. zone, but by events in the US and the news comes amid a solid performance Last but not least, Chicago Fed UK. After managing to reach a short from Tokyo’s equity market and a weak president Charles Evans expects that lived high at 1.0684, the Euro closed yen. On the other hand, the index is president-elect Donald Trump’s stimu- the week at 1.0647. still in contraction at 43.1 in December lus policies to “increase growth over On the commodities front, news up by 2.2 from the previous month. the next two years.” He stated that was out that Saudi Arabia has cut policymakers “look forward to refining February term crude supplies to refin- Chinese inflation that when we actually see proposals ers in India and Southeast Asia, seek- Chinese consumer inflation rose at that are moving forward and likely to ing to comply with an OPEC deal, but NEW YORK: The statue of George Washington on the steps of Federal Hall faces the facade of the New a slower but steady pace, while pro- be implemented.” As improvements in it has held most of its exports to the ducer prices improved sharply, point- the economic outlook materialize, the rest of Asia steady for a second month York Stock Exchange. —AP ing to improved productivity and US would need “less accommodation”. according to market reports. Oil prices growth in the economy. The consumer He also said earlier in the month that fell slightly after the US Energy 0.6 percent from a small gain of 0.2 food and energy prices, core producer cent from 11.8 percent and also rose price advanced 2.1 percent on a yearly three rate hikes this year is “not Information Administration said crude percent in November. The increase in prices increased by 0.2 percent in from 11.5 percent a year ago, which basis, after climbing 2.3 percent in implausible”. oil production this year is expected to sales was supported by holiday shop- December after rising by 0.4 percent will maintain concerns surrounding November. China’s producer prices In summary, the US dollar traded rise by 110,000 barrels to 9 million ping in December, reflecting a boost in November. structural Italian weaknesses. however, rose the most in more than broadly lower during the week while barrels per day compared with a year in confidence after the election and a five years in December as prices of stocks struggled in a tight range as ago due to the rise in oil prices. Also, solid increase in hourly pay. For all of Europe & UK UK manufacturing coal and other raw materials soared, markets continue obsessing over the Gold moved on the Dollar weakness 2016, sales climbed 3.3 percent, Investor confidence surprisingly UK manufacturing output has adding to expectations that global new president elect political moves. and extended a recent rebound exceeding the 2.3 percent advance a turned positive and implies more increased in November, increasing inflation may be stronger in 2017. The On the other side of the ocean, towards the $1,200 level. year earlier. growth potential ahead in the euro 1.3 percent on a monthly basis, well producer price index jumped 5.5 per- politics also remain the major driver of zone. The index for the Euro zone ahead of the market expectations of cent in December from a year earlier, the economy. In the UK, Prime Job markets Wholesale inventories climbed by 8.2 points and reached the a 0.5 percent increase. The increase in the most since September 2011, com- Minister Theresa May renewed hard Job openings increased marginally The final figures for US wholesale highest value since August 2015. It production was due to an increase in pared with a 3.3 percent increase in “Brexit” fears as she seems leaning to 5.52 million in November from a inventories in November increased came at 18.2 from 10.0 in the previous mining and quarrying output follow- November. against Britain keeping “bits” of its EU revised 5.45 million in October and more than expected posting their month. At the same time, economists ing the end of a maintenance period membership. Markets interpreted her below market expectations of 5.59 mil- largest increase in two years and sug- expect more economic upside poten- in the oil and gas industry and an Kuwait words as a sign that the Prime lion. Over the month, quits rate was gesting inventory investment would tial for Eastern Europe and Austria due increase in manufacturing. The Kuwaiti dinar at 0.30535 Minister prioritizes control of the unchanged at 2.1 percent and the lay- again support economic growth in to its strong ties with the east of industrial output in total was up 2.1 The USDKWD opened at 0.30535 country’s borders over the access to offs and discharges rate was the fourth quarter. Wholesale invento- Europe. percent in November, suggesting the yesterday morning. European economy Robot arms replace factory hands PARIS: Donald Trump has been crowing as ‘Political theatre’ ‘Trade doesn’t kill jobs’ companies including Ford renounce plans to Hicks-who has known former Indiana gover- Even if jobs did return, Western consumers regains momentum move factories to Mexico. But the main benefi- nor Mike Pence, Trump’s incoming vice presi- are likely to balk at paying the higher prices ciaries of this shift back to the US aren’t saying dent, for years-dismissed recent announce- that companies would have to charge to By Hayder Tawfik currently don’t see “strong effects” on them much by way of celebration-industrial robots ments by Ford, Indiana air-conditioning brand reflect the higher input prices-everything from from Brexit, general elections in the fall, which don’t tend to speak. Carrier and others as “political theatre”. “The wages to property leases and electricity tariffs- urozone economic growth has seen some will pit the ruling party of Chancellor Angela While globalization’s detractors blame coun- apparent change of heart of these American of making those goods at home. Take televi- strength since the last quarter of 2016. It Merkel against a strengthening populist move- tries such as China and Mexico for stealing the companies is due to the hard math of expected sion manufacturing. Had that stayed in Ewas led by an acceleration in the German ment, are adding to uncertainty. For 2017, I factory jobs of the West, experts point to less tax cuts and regulatory changes (under the America, experts say, each set would cost hun- economic growth over the period from October expect a continuation of the upswing, even obvious culprits which are harder to scapegoat Trump administration),” he told AFP in a phone dreds of dollars more than they do now on to December of last year. Germany’s Gross though momentum should be damped some- and to overcome in an interconnected econo- interview, noting that under company projec- average, limiting their affordability. domestic product what by the upcoming elections in Germany, my with complex supply chains. tions, robots rather than wages will account for Households would have stuck with one TV in expanded about half a France that might add to political uncertainty.” Since US manufacturing employment the bulk of planned investment that is being the living room, instead of several dotted percent in the October- Also we have seen even Italy growing out of peaked in the late 1970s, according to Michael redirected from Mexico to the US. around the home. December period from its economic weakness of the past few years. Hicks of the Center for Business and Economic Vows to renegotiate trade pacts, or declare “Trade doesn’t kill jobs, it protects con- the previous three Italian industrial output increased more than Research at Ball State University in Indiana, “95 China a currency cheat, played well for Trump sumption,” Hicks said, while also stressing that months, when it grew estimated in November, signaling a possible percent of job losses were due to productivity on the campaign trail but trends such as globalization had created millions more jobs 0.2 percent, according acceleration in economic activity. Production improvements including automation and com- automation have already rendered much low- in Western nations’ services and logistics sec- to the Federal Statistics rose 0.7 percent from October when it increased puter technology, rather than trade”. skilled US labor obsolete. The total output of US tors than it has destroyed in industry. So if Office. The overall 2016 a revised 0.1 percent on a monthly basis. Indiana is one of the rust-belt states where manufacturing rose more than 250 percent those manufacturing jobs are gone forever- gross domestic product Both companies consumptions grew more Trump triumphed in November, and the presi- from 1980 to 2015, but its workforce slumped and new developments such as machine for Germany grew by optimistic last month amid expectations of a dent-elect has promised a punitive border tax by roughly 40 percent in that time, according to learning and nanotechnology portend a 1.9 percent. better growth outlook. The manufacturing con- against outsourcing companies as he bids to analysis by the Brookings Institution in “Fourth Industrial Revolution”-what can be Germany, the euro fidence index rose in December to the highest become “the greatest jobs producer that God Washington. done to assure the future of workers in the area’s growth engine, in a year. However, the latest indications from ever created”. “These diverging lines-which reflect the developed world? was significantly faster than most economist the labor market and inflation do not bode well But while the US economy is pumping sector’s improved productivity-highlight a Some ideas are in their policy infancy, such predicted. This economic growth was under- for Italy’s outlook. Joblessness rose in out manufactured goods in record volumes, huge problem with Trump’s promises to help as a universal basic income, but others are well- pinned by a recent report on rising employ- November to 11.9 percent, the highest in it is achieving that feat with 7.3 million fewer workers by reshoring millions of manufactur- known and perhaps more pressing than ever, ment and improving business sentiment. The almost a year and a half. Consumer prices post- factory hands than in 1979, government fig- ing jobs,” Brookings expert Mark Muro wrote in including better education and re-training. country has also benefited from the European ed last year a 0.1 percent fall on an annual basis, ures show. a blog post. Such discussions will inform the World Central Bank’s monetary stimulus and weaker the first yearly decline since 1959 when the Automation has transformed the productivi- “America is already producing a lot. And in Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, com- Euro against the US dollar. The general picture consumer-price index decreased 0.4 percent. ty of manufacturing since industrial robots first any event, the return of more manufacturing ing up in the same week that sees Trump is that a consumption- driven upswing in As for France, it is same story as Italy and, started painting, cutting, welding and assem- won’t bring back many jobs because the labor inaugurated as the 45th US president on Germany, which is going to stay in place as long where there has been signs of economic activi- bling in the 1960s. And experts point to more is increasingly being done by robots.” January 20. as the ECB continues its expansionary monetary ties picking up cross the board. Most recent recent innovations such as artificial intelligence, Annual data from the International “We are at some kind of turning point in policy. Also, there has been some positive con- economic data shows that consumption and management apps and 3D printing as new Federation of Robotics show an inexorable rise history,” WEF founder Klaus Schwab said. “We tribution from demand from outside the euro private investment have been the main factors threats to shop-floor workers as well as to in the worldwide use of industrial robots. China need new concepts. We cannot have just pop- area at the start of year. behind the economic pick-up. This has clearly white-collar staff. is now the biggest market for them. ulist solutions.” —AFP German consumer spending rose 2 percent been seen through the last quarter of 2016. It last year and public expenditure increased 4.2 seems that like the Italians and British, the Burgan Bank announces winners of Yawmi account percent according to the German statistics French have had enough of economic austerity office. More so investment was up 1.7 percent and have really ignored the excitement of the KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the names of the lucky win- date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account, will entitle customers to and construction gained 3.1 percent. Exports election year and started doing some private ners of its Yawmi account draw, each taking home a prize of KD 5,000. one chance of winning. If the account balance is KD 500 and above, the grew 2.5 percent, with imports 3.4 percent spending’s. They have ignored the threat of the The lucky winners for the daily draws took home a cash-prize of account holder will be qualified for both the quarterly and daily draws. higher than in 2015. Household consumption National Front making any significant changes KD 5,000 each, and they are: Burgan Bank encourages everyone to benefited from a drop in the unemployment to the French election results. May be thy have 1. Ali Salh Naser Abdulla Alnajdy open a Yawmi account and/or increase rate to the lowest level since the country’s taken the lead from their American and the 2. Iqbal Atshan Khalaf Fares their deposit to maximize their chances to reunification more than a quarter of a century British voters. 3. Zahrah Khamees Mahmoud Zlzaabi becoming a winner. The more customers ago. At the same time, government spending All of these economic activities have become 4. Huda Sayed Hadi Syed Mohd Alawi deposit, the higher the chances they was boosted by costs related to the provision of major events that some central banks official 5. Sheikh Nawal Mohammed Al-Jaber Al- receive of winning. assistance and shelter for more than 1 million and governments in the Eurozone taking note Sabah For more information on opening a refugees. Also, industrial production in the of them. In my opinion it all depends how the In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Yawmi account or about the new quarter- euro-area rose 1.5 percent in November from a new US president outlines his economic and Bank also offers a quarterly draw with ly draw, customers are urged to visit their month earlier, its second consecutive increase. foreign policies in the weeks ahead. As for the more chances to win higher rewards, enti- nearest Burgan Bank branch and receive In the coming months, consumer spending global financial markets, they have resigned to tling one lucky customer to win KD all the details, or simply call the bankís Call in Germany may come under pressure as infla- the fact that whenever happens, inflation and 125,000 every three months. The Yawmi Center at 1804080 where customer serv- tion rates rise. Prices are already increasing at interest rates are on the rise and these can only Account offers daily and quarterly draws, ice representatives will be delighted to the fastest pace in more than three years. While be good for global and European economic the quarterly draw requires customers to assist with any questions on the Yawmi more than 90 percent of German companies growth in the coming years. @Rasameel maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in account or any of the bankís products and their account for 2 months prior to draw services. MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 business Qatar Airways Travel Festival available for 1 more day

DOHA: Qatar Airways’ world-travellers on 16 January 2017. Travellers booking to more than 150 destinations. earned on flights booked by Privilege Whoever you choose to take with you still have 1 day to take advantage of Qatar Airways flights still have the Exceptional deals can be found on Club members. Prizes to be availed in 2017, we look forward to welcoming exceptional offers across the airline’s opportunity to redeem discounts on flights to London from KD 111, per per- within Hamad International Airport, you on board as we make memories global network, with the Qatar Airways people travelling together, special son, Geneva from KD 137, per person, Qatar Airways’ hub include access to when we go places together.” Travel Festival running until midnight companion fares and kids fly free offer and New York from KD ,234 per person. the Al-Maha Lounge, Qatar Duty Free Enjoy award winning journeys to Far World-travellers are encouraged to visit retail vouchers and spa vouchers to be East Asia from KD 99 per person, to qatarairways.com or contact their near- used in The Airport Hotel. Qatar Europe from LCY KD,111 per person or est Qatar Airways sales agent to book. Airways Holidays is also providing fan- to the US from LCY KD,220 per person. New for the 2017 Qatar Airways tastic deals on hotels and accommoda- Travellers can take advantage of easy Travel Festival are exclusive partner- tion across a number of the airline’s 150 connections through the Qatar ships with AccorHotels and Visa. destinations. Airways’ hub in Doha, and find them- Travellers who book with AccorHotels Qatar Airways Chief Commercial selves in over 150 exciting destinations via the Qatar Airways website will Officer, Dr Hugh Dunleavy, said: “The worldwide. receive exclusive offers on accommo- Qatar Airways Travel Festival is still run- Passengers taking advantage of the dation, while Visa card holders avail a ning and travellers should hurry to take Qatar Airways Travel Festival are further 15 per cent off flight discounts advantage of extraordinary deals encouraged to turn two holidays into at the time of booking. across our global network. The Travel one by planning a stopover in Doha, With over 500 prizes available Festival is designed to inspire our trav- with a new transit visa scheme offering throughout the festival there are still a ellers to go places together with their visitors a free transit visa for up to 96 number of exciting prizes to be won for nearest and dearest, and we’ve pack- hours on your way to or from your final those travellers booking online, includ- aged the festival to cater for everyone. destination. Combine a quick visit to ing free upgrades to the World’s Best Treat your loved one to ultimate luxury Doha, with its historic sites and five- Business Class, Silver and Gold Privilege with a companion fare on the World’s star shopping and resorts, with a dream Club memberships and up to 100,000 Best Business Class or take the family holiday - only available to Qatar Qmiles. Double Qmiles can also be on a holiday with our kids fly free offer. Airways passengers.

Infiniti Al Babtain holds Infiniti Kuwait aftersales competition

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co, were Surendra Acharya, DGM - Aftersales, NGF is not just about winning or losing, it is about the authorized distributor of Infiniti vehicles in and Shailendra Singh, Regional Parts Manager, learning and improving.” the State of Kuwait conducted the first ‘Infiniti NGF; who praised Al Babtain for their flawless Abdulmohsen remarked ‘Aftersales service Service Consultant Skills Contest’ on January 9, coordination of the event. plays a vital role in customer satisfaction and 2017. The contest was created by Infiniti Middle Giving the opening speech, Shalaby said retention and is key to strengthening the bond East this year in pursuit of excellence and to fur- “Training is important to our organization for all between the organization and customers. Al ther motivate aftersales associates to deliver staff from top management to the entry level as Babtain is strongly committed to the develop- leading total ownership experience for their cus- it empowers our people to develop themselves ment of its staff and this is especially important tomers. Participants were tested on brand, prod- to perform consistently and better every day. for our frontline staff who are the first to wel- uct, total ownership concepts, service processes This is how we have become market leaders and come our customers and therefore are the face and Infiniti vehicle technology. intend to remain so. The Infiniti brand is the flag- of our organization. The Infiniti Service After a gruelling written test and quiz round, ship of our organization and we are proud of the Consultant skills contest is an opportunity for the finalists Bader Jihad Jadallah and Mudassar quality of our Sales and Service. By introducing our service consultants to evaluate their skills Hussain contended for the winner title in the the Service Consultant skills contest this year, and empower themselves with the right tools final practical test session over two rounds: Infiniti Middle East has clearly demonstrated the and knowledge to perform their jobs better. I ‘Customer Reception and Estimate’ and ‘Close- importance of developing the frontline staff wish the contestants all the best and exhort out and Vehicle Delivery’. The contest was attend- who deal with our valued customers on a daily them to utilize the occasion to develop their tal- ed by top management of Al Babtain Group basis and are vital to consistent and improved ents.’ At the end of an exhausting but exhilarat- including COO, Mohamed Shalaby and Group HR customer satisfaction. The contest will serve as a ing contest, Mudassar was declared the winner. GM Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain as well as learning platform for our service advisors to Infiniti Al Babtain wishes him the best in the senior management. Representing Nissan Gulf measure their talents and enhance their skills. It regional contest in Dubai. GCC markets remained KFH Group traded $11.4bn resilient in 2016

KFIC Annual Report on Global and GCC Markets in sukuk market in 2016 KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance and Investment eign bonds, and Kuwait’s planned bond issue Company (KFIC) clarified in its financial annual worth $9.9 billion has been delayed until 2017. Al-Roshood: KFH primary dealer in IILM, global market maker report that the International markets closed the In Saudi Arabia, strict austerity measures were year 2016 in bullish territory after enduring a diffi- implemented which included reducing minister’s KUWAIT: “Kuwait Finance House Group (KFH- good returns. Sukuk represent a significant cult start to the year, with positive economic data salaries, decreasing capital expenditures, and Group) volume traded in the Sukuk market investment outlet for banks and an effective coming from Advanced Economies and Emerging delaying paying contractors for construction proj- reached $11.4 billion for the year 2016. Such tool to manage liquidity in accordance with CBK Markets. Geopolitical events continued to impact ects. The Saudi budget for 2017 indicates that aus- volume is yet another outstanding achievement regulations. In addition, Sukuk contribute in economies on a global standpoint, with the ongo- terity measures will continue to take place as subsi- to be added to KFH record as a primary dealer increasing shareholders profit. ing war in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and numerous terror- dies on utilities such as water and electricity will be and a global Sukuk market maker” said He highlighted that Sukuk contribute signif- ist attacks in Turkey creating major security uncer- partially reduced and fuel prices are expected to Abdulwahab Essa Al-Roshood, Group Chief icantly in financing income generating and tainty around the Middle-East and Europe. rise by +40 percent. Major spending increases Treasury Officer at KFH. productive projects, thus activate economic In the United States, the USFederal Reserve was were set aside for Healthcare which increased by He added, in a press release, that the bank growth, indicating several countries worldwide expected to raise interest rates in June 2016, but +15 percent and Education & Training by +5 per- managed in 2016 to achieve remarkable devel- voice interest and mull deliberately issuing due to the surprise decision of Brexit, the Fed cent from 2016. The 2017 budget is expected to opment in the Sukuk market at the regional and sovereign Sukuk in an attempt to plug their decided to delay raising interest rates until see costly subsidies on utilities such as water and global levels as it motivated and encouraged a budget deficit. December 2016, and markets reacted positively electricity cut, while fuel prices are expected to rise number of conventional and Islamic financial Meanwhile, International Islamic Liquidity towards this news. Donald trump shocked the a further +40 percent. In Kuwait, plans were made institutions to enter the market. KFH occupied a Management, IILM expressed appreciation for world as he won the presidential race to the white to introduce income tax, spending cuts and privati- great share of the secondary market short-term KFH’s excellent and strong performance, indi- house, against all expectations, and US equities zation on many public services to attract more for- Sukuk trading issued by International Islamic cating that KFH has contributed strongly to the also rallied due to the fresh fiscal policies which he eign investment and boost the economy. Liquidity Management (IILM) since KFH was distribution of the IILM Sukuk. would introduce such as ease banking regulation, However, the parliament was dissolved with cabi- nominated “Primary Dealer”. KFH was established in Kuwait in 1977 and is He emphasized that this volume of trading enlisted in the Kuwait Stock Exchange. KFH reducing taxes, and spending heavily on rebuild- net members disagreeing over austerity measures Abdulwahab Essa Al-Roshood ing infrastructure. A trend toward stronger US eco- due to fiscal budget constraints and this has has contributed significantly to the increase of Group is a global pioneer in the field of Islamic nomic growth and inflation could be accelerated delayed the release of the 2017 budget details. In liquidity and to the support of Islamic financial are spread over key regions including Turkey, banking services, where it offers a wide array of by President-elect Trump’s fiscal plans. Despite the the UAE, the cabinet approved the AED 48.7 billion markets. Sukuk boost Islamic finance, strength- Malaysia and Bahrain. Islamic products and services, not to mention a disruption of Brexit, Europe has continued to budget allocated for 2017 which was up by +2.6 en its pillars and highlight KFH role as a pioneer Al-Roshood stated that Sukuk are the most high standard of innovation and client service. progress towards a path of slow but steady growth percent compared to the previous 2016 budget. in this market. significant and powerful low risk investment KFH manages its operations in the GCC, Asia, as the ECB has continued to add more stimulus The main focus on the budget was to boost infra- He reiterated the focus on the Group efforts, financing tool which contributes effectively to and Europe through over 446 branches, includ- and has continued to boost the quantitative eas- structure spending by +27.0 percent as compared indicating that managing KFH Group efforts the process of encountering liquidity crises. ing KFH-Turkey, in order to offer services for the ing measures. Emerging Markets have also per- to the prior year. contributed in reinforcing leadership in the Sukuk are characterized as instruments of high bank’s clients in Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, formed positively, with the exception of China’s Oman’s 2017 budget assumed an average oil Sukuk Market, especially that the Group banks liquidity, active secondary market, flexibility and Bahrain, Germany, Jordan, and Dubai. economy which has gone through a rebalancing price of $45.0/bbl. The ministry has vowed to focus phase and has slowed down due to the fall in com- on issuing international bonds as a method of modity prices (further weakened by oil’s collapse boosting funds. Oman also has plans to sell major Al-Tijari announces winners of Al-Najma Account beginning in 2014). stakes in a string of state companies over the next several years such as Muscat Electricity Distribution KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of account, all your dreams will be Daily draw to win KD 7000 With Al-Najma you have more GCC economies Co, which will be completed in the first half of Kuwait held the Al-Najma Account turned to reality. On top of offering Quarterly draws to win great chances to win greater prizes GCC nations have endured a difficult time eco- 2017. Qatar’s 2017 budget intends to reduce the daily draw on January 15, 2017. the highest daily prize in Kuwait for prizes that would start from KD * Each KD 25 kept in your nomically as the slump in oil prices has forced gov- government’s deficit and support growth meas- The draw was held under the KD 7,000, now our Mega prize 100,000 to KD 250,000 account gives you one chance to ernments to adjust to the new era of lower oil ures through higher capital spending. Capital proj- supervision of the Ministry of draws got bigger to reach KD 1ST QUARTER — KD 100 000, win prices. Countries have been encouraged by agen- ect spending will be targeted at transportation Commerce & Industry represented 250,000. 2ND QUARTER — KD 150 000, 3RD * Each KD 25 kept in your cies such as the IMF to accelerate structural reforms and infrastructure +21.2 percent of total spending, by Abdulaziz Ashkanani. The new prizes scheme for Al- QUARTER — KD 200 000, 4TH account for one week will give you a to diversify their economies away from health +12.3 percent and Education +10.4 percent. The winners of the Al-Najma dai- Najma account QUARTER — KD 250 000. chance to enter the daily draw. Petrochemicals, boost the functional role of the pri- The government also reiterated that it will contin- ly draw are: Sabria Rajb Hassan Ali * Each KD 25 kept in your vate sector, and create jobs for their swiftly growing ue to finance the fiscal deficit through domestic — KD 7000, Abdulrahman Shaker account for 3 months will give you labor forces. Another strategy implemented by and external debt instruments and not draw down Ali Mohammed — KD 7000, chance to enter the quarterly draw. GCC governments was to issue international bonds on accumulated reserves. Meanwhile, Bahrain has Mohammad Mazafar Haji Additional features to ease the burden on fiscal reserves and improve scaled back 22 municipal projects due to be com- Mohammad Din — KD 7000, * ATM card overall market liquidity. Saudi Arabia made head- pleted within 2017-2018 as a result of budget cuts. Ahmad Sanded — KD 7000, * Issue a credit card against your lines when it issued international bonds at a grand This all comes at a time where Bahrain was AbdelHameed Ahmed Shawa— KD account scale believed to be worth $17.5 billion, which was stripped of its investment grade credit rating by 7000. * Obtain all CBK banking services the biggest bond sale from an emerging market S&P to “BB” with a stable outlook, from “BBB-” with Al-Najma awards are now You deserve to win! Open an nation. Qatar also raised $9 billion in sovereign a negative outlook, which in essence sets it to junk brighter and bigger than ever account now with just KD 500 and bonds, Abu Dhabi sold $5 billion worth of sover- category. With the revamped Al-Najma you will enter all draws. technology MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

Security: The vital element of the Internet of Things

By Scott Manson creating a daunting challenge for companies and attack vectors - mobile devices, web-enabled and tionships between them is crucial to making sense those responsible to defend the infrastructure. No mobile applications, hypervisors, social media, web of billions of devices, applications, and their associ- e’re now experi- longer is it a matter of if attacks will happen, but browsers, and home computers - making cybersecu- ated information. encing a new when. Incentives for attackers are extremely large, rity a complex problem to address. The inherent Wwave of technolo- and all organizations need to understand how these diversity of IoT networks further expands this to new Threat-Focused gy that’s being defined by attackers pursue valuable data. device types. We need to presume compromise and hone our connected devices every- • Shortage of skilled resources. Adding to these ability to identify threats based on understanding where. It’s all a part of the IoT Cybersecurity Challenges challenges is the lack of in-house technology skills normal and abnormal behavior, identify indicators of Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is exponentially increasing the number necessary to maintain a strong security posture to compromise, make decisions and respond rapidly. These connected devices and type of attack vectors, creating many new and keep up with a rapidly developing and evolving Policies and controls are important to reduce the sur- are impacting our lives on a unforeseen challenges for organizations and those threats. For 2016, the world-wide shortage of securi- face area of attack, but threats still get through. We daily basis, changing every- responsible for defending the infrastructure. Some of ty professionals is estimated at more than a million, need to focus on detecting, understanding and stop- thing from the way we pro- these challenges include: increasing to 1.5 million by 2019 which indicates ping threats. With advanced malware and zero day vide healthcare to cooling our homes to running our • Increased attack surface. With billions of new how much demand there is for security talent. Since attacks this is an on-going process that requires con- manufacturing facilities and other critical infrastruc- devices now connected to the IoT and more devices the demand is greater than the supply, many organi- tinuous analysis and real-time cybersecurity intelli- ture. Today there are 10 billion connected devices but connecting all the time, the ability to gain visibility zations struggle to attract and retain security profes- gence, delivered from the cloud, that is shared across that number is expected to grow exponentially - into these attack vectors, let alone close them to mali- sionals and, consequently, this further constrains all technologies for improved efficacy. exceeding 50 billion sensors, objects, and other con- cious actors, is increasingly difficult. security teams. Platform-Based: In this new IoT environment, secu- nected “things” by the year 2020. • Threat diversity. Due to the variety of objects rity is now more than a network issue; it requires an Each of these devices could either be an asset you adversaries can target, many of which are in insecure What’s Needed integrated system of agile and open platforms that want to protect and enable, or a threat vector. The locations, attackers are able to devise new methods What’s needed is a new, threat-centric and opera- cover the network, devices and the cloud. These plat- ultimate goal of IoT is to increase operational efficien- we have yet to face and blend sophisticated tech- tional approach that is as pervasive as the IoT and the forms need to be extensible, built for scale and cen- cy, power new business models, and improve quality niques to accomplish their missions. threats themselves. This new approach must span a tralized management for unified policy and consis- of life and by connecting everyday objects and net- • Threat sophistication. Threats have already range of attack vectors and address the full attack tent controls. We need to move from deploying sim- working them together, we benefit from their ability become stealthier, evading initial point-in-time detec- continuum - before, during, and after an attack. With ple point cybersecurity appliances to integrating a to combine simple data to produce usable intelli- tions and using nearly imperceptible indicators of this model we can protect computer systems, net- true platform of scalable, easy to deploy services and gence. To capitalize on the vast opportunities that the compromise to reach their target. Cybersecurity sys- works, and data. I believe that the right approach for applications. IoT brings doesn’t just require networked connec- tems that rely exclusively on point-in-time defenses IoT cybersecurity should deliver on three key impera- The promise of the IoT can only be fully realized tions but secure networked connections. and techniques can’t keep up with unfolding attacks. tives -visibility-driven, threat -focused, and platform- when fears about the very real security implications Cybersecurity is not just a top consideration with the • Differentiated Enforcement and Remediation. IT based. Here are my reasons why: are assuaged. Organizations across an array of indus- IoT, but one that is foundational to delivering on the and OT networks are managed with different priori- Visibility-Driven: We must be able to accurately tries are embracing IoT, each with unique needs and promise of the vision. Protecting all of the interac- ties in mind. Cybersecurity policies that are intended see what is happening in the environment in real- requirements. While there is no “one size fits all” tions of the IoT is crucial in enabling people and for one environment often do not translate well to time to gain knowledge about the environment approach to cybersecurity, with a comprehensive organizations to benefit from these advances. the other. This presents serious tradeoffs between and threats. Visibility needs to come from the net- approach to security, organizations are free to capital- In today’s world of IoT, cybersecurity needs to be protection and continuity of operations. work fabric, endpoints, mobile devices, applica- ize on the IoT to improve business, government, and top of mind as the number and type of attack vectors • Complexity & Fragmentation. Networks and tions, virtual environments and the cloud. A real- safety in extraordinary ways. — By Scott Manson is will continue to increase as will the amount of data, their components constantly evolve and spawn new time, accurate picture of devices, data and the rela- Cyber Security Leader for Middle East and Turkey, Cisco.

Sophos announces special partner initiatives focused on SMB in ME

DUBAI: Sophos yesterday announced a ner program based on feedback from its new initiative for small and medium sized distributors and reseller channel partners. businesses (SMB) in the Middle East. The The regional partner program is well seg- special training and incentive initiative for mented into four different on-boarding lev- channel partners is designed to enable els with different skills certifications, sales them to address small and medium busi- and target activities, and rewards. nesses as a focus for their go-to-market Partners are now able to manage all activities. Sophos solutions for every customer Speaking on the new initiative, Harish through the company’s centralized man- Chib, vice president, Middle East and Africa, agement platform, Sophos Central. Within Sophos said, “With the growing volume of Sophos Central is Sophos Central-Partner, a sophisticated and targeted threats across specialized dashboard that allows partners the world, small businesses without dedi- to distribute licenses, add new customers cated security resources are particularly on demand, cross- and upsell services, drive challenged to stay secure. They often do recurring revenue and have a clear, real- not have adequate skilled security staff on time perspective on all customer activities. board and have invested more on manag- Partners can respond to security incidents ing business challenges than on IT security faster and track alerts of all levels directly infrastructure. The strategy of adding layer from the dashboard, so time spent handling upon layer of security technologies is really incidents, including minor ones, is more no longer practical or effective. It is costly productive and effective. and complex and out of reach for a vast The primary objective of the Sophos majority of businesses. Hence, we felt it is partner program is to equip partners with important to cater to this segment.” training and resources that enable them to “Our intention is to help incentivize our sell, market, distribute and implement the channel partners to better serve and sup- company’s award-winning cloud, network, port our customers in this market segment server and end-user protection solutions to with security knowledge and expertise. organizations of all sizes. It provides access Channel partners, who meet these targets to the company’s portfolio of market-lead- will incentivized and rewarded by Sophos ing endpoint and network security prod- for their efforts, where they will be able to ucts, which have been engineered keeping earn back by way of price discounts and its partners in mind. JAKARTA: A customer browses through used electronic items at a market on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia. The waste from discarded elec- credit for certification training,” Chib added. tronic gadgets and appliances has increased by two-thirds in East Asia over five years, posing a growing threat to health and the environment Sophos also announced a special pricing The Sophos Partner Program unless proper disposal becomes the norm. —AP and rebate promotion for channel partners for Middle East and Africa The partner program consists of four lev- els: Authorized Entry Level, Silver, Gold and E-waste is rising in Asia Platinum, based on sales performance each level increases in commitment to selling Sophos products and value delivered to customers. The program includes offerings such as: dangerously: UN study • Simple deal registration and discount structure: Sophos’s partner program is easy to implement, predictable, equitable and Gadget mountain threatening health, environment reliable. Partners can either interact with Sophos directly or use the Partner Portal to JAKARTA: The waste from discarded electronic the study. It urges governments to enact specific Asia as a whole is the biggest market for elec- do so, which offers a set of tools to simplify gadgets and electrical appliances has reached laws for management of electronic waste or rig- tronics and appliances, accounting for nearly deal registration and get pricing severe levels in East Asia, posing a growing orously enforce existing legislation. half of global sales by volume, and produces the Harish Chib • Strong product and solutions portfolio: threat to health and the environment unless safe Only South Korea, Taiwan and Japan have most waste. Guiyu, a heavily-polluted rural town Our partners have complete access to disposal becomes the norm. long established recycling systems based on in China that specializes in dismantling con- targeting the small and medium business Sophos’s award-winning network, server China was the biggest culprit with its elec- laws introduced in the 1990s. Open dumping of sumer electronics, some of it exported from rich end users. As part of this special incentive, and end user protection solutions, including tronic waste more than doubling, according to a lead- and mercury-laden components, open countries, has become synonymous with the partners can get a return through reduced Sophos Cloud new study by the United Nations University. But burning of plastics to release encased copper costs of a throwaway high-tech world. pricing and extra training initiatives. • Sales and marketing tools: Partners can nearly every country in the region had massive and unsafe backyard operations to extract pre- China has cleaned up Guiyu and other cen- “Sophos is a 100% channel driven IT benefit from a flexible and generous part- increases between 2010 and 2015, including cious metals are the norm in most countries ters like it but the Basel Action Network, which Security Company offering synchronized ner program, with dedicated support, deal those least equipped to deal with the growing including Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia, brought Guiyu to international attention, said security through our next-generation port- registration protection and competitive mountain of discarded smartphones, computers, which also lack laws governing the treatment of most of the dangerous practices continue in folio of endpoint, network or cloud security margins TVs, air conditioners and other goods. electronic and electrical waste. Guiyu albeit concentrated within a new industri- solutions. As part of our ‘Channel First - • Training and certification: Focus on On average, electronic waste in the 12 coun- The study said open burning and unsafe recy- al park on its outskirts. Channel Only’ sales strategy, we are com- training and technical enablement helps tries in the study had increased by nearly two cling is associated with a slew of health prob- Ruediger Kuehr, one of the study’s authors, mitted to providing simple and comprehen- partners increase the skill and competency thirds in the five years, totaling 12.3 million tons lems for workers and communities near recy- said the amount of waste being generated is sive security solutions to not only the mid- of their sales and technical professionals, in 2015 alone. Rising incomes in Asia, burgeon- cling operations They include infertility, child- higher than governments estimate, partly market enterprises but also the SMB seg- providing them with the knowledge to suc- ing populations of young adults, rapid obsoles- hood development problems, impaired lung because of their narrower definitions, and ment and the channel partners that serve cessfully sell, demo, deploy, support and cence of products due to technological innova- function, liver and kidney damage, inheritable should be a wake-up call to policymakers and them. We are confident that our new train- service Sophos products tion and changes in fashion, on top of illegal genetic damage and mental health problems. consumers. “We are all benefiting from the luxu- ing and incentive initiative will encourage The Partner Program for MEA illustrates global trade in waste, are among factors driving Backyard recyclers are after gold, silver, palla- ry of these electrical and electronic products to a our regional channel partners and gear Sophos commitment towards being a truly the increases. dium and copper, mainly from printed circuit certain extent, it makes our lives easier, some- them to cater to the ever-growing SMB seg- channel first company that creates pro- “Consumers in Asia now replace their gadgets boards, but the crude acid bath extraction times more complicated,” he said. “However if we ment in the Middle East,” Chib explained. grams and incentives for better channel more frequently. In addition, many products are process releases toxic fumes and is also ineffi- want to continue like this we must be reusing Within the Middle East and Africa, enablement and to accelerate Sophos part- designed for low cost production, but not neces- cient, recovering only a portion of the valuable the resources contained in electronic and electri- Sophos has built its regional channel part- ner profitability. sarily repair, refurbishment or easy recycling,” said material. cal equipment.” —AP Cuba sees explosion in Internet access as ties with US grow

HAVANA: Two days before Christmas, Luis since the declaration of detente with the feature of urban life in Cuba is the sight of Gonzalez received a little Chinese modem United States on Dec. 17, 2014. people sitting at all hours on street corners from Cuba’s state-owned telecommunica- While Cuba remains one of the world’s or park benches, their faces illuminated by tions company. The 55-year-old theater least internet-connected societies, ordinary the screen of smartphones connected by producer connected the device to his citizens’ access to the internet has exploded applications such as Facebook Messenger phone and his laptop computer, which over the last two years. Since the summer to relatives in Miami, Ecuador or other out- instantly lit up with a service unimaginable of 2015, the Cuban government has posts of the Cuban diaspora. Connections in the Cuba of just a few years ago - rela- opened 240 public Wi-Fi spots in parks and are made mostly through access cards sold tively fast home Internet. on street corners across the country. by the state monopoly and often resold on “It’s really easy to sit and find whatever Cubans were previously restricted to street corners for higher prices. you need,” Gonzalez said as he sat in his liv- decrepit state internet clubs and hotels The spread of connectivity has remotely ing room updating his Facebook account, that charged $6-$8 for an hour of slow reunited families separated for years, even listening to Uruguayan radio online and internet. In a country with an average decades. It’s fueled the spread of Airbnb checking an arriving tourist’s landing time monthly salary of around $25, the price of and other booking services that have fun- for a neighbor who rents rooms in their an hour online has dropped to $1.50, still neled millions in business to private bed- building in historic Old Havana. “Most steep but now well within the range of and-breakfasts owners. And it’s exposed Cubans aren’t used to this convenience.” many Cubans with private income or finan- Cubans to a faster flow of news and cultural Home Internet came to Cuba last month cial help from relatives abroad. developments from the outside world - HAVANA: People use a public wifi hotspot in Havana. Cuba depended on slow, expensive satellite in a limited pilot program that’s part of the The government estimates that 100,000 supplementing the widespread availability Internet until 2013, when it opened a fiber-optic cable to Venezuela that connected the island to most dramatic change in daily life here Cubans connect to the internet daily. A new of media spread on memory drivers. —AP the global online infrastructure. —AP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Seniors with memory problems may struggle with driving

NEW YORK: Seniors with memory problems and there are no validated tools or guidelines to help many driving errors as the cognitively healthy mean that someone should stop driving, but it is related attention and decision-making issues may assess the driving safety of patients with mild drivers. Memory impaired patients were more like- important to monitor for declines,” said Jennifer struggle with driving tasks, according to a cognitive impairment,” Schweizer told Reuters ly to cross the center line of the road and stray out Davis, a clinical neuropsychologist at Rhode Island Canadian study. Not all patients with mild cogni- Health by email. of the legal driving lane than healthy drivers. They Hospital who studies cognitive issues and driving. tive impairment, the early stage of memory loss, To study how mild cognitive impairment affects were also more likely to make mistakes turning Mild impairment is often a symptom of have issues with driving, the researchers write in driving ability, Schweizer and colleagues recruited left with oncoming traffic, but they had no issues Alzheimer’s disease and is likely to get worse over the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. However, 24 patients with memory loss. They divided partic- with turning right, or turning left with no traffic. time, “so it is also important to help patients and patients with added impairments, such as difficulty ipants into two groups: one group with only mem- families identify when it might be time to stop with multi-tasking or making quick decisions, are ory problems, and another group with other cog- Cognitive impairment driving,” Davis, who was not involved in the study, particularly likely to have trouble with tasks like nitive problems too, such as issues with attention, When researchers analyzed data on the two noted by email. “Families are encouraged to moni- staying in lanes and making left turns in traffic, the reasoning/planning, or visual perception. Twenty groups separately, however, they found that sen- tor driving by riding with their family member as a researchers write. cognitively healthy participants in the same age iors with only memory issues were not more likely passenger,” Davis advised, adding, “If concerns “Driving is a highly complex task that requires range acted as a comparison group. than healthy drivers to make errors. Patients with arise, be sure to see your doctor and consider tak- the integration of multiple cognitive functions, The participants underwent cognitive testing multiple cognitive impairments, however, were at ing a formal road test.” “These results highlight the such as attention, memory, and visuospatial abili- as well as a driving simulation that tested their much greater risk of errors, including crossing the importance of physicians talking to their patients ty, all of which can be affected by mild cognitive ability to perform a range of tasks such as driving center line, missing stop signs, and straying out of about driving, even when cognitive deficits are impairment,” said senior author Tom Schweizer, straight, making turns, and making left turns with the driving lane. These individuals were also much very mild in nature,” said Schweizer. New tools are director of the neuroscience research program at oncoming traffic. Overall, patients with mild cog- more likely to make errors during left turns. A diag- needed to help doctors better assess driving, he St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “Despite this, nitive impairment committed more than twice as nosis of mild cognitive impairment alone “does not added. —Reuters

Stronger malpractice laws may not prevent surgical complications

NEW YORK: More aggressive malpractice most litigation risk were also 9 percent more climates don’t necessarily protect patients likely to develop pneumonia, 15 percent from surgical complications, a new study more likely to suffer acute kidney failure and suggests. Supporters of medical malpractice 18 percent more likely to have gastrointesti- laws that make it easier for patients to sue nal bleeding. doctors say these protections are necessary to improve care. But in the current study, the Different outcomes risk of litigation didn’t translate into better The study can’t prove how specific laws outcomes, said study leader Dr Karl cause specific outcomes, the authors note. Bilimoria, director of the Surgical Outcomes It’s also not clear from the results whether and Quality Improvement Center at patient outcomes led to certain state laws Northwestern University’s Feinberg School or if the reverse was true, and certain state of Medicine in Chicago. policy shifts created different outcomes for “It doesn’t really work - malpractice envi- patients. Still, the results add to a growing ronment doesn’t influence doctors to pro- body of evidence suggesting that tort vide better care,” Bilimoria said by email. reforms aren’t associated with better out- “Rather, it may lead to defensive medicine comes, said Michelle Mellow, a law profes- practices where more tests and treatments sor at Stanford University in California who are ordered unnecessarily just to try to mini- wasn’t involved in the study. “This study mize malpractice risk.” Bilimoria and col- contributes further evidence that liability leagues examined state-specific data on pressure doesn’t spur doctors to get better medical malpractice insurance premiums, results for patients, but neither does average award size and the number of adopting reforms to limit liability,” Mellow claims for every 100 physicians in each state said by email. as of 2010. It’s not surprising that the study didn’t They also examined 2010 data on the find a consistent link between malpractice odds of death, complications or repeat environment and surgical complications operations within 30 days surgery for because these associations can be specific patients insured by fee-for-service Medicare, to certain procedures or fields within medi- the US health program for the elderly and cine, said Dr William Sage, a law and medi- disabled. The study included data on about cine professor at the University of Texas at 890,000 Medicare members who received Austin who wasn’t involved in the study. SUFFOLK: In this file photo, David Nelms, a hydrologist with the US Geological Survey, gestures to an extensometer that’s being installed in care at almost 3,200 hospitals nationwide. “The only things that are really clear Suffolk, Virginia. —AP Half were at least 74 years old. are that too many patients are injured, too During the study period, the average few of those receive compensation, and annual malpractice premium for general the whole process is slow and miserable Could treated sewage be a surgeons was roughly $47,000. More for both physicians and patients,” Sage aggressive malpractice laws and larger mal- said by email. “We also know that tort practice awards did not reduce patients’ risk reforms capping damages at low amounts for any of the postoperative complications discourage most people from suing tool against sea-level rise? studied, the researchers report in the because lawyers won’t take the cases, Journal of the American College of which in turn reduces the malpractice ‘We need to view this, if successful, as a significant improvement’ Surgeons. No individual state malpractice insurance premiums that physicians pay - law was consistently associated with both of which are pretty obvious.” improved post-operative outcomes. Some previous research suggests that SUFFOLK, Virginia : As a tool against sea-level on the total load of nitrates and phosphorous Planning District Commission. Increasing green- Instead, in states where doctors faced one type of law, that compares doctors’ rise, the idea seems a little counterintuitive: Add found in the water. The district can meet the house gases have warmed the oceans, melting greater risk from malpractice claims, results against national averages, can help water to the ground. But the laws of physics sup- standards of a different federal law - the Safe the polar ice caps and causing rising sea levels. patients were 22 percent more likely to improve outcomes in below-average states, port it: Pump millions of gallons into a sandy Drinking Water Act - by pumping wastewater, But scientists also blame humans, at least in part, develop sepsis, a potentially life-threatening said Dr Anupam Jena, a researcher at aquifer deep below the Earth’s surface, and its purified to the point of being drinkable, deep for the sinking ground. bloodstream infection, the study found. Harvard University in Boston who wasn’t porous layers will expand like a sponge. The underground. In the Hampton Roads region, slightly more Patients in states where doctors had the involved in the study. —Reuters ground above it will rise, fortifying at least some Putting treated sewage into the ground isn’t than half the relative sea-level rise is caused by of the land against the ocean’s reach. new. Orange County, California, has done it since subsidence that’s mostly due to humans pump- For decades, geologists have known that the 1990s, mainly to keep salt water out of its ing water out of the ground, according to the US extracting large amounts of water can cause aquifers. And water injection has been discussed Geological Survey. (The other cause is the land the ground to sink over time, sometimes by as a tool to boost land levels and fight against settling back down after being pushed up by gla- Uganda detects bird flu dozens of feet in places like California. Pumping tidal flooding in cities such as Venice, Italy, ciers during the last ice age.) it back in has slowed this subsidence and even according to Tom Burbey, director of the hydro- KAMPALA: Uganda announced yester- from the Masaka district, and in both slightly boosted ground levels in other places, logic sciences program at the National Science State permits day it had detected bird flu among cases the specimen tested positive for experts say. Foundation. (That plan was eventually aban- The Hampton Roads Sanitation District wants migratory birds, without specifying “the highly pathogenic avian influenza This approach could soon be tested in doned in favor of floodgates). to inject an initial million gallons a day during a whether it was the particularly virulent that affects both humans and animals Virginia’s Hampton Roads region, which is more Virginia’s coastal region needs to hold on to as pilot project in 2018, said Henifin, the general H5 strain detected this season in coun- and which causes a high number of threatened than any other place on the Atlantic much dry land as it can. The area along the bay manager. If all goes well, injection levels would tries worldwide. The agriculture ministry deaths in both species”, the statement Coast by the combination of sinking land and ris- and Atlantic Ocean is afflicted by what’s known eventually rise to 120 million gallons. Regular said bird flu had been detected in two added. ing seas. The area’s local sanitation department as relative sea-level rise, which measures the sampling at well sites would show if the injected spots, one near Entebbe, on the banks of The ministry said the outbreak was a has proposed pumping millions of gallons of cumulative effect of sinking land and rising water meets drinking standards. The district still Lake Victoria, and another in the Masaka first for Uganda but did not specify purified wastewater deep into the ground. water. The population of 1.7 million people is the needs federal and state permits for the pilot distict about 120 kilometers (75 miles) which flu strain it was. In 2016 51 coun- Combating sea-level rise is a shared threat country’s second most vulnerable to this predica- project. And it will require approval from the west of Kampala. Five domestic ducks tries declared the outbreak of one of the along this stretch of the coast, but it’s not the pri- ment, behind New Orleans. Neighborhoods Justice Department, which issued a consent and a hen in Masaka were also infected, virulent H5 and H7 strains of bird flu, mary driver of this project, said Ted Henifin, gen- already endure routine flooding, as does the decree in 2009 to address overflows from the leading authorities to call for all poultry according to the World Organization for eral manager of the Hampton Roads Sanitation world’s largest naval base in Norfolk. Sea levels sewer system. to be kept inside to avoid further conta- Animal Health (OIE). These include H5N1, District. The primary motivation is to more effec- have risen so much that utility lines that stretch But the idea has so far survived the scrutiny of gion from migratory birds, it said. H5N2, H5N5, H5N6, H5N9, H7N1, H7N3, tively respond to water quality requirements for from piers to docked ships sometimes must be the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a conservation In a statement, Christopher H7N7 et H7N8. Europe is battling the the Chesapeake Bay. shut off during high tides. group. “We need to view this, if successful, as a Kibazanga, minister for agriculture, ani- spread of H5N1, culling millions of birds By some estimates, the area could lose five significant improvement,” said Peggy Sanner, the mals and fisheries, said local wildlife on farms and moving them indoors to Pumping wastewater feet by century’s end, according to The Center for foundation’s assistant director for Virginia and authorities on January 2 had reported avoid contagion from infected wildlife. The district currently sends treated sewage Sea Level Rise at Old Dominion University in senior attorney. “Drinking water standards are the “mass death of wild birds, seen by The strain can be transmitted to into rivers that feed the bay. But persistent pollu- Virginia. Even a three-foot loss could permanent- higher than what comes out of the pipe right fishermen at Lutembe beach at the humans, and is held responsible for the tion levels prompted the Environmental ly inundate as many as 176,000 residents, accord- now,” she added. “And millions of pounds of pol- shores of Lake Victoria near Entebbe”. deaths of several hundred people since Protection Agency in 2010 to phase in new limits ing to a 2012 report from the Hampton Roads lutants would not go into the bay.”— AP Another report arrived on January 13 2003. —AFP Defunding planned parenthood could harm Iowa social program

DES MOINES, Iowa: Iowa’s governor has pro- office later confirmed to the AP that the gover- asked state agencies to cut about $110 mil- posed cutting funding for needy kids as part of nor backed the creation of a state-run program lion from the current $7.2 billion to plug a his plan to defund Planned Parenthood, a rare that would pass up millions of federal Medicaid shortfall of available cash. step even as Republican-dominated states dollars for family planning services. Branstad’s grapple with whether to sacrifice federal dollars office said it would pay for the state-run pro- Preventative funding in order to lessen the organization’s influence. gram by tapping into the Social Services Block Rachel Lopez, a spokeswoman for Planned According to budget projections reviewed by Grant, a separate pot of federal money that Parenthood of the Heartland, the Iowa affiliate The Associated Press, Gov Terry Branstad has provides aid to vulnerable children, adults and of the national organization, criticized recommended taking $2.8 million previously families. Ben Hammes, a spokesman for Republicans - including Branstad and Lt Gov given to child and family services so it can be Branstad, originally insisted that services pro- Kim Reynolds, who will succeed him. “As par- redirected to create a roughly $3.3 million pro- vided by this roughly $15 million fund would ents and public servants entrusted to care for gram that distributes family planning money to not be affected. He backtracked after review- the health and well-being of all Iowans, it’s organizations that do not perform abortions. ing documents provided by AP. appalling that they will sacrifice the most None of Iowa’s family planning money is Amy McCoy, spokeswoman for the Iowa defenseless Iowans on the taxpayers’ dime - all used to fund abortions, and the state’s funding Department of Human Services, said core for the sake of politics,” she said in a statement. for Planned Parenthood goes to other women’s services such as foster care wouldn’t be affect- Lynette Jacoby, who leads social services in health services such as birth control counseling ed by Branstad’s proposed cut, which would Johnson County - one of the state’s largest and health exams. Iowa receives more than $3 take effect for the budget year beginning in counties - called the potential loss of preventa- LOS ANGELES: In this file photo, Planned Parenthood supporters rally for women’s access million in federal Medicaid funding that it must July. But she confirmed the governor’s plan tive funding a blow for at-risk kids in Iowa but to reproductive health care on “National Pink Out Day” at Los Angeles City Hall. —AP spend on family planning services, and some would mean less funding for preventative also a “setback for many of these families that of that is tied to Planned Parenthood. programs that reduce the chance of children are benefiting from these programs.” At a ping Medicaid money altogether to try to last year. Democrats have held at least partial Branstad, who is expected to resign soon entering welfare and the juvenile justice sys- speech earlier this month, Iowa Supreme Court defund Planned Parenthood, a move that control of Iowa government for nearly 20 years, from his Iowa job to become President-elect tem. In the end Branstad’s overall budget for Chief Justice Mark Cady noted such services leaves statehouses on the hook for finding new keeping previous defunding attempts at bay. Donald Trump’s ambassador to China, told leg- child and family services for the next budget help children turn their lives around and save money to pay for family planning services that But after the November election, Republicans islators in an address last week that he sup- year - which will be about $127 million - will the state millions of dollars in the process used to be covered. Texas stopped receiving now control both chambers of the Legislature ports removing state funding for Planned be $2 million less than what’s estimated for because it avoids court costs. Medicaid money for family planning services and the governor’s office. Several abortion Parenthood to redirect it to other groups. His this current budget. The governor has also A handful of states have considered drop- several years ago, while Missouri considered it restriction bills are expected this year. —AP MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE The bald and the bold: Eagles’ resurgence comes at a price

PORTLAND, Maine: The eagle has landed - Breeding colonies on chickens and rare birds, with talons at the In Maine, where the breeding popula- ready. The resurgence of the bald eagle is tion of great cormorants is small and efforts one of America’s greatest conservation suc- to save them are underway, the bald eagles cess stories. They have come back so strong are a problem, said Chris DeSorbo, director that in some areas, they are interfering with of the raptor program at the Biodiversity efforts to preserve more jeopardized Research Institute in Portland. Cormorants species, such as loons and cormorants, are seabirds that are widely distributed wildlife biologists say. And their proliferation around the globe, but North America has is leading to encounters at livestock farms only a few breeding colonies from Maine to that sometimes end badly - and illegally - for Greenland, according to the Cornell Lab of the eagles. Federal protections mean farm- Ornithology. Common loons, decimated by ers can do little to keep them away, said Ken hunting, also sometimes fall victim to Klippen, a poultry scientist and former eagles and are the subject of repopulation farmer who heads the National Association efforts in New England and elsewhere. of Egg Farmers. “Eagles are very opportunistic preda- “It’s a fully protected bird. If you have fox- tors. They are going to try to take advan- es, coyotes, raccoons, a farmer can do some- tage of an easy meal wherever they can,” thing about that,” he said. “But if it’s a bald DeSorbo said. “In this case, I think seabird eagle? His hands are tied.” The Pennsylvania colonies can represent a low risk food Game Commission investigated a case in resource for them.” In other areas, the which an eagle was shot dead in the East eagles are assuming a role they played cen- Penn Township area in 2015. In Steuben turies ago - agricultural pest. And it’s not County, New York, a sheep farmer and two just chickens they’re getting. Lee Straw, a other people were accused of poisoning Maine farmer who raises sheep on an sheep carcasses to kill eagles that threat- island, said his weaker lambs sometimes ened lambs. And authorities investigated fall prey to eagles. suspicious deaths of 18 bald eagles in “There’s nothing you can do,” Straw said. AT SEA: This handout photo shows an image taken from a helicopter of crew members of the Yushin Maru, part of the Japanese whaling fleet, Maryland and Delaware last year. Bald “It’s survival of the fittest anyway.” Such pre- scrambling to cover their harpoon at sea in Antarctic waters. —AFP photos eagles were chosen as an American symbol dation is to be expected because bald in 1782 and underwent a steep decline in eagles are apex predators, said Mark the early and middle 20th century, pushed McCollough, an endangered species biolo- Sea Shepherd finds Japanese to the brink of extinction by pesticides, habi- gist with the federal Fish and Wildlife tat loss and indiscriminate hunting. Service. The service doesn’t consider it a A 1930 issue of Popular Science stated problem, but rather indicative of the ship ‘with slaughtered whale’ that the birds had died off so much that it species’ success at rebuilding. “Yes, eagles was possible they would soon “be seen only are having an effect on other species of on coins and the coat of arms of the United wildlife,” he said. “But that’s natural. SYDNEY: A Japanese ship has been caught with trying to prove the whale population is large research often ends up on dinner tables. No one States unless drastic action” saved them. Predation like that probably occurred here a slaughtered whale in the Antarctic in defiance enough to sustain a return to commercial hunt- was available for comment at Japan’s Fisheries Such action came in the form of federal pro- hundreds of years ago.” of an international court decision against Tokyo’s ing. But the meat from what it calls scientific Agency. —AFP tections, including the 1940 Bald and The birds are continuing to come back hunts, activist group Sea Shepherd said yester- Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prevents because of protection of wetlands, the day. The conservationist organization-whose almost everyone from so much as disturbing increase in water quality and reforestation two vessels departed Australia last month for the birds and still stands today. The eagles of farmland, said Geoff LeBaron, a the Southern Ocean to disrupt the hunt-said it recovered so much that they were removed Massachusetts ornithologist and the direc- spotted the Nisshin Maru in the Australian whale from the endangered species list in 2007. tor of the Audubon Society’s annual sanctuary around the nation’s Antarctic territory. Today, Audubon Society bird counts show Christmas bird count event. They haven’t The Japanese fleet set sail on November 18 last their numbers are climbing, and scientists yet reached the point where overpopula- year in defiance of a worldwide moratorium on with the society say they will probably con- tion is a legitimate concern, he said. “At commercial whaling and international opposi- tinue to do so. Counters found about 30,000 some point it will reach carrying capacity,” tion. Sea Shepherd released photographs of a of them in 2015, more than double the 1995 he said. “But I think there’s plenty of room dead minke whale on the deck of the Nisshin count. They live in every state but Hawaii. for more eagles.” —AP Maru, a factory ship, adding that the vessel’s crew covered the carcass with a tarp when its helicopter approached. Watch the picnic basket: Bear The dead whale is the first to be documented since the ruling by the International Court of sightings surge in Connecticut Justice (ICJ), said Sea Shepherd. It has spent more than a decade harassing Japanese har- HARTFORD, Connecticut: Keep an eye vious year. Compare that to only about poon ships during the Southern Hemisphere on the picnic basket. Bear sightings are 450 sightings in 2000. State wildlife biol- summer. “The fact that the Japanese crew went surging across Connecticut. The state ogist Paul Rego said black bear popula- to cover up their harpoons and the dead minke Department of Energy and tions in Connecticut and other states whale on deck just shows that they know what Environmental Protection says there have been increasing as land once used they’re doing is wrong,” the captain of Sea AT SEA: (Above and below) These handout photos show images taken from a helicopter of pro- were about 6,700 black bear sightings in for farming has reverted back to forest. Shepherd’s MY Steve Irwin, Wyanda Lublink, said tected minke whales onboard the Nisshin Maru. 2016, a 49 percent increase over the pre- About 58 percent of the state is forest in a statement. now, compared with 29 percent in 1860 The news came a day after Japanese Prime when farming was hitting its peak and Minister Shinzo Abe met his Australian counter- black bears had disappeared from part Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney, with their talks Connecticut. focusing on trade and defence. Japan is a signa- “Bears are responding to better habi- tory to the International Whaling Commission’s tat now,” Rego said. A count by the moratorium on whaling in force since 1986. But International Union for Conservation of it exploits a loophole allowing whales to be Nature puts the number at about killed for the purposes of “scientific research”. 850,000 to 950,000 black bears in North Australia’s Environment Minister Josh America. The population surge in Frydenberg said in a statement his government Connecticut since the early 1980s - when was “deeply disappointed” Japan had returned bears returned to the state after more to whaling in the Southern Ocean this summer. than a century - has prompted discussion “We will continue our efforts in the International of possible control measures, but no Whaling Commission to strongly oppose com- action is planned, Rego said. The state’s mercial whaling and so-called ‘scientific’ whaling, had a few reports of bears being aggres- uphold the moratorium on commercial whaling sive toward people over the years, but and promote whale conservation,” he added. none has involved serious injuries. In 2014 the United Nations’ ICJ ordered Tokyo Jeff Grody was working at his West to end the Antarctic hunt, saying it found per- HARTFORD, Connecticut: In this July Hartford home one July morning when mits issued by Japan were “not for purposes of 5, 2015 photo provided by the he heard noises and went to investigate. scientific research”. Japan cancelled its 2014-15 Hartford Police Department, a black What he found was startling: a big black hunt after the ruling, but restarted it the follow- bear sits perched in a tree in bear that had broken through a screen ing year under a new program with a two-thirds Hartford, Conn. door and was in his den room. —AP cut in the target catch number-saying the fresh plan was genuinely scientific. Tokyo claims it is WHAT’S ON MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 Statement from the Tajik Embassy in Kuwait

he embassy of Tajikistan in Kuwait released the and, as a result, increasing levels of poverty, spread of active dialogues of the UN General Assembly were achievement of social, economic and environmental following statement, which includes a briefing infectious diseases, child and maternal mortality still convened in 2010, 2013 and 2015. In addition, the goals; implementation and promotion of related pro- Tby Sirodjidin Aslov, Tajikistan’s Minister of require the mobilization of our efforts and relevant Government of Tajikistan in cooperation with the grams and projects; furtherance of cooperation and Foreign Affairs in connection with the adoption of the measures”. United Nations prepared and convened in Dushanbe partnership at all levels in order to help to achieve UN General Assembly resolution entitled: In this regard, the Head of State proposed that the following important events: internationally agreed water-related goals and tar- ‘International Decade for Action: Water for after completion of the International Decade for The Mid-term Comprehensive Review of the gets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development’: Action “Water for Life”, 2005-2015”, to work on prepa- implementation of the International Decade for for Sustainable Development. In addition, the resolu- On 21 December 21 2016 the UN General ration of a new Decade, which will become a solid Action “Water for Life”, June 2010; High-level tion highlights the importance of promoting efficient Assembly adopted with consensus a resolution platform and promote coordination and promotion International Conference on Water Cooperation, water usage at all levels, taking into account the A/RES/71/222 entitled “International Decade for of all efforts to address the issues and problems relat- August 2013; and High-level International Conference water, food, energy, environment nexus. Action: Water for Sustainable Development, 2018- ed with water resources. In addition, the new Decade on the implementation of the International Decade In addition, the resolution identifies the following 2028”, sponsored by the 177 UN member states. As is aimed to continue implementation of the indicat- for Action “Water for Life”, June 2015. objectives to be pursued: improving knowledge gen- you might be aware, the initiative for proclamation of ed steps of the International Decade for Action This year in July, the UN Secretary-General issued eration and dissemination, facilitating access to the International Decade for Action “Water for “Water for Life, 2005-2015”, enriching it with new a report on the implementation of the International knowledge and exchange of good practices, generat- Sustainable Development” was launched for the first measures and efforts to achieve Sustainable Decade for Action “Water for Life”, 2005-2015 ing new information relevant to the water-related time by Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic Development Goals. (A/71/260). According to this report “The Decade was Sustainable Development Goals; pursuing advocacy, of Tajikistan which took place last year in April in the It is widely known that the initiative to proclaim responsible for many accomplishments. No other 10- networking and promoting partnership and action Republic of Korea. the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”, year period in the history of the United Nations has by different actors to implement the water-related In accordance with the resolution (OP3) the peri- 2005-2015” was also launched by the President of witnessed as many water-related activities and goals and targets; strengthening communication od from 2018 to 2028 is proclaimed as the Tajikistan in 2003. That year, by the initiative of achievements”. Furthermore, the Decade, as the actions at various levels for the implementation of International Decade for Action “Water for Tajikistan, the UN General Assembly adopted a reso- report says, “has shown where the shortfalls lie and the water-related goals. Sustainable Development” to commence on 22 lution, according to which the period of 2005-2015 what slows down progress on water-related goals This resolution invites the Secretary-General, March 2018 and terminate on 22 March 2028 (22 was proclaimed as the International Decade for and targets. There are still a myriad of constraints on with the support of UN-Water, to take appropriate March - World Water Day). Action “Water for Life”. Subsequently, as part of this human, institutional and financial resources”. steps to plan and organize the activities of the Speaking at the Water Forum the President stated decade Tajikistan initiated to proclaim 2013 as the In accordance with the UN General Assembly res- Decade at the global, regional and country levels, that “... the modern global challenges and threats, International Year of Water Cooperation. olution the objectives of the International Decade for taking into account the outcomes of the including the financial and economic crisis, popula- Within the framework of the International Decade Action “Water for Sustainable Development” will be International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, tion growth, climate change, increase of natural for Action “Water for Life” and in accordance with the mainly focused on: sustainable development and 2005-2015, and the work of the high-level political hydro-meteorological phenomena, water scarcity resolutions of the UN General Assembly three inter- integrated management of water resources for the forum on sustainable development.

(From Left) Ayman Al-Ali, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee Glen Mulcahy Dr Amir Zeid of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Journalism Excellence Award; Glen Mulcahy, the guest speaker; and Dr Amir Zeid, Director of RISE Center. AUK’s RISE center holds lecture entitled ‘Mobile, VR and AI - the Future of Disruption in Media’

he Center for Research in Informatics, ing remarks noting that nowadays, technology are drastically reduced from a broadcaster’s While technology has contributed to the start incorporating methods and technologies Sciences and Engineering at the is finding its way into everything, with media perspective. advancement of many professions, Glen of this new era for news reporting, agreeing TAmerican University of Kuwait presented and news reporting being no different. Taking Moving on to newer and more futuristic warned that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is reach- with Einstein that, “We cannot solve a problem a lecture entitled, “Mobile, VR and AI - the over, Mulcahy began to clarify that broadcast- technologies, the speaker then discussed 360 ing worrying levels. Big conglomerates are by using the same thinking that created the Future of Disruption in Media” presented by ers in most places are not catching up fast recording cameras and the impact of VR using the data collected from us to provide problem in the first place.” the renowned Glen Mulcahy, Head of enough with new trends; they not only tend to (Virtual Reality). Viewers are no longer bound media tailored around our interests and online The AUK Center for Research in Innovation at RTE, Irish national broadcaster, ignore them, but they are in denial, taking no by the fixed angle that the producers want activities which could be thought of as a bor- Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE) and founder of the “MOJOCON” conference for effective action to address them. Mulcahy aims them to see, but through 360 technologies, derline impeachment of privacy. It also pre- serves as AUK’s primary source for research mobile journalism. The lecture gave a fresh to empower journalists to be complete story- the experience is extensively more immersive- dicted that by 2029, AI will pass the Turin test; and development activities, a bridge to perspective on how technology is incorporat- tellers on their own, as opposed to relying on a especially if seen through a VR headset. this essentially means that we will not be industry, and an important venue for com- ed in media, journalism and news reporting. full crew. Technology has advanced to the level Drones are also being used to provide cover- capable of differentiating between a human munity outreach. RISE adapts an integrative The lecture has been facilitated by the that regular consumer products are competent age for news reporting, which not only catch- and an AI computer. model by forging connections between aca- Organizing Committee of Sheikh Mubarak Al- enough to produce broadcast-quality reports. es hard-to-reach angles but is four times Bringing the lecture to an end, the speaker demic disciplines, local and international Hamad Journalistic Award. This not only saves money, but even the paper- cheaper than sending a professional camera wanted to remind the audience that broad- innovators, academia and industry, as well as RISE Director Dr Amir Zeid gave his welcom- work required for authorizations and permits man on a helicopter. casting networks need to up their game and technology and society.

NSH with sparkling light: Day of emotions

he benevolent presence of Padmashri Dr Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa welcomes you to savor authentic Ravi Pillai added more joy to the celebra- Turkish cuisine from griddled meats to aromatic desserts specially prepared Ttions in NSH that filled the day with by the hotel’s Turkish chefs every Monday from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. For uncontrollable emotions. Dr Pillai’s speech, felt reservations and more information, please call 22269666. a rare memorable treasure, won a huge thun- derous applause from the several hundreds of employees and the large audience. The NSH Vice President Sabu, in his inspiring extem- pore, appreciated these long serving employ- ees - P V Santhosh Kumar, Henry Rajan, Padma Kumar and T H Abdul Rahiman - highlighted their achievements, quoting them as the finest example of team work in this single largest employer in the Middle East. The oil and gas business conglomerate that accommodates more than 90,000 employees around the globe, most of them being Indians, presently has projects worth USD 4 bn. NSH is renowned for its technical expertise, innova- tive edge, commitment to safety and quality and excellence across all aspects of its multi- faceted operations including Building and Infrastructure works, Refineries, Petrochemicals, Fertilizers, LNG Terminals, Steel, Mining, Power, Pipeline projects. To its ocial worker Pani Anthony has been conferred on the prestigious title credit, NSH has the best “best”. Recipient of Ambassador of Harmony to Russia by Michael Gorbatov, Vice Consul of the Safe Contractor in the World, in the Ras SConsulate General of Russia at a glittering ceremony held under the slo- Gas job in Qatar by the world renowned Oil role for its employees. It has to be noted that Managers Abdul Rahiman, Dileep Kumar gan Youth Icon of the Year 2017, attended by academicians, industrialists, and Gas giant Exxon Mobile. recently NSH was honored with the Best Raroth gave their inputs. Santhosh Babu, V G youth and the public. He has been in the forefront of creating awareness The recipients of the long service awards Employee Welfare Award, received from the Nair, Manoj Kumar, Ratha Krishna Pillai, among the underprivileged communities and among youth in vital areas such recalled their memories and expressed their CEO of KNPC. Prakash, Harish, KR Mohan were among those as educational awareness, women’s empowerment and environmental issues. gratitude for NSH playing the Good Samaritan General Manager Harikumar, Project present. MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 WHAT’S ON

Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah hosted a Palestinian Music Concert at the Amricani Cultural Centre this past Wednesday. The event featured vocalist Maher Al-Ateely and professional Dabkeh performers. As the concert gained further excitement, audience members joined the dance. MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

17:40 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up 05:40 Megacities 18:30 How Do They Do It? 06:35 Nazi Underworld 18:55 How Do They Do It? 07:30 Killing Reagan 19:20 What On Earth? 09:20 Big, Bigger, Biggest 20:10 The Liquidator 10:15 The Border 00:00 Mercury Rising 00:50 Gator Boys 20:35 The Liquidator 11:10 Highway Thru Hell 00:10 Hank Zipzer 02:00Sharknado 2: The Second One 01:45 Weird Creatures With Nick 21:00 Gold Rush 12:05 Dirty Rotten Survival 03:45 Dragon Blade Baker 21:50 Deadliest Catch 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 13:00 Nazi Underworld 01:00 Violetta 06:00 Sherlock Holmes 06:49 River Monsters 22:40 Sean Conway - Running 14:00 Reagan: The Assassination 08:15 Surrogates 07:36 Night Britain 01:45 The Hive Attempt 01:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 10:00 Last Action Hero 08:00 Night 23:30 Fast Nʼ Loud 15:00 Facing... 12:15 Heatstroke 08:25 Americaʼs Cutest Pets Teenage Witch 16:00 The Border 02:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 14:00 Sherlock Holmes 09:15 Wild Animal Repo 17:00 Highway Thru Hell 16:15 Navy Seals: The Battle For 10:10 Weird Creatures With Nick Teenage Witch 18:00 Dirty Rotten Survival 02:40 Hank Zipzer New Orleans Baker 19:00 Continent 7: Antarctica 18:00 Last Action Hero 11:05 Tanked 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 20:00 The Border 03:30 Violetta 20:15 Blown Away 12:00 Americaʼs Cutest Pets 00:00 Blood And Glory: The Civil 20:50 Highway Thru Hell 22:15 Public Enemies 12:55 Gorilla School 04:15 The Hive 21:40 Dirty Rotten Survival War In Color 04:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 13:20 Gorilla School 01:00 Monster Quest 22:30 Continent 7: Antarctica 13:50 Wild Animal Repo Teenage Witch 02:00 Ancient Impossible 05:10 Hank Zipzer 14:45 Gator Boys 03:00 How 2 Win 15:40 Weird Creatures With Nick 05:35 Binny And The Ghost 03:50 Ancient Aliens 06:00 Violetta Baker 04:40 Serial Killer Earth 00:00 Adventures Of A Pizza Guy 16:35 Tanked 06:45 The Hive 02:00 National Security 05:30 Blood And Glory: The Civil 06:50 Mouk 17:30 River Monsters War In Color 04:00 Coneheads 18:25 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 07:00 Jessie 00:00 Bates Motel 06:00 Kicking And Screaming 06:20 Warriors 07:50 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 01:00 How To Get Away With 19:20 Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet 07:10 The Universe 08:00 Confessions Of A Shopaholic 20:15 Tanked And Cat Noir Murder 10:00 Coneheads 08:00 Monster Quest 08:15 Tsum Tsum Shorts 02:00 How To Get Away With 21:10 Weird Creatures With Nick 09:00 Ancient Impossible 12:00 National Security Baker 08:20 Elena Of Avalor Murder 14:00 10 Things I Hate About You 10:00 How 2 Win 08:45 Bunkʼd 03:00 Mistresses 22:05 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 11:00 Ancient Aliens 16:00 Confessions Of A Shopaholic 23:00 Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet 09:10 Gravity Falls 04:00 Royal Pains 18:00 The Bad News Bears (2005) 12:00 Serial Killer Earth 09:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 05:00 Good Morning America - 23:55 Gator Boys 13:00 Monster Quest 20:00 The A-Team 10:25 A.N.T. Farm Weekend 22:00 My Man Is A Loser 14:00 Ancient Impossible 11:15 Good Luck Charlie 06:00 Prison Break 15:00 How 2 Win 12:05 Shake It Up 07:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 16:00 Ancient Aliens 12:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 08:00 Unforgettable 17:00 Serial Killer Earth 13:00 Welcome To The Ronks 09:00 Heartbeat 18:00 The Universe 13:15 Gravity Falls 10:00 Prison Break 19:00 Patton 360 13:40 Hank Zipzer 11:00 Unforgettable 00:00 I Escaped My Killer 20:00 Mud Men 14:05 Star Darlings 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 01:00 The Hidden Face 01:00 The Haunting Of... 21:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 14:10 Austin & Ally 13:00 The Fosters 02:45 The Fisher King 02:00 My Haunted House 22:00 Ancient Aliens 15:00 Jessie 14:00 Heartbeat 05:00 Breathe In 03:00 Diabolical Women 15:25 Jessie 15:00 Live Good Morning America 06:45 I Believe In Miracles 04:00 I Escaped My Killer 15:50 Rolling To The Ronks 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:30 Seabiscuit 05:00 The Haunting Of... 16:15 Sunny Bunnies 18:00 This Is Us 11:00 Breathe In 06:00 My Haunted House 16:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 19:00 The Fosters 13:00 A Perfect Day 07:00 The First 48 And Cat Noir 20:00 Criminal Minds 15:00 Foreverland 08:00 Evil Up Close 16:45 Elena Of Avalor 21:00 Homeland 17:00 Seabiscuit 09:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder 17:10 Bunkʼd 22:00 Tyrant Casebook 19:30 Finding Forrester 00:40 Blood Relatives 17:35 Descendants Wicked World 23:00 Tyrant 10:00 Homicide Hunter 17:40 Girl Meets World 21:45 Identity 11:00 Private Crimes 01:30 Paranormal Lockdown 23:30 Hustle And Flow 02:20 The Haunted 18:05 Bizaardvark 15:00 Evil Up Close 18:30 Liv And Maddie 16:00 The First 48 03:10 True Nightmares 04:00 Judgment Day: Prison Or 18:55 Best Friends Whenever 17:00 Homicide Hunter 19:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 18:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder Parole 04:48 Suspicion 19:25 The Next Step Casebook 19:50 Austin & Ally 08:00 Iʼd Kill For You 00:00 Two And A Half Men 19:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 20:15 Star Darlings 01:00 The Gift 08:50 I Almost Got Away With It 00:30 Happy Endings 20:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 20:20 Shake It Up 03:00 Big Game 09:40 Vanity Fair Confidential 01:30 Girls 21:00 The First 48 20:45 Backstage 05:00 Some Girls 10:30 Suspicion 02:30 Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll 22:00 Evil Up Close 21:10 Liv And Maddie 06:45 The Longest Ride 11:20 Blood Relatives 03:00 New Girl 23:00 Homicide Hunter 21:35 Cracke 09:00 Big Game 12:10 Nowhere To Hide 03:30 Baby Daddy 21:40 The Next Step 10:30 Spectre 13:00 Iʼd Kill For You 04:00 The Bill Engvall Show 22:05 Best Friends Whenever 13:00 Racing Hearts 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 15:00 A Birderʼs Guide To 14:40 Vanity Fair Confidential MERCURY RISING ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD Jimmy Fallon Everything 15:30 Suspicion 05:30 Trophy Wife 17:00 Paper Towns 16:20 Blood Relatives 06:00 Til Death 19:00 Point Break 21:00 Unbungalievable 06:50 Shipping Wars 17:10 Evil Online My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 06:30 Living With Fran 21:00 In The Heart Of The Sea 21:05 Goldie & Bear 07:15 Shipping Wars 18:00 Momsters: When Moms Go 23:20 Rustic Adventures Italy 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 23:15 Focus 00:05 What Happened Next? 21:35 Miles From Tomorrow 07:40 Counting Cars 23:45 Rustic Adventures Italy 00:30 Invent It Rich Bad 08:00 The Bill Engvall Show 18:50 I Almost Got Away With It 00:20 Henry Hugglemonster 22:00 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 08:05 Counting Cars 08:30 Trophy Wife 01:20 Invent It Rich 00:35 The Hive 22:25 Gummi Bears 08:30 Pawn Stars 02:10 Storm Chasers 19:40 Vanity Fair Confidential 09:00 New Girl 20:30 Evil Online 00:45 Loopdidoo 08:55 Pawn Stars 09:30 The Last Man On Earth 03:00 Storm Chasers 01:00 Henry Hugglemonster 09:20 Storage Wars 03:50 Ultimate Survival 21:20 Blood Relatives 10:00 The Mindy Project 01:15 Calimero 09:45 Storage Wars 10:30 Living With Fran 04:40 Ultimate Survival 10:10 American Pickers 01:30 Mamma Moo And Crow 01:30 Art Attack 00:20 Worldʼs Deadliest 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 05:30 Ultimate Survival 11:00 Billion Dollar Wreck 03:00 Cher Ami 01:50 Zou 01:10 Monster Fish Jimmy Fallon 06:20 How Itʼs Made 06:00 Danger Mouse 11:50 Time Team 04:30 The Adventures Of Don 02:05 Loopdidoo 02:00 Hippo vs Croc 12:00 $#*! My Dad Says 06:40 How Itʼs Made 06:25 Gravity Falls 12:40 Swamp People Quixote 02:20 Henry Hugglemonster 02:50 Indiaʼs Lost Worlds 12:30 The Bill Engvall Show 07:00 Do You Know? 06:50 The 7D 13:30 Ax Men 06:00 Savva 02:35 Calimero 03:45 Wild 24 13:00 Trophy Wife 07:15 Doki 00:00 Sibaʼs Table 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 14:20 Mountain Men 07:30 Jungle Book: Mowgliʼs 02:50 Zou 04:40 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 13:30 Living With Fran 07:35 Dick ʻnʼ Dom Go Wild 01:00 Private Chef 07:15 Counterfeit Cat 15:10 Ice Road Truckers Adventure 03:05 Art Attack 05:35 Hippo vs Croc 14:00 Baby Daddy 08:00 K9 Cops 02:00 Chopped 07:40 Supa Strikas 16:00 Counting Cars 09:15 Looney Tunes: Rabbitʼs Run 03:30 The Hive 06:30 Indiaʼs Lost Worlds 14:30 The Last Man On Earth 08:45 How Itʼs Made 03:00 Food Network Star 08:10 K.C. Undercover 16:25 Counting Cars 10:45 The Tale Of The Princess 03:40 Loopdidoo 07:25 Wild 24 15:00 The Mindy Project 09:05 How Itʼs Made 04:00 Guyʼs Grocery Games 08:35 Star Wars Freemaker 16:50 Pawn Stars Kaguya 03:55 Henry Hugglemonster 08:20 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 15:30 Happy Endings 09:30 Invent It Rich 05:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Adventures 17:15 Pawn Stars 13:00 Cher Ami 04:10 Art Attack 09:15 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) 16:00 Happy Endings 10:20 Mythbusters 06:00 The Kitchen 09:00 Lab Rats 17:40 Storage Wars 14:30 Blackie And Kanuto 04:35 Loopdidoo 10:10 I, Predator 16:30 $#*! My Dad Says 11:10 Storm Chasers 07:00 The Pioneer Woman 09:50 Danger Mouse 18:05 Storage Wars 16:00 The Three Dogateers 04:50 Calimero 11:05 Worldʼs Deadliest 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:00 K9 Cops 08:00 Sibaʼs Table 10:20 Supa Strikas 18:30 Pawn Stars 18:00 Looney Tunes: Rabbitʼs Run 05:05 Art Attack 12:00 Hunting The Hammerhead 18:00 New Girl 12:50 Ultimate Survival 09:00 Anna Olson: Bake 11:10 Counterfeit Cat 18:55 Storage Wars: Best Of 20:00 The Boxcar Children 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 12:55 Swamp Lions 18:30 Baby Daddy 13:40 How Itʼs Made 09:30 Anna Olson: Bake 11:35 Pair Of Kings 19:20 Ax Men 22:00 Blackie And Kanuto 05:45 Zou 13:50 Indiaʼs Lost Worlds 19:00 Dr. Ken 20:10 American Pickers 23:30 The Three Dogateers 14:45 Wild 24 19:30 The Mindy Project 21:00 The Curse Of Oak Island 20:00 Two And A Half Men 21:50 Hunting Hitler 15:40 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 16:35 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) 21:00 Happy Endings 17:30 Killer Shots 22:00 Youʼre The Worst 18:25 Worldʼs Deadliest 22:30 Youʼre The Worst 19:20 Wild 24 23:00 Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll 23:30 Two And A Half Men 20:10 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 00:15 Monsterville: The Cabinet Of 21:00 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) Souls 21:50 Killer Shots 00:10 The Chase 02:00 Batman Unlimited: Animal 22:40 Worldʼs Deadliest Instincts 01:00 Emmerdale 23:30 Hunting The Hammerhead 01:30 Emmerdale 03:30 Nancy Drew 02:00 Coronation Street 01:00 The Silent Mountain 05:30 One Christmas Eve 02:30 Alphabetical 03:00 Dark Was The Night 07:30 Batman Unlimited: Animal 03:25 Midsomer Murders 05:00 Love Under The Stars Instincts 05:15 Agatha Christieʼs Partners In 07:00 A Kind Of Magic 09:00 Step Dogs Crime 09:00 Big Eyes 11:00 Nancy Drew 06:10 Donʼt Tell The Bride 11:00 The Silent Mountain 13:00 Open Season: Scared Silly 07:10 Alphabetical 00:10 Continent 7: Antarctica 13:00 Invasion Day 15:00 The Amazing Wizard Of 08:00 Midsomer Murders 01:00 Reagan: The Assassination 15:00 Healing Paws 09:30 Tracey Ullmanʼs Show Attempt 17:00 Big Eyes 17:00 The Boxtrolls 10:00 Agatha Christieʼs Partners In 02:00 Facing... 19:00 Extracted 19:00 The Last Song Crime 02:55 Beyond Magic With DMC 20:30 The Reluctant 21:00 Get Santa 10:55 Donʼt Tell The Bride 03:50 Continent 7: Antarctica Fundamentalist 23:00 The Amazing Wizard Of 11:55 Alphabetical 04:45 Big, Bigger, Biggest 23:00 The Snitch Cartel Paws 12:45 Emmerdale 13:15 Coronation Street 13:45 Coronation Street 14:10 Donʼt Tell The Bride 15:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 16:00 Endeavour 17:50 Safe House 18:45 Emmerdale 19:15 Coronation Street 19:45 Coronation Street 20:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 21:00 Endeavour 22:50 Emmerdale 23:15 Coronation Street THE LONGEST RIDE ON OSN MOVIES HD 23:40 Coronation Street 14:05 How Itʼs Made 10:00 The Kitchen 06:00 Art Attack 12:30 Future-Worm! 14:30 Storm Chasers 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 12:55 Lab Rats Elite Force 15:15 Mythbusters 12:00 Sibaʼs Table 06:45 Loopdidoo 13:45 Atomic Puppet 16:00 Doki 13:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:00 Zou 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 16:20 Dick ʻnʼ Dom Go Wild 14:00 Chopped 07:15 Calimero 14:15 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron 00:10 The Wine Show 16:45 Do You Know? 15:00 The Kitchen 07:30 Loopdidoo Revolution 01:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter 17:00 Atlas 4D 16:00 Anna Olson: Bake 07:45 Henry Hugglemonster 14:40 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty Kuruvita 17:50 Worldʼs Toughest 17:00 Chopped 08:00 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons Much Everything 01:25 Rustic Adventures Italy Expeditions With James Cracknell 18:00 Iron Chef America 08:05 PJ Masks 15:05 Lab Rats Elite Force 01:50 Rustic Adventures Italy 18:40 Nextworld 19:00 Restaurant Stakeout 08:15 Goldie & Bear 15:30 Disney Cookabout 02:15 Home Strange Home 19:30 How Itʼs Made 20:00 Mystery Diners 08:30 Jake And The Never Land 15:55 Danger Mouse 03:05 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 19:55 How Itʼs Made 21:00 Restaurant Takeover Pirates 16:25 K.C. Undercover 03:30 My Restaurant In India 20:20 Mythbusters 08:45 Miles From Tomorrow 16:50 Future-Worm! 03:55 The Wine Show 21:10 Atlas 4D 08:55 Sofia The First 17:15 Gravity Falls 04:45 Gokʼs Chinese Takeaway 22:00 Worldʼs Toughest 09:20 Doc McStuffins 17:40 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 05:35 Fish Of The Day Expeditions With James Cracknell 09:35 Goldie & Bear 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:00 The Food Files 22:50 What Happened Next? 09:50 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 18:10 Supa Strikas 06:25 The Food Files 23:15 What Happened Next? 10:00 PJ Masks 18:35 Supa Strikas 06:50 My Sri Lanka With Peter 23:40 Ultimate Survival 00:15 Origins 10:15 Jake And The Never Land 19:00 Atomic Puppet Kuruvita 00:40 Prototype This Pirates 19:25 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 07:15 Rustic Adventures Italy 01:30 The Gamechangers: 10:30 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons Much Everything 07:40 Rustic Adventures Italy Inventing The World 10:35 Sofia The First 19:55 K.C. Undercover 08:05 Home Strange Home 02:20 Powering The Future 11:00 Sofia The First 20:20 Counterfeit Cat 08:55 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 03:10 Mythbusters 11:30 Doc McStuffins 20:45 Mighty Med 09:20 My Restaurant In India 08:00 How Do They Do It? 11:55 Doc McStuffins 21:10 Pickle And Peanut 09:45 The Wine Show 00:20 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up 08:26 What Could Possibly Go 12:20 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 10:35 Gokʼs Chinese Takeaway 01:10 Mega Trains Wrong? 12:50 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 21:45 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron 11:25 Fish Of The Day 02:00 Guy Martinʼs Last Of The 09:14 Mythbusters 13:15 Gummi Bears Revolution 11:50 The Food Files Vulcans 10:02 Powering The Future 13:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 12:15 The Food Files 02:50 Guy Martin: Wall Of Death 10:50 How Do They Do It? 14:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:35 Boyster 12:40 My Sri Lanka With Peter 03:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 11:14 Food Factory 14:35 Jake And The Never Land 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am Kuruvita 04:30 The Liquidator 11:38 Mythbusters Pirates 13:05 Rustic Adventures Italy 05:00 How Do They Do It? 12:26 Mythbusters 15:00 Jake And The Never Land 13:35 Rustic Adventures Italy 05:30 How Do They Do It? 13:14 What Could Possibly Go Pirates 14:00 Home Strange Home 06:00 Deadliest Catch Wrong? 15:30 Little Mermaid 14:55 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 14:02 How Do They Do It? 15:55 Unbungalievable 15:25 My Restaurant In India 08:30 Big Giant Swords 14:26 Food Factory 16:00 Miles From Tomorrow 15:50 The Wine Show 09:20 The Liquidator 14:50 Powering The Future 16:30 Jake And The Never Land 00:20 Time Team 16:45 Gokʼs Chinese Takeaway 09:45 How Do They Do It? 15:38 Mythbusters Pirates 01:10 Pawn Stars 17:40 Poh & Co 10:10 How Do They Do It? 16:26 What Could Possibly Go 16:55 The Lion Guard 01:35 Storage Wars: Best Of 18:10 The Food Files 10:35 Fast Nʼ Loud Wrong? 17:20 Goldie & Bear 02:00 Storage Wars 18:35 The Food Files 11:25 Misfit Garage 17:14 Mythbusters 17:50 PJ Masks 02:25 Storage Wars 19:05 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 12:15 Street Outlaws 18:02 Powering The Future 18:15 Sofia The First 02:50 Storage Wars 19:30 My Restaurant In India 13:05 How Do They Do It? 18:50 What Could Possibly Go 18:40 Doc McStuffins 03:15 American Pickers 20:00 The Wine Show 13:30 The Liquidator Wrong? 19:05 Jake And The Never Land 04:05 Pawn Stars 20:50 Gokʼs Chinese Takeaway 13:55 The Liquidator 19:40 Mythbusters Pirates 04:30 Pawn Stars 21:40 Poh & Co 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 20:30 American Titans 19:30 Little Mermaid 05:00 Mountain Men 22:05 The Food Files 15:10 Deadliest Catch 21:20 How Do They Do It? 20:00 PJ Masks 06:00 Big Rig Bounty Hunters 22:30 The Food Files 22:55 16:50 Fast Nʼ Loud 21:45 Food Factory 20:30 PJ Masks 06:25 Big Rig Bounty Hunters I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES ON OSN MOVIES FESTIVAL HD Classifieds

MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

CHANGE OF NAME

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (12/01/2017 TO 18/01/2017) I, Danny Ameerkhan S/o Abdul Khader Ameerkhan holder of Indian PP No. SHARQIA-1 A MONSTER CALLS 7:15 PM AVENUES-1 360º- 3 J3624269 hereby change MOANA 11:45 AM A MONSTER CALLS 9:30 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 12:30 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 11:30 AM my name as Muhammad MOANA 2:00 PM A MONSTER CALLS 11:45 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 3:00 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 1:45 PM Ameerkhan, with immedi- MOANA 4:15 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 5:30 PM SING 4:15 PM ate effect. (C 5256) FANAR-1 WARRIOR’S GATE 7:45 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 6:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 6:30 PM 13-1-2017 THE GREAT WALL 9:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 11:30 AM WARRIOR’S GATE 10:15 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 9:15 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 3:30 PM THE GREAT WALL 2:00 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 12:30 AM ASSASSIN’S CREED 11:45 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 6:30 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 4:15 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 7:30 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 9:30 PM THE GREAT WALL 6:00 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 10:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 THE GREAT WALL 12:15 AM ASSASSIN’S CREED 8:15 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 1:15 AM A MONSTER CALLS 1:15 PM ACCOMMODATION THE GREAT WALL 10:45 PM A MONSTER CALLS 3:30 PM SHARQIA-2 KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 3:30 PM AVENUES-2 A MONSTER CALLS 5:45 PM Sharing accommodation A MONSTER CALLS 8:00 PM A MONSTER CALLS 12:45 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 6:30 PM MOANA -3D- 4DX 1:15 PM for Filipino Bachelor ONLY A MONSTER CALLS 3:00 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 9:30 PM MOANA -3D- 4DX 3:45 PM A MONSTER CALLS 10:15 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 4:00 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED 1:00 AM MOANA -3D- 4DX 6:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 12:30 AM near Big Jamiya Farwaniya. A MONSTER CALLS 5:15 PM THE GREAT WALL -3D- 4DX 8:15 PM Available already, Contact A MONSTER CALLS 7:30 PM FANAR-2 THE GREAT WALL -3D- 4DX 10:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 66826412 or 97512782 THE GREAT WALL 7:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 1:30 PM ASSASSIN’S CREED -3D- 4DX 12:45 AM THE GREAT WALL 12:00 PM 9-1-2017 A MONSTER CALLS 9:45 PM MOANA 4:15 PM MOANA 2:15 PM A MONSTER CALLS 12:05 AM BAIRAVAA - Tamil 6:30 PM AVENUES-3 MOANA 4:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 1:30 PM MOANA 6:45 PM SHARQIA-3 PATRIOTS DAY 12:30 AM THE GREAT WALL 4:15 PM THE GREAT WALL 9:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 1:15 PM THE GREAT WALL 7:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 11:30 PM MOANA 1:45 PM FANAR-3 THE GREAT WALL 9:45 PM 112 PATRIOTS DAY 4:00 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 11:45 AM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 1:30 PM AL-KOUT.3 MOANA 4:30 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 1:45 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 4:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 6:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 3:30 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 7:00 PM PATRIOTS DAY 3:30 PM A MONSTER CALLS 6:45 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 3:45 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 9:45 PM PATRIOTS DAY 6:30 PM Automated PATRIOTS DAY 9:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 6:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 12:30 AM NO THU+FRI+MON enquiry about PATRIOTS DAY 11:45 PM NO THU+FRI+MON PATRIOTS DAY 9:30 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 7:00 PM AVENUES-4 KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 3:30 PM the Civil ID card is MUHALAB-1 DANGAL -Hindi 10:00 PM A MONSTER CALLS 12:15 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 6:30 PM THE GREAT WALL 1:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 1:15 AM A MONSTER CALLS 2:30 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 9:30 PM DANGAL -Hindi 3:45 PM A MONSTER CALLS 4:45 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:15 AM 1889988 DANGAL -Hindi 7:00 PM MARINA-1 Special Show “ LEVEL UP” 4:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 10:15 PM THE GREAT WALL 1:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 7:00 PM AL-KOUT.4 THE GREAT WALL 1:30 PM MOANA 3:30 PM A MONSTER CALLS 10:15 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 12:30 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 4:00 PM MOANA 5:45 PM A MONSTER CALLS 12:30 AM WARRIOR’S GATE 3:00 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 7:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 8:00 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 5:15 PM GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 10:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 10:15 PM A MONSTER CALLS-CINESCAPE 11- 2D 5:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 7:30 PM THU+FRI+MON THE GREAT WALL 12:30 AM A MONSTER CALLS-CINESCAPE 11- 2D 7:15 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 9:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 12:45 AM THE GREAT WALL-CINESCAPE 11- 3D 9:30 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 12:05 AM MARINA-2 A MONSTER CALLS-CINESCAPE 11- 2D 11:45 PM MUHALAB-2 A MONSTER CALLS 12:15 PM BAIRAQ-1 PATRIOTS DAY 11:30 AM A MONSTER CALLS 2:45 PM 360º- 1 A MONSTER CALLS 12:15 PM PRAYER TIMINGS GAUTAMIPUTRA SATAKARNI -Telugu 2:00 PM A MONSTER CALLS 5:00 PM PATRIOTS DAY 1:30 PM A MONSTER CALLS 2:30 PM FRIMOANA 2:15 PM A MONSTER CALLS 7:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 4:15 PM A MONSTER CALLS 4:45 PM Fajr: 05:20 MOANA 4:45 PM A MONSTER CALLS 9:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 7:00 PM A MONSTER CALLS 7:00 PM PATRIOTS DAY 7:00 PM A MONSTER CALLS 11:45 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:45 PM A MONSTER CALLS 9:15 PM Shorook 06:43 PATRIOTS DAY 9:45 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:30 AM A MONSTER CALLS 11:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:30 AM MARINA-3 Duhr: 11:58 PATRIOTS DAY 1:00 PM 360º- 2 BAIRAQ-2 MUHALAB-3 ASSASSIN’S CREED 1:30 PM WARRIOR’S GATE 11:30 AM THE GREAT WALL 1:00 PM Asr: 14:53 A MONSTER CALLS 12:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 3:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 1:45 PM MOANA 3:30 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 1:45 PM PATRIOTS DAY 6:30 PM DANGAL -Hindi 5:00 PM MOANA 5:45 PM Maghrib: 17:12 A MONSTER CALLS 2:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 8:15 PM MOANA 8:00 PM A MONSTER CALLS 4:45 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:05 AM DANGAL -Hindi 11:30 PM THE GREAT WALL 10:15 PM Isha: 18:33

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Monday 16/1/2017 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 Departure Flights on Monday 16/1/2017 FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 776 Riyadh 00:20 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 693 Muscat 14:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 FEG 932 Alexandria 14:55 KAC 102 London 00:55 KAC 542 Cairo 14:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:50 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 FDK 803 Damascus 01:00 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 FDK 804 Damascus 01:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 KAC 742 Dammam 01:00 KAC 286 Dhaka 15:20 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 15:20 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 KAC 285 Dhaka 02:25 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:05 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 JZR 554 Alexandria 16:10 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KAC 357 Kochi 16:20 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 16:30 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 FDB 069 Dubai 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 118 New York 17:00 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 CEB 0019 Manila 05:20 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 CEB 0018 Manila 03:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1087 Doha 05:50 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 KAC 358 Kochi 03:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 FEG 954 Asyut 06:00 KAC 343 Chennai 17:40 QTR 1076 Doha 03:30 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 KAC 363 Colombo 17:40 KAC 206 Islamabad 03:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 KAC 153 Istanbul 06:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 UAE 874 Dubai 06:50 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 UAE 873 Dubai 04:55 KAC 502 Beirut 18:45 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FEG 933 Sohag 05:00 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 JZR 503 Luxor 05:10 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 165 Rome 06:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 KAC 354 BLR 05:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:45 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 541 Cairo 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 KAC 163 Paris 07:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 18:25 KAC 384 Delhi 06:05 KAC 166 Rome 19:55 KAC 173 Munich 07:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 364 Colombo 06:05 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 694 Muscat 20:00 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 07:00 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 BAW 156 London 08:40 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 KAC 117 New York 09:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 KAC 383 Delhi 20:30 KAC 174 Munich 20:45 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 KAC 101 London 09:35 KAC 775 Riyadh 20:45 FDB 5053 Dubai 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:00 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 501 Beirut 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 21:30 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:10 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 IRA 667 Esfahan 10:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 161 Geneva 10:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 787 Jeddah 10:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 IRA 666 Esfahan 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi/Bahrain 22:45 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 JZR 528 Asyut 22:25 FEG 953 Asyut 12:35 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 12:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 KAC 164 Paris 22:55 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 FDB 5054 Dubai 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 555 Alexandria 23:20 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 KAC 564 Amman 13:40 FEG 934 Sohag 13:35 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 FEG 931 Alexandria 13:55 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:50 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 KAC 162 Geneva 23:50 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 BBC 143 Dhaka 23:55 stars34 MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

CROSSWORD 1492 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Be wise in your communications with an authority figure today. You may You have plenty of enthusiasm today. There is the luck of the draw for find someone you meet is too secretive for your taste. Your thoughts and ideas go your choice in such things as education, travel, publishing, art, theater or sports. Travel against his or her power-oriented manner and you are not afraid to speak up. Social invi- desires come from remembering times past and experiences enjoyed. You will be able to tations and romance are in the forecast tonight and you may want to take some time to make plans for travel through your career acquaintances or the group with which you get a new suit or dress for the occasion. One or two good friends may have come to your enjoy a long-time hobby choice. Your life outlook is positive and ready for new life expe- attention lately and you busy yourself with ways in which to bring everyone together in riences-fasten your seat belt. You need time away from routine matters. You may be a future reunion type of gathering. Perhaps two or more of your friends were roommates inspired to pass on some of your unique experiences and knowledge in teaching survival at college or had a first job together right after high school. It would be good to see old techniques or in guiding a group. You will more than likely attract the outdoor type and friends and catch up on the latest news. you may find your friends discussing the next fishing trip.

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

Many changes are about to take place in your life, and this month you You have a light heart and a good laugh-others enjoy your company. After have time to adjust before the real pull or push begins. You may feel like making a com- the religious service is completed this morning, you may decide to go with the gang or plete change by breaking away and starting fresh in every area of your life. It would be family to the neighborhood specialty restaurant. Today, you will enrich others as you better to go with the flow and understand that the new changes scheduled in your life enrich yourself. Mostly, you will feel renewed and rejuvenated. You may find yourself now are best affected by keeping a positive attitude. Make a concentrated effort to instill feeling more private and in a stay-at-home mood later this afternoon. For now, you enjoy the practice of balance. Look for ways to make a positive difference in someone else’s life the company of friends and family. Literary aspirations may strike you and you consider and you will be doing the same for yourself. Good luck follows you around today. This starting a journal or making notes for a short story or some bit of poetry. You are in a day may be stressful in some ways, but you get quite a lot accomplished. You receive a tranquil frame of mind and enjoy having friends or family around to interact with; you lot of positive interactions with your loved one this evening. This is a good time. appreciate your friends and family.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may find yourself distracted and wishing you were at home with your Feeling two ways at once takes up most of the day. For example, although own personal projects this morning. You get down to business and get many things are positive, quite a few problems may occur as well. Your childlike expectations may have to be examined, particularly if you are to turn short-term or the wife of a raja. more accomplished than you expected with some personal project. In a gathering with ACROSS family members this afternoon, you sway others with your view of a particular venture. If relationships into long-term ones. You could find yourself traveling soon. Actually, there 1. Electronic equipment that provides 3. Essential oil or perfume obtained from you are not in some profession involving speech, law, politics or the ministry, you might have been so many changes in the road system around your city, you might want to visual images of varying electrical quanti- flowers. consider these options. The evening brings some interesting conversations around the drive around and see what changes are taking place now. There is talk of a new freeway ties. 4. An event that occurs when something dinner table concerning future goals and plans. All present contribute their desires and or toll road. The new and the unusual are the things that instinctively appeal to you. You 4. A cookout at the seashore where clams passes from one state or phase to anoth- have fun in expressing their wishes for themselves. Some of the conversations tonight are able to find just the right words to confide what is in your heart to a loved one this and fish and other foods are cooked--usu- er. lead to memories of the past and analyzing the present and possibilities of the future. evening. A loved one picks the entertainment tonight. ally on heated stones covered with sea- 5. (Irish) The sea personified. weed. 6. A member of a widespread group of 12. A conspicuous disparity or difference Amerindians living in northeastern South ) as between two figures. America. Cancer (June 21-July 22 Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 15. Headdress that protects the head 7. Long coarse hair growing from the Your personality shines and you have a chance to lead the way toward a You infect others with your eagerness to teach. If you are helping young from bad weather. crest of the animal's neck. brighter day when surrounded by friends and allies. Celebrate your suc- adults or children to better their grade averages, this year you may see 16. Indicative of or announcing some- 8. The whiteness that results from remov- cesses and focus your energy on using your influence to inspire progress. This is your some positive results. Much of the turnaround in one student is due to your enthusiasm thing to come. ing the color from something. time to go after what you want. Try something different if you are bored or dissatisfied. for knowledge, which is contagious. You might somehow be encouraged to become an 17. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot 9. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan You remember your obligations. Richard bach says, “here is the test to find whether your investigator of sorts, someone that does research before reporting the news. You make palm used in India for writing paper. River. mission on earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t.” spend extra time listening to your sure the facts are right and you are patient enough to find the answers needed to turn an inner voice in meditation. If you are simply trying to respond to outside influences or ordinary report into an impressive report. This afternoon you may decide to take advan- 18. (prefix) Opposite or opposing or neu- 10. (Sumerian) Goddess personifying direct your life according to an external focus you will feel frustrated. You are better pre- tage of an opportunity that can provide you information for one of your research sub- tralizing. earth. pared for challenges when you are centered within yourself. jects. There are opportunities to increase your finances now. 19. A genus of orb-weaving spiders 11. (computer science) A coding system including common garden spiders and that incorporates extra parity bits in order barn spiders. to detect errors. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 20. Any of various fissiped mammals with 12. A gland in which gametes (sex cells) Leo (July 23-August 22) nonretractile claws and typically long are produced. Others inspire you and you are good at listening to your dreams. It is time An electronic glitch could lower your productivity this morning, but the muzzles. 13. (law) A defense by an accused person to adjust your life path in harmony with your highest needs. You can gain support for a problem is soon fixed. Through your free, independent thinking, attractive personality, kindliness and ability to be all things to all people, you make many people hap- personal project by finding people that have the same interest. If you are single, you 22. Acquire or gain knowledge or skills. purporting to show that he or she could py to be in your company. You are in a class by yourself and set an example that others should spend some time in thinking about what you want from a love partner. Your 24. Deprive (infants) of mother's milk. not have committed the crime in ques- remember and mimic. You need beauty, cheerfulness and humor in your surroundings and dream love will be introduced to you at the end of this month. Because you will know 25. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agri- tion. you enjoy being around lots of people. You have your own way of handling things but are what you want romantically, you will naturally attract this person. If you are involved in a culture and patron of scribes and schools. 14. A city in Veneto. smart enough to hold your voice when there is a need to do so. Sophistication and connec- love relationship now, determine what the goals might be and start talking about those tions are the main keys to your emotional contentment just now. Your magnetic personali- 26. Preaching the gospel of Christ in the 21. Small buffalo of the Celebes having present and future goals. Consider running a garage sale this next weekend. You are due ty attracts all sorts of people to your side; you are smart so choose. manner of the early church. small straight horns. some shelf cleaning and may be surprised at the money you gain. 28. A nation in Asia. 23. A principle or condition that custom- 31. An accidental hole that allows some- arily governs behavior. thing (fluid or light etc.) to enter or 27. A Chadic language spoken south of Virgo (August 23-September 22) escape. Lake Chad. Pisces (February 19-March 20) 32. A flat wing-shaped process or wing- 29. Brittle flat bread eaten at Passover. Your wish for socializing may come true as the phone rings before you Work may seem to slow down, but you keep on track and gain in productivi- like part of an organism. 30. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue. can get out of bed this morning. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; ty. Monetary issues resolve in your favor and your position strengthens. Your dreams and 33. On or toward the lee. 34. Ions are accelerated along a linear refinement and elegance are what you seek. Family and security are things that rattle wishes for more education or travel keep coming into play today. Again, there will be an 37. A hard gray lustrous metallic element path by voltage differences on electrodes your chain more than ever. These are areas where you make new beginnings and bold opportunity for exciting travel. For now, you could get your needs met by visiting the that is highly corrosion-resistant. along the path. moves. A partner has a mesmerizing impact on you and you may find yourself learning library or attending a lecture. Your sense of protection and emotional nourishment comes 41. A depression in an otherwise level sur- 35. A period marked by distinctive charac- how to fly a plane or climb a mountain, or simply learning how to work in clay. Try to from your good friends, ideals and social interactions. You may find that a transition is actu- understand that time is not wasted if you are doing something you really like to do ally easier than you imagined. Being more in touch with people will give you a sense of face. ter or reckoned from a fixed point or belonging. This could be a period of greater social involvement, especially with neighbors 46. An extension at the end and at right event. rather than doing something you are paid to do. The therapeutic result from creative endeavors at this time cannot be measured. Pause for calm reflection this evening. and brothers and sisters. angles to the main building. 36. A genus of Mustelidae. 47. A statistical method for making simul- 38. Russian founder of the Bolsheviks and taneous comparisons between two or leader of the Russian Revolution and first more means. head of the USSR (1870-1924). Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 49. A particular environment or walk of 39. Primitive chlorophyll-containing life. mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lack- 51. Long-tailed brilliantly colored parrot ing true stems and roots and leaves. of Central and South America. 40. Lacking either stimulating or irritating 52. A region of Malaysia in northeastern characteristics. Borneo. 42. New Zealand timber tree resembling 53. A city of central China. the cypress. 54. Any of various strong liquors especial- 43. A shot in billiards made by hitting the ly a Dutch spirit distilled from potatoes. cue ball with the cue held nearly vertical- 56. A very poisonous metallic element ly. that has three allotropic forms. 44. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked 58. Widely cultivated in tropical and sub- on a skewer usually with vegetables. tropical regions for its fragrant flowers 45. Type genus of the Anatidae. and colorful fruits. 48. A salt or ester of vanadic acid. 60. Capital and largest city of Iraq. 50. Hard ticks. 68. A particular geographical region of 55. Sell or offer for sale from place to indefinite boundary (usually serving place. some special purpose or distinguished by 57. A room or establishment where alco- its people or culture or geography). holic drinks are served over a counter. 69. A large commercial and industrial city 59. (of e.g. celestial bodies) Above the in northeastern Texas. horizon. 72. Made of fir or pine. 61. Type genus of the family Arcidae. 73. Singing jazz. 62. Wild or seedling sweet cherry used as 74. Washing out a hollow organ (especial- stock for grafting. ly the stomach) by flushing with water. 63. Being six more than forty. 75. An elaborate song for solo voice. 64. Mentally or physically infirm with age. 76. Mentally healthy. 65. Characterized by lightness and insub- 77. Capital of Armenia. stantiality. 78. An unfledged or nestling hawk. 66. Type genus of the Majidae. 67. By bad luck. DOWN 70. A river in north central Switzerland 1. A soft whitish calcite. that runs northeast into the Rhine. 2. (the feminine of raja) A Hindu princess 71. A room equipped with toilet facilities.

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elena Gomez isn’t worried about pair splitting two months ago, 20-year- upsetting Bella Hadid with her old model Bella still has feelings for her Srelationship with The Weeknd. ex. An insider shared previously: “She The ‘Heart Wants What It Wants’ hit- is actually not over The Weeknd. She maker was spotted kissing the ‘Can’t still loves him. They are on fine terms, Feel My Face’ singer earlier this week, but she is bitter about the romance prompting his ex-girlfriend Bella to with Selena. “She was not happy when unfollow her on Instagram. One source all of that gossip went everywhere said: “Selena was always the girl who between The Weeknd and Selena. It stayed away from a lot of the Taylor really hurt her seeing Selena be all up Swift crew, except for Taylor. She pre- on her man. She still feels like they ferred to be one-on-one with Taylor have a connection.” It comes after it and didn’t like being a part of the was claimed The Weeknd - real name whole squad thing.” Whilst another Abel Tesfaye - has had a crush on added to Us Weekly magazine: “Selena Selena for some time. A source said: is not good friends with either Gigi or “Abel though always had a thing for Bella. She knows them through other Selena. He thinks she is extremely tal- people, but they are just acquaintanc- ented and sexy. “They recently started es. “She is friendly with them, but not talking before the holidays but she has friends with them ... Selena and Gigi been on his radar before. They are on were never fond of each other, so the same level with expectations and Selena definitely doesn’t have any stip- think the other is really fun. They are ulations about hooking up with or dat- taking things slow and getting to ing Bella’s ex.” Meanwhile, despite the know each other.” George Michael’s Chelsea anti-depressant Handler addiction? is too opinionated Stella Maxwell eorge Michael was reportedly addicted to anti-depressants. Former lover Carlos Arturo GOrtiz believes an “overdose” may have been the wants her cause of the ‘Careless Whisper’ singer’s tragic death at his home in Oxfordshire on Christmas Day after he previously confessed to being hooked on prescription own emoji medication. He said: “[I thought] something was going to happen to him. I had an intuitive feeling about it he Victoria’s Secret Angel admits she’d love to be depicted in tiny last year. And it seems very coincidental to me that he graphic form, complete with her own iconic little wings. Asked was found dead on Christmas Day because he told me Twhich emoji she wished existed, she said: “One of myself, with little he hated Christmas as there were never any children wings maybe.” And if the 26-year-old beauty was ever able to design her around. For me it is, sadly, a possibility he may have own set of the lingerie company’s iconic wings, she knows exactly what overdosed. “George’s death knocked me sideways, she’d like. She said: “[They would be] black, lacy and tight - super-sexy. although it didn’t surprise me. I found him a lovely “They wouldn’t be that big though. It’s not about size but how pretty down-to-earth man, but also a very melancholic per- they look.” Stella had a great time walking in the annual Victoria’s Secret son who I feared might one day take his own life. He fashion show in Paris last year, but was concerned about a wardrobe mal- told me he was addicted to anti-depressant medicine function when she walked for the second time. She explained: “The and trying to wean himself off it and confessed he was bejeweled, sheer body suit was my favorite but I felt like it started to ride unhappy. “We talked about his superstar status and I down my body. I had this feeling to try to pull it up but then I was like, told him I thought that with his fame and talent and ‘Don’t start doing that on the runway’. But it was epic and I don’t think money he had all he needed to be happy in life. But you could see it falling down, so it was all good.” While Stella admits to when he started talking about the anti-depressants he working out every day for two weeks before the shows, one thing she took I asked him outright if he was happy in life and he would never do as part of her preparations as to have a facial in case her replied, ‘No, I’m not.’” skin reacted badly. She told LOOK magazine: “I didn’t have the oxygen facial but Bella Hadid did and said it was amazing. I try not to play around with my skin too much before an event in case it breaks out. Everyone’s skin is different.” Amber Heard is ‘smitten’ with Elon Musk

he ‘Magic Mike XXL’ star is reportedly thrilled together and she’s relieved she can move on with Emma Stone’s she can now go public with the 45-year-old her life. It’s an exciting new chapter for both of helsea Handler claims men don’t want to date Tbusinessman after her divorce with Johnny them.” Amber and Elon are said to have been her because she’s opinionated. The 41-year-old Depp was finalized. A source told the Sunday growing close for some time now after they were Ctalk show host - who has previously dated rap- love balancing act seen “spending a lot of time” together per 50 Cent and TV boss Ted Harbert - is “loud and last summer. Of their meet up in Miami, proud” but knows some people find her intimidating. mma Stone thinks it is possible to have a career and find love. Florida, one eyewitness said: “They were Explaining her love of Glennon Doyle Melton’s book The ‘La La Land’ star - who is still very close with her ex Andrew seen arriving to, and leaving, the same ‘Love Warrior’, she said: “This is a book I always recom- EGarfield despite their split - says balancing a career in the film room many times, but always separate- mend to all the women in my life. “It’s a memoir about industry and having a family and love life is all “just about prioritizing”. ly.” Whilst another added: “Amber was growing up as an opinionated girl and the effect that She said: “I don’t think it’s mutually exclusive, career or love. Meryl there with her sister. She has been has on the way people treat you, particularly how Streep seems very in love friends with Elon for four years. She had some men will treat you. “I very much identify with with her husband. “That’s a rented a standard suite at the hotel, and that - I’ve dealt with it my whole life. “It’s the reason very great family and she’s he had a bungalow, a poolside duplex why I’m single. Many men are put off a woman who the best there is. So people room. “He offered Amber and her sister has an opinion. “Apparently a lot of people find me can find a way to do both, use of his room so they could use the intimidating but I’m loud and proud... in my opinion.” it’s just about prioritizing.” pool and have extra privacy, as he was Meanwhile, Chelsea has called for internet trolls to However, the 28-year-old working on a rocket launch.” And anoth- have their accounts suspended, or even be prosecut- actress doesn’t believe in a er shared: “They all happened to be ed for their comments. She told ELLE magazine: “happily ever after” but staying at the Delano. The group hung “There’s a strong argument for having heated discus- insists that doesn’t mean a out at the hotel, rather than in public, sions and disagreeing with somebody in an intelli- person can’t be “happy in a understandably, due to all the recent gent, respectable way, but the anonymity afforded to different way”. She added: press scrutiny.” Amber and Johnny’s us by being online makes people nasty and behave “There is no happily ever divorce was finalized on Friday, with her with real vitriol... “We have to begin holding people after, there isn’t always the Mirror newspaper: “Amber is over the moon about lawyer sharing: “This is a great day, all Amber accountable for the language they use online. If kiss at the end and it’s not her divorce but she is even happier about being wanted was to be divorced and now she is.” Elon you say horrible things, your account should always perfect. That’s heart- able to go public with Elon. “She was telling recently divorced actress Talulah Riley for a second be blocked. If you issue a death threat, breaking, but the most friends over Christmas how smitten she is with time after the couple rekindled their romance in it’s a criminal act.” heartbreaking things in life Elon. They are already planning a lot of adventures 2013 following a year’s split. are the truest. I do love a bittersweet story and I don’t find it sad, necessari- ly. I find it bittersweet, it’s Jeff Goldblum, is expecting second realistic in a way that it doesn’t all come true, for anyone, ever. “It’s not exactly how you pictured it child with wife Emilie Livingston like, ‘Oh my God. My life’s so perfect.’ That’s why it makes eff Goldblum and Emilie Charlie laugh. I like the way I make her me so crazy to look at Livingston are expecting their laugh too. It’s important to me, the social media, when you see second child together. The 64- way we make each other laugh.” The people like, ‘It’s just the J year-old actor and his 34-year-old wife actor admitted he never considered best life ever. I couldn’t be - who welcomed son Charlie Ocean having children until he met Emilie. He happier.’ You’re like, ‘Shut Goldblum into the world in July 2015 - said: “I never seriously considered it up, that is not true.’ Not are set to expand their family in April. until now. I’m at a different place now. I everything comes together Emilie shared a throwback picture of was enthusiastic to marry Emilie and in the best way ever every herself on Instagram and wrote: try to have a baby. “Charlie was born day. Happily ever after ... “Round our newest addition to the on Independence Day, July 4, while we that’s not the reality of life, Goldblum family, arriving early April. were shooting ‘Independence Day: but you can be happy in a #growingfamily and #love (sic).” Emilie Resurgence’ in Albuquerque! My dad different way than maybe has since made her Instagram page had a younger brother, my uncle you originally hoped or private. The couple tied the knot in Chuckie, whom he adored. ‘Charlie’ is a expected. I love that. Emma November 2014 in front of their family form of ‘Chuckie’. My uncle was my has received rave reviews and friends at the Chateau Marmont in exact height, looked like me. Chuckie for her role in the feel good Los Angeles. A source close to the died in his 20s as a pilot in World War musical movie but admits actor said of the big day: “It was a night II.” Meanwhile, Jeff loves spending as she can be her own worst filled with love, music, and lots of much time as possible with his wife critic sometimes. She told the Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Stop talk- laughs.” And Jeff has previously admit- and their son. He previously said: ing about the [Oscar] buzz! Depending on what emotional state I’m in ted he was like a “teenager” with a “Charlie gets bathed every night at sometimes I’m like, ‘All right kid, you did the best job you could’, then at crush when he first laid eyes on his 6:20, the three of us together in the other times I’m like, ‘You are literally the worst actor that ever lived. Olympic gymnast wife. He said: “I was bathtub. It’s just delightful. “He goes to “How is anyone ever going to think anything other than that? I used to immediately thrilled by her and walked bed at the same time every night and be really like a mean mum to myself. I used to be really hard on myself over. The next couple of days I pursued takes his naps at the same time. He’s in a cruel way - and now the cruelty has gone.” her. I talked to my friends about her. “I been sleeping through the night since was like a teenager. She makes me and he was four months old.” lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 GOSSIP

ictoria Beckham has shut down plans for a Spice Girls Vreunion tour after stopping the girls from performing their old songs. Victoria Beckham The 42-year-old fashion designer has reportedly called on her lawyers to block her bandmates - Mel B, Emma blocks Spice Girls reunion Bunton and Geri Horner - from per- forming the group’s classic tracks. A source said: “The girls are devastated. It is an extremely sad way for things to end ... Victoria was a huge part of their lives and now she is using lawyers to block their comeback. “Victoria is proud of her Spice Girls history but this suggests she wants to cut all links with the group which transformed her life. She is resorting to aggressive legal let- ters and it is an extremely sad way for things to end after all they have been through together.” And Victoria - who has sons Brooklyn, 17, Romeo, 14, and Cruz, 11, and daughter Harper, five, with her husband David Beckham - was said to be “concerned” that the group’s legacy could be “damaged” by any new music. A source added to The Sun newspaper: “It became a concern that if the remaining members started mixing classic hits with new songs that were not up to much it would damage their legacy. “Victoria takes herself very involved as she has a writing credit on who is pregnant with her second personal matters. “Getting all the girls seriously now and didn’t want to have the hits and co-owns the companies child, wants to focus on her family. An in the studio at the same time proved an association with this project which which control the band’s legacy and insider shared: “Geri’s priorities have a tough task. What they needed was she felt she would if they sang the clas- finances.” It comes after it was claimed changed. Her baby is due later this one main boss-style figure to pull the sic songs and marketed themselves as the group - which also includes Mel C - year and rather than force a reunion, strings otherwise they would be con- the Spice Girls. “She got lawyers had changed their plans because Geri, she’s needs to concentrate on more stantly in limbo.”

Zoey Deutch and Avan Jogia Robin Thicke have split up calls police over

he ‘Year of Spectacular Men’ co-stars custody row - who started dating over five years Tago - ended their relationship late last year, according to E! News. A source told the publication that the split was “amicable” and added: “They broke up four months ago and remain friends.” Zoey, 22, and 24-year-old Avan first pub- licly confirmed their relationship by attending the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards together. Both are being kept busy with their careers right now, as Zoey has two new movies, ‘Before I Fall’ and ‘Rebel in the Rye’ due to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this month. And Avan recently took to the catwalk at the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Milan. The pair will next be seen on the big screen together in the indie film ‘The Speaking Stevi Ritchie and Chloe-Jasmine previously about their private relation- ship, Avan said: “Maybe I’ve been lucky Whichello have reconciled but I think that it’s mostly a choice. I think if you continuously choose to court the he former ‘X Factor’ stars - who always protect her and stand by her, public’s attention to your relationship, called off their engagement in and she wants things to work you run the risk of asking them to pry obin Thicke called police after Paula TSeptember - are back together between them.” Stevi and Chloe met more out of it, but it would also be a bit Patton allegedly violated their cus- and more loved up than ever. A as contestants on ‘The X Factor’ in strange to totally ignore your significant Rtody order. The ‘Blurred Lines’ hit- source told The Sun Online: “Despite 2014 and were due to tie the knot in other’s existence in public as well. “So just maker was accompanied by LA County calling off their engagement, Chloe- July. However, the pair didn’t make it trying to find the line that’s most com- Sheriff’s deputies to his ex-wife’s Malibu Jasmine and Stevi are giving things down the aisle as they split up tem- fortable is important. If you don’t want to home on Friday morning, along with a another go.” It was recently rumored porarily in April following a series of be a spectacle don’t make it a spectacle, copy of their agreement, after she ignored that Stevi was set to return to blazing rows. They got back together and hopefully mostly you’ll be left alone.” his calls to take six-year-old Julian for the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ after he was a few months later and held an unoffi- night, but he still left without the young- spotted near the hotel the contest- cial ceremony on board a boat in July ster. The showdown came a day after a ants stayed in before entering the to prove their love for one another. court refused to limit his custody to day- house, but he was actually just But they ended their relationship for a time monitored visits after the ‘Baggage accompanying Chloe, who was there second time in September, after Paris Jackson grateful for show axe Claim’ star sought an emergency order to interview contestants. The insider Chloe, 25, failed to turn up to Stevi’s because Julian had complained he had added: “The reason why everyone 36th birthday. A source said at the aris Jackson is grateful that by the casting and previously took been spanked with excessive force by his thought Stevi was going in to the time: “Stevi and Chloe have split up Sky has axed an “insulting” to Twitter to write: “I’m so incredi- father. And when the officers went inside ‘CBB’ house was because he was spot- again. He was absolutely devastated PTV show about her father bly offended by it, as I’m sure plen- Paula’s house to speak with Julian, TMZ ted outside the hotel that all the when she stood him up on his birth- Michael Jackson. The British ty of people are as well.” What’s reports the youngster told them he was celebs stay in. “Actually, he was there day even though they had made plans broadcaster has decided against more, Paris accused the makers of scared of his father and didn’t want to go to support Chloe, who was asked to to go out and celebrate. That was airing an episode of the series the show of intentionally insulting with him. The deputies told Robin they do some fun interviews with the con- almost two weeks ago and he hasn’t ‘Urban Myths’ featuring Michael, her father and Elizabeth. She would not take the child against his will. testants before they entered the heard a word from her in that time, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon wrote: “It angers me to see how However, a source told the website the house. “Despite splitting up, Stevi still he’s so upset. “Stevi is also very con- Brando after concerns were raised obviously intentional it was for couple are close to “reaching some middle loves and cares deeply for Chloe and fused because she hadn’t explained by Paris over the decision to cast them to be this insulting, not just ground” on dealing with their custody wanted to be there to support her. why she was a no-show so now he has Fiennes, a white British man, as the towards my father, but my god- issues. It was previously claimed Julian had “Similarly, Chloe knows that Stevi will just assumed that they are over.” chart-topping pop star who died mother liz as well (sic)” Following complained to school officials that Robin in 2009 aged 50. She tweeted: “I’m Paris’ public complaints, Sky had spanked him more than once, surprised the family’s feelings were released a statement which said: prompting the staff to report the incident Stephanie Davis is ‘so in actually taken into consideration “We have taken the decision not to to the Los Angeles County Department of for once, we all really do appreci- you to the fans, you continue to broadcast ‘Elizabeth, Michael and Children and Family Services (DCFS), who ate it more than y’all know.” fight for my Uncle Michael’s legacy Marlon’, a half hour episode from opened an investigation. The 41-year-old love’ with her newborn son Michael’s nephews TJ and Taj and thank you to the media, for the Sky Arts ‘Urban Myths’ series, in actress - who split from Robin in 2015 after Jackson also took to social media covering the extreme backlash light of the concerns expressed by 10 years of marriage - began denying the he 23-year-old actress wel- Stephanie insists her ex-boyfriend after the decision, with TJ writing: (sic).” The episode featured Michael Michael Jackson’s immediate fami- singer access to their son before filing for comed a baby boy into the Jeremy McConnell, 26, is the new- “Thank you to everyone who made taking a road trip from New York to ly. “We set out to take a light-heart- the emergency order. And according to world on Friday and took to born’s father, he has expressed his T their voices heard. As I said it Los Angeles with Elizabeth Taylor ed look at reportedly true events legal documents, she told her 39-year-old Instagram one day later to share a doubts but said he will support the wasn’t comedy, it was mockery and Marlon Brando following the and never intended to cause any former spouse: “Julian is scared of you.” The picture of the tot’s hand grasping baby if it turns out to be his. He with no taste. A great victory for terrorist attacks on September 11, offence. Joseph Fiennes fully sup- ‘Warcraft’ actress explained in her declara- told The Sun Online: “I am delight- his legacy!” and Taj adding: “Thank 2001. But Paris, 18, was horrified ports our decision.” tion that, the day before Julian confided in ed that Steph has safely had the school staff, he had told her that Robin baby, of course if he is my son I will spanked him “really hard”, and when he absolutely step up and do what I demonstrated and hit her on the back, it can to support him.” And Jeremy was very painful - but the youngster said insisted he has been in touch with Lamar Odom: ‘I was basically he’d been struck even harder. And a school his former girlfriend, but she has official also submitted a declaration which snubbed his attempts to speak stated Julian told her Robin frequently about the situation. He added: “Any just committing suicide’ “punches” him very hard, while a nanny timescale for that is in Steph’s amar Odom was “basically just San Diego and a source said: “He is doing claimed the ‘Back Together’ singer had hands now. “I did reach out to her committing suicide” when he so great and looking forward to the New smoked marijuana on several occasions in some weeks ago but didn’t hear binged on drugs and alcohol at a Year. “He went to continue making sure front of the little boy. Paula also accused back.” A spokesperson for the L brothel in 2015. The 37-year-old former he stays sober and on the right path. It her ex-husband of showing up to Julian’s actress confirmed on Friday that basketball player - who was previously was something he chose to do. He also kindergarten graduation last June drunk at she had given birth in Liverpool fol- married to reality TV star Khloe wanted to feel 100 percent again. He did 8.30am and was “hooting and hollering lowing a 48-hour labor. They said: Kardashian - collapsed and almost died not relapse, but felt like he wanted to get and making inappropriate jokes” in the “We can confirm our client following an overdose at the Love Ranch away and start fresh for the New Year.” Catholic church. However, Robin insisted Stephanie Davis today gave birth in Nevada and Lamar believes it was a Meanwhile, Lamar - who was married to in his own legal documents that his physi- to a baby boy in Liverpool. Mother cry for help as he had hit rock bottom. In Khloe for four years before she filed cal punishments to his son are “consistent and baby are doing fine.” Stephanie a preview for an upcoming episode of for a divorce in 2013 after he with the law” and previously agreed with has not yet revealed her baby’s ‘The Doctors’, he said: “Did I feel ashamed allegedly cheated on her Paula. He stated: “On a very rare occasion name, even though she has known about some of the choices I made? I was with strippers - recently and only as a last resort, I will use light what she wants to call her son basically just committing suicide.” admitted the only thing spanking, but it is consistent with the law- since August. She said last year: Speaking about his state of mind at the missing in his life is Khloe, open hand on the butt. This is the type of “I’ve picked my boy’s name! It’s not time, he said: “Being in that damn broth- and he is desperate to win discipline to which Paula and I agreed dur- Albi but that will definitely be a her back. Speaking about el and thinking I was going to just rest a ing our marriage.” He also claims the dis- middle name. “I’m going to keep it little bit. I wasn’t in a good place mental- what he wants for his pute has arisen after he stopped Paula her finger. She captioned the sweet a secret for now but I will say it’s ly before that incident happened. Me future, he said: “Honestly? I from attending his father Alan Thicke’s snap: “The day my world became something “We got it when a guy and my wife at the time were going want my wife back.” The funeral last month. He said in documents: complete. “Ive been overwhelmed started talking to me while I was through some things. I was in a dark stars will be among the “Paula did not have a positive relationship and so in love with you. Words with my friends other and knew, so place. “I guess they say everything hap- performers at the awards with my father and often made negative could never describe. Thank you for thanks to him! they want a proper pens for a reason. I guess the reason is ceremony at The O2 Arena comments to me about my father. As such, all your support! (sic).” While lad’s name.” I’m here. I can tell the story.” Lamar in London on Wednesday recently spent one month in rehab in February 22nd. she was not welcome at his funeral.” lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 FASHION

Designers Domenico Dolce (left) and Stefano Gabbana greet the audience at the end of their show Dolce Gabbana during the Men’s Fall-Winter 2017- 2018 fashion week in Milan. — AP/AFP photos Dolce&Gabbana, Versace and Giorgio Armani kickoff Milan Fashion Week f turmoil brings innovation and renovation, Italian menswear is in for a creative burst. IFashion houses are continuing their reboot of Milan Fashion Week menswear offerings, with notables like Bottega Veneta and Gucci sitting out this round, preferring to combine menswear and womenswear previews next month. That is making room for a plethora of newcomers. The data indicates that menswear is worth the re-think. Euromonitor market research fore- casts that between now and 2020, growth in sales for men’s attire and accessories globally will outpace that of women. Last year alone, Italian menswear produced 9 billion euros in revenue. Here are some highlights Saturday of menswear previews for next fall and winter on the first day of Milan Fashion Week:

Courting milennials Dolce&Gabbana have one-upped them- selves, moving the young millennial crowd that has populated their front row in recent seasons onto the runway. Pop star Austin Mahone, dap- per in a tux with tapered legs, set the mood, dancing up and down the runway throughout the show, making the moves on the ladies, who included Sylvester Stallone’s three daughters. Dolce&Gabbana’s show was titled “The New Princes” and it’s clear that they are catering to a young, selfie-savvy generation bred on social media. In an ultimate branding move, the designing pair created a pair of faceQ app-like images of themselves on jackets and sweaters. Alongside the brand’s trademark tailored suits, the new collection includes zany plush animal head hoods or backpacks, and Rasta knit hats or crowns over baseball caps, fun-loving Harajuku touches for a generation that prizes its juvenile side. Jeans and jackets were covered with appliques, with royal motifs from crowns to hearts emerging as decorative emojis. The col- lection was a fast and furious display of graphic prowess with humanized animal motifs along- Models present creations by side the brand’s typical religious imagery, a dis- Dolce Gabbana during the play as breathless as the new generation of star Men’s Fall-Winter 2017-2018 power on the runway. fashion week in Milan. lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 FASHION

Cross cultural The new Versace man is both a traveler who means business and a sportsman who knows how to relax. His suits fit close to the body, paired with dark glasses and two-toned sneakers, topped with double- breasted overcoats, knitted blanket jackets or belted trenches. After hours, he relaxes with hoodies under bomber jackets, worn with the day’s trousers or athletic pants. And on the weekend, he hits the outdoors in plaid shirts and shearling coats. Models crisscrossed the runway beneath arched gates, suggesting a Middle Eastern market. The exotic vibe also was reflected in ethnic patterns that cut diagonally along jackets, or were put tile-like on bombers. Versace’s neoclassic Models present creations for fashion Greek patterns were replaced this round house Versace during the Men’s Fall- with photographic prints of classical Winter 2017-2018 fashion week. sculptures. “This is a collection about the different tribes of Versace men,” Donatella Versace wrote in show notes, “and the powerful positivity that can happen when men from different places, different cul- tures join together.”

Classics reinterpreted Giorgio Armani has reinterpreted clas- sics through the decades with a modern edge for his youthful Emporio Armani line. Armani is hewing to the traditional menswear and womenswear calendars, but blurring the line on the runway. Many of the looks were feminized, like flowing knitwear or curved hemlines on short jackets. Trousers tended to be ample and pleated, and Armani employed luxurious fabrics like velvets for men and lots of fur, both as trim and full fur coats. Double-breasted suits with soft hemlines and loose trousers recalled a 1940s cool, while fur collars on overcoats harkened to a 1970s mod. Armani mixed geode-like pat- terns with plaids, sticking with gray scale to black for a contemporary urban feel. Thick, furry neck warmers framed the face, while molded brim hats topped the sophisticated silhouette. Hair was slicked back and footwear had thick traction soles. Bags included big pockets on cross-body halters. The color palette was classic: gray, black, tan and olive green. — AP

Models present creations by Italian designer Giorgio Armani during the Men’s Fall-Winter 2017-2018 fashion week in Milan.

Italian designer Giorgio Armani poses with models at the end of his show Emporio Armani during the Men’s Fall-Winter 2017-2018 fashion week. Dolce&Gabbana, Versace and Giorgio Armani kicks Milan Fashion week

MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 38

This file photo shows a circus performer hanging upside down during a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance in ashington,W DC. — AP/AFP photos The big top comes down: Ringling Bros circus is closing

fter 146 years, the curtain is coming down image. “The competitor in many ways is time,” over the next four months, fans will be able to on “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The said Feld, adding that transporting the show by say goodbye at the remaining shows. Aowner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & rail and other circus quirks - such as providing a In recent years, Ringling Bros tried to remain Bailey Circus told The Associated Press that the traveling school for performers’ children- are relevant, hiring its first African American ring- show will close forever in May. The iconic throwbacks to another era. “It’s a different model master, then its first female ringmaster, and also American spectacle was felled by a variety of that we can’t see how it works in today’s world launching an interactive app. It added elements factors, company executives say. Declining to justify and maintain an affordable ticket from its other, popular shows, such as motorbike attendance combined with high operating price. So you’ve got all these things working daredevils and ice skaters. But it seemingly was costs, along with changing public tastes and against it.” no match for Pokemon Go and a generation of prolonged battles with animal rights groups all The Feld family bought the Ringling circus in kids who desire familiar brands and YouTube contributed to its demise. “There isn’t any one 1967. The show was just under 3 hours then. celebrities. “We tried all these different things to thing,” said Kenneth Feld, chairman and CEO of Today, the show is 2 hours and 7 minutes, with see what would work, and supported it with a Feld Entertainment. “This has been a very diffi- the longest segment - a tiger act - clocking in at lot of funding as well, and we weren’t successful cult decision for me and for the entire family.” 12 minutes. “Try getting a 3- or 4-year-old today in finding the solution,” said Kenneth Feld. — AP The company broke the news to circus to sit for 12 minutes,” he said. Feld and his employees Saturday night after shows in daughter Juliette Feld, who is the company’s Orlando and Miami. Ringling Bros has two chief operating officer, acknowledged another touring circuses this season and will perform reality that led to the closing, and it was the one 30 shows between now and May. Major stops thing that initially drew millions to the show: the include Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia, animals. Ringling has been targeted by activists Boston and Brooklyn. The final shows will be in who say forcing animals to perform is cruel and Providence, Rhode Island, on May 7 and in unnecessary. People for the Ethical Treatment of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey performers are seen during a show Saturday in Uniondale, New York, at the Nassau County Animals, a longtime opponent of the circus, Orlando, Fla. Coliseum on May 21. The circus, with its exotic wasted no time in claiming victory. “After 36 animals, flashy costumes and death-defying years of PETA protests, which have awoken the settlements from groups including the Humane elephants,” she said. “We stand by that decision. acrobats, has been a staple of entertainment in world to the plight of animals in captivity, PETA Society of the United States, ending a 14-year We know it was the right decision. This was what the United States since the mid-1800s. Phineas heralds the end of what has been the saddest fight over allegations that circus employees mis- audiences wanted to see and it definitely played Taylor Barnum made a traveling spectacle of show on earth for wild animals, and asks all oth- treated elephants. a major role.” animals and human oddities popular, while the er animal circuses to follow suit, as this is a sign The Felds say their existing animals - lions, five Ringling brothers performed juggling acts of changing times,” Ingrid Newkirk, president of ‘Dramatic drop’ tigers, camels, donkeys, alpacas, kangaroos and and skits from their home base in Wisconsin. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, By the time the elephants were removed, llamas - will go to suitable homes. Juliette Feld Eventually, they merged and the modern cir- wrote in a statement. public opinion had shifted somewhat. Los says the company will continue operating the cus was born. The sprawling troupes traveled Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Angeles prohibited the use of bull-hooks by ele- Center for Elephant Conservation. around America by train, wowing audiences Humane Society of the United States, acknowl- phant trainers and handlers, as did Oakland, Some 500 people perform and work on both with the sheer scale of entertainment and edged the move was “bittersweet” for the Felds California. The city of Asheville, North Carolina touring shows. A handful will be placed in posi- exotic animals. but said: “I applaud their decision to move away nixed wild or exotic animals from performing in tions with the company’s other, profitable shows from an institution grounded on inherently the municipally owned, 7,600-seat US Cellular - it owns Monster Jam, Disney on Ice and Marvel Another era inhumane wild animal acts.” In May of 2016, after Center. Attendance has been dropping for 10 Live, among other things - but most will be out By midcentury, the circus was routine, whole- a long and costly legal battle, the company years, said Juliette Feld, but when the elephants of a job. Juliette Feld said the company will help some family entertainment. But as the 20th cen- removed the elephants from the shows and sent left, there was a “dramatic drop” in ticket sales. employees with job placement and resumes. In tury went on, kids became less and less the animals to live on a conservation farm in Paradoxically, while many said they didn’t want some cases where a circus employee lives on the In this July 19, 1978 file photo, actor Charlton enthralled. Movies, television, video games and Central Florida. The animals had been the sym- big animals to perform in circuses, many others tour rail car (the circus travels by train), the com- Heston is shown with Ringling Bros and the internet captured young minds. The circus bol of the circus since Barnum brought an Asian refused to attend a circus without them. pany will also help with housing relocation. Barnum and Bailey Circus clown Prince Paul didn’t have savvy product merchandising tie-ins elephant named Jumbo to America in 1882. In “We know now that one of the major reasons Kenneth Feld became visibly emotional while during the City of Hope’s Celebrity Circus or Saturday morning cartoons to shore up its 2014, Feld Entertainment won $25.2 million in people came to Ringling Bros was getting to see discussing the decision with a reporter. He said opening in Inglewood, Calif.

This file photo shows Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus elephants Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey performers are seen during a show A Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey clown juggles for fans during a during Barnum’s FUNundrum in New York. Saturday in Orlando, Fla. pre-show for fans.