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MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 JAMADA ALAWWAL 11, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Three children Netanyahu Leaders Mighty Terry killed in Saad takes off of Egypt, inspires Chelsea Al-Abdullah on ‘historic’ Turkey visit to League apartment5 fire US mission8 Saudi13 Arabia Cup20 glory ‘Jihadi John’ loses his Min 09º Max 28º edge after unmasking High Tide 10:08 & 20:14 Low Tide Emwazi’s relatives under watch in Kuwait 03:33 & 14:40 40 PAGES NO: 16447 150 FILS LONDON/ KUWAIT: As “Jihadi John”, he was a terrifying figure, his identity concealed by a black mask, his threat- Amir thanks people for ening tone backed up by his oversize, serrated knife and his willingness to use it in the name of Islamic State and its self-declared caliphate. His professional-looking national celebrations videos began with a political rant and ended with his vic- KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- two occasions, noting their admirable tims lying dead at his feet, severed heads cupped in the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah thanked the stances vis-a-vis Kuwait during the times of sands of Syria. He seemed both judge and executioner, Kuwaiti people and expatriates living in independence and liberation, emphasizing savoring each fresh kill. Kuwait for their warm cele- that these stances would be After the 9/11 attacks on the US, many believed that brations of the independ- indelibly burnished in the terrorists would turn to crude weapons of mass destruc- ence and liberation days. HH collective memory of the tions to attack cities. Few predicted that a man with a the Amir also thanked gov- Kuwaiti nation. knife and a video production team could have such an ernment bodies including HH the Amir underlined impact using a medieval technique. Now that he has the ministry of interior for the paramount importance their contributions to the Kuwait accords its relation- been unmasked as Mohammed Emwazi, the tall man success of the public celebra- ships with Arab and friendly with the British accent and mocking tone is no longer a tions of these two national nations and its determina- mystery. He is revealed as one more furious young occasions dear to the heart tion not to allow anyone or Londoner, in this case a well-educated, middle-class jiha- of the Kuwaiti people and anything to tarnish them in di in his mid-20s who turned against the country that expatriates. any way or fashion, saying he nurtured him after he moved to Britain from Kuwait as a He appreciated at the has given directives that any- child. same time leaders of the one who attempts to disturb He still has his knife, but Emwazi may have lost his GCC countries for marking these relationships would be edge. For one thing, with his identity known, and the these two national Kuwaiti HH Sheikh Sabah held legally accountable and global distribution of pictures of him looking slightly celebrations - the 54th Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah prosecuted to the full extent anniversary of independence of the law. While the Amir goofy in an ill-fitting Pittsburgh Pirates baseball cap, and the 24th anniversary of liberation - by wished the best for the nation on the occa- Emwazi may become less sinister to viewers, less able to abundant media coverage, including the sions of independence and liberation days, send chills up the spines of people who abhor IS’ claim to electronic and print media. The Amir also he recalled the sacrifices of Kuwaiti martyrs BARCELONA: The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge (left) and Samsung Galaxy S6 are be killing civilians in the name of Islam. If he kills again on thanked leaders of Arab and friendly coun- whose acts of selflessness will never be for- presented during the 2015 Mobile World Congress yesterday. Samsung unveiled camera, the element of surprise will be gone and the tries for their sincere sentiments on these gotten by the nation. — KUNA the stylish new flagship phones that ditch their signature plastic design for met- reaction may well be, “Oh, him again.” al and glass. — AFP (See Page 13) Continued on Page 13 MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in a group photo with Minister of Education and Higher Education His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives the Dr Bader Al-Essa, Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Abdulaziz Othman Al-Tuwaijri, and ISESCO’s golden shield from ISESCO’s Director General Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri. ISESCO members. — Amiri Diwan photos Amir, Crown Prince receive top officials

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minister of Education and Higher Education Mubarak, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, as well as Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Dr Bader Al-Essa. Tuwaijri granted HH the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Minister of State for at Seif yesterday HH the Crown Prince Sabah. Amir the ISESCO’s golden shield in recogni- Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Later, HH the Amir received Director tion of his role in supporting Islamic com- Sabah, and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Minister of Health National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al- General of the Islamic Educational, mon action and solidarity. of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al- Dr Ali Saad Al-Obaidi. HH the Crown Prince Ghanim, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Scientific and Cultural Organization Meanwhile, HH the Crown Prince Sabah. HH the Crown Prince also received later met Fawaz Khaled Al-Marzouq and Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and First (ISESCO) Abdulaziz Othman Al-Tuwaijri and received Al-Ghanim, HH Sheikh Jaber Al- Minister of Information, Minister of State for Mohammad Jassem Al-Marzouq. —KUNA UNHRC’s session of high importance: Kuwait

GENEVA: The 18th session of United human rights violations in Gaza Strip dur- Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), ing the Israeli offensive in summer of 2014. which kicks off today and proceeds till It will also support draft resolutions in March 27, will be of high importance favor of Palestine’s cause and the Syrian regarding the vital issues to be discussed, people, besides Sudan which sought tech- Kuwait’s Permanent Delegate to the UN nical support from the UNHRC, as well as and International Organizations in Geneva backing a possibility of issuing a resolution Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim said. to support human rights in Libya. Kuwait will offer its point of view regard- ing human right violations resulting from negative climatic changes, as well as means of protecting children’s rights especially those exploited by armed group groups and during conflicts. Qatar, which is currently chairing the session of Gulf Cooperation Council Higher Council, will talk on behalf of GCC countries on human rights cases in Yemen, while Bahrain, current chairman of the Arab Group, will address the country in the name of the Arab countries on the nation position toward human rights cases, dis- cussed by the UNHRC. Reports listed on the agenda of this ses- sion reached 100. The US Secretary of State and the Russian Foreign Minister KUWAIT: Ali Thanian Al-Ghanim, KCCI Chairman, presents a memento to Kim In-Ho, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim will participate in the opening session. (KITA). — KUNA UNHRC started its tasks in 2006, upon a Kuwait will be actively present in the resolution of the United Nations General UNHRC activities, especially reviewing the Assembly, with membership of 47 coun- report of UN Human Rights Commissioner tries, elected every three years. The coun- South Korean President Zeid Ra Ibn Al Hussein, Ghunaim added. cil decisions require approval of two Kuwait will present its comments on thirds of the members, while none of the recently-endorsed amendments to a report member countries has the right to veto, on human rights violations in Syria and unlike the situation at the United Nations in Kuwait on Mideast tour Palestine, besides a special report about Security Council. —KUNA Arab League chief invited to KCCI stresses historical ties with South Korea KUWAIT: South Korean President Park Geun-hye Korea and Middle East countries. Seon. It came ahead of a Korean-Kuwaiti eco- attend donors’ conference arrived to Kuwait yesterday, starting a nine-day, nomic forum which kicked off yesterday under four-nation trip to the Middle East that expected Economic importance auspices of President Park. CAIRO: The International Islamic Charitable Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of to focus on wide-ranging economic cooperation Chairman of the Kuwait Chamber of Organization’s (IICO) President Abdullah Al- Awqaf for Technical Coordination and Foreign beyond energy and construction, Yonhap News Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Thanian Ali Al- Enhancing cooperation Maatouq handed Arab League Secretary Relations, said that Arab and Muslim coun- Agency reported. Ghanim underscored the importance of the Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador to General Nabil Al-Araby an official invitation to tries are required to work together to correct The trip, which will also take Park to Saudi Republic of Korea to Kuwait on the economic Kuwait Shin Bonam said that President Park attend the third donors’ conference for Syrian misconceptions about Islam and to promote Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and level. Welcoming chairman of the Korea would focus her talks with the top leaders on refugees to be hosted by Kuwait on March 31. the real image of this tolerant religion. Qatar, comes as Seoul is pushing to capitalize on International Trade Association (KITA) Kim In-Ho bilateral relations and a host of regional and Maatouq, also Advisor at the Amiri Diwan, Speaking on the sidelines of the 24th con- the “second Middle East boom” as a new growth yesterday at the KCCI’s premises, Ghanim high- international issues of common concern. said he had discussed with Al-Araby a num- ference of the Supreme Council of Islamic engine for South Korea’s export-dependent lighted the strategic projects South Korean com- President of the Republic of Korea would dis- ber of challenges, problems and events which Studies, Uthayna said: “There should be con- economy, it said. panies carried out in Kuwait since the 1970s, cuss with the Kuwaiti leaders other topics, the region is witnessing. The discussions certed Arab and Muslim efforts for correcting South Korea hopes that its companies can which directly affected economic development namely enhancing mutual cooperation between focused also on the necessity of unifying youth’s (religious) misconceptions.” participate in big industrial and infrastructure in the country. the two countries in sectors such as security, stances of Arab countries to counter terror- He voiced hope that the conference would projects being pushed by Middle East countries He called for making the best use of Korean renewable energy, railway, health, medical sci- ism, he added. On his part, Araby welcomed come up with recommendations and as they seek to diversify their economic portfo- expertise and efficiency in terms of the compre- ences, solar energy and infrastructure, the the invitation to take part in the conference researches that would lead to devising a strat- lios ahead of the inevitable advent of a post-oil ambassador added. President Park and HH the that will be held under the auspices of His egy on the fight against terrorism and era amid a recent plunge in crude prices. Amir were also set to attend the signing ceremo- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad extremism in the entire region. He stressed Park was scheduled to meet with His ny for several accords and memos between the Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He further affirmed the that this conference is of paramount signifi- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- two countries. league’s keenness on finding an urgent solu- cance as it came at a time when some Arab Jaber Al-Sabah to discuss ways to strengthen These agreements stipulate allowing Kuwaiti tion to the Syrian crisis to alleviate the suffer- and Muslim countries are facing terrorism cooperation in the fields of energy, construction, and South Korean citizens with diplomatic, offi- ings of refugees. that poses a threat to their security and stabil- healthcare and communication technology, cial and special passports to travel to the two Meanwhile, Khuleif Al-Uthayna, Assistant ity.—KUNA Presidential Office said in a news release. She countries without visa. Some of the memos will then fly to Riyadh on March 3 for a two-day signed tackle issues in the medical and transport visit that will include a meeting with Saudi sectors, he said. Arabia’s newly enthroned King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, who took helm of power fol- Development plan lowing death of his brother and king, Abdullah. For his part, the Kuwaiti Ambassador to South The two leaders are also expected to discuss Korea Jassem Al-Bedaiwai, stated on the occa- ways to boost cooperation in energy, construc- sion that there is “an opportunity that Korean tion, healthcare and communication technology, companies take part in ventures enlisted in the it said. South Korea, the world’s fifth-largest crude oil five-year development plan (2015-2020) and the buyer, relies entirely on imports for its oil needs. South Korean President Park Geun-hye long-term strategy ending in 2035,” in addition Saudi Arabia accounts for about one-third of to the diverse efforts aimed at transforming South Korea’s total imports of crude oil. The trip hensive development plan in Kuwait, saying that Kuwait into a regional business hub. will also take Park to the UAE and Qatar for sepa- the KCCI is ready to devote all potential to help Kuwait-South Korea relations, established in rate talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince achieve the strategic targets with the Korean 1979, have been expanded to cover various sec- Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatar’s side. tors such as the economic, security and cultural Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Kim, who is on his first visit to Kuwait since he fields. South Korea received the first Kuwaiti oil Cooperation in energy, construction and health- took over his post recently, said all official bodies shipment in 1963, shortly after the country pro- care are also expected to be their major topics. at home are keen on enhancing bilateral eco- claimed its independence. Oil-rich Middle Eastern countries have long nomic ties. He hoped the visit will be a turning South Korea largely depends on the Kuwaiti been a major source of revenues for South point in bilateral ties opening up fresh prospects crude oil, some 15-20 percent of its imported Korean builders for decades, which in turn have for more economic cooperation. crudes. Kuwait has been selling Seoul some helped the Asian nation cope with economic dif- The meeting was attended by Korean 400,000 barrels per day since years ago. Trade CAIRO: IICO President Abdullah Al-Maatouq meets Arab League Secretary General ficulties. Healthcare has emerged as a new Ambassador to Kuwait Shin Bunam and chair- exchanges between the two countries are esti- Nabil Al-Araby in Cairo yesterday. — KUNA promising area of cooperation between South man of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Choi Kil- mated at $17 billion. — KUNA MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 LOCAL Committee to respond to News in brief

UN human rights remarks MP criticizes focus on Kuwait-born terrorists

By Meshaal Al-Enezi Teachers cancel classes by texting about certain issues, namely the phenomenal spread of By A Saleh In other news, Kuwait University and Public Authority bachelors in residential areas, in addition to the agendas of KUWAIT: The national committee entrusted with for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) yesterday various committee meetings. KUWAIT: MP Abdul Rahman Al- responding to the remarks made by United Nations warned a number of teaching staff members who were In other news, Kuwait Municipality announced confis- Jeeran criticized the Western media Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) second report held a absent before the national anniversaries vacation without cating 3 truckloads of firecrackers, water guns and toys, for highlighting and focusing on a meeting for relevant bodies to discuss the report, said due excuse, said informed sources noting that some of bikes and mineral water through inspection campaigns terrorist who are born, raised or edu- sources at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor them did not show up for work and notified their students launched against peddlers during the three-day national cated in Kuwait. He added that this (MSAL). of cancelling their classes using social media networks anniversaries vacation, especially along the Gulf Road. approach reflect an intention to The sources added that some of the remarks made including texting. The sources added that many complaints force Kuwait to become ‘more after the review made last February in Geneva were were made by the beginning of the national anniversaries Car park at Mubarak Hospital involved’ in international conflicts. directed to the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) correctional week (February 22) as many of the professors were absent Yousif Al-Ghareeb, Municipal Council Member and Head Jeeran meanwhile quoted Finance facilities, MSAL’s detention of juveniles indicted in crimes. for three days before the national day on February 25. of Hawalli Committee, suggested building a multi-floor Minister Anas Al-Saleh, who on Demands were made to the Manpower Public Authority parking opposite to Mubarak Hospital’s casualty depart- Saturday stated that Kuwait has met to cancel the sponsor system, the sources added. Municipal Council meeting ment to solve the problem of traffic congestions due to the its obligations against money laundry and financing terror- The recent review included 278 recommendations On its session due to be held this morning, the densely populated areas the hospital serves. ism according to the most recent Financial Action Task made to Kuwait by 113 UNHRC member states and Municipal Council is due to discuss several issues on its In related news, Ahmed Al-Bugahili, Municipal Council Force (FATF) report. Kuwaiti experts were currently studying the recommen- agenda such as recommendations made by member Member, demanded making an exit leading to the Sixth dations to respond to by June 29, 2015 at the earliest, the Manae Al-Ajmi about naming new cities, suburbs, streets Ring Road near Jleeb gas station and a U-turn below the sources said. and squares, responses made to inquiries by members Sixth Ring Road flyover near Ishbeilya. Maayouf slams oppositionist MP Abdullah Maayouf criti- cized the fact that an appeals’ Education Ministry court order sentencing former IFAD lauds Kuwait’s role to MP Musallam Al-Barrak to two develops curricula years imprisonment was not yet boost global food security implemented. “The government to fight extremism is either incapable or being negligent towards this verdict,” KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education started a plan aiming ROME: The International Fund for Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah announced he stressed, criticizing Barrak as to develop the curricula of Arabic language and religion Agricultural Development (IFAD) high- in 2013 that the KFAED will offer $1 bil- well for failure to turn himself studies for presenting better methods for students, ly praised the significant role played lion in soft loan to finance development over. “Where is the so-called Minister Bader Al-Essa said. by Kuwait to enhance world food projects in African countries. Nwanze ‘The Nation’s Conscience’ who was supposed to repre- After a meeting with a visit- security. Kuwait’s role is pivotal in urged the KFAED to increase its invest- sent the Constitution, the law, justice and equality?” he ing delegation of Islamic backing development and agriculture ments in disasters-hit countries such as asked, wondering if Barrak who had been calling for Educational, Scientific and projects that aim to eradicate poverty Yemen, Somalia and Mauritania. law enforcement can now abstain from executing a Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and famine and to empower the mar- The IFAD, a specialized agency of court order. Maayouf also wondered about why the he underlined in a press state- ginalized communities in the world, the United Nations based in Rome, opposition is silent about the case and Barrak’s atti- ment the importance of these IFAD’s President Kanayo Nwanze said was established as an international tude from the court order. two subjects’ curricula as they yesterday. He spoke in an interview financial institution in 1977 as one of have much influence on the with KUNA on the eve of his planned the major outcomes of the 1974 ideology of students and their visit to the UAE to partake in the Gulf World Food Conference. The confer- March 12 session beliefs at present and in the Forum to Enhance Food Security and ence was organized in response to MP Ahmed Lari urged the govern- future. Support Small and Medium Scale the food crises of the early 1970s that ment to get ready for the March 12 He noted that he had dis- Farmers. primarily affected the Sahelian coun- parliamentary session scheduled to Education Minister cussed with the delegation, He pointed out that Kuwait greatly tries of Africa. be discussing laws that had not yet contributes to the IFAD’s investment The IFAD invests in rural people, Bader Al-Essa headed by Abdulaziz Othman IFAD’s President been activated or put into practice. Al-Tuwaijri and in the presence projects in developing countries to Kanayo Nwanze empowering them to reduce poverty, “The goal of that session is to acti- of Secretary-General of Kuwait’s National Commission for improve the condition of poverty- increase food security, improve nutri- vate law and not to hold the govern- UNESCO Abdullatif Al-Buaijan, several issues relating to stricken communities and transform highly about Kuwait’s generous initia- tion and strengthen resilience. Since it ment accountable,” he underlined violence and terrorism as well as misinterpretations by rural areas. He also described the coop- tive to help African countries. foundation, it has provided over $16.3 noting that the laws to be discussed extremists of verses of Holy Quran. eration between the IFAD and Kuwait billion in grants and low-interest loans on the session include law 2/2014 On his part, Tuwaijri said that ISESCO needs now further Fund for Arab Economic Development KFAED investments to projects that have reached about and its amendments of law 98/2013 efforts to provide necessary support in light of these seri- (KFAED) as extremely good. He spoke His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah 438 million people. —KUNA pertaining the establishment of a national fund for small ous circumstances and growing extremism that attracts and medium projects, turning KAC into a shareholding youth. He underscored the necessity of combating terror- company, BOT, imposing health insurance on retired citi- ism and extremism, and fortifying youth by recruiting zens and e-transactions. them to contribute to development instead of being involved in destructive projects that badly affect many countries. Developing minds to respect others as well reli- Jaber Hospital gious and cultural diversity is one of the key objectives of MP Kamel Al-Awadhi the ISESCO, he noted. —KUNA stressed that Jaber Hospital would be ready to receive patients by the end of this year Kuwait to participate in and noted that he got this tip ITB Berlin on March 4-8 from Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) and Minister KUWAIT: Tourism Sector of Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and of Planning Hind Al-Subaih and Industry will take part in the International Tourism Exchange (ITB Minister of Public Works (MPW), Berlin), to be held on March 4-8, for the 13th time in a row, the Abdul Aziz Al-Ibrahim. ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for tourism sector Samira Al- Gharib said. Kuwait’s participation comes in the framework of consolidating cooperation relations of tourism sector with other countries across Agricultural investigations the globe, especially as this event is a major one specialized in MP Khalil Al-Saleh expressed sur- tourism industry, Gharib added. prise at the information leaks about The event is attracted by institutions in this sector, including trav- the agricultural acquisition investiga- el agencies, airlines and hotels, she said, adding it targets about KUWAIT: Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Khaled Al-Khedr and visiting Pakistani tions committee that include certain 160,000 visitors and exhibitors from about 180 countries. The aim of Chief of the Naval Staff Muhammad Zakaullah discussed a number of topics of common concern, names, and urged both the commit- participation is to shed light on Kuwait’s civilized image and its notably military ones. The two sides also reviewed the ways and means of promoting and developing tee chairman and members not to tourist sites as well as to promote relations with other countries in relations between the two countries, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense Directorate of Moral Guidance and leak any of those names until the the world, she pointed out. A number of companies take part in the Public Relations said in a press statement yesterday. —KUNA investigation is over. event, she concluded. —KUNA Kuwait provides further aid to Syrians in need Kuwaiti philanthropists on humanitarian mission in Kenya

QASR AL-HALLABAT/NAIROBI: Kuwait’s Higher Relief Committee wrapped up yesterday a relief campaign, aiding up to 1,440 Syrian families that have taken up refugee in Jordan. The aid supplies including food were distributed to the Syrian families, said Dr Walid Al-Enjeri, the head of the Kuwaiti humani- tarian mission. Each family was given $140 in cash, he added. Some of the Syrians fleeing violence at home have taken up refuge in Qasr Al-Hallabat, a town located in Zarqa Governorate in north-western Jordan, and the capital Amman. The cam- paign targeted most impoverished Syrian families that have recently arrived in Jordan. The Kuwaiti relief committee comprises 11 government and grass-root authorities and associations. Kuwait, since flare-up of the Syrian conflict, has provided thousands of Syrians, being refugees, relocated or homeless, with abundant relief supplies.

Nairobi mission Separately, a delegation of Kuwait’s Islamic Heritage Revival Society arrived in the Kenyan capital on a mission aimed at inspecting execution of Kuwait-funded development and phil- NAIROBI: Jassem Al-Ainati, the head of Islamic Heritage Revival Society’s anthropic ventures. Africa commission, visits children at the Khalifa Al-Jassem Orphanage The society would deliver aid supplies to locals in need for Center in Nairobi, Kenya. support, build health centers, drill water wells, schools, voca- tional centers, said Jassem Al-Ainati, the head of the society’s Africa commission. Moreover, the expedition will help in organizing courses for educating and guiding teachers and religious scholars about moderate Islam. The team will also examine executed projects and planned ventures in the country, Ainati added. Ainati pointed out continuing efforts to relieve Somali refugees settling at the border Dadaab camp, where more than 100,000 Somalis who have fled insecurity at home are in need for support. He added that the expedition would pro- ceed to the city of Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city, located on the east coast, to examine prospects of carrying out other relief activities there. The chairman, during an inspection tour in the town of Kajiado, visited Khalifa Al-Jassem Orphanage Center, which houses up to 100 orphans. He praised level of services at the center which includes a school, mosque, health center, water well and subsidized grocery stores. Africa’s commit- tee of the association, involved in diverse activities in 27 African countries, aims to aid Muslims and non-Muslims Jassem Al-Ainati, the head of Islamic Heritage Revival Society’s Africa com- and helps in containing extremism and derivative religious QASR AL-HALLABAT: A Kuwaiti volunteer distributes aid to Syrian children mission, in front of the Khalifa Al-Jassem Orphanage Center’s mosque. thoughts. —KUNA in Jordan. —KUNA photos MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 LOCAL

In Brief Amir attends Fireman’s Day Gulf Cup approved graduation By Hanan Al-Saadoun By A Saleh KUWAIT: Colonel Khalil Al-Amir, Kuwait Fire Services KUWAIT: The Cabinet is expected to agree KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Directorate’s Public Relations and Information during its weekly meeting today to hosting Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is scheduled this morn- Director, said the 13th Fireman’s Day event will start the 23rd Gulf Soccer Cup in Kuwait, and ing to patronize and attend a students’ gradua- Thursday in Souk Sharq under the patronage of notify relevant authorities to take needed tion ceremony for the 2013-2014 academic year. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdallah Al-Mubarak Al- measures, well-informed sources said. The The ceremony will be held at the Late Sheikh Sabah, the State Minister for Cabinet Affairs. The Cabinet is also set to discuss allocating a Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Theater in Shuwaikh minister is expected to be present along with Maj special budget for the tournament, and set district. — KUNA Gen Yousuf Al-Ansari, KFSD Director General. Colonel the Public Authority for Youth and Sports’ Amir said this year’s celebration comes as an exten- (PAYS) role in coordination with the Kuwait sion of Kuwait’s national celebrations. Football Federation. The tournament takes place on February 2016.

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Divers of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF) lifted yesterday a sunken dhow used for cattle transportation. A crane and a trailer were used for lifting the 60-ton wooden ship at Al-Doha port, team leader Walid Al-Shatti said. The divers worked for three days to make the ship float, before being towed to Al-Ushairej beach where it would be repaired. Necessary precautions were taken to avert any serious contami- nation of the sea environment, Shatti said, noting that some sheep on board of the huge vessel had perished when it sank. He gave no further details as when and how the large ship had sunk. — KUNA Dubai Global Village participates in Kuwait’s national celebrations

DUBAI: Dubai Global Village administra- tion held a big celebration late Saturday marking the 54th National Day and the 24th Liberation Day of Kuwait, including folkloric performances, concerts and Kuwait flags’ distribution to participants and attendees. General Consul of the Consulate General of State of Kuwait, Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Thiab Al-Rashidi, expressed his happiness for the UAE offi- cial and private sectors’ continuous partic- ipation in Kuwait’s celebrations. He expressed his appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, which showed keenness and eagerness to participate in Kuwait’s 2015 national celebrations, organizing various activities to celebrate this occasion. For his part, the Global Village’s direc- tor of operations, Ahmad Al Marri, affirmed the UAE citizens’ enthusiasm and keenness to share Kuwait its happy days. He said that the event began with a con- cert held by two singers, Badr Al Sheaibi from Kuwait and Adel Ibrahim from the UAE, amid enthusiastic reaction from the audience, then a mega cake was present- ed by Global Village administration. The village’s five bands took also part in the event. The organizer of Kuwait’s pavilion, Sammar Al Taweel, said the Kuwaiti flags were distributed to the visitors. This activi- ty was highlighted by the UAE media and the press. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) participated in National Days’ celebrations organized at the pedi- atric section in the Physiotherapy Hospital, and the rehabilitation section in the Fahad Center. The step comes as part of CBK’s commitment to its social responsibilities, the bank said in a statement. LOCAL MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Crime Three children dead in apartment fire Report KUWAIT: Three Saudi children fell victim to a fire that broke out in the apartment they lived in Duo caught with with their family members in the suburb of Saad Al-Abdullah, a hospital official said yesterday. 2,000 Tramadol pills A four year old boy and his twin sisters, aged two, died on arrival at the Jahra hospital, suffer- By Hanan Al-Saadoun ing from smoke inhalation, said the hospital’s director Dr Shihab Al-Mehandi. KUWAIT: A Drugs Control General Department (DCGD) The three children were taken out from the unit arrested two Egyptian nationals with possession of burning apartment in time to turn them over to more than 2,000 Tramadol tablets. The detectives were paramedics, said Colonel Khalil Al-Amir, a tipped off about an Egyptian national who trades in nar- spokesman for the Kuwait Fire Services cotics. He was arrested and 2,000 tablets were found in his Directorate (KFSD). Paramedics rushed the kids house. On questioning, the suspect admitted that he gets to the hospital where they were pronounced the pills from another source. The detectives arrested the dead as a result of inhaling suffocating amounts second suspect who had 10 pills with him. Both were sent of smoke, Amir added. The apartment sustained to concerned authorities. Meanwhile, several citizens were material damage, said the spokesman, noting arrested this week in possession of narcotic substances by that investigations were implemented to seek police patrols in Mahboula. All were sent to concerned out the cause of the fire. — KUNA The house where the fire took place. authorities. GCC environment e-gate’s importance emphasized

KUWAIT: General Director of Kuwait’s Environment Public natural resources. Since its foundation, the council has tak- Authority (EPA) Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad Al-Humoud Al- en a considerable number of resolutions to give tremen- Sabah accentuated the importance of the establishing an dous impetus to joint GCC action to protect the environ- electronic gate for data on the environment issues in the ment to help achieve sustainable development and eco- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. nomic and social progress goals, he said. Speaking at the inauguration of the second meeting of GCC General Secretariat’s Minister Plenipotentiary for the GCC technical committee in charge of the project Human and Environment Affairs Adel Al-Bastaki said the which kicked off yesterday, Sheikh Abdullah said that the meeting of the technical committee will set a plan of Gulf States are prioritizing environment issues. He pointed action for executing the project. He unveiled that Kuwait out that the GCC environment officials approved the pro- has donated about $1 million to the project, which makes posal to found an e-gate for collecting and exchanging up about 72 percent of the cost of the first phase. He environment data of the member states in a meeting held wished success for the ambitious project to achieve its goal in Kuwait last year. of providing official, up-to-date and precise information to Kuwait’s EPA is overseeing the project which also aims decision-makers and relevant bodies in the Gulf states and to raise ordinary people’s awareness about environment the whole world. issues in the Gulf region, and offers official data about the The three-day meeting has an agenda full of key issues environment situation in the member states, he said. He including: air quality guide, environment-related achieve- noted that the GCC leaders have formed the Supreme KUWAIT: EPA’s General Director Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad ments and the mechanism of analyzing the requirements Council for Environment to safeguard environment and Al-Humoud Al-Sabah during the meeting. — KUNA photo of the GCC environment e-gate. — KUNA

Ahmadi campaign Ahmadi police arrested a Sri Lankan man with posses- sion of 60 bottles that were suspected to contain alco- hol. The bottles were found hidden inside the man’s car. The suspect was sent to the proper authorities for further action. Meanwhile, Ahmadi police also arrested 13 fugitives and 11 persons without identifications during a security campaign in the governorate.

Shooting in Jahra A 32-year old man was taken to Jahra Hospital by his friends after he was shot in the chest. He told police that two brothers he knows shot him over a previous dispute. Police are investigating.

Citizen caught by tenants Residents of a Fintas building caught a citizen who claimed to be a policeman and robbed the haris (jani- tor) of KD 5,500, which is rent that the building watch- man had collected.

GCC radio officials hold 17th meeting

KUWAIT: Officials of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) radio stations held their 17th meeting in Kuwait yester- day. The meeting aimed at enhancing coordination among the GCC radio stations, Assistant Undersecretary for Radio Affairs at Kuwait’s Ministry of Information Sheikh Fahad Al-Mubarak Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said. He added that participants followed up recom- mendations of the 16th meeting. They also agreed to provide support to the “This is the Arabian Gulf Radio”, and that each of the member states will offer a program to be transmitted through it, in addition to exchanging announcers and programs among the GCC radio stations, Sheikh Fahad Al- Mubarak said. The GCC officials discussed developing the “This is the Arabian Gulf Radio” based in Bahrain, and the potential of transmitting it to all GCC states, head of the Second Channel and Local Stations at the Ministry Nasser Bader Al-Tararwa, said. Participants discussed the type of programs in the stations, that have to be social ones appealing to all categories of the GCC soci- ety, he added. For his part, Director of Radio Bahrain Yunus Sulaiman said that frequency allocation for the “This is the Arabic Gulf Radio” which was launched in Bahrain in October 2013, topped the agenda of the 17th meeting. — KUNA MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 From the Arabic press

Al-Qabas Al-Anbaa Terrorism, Night in which a way of escape Kuwaitis cried

By Abdellatif Al-Duaij By Sami Al-Nisf

vents prove day after day that the origin of uwait’s celebrated its National Day on terrorism is in the Gulf countries, and that February 25 and Liberation Day on February Eits human and financial support still K26. Well, many Arab and foreign friends won- depend on donations, grants and citizens of der about the reason behind celebrating two those countries. Kuwait comes in the forefront of national anniversaries, especially since most those countries, as it became known in more European, Asian and even Arab states had been than one occasion. Despite all that, if you ask any occupied and freed more than once and they only government official, he will deny all of it and will choose one national day to celebrate and that highly laud Kuwait’s charity societies. might not be related to their liberation day, such as The Kuwaiti government does not deny the what France did by celebrating the fall of the growing financial support for terrorism. Rather, it Bastille prison rather than its liberation from Nazi tries to defend it, and strongly confront, with strange decisiveness, any international indica- occupation. tions or accusations of its citizens and their NGOs Historically, Kuwait won its independence from of supporting terrorism. What is stranger than Britain on June 19, 1961, but that date annually this, is that the countries, regimes and people comes during the summer vacations when temper- atures are too high to bear. Therefore, it had been who fed and cared for terrorism since the claims Al-Anbaa of liberating Afghanistan until now, are the ones agreed to change the national day celebration to who are taking the spectators’ role towards the Feb 25, when the late ‘father of independence’ international struggle against terrorism. They are Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem succeeded his predeces- the ones who avoid any real confrontation with it sor, the late Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber, to rule Kuwait. whether domestically or abroad. Despite that, It is also known that the British came to the Gulf by they are still giving a closed eye, and tolerate to a One million single agreements, not through war, when the Gulf peo- large extent with the raging activities in its ples were poor. They also granted Gulf states inde- regions supporting terrorism. pendence without firing a single shot and when It seems to me that some of those countries expats live in Kuwait they became oil-rich, which refutes allegations that gain a lot from the persistence of terrorism, out- Arab coup regimes where the ones who forced col- side their lands of course, because this extension onization out. What a lie that is! preoccupies its citizens from domestic issues, In 1945, the Labor government headed by and focus their energy and efforts to fighting and MPs warn of positional ‘disastrous consequences’ damaging cities of other people while regimes Clement Attlee, who had achieved an unexpected and countries that cared for them and sent them landslide victory over the Conservatives, to spread havoc in the rest of the world remain KUWAIT: Several lawmakers warned about announced that colonization was morally, econom- relatively immune from terrorism and criminal the phenomenon of single expats living in ically and demographically useless because of the activities that worry the rest of the world. This Kuwait, suggesting that it might have disas- growing population in various colonies and the may be an exaggerated analysis or opinion, but I trous consequences in the near future. They start of reversed immigration. On the same day, also criticized the government for not taking think Gulf countries that care for and created ter- Britain joined an international decolonization any measures to control it. “If the govern- rorism, have some conviction that the war with ment had completed a project proposed in treaty and granted India, the British crown jewel, its their illegitimate children is more effective and an earlier bill on laborers cities, things would independence without war. There was also no comfortable if it was carried out on other peo- not have grown worse,” MP Faisal Al- need to keep British troops in Egypt, Iraq and ple’s territories, and paid for by other people. Duwaisan said, adding that expat laborers Palestine, where they had been stationed to pro- come to Kuwait without bringing their fami- tect the passage to India. lies along and inhabit in family residential Later, the Arabs’ friend, British trade union areas. “This makes area residents feel unsafe leader and foreign minister Ernest Bevin started Crime because those bachelors have different talks offering evacuating his troops from Egypt and lifestyles than those of families,” he under- Iraq, but the negotiating parties disagreed on Report lined. “Most bachelors live in ‘interior’ areas allowing them back in case of Russian threats. where most of the houses belong to heirs Therefore, the Bevin-Jabr talks in Iraq and the which most Kuwaiti families have aban- Bevin-Sedki talks in Egypt failed and many people Power restored doned, leaving the areas ‘taken over’ by at that time claimed to be heroes! in Khairan bachelors and practice many illegal activi- The night on which Kuwaitis cried tears of joy or ties and commit violations,” MP Nabil Al- KUWAIT: Police inspect IDs of expatriate workers during a security campaign in those of sadness was absolutely not when the Fadhl said. this file photo. — KUNA British friends entered or left Kuwait after they had KUWAIT: An electric contact between an overhead of this ‘bachelor’ category of expats is the Kuwait,” he said. protected Kuwait and the Gulf from vicious attacks tower and the overhead line where a kite made of Government negligence growing number of victims by visa traffick- Moreover, Bahbahani denied the connec- more than once without awaiting gratitude or aluminum foil fell caused a 3-hour power cut at MP Abdullah Maayouf attributed the ers. It is unacceptable to have around a mil- tion between the increase of expatriate Khairan chalet’s Friday night, said Ahmad Al-Hamad, phenomenon to the negligence of the reward. What made Kuwaitis really cry in shock and lion single expat laborers who have no laborers in Kuwait, bachelors or singles, and sadness was seeing Saddam’s troops conquer Director of Land and Overhead Cables. Ministry of Municipality, the Ministry of Social Affairs steady addresses living amongst us and left the rise in crimes committed. Electricity and Water’s emergency teams responded and Labor (MSAL) and the Ministry of to be victimized by some fatal diseases that “According to a statistic about the last Kuwait, killing, destroying and looting, and burnt immediately and discovered the kite, which trig- Interior (MoI) and their supervision and con- do not only threaten them, but also threaten ten months of 2014, 70 percent of the Kuwait’s only source of living - oil wells. They later gered the safety fuses, he said. Power was interrupt- trol over these areas. He also attributed it to the whole society with Hepatitis C-type and crimes have been committed by Kuwaiti citi- cried tears of joy when the invaders were expelled ed at 8:04 pm and restored at 11:33 pm after remov- the low income of some citizens who opted AIDS,” said Dr Adel Bahbahani, noting that zens,” he underlined, expressing his rejection out of their country by an Arab-Western coalition. ing the foil kite, he added. to rent parts of their houses to make better that the visa traffickers do not realize such to setting more restricting laws and impos- So there is a huge difference between a humane living and get an extra income. threats. ing more unjustified fees on expats. merciful occupation that benefited Kuwait and a “The social affairs’ minister is responsible “It is a mistake to view the increasing for this phenomenon and has solved no vicious aggression that burnt everything down to Girl with ministry ID caught Living cost number of single expats as a threat to the ground. Hawally police patrols stopped a car late at more than one percent of the problem in Bahbahani added that the cost of living Kuwait because they do handle jobs which night driven by a girl who was found to be over eighteen months in office,” he said, in Kuwait as well as the living conditions far most Kuwaitis do not and thus, Kuwait blaming minister Hind Al-Subaih for the under the influence of drugs. The woman gave exceeds most expats’ salaries. “This was needs them. Therefore, we have to contain problem development. another reason why many [expats] cannot and protect them as an asset to Kuwait,” he police her ID showing that she works at the “The reason behind the growing number interior ministry. Police sent her to Drugs afford to bring their families along to concluded. — Al-Watan Control General Department after they found Al-Anbaa narcotic pills and drug paraphernalia with her. Investigation on for Don’t love Firecrackers worth KD 200,000 Two Syrian nationals were caught and search is money laundering cases your country ongoing for a third man after a store was raided in Salmiya where a large amount of firecrackers were kept. Criminal Investigations Department’s Director Measures match international standards: Al-Sayegh By Saleh Al-Shayji Maj Gen Mahmoud Al-Tabbakh received information about the Syrians smuggling fireworks and their KUWAIT: The money laundering unit is rorist financing, had recently issued a eople usually sing about their countries and store in a basement in Salmiya. Detectives found investigating four cases of suspected mon- report confirming Kuwait’s fulfillment of admire, love and defend them with their fireworks worth KD 200,000, and an investigation ey laundering in Kuwait. According to Talal 2012 commitments against money laun- souls. They long for them when abroad and led them to a camp in Kabd where they found more P Al-Sayegh, head of the Money Laundering dering and financing of terrorism. cry with nostalgia when missing them. Poets take firecrackers. The person in-charge of the camp is still Investigation Unit; an independent body “It is deemed a significant achievement to podiums and start glorifying their countries, por- at large. Investigations are on to find out who that falls under the Finance Minister’s that reflects the international community’s helped the suspects in smuggling the firecrackers. traying them higher than skies and clouds. supervision. Sayegh added meanwhile reassurance about the availability of an Audiences get enchanted with such lyrics and start that Kuwait’s money laundering legislation integrated legislative atmosphere for fight- asking them to repeat, making poets so thrilled and Teen steals from 14 cars matches international anti-terrorism regu- ing money laundering and financing of enthusiastic that they start repeating their poetry in lations and standards. terrorism primarily based on Law 106/2013 Ahmadi police arrested a Kuwaiti juvenile, aged louder and more zealous voices. Well informed sources quoted but on money laundering and terrorist 16, for stealing from 14 parked cars in Mangaf. Singers get on stage to sing for their countries, Police patrols noticed a person breaking the unnamed by Al-Jarida added that the finance,” Minister of Finance Anas Al-Saleh, investigations unit has studied the four Minister of Finance noted. touching their audiences’ hearts and feelings. They window of a car parked in front of a house. start swaying and often hoist a flag while singing. When he saw them, he escaped on foot, but cases and made full reports about them to The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the public prosecution pending legal an inter-governmental body established in School students may write essays or accounts was caught after a chase between buildings. He expressing their love and devotion for their coun- was sent to the juvenile police. measures. Sayegh added that the interna- 1989 by the Ministers of its Member jurisdic- tries. So, loving one’s country can be expressed in tional Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Talal Al-Sayegh tions. The objectives of the FATF are to set includes USA, EU, Canada, Russia, China, standards and promote effective implemen- so many ways even by writers and media figures. Man attacks police India and the GCC’s secretariat general rep- main remark made during the recent visit tation of legal, regulatory and operational TV announcers and presenters always and endless- Jahra police arrested a bedoon with shabu and resentative while Kuwait was the founding was to carry on with the commitment to measures for combating money laundering, ly talk about their love for their respective coun- other unidentified substances. The suspect member in the Middle East and North international regulations. terrorist financing and other related threats tries, which is a very nice thing to which I have no attempted to attack policemen after the arrest, but Africa Financial Action Task Force KUNA reported Saturday that Kuwait to the integrity of the international financial objections. he was brought under control. He was sent to (MENAFATF). “Like any other group mem- has expanded its anti-money laundering system. The FATF is therefore a “policy-mak- But do we actually love the country or the state? Taima police station. ber, Kuwait will be subjected to mutual capabilities in response to increase con- ing body” which works to generate the nec- We have been doing states wrong in favor of the assessment every five years,” Sayegh cerns including setting up an Financial essary political will to bring about national country. We actually love states, not countries. A added, noting that the next assessment Action Task Force (FATF), which is charged legislative and regulatory reforms in these country is romantic figure usable only in poetry Fight in Salmiya would be due in 2018 or 2019, and that the with fighting money laundering and ter- areas. — Al Jarida and KUNA and speeches meant to stir up the public’s emo- Receiving a tip of a fight in a Salmiya apartment tions and sympathy. True love is the materialistic building, police rushed to the building to find a one for states. A state is the true identity, passport, drunk citizen with two girls who alleged that they were beaten and bruised by unidentified New KAC plane in service soon constitution, civil ID, street, house, bridge, job, persons. Investigations are underway. company, ministry, law, court, etc. KUWAIT: The third of 12 leased Roumi added. Company officials For instance, we are citizens of the State of Airbus A320 aircrafts arrived to received the aircraft from the fac- Kuwait, not the Country of Kuwait. A country is KD 16,200 fraudster Kuwait and will be in service within tory in France, Roumi said. The worthless without a state and no countries would A citizen reported that a fraudster convinced him to five days, said Rasha Al-Roumi, number of planes received by have existed if it were not for states. We have prob- invest in automobile trade and stole KD 16,200. The Chairman and Managing Director Kuwait is four out of seven, as two ably missed this obvious real meaning of the state victim told Jahra police he was persuaded by a citi- of Kuwait Airways. The fourth will be delivered in March and one on purpose or out of ignorance. We have alienated zen he knows into paying the money as a partner- plane is expected to arrive tonight, in April. — Al-Qabas states and swapped them with homes or countries ship to trade in cars, but discovered late that he was that only exist within our emotions, poets’ con- duped and there is no such business. sciousnesses and singers’ voices. This is happening for a reason. We often dis- Maid broker arrested agree with the state because of mishaps, mistakes, mismanagement or corruption here or there, we An Indian flower vendor was arrested after prom- ising a number of citizens he would help them criticize the state for not being committed to proj- hire maids, and then escaped with their money. ects’ execution, mismanagement of hospitals, edu- One of the citizens told Sabah Al-Salem detec- cational facilities or the government’s performance tives that the suspect told him he can bring in a in general. Such cons make one suppress love of maid for KD 500, but then disappeared. The sus- states and declare that to home countries. You are pect was reportedly seen in Dhaher where he the son of the state of Kuwait not the son of the was arrested, and was found to be wanted in a KAC Chief Rasha Al-Roumi and company officials country of Kuwait and this applies for everybody in similar case filed in Surra. — Al-Rai pictured inside the plane. — Photos by Yasser Al- their respective countries! KUWAIT: The new KAC aircraft at Kuwait International Airport. Zayyat Egypt court declares part of election law unconstitutional

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MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Russians march in memory of murdered Putin critic Nemtsov supporters blame authorities MOSCOW: Tens of thousands of Russians marched through central Moscow yesterday, carrying banners declaring “I am not afraid” and chanting “Russia without Putin” in memory of mur- dered Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov. Families, the old and young walked slowly, with many hold- ing portraits of the opposition politician and former deputy prime minister who was shot dead while walking home from a nearby restaurant on Friday night. The authorities have suggested the opposition itself may have been behind his shooting in an attempt to create a martyr and unite the fractured movement. His supporters have blamed the authorities. “If we can stop the campaign of hate that’s being directed at the opposition, then we have a chance to change Russia. If not, then we face the prospect of mass civil conflict,” Gennady Gudkov, an opposi- tion leader, told Reuters. “The authorities are corrupt and don’t allow any threats to them to emerge. Boris was uncomfortable for them.” His murder has divided opinion in a country where for years after the Soviet Union collapsed many yearned for the stability later brought by former KGB agent Vladimir Putin. A small but active opposition now says Putin’s rule has become an autocracy that flaunts international norms after Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula last year, fanned nationalism over the separatist war in eastern Ukraine and clamped down on dissent. “(Nemtsov) was harmful to the authorities, but the authori- ties themselves are criminal. The authorities have trampled on all international rights, seized Crimea, started war with Ukraine,” said Yuri Voinov, an elderly physicist. Police said 21,000 people attended the march. The organis- ers put the numbers at tens of thousands, but attendance appeared smaller than the 50,000 people the opposition had hoped for. Reuters reporters at the march estimated the numbers in the tens of thousands. People walked in the rain within view of the Kremlin’s red walls and past the spot, now covered in flowers, where Nemtsov was shot dead. Some carried large banners carrying Nemtsov’s face reading “Heroes Never Die”, the same slogan used in Ukraine to cele- brate more than 100 people killed in protests that overthrew Moscow-leaning President Viktor Yanukovich a year ago. KREMLIN: People carry a banner reading ‘ Boris Nemtsov, we will never forget, we will never forgive’ as they march in memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov who was One elderly woman, her hair tucked into a woollen cap, held gunned down on Friday, near the Kremlin, in St Petersburg, Russia, yesterday. Thousands converged yesterday in central Moscow to mourn veteran liberal politician Boris up a hand-written sign to cover her face: “It’s a geopolitical Nemtsov, whose killing on the streets of the capital has shaken Russia’s beleaguered opposition. — AP catastrophe when a KGB officer declares himself president for life. Putin resign!” might have killed one of their own. 2018, despite a financial crisis aggravated by Western economic revival with a march he had been planning for Sunday against “The authorities definitely do not benefit from this. sanctions over the Ukraine crisis and a fall in oil prices. Putin’s economic policies and Russia’s role in east Ukraine. PUTIN REMAINS DOMINANT Everybody had long forgotten about this man, Nemtsov ... It is Many opposition leaders have been jailed on what they say The Kremlin denies sending arms or troops to Ukraine. In a Putin has vowed to pursue those who killed Nemtsov, call- definitely a ‘provocation’,” said one Moscow resident, who gave are trumped-up charges, or have fled the country. change of plan, the opposition said Moscow city authorities ing the murder a “provocation”. National investigators who his name only as Denis. Some young people walking in central Nemtsov, a fighter against corruption who said he feared had allowed a march of up to 50,000 people alongside the River answer to the Russian leader offered a 3-million-rouble reward, Moscow asked: “Who is Nemtsov anyway?” Putin may want him dead, had hoped to start the opposition’s Moskva to commemorate Nemtsov’s death. — Reuters around $50,000, for information on Nemtsov’s death. They say they are pursuing several lines of inquiry, including the possibil- FRACTURED OPPOSITION ity that Nemtsov, a Jew, was killed by radical Islamists or that Nemtsov, who was 55, was one of the leading lights of a the opposition killed him to blacken Putin’s name. divided opposition struggling to revive its fortunes, three years Nemtsov’s funeral is due to be held tomorrow in Moscow. after mass rallies against Putin failed to prevent him returning Putin’s opponents say such suggestions, repeated overpro- to the presidency after four years as prime minister. Kremlin media, show the cynicism of Russia’s leaders as they With an athletic build and characteristic mop of curly hair, whip up nationalism, hatred and anti-Western hysteria to rally Nemtsov had been a face of the opposition for years, along support for his policies on Ukraine and deflect blame for an with anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny and former prime economic crisis. minister Mikhail Kasyanov, though no one figure has succeeded “We are told on TV that a conspiracy by the West and those in uniting the ranks of opposition-minded Muscovites. among us who have sold out to them are behind our poverty. The opposition has little support outside big cities and Putin People should throw away the TV set and go to protest,” said has now been Russia’s dominant leader since 2000, when ailing Olga, 42, who declined to give her last name. President Boris Yeltsin chose him as his successor, a role Some Muscovites have accepted the official line and appear Nemtsov had once been destined to play. to agree that the opposition, struggling to make an impact Even many of Putin’s opponents have little doubt that he after a clampdown on dissent in Putin’s third spell as president, will win another six years in power at the next election, due in INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Killer of US teacher in Abu Dhabi referred to court

ABU DHABI: An Emirati woman has been referred 1. The suspect was tracked down and arrested after group”. Investigators found she had “listened to lec- Kubaish, adding that she was “provided with all to court on charges of murdering one American in CCTV footage was released of her dressed in black tures by late Al-Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden legal guarantees”. Abdullah has been referred to the an Abu Dhabi mall and attempting to kill another at from head to toe going in and out of the restroom and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, watched video clips of Federal Supreme Court to face the charges, he said his home, officials said yesterday. where the teacher’s murder took place. killings and beheadings,” among other similar activi- without giving a date for the start of the trial. Alaa Bader Abdullah is accused of stabbing to The 38-year-old faces charges of donating funds ties, said Kubaish. She was said to have “embraced The United Arab Emirates in September joined death teacher Ibolya Ryan, 47, in a shopping mall to Al-Qaeda “with the aim of financing terrorist takfiri and jihadist ideology and then engaged in the US-led coalition carrying out air strikes against restroom and attempting to murder another organisations in the UAE,” Attorney General Salem terrorist acts in support of the terrorist organisa- IS in Iraq and Syria. Last year, it issued a list of 83 American, a doctor of Egyptian origin, by planting a Saeed Kubaish said, quoted by the official WAM tions Al-Qaeda and Daesh,” he said in reference to Islamist groups which it classified as “terrorist bomb outside his apartment. news agency. Abdullah was also alleged to have the Islamic State (IS) group. organisations”. Violent crime is relatively rare in the The jihadist-inspired attacks took place within collected explosive materials and created an “The accused has confessed in detail to investi- UAE although there have been attacks on foreigners hours of each other in the UAE capital on December Internet account to promote the “ideas of a terrorist gators to have committed these crimes,” said elsewhere in the region. — AFP Netanyahu takes off on ‘historic’ US mission

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM: Defying US Sunday the United States deserves “the President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime benefit of the doubt” to see if a nuclear Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to deal can be reached. Kerry, speaking on the Washington yesterday to warn Congress ABC program “This Week”, also said he about the risks of a possible nuclear deal hoped Netanyahu’s speech to Congress did with Iran in a speech that has imperiled ties not turn into “some great political football”. between the two allies. Speaking in Tehran yesterday, Iranian Israel fears that Obama’s Iran diplomacy, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif with an end-of-March deadline for a frame- accused Netanyahu of trying to undermine work acoord, will allow its arch foe to the nuclear talks in order to distract from develop atomic weapons-something the Palestinians’ unresolved bid for an Tehran denies seeking. independent state. “Netanyahu is opposed But by accepting an invitation from to any sort of solution,” Zarif said. the Republican party to address Congress Hard-line US supporters of Israel say on March 3, the Israeli leader infuriated Netanyahu must take centre-stage in the Obama administration, which said it Washington to sound the alarm over the was not told of the speech before plans potential Iran deal, even at the risk of were made public in an apparent breach offending long-time supporters. of protocol. But a U.S. official, speaking on condition Earlier this week, Obama’s national secu- of anonymity, said the “politicized” nature rity adviser, Susan Rice, said the partisan- of his visit threatened “what undergirds the ship caused by Netanyahu’s looming strength of the relationship”. address was “destructive to the fabric of As one former U.S. official put it: “Sure, US-Israeli ties”. when Netanyahu calls the White House, But Netanyahu, who is running for re- Obama will answer. But how fast will he be election in a March 17 ballot, has framed about responding (to a crisis)?” his visit as being above politics and he por- Last month, U.S. officials accused the trayed himself yesterday as being a Israeli government of leaking information guardian for all Jews. to the Israeli media to undermine the Iran “I’m going to Washington on a fateful, negotiations and said it would limit further even historic, mission,” he said as he board- sharing of sensitive details about the talks. CAIRO: Anwar al-Assy (C), vice president of Egypt’s constitutional court, attends a session to rule on the law organising the upcoming parlia- ed his plane in Tel Aviv. “I feel that I am an Israelis are fretting over the possibility mentary elections yesterday in the capital Cairo. — AFP emissary of all Israel’s citizens, even those that Washington might not be as diligent who do not agree with me, and of the as before about shielding Israel at the entire Jewish people,” he told reporters. United Nations and other international Egypt parliamentary polls US officials fear he is seeking to sabo- organizations. One Israeli official said this tage the Iran diplomacy, and critics have was becoming more worrisome as the suggested his visit is an elaborate election Palestinians are resorting increasingly to stunt that will play well with voters back global forums like the International delayed after court ruling home. Criminal Court to press their grievances. While White House and Israeli officials Netanyahu is expected to use his insist that key areas of cooperation from speech to urge Congress to approve new Court declares part of election law unconstitutional counter-terrorism to intelligence to cyber sanctions against Iran despite Obama’s security will remain unaffected, the deep- pledge to veto such legislation because it CAIRO: Egypt’s electoral commission said yes- adequately represent the electorate. institutions in Egypt to take the necessary ening divide over the Iran talks is shaping would sabotage nuclear talks. terday it is preparing a new timetable for par- “The election will be delayed and the steps to hold free and constitutional parlia- up as the worst in decades. “What the prime minister is doing here liamentary polls, delaying the March 21 vote process will have to start from the beginning,” mentary elections as soon as possible and to Previously Israel has always been careful is simply so egregious that it has a more after a court ruled parts of the election law lawyer Mohamed Abdel Wahhab told AFP. complete the road map announced in July to navigate between the Republican and lasting impact on that fundamental under- unconstitutional. 2013,” he said in a statement. Democrat camps. The planned address, lying relationship,” said Jeremy Ben-Ami, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered that Sisi loyalists to dominate The election is to be held under a complex however, has driven a rare wedge between head of J Street, a liberal pro-Israel lobby- the law be redrafted within a month and The election would be the first for a new system that is supposed to produce a repre- Netanyahu’s government and some con- ing group aligned with Obama’s Iran policy. asked that “legal measures be undertaken to parliament since former army chief Sisi over- sentative parliament. gressional Democrats. Some two dozen or Netanyahu, who will address the influential avoid delaying” the election, his office said. threw Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in Twenty-seven of the assembly’s 567 seats more of them plan to boycott the speech, pro-Israel lobby AIPAC today, has remained The constitutional court ruled that sections 2013. After Morsi’s ouster, Sisi announced are to be filled directly by the president, with according to unofficial estimates. defiant. Even so, he is expected to try to of the law on the division of electoral districts plans for a new constitution, to be followed the rest contested through party lists or on an US Secretary of State John Kerry said on keep tensions from spiraling. — Reuters were unconstitutional. The commission said in by presidential and parliamentary elections. A individual basis. Critics say that with Morsi’s a statement the section of the law deemed new charter was adopted in January 2014 and Muslim Brotherhood having been crushed unconstitutional would be revised and then Sisi was elected president in May. and outlawed, the elections are likely to be “there will be a new timetable for the proce- The same court had dissolved the previous dominated by Sisi loyalists. The elections are dures” for the election. “It will certainly not Islamist-dominated parliament, which was important to Sisi as he seeks to shore up his take place on March 21,” commission elected after the 2011 uprising that forced standing in the eyes of Western governments spokesman Omar Marwan told AFP after the longtime strongman Hosni Mubarak from that condemned his overthrow of Morsi-the panel met. power. It ruled that parts of the law under country’s first freely elected leader. A govern- He said he did not yet know when the elec- which it was elected were unconstitutional. ment crackdown overseen by Sisi and target- tion would take place. The administrative That decision granted broad legislative pow- ing the Brotherhood has left hundreds dead court, which rules on state-related matters, ers to the president in the absence of an and thousands jailed. must still formally rule on delaying the poll assembly, and Sisi decreed the new electoral Even secular and liberal activists, including currently scheduled to end on May 7. Lawyers law. Britain’s minister for the Middle East, several who played a prominent role in the who appealed against the law had said it Tobias Ellwood, expressed concern over the 2011 revolt against Mubarak, have been jailed failed to divide districts in a way that would delay in the election. “I encourage all relevant for holding unauthorised protests. — AFP Verdict delayed in Gaza strongman graft trial

RAMALLAH: A Palestinian court yesterday post- the alleged misuse of $17 million (15 million June 2007 after the humiliating rout of his forces JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prays at the Western Wall in poned its verdict in the trial of exiled Gaza euros) in expenses. by Hamas during days of fierce street battles in the Old City of Jerusalem, on Saturday. — AFP strongman Mohammed Dahlan, who is being Under Palestinian law, the fact that the trial is Gaza, which saw the Islamists expel Fatah from tried in absentia on corruption charges, an AFP being held in absentia means his lawyers are the territory. He returned to the political stage in correspondent reported. denied access to the indictment itself or to any 2009, but two years later was expelled from UN: Iraq violence kills The ruling, which was to have been handed other court files pertaining to the trial. Fatah over allegations of financial corruption down at an anti-corruption court in the West The former security chief fell from grace in and murder. —AFP Bank city of Ramallah, was postponed until the at least 1,100 in Feb high court can rule on an earlier appeal regard- ing Dahlan’s parliamentary immunity, which was BAGHDAD: The UN mission to Iraq reports of a number of revenge killings revoked in 2011. Dahlan’s immunity was revoked said yesterday that violence claimed by armed groups in areas recently lib- by presidential decree shortly after his expulsion the lives of at least 1,100 Iraqis in erated from ISIL,” he added. from the ruling Fatah party of president February, including more than 600 He called on Iraq’s fractured leaders Mahmud Abbas. But according to Salameh civilians. to reconcile, saying “an exclusively mili- Halaseh, one of the lawyers working for Dahlan, The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq tary solution to the problem of ISIL is such a step can only be taken after a vote in par- (UNAMI) said in a statement that 611 impossible.” liament, which has not convened since 2007 civilians were among 1,103 people The statement came a day after when Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip, killed last month, with the rest hailing series of attacks targeting public places triggering a major crisis with Fatah. In May 2014, from the security forces. It said at least and Shiite militia checkpoints in and following another trial in absentia, Dahlan was 2,280 people were wounded, including around the capital killed at least 37 sentenced to two years of prison on charges of 1,353 civilians. January’s death toll was people. The deadliest, near the city of defamation in a move which effectively bars him at least 1,375. Samarra, saw two suicide car bombers from ever running in general or presidential The most violent city was the capital attack checkpoints manned by Shiite elections. Following that trial, his legal team Baghdad, with 329 civilians killed and militiamen, killing 16 Shite fighters and appealed the sentence by challenging the legal- 875 wounded, it said. The UN numbers wounding 31.Hours later, the IS group ity of the presidential decree which revoked his do not include the third of the country claimed responsibility for the Samarra immunity. The high court’s decision is due later held by the Islamic State extremist attacks in a statement posted on an this month. group. UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov account used by the militants. The “On March 18, the high court will rule on blamed the deaths on the extremist Islamic State extremist group and oth- Dahlan’s parliamentary immunity,” Halaseh said, group, government forces and pro- er Sunni insurgents seized control of indicating that the corruption court would only government Shiite militias. much of western and northern Iraq last give its ruling once that issue was decided. “Daily terrorist attacks perpetrated year. According to UNAMI, last year “This is a new twist,” said Sevag Torossian, by ISIL continue to deliberately target was the deadliest in Iraq since the peak who is also representing Dahlan and who has all Iraqis,” Mladenov said in the state- of the country’s sectarian conflict in previously denounced the corruption trial as a BEIRUT: Palestinian women hold candles during a vigil held by a Palestinian group in solidarity ment, using an acronym for the Islamic 2006-2007, with a total of 12,282 peo- “farce”. The trial of Dahlan, once a leading Fatah with Christians abducted in Syria and Iraq, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon yesterday. The State group. “There are also concerning ple killed and 23,126 wounded. — AP figure who headed Gaza’s powerful security Islamic State group, which has repeatedly targeted religious minorities in Syria and Iraq, forces, began in December in connection with abducted more than 220 Assyrians this week in northeastern Syria. — AP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Venezuela to limit US diplomat number

CARACAS: Venezuela will shrink the size of Saturday, Maduro said the US has far more the US Embassy staff, limit the activities of officials in Venezuela than his government US diplomats and require American citizens has in the US to apply for visas if they want to come bask Maduro addressed Obama directly, say- on the beach. ing the US president has “arrogantly” Speaking before a crowd that rallied to refused to engage in conciliatory talks. protest imperialism, President Nicolas “I’m very sorry, Mr. President, that you Maduro said Saturday that “gringo” med- have gone down this dead end,” he during dling had forced him to adopt the series of a speech that all Venezuelan television and restrictive measures, which include requir- radio stations were required to carry. ing US diplomats to seek approval from the Venezuela will charge Americans the Foreign Ministry for meetings they conduct same tourist visa fees that the US charges here. Maduro said he was imposing the Venezuelans and it will require payment in new tourist visa requirement for national dollars, which are increasingly scarce in security reasons, saying that in recent days Venezuela. Maduro said all comers would authorities had detained several US citizens be welcome, except for a few selected US who he alleged were involved in espi- officials, who would be banned from the onage, including an American pilot. country, including former President George The president and other officials gave W Bush and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio no specific information on any Americans of Florida. in custody, and the US Embassy did not A senior administration official in respond to a request for comment. Earlier Washington said the US government had MONTEVIDEO: Uruguay’s new President Tabare Vazquez, left, and his Vice President Raul Sendic wave to the crowd from the back of a vehicle in the day, Venezuela released four mission- not received any communications from after their inauguration ceremony in Montevideo, Uruguay, yesterday. —AP aries from North Dakota who had been Venezuela and couldn’t comment yet on detained several days ago for unknown the new restrictions, which come after the reasons. They were banned from coming US recently imposed a travel ban on a list of New Uruguay leader takes back for two years. top Venezuelan officials accused of human Relations between the two countries rights violations. The official also again have been rapidly deteriorating as Maduro rejected Maduro’s claims that the US is over from pot-friendly farmer blames US plotting for the host of eco- plotting against Venezuela. nomic and social woes plaguing the social- “We are aware of reports that President ist-governed country. He recently accused Maduro repeated a number of inflammato- the US of working with local opposition ry statements about the United States dur- Mujica steps down more popular than ever groups to stage a coup that involved ing a televised political rally today. The con- bombing the presidential palace. tinued allegations that the United States is MONTEVIDEO: Tabare Vazquez was sworn in as ment of the new cannabis law. everywhere with him. Under Mujica, Uruguay Washington called the accusation ludi- involved in efforts to destabilize the president of Uruguay yesterday, returning to Known for his spartan lifestyle, his salty com- became the first country in the world to fully crous. Venezuelan government are baseless and office a decade after first leading the left to pow- mentary and his devotion to his three-legged legalize marijuana all the way from the cannabis The two countries have not exchanged false,” said the official, who agreed to dis- er and drawing a curtain on folksy farmer Jose dog, Mujica steps down more popular than ever, field to the joint, setting up a regulated market ambassadors since 2010, but have contin- cuss Maduro’s comments only on condition Mujica’s colorful rule. with an approval rating over 60 percent. for cultivation, sales and use. ued to exchange diplomatic staff. On of anonymity.—AP Mujica, a former guerrilla fighter known for But after five years at the helm of this South legalizing marijuana, gay marriage and abortion, American nation, the 79-year-old farmer leaves Less-than-diplomatic politician handed power back to his Broad Front (FA) party something of a mixed legacy for Vazquez. The leader was also known for his candid-and colleague, in a country that bars presidents from “There’s still so much to do and I hope that sometimes less-than-diplomatic-remarks. serving consecutive terms. the next government will be better than mine A live microphone once caught him saying: Vazquez, a cancer doctor with a more but- and will have greater success,” Mujica said in an “This old hag is worse than the one-eyed guy.” It toned-down style, won 53.6 percent of the vote interview with a local newspaper Thursday. was a reference to Argentine President Cristina in a November 30 presidential run-off, reclaim- “I became president filled with idealism, but Kirchner and her late husband and former presi- ing the office he previously held from 2005 to then reality hit.” The colorful rabble-rouser dent Nestor Kirchner, who had a lazy eye. 2010. attracted international attention as much for his Critics point to Mujica’s shortcomings, includ- After taking the oath of office before the lifestyle as his policies. ing his failure to implement education reform, National Assembly, he called for dialogue on Eschewing the trappings of power, Mujica even as the country’s academic achievements issues facing the country, at a moment when the insisted on living on his modest farm and driving fell. parties that long dominated Uruguayan politics, around in an aging Volkswagen Beetle. Vazquez inherits a country facing a tougher the Blancos (Whites) and Colorados (Reds), are He was more likely to be seen in a beret with economic climate than when he first took office reeling from a string of FA victories. scruffy clothes, having just gotten down from his in 2005. “We can and we must analyze and dialogue tractor, than wearing a suit. He also gave most of Uruguay has enjoyed 12 years of unbroken respectfully together on the different paths to his salary to charity. growth and record-low unemployment, but is achieve the best public education for our peo- Mujica would sometimes unexpectedly speak now struggling to deal with the end of the glob- ple, to have quality health care for all, dignified with journalists about the rate of inflation or al commodities boom. housing,” he said. diplomatic relations. Or he’d tell them what he Inflation is now more than one point above Vazquez, 75, cuts a more sober figure than was preparing to feed his canine companion the official target range of three to seven per- CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro delivers a speech during a ceremo- the outspoken Mujica, and has criticized some of Manuela. cent, and Uruguay’s giant neighbors Argentina ny commemorating the 26th anniversary of El Caracazo — a deadly popular revolt— his reforms-including the still-unimplemented The dog lost one foot when Mujica acciden- and Brazil are both experiencing economic in Caracas on Saturday. — AFP plan to sell marijuana at pharmacies, a key ele- tally rolled over it with his tractor. She now goes downturns. —AFP p10 2_Layout 1 3/1/15 9:50 PM Page 1

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Tajikistan’s president party set to dominate new parliament

DUSHANBE: Tajikistan voted yesterday Rakhmon, has 55 members in the 63- biggest deployment of land forces Tajikistan’s previous elections have week. But as an economic crisis spreads to elect a new parliament that will likely seat Assembly of Representatives, the abroad. More than 1 million Tajiks work been criticised by Western rights groups across sanctions-hit Russia, many of the be dominated by the party of President lower chamber of the Tajik parliament in Russia, propping up the rickety econ- and governments for lacking in free- migrant workers may lose their jobs and Imomali Rakhmon who has ruled the elected in 2010. omy with their cash remittances. dom. In the run-up to yesterday’s poll, a will have to return to Tajikistan, which Central Asian nation since 1992 and is On a warm and sunny morning, vot- senior member of the opposition IRPT could lead to trouble. backed by Moscow, which has thou- ers thronged to polling stations in the Biggest challenge was arrested and charged with illegal “This strongman-style form of sands of troops stationed there. capital Dushanbe. They are to choose The Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan possession of firearms, the Organisation Rakhmon’s leadership would be still tol- Rakhmon, a 62-year-old former head from a list of eight political parties run- (IRPT), which includes many of former for Security and Cooperation in Europe erated in a good economic environ- of a Soviet state farm, extended his rule ning nationwide and 185 candidates to wartime fighters, poises the biggest (OSCE), which is monitoring the election, ment, but as long as life is getting worse, by seven years in an election held in be elected in single-mandate districts. challenge for Rakhmon’s party, although said an interim report. a return of a large number of disgrun- November 2013. With Moscow’s political “I voted for the president’s party,” it won only two seats in the national par- Aziz Shodmonov, a 50-year-old con- tled workers may threaten him with and military support, Rakhmon’s secular Maksuda Kurbanova, a 63-year-old liament in the last election. struction worker, came to vote together social unrest,” said Alexander Knyazev, a government defeated Islamist rebels in a medic, told Reuters after casting her bal- “We will certainly be in parliament,” with his wife and two children. “I want a Kazakhstan-based Central Asia analyst. 1992-97 civil war which killed tens of lot at a polling station. “I want a better IRPT head Muhiddin Kabiri said after vot- better future for our people, and may life There are 4.3 million eligible voters in thousands. There is only a small and dis- life, and may Tajikistan never see a civil ing. “We hope our party will have its own be not that expensive.” the nation of 8 million. Polls opened at parate opposition. war again.” Russia keeps about 6,000 faction, if this election is transparent, of Aziz works in Russia. Like many of his 0800 (0300 GMT) and will close at 8 p.m. The People’s Democratic Party of troops in Tajikistan, which borders course.” To form a faction, a party must compatriots, he has spent the winter at (1500 GMT). Results are expected today Tajikistan, founded and chaired by Afghanistan and China. This is Moscow’s have at least five deputies in parliament. home and will fly back to Russia this morning. — Reuters

Jailed Kurdish leader in Turkey urges PKK to lay down arms

ISTANBUL: The jailed leader of the Kurdistan prison island of Imrali on the Marmara Sea on Workers’ Party (PKK) on Saturday urged the Friday. separatists to take a “historic” decision to lay The statement also listed 10 measures that down arms, a key step in efforts to end the government must agree to ensure peace, Turkey’s long-running Kurdish insurgency. including drafting a new constitution. The President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wel- pro-Erdogan ruling Justice and Development comed the call as “very, very important” but Party (AKP) is seeking support from Turkey’s cautioned that earlier calls made by the estimated 15 million Kurds in parliamentary Kurdish rebels had failed. elections in June in order change the consti- Reading a statement live on television, tution and imbue Erdogan’s office with more Sirri Sureyya Onder, a lawmaker from the pro- executive powers. “Today, a critical point has Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), been reached in Turkey’s democratisation, the relayed a message from Abdullah Ocalan call- expansion of freedoms and for lasting peace,” ing on the Kurdish rebels to hold a congress said HDP chairman Selahattin Demirtas. on disarmament in the spring. Demirtas said that the congress would be “We are in the process of ending the 30- held after a consensus on the measures cited year of conflict in the form of a perpetual in the statement was reached but did not peace, and our primary goal is to reach a make clear who would attend the conference democratic solution,” Onder quoted Ocalan as nor whether it would bring about an immedi- saying in a joint press conference with ate disarmament. Deputy Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan. “Of course calls are good, but what mat- “I’m calling on the PKK to hold an extraor- ters is the implementation. How much will dinary congress in the spring months to take implementation be reflected in the field the strategic and historic decision on disar- ahead of an election?” Erdogan told a news mament,” Ocalan’s message said. “This is a his- conference in Istanbul ahead of an official vis- toric call to replace armed struggle with dem- it to Saudi Arabia. ocratic politics.” “I hope (they) will stand behind these Onder, who spoke alongside Akdogan and statements,” he said. Prime Minister Ahmet Interior Minister Efkan Ala following a brief Davutoglu also hailed the statement as the meeting with the two ministers in Istanbul, start of a new phase, saying the language of NARVA: Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves reviews the troop ahead of a military parade to celebrate 97 years since first achieving inde- said the both sides were “closer than ever to violence would now “cease to exist.” pendence in 1918 in Narva, Estonia. —AFP peace.” The press conference was of signifi- A spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief cance because it was the first time a message Federica Mogherini welcomed Ocalan’s com- by Ocalan was read out in the presence of ments as “a positive step forward in the peace Turkish government officials. Akdogan process,” urging all parties to “seize the oppor- Estonians vote under emphasised the importance of a ceasefire tunity” and promising political and practical and said: “We have reached an important and support . historical phase in the peace process.” In 2013, Ocalan called for a “historic” “Silencing arms will contribute to the devel- ceasefire, after months of secret negotiations opment of democracy,” he said. with the Turkish government aimed at ending shadow of Russia a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 ‘A positive step forward’ people since 1984. But peace talks stalled in September 2013, NATO countering moves by boosting defences Ocalan’s statement came after an HDP del- when the insurgents said they were suspend- egation met with PKK rebels for talks at their ing their pullout from Turkish soil after accus- TALLINN: Estonians voted yesterday in an elec- youngest head of government, is tipped to hold the Cold War. “This is not just bad weather, this is base in the Kandil Mountains in Iraq on ing Ankara of failing to deliver on promised tion marked by jitters over a militarily resurgent onto power. He has joined a chorus of Baltic climate change.” But on Estonia’s eastern border February 23 and met Ocalan himself on his reforms. —AFP Russia and a popular pro-Kremlin party, with the leaders demanding more NATO troops, hard- with Russia, voters are more sanguine about the security conscious centre-left coalition tipped ware and air patrols to counter Moscow’s height- threat posed by Moscow. “How can Russia pose a for a return to power. ened military moves. threat to NATO?... Are they all nuts? NATO has 28 Moscow’s annexation of Crimea last year and Analysts expect Roivas’s centrist Reform party countries,” an ethnic Russian pensioner who S Africa repatriates its meddling in eastern Ukraine have galvanised to renew its coalition with the Social Democrats, gave her name only as Yevgenia told AFP. the European Union, including this eurozone buttressed in the 101-seat parliament by a small- “We were promised living standards like in anti-apartheid heroes member of 1.3 million people, a quarter of er conservative party. Finland, but each year it gets worse and more whom are ethnic Russian. A TNS Emori opinion poll released Saturday people have to pick over landfills to live,” she JOHANNESBURG: The remains of two wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. Military manoeuvres by Moscow on Estonia’s showed Reform leading with 26 percent sup- said of the destitute city of Narva, 90 percent of prominent anti-apartheid activists who In 1968, Kotane suffered a stroke and border days ahead of the vote further stoked port, ahead of the pro-Kremlin opposition whose 60,000 residents are ethnic Russian. were among the mentors of Nelson was flown to Moscow for treatment where deep concerns in Europe that the Kremlin could Centre party with 22 percent and the Social Bread-and-butter issues, including proposals Mandela were flown back home yesterday he died in 1978. attempt to destabilise countries that were in its Democrats with 19 percent. The conservative IRL to triple the monthly minimum wage to 1,000 nearly 40 years after they died in Russia. Kotane’s reburial on home soil will fulfil orbit during Soviet times. commanded 16 percent, with six smaller parties euros ($1,131) and lower social security premi- President Jacob Zuma led an official cer- the wishes of his wife, Rebecca, who is 103 NATO is countering the moves by boosting also running. Earlier opinion polls had shown ums, are hot election topics. emony to receive the bodies of Moses years old and wanted her husband back defences on its eastern flank with a spearhead Centre, backed mainly by ethnic Russians, nar- Long a paragon of fiscal responsibility in the Kotane and John Beaver Marks, whose bod- home while “I am still alive,” according to force of 5,000 troops and command centres in rowly ahead. But without obvious coalition part- EU, which it joined in 2004, Estonia scored 1.8 ies were exhumed from Russia’s prestigious Zuma. Zuma secured the repatriation from six formerly communist members of the ners it would be unlikely to govern. percent GDP growth in 2014, with a 2.5 percent Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow. his counterpart Vladimir Putin during a visit Alliance, including one in Estonia. Centre leader Edgar Savisaar lost the trust of increase expected this year. Kotane, ex-general secretary of the to Russia last year. “If they (the Russians) come in here, Estonia many Estonians last year when he backed Deep reform and austerity paved the way to South African Communist Party and a for- “A valiant, courageous and stubborn can’t do anything... I’m not sure NATO will help Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. A Estonia’s 2011 eurozone entry, and now few here mer executive committee member of the fighter has fallen at his post, on the battle- us out,” Pyotr Sirotkin, a 25-year-old graduate former Communist Party member, the current believe its members should pump out more African National Congress (ANC), was one field,” is how former ANC president Oliver student at Tallinn University, told AFP as he cast Tallinn mayor was Estonia’s first premier after money to save indebted Greece. of 156 defendants in the notorious 1956 Tambo described Kotane in a eulogy. his ballot in the capital. independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. “We have to help our own people first,” a cus- treason trial. Fellow veteran activist Marks was “Let’s hope that it will not go that far. But the tomer service agent in his 30s told AFP in Tallinn. The group, which included Mandela, banned from the country by the apartheid situation between USA and Russia will change ‘Climate change’ “I would like to see the government change, was arrested in a raid and charged with regime and sought asylum in Russia. He totally if the USA comes here and defends us “The current security situation will stay with definitely. So far they haven’t done much to help treason by the apartheid regime. All the also died after suffering a stroke in Moscow from Russia.” us for a long period of time,” Roivas has said poorer people.” A record third of the electorate accused were found not guilty by the time in 1972. Prime Minister Taavi Roivas, at 35 the EU’s about Europe’s worst standoff with Russia since have already voted online. — AFP the trial ended in 1961. South Africa’s Culture Minister Nathi Kotane is credited with bringing the Mthetwa said the two “giants in the strug- communists and the ANC together into an gle for the freedom of democracy” were at alliance that still remains solid. The two par- the “forefront of popularising the struggle” Mali government signs peace deal, rebels delay ties are part of a political tripartite alliance and made the 1994 democracy “break- together with the labour federation, through possible”. ALGIERS: The Malian government signed a peace Malian government to sign it and call on all groups region to rediscover one and another and live Cosatu. They will be buried at state-assisted agreement with some northern armed groups yes- in the north to do so without delay,” he added. together, as they did in the past, in brotherhood “Our very own icon Nelson Mandela is a funerals later this month. Last year the terday in Algiers but the main Tuareg rebel alliance and solidarity.” Ethnic divisions run deep in the product of these two,” said Zuma. “They are remains of prominent anti-apartheid jour- asked for more time to consult its grassroots. The ‘Brotherhood and solidarity’ northern desert, the cradle of a Tuareg separatist the fathers of our revolution”. Born in 1905, nalist and writer, Nat Nakasa, were repatri- deal, hammered out in eight months of tough A spokesman for the groups that did sign movement which has spawned several rebellions Kotane fled the country into exile to ated from the United States of America, negotiations in neighbouring Algeria, provides for hailed the agreement as “an essential document since the 1960s. The 30-page “Agreement for Peace Tanzania in 1963 where he helped coordi- nearly 50 years after he committed suicide the transfer of a raft of powers from Bamako to the for restoring peace and reconciliation”. and Reconciliation in Mali from the Algiers nate the setting up of the ANC military while in exile.—AFP north, an area the size of Texas that the rebels refer “We have undertaken to respect the spirit and Process” calls for “reconstruction of the country’s to as “Azawad”. the letter of it,” Harouna Toureh said. national unity” in a manner that “respects its terri- Militants linked to Al-Qaeda seized control of “We will do all we can so that the agreement torial integrity and takes account of its ethnic and northern Mali for more than nine months until a comes to life and allows all the peoples of the cultural diversity”.— AFP French-led military intervention in 2013 that partly drove them from the region. Jihadist groups were not invited to the Algiers talks. The Tuareg rebel alliance that includes the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad said it had asked for a “reasonable delay” for con- sultations before signing. “An agreement that has not been shared with the people of the region has little chance of being implemented on the ground,” an alliance representative said. But Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra expressed optimism that the rebel alliance would sign soon. “The agreement will be signed by all the groups,” he said. The delay sought by the Tuareg alliance was merely an indication of their “desire to secure the maximum support for the deal.” Mali’s former colonial ruler France welcomed the agreement and called on all groups to sign it BARLONYO: In this Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2004 file photo, Uganda’s President Yoweri without delay. Museveni, right, looks at a child who was badly burned during a massacre carried “The agreement finalised this morning in out by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) in the Barlonyo displaced persons camp, dur- Algiers is an excellent development,” Foreign ing his visit to a hospital in nearby Lira town, northern Uganda. Eleven years after Minister Laurent Fabius said, describing it as “a bal- the LRA attacked Barlonyo, the International Criminal Court in The Hague is prepar- anced and beneficial document for the country ALGIERS: Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop (L) prepares to sign a peace agreement as ing to try senior LRA commander Dominic Ongwen for war crimes and crimes against and the region”. part of mediation talks between the Malian government and some northern armed groups, humanity. —AP “I salute the decision of the president and the yesterday in the Algerian capital Algiers. — AFP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Monk seeks Buddhism overhaul in Thailand over corruption fears

NAKHON PATHOM: Phra Buddha Issara is a (NRC) that he embezzled some 900 million baht monk caught with 120,000 methamphetamine unleashed an avalanche of public criticism. is also calling for the state to restructure the monk with a mission. From his Buddhist temple ($28 million) in donations. pills and another who was dismissed from his Sangha. near Bangkok he is calling for a radical overhaul The Dhammakaya temple members include temple for investing $1.2 million on the stock Temples flush with cash The National Office of Buddhism, which is in of Thai Buddhism, fearing millions of dollars in some of Thailand’s most powerful politicians market. Many Thai Buddhists feel those elders are charge of promoting Buddhism in Thailand, temple donations and a rapidly modernising and is regarded as the country’s richest “The money and power swirling around incapable of supervising the behaviour of said civilians should not interfere in the reli- nation are corrupting monks. Buddhist temple. some Thai temples and monks makes them 300,000 monks in a rapidly modernising nation gious world. Surrounded by verdant green rice fields at Abbot Phra Dhammachayo rejected the immune to criticism,” said Sulak Sivaraksa, one where worldly temptations are everywhere and “There are Buddhist governors to check Wat Or Noi temple, Issara said he wants better fraud charges and the council said that as he of Thailand’s pre-eminent Buddhist scholars. temples are flush with cash. whether they [temples and monks] have violat- oversight of temple finances and to shake up returned most of the money there was no mis- “This is why we need to reform the Sangha “The SSC governs but there is nobody that ed conduct,” Somchai Surachatri, the National the fossilised structure of Thai Buddhism. conduct. The NRC, which has not released and start afresh,” Sivaraksa told Reuters. governs them,” said Issara, who is calling for a Office of Buddhism’s spokesman, told Reuters. “Buddhism in Thailand is a poisoned fruit. details of the alleged fraud, is pushing for a The Supreme Council, a coterie of 20 elderly boycott of the Sangha. Recently Buddhist monk Luang Pu The highest level of the Buddhist religion has probe into why the council cleared monks, has traditionally evaded public scrutiny Issara, who played a prominent role in Nenkham was stripped of his religious title. turned out to be the devious one,” he told Dhammachayo and the ties between it and the due to its opaque workings and the reverence protests last year that helped to overthrow the Nenkham gained notoriety in 2013 when a Reuters in an interview. temple. of millions of Buddhists. government of former Prime Minister Yingluck YouTube video showing him carrying a Louis Buddha Issara’s quest began last month And for years, reports of misbehaving Shinawatra, said Thais should no longer listen Vuitton bag aboard a private jet went viral. when the Supreme Sangha Council (SSC), Thai Start afresh monks were often dismissed as standalone cas- to decrees handed down by the council. He is now on the run after millions of dollars Buddhism’s governing body, cleared the abbot The fraud allegation is just the latest in a es rather than a product of an ossified institu- He wants the government to check the in assets were uncovered in his name and Thai of Dhammakaya temple over allegations by the series of scandals that have rocked Thailand’s tion beyond the reach of the law. accounts of all temples and seize assets from authorities issued an arrest warrant for him for military government’s National Reform Council Buddhist clergy. Other examples include a But the latest fraud allegation has those suspected of mishandling donations. He having sex with a minor. —Reuters India’s BJP shares power in Muslim-majority Kashmir ‘It’s a chance to fulfil the aspirations of a region’

JAMMU: India’s ruling Hindu The new government will also left tens of thousands dead, mostly different parties could fuel discon- nationalist party was yesterday keep in place a draconian law that civilians. tent among Hindus in Jammu as sworn into government in the gives Indian forces sweeping search well as Muslims in the Kashmir val- country’s only Muslim-majority and shoot-on-sight powers in Rebuild after deadly floods ley. state for the first time after an his- Kashmir, which is seen by critics as The swearing-in ceremony “A big challenge will be to shore toric power-sharing deal with a bit- a cover for rights abuses. comes after December elections up credibility among voters in both ter regional rival. But Sayeed stressed that he that saw the BJP capture 25 seats regions of the state,” said Siddiq Narendra Modi hailed the part- would not hesitate to act against mainly in the Hindu-dominated Wahid, a columnist and historian. nership between his Bharatiya the military if abuses were commit- Jammu region, while the PDP took “What direction the discontent Janata Party (BJP) and the People’s ted, saying “I am the chief chairman 28, mostly in the Kashmir valley will take will depend on whether Democratic Party (PDP) as a chance of (a) unified command.” where Muslim separatist sentiment civil rights, like holding peaceful to fulfil the aspirations of a region “It is in my direction they have has traditionally been strongest. protest marches, will again be which has endured a sporadic revolt against Indian rule since 1989. “PDP-BJP govt is a historic DHAKA: Bangladeshi relatives and friends pay their last respects to US blog- opportunity to fulfil the aspirations ger of Bangladeshi origin and founder of the Mukto-Mona (Free-mind) blog of the people of J&K and take the site Avijit Roy in Dhaka yesterday, after he was hacked to death by unidenti- state to new heights of progress,” fied assailants in the Bangladeshi capital. —AFP the prime minister said in a tweet, referring to Jammu and Kashmir state. Bangladesh pays tribute to US After weeks of intensive negoti- ations, the parties forged a coali- blogger killed in machete attack tion following inconclusive elec- tions two months ago for the DHAKA: Bangladeshis gathered yesterday to pay Protesters chanted slogans demanding the “imme- restive Himalayan region’s state tribute to an American blogger and critic of reli- diate arrest and quick trial of the perpetrator”. assembly. gious extremism who was hacked to death in Avijit’s family said Islamist radicals had been Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Dhaka, in the latest of a series of attacks on writers threatening him because he maintained a blog, Muslim head of the PDP, was sworn in the Muslim-majority nation. “Mukto-mona,” or “Freemind,” that highlighted in as the region’s chief minister, Avijit Roy, a US citizen of Bangladeshi origin, humanist and rationalist ideas and condemned along with his cabinet whose mem- was killed by machete-wielding assailants on religious extremism. bers are split roughly equally Thursday while returning from a book fair. His wife “An Islamist militant group is behind the mur- between the two parties. and fellow blogger Rafida Ahmed suffered head der. The fundamentalists were threatening to kill In a symbolic gesture, the 79- injuries and lost a finger. She remains in hospital in him,” Avijit’s father Ajoy Roy said at the gathering. year-old Sayeed enthusiastically a serious condition. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki embraced Hindu nationalist Modi, The attack came amid a crackdown on hardline called it “a shocking act of violence” that was “hor- who was on stage to witness the Islamist groups, which have increased activities in rific in its brutality and cowardice”. ceremony, held amid tight security recent years in the South Asian nation of 160 mil- In 2013, religious extremists targeted several in the region’s winter capital of lion people. Mourners gathered with flowers on secular bloggers who had demanded capital pun- Jammu. Sunday to pay their respects to Avijit, who was in ishment for Islamist leaders convicted of war “We want to make the alliance a his native city on a visit from the United States. crimes during Bangladesh’s war for independence. turning point in history to win the JAMMU: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center left, greets Peoples Democratic Party Students, professors and writers were among Blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider was killed that hearts and minds of all people of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed after the latter was sworn in as the chief minister of Jammu and those laying flowers on Avijit’s coffin, placed in the year in a similar attack near his home in Dhaka the state,” Sayeed later told a press Kashmir state in Jammu, India, yesterday. India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party formed a coali- grounds of Dhaka University. after he led one such protest demanding capital conference. tion government in Kashmir yesterday, marking the first time it will hold a leadership position Modi and Sayeed, whose parties “Free thinking in Bangladesh is becoming a punishment. In 2004, Humayun Azad, a secular in the disputed Muslim-majority region. —AP great danger, all the free thinkers are at great risk,” writer and professor at Dhaka University, was also are staunchly opposed on a range writer Shahriar Kabir said. “We want to know why attacked by militants while returning home from a of critical issues in the region, last the government failed to ensure the safety of him, Dhaka book fair. He later died in Germany while week finally agreed on a common to follow. I will make them account- But both failed to secure a curbed.” despite knowing that he had been facing threats undergoing treatment. Media group Reporters agenda to jointly rule the state. able.” He said his government majority to the 87-seat assembly, The PDP had pledged during from the Islamist radicals.” Without Borders rated Bangladesh 146th among Unveiled yesteray, the 16-page would also attempt to hold talks forcing the negotiations. Both par- the election campaign to halt the No arrests have been made. A demonstration 180 countries in a ranking of press freedom last agenda says the government will with Pakistani separatist leaders ties benefited at the polls from BJP’s growing influence after right- was also held at the spot where Avijit was killed. year. —Reuters maintain a constitutional provision over the future of the region, which widespread discontent at the wing Modi swept to power at gen- which allows Kashmir to make its is divided between India and state’s then-ruling National eral polls in May. own laws and guarantees autono- Pakistan and claimed by both. Conference party, over its handling The new government also faces my from New Delhi. Rebel groups have been fighting of floods that killed more than 200 the tough challenge of rebuilding The BJP has long been commit- Indian forces since 1989 for inde- people in Kashmir in September. after the floods also destroyed $16 ted to its abolition, while the PDP is pendence or a merger of the terri- Analysts warned that the com- billion worth of property and infra- steadfastly in favour of keeping it. tory with Pakistan. The fighting has ing together of two ideologically structure. —AFP Afghan avalanches death toll up 250

KABUL: An Afghan provincial official says that cue workers dig through the snow, they are the death toll from a massive avalanche in a uncovering more bodies, including women Maldives oppn mountainous valley near the capital Kabul and children. At least four army helicopters rose to 198 as bulldozers and other machinery are dropping hot food to cut-off villages, he to protest until began clearing roads and rescue teams were says, the first food for many since the disaster ex-leader freed able to reach remote villages that have been last week. COLOMBO: An opposition lawmaker in the cut off for almost a week. Nationwide, the death toll from avalanches Maldives said her party will press on with Najimudin Khan, deputy provincial police and flooding rose to at least 247 people, the street protests until the government frees a chief of Panjshir province, 100 kilometers (60 Afghanistan National Disaster Management former president and current opposition miles) from Kabul said yesterday that as res- Authority says. —AP leader. Mohamed Nasheed, the Indian Ocean SECUNDERABAD: Indian Catholic worshippers take part in a Holy Eucharistic nation’s first democratically elected president, Mass marking the ‘Year of Consecrated Life’ at the Saint Mary’s School in was arrested a week ago for allegedly ordering Secunderabad yesterday. Pope Francis announced 2015 will be a year dedi- the military to detain a Criminal Court chief judge in 2012 and of ignoring a Supreme cated to the promotion of consecrated life, and is asking devotees to “wake Court order to release him. Nasheed, who had up the world” with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope. —AFP resigned after weeks of protests and lost the 2013 election, has been charged under the country’s anti-terrorism law. Eva Abdulla said her Maldivian Democratic Party and another ally decided Saturday that Nepal convicts Canadian opposition supporters would stage nightly demonstrations until Nasheed is released. of sexual assault Opposition lawmakers planned to stage a protest in Parliament when President Yameen KATHMANDU: A Nepalese court convicted a Police arrested MacIntosh after the boy filed Abdul Gayoom is scheduled to make a speech Canadian orphanage volunteer yesterday of a complaint on December 19. opening a session next week. sexually abusing a 15-year-old disabled boy and MacIntosh has also been ordered to pay On Friday, thousands of Nasheed’s sup- sentenced him to seven years in prison, an offi- $10,000 in compensation to the victim. porters took to the streets of the capital, cial said. Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh, 71, arrived The case underscores problems facing Male, to demand his freedom. Nasheed has in the Himalayan nation on a tourist visa last Nepal’s orphanages, some of which have been denied ordering the arrest of the judge and August and approached the Jesuit-run St hit by allegations of sexual abuse, corruption supporters say the allegation is politically Xavier’s Social Service Center for homeless chil- and fraud in recent years. motivated and part of Gayoom’s attempt to dren with an offer of donations. Although it is illegal to volunteer in Nepal on eliminate potential rivals in the 2018 presi- A court statement released after his convic- a tourist visa, orphanage officials often allow dential election. tion said MacIntosh repeatedly molested the foreigners to spend time with children in Nasheed defeated the current president’s boy, who has only one arm and was living in the exchange for donations. Background checks are half brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, in orphanage, after offering him gifts and money rarely conducted on those offering to help. 2008 to end nearly 30 years of autocratic rule. and promising to pay for a prosthetic arm. In August 2012, Briton Simon Jasper Although Nasheed, a one-time rights activist, “He has been proven guilty and sentenced McCarty pleaded guilty to sexually abusing MANILA: Filipino and Indian participants throw coloured powder into the air during began his term with great hopes, he soon to seven years in jail... the boy’s testimony and three boys whom he met in Nepal. In December an event to mark the Indian festival of Holi, the Festival of Colours, in Manila yester- became battered by protests, including by results of a polygraph test provided strong evi- 2010, French charity worker Jean-Jacques Haye day. Holi is celebrated as a welcoming of Spring, and a celebration of the triumph of Islamic activists demanding more religiously dence against him,” court spokesman was convicted of raping 10 children in a good over evil, as people chase each other and playfully splash colorful paint, pow- conservative policies in the Sunni Muslim Kaushaleshwor Gyawali told AFP. Kathmandu orphanage. —AFP der and water on each other. —AFP nation of 300,000 people. —AP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Three arrested at HK anti-China protest, scuffles with police

HONG KONG: At least three people Communist Party” as they complained The demonstration mirrored others goods pile up like mountains on the Kong? It’s because our products are were arrested as a group of about 400 against so-called parallel traders, who in recent weeks targeting mainland streets,” said King Lee, a 23-year-old good,” said Tom Lau, a 50-year-old people in Hong Kong clashed with buy goods in Hong Kong to sell at a Chinese visitors that have tapped a local resident who was protesting the local resident who works in a kitchen. police in the latest sign of ongoing profit across the border. seam of resentment against China, parallel traders. “We should not Lau jeered at protesters. tensions caused by China’s influence Demonstrators blocked the area’s resulting in calls for greater Hong endure this silently.” “Why oppose them (the shop- in the city. Protesters in Yuen Long, in main street with garbage bins, halting Kong nationalism and even independ- Still, the Sunday protests also pers)? They are just protesting for the Hong Kong’s New Territories just a traffic. Police used pepper spray and ence from China, nearly three months fanned discontent from some resi- sake of protesting. They are just stir- stone’s throw from mainland China, restrained some people. A female pro- after police cleared away the last of dents unhappy with the disruption to ring up trouble. They march with the chanted to “cancel the multiple-entry tester was bleeding from the nose as pro-democracy street protests in the their daily routine. “Why are there so colonial flag, but we are Chinese permit” and “topple the Chinese police dragged her away. city. “We can’t walk, because all their many mainlanders shopping in Hong people.” — Reuters

Chiang statue beheaded as Taiwan marks ‘White Terror’

TAIPEI: A statue of Taiwan’s former leader ism were also reported. Chiang Kai-shek was beheaded in another The mayor of southern Tainan city said sign of growing fears over Chinese influ- he plans to order the removal of all statues ence on the island as it marked the anniver- of Chiang in schools. Taipei mayor Ko Wen- sary of a 1947 massacre that left thousands je, whose grandfather died three years after dead, reports said yesterday. being imprisoned and tortured in 1947, The massacre came after Chiang gave a tearful speech to families of the vic- ordered his army to quell an uprising tims during a ceremony on Saturday, known as the 2/28 incident, sparked when February 28, the official date commemorat- an inspector beat a local female trader in ing the massacre. Taipei for selling untaxed cigarettes. “Only with truth could there be forgive- Thousands of people were tortured and ness, and only forgiveness could there be shot dead by Chiang’s Kuomintang govern- reconciliation and peace,” he said. ment during the subsequent crackdown, The 2/28 incident came two years branded the “White Terror”. The exact death before the Kuomintang fled the mainland, toll is unknown, but some estimates put it taking refuge in Taiwan after they were as high as 30,000. defeated by the Communist forces of Mao The killings became a source of linger- Zedong in a civil war. ing anger against the Nationalist party The incident remained taboo for from China, fuelled by ongoing tensions decades under Chiang’s post-war rule, with between Taiwanese identity and mainland the February 28 anniversary only officially influence-tensions which are currently marked after his death in 1975. growing again as President Ma Ying-jeou China regards Taiwan as part of its terri- works to strengthen ties with Beijing. tory awaiting reunification, by force if nec- The bitterness has not subsided despite essary. Anxiety has been growing on the apologies by three presidents, including island over ties with the mainland, which Ma, on behalf of the government since the have improved markedly since Ma came to HONG KONG: Erwiana Sulistyaningsih (C orange jacket) is mobbed by well-wishers as she walks through Victoria Park in the Causeway Bay dis- 1990s. On Saturday a fibreglass statue of power in 2008. He was re-elected in 2012. trict of Hong Kong yesterday. As she walks through Hong Kong’s Victoria Park on a busy Sunday afternoon, Erwiana Sulistyaningsih is stopped Chiang in northern Keelung city was A proposed trade pact with the main- every few steps for photos and hugs. —AFP beheaded by unknown persons as the land sparked mass student-led protests island commemorated the massacre. and a three-week occupation of Taiwan’s Several other smaller incidents of vandal- parliament last year. — AFP Indonesian maid vows to fight Prince William gets close look on after HK court victory at tsunami disaster in Japan ‘I hate the sound of loud voices, I still feel the trauma’ ISHINOMAKI: Britain’s Prince William we can start painting on it,” said Kimio Abe, stood atop a hill in northeastern Japan yes- 76, who heads a company that installs terday, and stretched below him was bar- heating and air conditioning units. HONG KONG: As she walks through Hong Systemic problem paign group Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body is ren land known as the “Bay of Destruction,” Abe was also among the crowd of about Kong’s Victoria Park on a busy Sunday afternoon, From a poor farming family in east Java, planning to file an official complaint to the legisla- which was swept by a tsunami four years 80 people waiting on the hilltop for the Erwiana Sulistyaningsih is stopped every few Sulistyaningsih’s parents could not afford to send ture about domestic workers’ conditions, with the ago. prince. Abe’s home, near the hill, was half steps for photos and hugs. her or her brother to university. aim of forcing a reform debate in the city’s de facto On the last leg of his four-day visit to destroyed by the tsunami, but he fixed it Most of her fans are Indonesian domestic After graduating from high school she worked parliament. Japan, William laid a bouquet near a shrine and still lives in one room with his wife. workers enjoying their weekly day off, gathering as a waitress but was determined to save up for gate that overlooks the bay, to commemo- Earlier in the day, William visited a local as they always do for food, dancing and a chat, college and to help support her family financially, Lasting scars rate the victims. Of the nearly 19,000 peo- newspaper that had produced handwritten but there are Hong Kong families too. so moved to Hong Kong to join its army of domes- Sulistyaningsih says she is looking forward to ple who died in the March 2011 earth- newsletters right after the tsunami to keep This is the former maid’s final day in Hong tic workers in 2013. The city is home to nearly resuming her studies in economics at the Catholic quake and tsunami, nearly 3,300 were resi- communication going. Kong after winning her case against the abusive 300,000 maids, mainly from Indonesia and the Private University in central Java, where she was dents of the coastal town of Ishinomaki. William wanted to know what the jour- employer who beat, starved and kept her prison- Philippines. offered a four-year scholarship after the establish- About 22,000 lost their homes. nalists had done, what the rescue opera- er. On Friday, Law Wan-tung, 44, was sentenced Sulistyaningsih says her story highlights ment’s owner read about her case. The tragedy of Ishinomaki has been tion was like, as well as the personal back- to six years in prison on 18 charges including Indonesia’s endemic problems-a lack of job oppor- While it is a new chapter after a three-month repeated across the shoreline, where com- ground of Hiroyuki Takeuchi, a journalist, grievous bodily harm, assault, criminal intimida- tunities and an unaffordable further education sys- break for the trial, the impact of the abuse she suf- munities are still trying to rebuild, mourn- now retired, at the Ishinomaki Hibi newspa- tion and failure to pay wages in a case that made tem. “The government should provide accessible fered still clearly hangs over her. education especially for poor people,” she says, as “I hate the sound of loud voices,” she said. “I still ing lost lives and worried about the future, per, who gave him a guide of the news- headlines around the world. well as helping to create “decent jobs for decent feel the trauma.” Her teeth remain chipped, her as the younger generation leaves in droves. room. “It remains with you forever,” William It has turned the 24-year-old Indonesian into pay, not just profit for investors”. That way, fewer nose damaged and her feet scarred after the Thousands of people are still living in tem- told Takeuchi. “You remember where you a hero for many of her peers, and though her people would feel they had to seek their fortune attacks by Law, and she still has regular coun- porary housing, and many are dependent were. It must have been unbelievably terri- case shone a spotlight on the abuse often suf- on aid for food and clothing. fying for you and all the others.” overseas, she says. selling. Both her mother, who had been a domestic fered behind closed doors, she isn’t finished yet. When they arrive in Hong Kong, the women worker in Brunei, and her father had been worried William, who earlier visited more lively “I still want to help my fellow migrant workers and modern spots in Tokyo, had insisted ‘Chime of Hope’ known locally as “helpers” are often stung by mas- about her choice to leave, she says. who are abused and neglected by my own gov- sive agency fees back home, which leave them in “My parents cried when they found out what that his first ever trip to Japan include the After the visit, Takeuchi said he was ernment,” she told AFP. tsunami-stricken region. Teruko Sekiguchi, moved by the intense interest William had debt-something which local campaigners, had happened to me. But they are proud of me... at “If there’s an opportunity, I would like to cre- Amnesty International and the judge in least I’m brave enough to speak out.” a 42-year-old housewife and Ishinomaki shown in the region’s plight. “I am happy ate a foundation to help with these issues and to resident, waited for the prince’s arrival on and I am honored,” he said. William also met Sulistyaningsih’s case highlighted as a major prob- Sulistyaningsih’s life will never be the same-and educate the Indonesian community so that they top of the hill in the cold rain for more than Shinichi and Ryoko Endo, who lost their lem. Sulistyaningsih herself says both her passport while she smiles for the cameras in Victoria Park, can understand our basic problems outside the an hour. She said she was touched that he three children, Hana, Kana and Kanta, all of and a booklet explaining her rights were removed there is a fierce determination to make her experi- country and back in Indonesia.” would come all the way out to the disaster them under 12. Endo, a carpenter working by her employment agency when she first set foot ence count for something. Softly-spoken and slight, with newly bobbed region. on the reconstruction of the area, gave in the city. “I feel very happy and relieved (after the verdict “He is gorgeous. You can feel his kind- William a wooden charm made of tsunami hair and huddled in a quilted orange jacket, she “I was afraid because I had heard so much about and sentencing) but in the back of my mind I think: ness,” she said. When the tsunami hit, rubble. William later went to another tsuna- is sceptical that Indonesia will take meaningful migrant workers dying abroad, but I took the chal- ‘If migrant workers are still being treated the same, Sekiguchi fled to a nearby junior high mi-hit coastal town, Onagawa, where he action to protect migrant workers, arguing that lenge hoping my fate would be better. what’s it all for?’ “I will continue to fight with the school and waited for a week, feeling mis- was welcomed by a traditional lion dance the problem is so multi-layered and deep-rooted “Now I realise it’s not just fate-it’s the system government if they do not want to protect their erable, not even knowing whether her hus- to the cheerful music of wooden flutes and there is no quick fix. that makes us vulnerable.” Hong Kong-based cam- workers.” — AFP band, a schoolteacher, had survived. When drums. At a humble shopping area that he finally came to find her, she was so over- sold local goods by storekeepers trying to joyed she just cried and couldn’t even walk turn their lives around, he rang a bell that toward him, she recalled. had survived the tsunami, called the New tracking to be tested “Chime of Hope.” Handwritten newsletters “His visit will not only provide a much- Although the area below the hill, previ- needed boost in morale for the people liv- ously filled with small homes, has been ing in the region, but also reassurance that after Malaysia jet mystery cleaned of debris, no one will live there their plight has not been forgotten,” said again. Plans are still being studied to turn it Akemi Solloway, founder of London-based into a park. Aid for Japan, which supports tsunami SYDNEY: Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia will developed.” There is no requirement for real-time crashing somewhere within a remote 60,000- “It’s like the area has been finally orphans. William returned by bullet train to lead a trial of an enhanced method of tracking tracking of commercial aircraft and ever since square-kilometer (23,000-square-mile) patch of cleaned up enough into a white canvas so Tokyo, where he later left for Beijing. — AP aircraft over remote oceans to allow planes to be Flight 370 disappeared, air safety regulators the Indian Ocean. An extensive, monthslong more easily found should they vanish like and airlines have been trying to agree on how search of that area is ongoing, but nothing has Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, Australia’s transport extensively planes should be tracked. The yet been found. minister said yesterday. Boeing 777 veered sharply off-course and van- Houston warned that new method being tri- The announcement comes one week ahead ished from radar shortly into its flight on March aled would not necessarily have allowed air traf- of the anniversary of the disappearance of Flight 8. An international team of experts that analyzed fic controllers to monitor Flight 370 - whose 370, which vanished last year during a flight a series of hourly transmissions between the transponder and other tracking equipment shut from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing with 239 plane and a satellite later determined that the down during the flight - to the point where it people on board. No trace of the plane has been plane traveled for another seven hours before crashed.— AP found. Airservices Australia, a government- owned agency that manages the country’s air- space, will work with its Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts to test the new method, which would enable planes to be tracked every 15 minutes, rather than the previ- ous rate of 30 to 40 minutes, Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss said. The track- ing would increase to 5 minutes or less if there is a deviation in the plane’s movements. The trial is expected to use satellite-based positioning technology already on board 90 per- cent of long-haul aircraft that transmits the plane’s current position and its next two planned positions, said Airservices Australia chairman Angus Houston, who helped lead the search for Flight 370.

Boost frequency The trial will boost the frequency with which planes automatically report their position, allow- ing air traffic controllers to better track them, Houston said. “This is not a silver bullet,” Houston KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese family members of passengers on board the missing Malaysia told reporters in the nation’s capital, Canberra. Airlines Flight 370 offer prayers at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. ONAGAWA: Britain’s Prince William (R), Duke of Cambridge, rings a bell during his “But it is an important step in delivering immedi- Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia will lead a trial to enhance the tracking of aircraft over visit to the Chime of Hope Shopping Centre in Onagawa, Miyagi prefecture yester- ate improvements to the way we currently track remote oceans, allowing planes to be more easily found should they vanish like Malaysia day. Prince William arrived in Tokyo on February 26 for a four-day visit. — AFP aircraft while more comprehensive solutions are Airlines Flight 370, Australia’s transport minister said yesterday. — AP NEWS MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Samsung unveils sleek, metallic Galaxy phones

SEOUL/BARCELONA: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd unveiled its latest Galaxy S smartphones featuring a slim body made from aircraft-grade metal, in a bid to reclaim its throne as undisputed global smartphone leader from Apple Inc. Designed from scratch in an operation dubbed “Project Zero”, the Galaxy S6 and its curved-edges variant are critical for Samsung’s plans to reverse plunging smartphone rev- enues that led to its first annual earnings fall in three years in 2014. By some estimates, Apple surpassed Samsung as the world’s biggest smartphone maker late last year, selling a record 74.5 million iPhones in the December quarter on the back of the success of its big-screen iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Samsung’s previous flagship Galaxy S5 was outsold in its second full month of global sales by Apple’s older iPhone 5S, according to researcher Counterpoint. The South Korean giant begins its fight-back on April 10 when the revamped Galaxy phones, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Sunday, hit the market in one of the most important product launches in the compa- ny’s history. Samsung is yet to disclose pricing or where the RIYADH: Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz (right) meets Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi yesterday. — AFP phones will appear first. Standout features include casing made from light-weight metal used in airplanes, a step up from the plastic that disappointed many critics of the S5, Egypt, Turkey leaders and Corning Inc’s Gorilla Glass on both front and back. The Galaxy S6 upgrades the previous version’s camera BARCELONA: JK Shin, CEO of Samsung’s mobile divi- and screen, and strips out many of Samsung’s unpopular in- sion, shows the new Galaxy S6 during a Samsung house software apps that infuriated users by gobbling Galaxy Unpacked 2015 event on the eve of this visit Saudi Arabia memory. It and the Galaxy S6 edge will also be powered by week’s Mobile World Congress wireless show yester- Samsung’s new 64-bit, 14-nanometer Exynos processors. day. — AP The phones are also the first from Samsung to support requires the installation of in-store near-field communica- RIYADH: Egyptian President Abdel Saudi Arabia, the United Arab to Madinah the next day. wireless charging as a standard feature. In another depar- tion technology. The new Samsung flagships will also come Fattah Al-Sisi held talks in Riyadh yes- Emirates and Kuwait are the main Sisi said the timing of the visits ture, they have non-removable batteries to make them with free two-year, 115-gigabyte cloud storage through terday, coinciding with a visit to financial backers of Sisi’s govern- was a “coincidence”. But he also slimmer. To compensate for the lack of interchangeable bat- Microsoft Corp’s OneDrive, suggesting improved relations Saudi Arabia by his Turkish counter- ment, having pledged around $12 urged Turkey to “stop interfering in teries, Samsung says a 10-minute charge by cord gives four between the firms after they settled a patent dispute last part who Cairo accuses of backing billion to Cairo since he came to pow- Egypt’s internal affairs”, in the inter- hours of power. month. Earlier Sunday, HTC announced a new HTC One the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Sisi er. In an interview with Saudi-owned view with Al-Arabiya. Cairo accuses The screen remains 5.1 inches, but the display resolution smartphone that also sports a better camera, while keeping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Al-Arabiya news channel ahead of Ankara, as well as Doha, of sup- increases to 577 pixels per inch, up from 432 in last year’s such previously lauded elements as a metal design and pol- Erdogan, whose relations have been the visit, Sisi insisted that Cairo’s rela- porting the Muslim Brotherhood, Galaxy S5. By comparison, Apple’s 4.7-inch iPhone 6 has ished finish. HTC Corp. also unveiled a fitness tracker, the strained since Sisi ousted his Islamist tions with Riyadh were strong. His the movement of Morsi, blacklisted 326. The fingerprint sensor is also improved. Instead of Grip. Unlike trackers from Jawbone and Fitbit, the Grip isn’t predecessor Mohamed Morsi in July visit came at the same time as by Saudi Arabia and the UAE as swiping down on the home button, you simply touch it, meant for couch potatoes looking to motivate themselves 2013, did not meet in the oil-rich Gulf Erdogan, who on Saturday travelled well as by Egypt. King Salman is much the way you already do on iPhones. Both the S6 and by counting steps. Rather, HTC is partnering with sports state. to the Muslim holy city of Makkah to scheduled to meet today with the S6 Edge are slightly lighter, thinner and narrower than clothing maker Under Armour to offer features for those Sisi’s brief visit came after a satel- perform a pilgrimage, before leaving Erdogan. — Agencies the S5, though they are a tad taller. with active lifestyles. lite television last month broadcast a Samsung is also touting the Galaxy S6’s compatibility For years, HTC has kept its phone’s main camera at 4 leaked audio recording in which he with a new mobile payments system it is preparing to megapixels and made sensors for each of those pixels larg- launch in the United States and South Korea in the second apparently suggests that Gulf monar- er to capture more light. That’s great for low-light situations, half of this year, using the technology of recently acquired chies have more money than they but it results in dull shots otherwise. The camera’s low reso- startup LoopPay. The system, in partnership with banks and need and should give more to Egypt. lution is particularly noticeable when cropping photos. The credit card companies including MasterCard and Visa, will Sisi swiftly initiated telephone con- new phone will have a 20-megapixel rear camera, on par allow users to make mobile payments through magnetic versations with his allies in the Gulf, with other leading Android phones. The lens will be made strip-card readers without the additional accessory needed including with Saudi Arabia’s King of sapphire to protect from scratches. The 4-megapixel rear for other models. Salman who reportedly told him that camera from previous models will move to the front, where The rival Apple Pay system, launched in the United relations with Cairo were “strategic”. low-light capabilities are more important because the front States in September and rapidly winning retailer support, Yesterday, the Saudi monarch doesn’t have a flash. — Agencies greeted Sisi upon his arrival, the offi- cial SPA news agency reported. The leaders discussed “bilateral coopera- tion... and affirmed the deep strate- First Iran flight lands gic relations between the kingdom and Egypt, and their eagerness on strengthening them,” said SPA. They JEDDAH: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) meets gover- in Shiite-held Sanaa also held talks on “regional and inter- nor of Jeddah Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz at King national developments.” Abdulaziz International Airport in this coastal city yesterday. — AFP SANAA: A first Iranian flight landed in the Yemeni cap- based. Tehran has repeatedly been accused of backing ital yesterday, a day after officials from the Shiite mili- the Houthi militia, also known as Ansarullah. ‘Jihadi John’ loses his edge after... tia-controlled city signed an aviation agreement with Meanwhile, Saba reported that a Houthi delegation Tehran. The Mahan Air plane arrived in Sanaa carrying led by the head of the “Ansarullah political council”, Continued from Page 1 several relatives of Emwazi who live and work in the state a team from the Iranian Red Crescent and medical aid, Saleh Al-Sammad, would travel to Tehran yesterday for where he was born, press reports said yesterday. A number an aviation official told AFP. Senior Iranian diplomats an “official” visit. “The delegation which includes an Also, now that his mask his slipped, there is little doubt of relatives of Emwazi are working in Kuwait and like him he will become the target of a drone attack if US or British hold British citizenship, Al-Qabas newspaper reported. were on hand to welcome the flight - the first between economic delegation, will hold talks with Iranian gov- officials can learn his precise whereabouts. The pressure on “Security agencies have taken the necessary measures to the two countries in many years. ernment officials to discuss means of strengthening him could make him less useful to IS militants - perhaps monitor them round the clock,” the paper said, citing an Yemen’s official Saba news agency, which is con- economic, political and other means of cooperation even a liability. Emwazi is perhaps the most chilling exem- “informed source”. The daily did not say how many of trolled by the Shiite militiamen who overran Sanaa in between both countries,” Sammad told Saba. The visit plar of the radicalization trend that is gaining pace not just Emwazi’s relatives are in Kuwait. Authorities have remained September, said Mahan Air and Yemenia would each is part of efforts to “open new horizons in relations in Britain but also in France, Belgium, Denmark and other silent on the issue. operate 14 weekly flights under the accord. Yemeni with countries that respect the will of the Yemeni peo- countries in western Europe. Nearly half of British Muslims Al-Rai newspaper cited security sources as saying that airport, security and transportation officials greeted ple”, said Sammad. surveyed in a BBC poll published this past week say the Emwazi’s father, Jassem Abdulkareem, also a British national, the Mahan Air flight, an Airbus 310 carrying Iranians US Secretary of State John Kerry charged last week British public is becoming less tolerant of Muslims. At the is currently in Kuwait and is expected to be summoned by including aid workers from the Iranian Red Crescent. that “critical” support of the militia by Shiite-dominated same time, the UKIP political party is making gains by taking authorities. Emwazi visited Kuwait several times, the last of Iran’s deputy ambassador, Rasai Ebadi, told AP that the Iran had “contributed” to the collapse of Yemen’s gov- a stand against increased immigration. them between Jan 18 and April 26, 2010, Al-Qabas said. He plane carried humanitarian aid including tents and 12 ernment. Iran rejected Kerry’s “blame game,” insisting This increased polarization was clearly one of the goals arrived from the UAE using his British passport to obtain a tons of medicine, adding that more aid would come that foreign intervention in Yemen would only “further of the IS campaign that used Emwazi’s familiar London Kuwaiti entry visa. A year later, he was denied entry to soon. complicate the situation”. The Houthis, who have long accent as a potent reminder to Britons that the enemy was Kuwait after his name came up during investigations into Western-backed President Abedrabbo Mansour clashed with central authorities, descended from their in their midst: Not some far-off person speaking Arabic, but attacks in Britain, the newspaper said. a homeboy from their streets. Still, if Emwazi’s moment has Emwazi’s visits to Kuwait were largely of a social nature Hadi, who last weekend escaped house arrest by the power base in northern Yemen to seize Sanaa in passed, IS militants - with their strong grasp of how to use and he was briefly engaged to a stateless resident, the paper Houthis in Sanaa, slammed the agreement as “illegal,” September. After moves to expand into southern and social networking and video to spread fear - are likely to added. Kuwait has tens of thousands of stateless residents according to an aide. “Those who signed it will be held central Yemen were checked by fierce resistance from come up with other ways to shock the public. known as bedoons. Emwazi’s family, who are of Iraqi origin, accountable,” Hadi said during a meeting with tribal Al-Qaeda and from Sunni tribesmen, the militia Meanwhile, Kuwaiti authorities are closely monitoring were among them. — Agencies chiefs in the southern city of Aden where he is now grabbed the seats of power in Sanaa in February. — AFP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues

Obama struggles woo Democrats over broker rules

By Sarah N. Lynch and Suzanne Barly

he Obama administration is battling Wall Street to win the support of dozens of Democrat lawmakers over Trules that could rein in brokers who handle trillions of dollars in retirement accounts. President Barack Obama on Monday called on the Department of Labor to write new rules for brokers that seek to reduce conflicts of interest and “hidden fees” the White House says cost Americans $17 bil- lion from their retirement plans every year. He portrayed the reform as a central tenet of middle-class economics that would help Americans “retire with dignity.” What Obama didn’t mention is that more than 100 cur- rent and former Democrats in the US House of Representative and Senate have raised concerns in the past about attempts to draft such rules, either through comment Anti-Israel divestment push at US colleges letters or by voting for legislation that would delay such a reform. They’ve warned that overly strict rules could limit By Rachel Zoll BDS. “It’s becoming a regular occurrence.” the University of California, Los Angeles. The boy- independent state. retirement products available to investors because fewer “It’s creating a debate. It’s creating a significant cott-divestment-sanctions movement grew from a BDS advocates say the movement, based on brokerages would be prepared to offer individual retirement he ritual has become increasingly common- amount of conversation in the entire community, 2005 international call from Palestinian groups as the campaign against South African apartheid accounts, or advise lower-income Americans on them. place on many American college campuses: and it’s set on the terms the activists want it to be an alternative to armed struggle over control of decades ago, is aimed at Israeli policy, not Jews, in Wall Street’s argument is that the new rules mean that TA student government body takes up Israeli set on,” said Rahim Kurwa, a doctoral candidate the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, which response to two decades of failed peace talks and more investors would pay fees based on a percentage of policy toward the Palestinians and decides and member of Students for Justice in Palestine at Israel captured in 1967 and Palestinians seek for an expanded Israeli settlement of the West Bank and their assets, instead of commissions. That would hurt profits whether to demand their school divest from com- east Jerusalem. But supporters of Israel say that on such products and as a result brokers would pull back panies that work with the Jewish state. In the boycotting the country is no way to make peace, from offering accounts and advice, financial industry groups United States, Israel’s closest ally, the decade-old especially since many BDS supporters do not dif- say. Although new rules would not need specific boycott-divestment-sanctions movement, or BDS, ferentiate between protesting Jewish settlements Congressional approval, there is a danger lawmakers could is making its strongest inroads on college campus- on occupied lands or Israel as a whole. separately pass legislation to delay or kill the plan. And if a es. No US school has sold off stock and none is Only a few dozen student governments have large number of Democrats allied with Republicans, who expected to do so anytime soon. Still, the current cast ballots on divestment proposals since 2012. tend to oppose such rules, then Obama may be unable to academic year is seeing an increasing number of Of those votes, about a dozen have won passage. exercise his veto powers. divestment drives on campus. Since January, stu- University administrators and boards, not student Some of the Democrats concerned have received cam- dent governments at four universities have taken governments, oversee investments, and trustees paign contributions from major financial services trade divestment votes. have widely rejected divestment. Still, the cam- groups. For example, the Financial Services Institute (FSI), an While the campaigns unfold around resolu- paigns have succeeded in challenging students to industry group representing independent brokerages, gave tions largely proposed by chapters of Students for re-consider their views of Palestinians. $91,500 to House Democrats in the 2014 election cycle, Justice in Palestine, outside groups have become Nowhere is the impact more evident than the which covers 2013-2014, according to OpenSecrets.org. At increasingly involved. They include American University of California system. Student govern- least 23 of the 27 Democrat recipients of FSI’s political action Muslims for Palestine and the Quakers’ American ments at five of the 10 UC campuses have voted committee funds in 2014 warned about the risk of overly Friends Service Committee, on one side, to the for divestment. Since December, divestment also strict rules, according to a review of comment letters and American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, won the backing of the labor union representing voting records. on the other. thousands of teaching assistants and other work- At some campuses, candidates for student ers for the entire UC system and the University of Reaching Out government are being asked their views on the California Students Association, which represents The administration had been reaching out to some of Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The heated rhetoric has student government bodies statewide. “The the Democrats who had opposed similar moves in the past led to claims of anti-Semitism and of infringement movement is getting more and more organized,” during the run-up to Obama’s announcement, according to on free speech. “I don’t think anyone is surprised said Roz Rothstein, chief executive and co- several people familiar with the matter. For example, Labor when they hear a BDS movement is coming,” said In this May 13, 2014 photo, Dina Abdalla (left) and Leila Abdul Razzaq of founder of the California-based group Stand With Department Secretary Tom Perez met with at least one Ira Stup, a 2009 Columbia University graduate and Students for Justice in Palestine talk to a fellow student in front of an Us, which helps train students to defend the House Democrat last week to discuss the topic, according to former director of J Street U, the college arm of the “apartheid wall” their group created to promote voting for divestment at Jewish state. “The strategy is being shared across one financial services lobbyist with knowledge of the mat- liberal pro-Israel lobby J Street, which opposes DePaul University in Chicago. —AP campuses.” —AP ter. And in the coming weeks, Department of Labor officials are planning to meet groups of House Democrats to discuss the rules, one House aide familiar with the discussions told Reuters. Industry groups representing brokerages and Wall Street Boko Haram forced back to urban warfare wealth management operations are also planning to con- vince these Democrats that prior concerns are still valid, the By Phil Hazlewood government declared a state of emer- and Niger, have bombarded rebel strong- Further Delay? financial services lobbyist said. Already some trade groups, such as the Investment Company Institute, have been open- gency in May 2013 in three northeast holds in northeast Nigeria and claim to Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau ly challenging the White House’s economic research to omb attacks in Nigerian towns and states. The military and civilian vigilante have recaptured territory, including Baga vowed in a recent video that the elec- rationalize the need for rules, saying the data is riddled with cities look likely to increase in the forces managed to push the rebels out last weekend. tions, now scheduled for March 28, “will errors. Brun-up to forthcoming elections, into more remote, rural areas, where vio- President Goodluck Jonathan visited not be held, even if we are dead”. despite the military claiming increasing lence continued and in many cases inten- the ravaged town on the shores of Lake Militants have even distributed fliers call- Long Road successes against Boko Haram in cap- sified. Chad on Thursday, telling troops that ing on people not to vote. Mark The Department of Labor has been trying for about four tured territory. At least 86 people were With soldiers thin on the ground in the the conflict, which has killed more than Schroeder, from political and security risk years to adopt rules designed to rein in conflicts that may killed in explosions blamed on Boko countryside - and with apparent dissent 13,000 since 2009, would soon be over. analysts Stratfor, said the recent bomb- lead brokers to steer investors into more expensive retire- Haram this week alone, all of them at in the ranks about the provision of Observers have framed the claimed suc- ings in Kano - the north’s biggest city - ment investments and charge higher commissions or fees. But fierce lobbying forced the department to scrap its first crowded bus stations in the northeast, weapons and equipment - Boko Haram cesses against the backdrop of upcom- and the central city of Jos, raised a new draft in 2011 and start from scratch. Three of the leading wider north and also in the country’s cen- launched its unprecedented land grab. ing elections in Nigeria, which were security threat. “The Nigerian military, trade groups - the National Association of Insurance and tral region. The style of attack - using But since the attack on Baga on January 3, postponed for six weeks from February with renewed government backing, may Financial Advisors, the Securities Industry and Financial either explosives left in bags or suicide where hundreds of civilians, if not more, 14 because of the ongoing military achieve the easy steps of a counter-insur- Markets Association and the FSI - have collectively spent bombers - has prompted the government are thought to have been killed, and rebel operations. Nigeria’s national security gency of asserting control in remote about $16.4 million over the past two years lobbying on this in Abuja to issue a warning for increased strikes in Chad and Niger, there has been advisor said at the time that troops urban areas of the northeast,” said and other issues, according to Senate lobbying records. vigilance at “soft targets”. a concerted fight-back. Nigerian troops, would not be available to provide secu- Schroeder. “But stopping Boko Haram Democrats who wrote comment letters to the depart- But with elections on March 28 that aided by soldiers from Cameroon, Chad rity on polling day. from counter-attacks against civilians ment often cited the same arguments with strikingly similar Boko Haram has already vowed to disrupt, elsewhere is very difficult. “You could say language. Dennis Kelleher, the head of the pro-regulatory reform group Better Markets, said many of the letters security experts said there will be Boko Haram is merely being displaced “appear to have been drafted by Wall Street lobbyists.” The renewed fears about the safety of voters, while the Nigerian government publicis- financial services lobbyist said the industry fears a revised particularly at polling stations. “I think it’s es gains in Baga and elsewhere.” plan may not alleviate its concerns. For instance, the safe to say that as multi-national counter- Boko Haram, which has invigorated its Financial Services Roundtable on Feb 17 circulated a paper insurgency operations continue in the propaganda campaign with slick, Islamic drafted by the law firm Debevoise and Plimpton which laid northeast, Boko Haram will intensify its State-style videos, will no doubt claim out counterarguments, after a memo drafted by White urban terror campaign,” Ryan Cummings, that such attacks put paid to government House economists was leaked to the media. —Reuters chief Africa analyst at Red24 risk consult- claims that it is being defeated. ants, told AFP. “Boko Haram will know that Cummings argued that the return to it lacks the resources or capacity to guerrilla tactics in towns and cities could engage the Nigerian Army and its allies in stretch security resources. All articles appearing on these conventional warfare, so its retributive Abdullahi Bawa Wase, a Nigerian secu- pages are the personal opinion of attacks will increasingly focus on asym- rity analyst who tracks the Boko Haram the writers. Kuwait Times takes no metric warfare, which is resource-light conflict, described the bombings as “des- responsibility for views expressed but nevertheless damaging.” peration” on the part of the militants. But therein. Kuwait Times invites read- he noted that such attacks had not ers to voice their opinions. Please Tactical Shift stopped during the change in tactics to send submissions via email to: opin- Attacking towns and cities recalls Boko seize territory but were now taking place Haram’s previous tactics before it began in tandem with hit-and-run strikes, “to [email protected] or via snail capturing and seizing territory in the show they still have the capability”. “We mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. northeast in mid-2014, declaring some Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan (second left) inspects a guard of are only going to see an intense increase The editor reserves the right to edit part of an Islamic caliphate. Cities such as honor mounted by a detachment of soldiers fighting Boko Haram Islamists of this bombing in the next weeks,” which any submission as necessary. Kano and particularly the Borno state cap- on his arrival in the town of Mubi, recently recaptured from insurgents, on could possibly force another postpone- ital, Maiduguri, were hit regularly until the Feb 26, 2015. —AFP ment in the election, he added. —AFP p15_Layout 1 3/1/15 7:53 PM Page 1

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 SPORTS

Pietersen gets another chance Ferrer downs Nishikori Bolt team loses relay race LONDON: Incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin MEXICO: David Ferrer won a record-equalling fourth Mexican Open title KINGSTON: World’s fastest man Usain Bolt lost his opening race of the sea- Graves has left the door open for a return to the England side for controver- with a 6-3 7-5 victory over Kei Nishikori in the Acapulco hardcourt final. son on Saturday, anchoring the Racers Lions team to second place in the sial former captain Kevin Pietersen and said he must return to county crick- The Spanish world number nine’s triumph put him level with Austrian men’s 4x100 at the Gibson McCook Relays. et to champion his cause. The 34-year-old was sacked by England in Thomas Muster with four Mexican titles having also won the tournament The Jamaican world record holder could not make up a 10 metre deficit February 2014, was later released by county side Surrey and appeared to three times from 2010-2012 on clay. on a University of Technology team, which won in 38.23 seconds. have severed any chance of returning to international cricket fol- It was Ferrer’s third title this year after Doha and last week’s win in Rio That was six hundredths of a second faster than the Racers lowing the well-documented release of his autobiography. de Janeiro and 24th of his career, ending a run of five defeats to the Lions’ squad of Mario Forsythe, Michael Frater, Warren Weir Pietersen, who last played for England in January 2014’s Japanese top seed. and Bolt, which had run 39.27 seconds in the morning pre- Ashes test in Sydney, berated a number of former team Nishikori now leads Ferrer 7-4 in their meetings. “I played very aggres- liminary round. “I wouldn’t say it was bad race,” Bolt said of mates and ECB officials in his book. National selector James sive, without mistakes. I’m very happy. To win here a fourth time is a the final. “As long as I lose I’m always disappointed, but I Whitaker had said there was no way “Pietersen will ever get dream,” Ferrer was quoted as saying on the ATP website. “In important always tell you guys you have to learn how to lose before back into an England team” but Graves refused to rule out moments, he made more mistakes and I took my chances. I feel very confi- you learn how to win, so I will just draw some experi- his return. dent with my tennis now. I’ve won three tournaments this year and we’ve ence from this one and move on.” “The first thing he has to do if he wants to get back is start only began the season.” Ferrer was dominant almost throughout the match Bolt, who was timed in 9.7 seconds for his playing county cricket,” Graves told the BBC. “The selec- with Nishokori, set to rise to world number four after reaching the final, on anchor leg in the preliminary round, said he and tors and the coaches are not going to pick him if he’s the back foot and 3-0 down in the second set after twice being broken by coach Glen Mills have already identified things to not playing, it’s as simple as that.—Reuters the Spaniard.—Reuters work on this season.—Reuters Sullivan wins Joburg Open

JOHANNESBURG: Englishman Andy winning two South African tournaments in Sullivan won his second European Tour such a short space of time. “What made this event in South Africa within 50 days when win particularly great was that I really he lifted the Joburg Open trophy yesterday. enjoyed myself all week. I am on the crest The perpetually jovial 28-year-old fired a of a wave. “Thanks to my coach, my psy- final-round 66 for a 270 total at Royal chologist and all the other people who Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club have helped me become a better golfer,” and a two-stroke triumph. said Sullivan, who is ranked 73 in the world. He won the South African Open in The top three finishers in the European Johannesburg two months ago, pipping Tour-Sunshine Tour event secured British local favourite Charl Schwartzel on the first Open berths and the others went to hole of a play-off. Englishmen David Howell and Anthony It was a special day for Sullivan, who not Wall. only collected a 206,050-euro ($230,000) Howell (69) and Wall (68) tied for second cheque, but also automatic entry to the place with South Africans Wallie Coetsee 2015 British Open at St Andrews. (71) and Jaco van Zyl (66) and Irishman He ended a South African monopoly of Kevin Phelan (66), but secured the spots on the Joburg Open, too, with the last five a world-rankings tie-breaker. winners locals, and six of the eight since Sullivan laid his victory foundations on the championship started. the outward nine, picking up five birdies “Unbelievable,” was the initial reaction of and not dropping a shot in partly cloudy the 1.75-metre native of English midlands conditions that gradually grew gloomier. town Nuneaton when handed the trophy He had a blip by bogeying the par-four by Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau. 11th, but recovered to collect two more “I never in my wildest dreams imagined birdies on the final four holes. —AFP Harrington leads Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS: Ireland’s Padraig leaderboard and I want to be trying to win Harrington held the lead after the second tournaments. Five tournaments ago, I won, round of the Honda Classic on Saturday so it’s not like it’s an alien feeling for me,” with play abandoned in the afternoon said Harrington. because of severe rain. “I think I’m in a good place that I can The rain wiped out the entire afternoon deliver more performances like this. So I’m session, meaning the third round for most not panicked about going out and it all players will not begin until Sunday morn- having to happen this weekend.” ing with a possible Monday finish looming. Britain’s Ian Poulter’s impressive 64 The 43-year-old Harrington shot a four- moved him to within two strokes of under par 66 for his second round at PGA Harrington and level with American National to go seven-under for the tourna- Brendan Steele. Another British player, for- ment. He has a stroke lead over American mer Honda winner Luke Donald, shot a 67 Patrick Reed, who posted two rounds of 67. to move three strokes off the lead. World But Harrington will be sorely disappointed number one Rory McIlroy, who completed to have ended his round with bogeys on his second round on Friday and ended up the eighth and ninth holes. seven-over for the tournament, missed the MIAMI: Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) tries to get past Atlanta Hawks forward Elton Brand (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball The three-time major championship cut. Joining the Northern Irishman with a game. —AP winner has slumped to 297th in the world weekend off were Britain’s Justin Rose, rankings and has not won on either the Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, PGA Tour or the European Tour since 2008. South Africans Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel He has shown some signs of recapturing and Retief Goosen and Canadian Graham Hawks soar over Heat his form of late and won the Indonesia DeLaet. Americans Keegan Bradley, Zach Open, on the Asian Tour, in December. Johnson and Harris English also packed “Obviously I want to be at the top of the their bags early.—Reuters MIAMI: Paul Millsap scored 22 points, Dennis Pistons, who have lost three straight. margin matched the Suns’ most one-sided Schroder added 16 points and 10 assists and loss of the season. San Antonio fell two points the intentionally depleted Atlanta Hawks still GRIZZLIES 101, TIMBERWOLVES 97 shy of its largest victory of the season. had enough to beat the Miami Heat 93-91 on Marc Gasol had 27 points and 11 rebounds, Nadal aims for slice Saturday night. and Mike Conley hit a big 3-pointer with 30 NETS 104, MAVERICKS 94 Kent Bazemore scored 15, including a big seconds left to lift Memphis over Minnesota. Deron Williams scored 25 points and of clay-court history 3-pointer with about a minute left that gave Gasol scored nine straight points in the Thaddeus Young had 16 points and eight the Hawks an 89-80 lead. John Jenkins scored final 4 minutes, and Conley’s 3 from the wing rebounds off the bench in Brooklyn’s victory BUENOS AIRES: Reigning French Open against Monaco. 12 for Atlanta, which turned 23 Miami broke a 95-all tie. Conley finished with 17 over Dallas. champ Rafael Nadal defeated Carlos The Mallorcan native is trying capture turnovers into 31 points. points and hit two free throws with 11 sec- The win completed a 3-5 road trip for the Berlocq in straight sets to reach the final of his first title since claiming a ninth French Dwyane Wade scored 22 points for Miami, onds left for the Grizzlies. Nets, who moved into eighth place in the the Argentina Open where he will try to Open crown in June. “It is very important to which fell to 10-17 at home and remains in Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points and Eastern Conference. Dirk Nowitzki scored 20 secure a slice of clay-court history. play my first final of the year here in Buenos the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference race. Ricky Rubio had 13 points, 10 assists and sev- points and Devin Harris had 14 for Dallas, The 28-year-old left-handed Spaniard Aires,” Nadal said. Hassan Whiteside finished with 14 points and en rebounds for the Wolves. Kevin Garnett which dropped percentage points behind the rallied in the opening-set tie-breaker from Berlocq threatened to steal the first set tied a season high with 24 rebounds for was ejected early in the third quarter of his Los Angeles Clippers into sixth place in the a 6-1 deficit to win, then clinched in a tie-break after surging to a 6-1 lead, Miami, which also got 16 points from Mario second game back in a Wolves uniform after West. Saturday’s semi-final match when Berlocq but Nadal fought back, winning eight of Chalmers and 10 from Henry Walker. picking up his second technical foul. Kevin The Mavericks played their second consec- hammered a forehand long on the first the next nine points to grab the opener. It was the second straight night Miami lost Martin missed a 3-pointer from the corner utive game without Tyson Chandler (bruised match point. “I was serving short in the first After falling behind a break in the second by two points, after falling in New Orleans that could have tied it in the closing seconds. left hip) and fourth straight without Chandler set and he (Berlocq) was very aggressive,” set, Nadal rallied again, reeling off six con- 104-102 on Friday. The Hawks rested four reg- Parsons (sprained left ankle). That resulted in a said Nadal, who won 7-6 (9/7), 6-2. “In the secutive games to claim the momentum ulars - Al Horford didn’t even make the trip SPURS 101, SUNS 74 three-guard starting lineup, with Nowitzki second I was more aggressive and more for good. because his wife just had a baby, while Pero Kawhi Leonard had 22 points and 10 making a rare start at center. Mason Plumlee dynamic with my shots. The tranquility and Nadal breezed into semi-finals by Antic, DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Teague were rebounds, and San Antonio dominated from added 14 points, 10 rebounds and a season- confidence gave me more energy at the defeating Facundo Arguello 6-4, 6-0 and given the night off. the opening tip in a rout of Phoenix. The high three blocks for Brooklyn. end. I’m happy with the victory.” Federico Delbonis 6-1, 6-1. He received a Spurs, playing the finale of their annual nine- Nadal next faces Argentina’s Juan bye in the first round. Monaco in Sunday’s final where Nadal will Nadal has dropped a combined seven KNICKS 103, RAPTORS 98 game “rodeo road trip,” were up 51-24 at the JAZZ 82, BUCKS 75 be trying to equal Guillermo Vilas’ all-time games in his last three encounters with Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 22 points, break, the fewest points in a half for the Suns Trey Burke had 23 points and six assists to record of 46 titles on clay. Monaco. Nadal cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 win in Langston Galloway made a clinching 3-point- in franchise history. San Antonio led by as help Utah hold off Milwaukee. Derrick Favors Earlier in the day, Monaco beat Spain’s their most recent meeting last year at the er and New York ended a sad day for the fran- many as 34 in the second half. added 16 points, 12 rebounds and three steals Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 to book Madrid Open. chise by handing Toronto its season-high fifth Marcus Morris scored 15 of his 19 points in for the Jazz, who have won consecutive his spot in the final. Monaco reached his The Nadal-Monaco matchup means the straight loss. the fourth quarter, when Phoenix scored 33 to games for the sixth time this season. They are 20th career ATP final and is competing in Argentina Open will be won by an After beginning the night with a moment avoid breaking the team record for fewest yet to win three in a row. Rudy Gobert had 12 his third final on home soil at the Estadio Argentine or Spaniard for the 13th consec- of silence for former Knicks forward Anthony points in a game - 68 against Kansas City 34 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Khris Billoch Caride. Nadal is playing in this event utive year. Since 2003, the champion has Mason, who died Saturday at 48, the team fin- years ago. Middleton had 18 points, six rebounds, three for the first time in 10 years, when he come from one of the two countries, ished it by celebrating its second straight vic- Danny Green, Boris Diaw and Aron Baynes assists and two steals for the Bucks. Michael reached the quarter finals. He is 5-1 lifetime including the past six by Spain. —AFP tory. scored 12 apiece for the Spurs. The 27-point Carter-Williams finished with 16 points.—AP Former Raptors center Andrea Bargnani scored 19 points and newcomer Alexey Shved had 15 for the Knicks. Lou Williams scored 22 NBA results/standings points for the Raptors, who fell into a tie with Washington 99, Detroit 95; Atlanta 93, Miami 91; NY Knicks 103, Toronto 98; Memphis 101, Minnesota 97; Brooklyn Chicago for second place in the Eastern 104, Dallas 94; San Antonio 101, Phoenix 74; Utah 82, Milwaukee 75. Conference and are just a half-game ahead of Cleveland for fourth. Toronto coach Dwane Eastern Conference Western Conference Casey gave slumping All-Star Kyle Lowry a Atlantic Division Northwest Division W L PCT GB night off to rest. Portland 38 19 .667 - Toronto 37 22 .627 - Oklahoma City 32 27 .542 7 Brooklyn 24 33 .421 12 Utah 23 35 .397 15.5 WIZARDS 99, PISTONS 95 Boston 23 33 .411 12.5 Denver 20 38 .345 18.5 Philadelphia 13 45 .224 23.5 John Wall scored 22 points, Nene added 21 Minnesota 13 45 .224 25.5 NY Knicks 12 46 .207 24.5 and Washington ended its six-game losing Pacific Division streak with a win over Detroit. The Wizards, Central Division Chicago 37 22 .627 - Golden State 45 11 .804 - who had lost 11 of 13, won despite blowing a Cleveland 37 23 .617 0.5 LA Clippers 38 21 .644 8.5 21-point second-half lead. Marcin Gortat had Milwaukee 32 27 .542 5 Phoenix 31 29 .517 16 16 points and 17 rebounds for Washington. Indiana 24 34 .414 12.5 Sacramento 20 36 .357 25 With the Wizards up by one, Bradley Detroit 23 36 .390 14 LA Lakers 16 41 .281 29.5 Beal made his first free throw with 10 sec- Southeast Division Southwest Division onds left, making it 97-95. He missed the Atlanta 47 12 .797 - Memphis 42 16 .724 - Washington 34 26 .567 13.5 second, but the rebound was batted out Houston 40 18 .690 2 Miami 25 33 .431 21.5 Dallas 39 22 .639 4.5 to Wall, who was fouled and made both Charlotte 23 33 .411 22.5 BUENOS AIRES: Rafael Nadal of Spain eyes the ball during the ATP Argentina Open San Antonio 36 23 .610 6.5 shots with 7.3 seconds left. Greg Monroe Orlando 19 41 .317 28.5 New Orleans 31 27 .534 11 match against Carlos Berlocq of Argentina. —AP had 21 points and 10 rebounds for the p16_Layout 1 3/1/15 9:51 PM Page 1

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 SPORTS

Top 3 teams together at the Closing Ceremony in Manama Bahrain Zain Team had an impressive first run in SATT 2015 winning third place overall Zain wins final leg of EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour 2015 EFG Bank (Monaco) crowned champions for second year in a row

KUWAIT: Zain Sailing Team (Kuwait) headed and took another second in the final leg. Mary Rook commented: “Much nicer leg, tion in 2016.” David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, organis- by seasoned Tour competitor Cedric Pouligny Marcel Herrera, Team averda skipper com- still windy but with a flatter sea, so we were Mathijs Wagemans and the predominantly ers of EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour, reflected won the final leg of the Oman Sail-organised mented: “We are really pleased to have happy. In the closing stages we had to defend Omani crew on Team IMCO, representing the on an incredible exhibition of sailing prowess. EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour 2015. Even more retained second place for the second year. It our place over GAC powered by Dongfeng International Maritime College Oman finished He said: “Calling at eight of the region’s world- commendable is the fact that the crew con- shows consistency and proves that last year Race Team. If they had beaten us today, they ninth in leg but had to settle for 11th overall. class marinas, sailors from around the world sists of enthusiastic novices, formed mainly was not just a fluke. Hopefully we can return would have beaten us overall so we needed to Lorenz Muller and his Bienne Voile team have gone head to head and faced a unique from employees of Zain - one of the Middle next year to challenge for first place.” make sure they were behind. Thankfully we (Swiss) lacked the performance they had in sailing challenge. “Covering over 760 nautical East’s leading mobile telecoms operators. Wouter Sonnema and his Dutch team on managed it.” the final inport races in Doha where they fin- miles in 15 days, my congratulations go to all They managed to take the lead during the Delft Challenge from the Technical University Nick Moloney and his mostly Chinese team ished third, and instead concluded the series of the competitors who have shown determi- night on the windy, 90nm leg from Doha, and in Delft went into the final leg in third but on GAC powered by Dongfeng Race Team with a 10th. They did however, finish a nation, mental strength and a high level of engage in a tough battle with Team averda in the closing stages. Team averda took the lead for a while, but some smart moves by Zain Sailing Team put them ahead and they crossed finish line off Bahrain in first place, completing the course in 18 hours, 31 minutes. Zain’s win on this leg also shifted them up the rankings to a podium position at third place overall. Cedric Pouligny commented: “We are really happy. Happy for the team and happy for Zain, our sponsors, too. Our speed was not so good at the start in the big winds but when the wind started to die we improved. The teamwork was good because we fought hard during the night, had good boat speed and managed read the windshifts well. We are truly delighted.” A third place on this leg, however, was enough to confirm Sidney Gavignet, and his mixed Omani team the overall winners of the EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour for the second year in a row. Gavignet, together with his high- ly-tuned crew; Damian Foxall, Alex Pella, Nicolas Lunven, Fabien Delahaye (from Muscat to Ras Al Khaimah) Mohammed Al Mujaini, Abdull Rahman Al Mashari, and Abdallah Al Shukaili, sailed an impressive series. They won all but two of the six legs and finished the event 9.25 points clear. Despite a tough challenge Zain Team held first place during the final leg EFG Bank Monaco - first place overall in SATT 2015 Chatting as he stepped ashore, double Tour champion, Gavignet expressed his delight and couldn’t quite match the speed of Zain and were just behind in sixth, which meant they respectable seventh place overall. sailing skill even when their bodies must be paid tribute to his team: “I feel good to achieve had to settle for fourth place, which meant finished eighth overall. Ahmed Al Ma’mari’s After the race, the organisers held a closing aching and their minds are tired. EFG Sailing the goal, and especially this time because we they dropped to fourth overall. Team OMIFCO are a young Omani team who ceremony and prizegiving at The Dragon Arabia - The Tour showcases the potential of had a great atmosphere onboard, which I Despite losing a place overall, they are have never sailed offshore, so to finish in sev- Hotel & Resort under the patronage of Sheikh the Middle East as a high-end tourist destina- believe helped our performance. It was clearly delighted with their performance particularly enth place on the final leg was a great Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa President of the tion, and illustrates the capability of this the hardest Sailing Arabia - The tour event that with their 172nm, Leg 2 win. Sonnema said: “It achievement. They finished ninth overall. Arab Sailing Federation, and President of region to host magnificent events.” I have done.” has been fantastic with many highlights. For Having led for three hours, Team Bahrain Maritime Sports Association and H.E. The champions did not have it all their own this leg however, we had a good start and Renaissance ran into trouble when they first Abdullah Rashid Al-Medailwi, Oman’s Teams and overall results: way however, they were chased, hard were in third but during the night we lost hooked a fishing net, then a rope round the Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. At the 1- EFG 12 pts throughout by Marcel Herrera and his young speed and went to the wrong side of the beat. propeller. They lost half an hour in total and ceremony, Ali Al Balushi (Renaissance) and 2- Team Averda 21.25pts student team from Plymouth on Team averda Zain sailed well and were faster so deserved to eventually finished eighth. They did however, Richard Mason (averda) were announced as 3- Zain 29.50pts who, for the second year in a row, took second win that one.” retain a respectable fifth place overall. Fahad winners of the newly-launched Volvo Ocean 4- Delft Challenge 29.75pts overall, and Zain Sailing Team. The young stu- On this leg, Mary Rook and the all-girl team Al Hasni, skipper, commenting on what hap- Race Rookie Award. The award followed a 5- Renaissance 39pts dent Team averda demonstrated how amateur on Al Thuraya (Oman), sailed exceptionally pened, said: “We lost at least half an hour and recognition by Volvo Ocean Race to EFG 6- Al Thuraya 41.75pts teams can compete equally well with the pros. well and were always in contention and fin- ended up the wrong side of the shift because Sailing Arabia - The Tour as a leading develop- 7- Bienne Voile 42.75pts They sailed a solid series and, although they ished the leg in fifth place. They also managed we couldn’t tack. We are however, so happy ment race for young offshore sailors. Both win- 8- GAC Pindar - Powered by Dongfeng 44.50pts did not win a race, they were consistent, which to retain sixth overall beating GAC powered by about our result, and extremely pleased about ners, who are under 30, will fly to Newport, a 9- OMIFCO 64pts is what competing at the Tour is all about. Dongfeng Race Team after a close battle to the the team’s performance. They have improved Volvo Ocean Race stopover, for a full weekend 10- RNO 69pts They were always in contention right to end finish. such a lot, so the goal now is a podium posi- trip to watch the race. 11- IMCO 70.25pts Panthers maul Sabres

SUNRISE: Jaromir Jagr made his Florida debut and then scored again midway through the sec- Tuukka Rask made 31 saves for Boston after and Ottawa rallied from a pair of deficits to post and Scottie Upshall scored the go-ahead goal ond for his sixth goal. Justin Faulk, Brad Malone missing Friday’s win in New Jersey because he its fifth straight win, beating reeling San Jose. with 5:58 left in the Panthers’ 5-3 victory over and Michal Jordan also netted second-period was sick. Martin Erat scored for the Coyotes, Hoffman added an empty-net goal, and Erik the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. goals for Carolina, which beat the Islanders for who finished a four-game road trip during Karlsson and Mark Stone also scored for the Acquired from New Jersey on Thursday for the first time in four meeting this season. which they were outscored 16-5. Arizona start- Senators, who completed a California sweep. two draft picks, the 43-year-old Jagr had three Michael Grabner opened the scoring for the ing goaltender Mike Smith was pulled after giv- Andrew Hammond followed up shutouts in shots on goal in a little over 17 minutes of ice Islanders at 11:47 of the first with his seventh ing up four goals on 20 shots, including Lucic’s Anaheim and Los Angeles by stopping 28 of 30 time to help the Panthers outshoot the Sabres goal, rifling the puck past Ward from the left cir- that caromed in off his skate when he was out shots to win his fifth straight start to open his 47-14. Brandon Pirri scored twice for the cle. Nikolay Kulemin and John Tavares also of position. career. Tommy Wingels and Patrick Marleau Panthers. Nick Bjugstad also scored, and Derek scored for the Islanders. The Hurricanes have scored for the Sharks, who have dropped eight MacKenzie added an empty-net goal with 17 won four of five. It was only the second loss in CANADIENS 4, MAPLE LEAFS 0 straight home games for the first time since the seconds left. Roberto Luongo stopped 11 shots. 13 home games against Metropolitan Division Manny Malhotra scored his first goal with 1994-95 season to put their streak of 10 straight Brad Boyes had three assists, and Brian rivals for the Islanders. the Canadiens, Carey Price made 30 saves for his playoff appearances in doubt. Antti Niemi made Campbell added two. The Panthers snapped a sixth shutout of the season, and Montreal beat 27 saves. four-game losing streak and are 4-0-1 against DEVILS 2, BLUE JACKETS 0 Toronto. David Desharnais had two goals, and the Sabres this season. The Sabres lost for the Andy Greene scored, Travis Zajac added an Tomas Plekanec also scored for Montreal, which WILD 3, AVALANCHE 1 first time in three games. Torrey Mitchell, Andrej empty-net goal, and Cory Schneider made 33 has won four in a row and 14 of 19. The Maple Justin Fontaine broke a second-period tie, Meszaros and Cody Hodgson scored Buffalo, saves for his fourth shutout of the season to Leafs had a two-game winning streak snapped. and Devan Dubnyk stopped 33 shots, leading and Michal Neuvirth made 42 saves. lead New Jersey past Columbus. Playing their Price, the NHL leader in save percentage and Minnesota over Colorado. Erik Haula and Jason lone road game in a 10-game, 23-day stretch, goals-against average, earned his 31st career Pominville also scored for the Wild, who RED WINGS 4, PREDATORS 3 the Devils won for the first time in four away shutout. Toronto outshot the Canadiens 30-23. improved to 4-0 against Colorado this season. Tomas Tatar broke a tie on a power play at games. They had lost their previous two games They have outscored the Avalanche 12-1. 9:06 of the third period to help Detroit beat overall. Curtis McElhinney made 19 saves for FLYERS 4, RANGERS 2 Dubnyk started his 20th straight game since Nashville. Tatar carried the puck toward the Columbus, which has lost five in a row (0-4-1). Michael Del Zotto’s short-handed goal 1:19 joining the Wild in a trade with Arizona on Jan. Nashville net and fired a backhander that The Blue Jackets are .500 on the road (14-14-2) into the third period lifted Philadelphia over the 15 and improved to 15-3-1. The consecutive deflected off Predators defenseman Roman but just 12-17-2 at home. Columbus was press- New York Rangers. Matt Read, Michael Raffl and starts match the Wild goalie record set by Niklas Josi’s stick and past goalie Pekka Rinne. Tatar ing late - Schneider had turned away a shot by Wayne Simmonds also scored for the Flyers, Backstrom in 2009. Maxime Talbot scored the leads the Red Wings with 25 goals. rookie Alexander Wennberg in the final minute who snapped a two-game losing streak and lone goal for the Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov Alexey Marchenko scored his first NHL goal, - when Zajac scored his 10th goal to ice it. cooled off the Rangers. started his 19th straight game. and Brendan Smith, Drew Miller also scored to Schneider earned his 16th NHL shutout. He J.T. Miller and John Moore tallied for New help Detroit win its second straight game. Matt blanked Arizona three games earlier. David York, which lost in regulation for the first time in BLUES 2, OILERS 1 Cullen, Mike Fisher, and Shea Weber scored for Clarkson made his Columbus debut against a 11 games and had a five-game, road-winning Paul Stastny scored the winning goal with Nashville. The Predators have consecutive familiar foe. He scored 97 goals and had 73 streak snapped. Steve Mason kept the Flyers 5:40 left and added an assist as St. Louis edged games in regulation time for the first time this assists in 426 games with New Jersey before ahead by turning aside several shots during a Edmonton. Dmitrij Jaskin also scored for the season. Marchenko tied it at 3 at 3:56 of the signing with Toronto three years ago. late Rangers power play. His best saves during Blues, who have won two in a row. third. With the teams skating 4-on 4, the flurry came when he extended a pad to Justin Schultz had the only goal for the Marchenko’s wrist shot from the right circle beat BRUINS 4, COYOTES 1 deny Moore and moved laterally to stop Rick Oilers, who have lost three of four. St. Louis took Rinne underneath the crossbar. Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron, Brad Nash on the doorstep. Mason made 34 saves in a 1-0 lead with 7:49 remaining in the first period Marchand each had a goal and an assist, help- his second game after missing eight due to a when Stastny made a nice feed across to Jaskin, SUNRISE: Florida Panthers forward Scottie Upshall (19) HURRICANES 5, ISLANDERS 3 ing Boston send Arizona to its ninth straight right knee injury. who beat goalie Ben Scrivens for his 10th goal is congratulated by teammates as Buffalo Sabres goal- Jay McClement scored twice and Cam Ward loss. Zdeno Chara added a power-play goal and of the season. Edmonton tied it 6:31 into the tender Michal Neuvirth (34) looks back at the net after made 21 saves as Carolina beat the New York an assist for the Bruins, who won for the third SENATORS 4, SHARKS 2 second period as Schultz put a long wrist shot Upshall scored the game-winning goal during the third Islanders for its third straight win. time in four games following a six-game losing Mike Hoffman scored a power-play goal to past Brian Elliott. Elliott made 21 saves for the period of an NHL hockey game. —AP McClement tied it 1-1 late in the first period streak (0-4-2). break a tie midway through the third period, win. Scrivens stopped 25 shots in defeat.—AP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015

SCOREBOARD

BRISBANE, Australia: Scoreboard in the World Cup Pool A match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Gabba in Brisbane yesterday: Pakistan Zimbabwe Nasir Jamshed c Raza b Chatara 1 C. Chibhabha c Haris b Irfan 9 Ahmad Shahzad c Taylor b Chatara 0 S. Raza c Haris b Irfan 8 Haris Sohail c Williams b Raza 27 H. Masakadza c Misbah b Irfan 29 Misbah-ul-Haq c Williams b Chatara 73 B. Taylor c Akmal b Riaz 50 Umar Akmal b Williams 33 S. Williams c Shahzad b Rahat 33 C. Ervine c Akmal b Riaz 14 Shahid Afridi b Williams 0 S. Mire c Akmal b Irfan 8 Sohaib Maqsood c and b Mupawira 21 E. Chigumbura c Akmal b Riaz 35 Wahab Riaz not out 54 T. Mupawira c Akmal b Riaz 0 Sohail Khan not out 6 T. Panyangara run out 10 Extras: (lb3, w17) 20 T. Chatara not out 0 Total (7 wkts, 50 overs) 235 Extras (b3, lb2 w13, nb1) 19 WELLINGTON: Sri Lankan bowler Tillakaratne Dilshan takes a catch to dismiss England’s Gary Balance during their Cricket World Cup match. —AP Did not bat: Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan Total (49.4 overs) 215 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Nasir), 2-4 (Ahmad), 3-58 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Chibhabha), 2-22 (Raza); 3-74 (Masakadza), 4-128 (Taylor), 5-150 (Haris), 4-127 (Akmal), 5-127 (Afridi), 6-155 (Williams), 6-166 (Mire), 7-168 (Ervine), 8-168 (Maqsood), 7-202 (Misbah) (Mupariwa), 9-215 (Panyangara), 10-215 Bowling: Panyangara 10-1-49-0 (2w); Chatara Sri Lanka extend (Chigumbura) 10-2-35-3 (6w); Mupawira 8-1-36-1 (3w); Bowling: Irfan 10-2-30-4 (7w); Sohail 10-0-45- Williams 10-1-48-2 (1w); Masakadza 3-0-14-0; 0; Rahat 10-0-37-1 (4w 1nb); Riaz 9.4-1-45-4 Chigumbura 1-0-7-0 (4w); Raza 7-0-34-1; Mire (2w); Afridi 10-1-53-0 1-0-9-0 (1w) Result: Pakistan won by 20 runs. England’s agony

Pakistan get World Cup WELLINGTON: England’s horror World Cup run you get punished for.” Fielding errors also Lanka, who now have four century makers at continued when Sri Lanka smashed the third- proved costly with Thirimanne dropped three the tournament, unleashed their batting campaign back on track highest run chase in the tournament’s history to times during his innings. prowess. clinch a nine-wicket defeat in Wellington yester- England may still limp into the quarter-finals Openers Thirimanne and Tillakaratne Dilshan BRISBANE: Pakistan got their World Cup But moments after reaching his 32nd day. with wins in their final pool matches against made a flying start to the chase, racing to 100 campaign back on track yesterday when ODI half century, Taylor attempted a leg Centuries by Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Bangladesh and Aghanistan, but they will have without loss. Thirimanne was dropped on three the 1992 champions downed Zimbabwe by glance only to get a tickle through to keep- Thirimanne ensured Sri Lanka overhauled the lost to every major nation they have played. and made the most of his life, bringing up his 20 runs to claim their first win of the tour- er Umar Akmal to leave the Zimbabweans 310-run target set after England won the toss The win consolidates Sri Lanka in second third half-century of the tournament in 58 deliv- nament. 128-4, but still well in control. and elected to bat. position in the Pool A table, although tourna- eries. A change of pace from Ali provided a Led by some patient batting from cap- However, when they lost Williams for 33 The pair were unbeaten as Sri Lanka ended ment favourites Australia have a game in hand. wicket when Dilshan (44) mis-cued a drive tain Mizbah-ul-Haq, who made 73, Pakistan after he hit Rahat Ali straight to Ahmad the innings on 312-1 with 16 balls to spare, England made a brisk start as Ian Bell and straight to Morgan at mid-wicket. But it did recovered from losing their first two wick- Shahzad at backward point with the score Thirmanne carrying his bat on 139 and Moeen Ali combined for a 62-run partnership in nothing to stem the flow of runs as Sangakkara ets for just four runs to post 235 for seven on 150 the run chase began to fall away. Sangakkara scoring 117 for his second succes- the first 10 overs. Root looked assured hitting came in and blasted a 45-ball half century. The from their 50 overs. Irfan then had Solomon Mire caught sive century. his fourth one-day international century, with onslaught continued to the delight of Sri Lanka Towering left arm paceman Mohammad behind to leave Zimbabwe 166-6, still 70 The run chase has only been exceeded twice Gary Ballance (6) the only real batting failure for fans in the New Zealand capital and Thirimanne Irfan then took full advantage of the lively runs short of victory with 13 overs remain- at cricket’s showcase event, when Ireland England. fittingly ended the match with a booming six Gabba wicket to claim the first three ing. reached 329 against England in 2011 and Sri The 310 target looked competitive before Sri off Chris Woakes.—AFP Zimbabwe scalps on his way to a career- Skipper Elton Chigumbura, who tore the Lanka’s 313 against Zimbabwe in 1992. best 4-30. quadriceps in his left leg while fielding, was The loss leaves England with a solitary World After posting what appeared to be a clearly hampered with his running Cup win against minnows Scotland after they SCOREBOARD below par total, Irfan gave Pakistan the ide- between the wickets and the required run were well-beaten by co-hosts Australia (111 al start when he dismissed the two rate began to climb steadily. Craig Ervine runs) and New Zealand (eight wickets) in their WELLINGTON: Completed scoreboard in the World Cup Pool A match between England and Sri Lanka Sri Lanka at Zimbabwe openers in a lethal first spell. (14) and Tawanda Mupawira both perished opening matches. A tally of two points with two Wellington’s Westpac Stadium yesterday: The 2.16-metre (7ft 1in) tall Irfan trou- caught behind off Riaz with the score on pool games left to play means their quarter- England Herath 5.5-0-35-1; Perera 8.1-0-55-1. bled the Zimbabwe openers with his 168 and despite a late flourish from final hopes are hanging by a thread, while Sri M. Ali c Lakmal b Mathews 15 bounce, both Chamunorwa Chibhabha and Chigumbura (35), Zimbabwe struggled to Lanka are on the verge of the last eight. I. Bell b Lakmal 49 Sri Lanka Sikandar Raza guiding lifting balls to Haris lay bat to ball in the closing overs. Even so, it was a much-improved effort with G. Ballance c and b Dilshan 6 L. Thirimanne not out 139 Sohail at second slip. Earlier, Pakistan recovered from another the bat from Eoin Morgan’s men, including 121 J. Root lbw b Herath 121 T. Dilshan c Morgan b Ali 44 Hamilton Masakadza (29) and Brendan terrible start to post a competitive 235-7, to Joe Root, who at 24 became England’s E. Morgan c Dilshan b Perera 27 K. Sangakkara not out 117 J. Taylor c Dilshan b Malinga 25 Taylor saw off Irfan and settled the thanks largely to Misbah and a whirlwind youngest World Cup centurion. Extras: (b8, lb1, w3) 12 But they proved toothless in bowling, failing J. Buttler not out 39 Total: (1 wkt, 47.2 overs) 312 Zimbabwe innings, adding 52 runs without 54 off 46 balls from Riaz. Misbah strode to C. Woakes not out 9 to make any impression with the ball on a drop- Did not bat: A Mathews, M Jayawardene, D Chandimal, trouble. the crease with his side in desperate trou- Extras: (b4, lb3, w9, nb2) 18 D Karunaratne, T Perera, S Lakmal, L Malinga, R Herath However, Misbah brought Irfan back ble at 4-2 at the end of the fourth over and in wicket at Wellington’s Westpac stadium that Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 309 after 21 overs with immediate dividends, was out 121 balls later in the 47th with offered no movement to their pace attack. Did not bat: S Broad, S Finn, J Anderson Fall of wicket: 1-100 (Dilshan) Masakadza skying an attempted pull shot Pakistan 202-7. Riaz struck his maiden half Stuart Broad leaked 67 off his ten overs with- Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Ali), 2-71 (Ballance), 3-101 (Bell); 4- Bowling: Anderson 8-0-48-0; Broad 10-1-67-0 (1w); to the captain at midwicket. century at the end of the innings to lift out a wicket and Steve Finn conceded 54 off 161 (Morgan); 5-259 (Taylor); 6-265 (Root) Woakes 9.2-0-72-0 (1w); Finn 8-0-54-0 (1w); Ali 10-0-50- The in-form Sean Williams joined Taylor Pakistan, who struggled throughout their eight.“We certainly lost it with the ball,” Morgan Bowling: Malinga 10-0-63-1 (2w); Lakmal 7.4-0-71-1 1; Root 2-0-12-0 Result: Sri Lanka won by nine wickets. and the pair added 54 in quick time as 50 overs against a spirited Zimbabwe said. “We had a par score on the board. “(But) (2nb, 2w); Mathews 10-1-43-1 (1w); Dilshan 8.2-0-35-1; Zimbabwe looked headed for victory. attack.—AFP today we bowled a bad ball every over, which India go from butterfingers to electric-heels in the field

MUMBAI: It is one of the accepted truths of captain short of his crease. also electric, improving the spectacle for the international cricket that fielding is not India’s That ended a 68-run stand for the third wick- majority of the crowd of 86,000 backing the particular forte but Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s et for South Africa, forcing the nimble-footed de world champions. men have taken bold steps towards altering that Villiers to trudge back to the pavilion. “Overall I’ve got plenty to play with. I don’t reputation at the World Cup. Big-hitter David Miller was the next man to always have to think about which player needs Too often in the past, India’s fast bowlers have fall prey to another run out, fast bowler Umesh to go where,” a satisfied Dhoni added after the been liabilities in the field, while during the Yadav this time with a flat throw to Dhoni from match. “I have time to think more about the recent test series in Australia the team’s close-in deep square leg. strategies rather than trying to use four or five catching was simply woeful. Left-hander Miller had already lived up to his good fielders and seeing what’s really needed, The infusion of some young, athletic fielders billing of a match-winner by blasting an unbeat- whether I need to stop the singles or I need had already led to an improvement in India’s en 138 off 92 deliveries in South Africa’s World boundary riders who can stop the twos and performance in that aspect of limited-overs Cup opener against Zimbabwe. the threes. “That actually eases the pressure BRISBANE: Zimbabwe wicket keeper Brendan Taylor (left) watches Pakistan’s matches but the team took it to an even higher India’s fielding inside the 30-yard circle was on me.” —Reuters Misbah ul-Haq play a shot during the Pool B Cricket World Cup match. —AP level last Sunday, outshining even South Africa. India did enough with both bat and ball dur- World Cup results and standings ing their 130-run win in their second World Cup match but what might have surprised South Pool A At Wellington Africa, known for their agility and tight fielding, England 309-6 (Joe Root 121) v Sri Lanka 312-1 (Lahiru Thirimanne 139 not out, Kumar Sangakkara 117 was the athleticism of their opponents. not out) “What we know is that we can add minimum Sri Lanka won by nine wickets 10 to 15 runs to whatever we score with the kind Pool B of fielders that we have got,” skipper Dhoni later At Brisbane said. “There may be one fielder or two slightly Pakistan 235-7 (Misbah-ul-Haq 73, Wahab Riaz 54 not out) v Zimbabwe 215 (Brendan Taylor 50) slower than the others, but by no means are we Pakistan won by 20 runs bad fielders. I think we have got some excellent Played won lost tied N/R points run rate fielders, and apart from that we have got fast Pool A bowlers who are above average fielders.” New Zealand 4 4 0 0 0 8 +3.589 Gone are the days when an Indian captain Sri Lanka 4 3 1 0 0 6 +0.128 had to spend considerable amount of time try- Bangladesh 3 1 1 0 1 3 +0.287 Australia 3 1 1 0 1 3 -0.305 ing to figure out where to hide his slow-moving Afghanistan 3 1 2 0 0 2 -0.760 fielders and pace bowlers. England 4 1 3 0 0 2 -1.201 It was two Indian pacemen that brought Scotland 3 0 3 0 0 0 -1.735 about probably the two most crucial moments Pool B during South Africa’s chase of India’s total of India 3 3 0 0 0 6 +2.630 307-7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground-not with South Africa 3 2 1 0 0 4 +1.260 the ball but from the outfield. Ireland 2 2 0 0 0 4 +0.338 AB de Villiers, scorer of the fastest ODI centu- West Indies 4 2 2 0 0 4 -0.313 Zimbabwe 4 1 3 0 0 2 -0.723 ry, decided to take on Mohit Sharma’s arm for a Pakistan 3 1 2 0 0 2 -1.373 second run but a flat and accurate throw to PERTH: India’s captain M S Dhoni (left), Virat Kohli (center) and Shikhar Dhawan stand behind UAE 3 0 3 0 0 0 -1.326 Dhoni from deep cover found the South Africa the ICC World Cup Trophy in this file photo. —AP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 SPORTS Wolfsburg rout Bremen

BERLIN: VfL Wolfsburg cemented second Aubameyang claimed his fifth goal in as place in the Bundesliga yesterday with a 5- many league games on 78 minutes and cel- 3 thumping of Werder Bremen with Bas ebrated by donning a ‘Batman’ hat, playing Dost taking his tally to 11 goals in six up to his ‘caped crusader’ nickname, which games. earned him a booking. Team-mate Marco Wolves’ Dutch striker Dost is on an Reus wore a ‘Robin’ mask to play his side- incredible scoring run with nine goals in his kick. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Reus added last four league games and two in as many Dortmund’s goals as Borussia created 31 Europa League games. shots on goals compared to Schalke’s mea- Bremen suffered their first defeat of gre three. 2015 after a fairytale run of five previous The defeat drops Schalke, who were wins and a draw has taken them from last missing several stars with injury, to fifth to ninth in Germany’s top flight. while neighbours Dortmund are now just “We always belived in the win. We have eight points adrift of a Champions League repeatedly proven we can always come place for next season. back quickly,” said Dost, who scored four Bayer Leverkusen built on their shock goals in Wolves’ 5-4 win at Bayer Champions League win over Atletico Leverkusen a fortnight ago. Madrid on Wednesday with a 1-0 win at The game at Werder’s Weserstadion home to strugglers Freiburg to go fourth. began at a frantic pace as the scores stood Veteran midfielder Simon Rolfes, who at 2-2 with 18 minutes gone. Bremen took a will retire at the end of the season, grabbed half-time lead after an own-goal from a first-half winner to give Leverkusen their Wolves’ Portugal midfielder Vieirinha from a first league win in four games. shot by Werder’s Felix Kroos, brother of Augsburg dropped to sixth after their 1- Germany star Toni. 0 defeat at Hertha Berlin as ex-Chelsea Dost then played a part in Wolves’ three striker Salomon Kalou scored a late winner second-half goals, netting in the 47th and at the Olympic Stadium to claim his sixth 50th minutes before giving Daniel Caligiuri goal of the season. a simple tap-in. Stuttgart stay bottom after their 1-1 The weekend’s results mean the league’s draw at Hanover 96 while Hoffenheim are top three have a settled look about them two points from a European place after with three months left of the season. their 2-0 win at home to Mainz. Leaders Bayern remain eight points Ten-man Hamburg drop back to just clear, while Wolfsburg appear just as above the relegation places after their 2-1 unlikely to be caught with a ten-point lead defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt. On Friday, over Borussia Moenchengladbach. Bayern Munich celebrated their 115th Gladbach cemented third with a 2-0 win birthday with a 4-1 win over Cologne to go at home to relegation-threatened 11 points clear at Munich’s Allianz Arena. ITALY: Lazio’s Miroslav Klose (center) scores against Sassuolo during a Serie A soccer match at Reggio Emilia’s Mapei stadium. —AP Paderborn with goals either side of half- Arjen Robben netted his 17th goal in 19 time by USA international Fabian Johnson league matches this season with a crisp and Patrick Herrmann. header with 20 minutes left to remain the On Saturday, Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick league’s top scorer. Anderson inspires Lazio, Aubameyang played Borussia Dortmund’s Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger and ‘superhero’ by scoring their opening goal in Franck Ribery put Bayern 2-0 up inside the 3-0 home win over Schalke 04 in the 10 minutes. Nigeria international Ruhr Valley derby. Anthony Ujah scored for Cologne just Samp end winless run Dortmund are tenth after picking up before half-time before Robben and their fourth consecutive league win having Robert Lewandowski extended Bayern’s started February bottom of the table. lead.—AFP MILAN: Felipe Anderson hit a first-half wonder a five-game winless run by Sinisa Mihajlovic’s after Sportiello spilled Eto’o’s strike from the strike and set up Miroslav Klose for Lazio’s sec- men. Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o saw a edge of the area. ond in a 3-0 win over Sassuolo as the speculative effort go wide early on but Atalanta Mihajlovic told Mediaset it was a game of Biancocelesti closed to within two points of took a first-half lead thanks to Guglielmo two halves: “I’m happy for the win, but we really third-placed Napoli in Italy’s Serie A yesterday. Stendardo’s tap-in at the back post on the quar- showed two sides of ourselves. “In the first half Elsewhere, Luis Muriel and Stefano Okaka hit ter-hour. we gifted them far too much and thankfully, in second-half goals as Sampdoria ended a five- Muriel by far looked Sampdoria’s best player the second, we turned our whole game around.” game winless streak at Atalanta, while a close- and the Colombian finally pulled the visitors Earlier, Luca Toni and Juanito Gomez struck range header from Spanish striker Rodriguez level with a finely-taken half-volley on 70 min- either side of half-time to help Verona to a 2-1 gave relegation candidates Cesena a useful 1-0 utes. Muriel started the move deep in midfield win at struggling Cagliari, who saw Daniele win over Udinese. and after his deflected ball found Okaka, the Conti hit a late consolation from a free kick on Genoa v Parma was postponed as the visi- Colombian pounced on the Italian’s return pass the edge of the area. The win moved Verona tors, whose game against Udinese last week to beat Marco Sportiello from the left side of the eight points clear of the drop zone, with Cagliari was also suspended, continue to suffer from the area. Okaka secured the points seven minutes - third from bottom - now just one point ahead financial struggles that could see the club’s later when he ran in to tap home the rebound of second-from-bottom Cesena. —AFP future decided by a bankruptcy hearing later this month. Paulo Dybala starred for Palermo but the Italian League results/standings Sicilians failed to score in a league game for only the second time this season after being Cagliari 1 (Conti 90) Verona 2 (Toni 9, Gomez 56); Atalanta 1 (Stendardo 16) Sampdoria 2 (Muriel held to a scoreless draw by Empoli. 68, Okaka 81); Cesena 1 (Rodriguez 76) Udinese 0; Genoa v Parma - postponed; Palermo 0 Empoli Leaders Juventus will look to take their lead 0; Sassuolo 0 Lazio 3 (Anderson 45, Klose 70, Parolo 77). over Roma to 12 points when they meet in the Italian capital on Monday, but in the meantime Playing later the race for the third and last Champions Inter v Fiorentina, Torino v Napoli League qualifying spot is heating up. Lazio travelled to the Mapei Stadium looking Played Saturday for their third win on the trot and Anderson Chievo 0 AC Milan 0 broke the deadlock in style on the stroke of half- time with a superb curling strike that beat Playing today Andrea Consigli at the keeper’s top right hand Roma v Juventus corner. It was the 21-year-old’s sixth league goal this Italian Serie A table after yesterday afternoon games (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals season and on 70 minutes the Brazilian forward against, points): turned provider with a fine delivery from the GERMANY: Bremen’s Jannik Vestergaard from Denmark (rear) and Wolfsburg’s Kevin right for Klose to head past Consigli for his. Juventus 24 17 6 1 51 13 57 De Bruyne from Belgium in action during the German First Division Bundesliga soc- Lazio tripled their lead moments later after Roma 24 13 9 2 37 18 48 cer match. —AP Anderon’s strike from just outside the area rico- Napoli 24 13 6 5 44 30 45 cheted before landing kindly for Manolo Parolo Lazio 25 13 4 8 43 27 43 to feint and then dink the ball past Consigli. Fiorentina 24 10 9 5 36 24 39 German League results/standings Lazio remain fourth but are now two points Sampdoria 25 9 12 4 32 28 39 behind Napoli ahead of their trip to Torino for Genoa 24 9 9 6 36 29 36 Borussia Moenchengladbach 2 (Johnson 18, Herrmann 81) Paderborn 0; Werder Sunday’s late game. Coach Stefano Pioli paid Inter Milan 24 9 8 7 39 31 35 Bremen 3 (Junuzovic 9, Di Santo 16, Vieirinha 29-og) VfL Wolfsburg 5 (Caligiuri 10, 53, tribute to his ambitious side but told Sky Sport: AC Milan 25 8 10 7 35 30 34 Arnold 18, Dost 47, 50). “We played well and we deserved the win but Palermo 25 8 10 7 38 39 34 we put ourselves at risk on occasions in defence Torino 24 8 9 7 27 25 33 Played Saturday when we really should have put the game Sassuolo 25 6 11 8 29 38 29 Borussia Dortmund 3 (Aubameyang 78, Mkhitaryan 79, Reus 86) Schalke 04 0; Bayer beyond doubt in the opening half.” Udinese 24 7 7 10 26 32 28 Leverkusen 1 (Rolfes 33) Freiburg 0; Hoffenheim 2 (Volland 55, Polanski 76) Mainz 05 0; He added: “I’m fortunate to be coaching a Empoli 25 5 13 7 25 27 28 Hannover 96 1 (Stindl 70) VfB Stuttgart 1 (Gentner 52); Hertha Berlin 1 (Kalou 88) squad that is committed and attentive. I want to Verona 25 7 7 11 29 44 28 Augsburg 0; Eintracht Frankfurt 2 (Meier 12-pen, 64) Hamburg 1 (Stieber 45+2). steer this side into port, we’ll see where we end Chievo 25 6 7 12 18 30 25 up at the end of the season.” Atalanta 25 5 8 12 22 37 23 German Bundesliga table after yesterday evening’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, Fiorentina, in fifth and now four points Cagliari 25 4 8 13 32 47 20 goals for, goals against, points): behind Lazio, travel to Inter later Sunday look- Cesena 25 4 7 14 24 47 19 ing to stretch their run of games without defeat Parma 23 3 2 18 20 47 10 Bayern Munich 23 18 4 1 63 10 58 to eight. Sampdoria remain in sixth place but Note: Parma deducted one-point penalty for non-payment of salaries. Two Parma games - VfL Wolfsburg 23 15 5 3 53 27 50 are now on the same points as Fiorentina after against Udinese and Genoa - have also been suspended due to club’s financial difficulties. Bor. Moenchengladbach 23 11 7 5 31 18 40 second-half strikes by Muriel and Okaka ended Bayer Leverkusen 23 9 9 5 37 29 36 Schalke 04 23 10 5 8 32 27 35 Augsburg 23 11 2 10 32 30 35 Hoffenheim 23 9 6 8 36 35 33 Celtic thrash Dons in Eintracht Frankfurt 23 8 7 8 42 45 31 Werder Bremen 23 8 6 9 39 49 30 Borussia Dortmund 23 8 4 11 31 31 28 top of the table clash Hanover 96 23 7 6 10 26 34 27 Mainz 05 23 5 10 8 30 33 25 Cologne 23 6 7 10 21 29 25 GLASGOW: Celtic gave their title hopes a major Aberdeen as he replaced Peter Pawlett in the their wasted chances when from the resultant Hertha Berlin 23 7 3 13 28 42 24 boost as they thrashed nearest challengers Dons midfield. corner Denayer leapt highest at the back post to Hamburg 23 6 6 11 16 33 24 Aberdeen 4-0 at Parkhead yesterday to open up The away side came close to opening the head home Armstrong’s in-swinging kick. Paderborn 23 5 8 10 23 43 23 a six point gap at the top of the Scottish scoring in the ninth minute when McGinn col- Celtic had a great chance to increase their Freiburg 23 4 10 9 24 32 22 Premiership. lected a quickly-taken free-kick from Hayes and advantage five minutes after the break, but VfB Stuttgart 23 4 7 12 24 41 19 Both sides entered the fixture in excellent curled an effort that looked to be sneaking in Johansen over hit his pass to Griffiths and the form, but it was the Dons, unbeaten in 13 before Craig Gordon stretched to tip it on to the opportunity was lost. games, who started brighter as they took advan- bar. From the corner Reynolds got his head on The Dons responded and Andrew Considine tage of Celtic’s lethargy following their Thursday the end of Kenny McLean’s wayward shot but his couldn’t direct his header on target as he met a night Europa League clash with Inter Milan. effort went narrowly over. Pawlett cross at the far post. Montpellier edge Nice Niall McGinn, Mark Reynolds and Adam A rare mistake from Scott Brown allowed Griffiths thought he had given his side some Rooney all enjoyed chances before Celtic took Hayes to dispossess the Celtic captain on the breathing space in the 56th minute when he PARIS: Nice found the back of the net for one point behind Monaco. the lead against the run of play in the 37th halfway line and after a surging run forward his latched on to a flick-on from Johansen to finish the first time in five games but couldn’t Earlier, a Yacine Bammou strike offered minute from Jason Denayer’s close range head- inviting cross into the box trundled just by the past Brown but his effort was chopped off for keep their lead in a 2-1 defeat against Nantes their first win of 2015 when they er. A rejuvenated Celtic emerged after the break far post. offside. There was to be no denying the Celtic Montpellier yesterday. beat Guingamp 1-0 in a hard-fought and Leigh Griffiths had an effort chopped off for Hayes then strolled past Efe Ambrose to clip a striker in the 63rd minute when he expertly Eric Bautheac’s penalty after 36 minutes Brittany derby. On Saturday, leaders Lyon offside before he despatched a 63rd minute cross to Rooney, but his header failed to test despatched a penalty beyond Brown after put the visitors in front but Bryan Dabo were stunned 2-1 by Lille in their first penalty past Dons ‘keeper Scott Brown. Gordon in goal before the ‘keeper smothered a Johansen had been brought down in the box by fired a rapid equaliser just before the break. defeat in 12 games on Saturday. Their Gary Mackay-Steven added a third in the 69th shot from Ryan Jack. Reynolds. Lucas Barrios, who initiated the play with a defeat gives Paris Saint-Germain the minute before Stefan Johansen rounded off the Aberdeen were well on top but a momentary Mackay-Steven added to Aberdeen’s hurt six deft backheel, pounced on a deflected chance to climb above OL into top spot if scoring for Celtic, who head into Wednesday’s lapse of concentration cost them dear in the minutes later when he drove at the retreating Souleymane Camara attempt to grab the they can win at in-form Monaco later rearranged fixture with St Johnstone capable of 37th minute. A poor kick-out from Brown Dons defence before unleashing a low 20-yard winner in the 66th minute. Sunday. Lyon, however, remain four points opening a nine point gap at the top. allowed Johansen to release Griffiths, whose shot that went in off the post. The former Borussia Dortmund for- ahead of third-placed Marseille, who suf- Celtic had made several changes from their shot was turned round the post by the Dons There was still time for Johansen to add a ward’s seventh goal of the season lifted fered a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Caen gruelling midweek encounter in Milan while ‘keeper. fourth in the 80th minute as he applied a fine Montpellier level with Bordeaux in sixth, on Friday.—AFP Jonny Hayes was a surprise inclusion for However, the Hoops made the Dons pay for finish to an Adam Matthews’ cut-back. —AFP Pakistan get Anderson World Cup inspires Lazio, campaign back Samp end on track winless run

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 201517 18

Hawks soar over Heat in NBA action Page 15

LONDON: Chelsea’s Ivorian striker Didier Drogba (third left) and Chelsea’s English defender John Terry lift the trophy during the presentation after Chelsea won the League Cup final football match against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium. —AFP Chelsea earn Mourinho League Cup

LONDON: John Terry set Chelsea up for a 2-0 Liverpool earlier in the day, and kept them on selected Hugo Lloris instead of usual cup while Kane tested Cech following a purpose- overhead bicycle kick from Fabregas, the sec- victory over Tottenham Hotspur in yester- course for a trophy treble, following their 1-1 goalkeeper Michel Vorm, Mourinho left his ful run from halfway. ond goal arrived. day’s League Cup final as Jose Mourinho draw at Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Eriksen also forced Cech to save at his near Fabregas’s pass found Costa on the left- claimed the first trophy of his second stint as the Champions League last 16. the bench, with Petr Cech starting. post and although Costa was busy riling hand side of the area and he shifted the ball manager. Spurs had been hoping to end a trophy But the biggest surprise on the Chelsea Spurs’ defenders at the other end, luring Eric onto his left foot before letting fly with a Terry’s deflected strike put Chelsea ahead drought stretching back to 2008, when they team-sheet was the presence of three centre- Dier into a rash foul that saw him booked, cross-cum-shot that nicked off Walker and on the stroke of half-time at Wembley and had beaten Chelsea 2-1 in the League Cup backs in Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma, Lloris was largely untroubled. flew past Lloris. Mourinho’s side sealed victory in the 56th final, but with star man Harry Kane shackled, the last of whom filled in for the suspended That changed seconds before half-time Pochettino sent on Mousa Dembele, Erik minute when Spurs right-back Kyle Walker they were unable to pull off a repeat of the 5- Nemanja Matic in an unfamiliar midfield when Willian’s right-wing free-kick was not Lamela and Roberto Soldado, but as the rain deflected Diego Costa’s effort into his own 3 defeat they had inflicted on their London destroyer role. A pair of early set-pieces dealt with and Terry’s shot from 12 yards intensified, so Spurs’ fight seemed to drain net. It was Mourinho’s first title since he rivals on New Year’s Day. allowed Chelsea to force Spurs back, with flicked off Jan Vertonghen and into the away. returned to Stamford Bridge in 2013 and his It brought an end to a sorry week for Terry and Branislav Ivanovic heading off-tar- Tottenham net. Chelsea continued to threaten, with Eden third League Cup after previous successes Spurs, who were knocked out of the Europa get, but with Mourinho’s side sitting very Cahill almost got in on the act moments Hazard curling narrowly wide and Fabregas with the club in 2005 and 2007. League by Fiorentina on Thursday and now deep, their opponents were invited to attack later, but put his header straight at Lloris. As a heading off-target, and when a sight of goal Victory completed a satisfying day for have only Champions League qualification to them. Christian Eriksen gave Chelsea an early light rain began to descend, Chelsea contin- opened up for Kane at the other end, Terry Premier League leaders Chelsea, who saw play for. fright by thudding a free-kick against the bar ued their assault on Spurs’ goal in the second threw himself in the way with a trademark closest rivals Manchester City beaten by While Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino after Kane had been fouled by Cesc Fabregas, half and after Lloris had parried an acrobatic block.—AFP

EPL results/standings Coutinho stunner clip City’s wings

Arsenal 2 (Giroud 39, Rosicky 89) Everton 0; Liverpool 2 (Henderson 11, Coutinho 75) Manchester City 1 (Dzeko 25). and was then involved in a well-worked move, from the left and arcing a glorious shot over Hart Played Saturday: finding Lallana, who back-heeled to Sterling, only to claim his fifth goal of the campaign, a week Burnley 0 Swansea 1 (Trippier 64-og); Manchester United 2 (Rooney 66-pen, 84) Sunderland 0; Liverpool 2 for the England forward to lose his footing at the after netting in similar fashion at Southampton. Newcastle 1 (Cisse 37) Aston Villa 0; Stoke 1 (Crouch 71) Hull 0; West Brom 1 (Berahino 2) Southampton crucial moment. The break-neck pace continued Both sides brought on attacking players-Daniel 0; West Ham 1 (Valencia 76) Crystal Palace 3 (Murray 41, 63, Dann 51). in the second half, with Aguero heading agonis- Sturridge for the hosts and Wilfried Bony for City- ingly just over for the visitors from Pablo and it was the visitors who nearly levelled when a English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Man City 1 Zabaleta’s cross. delightful piece of skill from Aguero resulted in Then Sterling’s scrambled shot flew fractional- him shooting just wide. Chelsea 26 18 6 2 56 22 60 Newcastle 27 9 8 10 32 42 35 ly wide after Lallana appeared to have laid a goal City’s attacking allowed Liverpool to play on Man City 27 16 7 4 57 27 55 Crystal Palace 27 7 9 11 31 38 30 on a plate for him. The game finally settled down the counter-attack and Coutinho saw a deflected Arsenal 27 15 6 6 51 29 51 West Brom 27 7 9 11 25 34 30 LIVERPOOL: Philippe Coutinho scored a sensa- Man Utd 271485462650 Everton 27 6 10 11 33 39 28 tional winning goal as Liverpool beat Manchester midway through the second half and it appeared effort go just over from Sterling’s pass. Liverpool 27 14 6 7 40 30 48 Hull 27 6 8 13 25 36 26 City 2-1 yesterday to close on the Premier League both sides were finally showing the effects of Then Sturridge missed an even better chance Southampton 27 14 4 9 38 20 46 Sunderland 27 4 13 10 22 38 25 top four and dent their opponents’ title defence. their mid-week European defeats-City against to put the game beyond doubt as he sidefooted Tottenham 26 13 5 8 41 36 44 QPR 26 6 4 16 27 45 22 Barcelona, Liverpool at Besiktas. wide after being played in by Henderson, who Swansea 27 11 7 9 31 34 40 Burnley 27 4 10 13 25 45 22 The Brazilian produced a tremendous finish West Ham 27 10 9 8 39 33 39 Aston Villa 27 5 7 15 13 37 22 from 25 yards at Anfield to settle a game of Lallana was unable to hit the target with an had won the ball off Yaya Toure. Stoke 27 11 6 10 31 34 39 Leicester 26 4 6 16 24 42 18 immense quality after City striker Edin Dzeko had acrobatic shot from a Markovic cross, but the But the missed chance did not matter as cancelled out an equally spectacular opener hosts started to look the most likely to get the Liverpool held on without too many alarms to from Jordan Henderson. third goal of the game. And it was Coutinho who ensure a potentially pivotal result in both their It was a victory that moved Liverpool up to provided the decisive moment, cutting infield own and City’s seasons.—AFP Arsenal back to third spot fifth place in the table and cast serious doubt league games. The defeat to Monaco had over whether reigning champions City can now prompted a now familiar bout of soul-search- offer Chelsea a realistic challenge for top spot. Arsenal 2 ing at the Emirates Stadium with Wenger’s Manuel Pellegrini’s side are now five points own position once again placed under scruti- behind the leaders having played a game more ny. The manager had identified his side’s than the Londoners, who did not feature in defending as the weak spot during the 3-1 league action this weekend due to their League Everton 0 defeat and responded by dropping Per Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur. Mertesacker following the Germany interna- This was an entertaining contest from the first tional’s mistake-laden display against the whistle, with the hosts going close when Adam French side with Gabriel Paulista coming in Lallana ran onto Coutinho’s through-ball but LONDON: Olivier Giroud made amends for for a first Premier League start. could only shoot straight at Joe Hart. his midweek nightmare against Monaco to And they weren’t helped by Giroud’s dis- Liverpool took the lead with their next attack set up Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton at play, a performance that prompted the striker in the 11th minute as Henderson received the Emirates Stadium that moved Arsene to admit he had been left embarrassed by his Raheem Sterling’s pass before curling a fine shot Wenger’s side back up to third in the Premier display. A painful week meant that Arsenal from outside the box into the top-right corner. League yesterday. came into this game with their confidence in City looked to respond immediately, with Giroud was guilty of missing a succession question, despite having won five of the last David Silva’s pass splitting the home defence and of chances in the 3-1 Champions League six Premier League games and all nine of their Sergio Aguero’s shot coming back off the post. It defeat but showed he had put the experience home fixtures prior to the visit of Monaco. was an open contest and Liverpool responded to behind him when he volleyed his side’s 31st By contrast, Everton arrived in north City’s chance through Coutinho, who fired over on the break, while Alberto Moreno’s energetic minute opening goal with Tomas Rosicky London on the back of a much-needed Europa League victory against Young Boys run resulted in a wayward shot. wrapping up the win in the 88th minute. City drew level on 26 minutes with a goal that Victory was hard-fought but provided the that meant they are the Premier League’s sole survivors in European football’s second com- owed a lot to Aguero’s trickery on the edge of the ideal response after Liverpool had increased area as he found the unmarked Dzeko, who pro- petition. And with Romelu Lukaku having the pressure on the Gunners in the battle for duced a composed finish beyond Simon scored twice against the Swiss side to take his a top four finish by beating Manchester City Mignolet from 10 yards out. tally to eight goals in his last eight appear- immediately before this game. For Everton Dzeko could have had a second soon after- ances, the Merseysiders had every reason to this was the latest disappointment in an wards, but his drive from the edge of the area believe they could unsettle the home side, increasingly troubled Premier League cam- went just over, while at the other end Lallana paign. Roberto Martinez’s side paid the price despite their erratic form. Certainly they set- fired narrowly wide after a chipped pass from for failing to make more of their long periods tled into the game more quickly with Lukaku Lazar Markovic. LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren (left) fights for the ball against Manchester City’s Sergio of territorial dominance and have now man- demonstrating his current confidence with a Coutinho worked Hart again from 20 yards Aguero during the English Premier League soccer match. —AP aged to win just one of their last eleven powerful early run and shot. —AFP

KSE March performance hingeson CMA rules, earnings reports Page 22 Business Russian supermarkets freeze food prices MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Page 23 Infiniti Al-Babtain sweeps automotive Lexus Design Award 2015 finalists announced market Page 26 Page 25

NEW DELHI: An Indian child looks on as he uses a makeshift raft to cross the Yamuna River in New Delhi on Saturday. India’s finance minister pledged major investment in infrastructure, saying it was time for the economy to “fly”, as he unveiled the new right-wing government’s first full budget. — AFP India’s budget shuns big-bang reforms Budget pro-poor, but lacks policies to reshape economy: Experts

NEW DELHI: The Indian government’s budget was praised economy. unlikely”. Janata Party (BJP) last month suffered a drubbing in Delhi yesterday as balancing the need to boost business and to “Given Modi’s historic mandate last year, many people Jaitley on Saturday attempted to deflect criticism of the state elections, its first major defeat at the polls since it help the poor, but some experts were disappointed at a lack had hoped that this budget would signal a sharp and visible pace and scale of reform, after months of pledges to fire up stormed to power. Despite new figures showing the econo- of big-bang reforms to Asia’s third largest economy. departure from business as usual,” Sadanand Dhume, India the manufacturing sector and improve the ease of doing my is growing faster than previously thought, critics say Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced an $11.3-billion expert at Washington-based think-tank the America business to attract foreign investment. “People who urge us many ordinary Indians have yet to feel the benefit and are increase in spending on crumbling roads, rail and other Enterprise Institute, told AFP. to undertake ‘big-bang’ reforms also say that the Indian tired of waiting for change. infrastructure and cut the corporate tax rate on Saturday, “Measured by that yardstick, it is indeed a bit of a disap- economy is a supergiant which moves surely but slowly,” India’s media on Sunday mostly praised the budget for when he unveiled the right-wing government’s first full pointment,” he added. Some economists had been hoping Jaitley told parliament. forging ahead with efforts to boost growth, while holding budget. Jaitley also rolled out new pension, insurance and Jaitley would slash the more than $35-billion annual subsidy Political researcher Manoj Joshi said the government was back on reforms in favour of helping the poor. social security programs for tens of millions of desperately bill championed by the previous left-leaning government. mindful of the need to balance reform with helping the two- “Jaitley lights growth fuse,” a front-page headline read in poor, along with tougher penalties for wealthy people who Critics say the program is inefficient and too expensive. thirds of Indians still living on less than $2 a day. the Hindustan Times. An editorial in left-leaning The Hindu stash their cash overseas to avoid paying tax. Others were anticipating a start to the privatization of “The point is that the BJP is a political party and is making described the budget as “an imaginative and deft balance”. But some analysts were concerned that Prime Minister inefficient state-run banks and companies. Alok Churiwala, a budget in a country where there are many poor voters,” “Mr Jaitley has deftly reconciled the interests of business and Narendra Modi did not use the budget to radically reshape head of Churiwala Securities in Mumbai, said reform expec- Joshi, from the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, the markets on one hand and that of masses .. on the other...” economic policies after his party swept to power in a gener- tations had been sky high, but “we all knew in our hearts told AFP. “They have tried to balance the issue of setting the the newspaper said. “It Isn’t Big, But It’s Full of Bang,” said The al election last May, pledging to reform the then-faltering that in a big democracy like ours (such) moves are most stage for growth along with social equity.” Modi’s Bharatiya Economic Times. — AFP Markets mixed, Egypt German FM concedes falls after poll setback Greece ‘needs time’ MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS BERLIN: German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble its commitments. Only then will it receive the promised aid said yesterday Greece’s new hard-left government needs “a payments.” DUBAI: Gulf stock markets were mixed yesterday as trading 2.6 percent last week. Index compilers MSCI and FTSE have bit of time” but is committed to implementing necessary Asked about repeated comments from the new Greek volumes remained low, while Egypt fell after a court ruling increased the stock’s weighting in their benchmarks, and reforms to resolve its debt crisis. “The new Greek govern- government against austerity measures and for a debt that was likely to delay the parliamentary election previous- passive funds apparently adjusted their allocations accord- ment has strong public support,” Schaeuble said in an haircut, Schaeuble said that “contracts are more important ly scheduled to begin this month. Saudi Arabia’s main index ingly at the end of last week. interview with German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. than statements”. climbed 0.4 percent after oil prices rose on Friday and post- Logistics firm Aramex fell 2.1 percent ahead of a board “I am confident that it will put in place the necessary Spanish PM hits back at Tsipras ed their first monthly rise since June, although the king- meeting scheduled for Tuesday that will discuss 2014 divi- measures, set up a more efficient tax system and in the end Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy yesterday called dom’s petrochemicals sector gained just 0.1 percent yester- dends. The company has said it would benefit from cheaper honor its commitments. “You have to give a little bit of time on his Greek counterpart to get “serious” about his coun- day. fuel but oil’s recent rebound may limit those gains. Abu to a newly elected government,” he told the Sunday paper. try’s debt-wracked economy, after Alexis Tsipras accused Al-Tayyar Travel Group was one of the main supports, Dhabi inched up 0.1 percent as telecommunications firm “To govern is to face reality.” other euro-zone partners of undermining its negotiations jumping 2.8 percent after the Saudi Gazette newspaper Etisalat climbed 1.2 percent, extending gains since it posted Schaeuble also insisted that his Greek counterpart Yanis with Brussels. Rajoy was reacting to comments by Tsipras reported it had bought a five-star hotel next to the Grand fourth-quarter results last week. Egypt’s stock market Varoufakis, despite their policy differences, had “behaved on Saturday, who said that during talks that landed Greece Mosque in Makkah for 1.5 billion riyals ($400 million). The edged down 0.5 percent as the country’s main election most properly with me” and had “the right to as much a four-month extension to its bailout, pressure from certain bourse regulator has demanded a detailed explanation of committee said it was working on a new timetable for a respect as everyone else”. It was a marked change in tone other European countries “had the character of blackmail”- why Mobily revised its 2014 earnings to a loss last week, long-awaited parliamentary poll after a court ruled that an for the strait-laced Schaeuble, who has repeatedly pointing especially to Spain and Portugal. having previously announced a profit. article in a law defining voting districts was unconstitution- exchanged barbs with Varoufakis, his virtual opposite in “Conservative forces (in Europe) tried to set a trap for us, On Thursday, the Capital Market Authority said it had al. both style and politics, since January’s watershed Greek to drive us into financial asphyxia,” the 40-year-old Greek assigned a specialized team to review Mobily’s financial Setting a new timetable looks set to delay the vote, elections brought in an anti-austerity government. premier had said. Speaking Sunday to a meeting of his statements, conduct site visits, obtain documents and hear which was due to start in just three weeks and is the final Schaeuble last week sternly warned that Greece would conservative party, Rajoy fired back in the first out-in-the- concerned parties’ statements, indicating the probe could step in a political roadmap which the army announced in not receive “a single euro” until it meets the pledges of its open clash between Tsipras and another European leader. be lengthy. July 2013. Investors and analysts do not think a delay would existing 240 billion euro ($270 billion) bailout program. But “We are not responsible for the frustration created by Meanwhile, leading operator Saudi Telecom edged up be a major setback to Egypt’s hopes for political stability, but he put his weight behind a four-month extension, to the the radical Greek left, which promised the Greek people 0.3 percent. it would add some unwelcome uncertainty for a period. end of June, approved overwhelmingly by the German par- things it knew it couldn’t hold to,” Rajoy said. However, most property stocks rose after the Daily News liament on Friday after a complex compromise reached He noted that Tsipras’s hard-left Syriza party had tried to UAE, EGYPT Egypt newspaper reported that National Bank of Egypt between euro-zone finance ministers and Athens. put the blame for Greece’s problems on Spain and neigh- Dubai’s index fell 1.0 percent as builder Arabtec Holding, would extend loans for 640 housing units under the central In exchange, Greece has pledged to implement reforms boring Portugal. “Looking for an external enemy is a way the most traded stock, dropped 3.2 percent after gaining bank’s programme for affordable housing. — Reuters and savings. Schaeuble reiterated the ground rules for the we’ve already seen many times in history... That doesn’t aid program extension, stressing that “Greece must meet solve problems, it aggravates them,” Rajoy said. — AFP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 BUSINESS

News KSE March performance hinges in brief US dollar up against on CMA rules, earnings reports Kuwaiti dinar at 0.296

KUWAIT: The US dollar exchange rate against the Kuwaiti Bourse still lacks technical incentives: Experts dinar yesterday was up at KD 0.296, while the euro dropped to KD 0.331 compared to last Tuesday’s rates, said the daily bulletin of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). The KUWAIT: Announcing more 2014 results by listed compa- suspended by the end of the month after they have According to Al-Tarrah, rumors over the suspension of sterling pound exchange rate was up to KD 0.457, the nies and discussions of amendments to the Capital Markets reached a critical point. certain shares will take toll on the overall pace of transac- Swiss franc dropped to KD 0.310, while the Japanese yen Authority of Kuwait (CMAK) law are expected to determine Four have already entered the hazardous zone, with a tions in March. He said speculators will do their best to remained unchanged at KD 0.002. the course of transactions at the Kuwait Stock Exchange face value of less than 30 fils. Shares of other 35 companies tempt small investors into buying certain shares. Financial (KSE) in March, according to experts. have a face value of less than 100 fils. analyst, Nayef Al Enezi expected that in March financial In separate interviews with KUNA, market experts Thus, 39 companies are much expected to face hard- portfolios will seek to realize a good end to the first quar- Iraq oil exports rise to shared their view that the Stock Exchange still suffers from ships through the month, forming about 20 percent of the ter, in comparison with the corresponding period last year, 2.597m bpd in February lack of technical incentives, absence of stock makers and listed ones, Al-Shakhs noted. The market is also awaiting as fluctuation are likely to carry on amid fears that certain BAGHDAD: Iraq’s oil exports rose in February to an speculations in addition to delay by some key investor for the discussions of amendments to Law 7/2010 on companies will be suspended. average 2.597 million barrels per day (bpd) from 2.535 groups to play due role. The overall pace of KSE March establishing the CMAK, which will hopefully help enhance This all will lead liquidity down to low levels, he million bpd in the previous month, the oil ministry said transactions is usually characterized by sensitivity, as the transparency for all investors, he said. explained. KSE ended the first March session on Sunday in in a statement yesterday. Exports from Iraq’s southern end of the month is the last date for the listed companies For his part, chairman of the Kuwaiti Traders Society, the red zone as the price index lost 19.67 points, recording terminals reached 2.293 million bpd, while exports to disclose their 2014 final statements, Maitham Al-Shakhs, Mohammad Al-Tarrah, said that through March sessions, 6,581.76 points, the weighted index dropped by 5.28 from the north via the Kurdistan pipeline were 304,000 Director General of Al-Arabi Financial Brokerage Co told the market will try to “catch breath” after “a marathon of points, reaching 452.45 points, and the KSX 15 shed 17.05 bpd in February, the ministry said. Export volumes KUNA. Al-Shakhs expected that some companies will be disparities” in February. points settling at 1,099.81. — KUNA from the south were hit by bad weather which delayed shipments for several days, the statement said. But the slight fall in southern exports was offset by a doubling of shipments through the north. February shipments generated $3.449 billion in revenue. Iraq sold its crude for $47.43 per barrel.

Aramco’s senior VP Buainain steps down KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco’s senior vice presi- dent for technical services Khalid Al-Buainain has left the company, industry sources said. Ahmad Al-Saadi will take over Buainain’s role in the company as acting head for technical services until the end of August this year. Buainain took early retirement for personal reasons and his departure will take effect on Sunday. He joined Aramco in 1980 and has held several senior positions. A company spokesperson declined to comment. In addition to his role as senior vice president for technical services, he was also chairman of PetroRabigh, a joint venture between Aramco and Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical. PetroRabigh said in a statement on Wednesday it had appointed Abdulaziz Al- Judaimi as chaiman of the company following the resigna- tion of Buainain.

Libya’s oil production more than 400,000 bpd TRIPOLI: Libya’s oil production is now at more than 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), an official from the National Oil Corporation said yesterday. Libya’s crude output has been battered by fighting between two rival governments battling for control of the North African country. Production is well below the 1.6 mil- lion bpd levels before the 2011 civil war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi. DONETSK: A damaged Ukrainian army tank is immobilized in a wrecked petrol station outside the eastern Ukrainian city of Debaltseve in Donetsk region on Saturday. The price of petrol has doubled in the past two weeks as the Ukrainian currency has taken a plunge. — AFP Gulf Capital sees 4-6 Qatar’s Mannai working on acquisitions in 2015 2 foreign acquisitions: CEO ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi-based private to 12 companies. Solh said his company equity firm Gulf Capital may complete had no current plans to conduct an initial DUBAI: Qatari investment firm Mannai could enhance their business model and grow LIQUIDITY between four and six acquisitions this year, public offer of its shares. Corporation is working on two acquisitions as it further.” He declined to identify targets but Since May, Mannai has been trying to boost its chief executive said yesterday, as con- “We realized with liquidity being plenty, part of a drive to expand the proportion of its said Mannai was looking outside the Middle trading in its shares through a market-making sumer-driven sectors in the Gulf’s economy banks lending at very attractive rates, it was revenue from international sources to 80 per- East in areas excluding real estate, construc- mechanism provided by local trading firm The are expected to grow despite lower oil much more optimal for us to fund us using cent, its chief executive told Reuters. Foreign tion, fast-moving consumer goods and marine Group which, Grewal says, is the first of its kind prices. “We’re looking aggressively on any- the debt markets.” In February, Gulf Capital investment from the Gulf state is normally sectors. in Qatar. The result has been to move it away thing consumer-related,” Karim El Solh told said it had sealed an 850 million dirham associated with multi-billion-dollar deals by Mannai has spent around $1 billion on from being one of the most illiquid stocks on reporters on the sidelines of a business syndicated loan facility to help fund its the Qatar Investment Authority sovereign acquisitions in recent years, including to fully the 43-member exchange. On Feb. 24 2014, it conference in Abu Dhabi. “I think we expect investments. wealth fund, which has bought stakes in top acquire jewellery firm Damas and take a 35 didn’t trade at all, but on the same day in 2015, to do, between private equity and credit, Last July, people familiar with the matter European companies and luxury brands such percent stake in retailer Axiom Telecom, which the most recent data, it was the 19th most- around four to six transactions this year.” told Reuters that Gulf Capital was consider- as Harrods. left the split around equal between revenue traded stock by volume. The private equity house is considering ing an IPO to obtain more capital and However, private-sector funds are also look- generated inside and outside Qatar, Grewal “It was very disappointing in the past as investments in healthcare, retail, food and expand its activities in the region. One said ing to buy overseas, with Mannai eyeing said. The firm announced on Feb. 24 an 18 per- we declared every year fantastic results and education, Solh said. “These sectors are a listing was likely to occur on the Abu majority stakes in businesses with an overall cent increase in 2014 net profit to 526 million our share price didn’t move one cent,” said growing very nicely and aren’t affected by Dhabi Securities Exchange. However, as oil value of between $400 million and $600 mil- riyals ($144.5 million), with return on equity of Grewal, CEO for six-and-a-half years. Mannai’s lower oil prices.” prices slid at the end of 2014, dragging lion. “Our thing is not to go for trophy assets 24.3 percent. Grewal said it was hunting for shares are near-85 percent held by three Solh also said there were potential deals regional stock markets down with it, many but to find sustainable, profitable, growth-gen- jewelry firms in Hong Kong and Singapore ear- shareholders, the largest being Qatar at lower valuations in the energy sector, companies that were said to be planning erating businesses,” chief executive Alekh lier this year without success and was now Investment & Projects Development Holding while infrastructure and logistics were listings changed their minds; the head of Grewal said in an interview. turning its attention to the United States, with 53.7 percent. While he doesn’t foresee interesting sectors. The firm, which man- the Abu Dhabi bourse said there had been “We’re looking for businesses which not which accounted for 50 percent of the world’s any divesting their stakes, Grewal believes ages 12 billion dirhams ($3.3 billion) across many postponements. Solh said that if only provide us with a consistent level of net retail diamond sales and was benefiting from improved liquidity will set the firm on the private equity, credit and real estate seg- excitement and interest in equity markets income, but something that if we come into it, strong economic growth; albeit with a highly- path to eventual inclusion in the MSCI ments, last year launched its third private picked up again, the firm would consider whether they need capital or management, we local jewelry sector. Emerging Markets index. — Reuters equity fund of $750 million to invest in 10 an IPO. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Malaysian Ringgit 83.040 South African Rand 0.019814 0.028314 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.790 Thai Bhat 10.170 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001853 0.002433 Turkish Lira 118.955 Taiwan 0.009334 0.009514 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Thai Baht 0.008829 0.009379 Japanese Yen 2.487 Australian Dollar 227.72 Canadian Dollar 243.15 Indian Rupees 4.817 Arab Pakistani Rupees 2.915 Swiss Franc 322.91 Bahrain Exchange Company Euro 341.15 Bahraini Dinar 0.781869 0.789868 Srilankan Rupees 2.226 Egyptian Pound 0.037678 0.040778 Nepali Rupees 3.010 US Dollar 296.50 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Sterling Pound 458.91 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Singapore Dollar 219.740 Europe Japanese Yen 2.53 Iraqi Dinar 0.000187 0.000247 Hongkong Dollar 38.320 Belgian Franc 0.007746 0.008746 Bangladesh Taka 3.818 Bangladesh Taka 3.811 Jordanian Dinar 0.415141 0.422641 Indian Rupee 4.766 British Pound 0.452686 0.461686 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Philippine Peso 6.755 Czech Korune 0.004164 0.016164 Thai Baht 9.195 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.221 Lebanese Pound 0.000148 0.000248 Danish Krone 0.040673 0.045673 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Nepali Rupee 2.980 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022080 0.046080 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Pakistani Rupee 2.930 Euro 0.328118 0.336118 Nigerian Naira 0.001215 0.001850 UAE Dirhams 80.57 Norwegian Krone 0.034950 0.040150 Omani Riyal 0.765930 0.771610 GCC COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 786.95 Romanian Leu 0.085250 0.085250 Qatar Riyal 0.080922 0.082135 Saudi Riyal 79.306 Egyptian Pound 38.76 Slovakia 0.008765 0.018765 Saudi Riyal 0.078617 0.079317 Qatari Riyal 81.682 Jordanian Dinar 421.29 Swedish Krona 0.031712 0.036712 Syrian Pound 0.001258 0.001478 Omani Riyal 772.550 Omani Riyal 768.93 Swiss Franc 0.306764 0.316964 Tunisian Dinar 0.149427 0.157427 Bahraini Dinar 789.690 Qatari Riyal 81.65 Turkish Lira 0.119018 0.126018 Turkish Lira 0.119016 0.126016 Saudi Riyal 78.98 UAE Dirham 80.970 UAE Dirhams 0.079935 0.081084 Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001342 0.001422 ARAB COUNTRIES Australian Dollar 0.224308 0.235808 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.250 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd New Zealand Dollar 0.219044 0.228544 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.877 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.388 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Tunisian Dinar 154.190 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 297.150 Canadian Dollar 0.232866 0.241366 Jordanian Dinar 419.240 Canadian Dollar 239.785 US Dollars 0.293600 0.297800 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.995 Sterling Pound 460.055 US Dollars Mint 0.293600 0.297800 CurrencyTransfer Rate (Per 1000) Syrian Lira 2.119 Euro 363.025 Morocco Dirham 31.617 US Dollar 295.600 Swiss Frank 283.805 Asia Euro 334.700 Bahrain Dinar 790.425 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 0.003518 0.004118 Pound Sterlng 450.800 UAE Dirhams 81.280 US Dollar Transfer 297.200 Chinese Yuan 0.046092 0.049592 Canadian Dollar 236.700 Qatari Riyals 82.445 Euro 335.110 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036233 0.038983 Saudi Riyals 79.430 Indian Rupee 4.765 Sterling Pound 461.550 Indian Rupee 0.004533 0.004934 Jordanian Dinar 419.420 Egyptian Pound 38.710 Canadian dollar 239.390 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Egyptian Pound 38.868 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.219 Turkish lira 118.380 Japanese Yen 0.002410 0.002590 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.227 Bangladesh Taka 3.796 Swiss Franc 315.160 Indian Rupees 4.802 Kenyan Shilling 0.003294 0.003294 Australian Dollar 235.090 Philippines Peso 6.685 Pakistani Rupees 2.916 Korean Won 0.000260 0.000275 US Dollar Buying 296.000 Malaysian Ringgit 0.079053 0.085053 Pakistan Rupee 2.925 Bangladesh Taka 3.818 Bahraini Dinar 787.100 Philippines Pesso 6.735 Nepalese Rupee 0.003001 0.003171 GOLD UAE Dirham 80.450 Cyprus pound 729.380 Pakistan Rupee 0.002705 0.002985 20 gram 238.100 Japanese Yen 3.480 Philippine Peso 0.006605 0.006885 Saudi Riyal 79.000 10 gram 121.740 Syrian Pound 2.570 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 5 gram 61.560 Nepalese Rupees 4.000 Singapore Dollar 0.215175 0.221175 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015

New 2015 Ford Expedition ready to take on Mideast’s full-size SUV segment DUBAI: Ford dealers across the region are the previous model. Paired with a 6-speed gearing up to launch the 2015 model of automatic transmission, the new engine Ford Expedition, one of the brand’s best- will deliver an impressive 365HP and best- selling SUVs in the Middle East. The new in-class 420lbs.-ft. of torque. model, already arriving in Ford dealerships Expedition, which debuted in 1996, is across the region, is the most powerful, Ford’s largest utility vehicle, and is able to fuel-efficient Ford Expedition ever, with a seat eight adults comfortably, with best-in- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delvers class 3rd row legroom. The standard 2015 365HP and best-in-class torque of 420lbs.- Expedition has three rows of seats and up ft., and more technology than ever. to 108.3 cubic feet of cargo space. It sits on “We are thrilled to bring the newly- a 119-inch wheelbase, making it a little refreshed Expedition to our customers, more than 6 inches longer than Ford and we believe it will make its mark in the Explorer. A longer-wheelbase version - 131 full-size SUV segment thanks to its impres- inches - has three rows of seats and best- sive capabilities, lineup of technologies, in-class maximum cargo space of 130.8 and of course comfort,” said Kalyana cubic feet. Sivagnanam, Marketing, Sales and Service The 2015 Expedition will continue to director for Ford Middle East & North feature an independent rear suspension to Africa. “Customers in the Middle East deliver a more confident ride and great appreciate the capabilities of a traditional handling characteristics. The suspension full-size utility vehicle - they want space, also allows a more convenient fold-flat performance, comfort and capability all in third-row bench seat and low load-floor one impressive package, and the new 2015 height. Expedition has a myriad of stan- Expedition delivers just that,” he added. dard safety features aimed at protecting “We are confident the new Expedition will drivers and occupants, as well as driver- hit it right with our customers from the assist features that are new to the vehicle. first test-drive, as they experience for Standard safety features include MIAMI: A construction worker stands on an outside balcony at Brickell City Centre, a $1.05 billion mixed-use development is located in Miami’s themselves the outstanding power and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, financial district. The Commerce Department issued its second of three estimates of how fast the US economy grew in the October-December performance this full-size SUV offers.” Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags, SOS quarter on Friday.— AP The 2015 Expedition also comes with a Post-Crash Alert System, tire pressure refreshed new look inside out and a qui- monitoring system and traction control - eter cabin with more technology than pre- all part of the features that helped the Russian supermarkets freeze vious-generation vehicles. It will be the lat- 2015 Ford Expedition earna five-star est Ford nameplate to offer a high-end Overall Vehicle Score in the National Platinum series. Highway Traffic Safety Administration New The new Expedition features some of Car Assessment Program, the US govern- food prices to help consumers the latest Ford technologies, including ment’s highest possible overall rating. available SYNC with MyFord Touch, passive “Ford is building on a successful tradi- entry with push-button start and Blind tion of Expedition capability and quality Inflation skyrockets on plunging ruble, sanctions Spot Information System(r) with cross-traf- with significant improvements in design, fic alert. The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 performance, efficiency and technology to engine, using direct injection and twin tur- bring customers a full-size utility they want MOSCOW: Lots of things freeze in Russia’s bitter- bochargers, provides more power, efficien- to get into when hitting the open road,” ly cold winters, but not usually food prices, yet cy and performance than the 5.4-liter V8 in concluded Sivagnanam. that is exactly what top supermarket chains are doing to protect the poor from galloping infla- tion. The plunging ruble and a Russian embargo on European Union and US food products in ret- ribution over Ukraine sanctions has resulted in prices for many goods skyrocketing. The ACORT trade association, which includes major supermarket chains such as Magnit, X5, Auchan, Lenta and Metro, announced last week that it was freezing prices “on more than 20 socially important items of basic necessity for two months”. The supermarkets said they hope to “con- tribute to a stabilization of the situation on the food markets in the interest of consumers” and called on suppliers to help in the effort. Freezing prices may also be in the interests of the supermarkets although it will eat into their profits, analysts say, as it may help them escape worse measures from the government. The list of products covered has not been announced, but the newspaper Vedomosti reported that it will include meat, fish, milk, sug- China CB steps up easing ar, salt, potatoes, cabbage and apples. MOSCOW: A customer pushing a shopping cart in an Auchan Hypermarket in Moscow. The sign reads: Auchan. Lots of things freeze in Russia’s bitter cold winters, but not usually food prices, as factory activity shrinks Hair-raising price rises yet that is exactly what top supermarket chains are doing to protect the poor from galloping According to official statistics, food prices rose inflation. — AFP SHANGHAI: Weakness in China’s vast man- growth as it shifts away from investment- by 15 percent in 2014 and increases have acceler- ufacturing sector, aggravated by high real intensive export manufacturing toward ated since the start of the year. With it taking a series of highly-publicized inspections to said Bunina, “but they are fixing them at today’s borrowing costs and weak demand, services, that transition remains a work in nearly twice as many rubles to buy a dollar, prices ensure shops and market traders are not price- prices and not the previous ones, when a litre of appears to have driven the central bank to progress and the factory sector is still a for imported goods have soared. “I see how gouging. Spectacular cases of a 163 percent milk is costing me 60 rubles instead of 30.” accelerate the pace of monetary easing to major employer and consumer in its own much prices are rising every day and sometimes jump in cabbage prices, the cost of cucumbers Alfa Bank estimated that a price freeze could ward off deflation in the world’s second- right. Although China’s official purchasing it makes my hair stand on end,” said Maria rocketing 478 percent and tomatoes 338 percent cover about a third of the average shopping bas- largest economy. Cuts to benchmark lend- managers index (PMI) remained below the Bunina, a 62-year-old Moscow pensioner. were uncovered. ket and so reduce inflation by half a percentage ing and deposit rates, announced by the 50-level that separates expansion from “I usually fill up a trolley,” she said. “A year ago point. VTB Capital expects food price inflation to People’s Bank of China (PBOC) on Saturday contraction in February, at 49.9 it had that cost 1,200 rubles ($19.50) and today it costs ‘Lesser evil’ hit nearly 22 percent in the first quarter and aver- evening, pre-empted official data released rebounded slightly from January’s reading 2,500 rubles.” The same goes for medicines, most Faced with the prospect of greater crack- age 18 percent in 2015, with the share of food in yesterday that showed a second consecu- and also beat more pessimistic forecasts. A of which are imported. Prices have jumped by as downs, inflation-linked losses from freezing household spending to increase to 55 percent tive month of shrinking manufacturing preview of the data was not enough, how- much as third. A group that unites more than 730 prices on some basic necessities may be the this year. Higher prices and the lower purchasing activity for February. ever, to dissuade the PBOC from making its pharmacies has said they will join the initiative “lesser evil”, according to economists at Alfa power of Russians may lead to a drop in overall While economists had been predicting second interest rate cut since a surprise by freezing prices on vital medicines for chronic Bank. They called the initiative “an attempt to retail sales by eight percent, according to Alfa further easing to support the struggling reduction in November. illnesses that are common among lower income show a united front in a context of rising pres- Bank. Real wages were down eight percent year- economy, some were surprised that the The central bank, which also just four groups. Food and medicine prices are a sensitive sure from the government to contain inflation”. on-year in January. “Russia’s economy is starting PBOC made its move just days before weeks ago reduced the level of cash banks issue for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Meanwhile, analysts at VTB Capital said they to feel the effects of lower oil prices and China’s national legislature will meet to set must hold as reserves (RRR), did not returned to the Kremlin in 2012 on campaign believe “country-wide price controls are unlikely”. the steep fall in the ruble at the end of last the official economic growth target for address directly why it had chosen to move promises of improving social welfare. With the Nor do they “view retailers’ current proposals to year, with consumers bearing the brunt of the 2015. “This rate cut signals policymakers’ so quickly. ruble having lost nearly half of its value against fix prices for selected (products) as a material economy’s problems,” said economists at willingness to take further action to ease But its statement noted that the goal of the dollar, in large part due to the collapse of the profitability threat,” although they expect mar- London-based Capital Economics. The govern- financing conditions in an effort to main- the cut was to keep “real interest rate levels global price of Russia’s key export earner oil, the gins to be squeezed. ment forecasts the economy will contract by tain stable growth,” wrote Nomura analysts’ suitable for fundamental trends in econom- government is strapped for cash to fund welfare Consumers are also somewhat skeptical. three percent this year, but many economists are in research note that said the cut had come ic growth, prices and employment”. While it programs. Instead, the authorities have turned to “Maybe it isn’t a bad thing they are fixing prices,” more pessimistic. — AFP sooner than predicted. “It also suggests said that the cut did not represent a that growth may have slowed sharper than change in monetary policy, the announce- we expected.” ment did use new phrasing to describe the ECB to unveil details of QE China posted its slowest growth in policy as “neutral and appropriate”. decades in 2014, at 7.4 percent, and Falling inflation, driven by tumbling sources told Reuters in January the govern- commodity prices, has been pushing up program, discuss Greece ment had settled on a target around 7 per- the real cost of borrowing. Globally, around cent this year. While Beijing has signalled it 20 central banks have cut rates since the FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank will the purchases starting in March will first have to zone economy benefits from the cheaper euro, is comfortable with a moderating pace of start of the year. —Reuters unveil the details of the bond purchase program show their effect.” The ECB will also publish falling energy prices and the positive effects of it is embarking on later this month at its next Thursday its latest updated growth and inflation economic reforms, said UniCredit analyst meeting, but is unlikely to announce any new forecasts for the 19 countries that share the Martina von Terzi. By contrast, the 2015 inflation Sri Lanka cancels licenses policy measures, analysts said. Greece is also euro. ECB vice president Vitor Constancio has projection was likely to be slashed once again, likely to be at the top of the agenda, following already signalled that the growth forecasts owing to much lower oil price assumptions, said the recent euro-zone deal to extend aid to the would likely be revised upwards, as the euro- Deka Bank economist Ulrich Kater. —AFP for foreign mining firms debt-wracked country, the ECB watchers said. COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new president has industrialists on Saturday night, the state- The ECB’s decision-making governing council cancelled mining licenses issued by the ment added. Sirisena also told the business will hold its meeting on Thursday in Nicosia, previous government to 16 foreign compa- leaders he had been under pressure to Cyprus, instead of the usual venue of Frankfurt. nies to search for blue sapphires and other make progress on a long-stalled economic But after revealing its plans for so-called quanti- gems, his office said yesterday. cooperation pact with India during his visit tative easing (QE) in January, the meeting will The office of Maithripala Sirisena said to New Delhi in February. focus on fleshing out the details of that pro- permits granted to the unidentified compa- But the president said he had avoided gram, rather than announcing any new meas- nies were being withdrawn immediately to holding talks on the issue with Indian ures, analysts said. “The ECB is unlikely to better protect the local mining industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the inter- announce any new policies as it prepares to “Sixteen foreign companies had been given ests of protecting local businesses, accord- implement the quantitative easing program,” gem mining licenses by the previous ing to the statement. said Jennifer McKeown of Capital Economics. At administration, and the president in an The Comprehensive Economic its first meeting of the year last month, ECB chief effort to protect local miners cancelled Cooperation Agreement has been in the Mario Draghi announced a program to buy 60 those permits without further investiga- works for over a decade. But Colombo has billion euros ($68 billion) of private and public tion,” it said in a statement. been reluctant to allow Indian banks, insur- bonds each month starting in March until at Sri Lanka has a substantial gem and jew- ance companies and other firms to operate, least September 2016 in a bid to ward off defla- elry industry and is known for some of the fearing its smaller services sector would be tion in the euro area. world’s biggest and most expensive pre- swamped. Modi is expected to travel to Sri cious stones. But traditional gem mining is Lanka later this month as part of efforts to ‘Wait and see’ labor-intensive and the industry has resis- deepen ties, partly in order to counter “At the first meeting after its QE decision-and ted attempts to introduce new technology, China’s growing influence in the region. only a few days ahead of the actual start of gov- fearing deeply unpopular job losses. It is Sirisena’s trip to India, his first overseas ernment bond purchases-we believe the ECB unclear if the 16 companies had already visit since coming to power, was aimed at will adopt a wait and see policy,” said been mining on the island or had been mending relations that had been strained Commerzbank economist Michael Schubert. At preparing to set up operations. Sirisena, under Rajapakse. Rajapakse’s government his post-meeting news conference, Draghi “is who ousted Mahinda Rajapakse at presi- had been accused of corruption and mak- likely to stress that the QE program is ‘open-end- dential polls in January, first made the ing concessions to foreign companies in ed’. By doing so, he will keep alive market specu- BRASILIA: Brazil’s Economy Minister Joaquim Levy (left) talks with Secretary of Federal Revenue announcement at a meeting with local return for kickbacks. — AFP lation of further measures,” Schubert said. Jorge Rachid before the start of a press conference to explain a recent increase in taxes and employ- “However, he is also likely to emphasize that ee social security paid by companies, at the economy ministry headquarters in Brasilia. —AP BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Jobs report may test market’s complacency

WALL STREET WEEK AHEAD

NEW YORK: The US stock market has been qui- ranges and send them lower. skepticism regarding the market outlook.” average. changes, investors may just keep following et this week - too quiet. Wall Street has traded About 238,000 jobs are expected to have Recent data has pointed to weakening condi- “I’d have to go outside the stock market things higher, but the high in the Russell in a tight range of late, with both volatility and been added in February, according to the non- tions. Growth slowed more sharply than initially to find areas of value,” said McDonald, who and the low in Russell volatility suggest trading volumes drying up as the earnings sea- farm payroll report that will be released on thought in the fourth quarter, while the oversees $932 billion. “There just aren’t things could really take a hit if anything son winds down and Federal Reserve Chair Friday, down from the 257,000 added in Institute for Supply Management-Chicago individual pockets of the market that you bad happens.” Janet Yellen’s recent Congressional testimony January. Separately, readings on both the man- Business Barometer’s fell to its lowest since July would describe as cheap.” Over the past Some of the market’s biggest recent delivered no surprises. ufacturing and services sectors are on tap, as is 2009. five sessions, an average of about 6.26 bil- gainers could be the most vulnerable to a While markets have held near record levels, a report on factory orders. The S&P 500 has not seen a 10-percent cor- lion shares traded on all US platforms, pullback. The Nasdaq biotech index has there are signs equities have gotten stretched “Economic data will be the biggest driver of rection since mid-2012. Valuation remains a according to BATS exchange data, nearly 8 rallied for three straight weeks, up nearly 7 and could be vulnerable next week, when a market moves over the next month, and the concern. The S&P 500 has a price-to-earnings of percent below the month-to-date average percent over that period. Small-caps could number of key economic indicators come out. If key one is the jobs report,” said Jim McDonald, 17.4, above its historical average of 14.8. On a of 6.8 billion. The S&P moved in its narrow- also be ripe for profit-taking, with the S&P any of those, including the February payroll chief investment strategist at Chicago-based forward P/E basis, most of the S&P’s sectors also est range since Christmas Eve on Friday; it 600 small-cap index up for four straight report, extends a recent trend of disappointing Northern Trust Asset Management. “Right now, look expensive, with financials the only sector is also closing out its narrowest weekly weeks, gaining 6.4 percent over that peri- data, that could shock indexes out of their there continues to be a reasonable amount of with a P/E below the benchmark’s historical range since Thanksgiving this week. od. Nick Sargen, chief economist at Fort Despite the thin trading, the Dow, S&P and Washington Investment Advisors in Russell 2000 all hit record levels this week. Cincinnati, said these sectors were “diffi- The CBOE Volatility index, a measure of cult calls since they’ve had phenomenal investor anxiety, on Friday fell 2 percent to advancements,” though alternatives were 13.61, well under its historical average of hard to come by given the headwind 20. The volatility index for the Russell is large-cap stocks face from a stronger US also well below its historical average, dollar. falling 1.2 percent to 16.06 on Friday. “The market is no longer cheap,” he “The billion-dollar question is, has said. “I’m not worried about a selloff of 20 everyone gotten so complacent that we percent, but I keep waiting for a clear sig- could see things roll over?” said Michael nal that the economy is really accelerating. Matousek, head trader at US Global Until I get that, I have to temper my enthu- Investors in San Antonio. “If nothing siasm.” — Reuters BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015

All winners Infiniti Al-Babtain sweeps automotive market by ranking first: Service Hero 2014 survey Infiniti ranks first in ‘Car Servicing 2014’ and ‘New Car Sales 2014’ categories

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Co, the rect relation to the survey. exclusive agent of Infiniti vehicles in the State of Kuwait, is Mohammad Shalaby, Chief Operation Officer, at Al- proud to announce the acquisition of first place and vari- Babtain Group, expressed; “Achieving these leading posi- ous top positions in the authorized car dealers index tions by Infiniti Al-Babtain in the authorized car dealers according to the customer-driven customer satisfaction indicates the high standard of service provided to our index, Service Hero 2014. clients. The voices of participants on this survey, voting for The survey is open all year long, starting from January Al-Babtain, confirms our persistence to always offer the 1st through to December 31st, and the results of the year- best, and to work hard on preserving our leading position long analysis is then announced. For the year 2014, Infiniti in serving our customers.” Al-Babtain ranked first place in the ‘New Car Sales 2014’ cat- “I’m honored to see our loyal customers express their egory, for the purchase of a new car directly from an satisfaction through the Service Hero survey. This is the authorized car dealers, and ranking first in the “Car reason behind the success of the Infiniti Al-Babtain policy, Servicing 2014” category, After-Sales Service division, in which aims to strengthen its relation with clients. Infiniti addition to, ranking second place “Country Winner 2014”, Al-Babtain became the biggest phenomena in the region as one of the leading brands for overall customer satisfac- due to its successes in the Kuwaiti market,” added Shalaby. tion in the country. Infiniti Al-Babtain ranked first in the after-sales service in This survey is done by “Service Hero” every year, and is the authorized car dealers in 2013, which signifies the con- based on customers’ voting for measuring private sector tinuous success and achievements in the Kuwaiti market. It companies in the State of Kuwait’s performance in terms of also indicates the correct strategy that aims to achieve best customer care services. results and highest customer satisfaction through provid- Infiniti ranked first place in the ‘New Car Sales 2014’ cat- ing luxurious services. egory, in the sales sector of the authorized car dealers sig- Al-Babtain Group was founded in 1948 to present a nifying the overall customers’ satisfaction of the complete model of honesty, integrity and total dedication and to well rounded service provided by Infiniti Al-Babtain. It also gain bright reputation in Kuwait and the Middle East area. strengthens its leading position as an authorized dealer in Today Al-Babtain Group has licensing rights for some of the the State of Kuwait and the Middle East. Country winners world’s leading brands stretching the globe from the USA Alongside, Infiniti Al-Babtain ranked first in the “Car Kuwaiti community. “Service Hero” is partners with the American Customer to the Far East. For more than 60 years Al-Babtain Group Servicing 2014” category, After-Sales Service division for On this occasion, Saleh Al-Babtain, Chief Executive Satisfaction Index, and members of ESOMAR, and are sup- has experienced continued success, and large measure of the second consecutive year. This service is one of the main Officer, at Al-Babtain Group said, “Al-Babtain is always keen ported by an Independent Advisory Council, consisting of this success came from the Group’s advanced flexible man- pillars of the services program provided by Infiniti Al- in providing the best standard of service for its customers, educational institutions and professionals ensuring results agement style and long term vision. These astounding Babtain for its customers, through which it preserves the and continuously aims to meet their satisfaction through which are impartial, objective and which accurately reflect results were achieved due to a versatile strategic formula continuous trust in dealing with the customers and as a offering various promotions alongside of high quality serv- the voice of the customer. focusing on growth amongst its sphere of activities; includ- result gains the complete satisfaction always. ices.” Adding, “We are proud of our achievements which are ing automotive, technology, investment, information, reflected in the awards we have received, a reassurance High standard of service industrial and Finance. Continuous successes and confirmation of the international quality and stan- This year the Independent Advisory Council that super- The automotive sector is the main structure of the Al- To top the evening, Infiniti Al-Babtain ranked second dards of customer care we at Al-Babtain carryout.” vised the Service Hero index is powered by the academic Babtain Group’s business, which owns some of the best- place “Country Winner 2014”, as one of the leading brands The criteria are evaluated by customers according to advisors including the American University in Kuwait selling and demanded brands in Kuwait, in addition to for overall customer satisfaction in the country, according their experience before and after using the product or (AUK), Australian College of Kuwait (ACK), Gulf University heavy equipment’s. to “Service Hero” index, which included all brands and cate- service to see the expectations of the customers and their for Sciences and Technology (GUST), and Maastricht The Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co and Trading gories. So Infiniti Al-Babtain assured its continuous suc- satisfaction. “Service Hero” is the first and only index in University, in addition to professionals from leading institu- and Contracting Company is proud to be the exclusive cesses with obtaining these important awards, which is a Kuwait measuring customers’ satisfaction, and it follows a tions including the Boston Consulting Group, and Noor agent and distributor of many Japanese, Chinese, and motivation to continue in developing its services and pro- strict protocol to ensure the real identity of the customers Investment Company. Noting that, none of the member European vehicles in Kuwait such as Nissan, Renault, motions, to meet the demands of all categories of the who have participated in it. companies in the Advisory Council have any direct or indi- Citroen, Infiniti. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 BUSINESS

Third Lexus Design Award judges and mentors Lexus Design Award 2015 finalists announced

Lexus International has recently announced the finalists for the third Lexus Design Award, an inter- national competition established with the aim of supporting young up-and-coming creators. A panel of world-renowned designers and creators selected 12 finalists on the theme of “Senses” from 1,171 entries drawn from 72 countries. Four of the 12 finalists will get the chance to pro- duce prototypes of their winning designs with assis- tance from world-famous engineer and architect Arthur Huang, game designer Robin Hunicke, archi- tects and designers Neri & Hu, and designer Max Lamb. The resulting four prototypes will be exhibit- ed at this year’s Milan Design Week in April along with panel presentations of the other eight finalist designs. All 12 finalists will have the opportunity to The award has attracted worldwide attention for its present their ideas at the Lexus exhibition booth unique mentoring program to find and encourage from April 13-19. The Lexus Design Award Grand talented individuals from across the globe who can Prix winner will also be selected from among the contribute to society with their creative designs and four prototype finalists during Milan Design Week. ideas” According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief The finalist entries and judging committee com- Representative, Middle East and North Africa ments can be viewed at LexusDesignAward.com. Representative Office, TOYOTA Motor Corporation, Judging committee comments “The finalists for the 2015 award are truly pushing This year’s Lexus Design Award drew a large the boundaries of design just like Lexus is doing number of submissions, and a wide variety of won- with our line-up of vehicles. The theme of senses is derfully original ideas. In keeping with the theme of tial contribution to design innovation. work can contribute to shaping a better future. particularly relevant to Lexus, as the whole experi- “Senses,” many submissions appealed to the five The Lexus Design Award competition is an inter- The world’s largest design exhibition and fea- ence is about senses: from seeing the vehicle senses or emotional, rather than physical, aspects of national design competition launched in 2013 to tures numerous events presented by furniture and styling, to hearing the sound of the finely tuned the human experience. After extensive discussion foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society fashion brands seeking to present their unique engine, and to feeling the luxurious leather seats. the 12 finalist entries were selected for their poten- and to support up-and-coming creators whose vision to the world.

Ooredoo to showcase achievements at Janet Yellen delivers Mobile World Congress a dovish testimony DOHA: Ooredoo will showcase some of its remark- month of receiving its licence. able year of achievements at the upcoming Mobile In Myanmar, Ooredoo launched commercially World Congress, set to take place in March 2015. 2014 with 3G services in a world-first, and saw unprece- NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT was a ground-breaking year for Ooredoo, with more dented demand, reaching its millionth customer in operations across its footprint adopting the new under three weeks from launch. In all, 80 percent of KUWAIT: The US dollar was the main player in last week’s January, other costs rose, supporting the Fed’s view that Greece presented a ‘politically-acceptable’ action plan, cov- brand (which was originally launched at Mobile Ooredoo customers in Myanmar use smartphones - a volatility, as all eyes turn to the Federal Reserve Chair’s testi- inflation will eventually approach its target. The drop in ering its intended economic reforms. However, the plan World Congress 2013), a major focus on data and dig- record for smartphone penetration in an emerging mony and economic indicators from the world’s largest energy prices pulled the consumer price index down by -0.7 abandoned Syriza’s pre-election pledges. The package of ital services, and the company working hard to live up market. economy, while the United States continues to outperform percent, the biggest decline since December 2008. The fig- measures includes taxation and public spending reforms to its vision of enriching people’s lives. Ooredoo was also successful in rolling out the major global economies. The Federal Reserve Chair, Janet ure exceeded the forecasted drop of -0.6 percent. and consolidating pension funds to reduce costs. Euro-area In particular, the company has emerged as a Ooredoo brand in 2014. With the launch of the brand Yellen, testified in front of a congressional committee, finance ministers said that “this list is sufficiently compre- leader in data and digital lifestyle services over the in Kuwait in April and Oman in November 2014, the updating the Fed’s approach towards any changes in the Fed Chair Yellen testifies hensive to be a valid starting point for a successful conclu- past year. Data reached more than 20 percent of total global brand of Ooredoo is now present in seven federal funds rate. Yellen said that she did not want to set The Federal Reserve Chair, Janet Yellen, stated to a con- sion of the review as called for by the Eurogroup at its last Ooredoo revenue in Q3 2014, and revenue from markets: Qatar, Algeria, the Maldives, Tunisia, down “any single criterion” on what it means to be “reason- gressional committee on Tuesday that the Fed is preparing meeting,” adding that Euro area countries “are encouraged mobile content increased by 19 percent in the same Myanmar, Kuwait and Oman. ably confident” that inflation is going to rise back up toward to consider interest rate hikes on a “meeting-by-meeting by the commitment to combat tax evasion and corruption”. period. In all, some 25 percent of Ooredoo customers Ooredoo has taken major strides in business serv- the Fed’s 2 percent target. With Janet Yellen’s leadership, the basis”. Moreover, Yellen struck a dovish tone in indicating are now using mobile content. ices during 2014, generating more than US$1 billion Federal Reserve will now consider interest rate changes on a that it would be a while before the central banks’ Open Prelim CPI m/m Commenting on the progress made over the past revenue from B2B services in 2014, with 9M year-on- “meeting-by-meeting” basis. Market Committee makes a move on interest rates. Janet Consumer prices fell in Germany less than the forecast- year, Dr Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: year growth close to 10 percent. In Iraq, Asiacell has The Euro fell against the US dollar last week, following Yellen stated, “caution would be used as the jobs picture ed 0.5 percent to 0.1 percent. Figures from other European “Ooredoo is a leader in digital services in emerging significantly expanded its B2B sales force and won better than expected data from the United States, which improves but inflation remains muted”. In addition, Yellen countries such as Italy and Spain, all indicate an easing of markets, and we believe that our services are trans- new customers by creating solutions, such as cus- pushed the greenback higher against the single currency. said, “the FOMC’s assessment that it can’t be patient in deflation risks in the euro area as the European Central Bank forming people’s lives. More than a quarter of our cus- tomised Closed User Groups. The Euro opened the week at 1.1381, falling towards by beginning to normalize policy means that the Committee prepares to start the unprecedented quantitative easing tomers now use smartphones, reflecting the transfor- In Indonesia, Indosat is building dedicated chan- midweek to 1.1300, as uncertainties over the Euro-Greek considers it unlikely that economic conditions will warrant program. mation that has taken place in lifestyles in the MENA nels to meet the unique needs of business customers. talks with Greece’s newly elected leaders. The Euro an increase in the target range for the federal funds rate for region and Southeast Asia in recent years. We are For a country that has about 55 million small, medi- recouped slightly to touch 1.1389. On Thursday, the single at least the next couple of FOMC meetings”. Fed Chair Yellen German Ifo business climate going to build on our number one position in mar- um and micro businesses, segmented direct, indirect currency dropped dramatically, as reports from the US added that there is “considerable progress” in some indica- German business confidence rose for a fourth month as kets like Qatar, Algeria and Iraq to bring in the next and retail channel experience is critical to address all showed that the American economy might be closing tors, and that there is “room for further improvement”. On faster economic growth and optimism over the European generation of data services and make these available types of businesses towards its target 2 percent inflation target. The single cur- the other hand, commenting on the labor market, Janet Central Banks’ stimulus outweighed fears of a worsening for everyone.” The Group is set to launch a cloud-based rency fell to break the 1.1200 level, touching a low of 1.1176. Yellen mentioned in her testimony that “too many Greek crisis. The Ifo Institute’s business climate index, based To ensure the best quality of connection and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Platform in 2015, which The euro ended the week at 1.1196. Americans remain unemployed or underemployed, while on a survey of 7,000 executives, rose only slightly to 106.8 mobile surfing speeds for its customers, Ooredoo will enable Ooredoo to reduce the time-to-market The sterling pound endured a solid performance at the the wage growth is still sluggish”. In her written testimony, from 106.7 the previous month, but way below the expect- launched several new network enhancements in when building industry-specific ‘Internet of things’ beginning of the week, as UK Prime Minister David Yellen expressed her view over the jobs market, stating, ed 107.7. German economic growth is accelerating amid 2014, including a state-of-the-art 4G+ network in solutions. Cameron tells Parliament “the problems facing Greece and “provided that labor market conditions continue to lower oil prices and a weaker Euro, as Germany’s Qatar, making Ooredoo’s home country one of a The company is also working with partners to the euro-zone continue to pose a risk to the world economy improve, and further improvement is expected, the Bundesbank plans to increase forecasts for 2015. handful of nations in the world to have the fastest develop a host of so-called “smart services”, including and to our own recovery at home, which is why we have Committee anticipates that it will be appropriate to raise the mobile Internet service available. Ooredoo’s Indosat smart infrastructure, smart entertainment, connected stepped up our euro-zone contingency planning”. The target range for the federal funds rate”. Janet Yellen added BoE Governor Carney speaks launched Indonesia’s fastest 4G-LTE service in 2014. cars, next generation education, health and work- Prime Minister’s comments pushed the sterling pound on the basis of incoming data, that “the Committee is rea- Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, has stated that Ooredoo also enhanced 4G services in Kuwait, place solutions, and “smart city” municipality services above the 1.5450 level. Cable continued to climb against sonably confident that inflation will move back over the “policy makers can look beyond the inflation slump and Maldives and Oman during the year. management, intelligent transport and smart stadi- the Dollar to touch a high of 1.5552. The pound then fell medium term towards the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent won’t wait too long before acting to return price growth to The company also saw significant success with 3G ums. A number of these solutions will be on display at considerably following inflation data from the US to 1.5400, objective”. target”. The Governor added that the Monetary Policy services, reaching the milestone of 3.5 million 3G cus- the Ooredoo pavilion during Mobile World Congress. closing the week at 1.5438. Committee’s job “is to bring inflation back to the 2 percent tomers in Algeria within the first year of its 3G launch, The Ooredoo Pavilion will be located in Hall 2 at The Japanese yen continues to perform in its volatile Unemployment claims inflation target”, and that the Bank of England “will do so in a and also seeing Asiacell, Ooredoo’s company in Iraq, Mobile World Congress. The event runs from 2-5 manner. The yen opened the week at 119.03, falling below More Americans filed applications for unemployment reasonable horizon, and that horizon, given the nature the offering 3G services in January 2015 within one March 2015. 118.80, and then rising to touch the weeks’ low of 119.84 benefits last week, signaling that the holiday employment shocks hitting the economy at present, should be within the ahead of Janet Yellen’s testimony. The Japanese yen then fell turnover is starting to take effect on the jobs market. Jobless next two years”. Moreover, Carney added that “the impact of to touch a low 118.63, as Yellen delivered a dovish tone in claims rose by 31,000 to 313,000 in the week ending oil and food prices on inflation is temporary”. The Bank of Burgan Bank announces her testimony ahead of a congressional committee. The February 20, higher from a revised rate of 282,000 in the pri- England Governor added that “it is not our intent to expand Japanese yen then range traded towards the end of the or week, a labor department report showed on Wednesday. the BOE’s bond-purchase program,” adding that the banks’ week, to close at 119.63. Applications for jobless benefits were expected to hike to expectations is “to achieve the inflation target in a timely Yawmi account winners 290,000, according to market surveys by economists. fashion would be consistent with modest increases in inter- Consumer price index drops est rates over the forecast horizon”. KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday entitle customers to one chance of winning. If US consumer prices fell over the past year for the first Greek bailout the names of the lucky winners of its Yawmi the account balance is KD 500 and above, the time since 2009 as gasoline prices continued to decline, giv- Greece’s package of proposed economic reforms was Kuwait account draw, each taking home a prize of KD account holder will be qualified for both the ing the Federal Reserve more room to hold off on raising approved by its euro-zone creditors on Tuesday, securing Kuwaiti dinar at 0.29635 5,000. quarterly and daily draws. the benchmark interest rate. While fuel costs dropped since Athens an extension of its bailout for another four months. The USDKD opened at 0.29635 yesterday morning. The lucky winners for the daily draws Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open took home a cash-prize of KD 5,000 each, a Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit and they are: to maximize their chances to becoming a win- Al-Tijari announces winner of mega draw 1. Rana Mohammad Mazen Alzahabi ner. The more customers deposit, the higher 2. Ali Ahmad Mohamad Almorad the chances they receive of winning. 3. Minor/ Mubarak Ali Mubarak Muhna For more information on opening a Yawmi and winners of Najma Account daily draw To further add to the anticipation of Yawmi account or about the new quarterly draw, cus- account customers, Burgan Bank now offers a tomers are urged to visit their nearest Burgan KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Sukumaran — KD 7000, Heba Alla during the year worth KD 100,000 for each KD 25 a customer can get Quarterly Draw with more chances to win Bank branch and receive all the details, or sim- Kuwait held the Al-Najma Account Abdulrazaq Mohammed — KD each on different occasions: The one chance for winning instead of higher rewards, entitling one lucky customer ply call the bank’s Call Center at 1804080 draw yesterday. The draw was held 7000, Essa Ahmad Al Hosani — KD National Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha KD 50. to win KD 125,000 every three months. The where customer service representatives will under the supervision of the 7000. and on the 19th of June which is the Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes Yawmi Account now offers Daily and quarterly be delighted to assist with any questions on Ministry of Commerce & Industry The Commercial Bank of Kuwait date of the bank’s establishment. this opportunity to congratulate all Draws, the Quarterly Draw requires customers the Yawmi account or any of the bank’s prod- represented by Saquer Al-Manaie. announces the biggest daily draw in With a minimum balance of KD lucky winners and also extends to maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in ucts and services. Customers can also log on The winner of the mega draw: Kuwait with the launch of the new 500, customers will be eligible for appreciation to the Ministry of their account for 2 months prior to draw date. to Burgan Bank’s www.burgan.com for further Mohammad Ahmad Saad KD Najma account. Customers of the the daily draw provided that the Commerce and Industry for their Additionally, every KD 10 in the account, will information. 100,000/- bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 daily money is in the account one week effective supervision of the draws The winners of the Al-Najma dai- prize which is the highest in the prior to the daily draw or 2 months which were conducted in an orderly ly draw are: Sukumaran Subhash country and another 4 mega prizes prior to the mega draw. In addition, and organized manner. MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 TECHNOLOGY

The undated photo provided by Audi Media Services shows the new Audi R8 V10. The car will have its This undated photo provided by McLaren shows the new McLaren 675LT. The car will make its world world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show that is open to the public from March 5 debut at the Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels through 15. —AP of driver engagement - all key attributes of a McLaren ‘Longtail’. Drop-tops belly-flop as austerity breeds pragmatic car buyers

PARIS: The mass-market convertible car emits Geneva is the coupÈ-cabriolet (CC), whose hard “They allow the carmakers to differentiate its last gasp this week at a Geneva motor show roof folds and stashes electronically into what their offering while using their own production bristling with sport utility vehicles and low-cost might otherwise be useful luggage space. capacity and generating much better profit mar- models-more evidence of the pragmatism of Peugeot is dropping the once hot 207 and gins than coupÈ-cabriolets,” Petizon said. The European consumers marked by years of austeri- 308 CC, descendants of the pioneering 206 CC it shift away from mid-market convertibles fits a ty. Mainstream brands from Peugeot to unveiled as a 1998 Geneva show car. Renault broader push to cut development and produc- Volkswagen are quietly axing cabriolets, as cus- scrapped its Wind convertible roadster in 2013, tion costs by building more vehicles from a tomers with cash to spend increasingly plump with the larger Megane CC expected to follow smaller number of common platforms, while for a crossover, or choose to buy a low-cost car soon. VW last month killed off the equivalent sharing those architectures with other brands. and keep the change. Eos, while keeping soft-top Golf and Beetle In Geneva, Renault will wheel out the Kadjar That’s just fine with most carmakers, who cabrio versions for now. SUV derived from alliance partner Nissan’s best- would rather sell an offroad-styled city car or selling Qashqai. Nissan’s premium Infiniti mar- budget model, either of which typically brings BELLY FLOPS que is presenting the QX30 crossover built on lower production costs and fatter profits. Unlike the Peugeots, once a big hit for the Mercedes-Benz architecture. A new vehicle “We’re seeing the end of noughties bling- manufacturer, rivals including drop-top variants announced by PSA Peugeot Citroen last week bling,” said Francois Roudier, spokesman for of the Ford Focus and Nissan Micra have never for its upscale DS brand is also expected to be a France’s CCFA auto industry body. Outside the really caught on. mini-SUV, sharing underpinnings with the luxury market, “today’s buyers want either a safe “We’ve seen a few belly flops,” said IHS analyst Peugeot 2008 crossover. family car or something a bit more rugged,” he Ian Fletcher, adding that convertible versions of With the French carmaker now trimming said. Global production of convertibles and road- cars such as the Focus require major design its model lineup under new boss Carlos sters has fallen by 59 percent since 2007, the eve changes going way beyond the roof. The undated photo provided by Renault media services shows the new SUV Kadjar which Tavares’s turnaround plan, ditching the CCs of the financial crisis, according to industry data “It’s an expensive exercise-and a painful one will have its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show. — AP was a no-brainer, Peugeot product chief from IHS Automotive. SUVs have meanwhile when they don’t sell,” he said. A CC version also are glad to be rid of coupÈ-cabriolets and selling Whereas convertibles often need expensive Laurent Blanchet said. “We’re producing vehi- surged to account for one in five European vehi- piles on weight from the mechanical roof and SUVs instead, said Laurent Petizon, a managing niche production or outsourced manufacturing, cles that are more global,” Blanchet said in an cle sales, according to the forecaster, creating a chassis reinforcements required to pass crash director for consulting firm AlixPartners, which crossovers typically use the same assembly lines interview. “That’s why we’ve decided to invest pocket of growth in an otherwise lacklustre mar- tests, posing a fuel-efficiency challenge amid advises major carmakers. and modular architectures as their car siblings- more in crossovers-which also generate very ket. Conspicuous by its near-absence from ever-tightening CO2 rules. Mid-market brands “This is doing them a huge favour,” he said. while still commanding a hefty price mark-up. nice margins.” — Reuters Geneva Motor Show: Crisis in rear-view mirror

GENEVA: The front end of McLaren’s brand new P1 GTR seems to form a knowing smirk, a pointer perhaps towards the race-track ready motor powering this $2 million dream car. It is one of 90 sleek never-before-seen machines due to have their world premieres when the Geneva Motor Show opens on Thursday. After being dogged by malaise since crashing into the economic crisis in 2008, the European car industry is finally picking up speed. Luxury sports cars, high-end SUVs and “green” cars will be bumper-to-bumper at the show-one of the auto industry’s biggest and most diverse events-with around 900 shiny vehicles and more than 130 new models and “concept cars” on display. Among the eagerly awaited newcomers are Renault’s new cross-over SUV Kadjar, aimed at taking on Nissan’s pop- ular Qashqai, a new version of Skoda’s flagship Superb sedan, as well as a new Ford Focus RS. But such family-ori- ented cars will as always need to battle for attention with the latest generation of jaw-dropping luxury vehicles. Ferrari is launching its new 488 GTB supercar, while The undated artist rendering provided by Daimler Media Services shows the news Mercedes-Maybach Pullman in front of a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman. — AP Austin Martin will unveil its new race car inspired Vantage GT3.

Back on track Apple car rumors fuel fresh “Green” cars, boasting next-to-no emissions, and concept vehicles focused on the autonomous vehicles of a driverless future are also expected to draw crowds at the show. “The debate about car of future Geneva Motor Show will open in a positive context for the European car industry,” said auto market analyst Flavien Neuvy of Cetelem credit company. With sales on the conti- nent up 5.7 percent last year and swelling 6.7 percent in January, there is finally something to get excited about. Longer term worries loom over auto industry The European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA) has meanwhile predicted a cautious two-percent GENEVA: The main talking point at this week’s Geneva ogy market research firm Gartner, believes there is now a play. growth for the European car market in 2015. The positive car show is likely to be a vehicle that may never be built: race between carmakers and tech companies to control “Google and the likes want to get involved, I don’t mood in the industry will certainly rub off on the display of the Apple car. The world’s automakers will gather in the the “brain” of next generation vehicles. “Among the think in the first place to build vehicles,” he said. “We have new vehicles, according to Euler Hermes analyst Yann Swiss city to tout their latest minivans, city cars and sport automakers there will be two camps: those who under- to understand that, and then to find our roles, to which Lacroix. utility vehicles against an uncertain market backdrop, stand this space, and those who give outside technology extent they are complementary, to which extent we Trade shows generally reflect “the overall climate in the with growing signs of recovery in Europe offset by slow- companies access to the centre stack of the vehicle. become dependent, to which extent we are competitors.” car sector,” he said, pointing out that “the market is growing ing demand in emerging markets. Those companies will emerge in the next five years,” he Daimler, the inventor of the modern motorcar, is touting a bit, company results are improving, so we’re on a positive But longer-term worries are also looming large. said. The ability of software companies such as Apple and MercedesMe, while rival BMW is pushing track.” But the European car industry still has a way to go Reports that technology giant Apple may be building a Google which is working on driverless cars-to innovate ConnectedDrive-services that give drivers access to live before fully returning to pre-crisis sales volumes. Last year, car have got established automakers, who have spent the and create new revenue streams has spooked automak- traffic updates, “infotainment”, and even alert emergency only 12.5 million cars were sold in the European Union, com- past 127 years refining the combustion engine, wonder- ers. Another factor intimidating car executives is Apple’s services if a car’s airbags are activated. pared to 16 million in 2007. And the recovery remains ing whether they are still in pole position to build the car size. With a market capitalization of $750 billion, it’s worth Underscoring the convergence between carmakers uneven, with southern European countries like Spain, Italy of the future. more than Daimler, Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, Fiat and technology companies, Renault chief executive and even France facing a particularly steep climb. The growing use of computing power in vehicles, and Chrysler, Ford and General Motors put together. Carlos Ghosn is making an appearance at the telecom But shrinking oil prices may help jump-start the process, the ability of cars to connect to smartphones and other Carmakers haven’t given up the fight, and many are industry’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on according to observers. Black gold recently tumbled to a six- devices, is providing technology companies and investing heavily to position themselves as high-tech Monday, before moving on to Geneva. And at the Geneva year low of just over $40 (over 35 euros) per barrel, resulting automakers with new business opportunities-and companies. Daimler Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche has show, Opel, the European arm of General Motors, is giv- in lower fuel prices that are “revitalizing household purchas- increasingly making them rivals. said the race to build the car of the future is far from over, ing its Opel OnStar connectivity service as much promi- ing power a bit”, said PwC analyst Josselin Chabert. Thilo Koslowski, vice president automotive at technol- and it’s not yet clear what role technology companies will nence as any of its cars. — Reuters “Consequently, if the tendency continues, this could soft- en the effect of the crisis, which European countries still have not fully exited,” she said. Astronauts take 3rd spacewalk German behemoth After being forced to undergo painful and dramatic restructuring processes during the crisis, French car manu- to complete tricky cable job facturers are finally able to be more upbeat. PSA Peugeot Citroen, which almost plunged off a cliff a year ago, said recently it had slashed its losses by three quarters and post- CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: Two NASA ed its first operational profit in three years. Renault mean- astronauts have ventured out of the while announced it would create 1,000 permanent jobs in International Space Station in their third In this image from NASA France this year on the back of a strong growth in profits in spacewalk in just over a week. television astronaut 2014. Terry Virts and Butch Wilmore went into Terry Virts exits the Despite their recovery, the French manufacturers are still space yesterday morning with 400 feet (122 Quest airlock hatch trailing behind German carmaker Volkswagen, which with meters) of cable and two antennas to beginning the third its range of brands like VW, Audi and Skoda, alone accounts install. Once that’s complete, the spacewalk- spacewalk outside the for a quarter of the European market. ers will have routed nearly 800 feet (244 International Space The German behemoth appears set to this year take the meters) of power and data lines, all of it Station early yesterday lead in global auto sales for the first time, if it manages to needed for future American crew capsules. morning. Terry Virts and swerve past Toyota. Another German carmaker, Borgward, NASA is paying Boeing and SpaceX near- Butch Wilmore have 400 will make its return at the show. It went belly up more than ly $7 billion to develop spacecraft capable feet of cable and two half a century ago and may have a new model to show off. of transporting astronauts to the space sta- antennas to install. The 85th edition of the show, which will take place March tion. The first manned flight is targeted for Once that’s complete, 5-15 and expects to draw some 670,000 visitors, will offer up 2017. New docking ports will fly up later the spacewalkers will 90 world premiers and 41 European premiers. this year. have routed nearly 800 “There will be quite a few luxury vehicles. That is part of Virts and Wilmore’s first spacewalk was feet of power and data the trademark of Switzerland, where purchasing power is Feb. 21, their second Wednesday. NASA has- lines, all of it needed for not the same as in other countries,” Lacroix said. — AFP n’t conducted such quick spacewalks since future American crew its former shuttle days. — AP capsules. —AP MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Myanmar captures rare white elephant in western jungles

YANGON: Myanmar’s forestry department “We had to be careful,” Tun Tun Oo said bols of royal power and prosperity - and from Myanmar’s jungles have been herald- Asian elephants remaining in the wild. has captured a rare white elephant in the of the 1.9-meter-tall (6-foot-3) elephant. many people still believe they bring good ed in lavish ceremonies in which military Only males carry tusks and are the exclu- jungles of the country’s western “It’s wild. We didn’t want the elephant or luck to the country. leaders sprinkle them with scented water sive victims of poaching for their ivory. Ayeyarwaddy region, an official said yes- the forestry department officials to get Myanmar already has eight white ele- laced with gold, silver and precious gems. The capture of wild elephants for terday. hurt.” White elephants, which are actually phants in captivity, most from the A war was fought in the 16th century domestic use has become a threat to wild The 7-year-old female was captured albinos, have been revered for centuries in Ayeyarwaddy region. Five are in the zoo in between Thailand and Myanmar - then populations. India, Vietnam and Myanmar Friday, six weeks after it was initially spot- Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and other Asian the capital, Naypyitaw, and three are in known as Siam and Burma, respectively - have banned capture in order to conserve ted in a reserve in Pathein township, nations. Yangon’s zoo. It was not immediately clear over disputed ownership of four white ele- their wild herds, but in Myanmar elephants forestry official Tun Tun Oo said. It’s the Often pinkish in color, with fair eyelash- where the recently captured elephant will phants. are still caught each year for the timber ninth white elephant in captivity in the es and toenails, the animals were normally be housed. According to the World Wildlife Fund, industry or the illegal wildlife trade, the country. kept and pampered by monarchs as sym- Previous white elephants transported there are between 25,600 and 32,750 WWF says. —AP Call for study if anesthesia poses risk to babies, toddlers ‘Millions of kids safely undergo anesthesia’

WASHINGTON: Studies of baby ani- ologists and parents should consid- Used for decades This week’s report says studies in a mals have long suggested that er carefully how urgently surgery is Those drugs have been used for range of species, including baby going under anesthesia can have needed, particularly in children decades so any big risk would have monkeys, have found similar neuro- some harmful effects on a develop- under 3 years of age,” concluded a been spotted by now, she said. But toxic effects. Do they have lasting ing brain. Now some scientists want report in The New England Journal with animal studies raising the possi- consequences? In some cases, the to find out whether those same of Medicine co-authored by the bility of subtle effects on behavior or animals showed later impairments in drugs may pose subtle risks for FDA’s current and former anesthesia learning, “we have to sort this out,” memory and attention. Importantly, human babies and toddlers. chiefs along with doctors in the Orser added. the cumulative dose mattered. It’s a balancing act: Doctors don’t SmartTots research partnership. At issue are drugs used for general That doesn’t automatically trans- want to unnecessarily frighten par- Already, in the vast majority of anesthesia and sedation, not local late to risk for humans. A few studies ents whose tots need general anes- cases, children that young only anesthetics. Questions began years have tracked youngsters who under- thesia for crucial surgery. There’s no undergo surgery if it is medically ago when experiments in newborn went anesthesia earlier in life. Some haven’t found problems, but one found those who received anesthesia multiple times had a higher risk of learning disabilities. Yet those kinds of NEW YORK: In this Feb 20, 2014, File photo, a patron exhales vapor from an studies can’t tell if any problem was e-cigarette at the Henley Vaporium in New York. The first peek at a major due to a drug, the stress of surgery or the original medical condition, Orser study of how Americans smoke suggests many use combinations of prod- noted. ucts, and often e-cigarettes are part of the mix. It’s a preliminary finding, but it highlights some key questions as health officials assess electronic cig- Unknown risk arettes. —AP The proposed next step: A large, multihospital study that would assign Study: Smokers may tap into youngsters now undergoing surgery to different kinds of anesthesia, and multiple sources for nicotine compare their outcomes. What’s the message for parents? Occasionally, some ask about this WASHINGTON: The first peek at a major tobacco-related products. issue, and doctors must help them study of how Americans smoke suggests weigh an unknown risk with the fact many use combinations of products, and Why the extra interest in e-cigarettes? that “your child needs to have sur- often e-cigarettes are part of the mix. Policymakers are debating the health gery, and they do need an anesthetic,” It’s a preliminary finding, but it high- effects of “vaping” as it grows in popularity. said Dr. Allison Kinder Ross, chief of lights some key questions as health officials Many anti smoking advocates consider e- pediatric anesthesia at Duke assess electronic cigarettes. “Are e-ciga- cigarettes a safer alternative for smokers University Medical Center, who wasn’t rettes a step toward a cigarette smoker get- who can’t or don’t want to quit altogether. involved with Wednesday’s report. ting off of cigarettes? Or are e-cigarettes a E-cigarettes work by heating liquid nico- But anesthesia is used with some crutch so they can get nicotine in places tine into an inhalable vapor. They contain nonsurgical procedures, too, such as and times when they wouldn’t normally be fewer toxic substances than burning tradi- to keep tots still during MRI scans - allowed to smoke cigarettes?” asked Dr. tional cigarettes. But health officials warn and Ross said that’s an area to try Andrew Hyland of the Roswell Park Cancer that they shouldn’t be considered harmless alternatives. For example, Duke has Institute, the primary investigator for a and say much more needs to be known AUMSVILLE: Ashley Hines, of Aumsville, holds her 6-month-old son, James Noland, as medical had parents or nurses crawl inside huge government study of trends in smok- about long-term effects. assistant Bobbie Cassler, puts bandages on his leg after receiving his standard vaccinations at scanners to hold a child. ing and tobacco use. Critics ask if they keep smokers addicted Childhood Health Associates of Salem. “I don’t want him to get sick, and I don’t want him to get “Under 3 is certainly more chal- Hyland’s study is one of a number of or even act as a gateway to hook new users other people sick,” Hines said. “Simple as that.” —AP lenging, but it’s doable for a lot of projects that scientists are watching as they who eventually try tobacco. kids,” Ross said. explore the public health implications of e- clear evidence of side effects, such necessary, not elective. Some opera- rats showed such drugs could kill cer- Last June, SmartTots convened cigarettes. Here are some things to know: Adults Vs kids as learning or attention impairment, tions, such as to correct birth tain brain cells. The FDA formed a doctors’ groups to update its earlier Concern about e-cigarettes grew after a in youngsters. defects, have better outcomes at partnership with the International cautionary statement, and a draft Multiple sources of nicotine different government study in December An anesthesia research group, earlier ages, surgeons recently told Anesthesia Research Society, called now being considered suggests post- At a meeting of nicotine researchers late found some teens who’d never smoked a partnered with the Food and Drug the FDA. SmartTots, to better study the issue. poning surgeries or other medical Thursday, Hyland presented preliminary real cigarette were trying out the electronic Administration, said it’s time for a “Millions of kids safely undergo In 2012, SmartTots, the FDA and the procedures “that could reasonably be findings from the first 20,000 people to kind. large study of children younger than anesthesia,” stressed SmartTots co- American Academy of Pediatrics delayed” in children under 3. It’s not enroll in the study, a baseline as the Food “Is it a passing fancy or something that 3 to settle the question. author Dr. Beverley Orser, a professor of issued a public caution about the clear whether that language will be and Drug Administration and National sticks with them?” Dr. Wilson Compton, Meanwhile, “surgeons, anesthesi- anesthesia at the University of Toronto. uncertainty. adopted. —AP Institutes of Health track how use of tobac- deputy director of NIH’s National Institute co products, or alternatives like tobacco- on Drug Abuse, said in an interview with free e-cigarettes, is evolving. The Associated Press. He hopes that over A fraction - 28 percent of adults and the next few years, the new PATH study will nearly 9 percent of youths - reported they help tell. Health currently use any type of tobacco product, The FDA has proposed regulating e-cig- brief Hyland said. arettes, including banning sales to minors, About 40 percent of those current a step that many states already have taken. tobacco users report using two or more products. And half say battery-powered e- How much nicotine? Fatigue illness stirs debate cigarettes are one of the multiple products No one knows if experimenting with e- A team of scientists said on Friday they had found “robust they use, Hyland found. In fact, the most cigarettes poses as much risk of hooking evidence” that a condition called Chronic Fatigue common combination was cigarettes and someone as experimenting with regular Syndrome (CFS) is a biological as opposed to a psychologi- e-cigarettes. cigarettes, Compton said. cal disorder, but some experts questioned the findings. The Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA’s Center Nicotine levels vary widely by type of e- team from Columbia University in the United States identi- for Tobacco Products, said the early find- cigarette, from small amounts to nearly as fied in their research distinct immune changes in patients ings showing use of more than one type of much as a traditional cigarette, he said. with CFS-markers they said pointed to distinct disease tobacco product are compelling and Users learn to puff a bit differently as they stages and would lead to better diagnosis and treatment. underscore “how popular e-cigarettes have draw in vapor, and even the voltage in the become.” device’s wires may affect nicotine delivery, Ultimately, the PATH study - it stands for he explained. NIDA plans to fund develop- Funds eye Brazil hospitals Population Assessment of Tobacco and ment of what Compton calls a “standard e- Brazilian hospitals and health clinics are drawing strong Health - will follow 46,000 people ages 12 cigarette” that will be a yardstick for com- interest from global buyout firms after the government and older over five years, a source of infor- parison with the different e-cigarettes on recently decided to allow foreign ownership of those mation as FDA decides how to regulate the market. —AP facilities, although the suitors may find only a few promis- ing targets. Private equity tops a list of potential investors JACKSON: In this photo taken Feb. 24, 2015, Kimberly Davis holds the med- in a sector that represents 10 percent of Brazil’s gross ications she now takes to slow the progression of her multiple sclerosis, at domestic product and shows promise of growth but is her home in Jackson, Miss. —AP Bayer vows independence hobbled by aging infrastructure, a dearth of qualified staff and rising costs. Since 2007, the number of hospital beds fell by 9 percent while the base of insurance policy- Pack earplugs and lose BERLIN: Werner Baumann, seen as Three infected with measles holders rose 35 percent, according to government data. heir apparent to Bayer Chief Executive Three new cases of measles have the vuvuzela, WHO says Marijn Dekkers, says he will fight for been confirmed in Las Vegas, in peo- Risk factors for heartburn the independence of Germany’s ple believed infected by a conta- Excess pounds and smoking might each raise the likelihood of largest drugmaker after the spin-off of gious worker at an upscale MGM GENEVA: Sports fans risk having their tainly something we can live without.” frequent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), its plastics unit. “We will always try Grand Hotel and Casino seafood hearing ruined by vuvuzela trumpets Around 1.1 billion young people are according to a large study from Norway. Other factors linked to anew every day to defend our inde- restaurant, Nevada public health higher odds of new GERD symptoms included getting older, and deliberate attempts to increase sta- at risk from hearing loss, the WHO said, in pendence through our performance officials said on Friday. The newly being a woman, having less education, and even quitting smok- dium noise and they need to start seeing addition to about 180 million who have and the decisions that we make,” said diagnosed patients, two staff mem- ing - if it led to weight gain. Roche says EU agency recommends earplugs as something cool, the World already suffered preventable damage to Avastin for cervical cancer. Roche said on Friday that European the 52-year-old, who will head Bayer’s bers and a patron of Emeril’s New Health Organization said on Friday. their hearing. regulators had recommended approval of its drug Avastin in main healthcare arm from April. Orleans Fish House at the MGM combination with chemotherapy as a treatment for women with Shelly Chadha, a WHO expert on pre- As well as sporting events, there are venting deafness, said some U.S. sport- risks to hearing at nightclubs and from Grand, bring to nine the total num- an advanced form of cancer of the cervix. Avastin, which is Trial of Ebola drug Zmapp ber of measles cases reported in already approved in Europe to treat advanced stages of breast ing crowds consider breaking noise lev- listening to smartphones, and the solu- cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney can- els as an achievement, and cited a 136.6 tions include volume limits, noise-can- US and Liberian researchers have started Clark County, Southern Nevada cer and ovarian cancer, was the Basel-based drugmaker’s decibel world record claimed by Seattle celling headphones and earplugs, which a clinical trial to test the safety and effec- Health District spokeswoman biggest seller last year with sales of 6.42 billion Swiss francs Seahawks fans in 2013. can reduce noise levels by 30 decibels, tiveness of Mapp Biopharmaceutical Jennifer Sizemore said. ($6.76 billion). “Anybody who is exposed to 136 dB turning the roar of a fighter jet into little Inc’s Ebola drug ZMapp, an experimen- for even a minute is going to face some more than a hair dryer. tal treatment that has already been tried Autism drug in a handful of Ebola patients, including Mass Ebola vaccination consequences,” she told a news confer- The damage is irreversible, although In an early study, inhaling the hor- ence. there may be some hope from research two US missionaries. The trial, a joint mone oxytocin appeared to encour- An independent advisory body will decide in August at effort by the Liberian government and the earliest on whether to recommend widespread Vuvuzelas, the blaring plastic trum- into stem cells and into some fish that age men with autism to make more introduction of an Ebola vaccine, depending on results pets that became the icon of 2010 soccer can regenerate hearing cells, Chadha the National Institute of Allergy and eye contact. But this was a small of clinical trials and the epidemic’s course, the World World Cup in South Africa, can have a said. Infectious Diseases (NIAID), will be con- experiment with several limitations Health Organization said on Friday. All three worst-hit sound intensity level of 120 dB - unsafe “At the point when you can’t under- ducted in Liberia and the United States and does not mean oxytocin should countries in West Africa - Guinea, Liberia and Sierra for more than 9 seconds a day. stand conversation around you, you among adults and children infected with immediately become a therapy for Leone - aim to conduct phase III final-stage clinical tri- Asked if they should be banned, know that this is too loud,” said Ebola, NIAID said on Friday. als of experimental vaccines. autism, experts cautioned. —Reuters Chadha said: “Yes, well, vuvuzelas are cer- Chadha. —Reuters MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Health care law: High stakes in Supreme Court decision

CHICAGO: Millions of Americans have a big per- sonal stake in Wednesday’s Supreme Court chal- lenge to the nation’s health care law: Can they legally continue to get subsidies to help pay for their insurance? If the court says no, people across more than 30 states could lose federal subsidies for their premiums. The legal arguments the justices will hear are complex. Opponents who brought the lawsuit argue the law’s literal wording only allows the government to pay subsidies in states that have set up their own insurance markets, or exchanges. WASHINGTON: In this image from video provided by the Partnership for a Most states have not. Supporters of the law say such a narrow reading misses its basic intent: to Healthier America, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newtown is featured in increase Americans’ access to health insurance the organization’s “FNV” ad campaign. The celebrity-studded campaign being nationwide. launched on Feb 26, 2015 aims to market fruits and vegetables like they were Whatever they know or don’t know about the any other popular packaged snacks. “FNV” is intended to be a catchier way to law’s fine print, millions will feel the effects of the refer to “fruits and vegetables.” —AP ruling. Here’s a look at four people who now are receiving subsidies in states where the federal government is running things, and how they Watch out for nasty global would deal with losing the financial help. ‘Wouldn’t be able to afford it’ flu surprises, WHO warns Young and healthy, Ariana Jimenez is just the kind of person the health insurance system needs LONDON: The world remains highly vulnera- detect, understand and assess new viruses for in order to keep costs down for everyone. When ble to a possible severe flu pandemic and gov- pandemic risk, and to track their international she pays her $52 monthly premium and the gov- ernments should increase surveillance, vigi- spread. ernment kicks in $128, those payments help pay lance and preparedness, the World Health But it said this needed to be stepped up. the bills for older, sicker people. Organization (WHO) said this week. “More (research and development) is needed She didn’t know about the Supreme Court case “Nothing about influenza is predictable - to develop better vaccines and shorten the that could jeopardize her subsidy. Without the including where the next pandemic might production time,” it said, adding that during a help, she said, she would have to cancel her poli- emerge and which virus might be responsible,” severe pandemic, many people would die in cy: “I wouldn’t be able to afford it.” The 23-year-old the United Nations health agency warned. the three to four months currently needed to suburban Chicago resident works part time as a It said the world was fortunate that the last make effective vaccines. nursing assistant at a community health center, flu pandemic, caused by H1N1 swine flu in “An influenza pandemic is the most global making slightly more than the cutoff to be eligible 2009/2010, was relatively mild, but added: of infectious disease events currently known. It for Medicaid. “Such good fortune is no precedent”. is in every country’s best interests to prepare.” Starting her second year of coverage under the In a seven-page report on flu, WHO said This year’s seasonal flu season has been bad health care law, she hasn’t used her insurance that on many levels, the world is better pre- in many parts of the world, with Asia, the much. Her biggest medical episode, having an pared now than ever before for a flu pandemic. Americas and Europe reporting high levels of infected cyst on her back removed, cost her $130 The level of alert is high, it said, and there is circulating flu viruses and low levels of protec- out of pocket in copays for doctor visits. “That was better surveillance of flu viruses in both ani- tion from vaccines that did not match the rele- reasonable compared to what it would have been mals and humans. vant strains. if I had not had insurance,” she said. In 2014, the WHO’s Global Influenza WHO also noted the sudden increase in And if she does cancel her policy? The law Surveillance and Response System, made up of human cases of H5N1 bird flu in Egypt, which it requires nearly everyone to have health insurance 142 laboratories in 112 countries, tested more said had “awakened concern”. or pay a tax penalty, but it allows hardship exemp- than 1.9 million clinical specimens. WHO data show Egypt reporting 108 cases tions in certain cases. It’s unclear whether Jimenez “By keeping a close watch over the volatile of H5N1 in people from start of November would qualify. In any case, she wants to be world of influenza viruses, these laboratories 2014 to 23 February, including 35 deaths. insured. operate as a sensitive early warning system.” “The number of cases over this period is Under the heading “Warning: Be prepared larger than yearly totals reported by any coun- ‘Go without’ for surprises”, WHO praised progress in virologi- try since human H5N1 virus infections re- Kimberly Davis of Jackson, Mississippi, said cal research that had increased capability to emerged in late 2003,” it said. —Reuters she’d be forced to drop health insurance if she lost the $201 monthly subsidy that brings her out-of- pocket monthly cost down to $78. Without cover- age, she fears she wouldn’t be able to afford med- Heat blamed for spray vaccine’s ications to prevent flare-ups and to slow the pro- AURORA: In this photo taken Feb 19, 2015, Ariana Jimenez is seen in her home in Aurora, gression of her multiple sclerosis. One drug costs Ill. Jimenez, 23, works part time as a nursing assistant at a community health center. The failure against swine flu nearly $5,000 a month. Supreme Court will hear arguments next week over whether millions of people covered “I would have to go without,” Davis said. “I’m by the nation’s health care law can legally continue to get financial help to pay for their ATLANTA: The makers of the nasal spray ble strain in the future. FluMist is made kind of scared to think about it.” The 31-year-old insurance. If the court says no, millions of consumers across more than 30 states could lose version of the flu vaccine say now they using live but weakened virus, and is only mother and trained social worker takes four med- federal subsidies for their premiums. —AP know why it has failed to protect young US approved for ages 2 to 49. Flu shots, made ications that give her some control over MS, an children against swine flu - fragile doses got from killed virus, do not appear to be as autoimmune disease that causes pain, fatigue and ment contribution makes her health insurance Without the subsidy, his monthly premium would too warm. vulnerable to heat, experts say. In June, a difficulty walking. She was diagnosed five years affordable. She wouldn’t consider dropping cover- be $550. “If I had to pay $550 again, I would do it as The AstraZeneca FluMist vaccine works federal scientific panel - the Advisory ago, after her son was born. Davis is looking for age because she relies on expensive migraine long as I could, until it affected my business,” said well for most flu strains, but small studies Committee on Immunization Practices - work. Her husband works part time at a paint store. medication and has had surgery for recurring the Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, resident. “Then I found it didn’t work very well against the took the unusual step of advising doctors “When I lost my job, I lost insurance,” Davis said. “I ovarian cysts. Her share of her premium is $390 a would stop and not have insurance and hope for swine flu bug that first emerged in 2009. to give FluMist to healthy young kids went two months without my medicine and I got month for a gold plan through Blue Cross Blue the best, until business got better and I could afford Swine flu has returned each year since but instead of a shot, if available. For years, really sick, so I know the importance of health Shield of Texas. it again.” wasn’t a big player this flu season. studies have indicated the nasal spray is insurance.” “I love it here. I want to stay. I have family. This The year he started his company, Shepheard The problem first came to light last year, the better choice for young children is where I’m from,” Seaman said. “It’s ridiculous suffered a carotid artery dissection, a tear in a layer when swine flu was behind most illnesses. because it prompts a stronger immune ‘I’d consider moving’ that health insurance might be the reason I have of an artery wall in his neck. “I walked outside At a medical meeting Thursday, company response in kids who have never been sick Stacia Seaman makes her living as a freelance to move.” where someone might see me, then collapsed.” officials said they investigated and conclud- with the flu. book editor, so she can live and work wherever she Later, insurers denied him coverage on grounds ed that the swine flu part of the vaccine is On Thursday, the panel rescinded its has an Internet connection. Right now, that’s ‘Hope for the best’ that it was a pre-existing condition, before the unusually sensitive to heat. preference for FluMist. Austin, Texas, her home since 2004. But if the Rockney Shepheard built a company around health law’s protections went into effect. Flu vaccine is refrigerated, but it is Data presented to the panel on Supreme Court strikes down subsidies in states like health-conscious eating. He invented a cholesterol- He was unaware of the Supreme Court case allowed to be out at room temperature for Thursday confirmed early indications that Texas that don’t have their own health insurance free egg substitute called The Vegg. Sales have until recently. “I have no idea why anybody would up to two hours during distribution. The flu vaccines of all kinds, including FluMist, exchanges, Seaman said she’d consider moving. grown since he started his business in 2011, and he be against subsidies,” he said. “It helps people attain doses out on hot days were least effective, didn’t work very well this winter. They were “I would take a look at the numbers,” Seaman netted $30,000 last year. health insurance, which in my mind is cheaper than and company officials say it’s because they roughly 20 percent effective. This year’s said. If she still could afford insurance in Texas, Health law subsidies bring his monthly premi- taxpayers paying for it anyway when people are degraded and lost potency. vaccines didn’t include the exact strain that she’d stay, but “I’d consider moving to a state um down to $180, which means the 61-year-old forced to go to the emergency room for care. The company plans to use a more sta- ended up making most people sick. —AP where I can get a subsidy.” former graphic artist can afford to keep his busi- Somebody pays for it. We don’t turn these people The 46-year-old said the $112 monthly govern- ness going and fund his health insurance, too. out into the streets.” —AP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015

Malabar celebrates anniversary with customers

alabar Gold and Diamonds, the lead- Haris, Regional Director, Lu&Lu Hypermarket families fun days with music show where the ellery outlets, wholesale units and manufactur- Plans are underway to strengthen their pres- ing jewellery retailer celebrated the and the Chief Guests of the event held at their kids enjoyed a wide range of exciting activities ing divisions spread across 8 countries, employ- ence in GCC and in the next two months, they M4th anniversary of its entry into Kuwait showroom in Dajeej were Major General Ali organized by the jewellery chain including paint- ing about 7000 staff. The group operates 4 show- are going to open 3 more showrooms in the and 1st anniversary of their showroom in Hamdan Zaid Daihani and Suresh Kumar, ing and quiz contests. The winners obtained fab- rooms in Kuwait atAl Rai, Souk Al Watya, Dajeej UAE, 2 in Oman, 1 each in Qatar, KSA and Dajeej, Kuwait with their customers. General Manager, Lu&Lu Hypermarket. Afsal ulous gifts and the kids received free gift vouch- and Fahaheel. Bahrain. They are also ready to expand their Celebrating this occasion, the management Khan, Zonal Head - Malabar Gold and ers for henna makeover and face painting. The group offers a warm and friendly ambi- presence in Far East market by opening their first team members spent the entire day with their Diamonds and other officials were present at Since its inception in 1993, Malabar Gold and ence for a memorable shopping experience with showroom in Malaysia in the month of April. The customers and together they cut cakes to cele- both the events. Diamonds has been a jeweller known for its knowledgeable customer sales professionals jewellery group also plans to roll out into retail brate this success. The Chief Guests of the cere- To add more delight to this celebration, quality, value for money and best practices vis-‡- and assured quality of ornaments it sells. Their markets like Hong Kong and to spread their mony conducted in Al-Rai was Major General Malabar Gold and Diamonds conducted raffle vis customers. Today it is one of the fast growing entire business is based largely on customer loy- operations into USA and UK for immediate Ali Hamdan Zaid Al-Daihani and Muhammed draws for diamond rings and also offered the jewellery chains in the world with 126 retail jew- alty and relationship building. expansion.

Ambassador Sulaiman and his family with Indian Minister of Petroleum and former foreign minister. Suleiman with former Minister of State for External Affairs of India E Ahamed. Kuwait’s embassy in India celebrates National Days

he Embassy of the State of Kuwait in India celebrated ber of foreign ambassadors and members of the diplomat- cal ties and strengthen the Indian-Kuwaiti relationship. friendly ties, he added. the National and Liberation Days in its location in ic society. For his part, Ambassador Sulaiman expressed his appre- Sulaiman pointed out that Kuwait national celebrations TNew Delhi. Kuwait’s Ambassador to India Sami The Indian government was represented at the ceremo- ciation and gratitude to the Indian government and its always attracts attention of its leading role in the service of Mohammad Sulaiman, his wife Huda Abdullah Al-Shayaa ny by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra friendly people who showed interest in the participation of world peace, as the celebrations this year highlights His and Kuwaiti mission members welcomed the guests. The Pradhan, who recorded a speech to Kuwait TV and “Kuna” Kuwait joys of these occasions through such a large crowd. Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s role event was attended by a large crowd of diplomatic guests, in which he congratulated the leadership of Kuwait on the Ambassador Sulaiman added that India-Kuwait relations in supporting international efforts to achieve human including, senior officials of the Indian government, mem- occasion of the National and Liberation Days, stressing that are bilateral diplomatic relations between the Republic of development, which earned him the title of Humanitarian bers of parliament, businessmen, media and a large num- his government is doing everything to deepen the histori- India and the State of Kuwait. The two countries share Leader, and made Kuwait a Humanitarian Center.

Suleiman with the US ambassador and his family. The guests rise for the national anthem of Kuwait.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] General view of the audience. WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015

Dr Abdulrahman Al-Muhailan Prof Ahmed Abdelal Dr Kathryn Carter Dr Donald Bates GUST, UMass-Lowell begin collaboration on masters, engineering programs Partnership allows students to pursue up to 16 new degrees

ulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), year, students will have an opportunity to choose from five “It is important to emphasize that the academic pro- Major milestone Kuwait’s premier private university, announced an new masters programs: Accounting, Finance, Innovation grams to be offered here are fully accredited by the key GUST President, Dr Donald Bates, said, “Establishing Gagreement with the University of Massachusetts and Technological Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, accrediting authorities in the United States. What’s more, this new relationship is a major milestone in the evolu- Lowell (UMass-Lowell) to offer five new dual-degree mas- and Education, and an Engineering undergraduate pro- academic programs offered by UMass-Lowell are distinc- tion and growth of GUST as the premier private univer- ters programs and a new undergraduate engineering pro- gram. The new master’s programs will take up to two years tive in three important ways: first, there is significant sity in Kuwait. I would like to welcome UMass-Lowell gram. The new courses are expected to commence in to complete, and will offer a thesis option for students who emphasis on learning from experience. The second dis- into our family and I am certain this partnership will be September 2015 (pending final approval from the Private wish to pursue a Ph.D. With this development, GUST will be tinction for UMass-Lowell programs is our emphasis on a success. The new agreement showcases GUST’s Universities Council on the exact starting date). More the only university in Kuwait whose students graduate inter-disciplinary education. The third distinction is our impressive drive, development, and progress as we undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering are with an accredited American degree. understanding of the importance of international experi- secure our position as leaders in higher education in to be announced in the near future. ences; we have cooperation agreements with 140 univer- the region” The newly forged partnership comes to fruition after Prestigious institution sities that are highly ranked around the globe.” In anticipation of the new undergraduate and post- two years of labor between the two parties, and signifies Chairman of the Board of Trustees at GUST, Dr Dr Kathryn Carter, Vice Provost for Graduate and graduate programs offered at GUST, a new state-of-the- that GUST will be the first university in Kuwait to allow its Abdulrahman Al-Muhailan, said, “I would like to empha- International Affairs and Strategy said, “I have watched art engineering college is to be built on GUST’s Mishref graduates to simultaneously attain a degree from both size the importance of the GUST-UMass Lowell coopera- this partnership grow and evolve over the last two years, Campus. The new building will house classrooms UMass-Lowell and GUST without moving abroad. The mas- tion. We are proud to work with such a prestigious insti- and I have worked closely with GUST’s upper manage- equipped with innovative technologies to aid both stu- ters and engineering programs are accredited under the tution. In doing so, we bring to Kuwait one of the world’s ment to figure out which programs would benefit the dents and faculty reach and surpass academic goals. same standards as those offered on the UMass-Lowell cam- best universities. As a result of our partnership with students here and make the best use of our faculty at Furthermore, students will have full access to all UMass- pus in the USA. What’s more, both UMass-Lowell and GUST UMASS-Lowell, our students will graduate with strong UMass-Lowell. I look forward to working with everyone Lowell computing and library resources - an invaluable faculty will be involved in teaching the curricula; 16 UMass- credentials. Moreover, we expect to attract more foreign at GUST in making this partnership a success. I would learning tool. Overall, the GUST-Umass-Lowell alliance Lowell faculty and administrators are expected to move to faculty and resources - an essential step in strengthening also like to congratulate GUST on their recent AACSB and will enable approximately 1,200 students to pursue 6 Kuwait by September. the quality of education and research in Kuwait.” ABET accreditations - both of which are major achieve- undergraduate programs in engineering, 5 masters in Starting at the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic Provost of Academic Affairs, Prof Ahmed Abdelal, said, ments. engineering, and 5 masters in other fields. McDonald’s Kuwait responds to meat lovers with new Grand Angus sandwich Premium Angus beef delight available for limited time

rand Angus is the latest addition to the beef sandwich. The 100% pure Halal Angus stantly listen to our customers and strive to top priority. All products served at McDonald’s premium product offering at beef patty is perfectly complemented with a deliver innovative products that suit their restaurants in the region are Halal certified, GMcDonald’s Kuwait, promising meat sharp note of cheddar cheese, crisp red onion taste. With this limited time offer, we have inspected and approved by local authorities lovers an indulging experience with delicious rings, lush tomatoes, a fresh variety of salad used some of the world’s finest Halal Angus and Halal officers at the countries of export high quality ingredients. The new sandwich cuts, pickles, and mustard and mayonnaise beef with a mix of quality ingredients, as and customs officials at the port of entry; it will be available at all McDonald’s restaurants sauce all brought together in a delicious arti- McDonald’s customers have come to expect can be traced back to a trusted supplier that from now till March 13th. san bun. from us.” shares the company’s dedication to the high- McDonald’s Grand Angus is a flavorful med- Commenting on the new premium offering McDonald’s is committed to serving the est quality standards. For more information on ley orchestrated with utmost care in response from McDonald’s, Sherif Coutry, Marketing best ingredients in the quick-service restau- the premium Grand Angus, please visit to customers’ demand for a new premium Director at McDonald’s Kuwait, said: “We con- rant sector, and food quality is considered a mcdonaldsarabia.com. Bader Al Mulla and Bros Co announces 2nd draw winners

Ministry officials with Oriental team at the draw 2nd Prize winner Nazneen Parveen Jahan

ader Al Mulla and Brothers Company WLL BMB had announced a special three month pro- (BMB), Chief Agents of Oriental Insurance motion valid from 15th December 2014 to 15th BCompany Limited (OICL) announced three March 2015 for Retail Clients with discounted rates. lucky winners of the 2nd draw for the ongoing pro- On purchase of Motor Own Damage coverage from motion of Motor Own Damage Insurance policies. OICL, in addition to standard damage insurance On 17th February 2015, in the presence of Ministry coverage, clients can avail of following benefits: officials, the draw was conducted at their office in * Entry into draw to win Diamond jewellery Sharq area. Marie Michelle Nakhlah won the 1st worth KD 1000/KD 500/KD 250 prize, Nazneen Parveen Jahan won the 2nd prize * KD 35 purchase voucher from V-KOOL and Ryan Alex Lemos won the 3rd prize. The win- * 35% discount voucher from AUTO1 on Falken ners received gift vouchers worth KD 1000, KD 500 tires and KD 250 respectively at the hands of Resident * 30% discount voucher from AUTO1 on batter- Manager of Oriental Insurance, Siddhartha ies Mukherjee and Agency Manager, Ravi Kumar * 30% discount vouchers from AUTO1 on car Raizada. spare parts and accessories Oriental Insurance is a public sector * Free personal accident cover for family up to Government of India undertaking and one of the KD 10,000 from Oriental. largest general insurance companies in India. The 3rd draw will be held on 15th March 2015. Through their Chief Agents in Kuwait, Bader Al Their office is located in 1st and 2nd Floor, Awadi Mulla and Brothers, they offer a wide range of Towers 1, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Sharq, Kuwait. For insurance activities, including motor, marine, fire, more information contact Sikander on 22415823 engineering, health and miscellaneous insurance Ext 320 / 99919274 or email insurance@almulla- 1st Prize winner Marie Michelle Nakhlah. covers. group.com. 3rd prize winner Ryan Alex Lemos MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

20:30 Invent It Rich 04:15 Siba’s Table 21:20 Brave New World 04:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 22:10 How Do They Do It? Basics 22:35 How Do They Do It? 05:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 23:00 Invent It Rich Basics 00:50 Gator Boys 00:00 Battle Of The Damned-PG15 23:50 Brave New World 05:30 Reza Spice Prince Of 00:00 Veep 02:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron-PG15 01:45 Gator Boys Vietnam 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 02:40 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 04:00 Shanghai Noon-PG15 05:50 Siba’s Table Stewart 06:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 03:35 Into The Pride 06:10 Have Cake, Will Travel 04:25 Into The Pride 01:00 Mystery Girls 08:00 A Common Man-PG15 06:35 Have Cake, Will Travel 01:30 Married 10:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 05:15 Into The Pride 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:02 Into The Pride 02:00 Married 12:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 03:00 Enlisted 14:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 06:49 Into The Pride 00:00 Violetta 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:36 The Wild Life Of Tim 00:45 The Hive 03:30 Melissa & Joey 16:00 Stolen-PG15 08:15 Chopped 18:00 Hunt To Kill-PG15 Faulkner 00:50 Art Attack 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 04:00 Back In The Game 08:00 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 01:15 Art Attack 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 20:00 Police Story-PG15 Basics 22:00 Broken City-18 Warriors 01:40 Jungle Junction 09:30 Farm Kings Jimmy Fallon 08:25 Too Cute! 01:50 Jungle Junction 10:20 Recipes That Rock 05:30 My Name Is Earl 09:15 Lion Man: One World African 02:05 Jungle Junction 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of 06:00 Welcome To The Family Safari 02:15 Jungle Junction Thailand 06:30 Dads 09:40 Lion Man: One World African 02:30 Violetta 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 03:10 The Hive Safari 11:35 The Big Eat... 08:00 Back In The Game 00:00 Hope Springs-PG15 03:20 Art Attack 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 12:00 Food Network Challenge 08:30 My Name Is Earl 02:00 Free Samples-PG15 03:45 Art Attack 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 12:50 Siba’s Table 04:00 Straight Talk-PG15 04:10 Jungle Junction 09:00 Enlisted 11:05 Gator Boys 13:15 Guy’s Big Bite 06:00 Article 99-PG15 04:25 Jungle Junction 09:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 12:00 Too Cute! 13:40 Mystery Diners 08:00 Vamps-PG15 04:35 Jungle Junction 10:00 Men At Work 12:55 Lion Man: One World African 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 10:00 Hope Springs-PG15 04:45 Jungle Junction 10:30 Dads Safari 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 12:00 It’s A Disaster-PG15 05:00 Art Attack 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 13:20 Lion Man: One World African 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:00 Men At Work-PG15 05:25 Art Attack Jimmy Fallon Safari 15:45 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 16:00 Vamps-PG15 05:50 Mouk 12:00 Welcome To The Family 13:50 Into The Pride Cook Off 18:00 Stand Off-PG15 06:00 Kim Possible 12:30 Back In The Game 14:45 Wild Things With Dominic 16:35 Chopped 20:00 Grown Ups 2-PG15 06:25 Binny And The Ghost Monaghan 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The 13:00 My Name Is Earl 22:00 The Love Guru-18 15:40 Tanked 06:50 Girl Meets World Riviera 13:30 Dads 16:35 Lion Man: One World African 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 14:00 Melissa & Joey Safari 07:40 Jessie 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 17:00 Lion Man: One World African 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:40 Siba’s Table 15:00 Men At Work Safari 08:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 19:05 The Big Eat... 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 17:30 Gator Boys 08:55 Hannah Montana 19:30 Chopped Stewart 01:00 I Will Follow You Into The 18:25 Into The Pride 09:20 Hannah Montana 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 16:00 Mystery Girls Dark-PG15 19:20 The Wild Life Of Tim 09:45 Suite Life On Deck 21:10 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 16:30 Welcome To The Family 03:00 Hateship Loveship-PG15 Faulkner 10:10 Suite Life On Deck Cook Off 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:00 Mirror Mirror-PG15 19:50 The Wild Life Of Tim 10:35 Good Luck Charlie 22:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 07:00 Christmas Magic-PG15 Faulkner 11:00 Good Luck Charlie 18:00 Hot In Cleveland Basics 09:00 Emperor-PG15 20:15 Tanked 11:25 American Dragon 18:30 Melissa & Joey 22:25 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 11:00 Mirror Mirror-PG15 21:10 Africa’s Super Seven 11:50 American Dragon 19:00 Two And A Half Men Basics 13:00 Special Forces-PG15 22:05 Treehouse Masters 12:15 Kim Possible 19:30 Two And A Half Men 22:50 Jenny Morris Cooks The 15:00 Kon-Tiki-PG15 23:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 12:40 Kim Possible 20:00 Mulaney Riviera 17:00 Emperor-PG15 Faulkner 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 20:30 Veep 23:15 Jenny Morris Cooks The 19:00 Citizen Gangster-PG15 23:30 The Wild Life Of Tim 13:30 Dog With A Blog 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Riviera 21:00 To The Wonder-PG15 Faulkner 13:55 Dog With A Blog Stewart 23:40 Burger Land 23:00 The Bling Ring-18 23:55 Rogue Nature With Dave 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 21:30 Last Week Tonight With John Salmoni 14:55 Liv And Maddie Oliver 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 22:00 Girls 15:45 Girl Meets World 22:30 Curb Your Enthusiasm 16:10 Violetta 23:00 Robin Williams: Weapons Of 17:00 Cars Toons Self Destruction 22 BULLETS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 17:05 Cheetah Girls 00:00 Midsomer Murders 01:30 Come Dine With Me Ireland 02:00 Bad Karma-18 18:40 Dog With A Blog 03:30 My Last Day Without You 19:05 Dog With A Blog 02:00 Emmerdale 13:55 Cake Boss 01:25 Calimero 00:00 Antiques Roadshow 05:30 Sense And Sensibility-PG 19:30 Violetta 02:25 Emmerdale 14:20 Bakery Boss 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 00:50 Come Dine With Me 08:00 The Last Harbor-PG15 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 02:55 Coronation Street 15:10 Cake Boss 01:50 Zou 01:40 Food Glorious Food 10:00 My Piece Of The Pie-PG15 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 03:25 Who’s Doing The Dishes 15:35 Little People, Big World 02:05 Mouk 02:30 Bargain Hunt 12:00 Dangerous Minds-PG15 02:00 Golfing World 21:10 Austin & Ally 04:20 Sunday Night At The 00:30 Game Of Thrones Special 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 02:15 Jungle Junction 03:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 Sense And Sensibility-PG 03:00 AFL NAB Challenge 21:35 Jessie Palladium 01:00 Crisis 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 02:25 Art Attack 04:00 Bargain Hunt 16:30 Yellow Rock-PG15 05:30 Volvo Ocean Race 22:00 Gravity Falls 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 02:00 Better Call Saul 17:15 18 Kids And Counting 02:50 Julius Jr. 04:45 Antiques Roadshow 18:00 My Piece Of The Pie-PG15 07:00 Golfing World 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 06:10 Take On The Twisters 04:00 How To Get Away With 17:40 Sister Wives 03:00 Calimero 05:40 Antiques Roadshow 20:00 Dead Poets Society-PG15 08:00 Snooker - The Welsh Open Teenage Witch 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland Murder 18:05 Sister Wives 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 06:30 Bargain Hunt 22:15 Up Close And Personal-PG 11:00 Golfing World 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 07:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 05:00 Castle 18:30 Craft Wars 03:25 Zou 07:15 Bargain Hunt 12:00 PGA Tour - The Honda Teenage Witch 08:25 Sunday Night At The 06:00 Crisis 19:20 Bakery Boss 03:40 Mouk 08:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea Classic 23:10 Wolfblood Palladium 08:00 Franklin & Bash 20:10 World’s Worst Mum 03:50 Jungle Junction 08:45 Come Dine With Me 17:00 World Match Racing Tour 23:35 Wolfblood 09:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 09:00 Castle 21:00 The Face Australia 04:00 Art Attack 09:10 Beat My Build 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 10:00 How To Get Away With 19:00 PGA Tour Highlights 20:00 PGA European Tour 21:50 Alaskan Women Looking For 04:35 Calimero 10:00 Antiques Roadshow 11:10 Emmerdale Murder 01:00 3 Days To Kill-PG15 Love 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 10:50 Come Dine With Me 11:35 Emmerdale 12:00 Emmerdale Highlights 03:00 The Company You Keep 21:00 Super Rugby Highlights 22:40 Extreme Couponing 05:00 Zou 11:40 Masterchef: The 12:00 Coronation Street 12:30 Coronation Street 05:00 Khumba-PG 23:05 Mob Wives 05:15 Mouk Professionals 12:30 Ade In Britain 14:00 Franklin & Bash 07:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 23:55 The Face Australia 05:25 Jungle Junction 12:05 Masterchef: The 00:00 The Soup 13:25 Take On The Twisters 15:00 Crisis 09:00 Turbo-PG 05:35 Art Attack Professionals 00:30 The Drama Queen 14:20 Come Dine With Me Ireland 16:00 Emmerdale 11:00 A Family Reunion-PG15 06:00 Julius Jr. 12:35 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 01:25 The Drama Queen 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 16:30 Coronation Street 13:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 06:10 Calimero 13:20 Come Dine With Me 02:20 E! News 15:35 The Chase 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 The Hot Flashes-PG15 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 13:45 Beat My Build 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 16:30 Get Your Act Together 18:00 Franklin & Bash 07:00 PGA European Tour 17:00 Turbo-PG 15:00 Super Rugby Highlights 06:35 Zou 14:35 Antiques Roadshow 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 17:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 19:00 Bones 19:00 I, Frankenstein-PG15 06:50 Mouk 15:25 Come Dine With Me 04:10 The E! True Hollywood Story Of Dogs 20:00 Revenge 15:30 Golfing World 21:00 The Mule-PG15 16:30 AFL Nab Challenge 07:00 Jungle Junction 16:15 Masterchef: The 05:05 E!ES 17:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 21:00 Bates Motel 23:00 Filth-R 07:10 Art Attack Professionals 06:00 Keeping Up With The Of Dogs 22:00 Banshee 19:00 WWE Experience 20:00 WWE Afterburn 07:35 Julius Jr. 16:45 Masterchef: The Kardashians 18:20 Take On The Twisters 23:00 The Assets 07:45 Calimero Professionals 06:55 Keeping Up With The 19:10 Coronation Street 21:00 WWE This Week 00:40 Extreme Forensics 01:30 Solved 08:00 Jungle Junction 17:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea Kardashians 19:35 The Chase 08:10 Zou 18:00 Come Dine With Me 07:50 Style Star 20:30 Get Your Act Together 02:20 Most Evil 03:10 Devil In The Details 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 18:25 Beat My Build 08:20 E! News 21:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 08:35 Julius Jr. 19:15 Beat My Build 09:15 Giuliana & Bill Of Dogs 04:00 Blood Relatives 01:00 Skateboy And The Challenge 08:50 Mouk 20:10 Valentine Warner Eats 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 21:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 04:45 Extreme Forensics Beyond The Seas 18:00 ICC Cricket 360 09:00 Calimero Scandinavia 11:10 Eric And Jessie: Game On Of Dogs 05:30 Solved 02:45 Astro Boy 18:30 ICC World Cup H/L: IND v 09:15 Jake And The Never Land 20:35 Come Dine With Me 11:35 Eric And Jessie: Game On 22:20 Coronation Street 06:20 Deadly Affairs 02:00 Good Morning America 04:30 Hatching UAE Pirates 21:25 Masterchef: The 12:05 E! News 22:50 Emmerdale 07:10 Deadly Affairs 03:00 Supernatural 06:00 Barbie And The Diamond 19:30 ICC World Cup H/L: ENG v 09:40 Doc McStuffins Professionals 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 23:15 Emmerdale 08:00 Nightmare Next Door 04:00 Sons Of Anarchy Castle SL 10:05 Art Attack 21:55 Nigel Slater’s Simple 13:35 THS 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 08:50 Fatal Encounters 06:00 Good Morning America 08:00 The Happy Cricket 2 20:30 ICC World Cup H/L: PAK v 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Suppers 14:30 Style Star 09:40 Murder Shift 07:00 Emmerdale 10:00 A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s ZIM 11:00 Sofia The First 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 15:00 Keeping Up With The 10:30 I Was Murdered 07:30 Coronation Street Escape From Paradise 22:30 ICC Cricket 360 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 23:10 Come Dine With Me Kardashians 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 09:00 Switched At Birth 11:30 Garfield’s Fun Fest 11:50 Calimero 23:35 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 16:00 Keeping Up With The Watching 10:00 Emmerdale 13:00 Astro Boy 12:05 Jake And The Never Land Living Kardashians 11:20 Forensic Detectives 10:30 Coronation Street 14:45 Tristan And Isolde Pirates 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 12:10 American Greed 00:00 Sea Patrol 12:00 Intelligence 16:15 Luke And Lucy: The Texas 12:30 Julius Jr. 17:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 13:00 Disappeared 01:00 Dangerous Encounters 13:00 Downton Abbey Rangers 12:40 Henry Hugglemonster 18:00 E! News 13:50 True Crime With 14:00 Switched At Birth 18:00 A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s 12:55 Handy Manny 19:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 02:00 Situation Critical Aphrodite Jones 15:00 Live Good Morning America Escape From Paradise 13:05 Justin Time The Hamptons 03:00 Air Crash Investigation 00:20 Cake Boss 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 17:00 Intelligence 20:00 Barbie As The Island 13:20 Sofia The First 20:00 House Of DVF 00:45 Bakery Boss Marry? 01:40 Gold Rush 04:00 Wild Sri Lanka 18:00 Downton Abbey Princess 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 01:35 Extreme Couponing 15:05 Who On Earth... 02:30 Gold Rush 05:00 Swamp Men 19:00 Switched At Birth 21:45 Tristan And Isolde 14:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 02:00 Undercover Mums 15:30 American Greed 03:20 Gold Rush 06:00 Human Ape 20:00 Intelligence 23:15 Luke And Lucy: The Texas 14:35 Julius Jr. 22:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 16:20 I Was Murdered 04:10 Gold Rush 07:00 Last War Heroes 21:00 Downton Abbey Rangers 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s 14:45 Jake And The Never Land 05:00 The Carbonaro Effect 22:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 22:00 Supernatural 03:15 Little People, Big World Pirates 23:00 THS 08:00 Sea Patrol 03:40 Craft Wars Watching 05:30 The Carbonaro Effect 23:00 Sons Of Anarchy 17:10 Murder Shift 15:15 Doc McStuffins 06:00 Railroad Alaska 09:00 Dangerous Encounters 04:30 Cake Boss 15:40 Henry Hugglemonster 05:00 Sister Wives 18:00 Disappeared 06:50 Highway To Sell 10:00 Situation Critical 18:50 Fatal Encounters 15:55 Zou 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 11:00 Wild Sri Lanka 06:00 18 Kids And Counting 16:05 Justin Time 06:25 Secret Eaters 19:40 Forensic Detectives 08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 12:00 Outback Wrangler 20:30 On The Case With Paula 16:20 Sofia The First Edition 00:00 Live Free Or Die Hard-PG15 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 13:00 Animal Intervention 02:15 The Philly Kid-PG15 07:40 Little People, Big World Zahn 08:55 The Liquidator 00:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 00:00 22 Bullets 17:15 Lilo & Stitch 14:00 Mega Breakdown 04:00 Snitch-PG15 08:05 Say Yes To The Dress: The 21:20 The Will 09:20 Baggage Battles Basics 02:00 Battle Of The Damned 17:40 Adventures Of The 06:00 Run For Your Wife-PG15 Big Day 22:10 Who On Earth... 09:45 How It’s Made 00:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 15:00 Car SOS 04:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron Gummi Bears 08:00 Thor: The Dark World-PG15 08:55 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 22:35 Who On Earth... 10:10 How It’s Made Basics 16:00 Hunter Hunted 06:00 Shanghai Noon 18:05 Chip n Dale Rescue 10:00 Planes-PG Bridesmaids 10:35 Overhaulin’ 00:55 Siba’s Table 17:00 Alaska Wing Men 08:00 Mission To Mars Rangers 11:45 Snitch-PG15 09:20 Curvy Brides 11:25 Kindig Customs 01:20 Siba’s Table 10:00 A Common Man 18:30 Ducktales 18:00 Perilous Journeys 14:00 Badges Of Fury-PG15 09:45 Cake Boss 12:15 Fantomworks 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 19:00 Art Attack 19:00 Car SOS 16:00 Thor: The Dark World-PG15 10:10 Sister Wives 13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 02:10 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:00 Shanghai Knights 19:25 Sofia The First 18:00 Last Passenger-PG15 11:00 Craft Wars Edition 02:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:00 Hunter Hunted 16:00 Mission To Mars 19:55 Calimero 20:00 Delivery Man-PG15 11:50 Cake Boss 13:30 The Liquidator 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 Alaska Wing Men 18:00 Stolen 00:10 Zou 20:10 Doc McStuffins 22:00 Thanks For Sharing-18 12:15 Cake Boss 13:55 Baggage Battles 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 22:00 Perilous Journeys 20:00 Hunt To Kill 00:25 Mouk 20:25 Jake And The Never Land 12:40 Secret Eaters 14:20 Railroad Alaska 03:50 Siba’s Table 23:00 Wild Sri Lanka 22:00 Police Story 00:35 Jungle Junction Pirates 15:10 Highway To Sell 13:30 Cake Boss 00:50 Art Attack 20:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 21:25 Sofia The First 16:50 How It’s Made 21:50 Adventures Of The 17:15 How It’s Made Gummi Bears 17:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 22:20 Chip n Dale Rescue 18:30 Gold Rush Rangers 19:20 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 22:45 Ducktales 20:10 The Liquidator 23:15 Art Attack 20:35 Baggage Battles 23:40 Calimero 21:00 Gold Rush 23:55 Henry Hugglemonster 21:50 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 22:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 23:30 Alaska: The Last Frontier

00:00 Programmes Start At 7:00am KSA 07:00 Phineas And Ferb 00:40 Stephen Hawking Biography 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 02:20 Through The Wormhole 07:50 Supa Strikas 03:10 How Do They Do It? 08:15 The 7D 03:35 How Do They Do It? 08:40 Cars Toons Compilation 04:00 Deadliest Space Weather 09:30 Kickin’ It 04:24 NASA’s Unexplained Files 09:55 Ultimate Spider-Man 05:12 Alien Mysteries 10:20 Phineas And Ferb 06:00 Close Encounters 10:45 Zeke & Luther 06:24 Alien Encounters 11:10 I’m In The Band 07:12 How The Universe Works 11:35 Camp Lakebottom 08:00 Weird Connections 12:00 Mighty Med 08:25 How Tech Works 12:30 Lab Rats 08:50 Mega World 12:55 Marvel Avengers 09:40 Food Factory Assemble 10:05 How It’s Made 13:20 Phineas And Ferb 10:30 Magic Of Science 13:40 Japaneezi Going Going 10:55 Magic Of Science Gong 11:20 Stephen Hawking Biography 14:05 Zeke & Luther 13:00 Weird Connections 14:30 Pair Of Kings 13:25 How Tech Works 14:55 Randy Cunningham: 9th 13:50 Man-Made Marvels China Grade Ninja 14:40 Food Factory 15:20 Ultimate Spider-Man 15:05 How It’s Made 15:45 Phineas And Ferb 15:30 Magic Of Science 16:10 Supa Strikas 15:55 Magic Of Science 16:35 Pair Of Kings 16:20 Stephen Hawking Biography 17:00 Lab Rats 18:00 Through The Wormhole With 17:30 Mighty Med Morgan Freeman 18:00 Phineas And Ferb 18:50 How It’s Made 18:50 Supa Strikas 19:15 How It’s Made 19:20 Phineas And Ferb 19:40 Food Factory 19:45 The 7D 20:05 Food Factory 3 DAYS TO KILL ON OSN MOVIES HD Classifieds

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (26/02/2015 TO 04/03/2015)

SHARQIA-1 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 4:30 PM FOCUS 1:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 6:30 PM SERENA 3:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 9:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 11:30 PM FOCUS 7:00 PM SERENA 9:00 PM FANAR-4 FOCUS 11:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM FOCUS 1:15 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM SHARQIA-2 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 11:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM FANAR-5 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 1:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM THU+SAT YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM SERENA 12:45 PM SUN+MON+TUE+WED SHARQIA-3 SERENA 3:00 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:30 AM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 5:15 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 1:30 PM SERENA 7:00 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 1:15 PM SERENA 9:15 PM SUN+MON+TUE+WED KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 3:15 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 5:00 PM MARINA-1 DRAGON BLADE 7:15 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 12:15 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 9:45 PM THU+SAT KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:45 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 12:15 PM SUN+MON+TUE+WED MUHALAB-1 SERENA 2:15 PM THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOCUS 12:00 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 4:30 PM ACCOMMODATION Prayer timings THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 2:00 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 6:30 PM FOR CIVIL INFORMATION SERENA 3:45 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 8:15 PM Room for rent, near Fajr: 04:54 FOCUS 6:00 PM SERENA 10:15 PM Bouhamra Clinic, China Automated enquiry about SERENA 8:00 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 12:30 AM Zone Restaurant, Al- the Civil ID card is Shorook 06:13 FOCUS 10:15 PM Muzaini Exchange, Maidan FOCUS 12:15 AM MARINA-2 Duhr: 12:00 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:30 PM Hawally, Filipino/Indian 1889988 MUHALAB-2 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:45 PM only please Call 65020905 Asr: 15:19 TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 1:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:15 PM 2-3-2015 THU+SAT YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:30 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 1:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:45 PM Maghrib: 17:48 SUN+MON+TUE+WED YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:05 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:00 PM MATRIMONIAL 112 Isha: 19:05 TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 4:45 PM MARINA-3 KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 6:45 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 1:00 PM Inviting proposals for KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 8:45 PM FOCUS 3:00 PM Hindu Ezhava, girl age 29 KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 10:45 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 5:00 PM working in Kuwait, seeking KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 12:45 AM FOCUS 7:00 PM No: 16447 FOCUS 9:00 PM proposals from Ezhava boys MUHALAB-3 FOCUS 11:00 PM in Kuwait, GCC or India. YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:30 PM FOCUS 1:00 AM Email: YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:45 PM [email protected] YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:00 PM (C 4935) YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:15 PM AVENUES-1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM 2-3-2015 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:45 PM FANAR-1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM SITUATION VACANT FOCUS 12:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:45 PM FOCUS 2:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:00 AM FOCUS 4:00 PM Required Indian (prefer AVENUES-2 FOCUS 6:00 PM Goan) male houseboy, cook FOCUS 8:00 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 11:45 AM FOCUS 10:00 PM THU+SAT and driver with Kuwait FOCUS 12:05 AM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 1:45 PM license for a Kuwaiti family. THU+FRI+SAT With good English speaking FANAR-2 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:15 PM and expert in cooking KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:45 AM SUN+MON+TUE+WED Kuwaiti foods. Contact: KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 1:45 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 3:45 PM 22450617/8. (C 4934) KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 3:45 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 5:45 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 5:45 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 7:45 PM 24-2-2015 KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 7:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:45 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 9:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:15 AM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:45 PM AVENUES-3 FANAR-3 SERENA 12:30 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 12:15 PM SERENA 3:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 2:00 PM SERENA 5:30 PM

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 2/3/2015 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 Departure Flights on Monday 2/3/2015 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 358 Mashhad 14:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 00:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 FDB 8061 Dubai 15:20 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 FDB 8062 Dubai 16:00 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 KAC 118 New York 18:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 GFA 048 Istanbul 19:10 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 104 London 19:55 KAC 415D Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 08:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 JZR 359 Mashhad 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 281 Dhaka 20:55 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 KAC 282 Dhaka 09:20 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 ABY 129 Sharjah 09:45 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 ABY 120 Sharjah 10:30 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:45 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 SYR 341 Damascus 22:10 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 103 London 12:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:50 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 SYR 342 Damascus 23:10 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 CROSSWORD 829 STAR TRACK

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

You may be in both a serious and a practical mood today. Abstract ideas are not You could find a whole new set of friends developing soon. The pursuit of for you. You want to know the real value of something and how and where it fits into your life. romance is strong, but if you look too hard, you could miss what is close to you. Your energy Today you will be good at polishing up details, whether as part of a project or becoming better could be more useful in a creative endeavor. Unconventional romantic and social connections organized. If you are in a religious setting you may be teaching a class lesson today. Discovering are likely. You could feel restless. You will probably want to initiate some exciting new activities what you truly believe in-fighting for it, even-is a high personal priority. Religion, law, politics, with your friends. There is a chance to understand those around you and to have a special time travel and higher education are some of the arenas where this takes place. Working on some with someone you love. General good feelings and a sense of support and harmony makes this a project in the living environment may take up your time this afternoon but provides you with a happy time. Perhaps you will solve a mystery this evening using your intuitive mind. This could good time to think. Someone you are close to, a friend or sibling, may offer a pleasant distraction be a mysterious puzzle or an article that was lost. Volunteer to help in some community need this evening. today.

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

Energy, excitement and the opportunity for new discoveries rule the day. You should be in very close touch with your feelings today, making it easy to There are plenty of other days for routine and discipline. Take advantage of the height- express your own emotions or be a sympathetic listener to others. You can give sound advice or ened perception of yourself and the world around you. When you consider ways in which make thoughtful decisions. This is a good day to write a letter to a friend or tell your loved one you could increase your financial situation, you will be successful. You will be happy to exactly how you feel. Pay the bills before you find yourself paying a late fee. Communications are know that your efforts in financial control will show positive results by the end of this clear and you may find yourself conversing with many people on many subjects today. This may year. If you are good at boxing or swimming you may want to put yourself in a position mean a family get-together. The energies today are in the direction of good health and sociabili- where you could teach or coach. There is an enhancement of your physical energy. You ty. You are particularly witty and make for fun company. You have an interest in joining a gym, can keep this energy steady with regular exercise. Your domestic life is looking positive perhaps with a new friend. If you commit your money you will want to commit your time as well. with home surroundings which are quite pleasurable.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) This is a time to enjoy the company of others-particularly with neighbors and Although yesterday you may have enjoyed a family reunion of sorts, today brothers or sisters. Being more in touch with people, family and friends, gives you you are ready to accomplish now what you wanted to do earlier this week. This may that strong sense of belonging. Your energy is high and your ideas are on target with whatever ACROSS from aba cloth. include some shopping, visiting friends, or even a test drive of a new vehicle you have activities are around. You may feel like rearranging or redecorating the main rooms of your living 1. A fraudulent business scheme. been thinking about purchasing. Strong-minded persons are attracted to you and you quarters. People that visit you will enjoy the changes. This is a good time to get some home proj- 5. Filled with vapor. DOWN tend to help each other move in positive directions. There is a shift in the energies now ects out of the way-old magazines, projects that never are finished, etc. Careful-do not overstep 12. Standard time in the 6th time zone west 1. The second largest city in Tunisia. that indicates new and better living conditions. It may be time to either update your living the boundaries of someone else's belongings. Now, more than ever, you want to be admired and of Greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridi- 2. Perennial having hollow cylindrical conditions or improve the land where you live. If your living area is part of an investment, appreciated by others, to do and create things that stir their hearts. Romance comes easily this you are wise to refurbish and update. This may mean paint, or repair of the many little evening. an. leaves used for seasoning. items that fall apart after the weather has taken its toll. 15. Inventory accounting in which the old- 3. (old-fashioned) At or from or to a great est items (those first acquired) are assumed distance. to be the first sold. 4. Of or relating to or characteristic of 16. Class of protozoa having cilia or hairlike Morocco or its people. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) appendages on part or all of the surface 5. United States historian who wrote a nine during some part of the life cycle. Life seems easier to understand today. You appreciate your particular situation and You will feel accomplished when you pay the bills, correspond to friends and per- volume history of the people of the United form the chores around your living area that have been waiting for your attention. Later, you will 17. South American wood sorrel cultivated enjoy support from those around you. You may soon be preparing to take a course of study. Local States (1852-1932). and everyday matters have come to your attention this afternoon. Your inner spirit is beckoning be able to spend time reading that new book or magazine. Do not allow yourself to become dis- for its edible tubers. 6. Being one more than one. you to come closer, to be quiet and to listen. There are many spiritual gifts yet to be received-you tracted. While attentiveness to consumption of food is important, everyone is different and may 18. Evergreen Indian shrub with vivid yel- 7. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike are already beginning to receive a few of them. However, you need to be able to understand these demand different diet plans. There will be time today to work out some sort of diet plan and make low flowers whose bark is used in tanning. part of an organism. gifts and particularly to appreciate the value of what is being given. Meditation is important. a grocery list. Fruit is good for you but too much fruit can cause problems. Seek a physician's help 20. A communist state in Indochina on the 8. In the Arabian Nights a hero who tells of Animals have your attention this evening. You may want to nurture and protect everyone and if before you begin a strict diet. Consider a good exercise program that strengthens the tummy mus- South China Sea. the fantastic adventures he had in his voy- you are not careful, you could soon have way too many animals under one roof. cles without too much back strain. You give good advice to a young person this evening. 21. A tight-fitting headdress. ages. 22. Abnormal dryness of the conjunctiva 9. The capital of Bahrain. and cornea of the eyes. 10. Essential oil or perfume obtained from Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 23. Lower in range than tenor and higher flowers. than bass. 11. (folklore) A corpse that rises at night to In partnerships, an old competition needs to be resolved. Changes in friends or You enjoy being around people most of the time but particularly today! Any 25. (computer science) A kind of computer drink the blood of the living. groups need not be disturbing if you examine the causes. You are becoming more self-assertive excuse for a get-together to make new friends is enjoyed. You feel especially close to your loved architecture that has a large number of 12. Tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits. and independent and you may have more responsibilities soon as you will be more in charge of cir- ones as well, and your desire to nurture and protect them is strong-do not overdo it. You may also instructions hard coded into the cpu chip. 13. The act of scanning. cumstances this whole month. Other people will adapt to your actions now. If there is a new proj- enjoy reminiscing with old friends about pleasant memories of the past. Marriage, contracts and 27. Before noon. 14. A long thin piece of cloth or paper as ect, method or new rule that you might want to instigate or change, this may be the time it will partnerships are seen as keys to success and happiness and there are plenty of lessons in this cate- 28. The branch of computer science that more likely happen. Saving for the future may be worth your time now as your earning power will gory to teach you. Let yourself dream this evening. These times do not come too often-do not used for binding or fastening. ignore this opportunity to let your imagination loose. Perhaps a good book or movie will take on deal with writing computer programs that 19. Type genus of the Amiidae. increase. One of your successes in life can come from knowing you have built a firm financial foun- dation. You may weaken under extensive flattery today. A new relationship is yours for the asking. that more-than-real dimension. You might consider a future class in creative writing. can solve problems creatively. 24. A metallic tapping sound. 29. A baroque musical composition (usually 26. A rotating disk shaped to convert circu- for a keyboard instrument) with full chords lar into linear motion. and rapid elaborate runs in a rhythmically 30. A member of the Siouan people former- Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) free style. ly inhabiting the Black Hills of western 32. The longer of the two telegraphic sig- South Dakota. You may be more nostalgic than usual. Learn to make your sensitive nature work Something is completed today and you feel doubly proud. This may include nals used in Morse code. 31. A soft whitish calcite. for you by turning your focus inward. This is the way you will discover new areas in which you can a personal pet project or some endeavor to complete or satisfy a time schedule; bravo. 34. An informal conversation. 33. A collection of objects laid on top of gain insight and energy. Make it a habit to search your own inner being to find the answers you Family members that have been distant are suddenly loving which leaves you a little con- 38. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- each other. need. Any challenges today are only passing events. Answers will come and you will find the right fused; you should take the positive vibes wherever you can find them and not question cially in Turkey). 35. Relating to the deepest parts of the solution. Holding onto money may be difficult at this time. When giving to charities or causes that too much at this point. Keep in mind that sometimes people, places and things are not 39. Any of various systems of units for solicit your aid, remember that sometimes your time becomes more important than your money. always what they seem. You will make a few new discoveries through the young people ocean (below 6000 meters). You have a little extra energy for solving any problem that comes to your attention-particularly you meet. There is some sort of teaching project; the kids will learn quickly and love you measuring electricity and magnetism. 36. Separate by avulsion. 41. (Polynesian) An alcoholic drink made the ongoing ones. A healing is in the forecast. for taking the time to teach, perhaps as a mentor or tutor. This evening is for you; smile for 37. A bicycle with two sets of pedals and the camera and enjoy the hugs. from the aromatic roots of the kava shrub. two seats. 42. Involving two dimensions. 40. Move out of a curled position. 44. A yellow trivalent metallic element of 43. A condition (mostly in boys) character- Yesterday’s Solution the rare earth group. ized by behavioral and learning disorders. 46. A radioactive element of the actinide 45. Herb of the Pacific islands grown series. throughout the tropics for its edible root 47. Of a dull grayish brown to brownish and in temperate areas as an ornamental gray color. for its large glossy leaves. 48. A close friend who accompanies his 49. Bony flesh of herring-like fish usually buddies in their activities. caught during their migration to fresh 52. A resin used in adhesives and paints. water for spawning. 54. A Polynesian rain dance performed by a 50. The small projection of a mammary woman. gland. 56. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of 51. Obvious and dull. the alkali metal group. 58. An associate degree in nursing. 53. A soft silvery metallic element. 59. The square of a body of any size of type. 55. A showy outward display. 61. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol 57. An intersection or crossing of two tracts in the blood. in the form of the letter X. 62. A coenzyme derived from the B vitamin 60. Trailing grass native to Europe now cos- nicotinic acid. mopolitan in warm regions. 64. A state in the United States in the cen- 63. (Irish) Chief god of the Tuatha De tral Pacific on the Hawaiian Islands. Danann. 72. A temporally organized plan for matters 65. A city in northern India. to be attended to. 66. (prefix) In front of or before in space. 74. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which 67. A state in the Rocky Mountains. the pilot is talked down by ground control 68. Disabled in the feet or legs. using precision approach radar. 69. Small beads made from polished shells 75. Agitation resulting from active worry. and formerly used as money by native 76. Indicating the most important per- Americans. former or role. 70. Someone who works (or provides work- 78. A barrier constructed to contain the ers) during a strike. flow or water or to keep out the sea. 71. God of love and erotic desire. 79. The income arising from land or other 73. The habitation of wild animals. property. 77. A light strong gray lustrous corrosion- 80. Coins collectively. resistant metallic element used in strong 81. A loose sleeveless outer garment made light-weight alloys (as for airplane parts).

Yesterday’s Solution

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 LIFESTYLE36 MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Gossip

Jenner doesn’t want to be judged he ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ star believes she has “closed down” a lot more because she is worried about what other people think about her. She said: “People are going to judge you no matter what you do. So Tnow I feel like I haven’t been open as much as I used to be. I haven’t really been letting my fans get to know me a lot: I’ve closed down. “I love to connect with people, but it became just a bigger door for people to judge me. I feel like, growing up, I haven’t had a lot of room for error - I don’t have room to make mistakes. You need to make mis- takes to grow and learn, but I’m just a little different because the world is watching me, every single thing I do.” The 17-year-old television personality, though, understands how important it is for her to post updates about her life on social media but believes the person she depicts on there is “different” to who she really is. She added: “On Instagram I’m like a different person almost, I just show people what I want people to see.” One thing Kylie has been remaining coy about is her rumored relationship with 25-year-old rapper Tyga and whilst she hasn’t con- firmed the pair is together, she hinted that she likes to “share” her life with someone. She added to Fault magazine: “I don’t think I need a significant other to be happy because I always like to find that for myself, but I think that it makes me a lot happier when I’m sharing my life with someone.”

Turneris scared of drains

he ‘Game of Thrones’ star has confessed she is very supersti- tious and always walks around any public drains very cautious- Tly whilst shouting the word “onions”. The 18-year-old actress said: “I have a phobia of walking over drains - it freaks me out. I don’t know what it is, but I get so nervous whenever I see one. Someone once told me to say the word ‘onions’ when I walk over one and it will reverse the curse. So now I say it every time. I guess it’s a superstition thing, but it helps.” The British beauty Kardashian ‘terrified’ wears a lot of heavy costumes and corsets while playing Sansa Stark on the show, but admits they rarely cause her any toilet troubles because she has “a really strong bladder”. Speaking about losing Lamar to the new issue of InStyle magazine, she said: “I have a real- ly strong bladder and only pee twice a day. When I was lit- he ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ star is report- tle, I used to hold it in, until I wet myself! I think I stretched edly worried about never hearing from the basket- my bladder so much that now I’m able to hold it in for Tball player again if they get a divorce. A source hours. I don’t even think about it during the day, and shared: “Nobody can really understand Khloé’s motiva- then I eventually realize I should probably go.” Despite tion for fight over the money. It’s been so long now it having lots of fans, Sophie admits they are usually dis- seems bizarre that she’s still out for revenge. “And she appointed when they discover she is a natural and her family have more than enough money to keep blonde. She added: “Oddly enough, my mother has her living in luxury for the rest of her life. It’s clearly red hair. And my father has dark hair, so I’m not sure because she wants to keep him close. She feels like she how I ended up blonde.” will never hear from Lamar again if she divorces him. Losing him forever terrifies her.” The 30-year-old televi- sion personality - who tied the knot with Lamar, 35, in 2009 - is believed to be “fighting” with him over money he reportedly emptied from one of their joint bank accounts. The insider added to HollywoodLife.com: “KhloÈ and Lamar aren’t divorced because KhloÈ is still fighting him for money. She feels he was the one who screwed her over and he should pay her millions. “They are still fighting over a secret joint bank account they had which Lamar emptied when they separated. He’s spent all that money and Khloé wants it back. Not only that but she thinks he should pay her half the value of his house in Florida.”

Williams’ daughter gets tattoo in Pattinson dad’s memory elda, 25, recently got the inking so she ‘dotes’ on had a permanent reminder of the late Zactor, who committed suicide in August last year. Explaining the meaning of the tattoo, she said: “If you’ve seen them fly, and if you know a little bit about them, they’re impossible FKA twigs to keep in one place. Every time people see them it’s not like they say, ‘Oh my God, a hawk!’ he ‘Twilight’ star’s hectic filming sched- “It’s a hummingbird, and that was the reaction ule has meant he is forced to spend that my father got, from children, from fans, more time away from his girlfriend but T from senior citizens, and that’s what humming- that didn’t stop him taking a day off to cele- birds always meant to me.” Meanwhile, Zelda brate her BRIT Awards nomination in London insisted that she finds it “easy” remembering this week. A source shared: “Rob wanted to her father because he is “impossible to forget”. make sure he was with her on the big night. Making a rare red carpet appearance in Beverly He couldn’t make it to the actual show but did Hills, she told People magazine: “For me it’s easy manage to get to the after party. He is her to continue remembering someone that is biggest fan and just dotes on her.” The ‘Two impossible to forget.”When asked about step- Weeks’ hitmaker - who was spotted leaving ping back into the spotlight, she added: “It’s not the Warner Music after party hand-in-hand difficult, it’s just a strange feeling. It’s okay, it’s with her boyfriend - didn’t seem too upset going to be okay, but it is a transition. “It’s after she failed to win in her category, meanwhile, the couple’s jet-setting acknowledging that you have to stop feeling schedules have made them more “crazy” about each other, according to a that the outside world does not exist, because source, and they have found a way to keep their relationship intimate even for a short while it doesn’t.” though they are separated by thousands of miles. The insider added: “Yes, they are crazy about each other and the time apart definitely worked in their favour. When the 28-year-old actor has breaks from filming, the loved-up cou- ple are hoping to split their time between two countries. A source told HollywoodLife.com: “The couple is planning on dividing their time between London, New York and Los Angeles.” Swift thinks she will always be single Hall thinks plastic he ‘Blank Space’ hitmaker - who has previously dated Harry Styles, Jake Gyllenhaal and John Mayer - believes her A-list lifestyle makes it difficult surgery is ‘dangerous’ Tfor her to find a boyfriend. When asked where she’d be in five years time, she said: “I’ll be 30. I’ll probably still be single, let’s be honest. “No one’s going to he 58-year-old model claims she has never gone under the knife because sign up for this and everything that goes with it. Like, ‘Hi, nice to meet you, she thinks it makes people “look silly” and she is “proud” to be aging natu- want a date? Do you love camera flashes? I hope you do!’ “I don’t know what’s Trally. She said: “Aging gracefully is something I’m proud of, so I don’t do going to happen if I’m ever content in a relationship - no idea how that’s going anything invasive. I think plastic surgery is dangerous and makes people look a to work. I don’t even know if that’s possible with the life I have.” However, the bit silly. There’s nothing wrong with a handsome woman with a few lines on her prospect of being single for another five years doesn’t bother the 25-year-old face.” Jerry - who has four children with ex-husband Sir Mick Jagger - hasn’t eat- singer, who has admitted she would rather have fun and be adventurous. She en sugar in almost 20 years and thinks sweet treats are “the worst thing in the added: “I used to think it was important to find a boyfriend. “But I don’t feel that world.” She said: “I quit eating processed sugar in my 40s to lose the baby it is now. I just want to have as much fun and as many adventures as possible.” weight from my fourth pregnancy. I haven’t had it since. I think sugar is the Meanwhile, the blonde beauty has insisted that when she does find love, her worst thing in the world. “I cook a lot, and I eat mostly protein and leafy veg- music will still be inspired by the ups and downs of relationships because she etables. I like everything in moderation - beef, lamb, chicken, fish - but I try to would be able to find “complexity in happiness”. She told the Daily Telegraph avoid carbohydrates. “I don’t drink that often, but I enjoy a glass of red wine newspaper: “I don’t think anything’s ever simple. Just because you’re happy in a with dinner.” Jerry also credits her model daughter Georgia May Jagger, 23, for relationship doesn’t mean that there aren’t moments of confusion or frustra- inspiring her to stay fit and healthy. She told Harper’s Bazaar magazine: “I’ve tion or loneliness or sadness. “Hopefully, if I ever find some sort of meaningful been juicing quite a bit lately. My daughter Georgia has influenced me, and relationship, I’ll be able to still find inspiration, just through the everyday ups we’ve been trying different types of juices.” —Bangshowbiz and downs.” LIFESTYLE37 MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Features ‘House of Cards’ dealt Netflix a winning hand

ven if it never wins another week to see another installment. to reveal the viewership of any of Wall Street’s doubts have dissi- award, “House of Cards” its series. But this much is clear: pated, and Netflix’s service has Ealready ranks among the Companies turning point “House of Cards” came along at become an entertainment staple most influential series in television Many analysts now view “House a pivotal juncture for Netflix. The around the world. Since “House of history. The political drama of Cards” and Netflix’s other award- Los Gatos, California, company was Cards” was released, Netflix’s stock launched Netflix’s expansion into winning series released a few still recovering from a subscriber has nearly tripled to about $480 original programming two years months later - “Orange is the New backlash triggered in mid-2011 by while its Internet video service has ago, a risky bet that might have Black” - as turning points in the a dramatic increase in its prices and grown subscribers by 24 million toppled the Internet video service company’s evolution, similar to the a bungled attempt to spin off its subscribers to 57 million. Half of had “House of Cards” flopped and impact “The Sopranos” and “Sex DVD-by-mail service. Undaunted, those gains have come in the US. squandered its estimated $100 mil- The momentum emboldened lion investment. Instead, the show Netflix last year to raise its monthly was an immediate hit with viewers streaming prices by a $1 to $9. and critics, giving Netflix the finan- There was little blowback from cus- cial clout and creative firepower to tomers this time. Netflix’s widening Concept art from Neill Blomkamp’s proposed ‘Alien’ film. further transform how we watch appeal may have also contributed and define “television.” And it to HBO’s decision to begin selling spurred other online services such its channel as a separate Internet New ‘Alien’ won’t undo as Amazon.com Inc. and Google’s service later this year. HBO hasn’t YouTube to spend more on their yet announced its prices for the own original content to create HBO Go service. ‘Alien 3’ or ‘Resurrection’ shows that rival those produced by The next challenge for Netflix broadcast and cable channels. will be proving that it can consis- Season three debuted early tently deliver series as good as Friday, giving fans a chance to see “House of Cards,” which has irector Neill Blomkamp is setting Scott. “Alien” star Sigourney Weaver said Frank and Claire Underwood con- received 22 Emmy nominations the record straight that his she’s always been interested in giving tinue their machinations, now from and won four awards so far, and Dupcoming “Alien” sequel won’t her classic character, Ellen Ripley, a a hard-won White House perch. The “Orange Is The New Black,” which “undo” the events of “Alien 3” or “Alien: proper ending. show marks just one of more than has collected three Emmy awards Resurrection.” It appears as though the “I think we left a series that’s quite 20 original series or movies that among its 12 nominations. While new movie will take place before the beloved just sort of literally hanging in Netflix is scheduled to show this some of Netflix’s other original pro- sequels, serving as a bridge between the air,” Weaver told AlloCine. “I didn’t year. Producing that much original grams, such as “Hemlock Grove” content would have seemed like a and “BoJack Horseman,” have the first two films, “Alien” and “Aliens.” like the way it was going. I think it’s Actor Kevin Spacey poses for photographers upon arrival at long shot before “House of Cards” attracted enthusiastic followings, “My favorites are the first two movies, so hard to manufacture a good story just first established Netflix as more the House Of Cards season 3 World Premiere at the Empire they haven’t proven to be a sub- I want to make a film that’s connected because they want to make another than a convenient and cheap way Cinema in central London. —AP scriber drawing card like “House of to ‘Alien’ and ‘Aliens,’” he told AlloCine. one. I guess I always wanted to com- to watch recycled TV series and Cards,” said Rosenblatt Securities “That’s my goal. I’m not trying to undo plete this story, and it wasn’t really ‘til movies previously released on DVD. and the City” had for HBO. Netflix Netflix continued to commit bil- analyst Martin Pyykkonen. “Netflix ‘Alien 3’ or ‘Alien: Resurrection’; I just Neill and I started talking that I Launched in February 2013, “House CEO Reed Hastings now regularly lions of dollars to long-term licens- needs to get to the point where it’s want it to be connected to Alien ‘1’ and thought, ‘This is why we’ve waited how- of Cards” was among the first major likens the company to the HBO of ing agreements with movie and TV showing three or four high-quality ‘2.’” The untitled 20th Century Fox sci-fi ever many years it’s been.’” Blomkamp’s series to release an entire season at the Internet. Just how many Netflix studios while also spending heavily shows like ‘House of Cards” every once, a move that fed into viewers’ subscribers have watched “House on an international expansion. quarter if it wants to retain sub- project is separate from “Prometheus 2,” latest film, “Chappie,” opens on Friday. desire to devour several episodes at of Cards” remains a mystery Some analysts questioned whether scribers,” he said. —AP which Fox is still making with Ridley —Reuters a time instead of having to wait a because the company has refused the company could survive. David Bailey: Capturing the stars

British photographer David Bailey poses in front of his pictures of Mick Jagger during the private preview of the exhibition ‘Stardust’. —AFP photos

e may be a Swinging Sixties icon, but British photographer David Bailey up close is a wise-cracking crank who shrugs off his immense success as one of the world’s Hmost famous celebrity photographers. “I’m not proud, I don’t do proud,” he said at the press opening of his Stardust exhibition, which is coming to Milan from March to June after a run at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Intimate portraits of stars such as Kate Moss, Jack Nicholson and Mick Jagger gaze down from the walls of the Padiglione D’arte Contemporanea, alongside photographs of his fourth wife, model Catherine Dyer, and children. A section dedicated to naked unknowns who posed for his “Democracy” project between 2001 and 2005 follows a series capturing the 1960s in the East End of London, where he was raised by his father, a tailor’s cutter, and machinist mother. “...what a lot of work,” Bailey says of the exhibition, but he won’t be drawn further, however, fobbing off questions with his characteristic bluntness: “it’s just my job, it’s what I do.” The 77-year old famously suffered from dyslexia at school and truanted regularly before dropping out entirely, practically illiterate, aged 15. “I didn’t know I was dyslexic until I was 30, I thought I was a fucking idiot until then,” he says. Bailey ended up selling suits and credits his interest in photography to a 1948 image by Henri Cartier-Bresson of Muslim women wearing long cloaks in front of the Himalayas, a shot which he said made the women appear to be mountains themselves. He crossed paths with the East End under- world including the notorious Kray brothers, who ran a protection racket and carried out a series of murders and robberies in the 1950s and 60s-and whose photographs he took in 1965.

‘No regrets’ He says he was beaten up several times during his life and found out a few years ago that the Krays, who he spent a couple of weeks with during the shoot, had knifed his father. But he does not regret the time spent with the gangsters, or anything at all for that matter-not even his three divorces. “I have no regrets, and there’s no nostalgia in my life,” he said. “That was the time I was living through. I live in the moment and always see the ridiculous side of life,” he adds, quipping: “you’ve got to seize the moment. See that moment? It’s just gone!” Bailey has been known to take portrait photographs on smartphones but is somewhat dismissive about the digital medium compared with old-fashioned film. “Yeah I’ve used phones, the phone is just another machine, a tool. It’s not the camera that takes photos, the person does. “I prefer film though, there’s no magic with digital, you cannot make mis- takes-and if you do you delete them immediately. There’s no mystery.” Despite signing the odd autograph, he doesn’t appear comfortable with fans, turning his back on his photographs and insisting his life “is a lot bigger than this. I make bronzes, movies, paintings too.” But what was it like living through the Swinging Sixties as someone as famous as the stars he was photographing, working with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and becoming a sex symbol of sorts in his own right? He shrugs, saying: “It wasn’t very swinging if you were a coal miner or a steel worker,” and no, on the sidelines of Milan fashion week, he won’t be drawn on models he would like to photograph today either. “I don’t know any models, and don’t like actresses,” he said. Wrapped up in a red coat with sheepskin ruff and with bags under his eyes, Bailey, whose career inspired Michelangelo Antonioni’s film “Blow-Up, has a simple answer when asked how he went from dyslexic drop-out to Vogue collaborator, the start of his stellar rise to fame. “I worked hard. The harder you work, the luckier you get,” he said. —AFP lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 Nimoy leaves a legacy beyond science-fiction

A screen grab from the film ‘Whiplash’.

In this Jan 11, Whiplash 1982 file photo, actor Leonard Nimoy poses for By Aakash Bakaya to join his own jazz group at the academy. ing is superb - leaving you a taste of every a photo in Los This is the when the film truly kicks off and character while still allowing the viewer to Angeles. hiplash’ is unlike any music cen- from the great jazz music to the utmost ter- make their own judgments about them. The tric movie you have ever seen - ror Fletcher instills in his students - music is great and the pacing will make the eonard Nimoy didn’t just leave a Don Lincoln, a senior physicist at ‘Wthis isn’t a musical nor is cen- ‘Whiplash’ will grab you and refuse to let go. two-hour runtime fall all too short as it’s one lasting impression on the science- Fermilab, said he was inspired to go into tered on a famous musician or band. It is Fletcher might seem a bit loose in the of those movies which you don’t want it to Lfiction world, he also left his mark science not just because Nimoy’s portray- more ‘Rocky’ than ‘West Side Story’, more head and in crucial need for a psychologist end. Fletcher might be too intense for some on science itself. Seth Shostak, who al of the logical Mr. Spock but also ‘Full Metal Jacket’ than ‘VH1 Behind the but Simmons plays the disciplinarian to per- but Simmons puts so much humility in the researches the possibility of real-world because of “In Search of...,” the curious Music’. It is a pulsating, energetic ride of a fection. His intense stares and subtle body role that you end up either loving him, hat- extraterrestrial life as the senior 1970s TV series hosted by Nimoy that drummer’s stone cold determination to be language make him not only a force of ing him or something in between the two. astronomer at SETI Research, recalled was dedicated to mysterious phenome- the best in the world, and what a joyous nature, but most importantly human. He’s polarizing for sure but no matter how that Nimoy was regularly willing to lend na. “Despite the fact he worked in fiction, ride it is. This doesn’t take away anything from you feel, you can’t help but respect him. the organization a helping hand. When anyone who can inspire that many peo- ‘Whiplash’ tells the story of Andrew Teller’s own performance though, as he What would you do to follow your dreams he was asked to narrate a planetarium ple to look into the sky and wonder has Neiman (Miles Teller) has he begins his class- shows vulnerability without being weak and and become the best? What would you give introduction or appear as a guest at an done something really important for Film review Film es at Shaffer Conservatory, New York’s most his obsession doesn’t lose the audience for a up and sacrifice to focus only on your goals event, Nimoy did so graciously and never mankind,” he said. prestigious and difficult music academy. His second. It does feel a bit one-dimensional at and nothing else? charged. Lincoln noted that “Trek” and the char- passion for jazz drumming and the status of times, but I attribute this mostly towards the How far is too far when it comes to teach- “That struck me then, and it strikes me acter of Spock, armed with his Vulcan conductor Terence Fletcher (JK Simmons’ character rather than the acting. When ing and who is the judge of a student’s suc- now,” said Shostak. “If you play a famous nerve pinch and phase set to stun, pro- Oscar-winning performance) is evident from Fletcher starts slapping him in his first class cess and failure? The film asks these ques- alien, you might have little interest in vided the world with a dynamic look at the very first scene of the film. From there to make sure he knows his tempos, you tell tions and a lot more, but like all great how science is searching for real aliens, someone interested in science. “The fact we follow Andrew has he practices and yourself this is definitely abuse, but no one movies, it leaves the answers up to the audi- but Nimoy was actually interested in the is that Spock was a cool geek,” said pushes himself to the limit and does what- in class seems to be complaining, so he ence. The movie is running for what is likely science - and he was always willing to Lincoln. “Scientists are not always por- ever it takes to impress and catch the eye of must be doing something right, isn’t he? to be its final week in Kuwait and I implore all help us out.” Remembrances poured in trayed as being very strong. Usually, the revered but intimidating Fletcher. The story takes some surprising turns and to go check it out before it is too late - it is from beyond the entertainment spec- they’re the guy with the tape on their However, it was only a matter of time till leaves you invested in its small cast of char- simply an enthralling, unforgettable cine- trum after news spread Friday about the glasses and their pants too high. He was Fletcher takes notice of him and allows him acters throughout its running time. The writ- matic experience. death of the 83-year-old actor, who clearly a person who had desirable com- played the half-alien, half-human Spock ponents beyond just being smart.” in “Star Trek” films, TV shows and video Nimoy’s commitment to astronomy games. NASA, Virgin Galactic, Intel and frequently warped from beyond the Google all sent messages, as did other Alpha Quadrant and into the real world. groups motivated by Nimoy and his role He and his wife, Susan, donated $1 mil- as the truth-seeking science officer. lion to the renovation of the iconic Slum girl to silver screen: Griffith Park observatory complex over- Inspiration to generations looking Los Angeles. The observatory’s “Leonard Nimoy was an inspiration to theater is named after Nimoy. “Mr Nimoy multiple generations of engineers, scien- was committed to people, community tists, astronauts and other space explor- and the enlarged perspective conferred Uganda’s chess prodigy ers,” said NASA administrator Charles by science, the arts and the places where Bolden. “As Mr Spock, he made science they meet,” the observatory said in a hiona Mutesi happened upon chess as a fam- and technology important to the story, statement. ished nine-year-old foraging for food in the while never failing to show, by example, “The theater honors Nimoy’s expan- Psprawling and impoverished slums of the that it is the people around us who matter sive and inclusive approach to public Ugandan capital. “I was very hungry,” said Mutesi, most.” NASA posted a photo online taken astronomy and artful inspiration.” The aged about 18. Now a chess champion who com- in 1976 of Nimoy and his “Trek” cast mates actor, director and photographer narrat- petes internationally, her tale of triumph over in front of NASA’s real-life space shuttle ed several films focusing on astronomy, adversity is being turned into a Hollywood epic Enterprise, parked outside the agency’s including a 2012 short film about NASA’s with Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o manufacturing facilities in Palmdale, Dawn mission and the 1994 IMAX docu- tipped to play her mother. California. Samantha Cristoforetti, an mentary film “Destiny in Space.” “All I can “My dad had died, and after the age of three we Italian astronaut aboard the International say is if and when we pick up a signal, it’ll started struggling to get food to eat, my mum was Space Station, similarly tweeted her con- be wonderful if the real aliens are half as not working,” Mutesi told AFP. They lived on one dolences from space. “Live Long and appealing as Mr Nimoy was as Spock,” meal a day. She was forced to drop out of school Prosper, Mr #Spock!” she wrote. said Shostak of SETI Research. — AP aged six when her mother could not pay the fees. “You can’t just wake up and say ‘today’: you have to plan first.” One day, Mutesi discovered a chess pro- gram held in a church in the Katwe slum districts in Kampala. Potential players were enticed with a free cup of porridge, and Mutesi began organizing her days around this. “It was so interesting,” she recalled of her introduction to pawns, rooks, bishops, knights and kings in 2005. “But I didn’t go there for chess, I went just to get a meal.” As she returned week after week, something unexpected hap- pened that would transform Mutesi’s life.

‘Incredible impact’ Russia’s Siberia, in Turkey-after which she was given hero, Russian former world champion and The young girl developed a talent for chess, the Woman Candidate Master ranking by FIDE, the Grandmaster Garry Kasparov, and inspired school which was only introduced in Uganda in the 1970s World Chess Federation-and in Norway last year. students in the US to start a tournament in her by foreign doctors and was still seen as a game The teenager, who has two more years of high name. Back home, her fame has had “an incredible played by the rich. And her talent turned into a school left, hopes to go to the next Olympiad in impact”, said Luggya. passion. “I like chess because it involves planning,” 2016 in Azerbaijan. “The number of lady players participating in said Mutesi. “If you don’t plan, you will end up with Overseas, Mutesi has also played against her national chess championships has doubled,” he your life so bad.” The film, entitled “Queen of said, adding that each of the 26 schools set to com- Katwe”, is based on a book of the same name about pete in Uganda’s annual championships in April Mutesi by American writer Tim Crothers. It is to be will have girls and boys teams. shot in Uganda and South Africa, directed by Mira Uganda’s female players have also been spurred Nair. Filming will reportedly begin in late March. on by the success of Ivy Amoko, who became east Coach and mentor Robert Katende, of the Africa’s first FIDE Master last year. A recent week- Sports Outreach Ministry, remembers Mutesi wear- long chess clinic, involving Mutesi, attracted more ing “dirty torn clothes” when he met her a decade than 200 participants, most of them female, from ago. “She was really desperate for survival,” said Kampala slums and surrounding communities. Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee and president of the “Bruce Lee Foundation,” Katende, who is building a chess academy to British-Nigerian actor David Oyelowo-nominated poses for photographers during a press conference. — AP accommodate 150 students outside Kampala. Two for a Gold Globe Award for his portrayal of Martin years into the game, Mutesi became Uganda’s Luther King in the 2014 drama “Selma”-is also set to national women’s junior champion, defending her star in “Queen of Katwe”. Luggya hopes the film will Bruce Lee biopic title the next year. “Phiona Mutesi has flourished,” “open doors” for all players in Uganda, saying: Vianney Luggya, president of the Uganda Chess “I think Ugandans realize that it is a brain game Federation, he said. “She made history in the that can enhance their potential in all other aspects leaps into action schools’ competition by becoming the first girl to of life.” Though the country now has east Africa’s compete in the boys’ category. It was certainly sur- only International Master, Elijah Emojong, and the region’s biggest number of titled players, Uganda egendary martial arts star Bruce Lee is the project in collaboration with Lawrence prising.” By the time she participated in her first international competition, Africa’s International still struggles with kit and trainers-normally volun- getting the official biopic treatment, Grey (“Hope Springs”) and Janet Yang (“The teers-plus sponsorship for overseas titles. Mutesi is daughter Shannon Lee announced Joy Luck Club”). In the statement, Shannon Children’s Chess Tournament in South Sudan in L 2009, Mutesi still had not read a book. aware this may hold her back ultimately. But while Friday. Despite his untimely death in 1973 Lee said the film will explore her father’s her goal is to rise to Grandmaster, she also hopes to at age 32, Bruce Lee helped to create and writings, art and philosophies in addition ‘Believe in yourself’ become a pediatrician and open a home for chil- popularize a genre that still endures and to his martial arts stardom. Neither a star dren, especially girls facing the same predicament influences today with roles in films includ- nor a director has been set for the film. The “It was really wonderful because it was my first time abroad,” she said. “It was my first time to sleep she overcame. “Girls are always under-looked, even ing “Fist of Fury,” “Way of the Dragon,” and 1993 biopic “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story” 18-year-old Phiona Mutesi plays a game of in a hotel. We came back with a trophy.” Since then in chess,” said Mutesi. “But I don’t think there’s any “Enter the Dragon.” was based on widow Linda Lee Cadwell’s chess with her colleagues at the chess acade- Mutesi has competed in chess Olympiads in reason why a girl cannot beat a boy. It comes from Bruce Lee Entertainment will produce book. — AP my in Kibuye, Kampala. — AFP photos believing in yourself.” — AFP lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 FASHION

Femininity gets a rethink esigners are incorporating more masculine red sequin appliques over the black-and-white tailoring, while giving a contemporary repeating pattern. Dedge to normally girly touches like bows, ruffles, lace and, yes, polka dots. Among the run- Deconstructed modernism way trends during Milan Fashion Week, in its Gone is the opulent Aquilano -Rimondi of not so fourth day Saturday, are silken blouses tied with faraway yesteryear. The collection that the an off-skew bow around the neck. designing duo Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi presented was more somber, edgy and Veneta pop art urban than in the past. The main look was a Colors popped at Bottega Veneta: Emerald green, deconstructed suit that became drop-waist teal, yellow, russet, violet and orange, matching in dresses, coats and jumpers, decorated by the tone and intensity the bold polka-dot patterns strange bedfellows of metallic eyelets and silver that dominated the runway for the first part of the sequins, lending a tinge of glitz to the industrial show. The repetitive dotting in contrasting colors edge. The pair belted their looks near the bust- would transpose easily into a Roy Lichtenstein line, giving a faux empire waist. — AP painting - but the women wearing Tomas Maierís creations show none of the existential distress that the pop artist normally portrayed. She is con- fident in polka-dot tunics in teal or emerald green with a contemporary neck line that flips over to reveal contrasting colors.

Sober frivolity Jil Sander designer Rodolfo Paglialungaís first win- ter womens wear collection for the brand put the coat at front and center - keeping the lines very long. ìJil Sander represents a little bit of the ele- gant world for me, and thatís why I wanted to do this long silhouette,î Paglialunga said backstage after the show. The collection puts its focus on the basics: pants, footwear and coats. Belted over-

Milan Fashion Week Milan Fashion coats are worn casually over flared trousers. Dresses and tunics were based on the overcoat form, with big pockets and lean lines, adhering to the brandís minimalist roots. Shorter jackets were worn with cropped trouser-skirts.

Handsome houndstooth Even Ermanno Scervino, known for his prowess dressing sensual women, says he likes to play with gender identity in his designsówithout ever blur- ring the lines. Scervino dipped into the male fab- ric playbook and deployed a macro black-and- white houndstooth for coats, dresses and even as Models present accents. There was a skirt and jacket ensemble the creations for with a sequined black top, a striking coat with an the fashion asymmetrical shawl collar and an overcoat with houses John Richmond and Marni at the women Fall/Winter 2015/16 at Milan’s Fashion Week. — AFP photos Slum girl to silver screen: Uganda’s chess prodigy

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015 38

This file picture taken on January 16, 2015, shows people eating at food stalls and walking along a street in the Chinatown area of Bangkok. — AFP photos Bangkok’s street stalls fight for space hey sell everything from noodle soup to beaches in tourist hotspots such as Phuket. society and injecting energy and color into the sex toys, but Bangkok’s famed street But, for the most part, Bangkok’s vendors “will city. But they are also facing a growing public Thawkers are now facing a crackdown as be allowed to sell” if they shift to designated backlash. A Facebook page campaigning for authorities in the fast-growing metropolis zones or stop selling at peak hours, according the rights of pedestrians in Bangkok has more struggle to make space for pedestrians on the to Vichai. than 8,000 ‘likes’ and is full of angry posts crowded pavements. The move to relocate blaming vendors for monopolizing sidewalks. thousands of sellers from main roads to side Dividing the city Some instead laud Singapore’s model for streets or restrict touting to the night is part Pouring cups of instant coffee from his retaining budget food with efficiency by relo- of a campaign to “reclaim the sidewalks” that cart, Mongkol Moradokpermpun said he is cating traders during the 1980s to dedicated comes as the ruling junta vows to “clean-up” one of 3,000 vendors at Khlong Thom market, hawker centers. Yet Narumol thinks Bangkok Thailand’s image. Bangkok residents have in Bangkok’s historic heart, who have been could never go as far to de-clutter its streets. long shared their streets with merchants, rely- given until March 1 to relocate several kilome- “It’s too integral a part of Thai life,” she said. ing on them for cheap meals and household ters away. The 59-year-old, who has sold In recent weeks, authorities have wrestled goods, while tourists are readily found hag- drinks at the same spot for three decades, is back control of sidewalks in parts of the city gling over knock-off handbags, T-shirts or cut- worried about the cost of commuting to the by demarcating pitches with freshly painted price DVDs. The stalls that festoon many new site. yellow lines. But long-time hawkers say it will streets have come to define one of Southeast “If they don’t change their mind, thou- not be long before the stalls are once again Asia’s most vibrant cities, but are also prompt- sands of people will suffer. It will affect our unfettered. Observing police officers speak- business. Every family will have problems,” he ing to vendors opposite his patch in Khlong said. It is a common view at the areas being Thom, a merchant, who asked to stay targeted. In downtown Silom, noodle-seller unnamed, predicted the crackdown will soon Juttigan Jitcham said the new ban on daytime ease. “Authorities will come and we will hide. sales has halved her income. “I can no longer When they leave, we will come out to sell pay school fees for my children,” the 30-year- old said as she dished up steaming bowls of Food vendors along a street in Bangkok. again,” he said. — AFP noodles to evening customers. dors joining the ranks of lower-income sellers, Apart from congestion, the crackdown is many of whom have migrated from Thailand’s also taking aim at the criminal networks-and poorer northeast. graft-prone officials-that have flourished in- step with the mushrooming number of ven- Public backlash dors. A Thai army officer was charged last July Narumol Nirathron, an academic from the with extorting money from salesmen in the Social Administration department of seedy Patpong area, a wedge of go-go bars Thammasat University, says while curbs are and stalls popular with tourists. needed to control overcrowding authorities According to Bangkok’s town hall, there need a broader plan to address vendors’ are 20,000 registered vendors, but thousands needs.”I am worried about the effect on the more operate without a permit in a nation poor who depend on street vending for their where a sprawling informal sector accounts livelihood,” she said. “The pavement is not only for Thailand’s remarkably low unemployment for the pedestrian but it’s for the people to rate. A government survey in 2000 found up earn their living also.” Roadside sellers bind dif- to 400,000 people touted goods on the capi- ferent elements of Bangkok, a capital with a tal’s streets, a number thought to have risen large and widening wealth gap, by bringing with growing numbers of middle-class ven- together street food patrons from all parts of

A Thai vendor preparing meals to sell to customers at the back of a luxury hotel. ing complaints from some Thais who decry them as hazards-raising questions over how the bustling capital uses its public space. “We must return most sidewalks to the people,” said Police Major General Vichai Sangparpai, claiming vendors had colonized around a dozen of the city’s main roads, obstructing people and traffic as well as dam- aging the environment. Action to tackle the congestion has gained momentum since Thailand’s generals seized power last May, cracking down on activities including gam- bling and drug-use in a mission to “restore order” to the nation. Operations are already underway to evict hawkers from cluttered Thai metropolitan officers inspecting food vendors during a crackdown on sidewalk ven- A woman pushing her food cart along a main road. dors along a main road.