investment doubled UK KIA morethan said. porters andopponentsofMorsi,ahealthministryofficial yesterday ofAlexandriaduringclashesbetweenthesup- imacy totheend.Meanwhile,amanwaskilledbygunfire the revolutionandhissupportersvowingtodefendlegit- in Egypt,withMorsi’sopponentsaccusinghimofhijacking plays ofemotiononbothsidesunderlinethebitterdivisions Alexandria raisedfearsofwidespreadunrest.Ferventdis- rival protestsayearafterhiselection,asclashesin President MohamedMorsitooktothestreetsyesterdayfor CAIRO: about theprecisenatureofmechanisms.—AFP of theGCC”,headded,withoutgivingfurtherdetails tion... withministersofcommerceandthecentralbanks ments quotedbyofficialSaudinewsagencySPA. applying” theJune10decision,Zayanisaidincom- part, would“developtheappropriatemechanismsfor interior ministersfromGCCmemberstateswilltake vention inSyria.Thursday’smeeting,whichdeputy activities inreprisalfortheShiitegroup’sarmedinter- their residencypermitsandfinancialbusiness impose sanctionsonmembersofHezbollahtargeting ment Hezbollah,itsheadAbdullatifAl-Zayanisaid. imposing sanctionsonmembersofLebanesemove- ing inRiyadhnextweektoagreethemechanismsfor RIYADH: through acoffee shopinthecapitalRiyadh. —AFP RIYADH: ASaudi womanlooksathermobile asshewalks Gulf toagreeaction

The sanctionswouldbeimplemented“incoordina- The monarchiesoftheGCCdecidedonJune10to SUBSCRIPTION against Hezbollah Gulf loversuse smartphonestobeattaboo Supporters andopponentsofEgyptianIslamist The GulfCooperationCouncilwillholdameet- 150 Fils 3 AUDY UE2,21 SABN2,13 HNo:15854 1434 AH SATURDAY, SHAABAN20, JUNE29,2013 take tothestreets Morsi friends,foes Alexandria clashesraisefearsofdeepeningunrest Continued onPage8 typing lovemessages onthekeyboard one handwhile theotheroneisbusy Emirati youngmanholdsatea cupin ous AbuDhabimall,thelove-struck tions availableonsmartphones. women meetthroughchatting applica- by asternsociety,youngmen and norm. Tobeatthesegregation imposed als whilearrangedmarriagesarethe dating isunacceptableamongnation- across theconservativeGulfcountries, youths theycanonlydoitvirtually. together, butlikemostGulfArab sweet-talk anddreamofafuture day away,neverwastingaminuteto DUBAI: Mohamed MorsiinAlexandriayesterday.—AP ALEXANDRIA: AninjuredmanisassistedafterclashesbetweensupportersandopponentsofEgypt’sIslamistPresident hangs on Mandela Obama’s ‘hero’ 10 Sitting inacoffeeshopluxuri- In theUnitedArabEmiratesandall Jaber andhisgirlfriendflirtthe trigger ascandal intheirconservative making theirrelationship publicwould reveal hisgirlfriend’sname because said Jaber,whostaunchlyrefused to Jaber viaSkype.Itwasashort meeting, enough courageandlinked up with when theyoungwomanmustered encounter tookplacetwomonths later who isinhis20s. story toevolvebetweenus,”saidJaber, to hercontactlist,orforsuchalove a grinthedayhemethisgirlfriend. BlackBerry PINcode,”Jaberrecallswith employee theretohandhermy of hisBlackBerry. But itdidandthefirstcyberspace “I didn’treallyexpecthertoaddme “I sawheratthemovies.Iaskedan Confeds final sends Spaininto Nerveless Navas 46 Dhabi. Development Foundation in Abu research andstudiesatthe Family ues,” saysJamilaKhanji,adviser of on totheirtraditionalconservative val- United ArabEmirates,families still hold marriage. dition andformallyaskforherhandin meeting withherfatherinlinetra- step-namely shouldJaberrequesta the coupleareconsideringnext beloved tomeethiminsecretandnow graduate. Eventuallyheconvincedhis affirm ourlove,”saidtheuniversity society. “Despite themodernizationin the That firstSkypedatewasenough“to Continued onPage 8 Min Max 32º 47º local SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

Kamel Al-Awadhi Meshal Mubarak Al-Ayyar Saleh Bader Al-Saeedi Faleh Al-Thafeeri Mohammed Al-Mutairi

Mubarak Saleh Al-Enezi Osama Al-Tahous Talal Al-Shemmiri Faisal Saleh Al-Harbi Rabah Al-Najadah 65 candidates register for parliament polls Al-Roumi to run for speaker’s post

KUWAIT: The first day of registration to run for period of work and achievement ahead of us darity and good intentions, especially under said Kuwait judiciary protected the one vote the Parliamentary elections witnessed 65 can- and compensate for lost time to support the the dangers that surround the region as Kuwait system, which corrected the defect in the elec- didates including one woman, Riham Al-Jlewi, development plans.” is not far from it. Al-Roumi said article 71 of the tion law, and “we must admit that the defect in the Third district. The most notable candi- He said the organization of elections under constitution said that there is no absolute was present.” He appealed to the government date on Thursday was Abdullah Al-Roumi who total supervision from the Judiciary is some- authority that gives the right to issue decrees. and the next assembly to cooperate to finish said he will run for the speaker’s post in case he thing that distinguished Kuwait’s elections He said the amendment of the election law several projects that attract investments, and won the elections. which is always transparent. He said the requires social and national consensus, which activate the role of the private sector. Acting Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh responsibility of the information ministry is to needs collective efforts to find out a legislation Candidate of the Third constituency Riham Ahmad Al-Humoud inspected the elections play its main role in making citizens aware, and that no one looks at from a personal view. Al-Jlewi said she is running in the elections directorate, and said all precautions will be tak- the importance of their carrying out their Second constituency candidate Eng. Adel because she believes the next stage requires en to avoid mistakes during the elections. He responsibility to support the election process. Al-Khorafi said it is possible to contest the elec- strong economy in order to improve the citi- said that six teams were formed to monitor Sheikh Salman said the information min- tions as it is the right of every citizen to do so, zen’s living. She said she also wants to encour- vote-buying as well as bi-elections. istry has a plan to grant all candidates equal especially that the assembly annulment was age the youth in the private sector to be pres- Meanwhile, Information Minister and State opportunities to present their platforms. due to wrong procedures. He asked the gov- ent in the assembly to be part of decision mak- Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al- Meanwhile, informed sources said Kuwait ernment to rely on competent Kuwait youth ing. Candidate Abdel Kareem Al-Kandari said Humoud lauded the efforts of all those University will launch a media campaign to instead of the wide spread displeasure the Kuwait needs competent people, and “as a involved in the election process, and hoped educate the youth and urge them to partici- people are living today. professor in commercial law, I want to present that election day on July 27 becomes a good pate in the elections and vote for the better Second constituency candidate Khalil Al- solutions through participating in several opportunity during the month of Ramadan to away from secterian and tribal loyalty. The Saleh said the legal and constitutional proce- issues in the next assembly, most important of fulfill the wishes of citizens and the country. sources said the campaign will be in coopera- dures for the current elections are correct, and which is health, education and unemployment. He said Kuwait is proud with its democratic tion with government entities such as the the responsibility is now that of the voter in Roudhan Al-Roudhan, a former minister experience and all its institutions, adding that information ministry, which will stress the choosing who deserves to represent the and former MP, said Kuwait is living a demo- this is an important stage and asked citizens to importance of staying away from selling votes nation. He said the number of laws that were cratic festival, and all gave what they had in the participate positively to support the democrat- and show that it is a crime. The campaign will approved in the previous assembly is 143, that previous assemblies, as people choose those ic process. Sheikh Salman said that “despite the include SMS, ads, stickers and leaflets. benefited all Kuwaiti people, as it was a demo- they feel are the best. He said “we are looking hurdles that we faced in the past, the demo- Parliamentary candidate Abdullah Al- cratic assembly and approved several laws for stability and cooperation between the two cratic experience proved its strength and the Roumi said he will run for the speakership, regarding development. authorities and use the constitutional articles belief in the institutional state, and we have a adding that the current situation requires soli- Meanwhile candidate Ahmad Al-Hamad correctly.” Kuwait welcomes Iraq’s partial exit from Chapter VII sanctions

UNITED NATIONS: Kuwait is content over place despite the change of regime. property, as well as the national archive. Kuwait’s thanks to former UN high-level an issues, under Chapter VI, to UNAMI’s Iraq’s “partial” exit from Chapter VII obliga- “The resolution reflects development This would be done upon understandings Coordinator for missing Kuwaiti and third attention, taking into consideration the tions, Acting Charge d’Affaires of the of bilateral relation between the two coun- between Kuwait and Iraq under Chapter country nationals and of missing Kuwaiti Kuwaiti conditions aimed at having the Kuwaiti permanent mission to the UN, tries, which was crowned by the recent vis- VI.” In contrast to Chapter VII, the UNSC property Gennady Tarasov. He also com- files constantly under Council review. The Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Jarallah said yes- it of His Highness the Prime Minister Chapter VI stipulates that the Council shall mended efforts by UN Assistance Mission resolution, ..., called on Baghdad, in fur- terday. Under Chapter VII of the UN Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- “call on the parties to settle their dispute for Iraq (UNAMI) in this regard and urged therance of its commitment to facilitate Security Council Charter, Iraq is impended Sabah to Baghdad two weeks ago and by negotiation, mediation, arbitration, Iraq to continue cooperating with it in the repatriation of all Kuwaiti and third- by “action by air, sea, or land forces as may resulted in signing four MoUs and two judicial settlement, or resort to regional order to fully remove it from Chapter VII. country nationals or their remains still be necessary to maintain or restore inter- bilateral agreements,” Al-Jarallah said in a agencies or arrangements or other peace- The vote took place in the presence of Iraqi unaccounted for, to continue cooperation national peace and security”, which was statement. As for the resolution, he said ful means of their choice.” Foreign Minister Hozhyar Zebari who flew with the International Committee of the imposed on following the invasion of that “the UN role is still ongoing in follow- Al-Jarallah appreciated Iraq’s efforts to to New York to witness the event. The Red Cross (ICRC) by providing any informa- Kuwait in 1990, and it has remained in ing up on the issues of Kuwaiti missing and fulfill its obligations, as well extending Council transferred those two humanitari- tion about them. —- KUNA local SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 KIA more than doubled UK investment in past 10 years 60th anniversary celebration

LONDON: The Kuwait Investment Authority has more than doubled its investment in Britain over the past 10 years to more than $24 billion, Bader Mohammed Al-Saad, managing director of the KIA said yesterday. Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund, which manages state assets in the world’s fourth-biggest oil exporter, is the oldest sovereign fund tracked by the SWF Institute with an estimated $342 billion in assets, one of the world’s largest. “The KIO now manages more than $120 bn globally compared with only $27 bn 10 years ago,” Al-Saad said. “The KIA has invested more than $24 billion in the UK across all asset classes, sectors and industries. 10 years ago it was $9 billion,” he said at an investor lunch in London on Friday. The lunch marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Kuwait Investment His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Office, the fund’s main Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah investment arm. addressing the meeting. “In the world of trade and industry, the close cooperation between the KIA and the United Kingdom is a force for good which I believe will continue and grow in the years to come,” he added. The KIO has around $9.24 bn invested in equities according to Thomson Reuters data, with stakes in companies including BP, Vodafone and HSBC. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Sabah took part in a celebration held here yesterday to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Kuwait Investment Office in London. In a speech at a banquet held on this occasion and attended by sev- eral British officials, including the Lord Mayor of the City of London Roger Gifford, Sheikh Jaber said the office was the result of historic fruit- ful cooperation between Kuwait and Britain. “Today, let us celebrate together the 60th anniversary of the found- ing of the Kuwait Investment Office in London, which was a result of the fruitful cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the United Kingdom; emphasizing the keenness of both countries to enhance a last- ing heritage of close relations,” Sheikh Jaber said. “Our Celebration of the anniversary of the establishment of the office is an extension of the grandiose celebration held under the auspices and attendance of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait during his historical visit to the United Kingdom last November, which coincided with another grand occasion; the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.” HH Prime Minister pointed out that the invest- ment office was founded in accordance with an agreement between the State of Kuwait and the United Kingdom on Feb 23, 1953 and was launched from the city of London being the world’s financial centre and the most appropriate setting for investments. “It continued to grow to become one of the Kuwaiti investments’ vital arms, assisted by sovereign immunity granted to Kuwait by your friendly country. A point of pride is the commitment of the Kuwaiti investment office to the British legislations that concur with the values and principles of International trade and the global environmental and economic requirements, not forgetting legitimate competition while looking out for the national interest of the State of Kuwait,” he said. He underlined that the occasion is one of many examples that reflect the distinguished historical relations between the two countries, “illus- trating our readiness to boost cooperation and understanding, and increasingly seeking to promote relations and explore new prospects of cooperation and partnership for the welfare of both countries. “We in Kuwait are extremely proud of the solid ties that have bound us to Great Britain throughout history and through special relations that included various aspects of cooperation in the economic, social, cultural, political and military fields, of which we are all keen for to remain firm and in constant and steady growth,” he said. Moreover, Sheikh Jaber noted that Kuwait and Britain have many commonalities in several domains. “May I add that there are many common features between our two friendly countries and I recall here HH the Amir’s speech before the ven- erable British parliament when he stated that ‘we, in the State of Kuwait share with you the spirit of democracy, we have a constitution that is considered a beacon guiding the State, government and people to a dignified way of life.’” local SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Students try to storm Taima school office Boy found drunk in Shaab

KUWAIT: Taima police foiled an attempt man for luring a beautician into his with him. Both were taken to the police by 100 students in Mulla Essa School to Mangaf flat and raping her. However, the station. storm the school administration’s offices arrested man claimed that she went will- in protest against the decision to not ingly to the flat with him. The beautician Five cheated return their test papers, which were with- told Abu Halaifa police that she was on a A Lebanese escaped to his country drawn by the examination committee date with the man, with whom she was in after collecting KD 5,000 as a deposit from after it discovered that the students used a relationship for the past two years and five people whom he convinced that he their smart phones while taking the tests. had hopes of marrying him. She stated will sell a saloon for them in Salmiya. The Police acted after receiving a phone call that he asked her to accompany him to his Lebanese put the saloon for sale, so five from the school authorities, and got the flat to do some work, but ended up having men showed interest to buy it. So he KUWAIT: Customs officers foiled an attempt by a truck protesting students out of the school’s forced sex with her. The case was referred asked each to pay him KD 1000 as a driver to smuggle 70 kg of hashish through Abdally bor- premises. to the prosecution. deposit, and told them that he will hand der. The drugs were found hidden in secret compartments over the shop by the end of the month. A of his truck. This is the first time that such a big quantity Drunk boy security source said that one of the per- was discovered before entering the country. A 12-year-old boy was found drunk and Offensive SMS sons who paid the deposit visited the —Photo by Hanan Al-Saadoun sleeping near Shaab park with a bottle of The Appeals Court upheld a ruling that shop after a few days and found a imported liquor in his hand. The boy woke ordered a female citizen to pay KD 200 Pakistani man who told him that the Bomb hoax up with policemen around him. Police had fine for sending offensive SMS to her Lebanese man had left the country after received a call earlier about a motionless mother-in-law. The elder woman filed a selling it to him. So he went to the police boy lying near Shaab Park. The policemen complaint after receiving bad SMS from station and filed a case. Four others did at airport took the boy to a health center for treat- the suspect. the same against the suspect. ment of his injured foot. An investigation By Hanan Al-Saadoun into the matter is under way. Abandoned baby Flirting attempt A new-born baby was taken to A woman in her 50s accused a young KUWAIT: Security authorities were on alert yesterday at the Man shot at Mubarak Hospital, as he was found aban- man of urging her to commit adultery. Kuwait International Airport as they received information about a A Saudi man, who was fed up with his doned in front of a Hawally building. When police summond him, he said “are bomb on board of a Royal Jordanian aircraft. Departure of Flight eldest brother’s ill treatment of their par- Investigations area underway. you serious...she is as old as my grand number 641 was delayed from 4.55pm to 11.20 as the plane was ents, fired his pistol at his brother and had mother”! The woman went to Rawdha searched by the explosives department officials. him admitted to Jahra Hospital ICU in a Copper theft police station and told them a man A Security sources said that a Kuwaiti student who was sup- very critical condition. The incident took An Education Ministry Supervisor filed chased her from Eqaila area and kept flirt- posed to travel aboard the flight arrived at the airport after the place early on Tuesday morning when a complaint that thieves had stolen 300 ing with her all the way to her house in reporting time. As he was not allowed to check in, he had an Jahra Hospital reported the admission of kg of copper from the training center. Rawdha, and gave police his car registra- argument with the officials and policemen were called in. The the wounded Saudi man. Meanwhile, the Detectives are investigating. A source said tion number. Investigations are under- student told them “You are not allowing me to check in, no prob- suspect entered the police station and the stolen items are worth several thou- way. lem, but the aircraft has a bomb on board”!! Policemen told him told the officials that he had hit his brother sands of dinars. that such claims will make him legally responsible, but he insisted during a domestic dispute. However, the Unkind son on what he said. Authorities had to deal seriously with his claims, medical report suggested otherwise, forc- Taima fight An elderly Syrian woman resorted to and following a 6-hour search and inspection, it was found to be ing the suspect to admit that he had fired A bedoon dentist, and an unemployed her daughter as her son kicked her out of a hoax, and the student was taken to concerned authorities. from a pistol to defend his parents from bedoon stabbed each other with knives his house because his wife does not like his brother who had recently been during a fight. The incident took place in her. Police patrols noticed the elderly Two arrested released from prison. The suspect was sent Taima when the dentist was driving, as woman in the street, and asked her why Ahmadi police arrested two Ethiopian women who were to the authorities concerned. the other bedoon harassed him. He want- she was out, and she told them her son found wearing revealing clothes. Investigations revealed that ed to avoid problems and did not bother, kicked her out of the house. She told they were trying to lure people and offer sexual services for KD 20 Rape case but the bedoon kept harassing him so the them that she has a daughter in Kuwait, to KD 50. The two were sent to concerned authorities. Ahmadi detectives arrested a young dentist stopped and exchanged blows who was called and came to take her. EU, GCC states keen on cementing ties ‘Loyalty to country key to development’ BRUSSELS: The 27-member sides will meet in Manama to pre- ministers meeting in Luxembourg European Union and the six-seat pare for the ministerial meeting. and which ends this year. ASILAH, Morocco: Loyalty to the country should be the concern Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are “We are looking forward to a The EU side is interested to of citizens faithful to the development and prosperity of their keen to deepen their relations, frank and interesting discussion on renew this Joint Action Programme homeland, said Former Kuwait Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr according to a senior EU diplomat. regional issues like Syria, Iran, Iraq, which sets a number of key strate- Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah here yesterday. Realities on the ground are Yemen, the Horn of Africa,” noted gic areas and reflects the shared On the sidelines of a seminar discussing the Arab Spring, pushing both regional groups to the diplomat. ambition of the two sides to rein- Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah said that political parties should be strengthen their coordination and The meeting will also tackle force cooperation. loyal to the country, adding that any political group expressing cooperation in mutual beneficial global issues like counter terrorism The GCC is bound to the EU by a loyalty to anything else other than the land might become a ways, said the ranking diplomat. and fight against piracy. Cooperation Agreement dating threat. The seminar, held as part of the Asilah international cultur- Speaking in Brussels, the diplomat On Iran, the diplomat noted that back to 1988. al festival, focused on key issues related to the concept of citizen- ship, country, and development. who requested anonymity, said the the EU at the moment has a “wait- The diplomat said the EU will He indicated that participants, mostly former diplomats and EU-GCC ministerial meeting in and-see” attitude following the not raise the issue of a free trade intellectuals, provided valuable input during the course of the Manama due tomorrow, is an election of Hassan Rohani as the agreement (FTA) at the meeting as event. annual event to take stock of the new President. negotiations are on hold due to dif- Sheikh Mohammad said that the three items discussed during development of EU-GCC ties and “He is the least of hardliners, a ferences over a clause regarding the course of the seminar were all connected to the notion of loy- discuss regional and global issues. man of the system, within the sys- the imposition of GCC exports alty and indicated that development on all domains could not be The EU delegation to the 23rd tem and his powers of manoeuvre duty. achieved without this notion. session of the GCC-EU ministerial is quite limited,” said the diplomat EU-GCC trade has increased in The former Kuwaiti minister thanked the Moroccan govern- meeting will be led by High and added that that “we shall be both directions and relations ment for organizing the seminar which was part of the Asilah cul- Representative Catherine Ashton carefully listening to the GCC view between the two groups are tural festival. and Bahraini Foreign Minister on Iran.” He pointed out that the “developing on a healthy base,” The Asilha festival will continue its activity till July 5. Kuwait Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, two sides will take stock of various added the diplomat. will send an official media delegation before the end of the event will lead the GCC side as Manama fields included in the EU-GCC Joint The GCC groups Bahrain, Kuwait, to partake in a seminar regarding the GCC media scene and holds the current GCC Presidency. Action Programme, which was Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and regional development. The Kuwaiti delegation will be headed by Today, senior officials from both endorsed in 2010 by the EU-GCC UAE.—KUNA Undersecretary at the Ministry of Information Salah Mansour Al- Mubaraki. — KUNA

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Lebanon clerics denounce US put us in ‘tough spot’ Clashing visions on US arrests, ‘abuse’ of Sunnis 8 over Snowden: Russia 11 drive for Taleban talks 12

AMMAN: US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) speaks with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas during a meeting in the Jordanian capital Amman yesterday.—AFP Kerry shuttle presses Mideast peace bid US officials play down hopes of a breakthrough

JERUSALEM: US Secretary of State John Kerry “so soon,” after entering a suite with Middle the last round, the Palestinians want guarantees right-leaning government. Netanyahu emerged shuttled between Jerusalem and Amman yester- Eastern snacks laid out on a small table, an AFP that Israel will freeze construction of settlements from January elections with coalition partners day as he tried to revive moribund Middle East correspondent said. Kerry was set to meet on occupied land and commit to the principle of who openly oppose the creation of a Palestinian peace negotiations, holding lengthy separate Shimon Peres at his residence in Jerusalem at a peace deal based on the borders that existed state, undermining hopes for the much-vaunted meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. 7.00 pm (1600 GMT), and to dine with the nearly before the 1967 Middle East war. two-state solution. Kerry, who is trying to break a protracted 90-year-old Israeli president. Officials were tight- Israel has retorted that it is ready to negoti- Economics Minister Naftali Bennett, who deadlock in the negotiations, met Israel’s Prime lipped about Kerry’s late-night talks with ate but will not accept “preconditions”. Just a heads the far-right Jewish Home party, recently Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem in Netanyahu, held over dinner at a hotel suite day before Kerry’s visit, an Israeli committee described the Palestinian issue as “shrapnel in two separate meetings before and after a visit to named after slain premier Yitzhak Rabin. gave final approval of 69 new settler homes in the buttocks” a problem Israel simply had to Amman for lunch with Palestinian president Kerry “reiterated his strong and sustained annexed Arab east Jerusalem. While the United keep suffering through-but threatened to quit if Mahmud Abbas. commitment to working with all parties to States was low-key in its reaction, Palestinian the government agreed to a Palestinian state. “Secretary Kerry and president Abbas held a achieve two states, living side by side with senior negotiator Hanan Ashrawi called the Former intelligence minister Dan Meridor two and a half-hour lunch meeting” at the peace and security,” a US official said on condi- move an Israeli repudiation of Kerry’s peace ini- believed a resumption of talks was “feasible”, Palestinian ambassador’s residence in the tion of anonymity, calling the talks “productive”. tiative. but was unsure they would achieve anything. “I Jordanian capital, a state department official Kerry has made Middle East peace a signature US officials say they want to build a solid believe there will be some formula by which it told AFP. priority, visiting the region five times since foundation for the peace talks so that any will resume... the question is whether it will go The official described it as “very construc- February. US officials have played down hopes renewed negotiations are not just symbolic but (anywhere) from there,” he told journalists tive... (and) focused on the importance of mov- of a breakthrough, but Kerry has said he wants have a real chance of moving towards a lasting ahead of Kerry’s visit. Internal Palestinian divi- ing the peace process forward”. The top US progress before the UN General Assembly in deal. Ideas floated include Israel releasing sions also present an obstacle to talks. Gaza’s diplomat then flew by helicopter back to September, when Abbas could rally internation- Palestinian prisoners jailed since before the Hamas premier Ismail Haniya on Friday warned Jerusalem-where had been in what he described al opinion against Israel if he sees no movement. 1993 Oslo peace accords, a gesture that could Abbas against falling into the “trap of negotia- as a “good long” four-hour meeting with The immediate task is not a settlement to give Abbas more political room to negotiate. tions,” calling first for Palestinian “unity”. Hamas, Netanyahu that ended at 1:30 am (2230 GMT one of the world’s most intractable disputes but Another possibility would be an informal agree- which governs Gaza, and Abbas’s Fatah, which Thursday) — before beginning another after- the more modest goal of resuming direct talks ment for Israel not to announce new settle- dominates the West Bank, have been at odds noon meeting with him at Kerry’s hotel. between Israel and the Palestinians after a gap ments, without explicitly declaring a freeze-a since Hamas’s takeover of the Palestinian coastal The two men shook hands and Kerry joked of nearly three years. After the quick failure of step that would go down badly in Netanyahu’s enclave in 2007. — AFP International SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Lebanon clerics denounce arrests, ‘abuse’ of Sunnis Watchdog wants independent probe

SIDON: Sunni clerics yesterday pendent, objective, transparent... The body was identified as Nader denounced the arrests and alleged investigation” into abuse claims. al-Bayoumy, a man the Association of abuse of Sunni detainees after a dead- Human Rights Watch called for an Muslim Scholars said had “handed ly battle between troops and support- independent judicial investigation himself in” after the Abra clash. ers of radical Sheikh Ahmad Al-Assir in into abuses. Houry said the man’s family insist- south Lebanon. On Thursday, the army handed ed he was alive when the fighting A rights watchdog said there must over to the military police a group of ended, but they later received a call to be an independent investigation into soldiers suspected of humiliating and say his body was at the military hospi- claims the army is committing abuses beating a man suspected of ties to tal in Beirut. Though Assir had only a A Syrian girl crosses the street holding a bag in the cen- against people suspected of links to Assir. “It’s not enough to have the mil- small following, his virulent anti- tre of Syria’s northeastern city of Deir Ezzor yesterday. the weekend clashes in which 18 sol- itary investigating itself,” HRW Beirut Hezbollah discourse echoed loudly The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights watchdog, diers died. The fighting in Abra out- office director Nadim Houry said. with Lebanon’s Sunnis. which relies on a network of contacts on the ground in side Sidon was the worst in Lebanon The army was not immediately Rage against the Shiite movement Syria, said that more than 100,000 people, mainly civil- since the outbreak of conflict in neigh- reachable, but on Thursday a military has soared ever since it began fight- ians, have been killed since the uprising erupted. — AFP boring Syria 27 months ago deepened source told AFP: “We do not accept ing alongside President Bashar Al- sectarian tensions. this kind of behavior.” Sunni clerics, Assad’s troops in Syria. Hezbollah It highlighted widespread Sunni meanwhile, distributed images via backs the Assad regime, but resentment against the army, which is Facebook of a body bearing marks of Lebanon’s Sunni-led opposition sup- Morsi friends, foes... accused of siding with the powerful a severe beating. ports the rebels. — AFP Shiite Hezbollah and being selective Continued from Page 1 in its crackdown on armed groups. It was not clear whether the victim was a Morsi supporter Thousands of worshippers yester- or opponent, added Amal Sharawi, the health ministry offi- day heard Sidon’s top Sunni cleric cial. He was killed in clashes near the Muslim Brotherhood’s accuse the army of making arrests local offices in the city’s Sidi Gaber neighborhood. State “without due process”. “People are news agency MENA said 70 people had been injured. being taken to prison because they Television footage showed protesters running in several are religious or because they wear a directions in Alexandria’s Sidi Gaber area as gunshots were beard or a full-face veil,” Sidon’s mufti heard. The offices of the Freedom and Justice Party, the Sheikh Sousan said during Friday political arm of Morsi’s prayers in the southern city. “They are Muslim Brotherhood, were also set on fire during the con- being beaten badly, and maybe even frontations, the FJP said, and television channels broadcast dying,” he charged. footage showing plumes of smoke rising from the building. A security source said dozens of At least four people have died since Wednesday in clashes in people have been arrested since the the Nile Delta, three in the city of Mansura and one in army seized Assir’s headquarters in Zagazig, medics said. Overnight violence erupted in the Abra near Sidon on Monday. Sidon eastern part of the Nile Delta, north of the capital, Morsi’s residents claim the bodies of those own home province of Sharqiya. killed have not been handed over to The unrest is seen by many as a prelude to mass anti- Morsi protests planned for tomorrow. their families. “It is Sidon’s right to In Cairo, tens of thousands of Islamists gathered under know how many people were killed, This citizen journalism image provided by Aleppo Media Center AMC the slogan “legitimacy is a red line”, in reference to Morsi’s and to know their names. It is Sidon’s which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP report- insistence that he has a popular mandate. “People must go right to know how many wounded ing, shows anti-Syrian regime protesters holding Syrian revolution flags, with everything they’ve got to defend legitimacy and there are, and their whereabouts,” during a demonstration in the neighborhood of Bustan Al-Qasr in Aleppo Egypt,” one speaker told the cheering crowd, but also urging said Sousan. He called for an “inde- yesterday. —AP them to keep their protests peaceful. Meanwhile, anti-Morsi protesters joined hundreds camped overnight in Tahrir Square, epicenter of the 2011 revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak and catapulted Morsi to Family: No details about the presidency. —AP US woman’s death in Syria Gulf lovers use... DETROIT: The family of a Michigan ized to speak publicly, said the State woman who died in Syria last month Department hasn’t received a death Continued from Page 1 still lacks confirmation she was killed certificate from Syrian authorities, during fighting, a relative says. But a US which it needs to issue what’s known as “Families still arrange their children’s marriages, even official says the government is working a Consular Report of Death of a US though they have now become more flexible by allowing the behind the scenes in the war-torn Citizen Abroad. The official said the engaged couple to meet, or accepting longer engagement country to get a death certificate and Czech Republic - the US protecting periods to give the couple better chances to get to know one return her body. power in Syria - is working with the another,” she said. Deidra Mansfield told The Syrians to get a certificate but it isn’t But while this is the case in the UAE, considered one of the Associated Press that federal officials clear when that might happen because haven’t provided a death certificate for of the chaotic situation in Syria. The Gulf’s most liberal countries, it is nearly impossible for cou- her cousin, 33-year-old Nicole Czechs also are working with the ples in neighboring Saudi Arabia to meet as the ultra-conser- Mansfield. Family members say agents Syrians to try to return Mansfield’s body vative kingdom strictly prohibits mixing between the sexes. informed them of her death on May 30 but the exact location of the remains In a cafeteria at the entrance of a shopping mall in Al- but details have been scant since. The isn’t known, the official said. Mansfield Tahliya street, one of Riyadh’s most vibrant districts, dozens family still holds out hope for a proper is the only American known to have of young men look on as fully veiled girls in high heels and burial but first seeks the proof. been killed fighting in Syria. A pro- designer handbags walk past and head towards the seating “It’s hard not having answers or Syrian government news agency area reserved to women and families only. knowing for sure what happened,” reported last month that Mansfield and In oil-rich Saudi Arabia it is nearly impossible for men to Deidra Mansfield said. “We don’t even two others were fighters for a group openly approach a woman but thanks to an easy access to know for sure if she is dead.” The US opposed to Syria’s government and the latest technologies including mobile phone applications, Nicole Mansfield (left) poses for a pho- official, who spoke on the condition of were killed in a confrontation in the they can indeed meet. —AFP to with her daughter Triana. — AP anonymity because he wasn’t author- northwestern city of Idlib. —AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 No early scaling back in nuke work: Iran official Atom chief says uranium enrichment to go on ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Iran will press But refined uranium also provides the 2005 and have been sharply expanded. ahead with its uranium enrichment pro- fissile material for nuclear bombs if Jalili, the current chief negotiator, has gram, its nuclear energy chief said yester- processed further, which the West fears espoused a “no compromises” stance that day, signalling no immediate change of may be Tehran’s ultimate goal given that was derided even by other conservatives in course despite the victory of a relative Tehran has a history of hiding some the election campaign for failing to yield moderate in the June 14 presidential elec- nuclear activity from UN anti-proliferation any progress in talks, triggering ever more tion. inspectors. Abbasi-Davani said Iran’s only punishing sanctions against Iran. SADR CITY: Followers of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada But once Hassan Rouhani takes office in existing nuclear power plant which has Asked whether there would be any al-Sadr attend yesterday prayers in the Sadr City early August, Tehran’s current hardline suffered repeated delays - had been change in Iranian policy after Rouhani’s neighborhood in Baghdad yesterday. —AP team in nuclear talks with six world pow- “brought back online” three days ago and election and whether it could suspend 20 ers, led by Saeed Jalili who was a rival elec- was working at 1,000-megawatt capacity. percent enrichment, Abbasi-Davani said tion candidate, is likely to be overhauled. A UN nuclear agency report said in May Iran’s nuclear program was aimed at pro- Twin bombs kill 11 at Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani’s tenure as head that the Russian-built Bushehr plant was ducing electricity and medical isotopes of Iran’s atomic energy agency may be in shut down, giving no reason. only. “In line with these two goals of course checkpoint in Iraq jeopardy as well. Speaking in Russia, “Thankfully in the last days, no concrete the production of energy will not stop,” he Abbasi-Davani said that production of defects with the plant have been reported said. Fordow is under the monitoring of BAGHDAD: Two bombs exploded near a checkpoint run by gov- nuclear fuel would “continue in line with to me,” Abbasi-Davani said. the UN’s International Atomic Energy ernment-allied Sunni militiamen in western Iraq yesterday, killing our declared goals. The enrichment linked Hopes for a resolution to the nuclear Agency, he said. “We will of course contin- at least 11 people in the latest strike by militants seeking to to fuel production will also not change”. dispute were boosted this month with the ue our work at this centre.” destabilize the country. Speaking through an interpreter to election as president of Rouhani, who has Iran’s theocratic supreme leader, The twin blasts struck shortly before midday in the village of reporters at a nuclear energy conference in promised a more conciliatory approach to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Zangoura, which is just south of the former insurgent stronghold St Petersburg, he said work at Iran’s under- foreign relations than confrontational Wednesday the nuclear stand-off could of Ramadi, some 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad, ground Fordow plant - which the West predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. easily be resolved if the West were to stop according to police. The checkpoint was manned by members of wants Iran to close - would also continue. As chief nuclear negotiator under being so stubborn. While accusing the the Sahwa, who are Sunni militiamen that joined forces with US Iran refines uranium at Fordow to a level reformist President Mohammed Khatami West of being more interested in regime troops to fight Al-Qaeda during the Iraq War. They remain on the that is relatively close to the threshold from 2003 to 2005, Rouhani struck a deal change than ending the dispute, Shiite-led central government’s payroll for security forces, mak- needed for atom bombs. Iran says it is with European Union powers under which Khamenei did express a desire to resolve ing them an occasional target for Sunni insurgents who consider enriching uranium only to fuel a planned Iran temporarily suspended uranium an issue which has led to ever tighter and them traitors. network of nuclear power stations, and for enrichment-related activities. They were more damaging sanctions on Iran’s oil sec- One bomb, apparently planted by the side of the road, was medical purposes. resumed after Ahmadinejad was elected in tor and the wider economy. — Reuters the source of the initial blast. A second explosion struck as vil- lagers rushed to help the victims of the first blast, police said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but coordinated Egypt’s security clampdown bombings and attacks on Sahwa members are frequently the work of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Police and hospital officials said 22 people also were wounded disrupts Gaza smuggling the attack. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Iraq is in the midst RAFAH, Gaza Strip: An Egyptian security cheap Egyptian fuel is forcing Gaza motorists demanding an end to the Sinai crackdown of the deadliest and most sustained wave of violence to hit the crackdown has severely disrupted smuggling to buy more expensive Israeli imports. For now. Mahmoud Zahar, a Hamas leader in country since 2008, raising fears the nation is returning to the to the neighboring Gaza Strip, causing a fuel now, Gaza’s Hamas government is keeping Gaza, said the movement is aware of Morsi’s widespread sectarian-charged bloodshed that pushed it to the shortage, doubling the price of building silent. Hamas and Morsi’s Freedom and domestic problems. “We are waiting until the brink of civil war in 2006 and 2007. More than 2,000 people have materials and shutting down some construc- Justice Party share the same roots in the administration (will) be more solid and sta- been killed in bombings and other violent attacks since the start tion sites in the Hamas-ruled territory. Egypt’s region-wide Muslim Brotherhood, and ble” before raising demands for a new border of April. Earlier yesterday, Iraqi officials raised the death toll from military clamped down on the lawless Sinai Hamas leaders appear reluctant to add to regime, he said. A collapse of the Morsi gov- a series of bombings late Thursday that targeted soccer fans Peninsula, which abuts Gaza, in the run-up to Morsi’s troubles by complaining publicly ernment would deal a major setback to the watching the Confederations Cup semifinal between Spain and mass protests planned for Sunday by about the disruption of smuggling. Brotherhood, including Hamas. The Arab Italy in cafes in and around Baghdad. They put the number of Egyptian opposition activists trying to force The Egyptian military is known to be wary Spring uprisings of 2011 swept the those killed at 36.—AP out the country’s president, Mohammed of Morsi’s close ties to Hamas, viewing it as a Brotherhood to power in Egypt, Tunisia and Morsi. It’s not clear if the Sinai lockdown is threat to Egypt’s public security. The military Libya, easing Hamas’ political isolation in the Iraq Shiites fighting temporary or signals a tougher security is bound to play a pivotal role in the current region. Hamas, which has killed hundreds of regime aimed at restricting smuggling showdown between Morsi and his oppo- Israelis in suicide bombings and other in Syria, says Zebari through tunnels running under the Egypt- nents, with both camps trying to ensure its attacks, has long been shunned by Israel and Gaza border in the long term. That would support. Hamas would undermine Morsi by the West as a terrorist organization. —AP RIYADH: Iraqi Shiite Muslims are fighting in Syria alongside troops have a devastating effect on Gaza, which has of President Bashar Al-Assad, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari relied on smugglers since Israel imposed a said yesterday, while insisting this was not the policy of the Shiite- border blockade following the rise to power led Baghdad government. “I do not deny that Iraqi Shiite fighters of the Islamic militant group Hamas in 2006. are participating in combat in Syria, just as Sunnis from the Gulf are The Sinai campaign began this month doing in that country,” he said in remarks published by pan-Arab when Egypt’s military sent troop reinforce- daily Al-Hayat. “But that does not come under government policy,” ments and set up dozens of roadblocks added Zebari, himself a Kurd and a Sunni Muslim. across the sparsely populated stretch of At a Friday news conference in Stockholm, he said he had “no desert that runs from the Suez Canal to the first hand figures” on the number of Iraqi Shiite fighters in Syria, but Gaza border. As a result, Egyptian trucks car- that there were “not several thousand... maybe several hundred”. rying cement, steel rods, fuel and other Fighters from Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah movement have also goods could no longer reach the Gaza tun- intervened in Syria alongside troops loyal to Assad, whose Alawite nels. “Nothing can get to the (tunnel) area,” sect is an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Their presence has been roundly said Abu Khaled, 44, a tunnel operator in denounced by rebels fighting to overthrow Assad, most of whom Gaza. “We are like a dry lake now. ... We all come from Syria’s Sunni majority, and by influential Egyptian-born pray that this will end soon.” cleric Sheikh Yusef Qaradawi. Gaza has only small reserves of cement, While “Hezbollah militia are engaged in combat in Syria, there steel and other materials for private construc- are also Sunni fatwas, such as the one by Qaradawi calling for jihad tion. in Syria,” Zebari said. At the beginning of June, the Qatar-based cler- With few exceptions, Israel bans such ic called on Sunni volunteers from around the Muslim world to fight goods for fear Hamas will divert them for mil- alongside the rebels. itary use. In response to the Sinai clamp- GAZA CITY: Palestinian vendors sit in front of a building under construction “The Syrian conflict has become more dangerous, because the down, the price of cement has doubled to at the main road in Gaza City on Thursday. An Egyptian security crackdown sectarian confrontation has been brought to the fore. This is very $220 per ton, forcing some of the more than has severely disrupted smuggling to the neighboring Gaza Strip, causing a dangerous and I think all countries should be aware not to push 200 private construction sites in the territory fuel shortage, doubling the price of building materials and shutting down things in this direction,” Zebari said in Stockholm. —AFP to shut down, contractors said. A shortage of some construction sites in the Hamas-ruled territory. —AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Obama’s ‘hero’ Mandela hangs on Winnie says Mandela has ‘shown great improvement’

PRETORIA: US President Barack Obama Thursday for the second time in less than ical activity, when he campaigned for the headed to South Africa yesterday to pay 24 hours. anti-apartheid movement as a student in homage to his hero Nelson Mandela, who Yet South Africans, including Mandela’s the late 1970s. The men met in 2005, is fighting for his life in hospital. family, braced for the worst. “I won’t lie. It when the former South African president Mandela’s failing health has thrown doesn’t look good,” daughter Makaziwe was in Washington, and Obama was a into doubt prospects of a meeting Mandela said. But “if we speak to him he newly elected senator, and the two have between two men who shattered racial responds and tries to open his eyes-he’s spoken several times since by telephone. boundaries on either side of the Atlantic. “I still there.” Obama, the United States’s first But there has been no face-to-face do not need a photo op. The last thing I black president, led a chorus of support for meeting between them since Obama was want to do is to be in any way obtrusive,” the man he called a “hero for the world”. elected in 2008. Obama said aboard Air Force One when Mandela’s plight has lent a deeply During his trip, Obama was also due to asked whether he would visit the anti- poignant tone to the visit. “The president host a town hall meeting at the University apartheid icon in hospital. will be speaking to the legacy of Nelson of Johannesburg’s campus in Soweto, the “I think that the message we’ll want to Mandela and that will be a significant part township where Mandela once lived, as deliver is not directly to him but to his of our time in South Africa,” said US part of the US president’s Young African family, is simply profound gratitude for his deputy national security advisor Ben Leaders Initiative. He will visit a communi- leadership all these years,” Obama added. Rhodes. ty centre with fellow Nobel Peace laureate SOWETO: The former wife of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, who turns 95 next month, A visit by Obama to Mandela’s former Archbishop Desmond Tutu and give a Mandela Madikizela, gets a hug from a well wisher remained critically ill in hospital, three after she addressed media outside their first family weeks after he was admitted with a recur- home in Soweto yesterday.—AFP rent lung disease dating from his years in apartheid-era prisons. Meanwhile, the ex-wife of ailing Nelson From Mauritania, Mandela said yesterday that the anti- apartheid icon’s condition had improved hacker fights for over recent days, but was still “unwell.” “From what he was a few days ago, there Islam worldwide is great improvement, but clinically he is still unwell,” Winnie Madikizela-Mandela told reporters near the couple’s old home DAKAR: In Nouakchott, a dusty city wedged between the in Soweto. Supporters have been gather- Atlantic ocean and western dunes of the Sahara, a young hip- ing outside to offer prayers for the former hop fan coordinates a diverse group of hackers targeting political prisoner who negotiated an end websites worldwide in the name of Islam. to decades of racist white minority rule Logging on to his computer, he greets his Facebook fol- and went on to become South Africa’s first lowers with a “good morning all” in English before posting black president. “I came to pray for our links to 746 websites they have hacked in the last 48 hours father Nelson Mandela. We are wishing for along with his digital calling card: a half-skull, half-cyborg our father to be fine,” said Thabo Guy Fawkes mask. He calls himself Mauritania Attacker, after Mahlangu, aged 12, part of a group from a the remote Islamic republic in west Africa from which he home for abandoned kids who travelled to leads a youthful group scattered across the Maghreb, south- Pretoria. DAKAR: US President Barack Obama (center) takes a tour during a food east Asia and the West. A wall of handwritten notes praying for As jihadists battle regional governments from the deserts security expo yesterday in Dakar, Senegal. Obama met with farmers, inno- Mandela’s recovery has become the focal of southern Algeria to the scrubland of north Nigeria, vators, and entrepreneurs whose new methods and technologies are point for South Africans preparing to say Mauritania Attacker says the hacking collective which he improving the lives of smallholder farmers throughout West Africa. —AP goodbye to the father of their nation, with founded, AnonGhost, is fighting for Islam using peaceful singing and dancing by day and candle- jail cell on Robben Island, off Cape Town speech at the University of Cape Town. But means. “We’re not extremists,” he said, via a Facebook light vigils at night. Reflections on on Sunday would now take on extra “pro- he will not be greeted warmly by all South account which a cyber security expert identified as his. Mandela’s extraordinary life will permeate fundity”, he said. Speaking in Senegal on Africans. “NObama” demonstrations were “AnonGhost is a team that hacks for a cause. We defend the Obama’s three-day stay, part of a three- the first leg of his long-awaited African held in Pretoria by a coalition of leftist, dignity of Muslims.” During a series of conversations via nation Africa tour. trip, Obama described Mandela as “a per- pro-Palestinian and anti-drone groups. Facebook, the 23-year-old spoke of his love of house music On the eve of Obama’s visit, South sonal hero”. The group was protesting against what and hip hop, and the aims of his collective, whose targets Africa’s first black president was said to be “I think he is a hero for the world, and if it described as the “arrogant, selfish and have included US and British small businesses and the oil in a critical condition, but had stabilised and when he passes from this place, one oppressive foreign policies” of the United industry. He represents a new generation of Western-style since a scare forced his successor Jacob thing I think we all know is that his legacy States. Islamists who promote religious conservatism and traditional Zuma to cancel a trip to neighboring is one that will linger on throughout the Mandela has been hospitalised four values, and oppose those they see as backing Zionism and Mozambique. “He is much better today,” ages.” The US president recalled how times since December, mostly for a stub- Western hegemony. said Zuma after seeing Mandela on Mandela had inspired him to take up polit- born lung infection.—Agencies In April, AnonGhost launched a cyber attack dubbed OpIsrael that disrupted access to several Israeli government websites, attracting the attention of security experts world- wide. “AnonGhost is considered one of the most active Central Nigeria’s violence kills 48 groups of hacktivists of the first quarter of 2013,” said Pierluigi Paganini, security analyst and editor of Cyber Defense magazine. JOS, Nigeria: Raids by gunmen in ethni- He did not have a specific number of Christian Taroks. An online archive of hacked Web sites, Hack DB, lists more cally divided central Nigeria and gun homes burnt, but said it was around Thousands have been killed in than 10,400 domains AnonGhost defaced in the past seven battles between soldiers and attackers 100. Residents were fleeing the area to Nigeria’s central region in recent years months. Mauritania, a poor desert nation straddling the Arab have killed at least 48 people and left find shelter and out of fears of further in clashes between Muslim and Maghreb and black sub-Saharan Africa, is an unlikely hacker dozens of homes burnt, the military violence. “We now have a total of 48 Christian ethnic groups in a struggle for base. It has 3.5 million inhabitants spread across an area the said. dead from the attacks on three villages,” access to land or local power. Islamist size of France and Germany, and only 3 percent of them have The attacks appeared to have been Mustapha told AFP. He said the dead extremist group Boko Haram, mainly Internet access. reprisals linked to cattle theft, often the included 20 assailants killed by soldiers based in the country’s northeast, has Much of the population lives in the capital Nouakchott, source of friction in the Middle Belt who responded. occasionally carried out violence in the which has boomed from a town of less than 10,000 people 40 region dividing the mainly Muslim north “Two suspected gunmen involved in Middle Belt as well, but there was no years ago to a sprawling, ramshackle city of a million inhabi- and predominately Christian south of the attacks were arrested with some sign of any link in Thursday’s violence. tants. In its suburbs, tin and cinderblock shanties battle the Africa’s most populous nation. arms and their motorcycles,” said Nigeria’s military is currently engaged in Sahara’s encroaching dunes and desert nomads stop to water Thursday’s violence saw gunmen raid Mustapha. The villages attacked were an offensive in the northeast seeking to their camels. three villages in the remote Langtang Karkashi, Bolgang and Magama, and end Boko Haram’s four-year insurgency. In the past six months experts have noted an increase in region of Plateau state, leaving at least residents said the raids followed inci- The country includes some 250 eth- hacking activity from Mauritania and neighboring countries. 28 residents dead. Homes were also dents of cattle rustling. Herdsmen from nic groups, and illegal weapons are In part, that reflects Mauritania Attacker’s role in connecting burnt in two other villages, said Captain the mainly Muslim Fulani ethnic group widespread. Authorities have been pockets of hackers, said Carl Herberger, vice president of Salisu Mustapha, spokesman for a mili- were suspected to be behind the raids largely unable to stop such violent flare- security solutions at Radware.— Reuters tary task force in the region. on the villages populated by the mainly ups. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 News US put us in ‘tough spot’ in brief over Snowden: Russia UK mosques focus on anti-abuse message LONDON: Some 500 UK mosques are planning sermons con- demning the sexual abuse of children, following the sentenc- Washington did not disclose passport cancellation ing of seven men of South Asian origin convicted of a series of crimes against underage girls. The effort organized by the MOSCOW: Russia yesterday accused thus far refused to hand over Snowden to partner throughout that process,” the group Together Against Grooming means that the message Washington of putting it in a “tough Washington. consul-general told foreign reporters. was being delivered at Friday prayers at participating spot” by claiming it had failed to disclose This refusal-expressed personally by The Russian source said Snowden will mosques. Grooming is British term used for a process of luring revoking the passport of fugitive US intel- President Vladimir Putin earlier this week- only be able to leave the Moscow airport vulnerable people into prostitution and other sexual activity ligence leaker Edward Snowden prior to has added to diplomatic tensions after a country such as Ecuador or by giving them attention, gifts, drugs and alcohol. The anti- his arrival in Moscow from Hong Kong. between Moscow and Washington that Venezuela offers him political asylum. grooming group wants imams to stress that the Quran rules The diplomatic rhetoric around the have existed due to the Syria crisis. “On these grounds, he will legally leave out all forms of sexual abuse and that Muslims have a respon- explosive case of the 30-year-old former But the United States has expressed the territory of Russia, without ever hav- sibility to protect children and other vulnerable people. National Security Agency (NSA) contrac- equal anger at the handling of the situa- ing crossed its border,” the official said. tor escalated when Washington blamed tion by Hong Kong-a US ally that is now Snowden has applied for political asy- Swedish firefighters battling toxic fire Hong Kong’s government of acting in administered by China but which has its lum in Ecuador and was originally sched- STOCKHOLM: Dozens of firefighters are battling a fire in a bad faith by letting Snowden out in the junk yard in southern Sweden that has sent a thick plume of smoke into the air near the city of Malmo. The fire started late first place. Thursday in a harbor area outside Malmo, Sweden’s third The fate of Snowden himself remained largest city. Firefighters say plastic and rubber materials are in limbo for a sixth day on Friday as he burning forcefully, sending a toxic plume into the sky, but the remained holed up in the transit area of winds are blowing the smoke toward the Oresund strait, and Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport without no residential areas are at risk. There are no reports of injuries. making any contact with the swarm of The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately clear. Firefighters yes- international reporters at the scene. terday said they expect it will take them several more hours to The government of Ecuador-his most put it out likely place of exile should he avoid arrest for lifting the curtain on the scale of the EU to open talks on Serbia entry US global surveillance program to the BRUSSELS: European Union leaders have agreed to open media-said that it had not yet processed membership talks with Serbia, in recognition of its efforts to Snowden’s asylum application. improve relations with breakaway Kosovo. The Friday move is But Venezuelan President Nicolas seen as a step toward embracing once-troubled countries in Maduro-who will coincidentally will be in the Balkans. Presidents and prime ministers from the 27 EU Moscow on Monday for an energy sum- nations also welcomed that Croatia becomes the bloc’s 28th mit-reiterated late Thursday his offer to member on Monday. Earlier Friday, they overcame British- grant a safe haven to the US fugitive. French divisions and agreed on seven-year, 960 billion euro A Russian official close to the matter ($1.3 trillion) budget. After a few hours of sleep, they returned in the morning to wrap up their two-day summit in Brussels. on Friday told the Interfax news agency that Washington had deliberately put Moscow in a difficult position, claiming it never reported that Snowden’s passport had been revoked and that he was banned from travel. He said Moscow might not have MOSCOW: A supporter of National Security Agency (NSA) leaker Edward allowed Snowden to fly to Russia in the Snowden holds a poster outside Sheremetyevo airport, in Moscow, yester- first place had it known about his travel day. The poster reads: Fight against new world order! Snowden himself problems. remained holed up yesterday in the transit area of Moscow’s “The Americans deliberately put Sheremetyevo airport without making any contact with the swarm of Moscow in a tough spot by having failed international reporters at the scene. — AFP to inform it of the fact that his passport was annulled in time,” the source said. own British-derived legal system. uled to travel there via Cuba on a flight “The Russian authorities were informed of Washington’s Hong Kong envoy Stephen that he abruptly missed on Monday. But this post-factum, more than a week after Young said China was guilty of “misbe- Ecuador’s leader Rafael Correa said Snowden was stripped of his passport,” havior” over the former NSA contractor’s Thursday that his government had not he said. abrupt departure from Hong Kong last yet considered the case. “If this fact had been known in Sunday. Yet he also stressed that the ter- The Andean nation also denied claims IDRIJA: Japanese Princess Kiko Akishino (center) and advance, then possibly Mr Snowden ritory itself would bear the brunt of by WikiLeaks that it had authorised a her husband Japanese Prince Fumihito Akishino (third might not have flown to Moscow and this Washington’s displeasure. “safe pass” travel document for Snowden right) look at kids as they make laces during their visit entire story might never have happened.” “They’ve been throwing out some and said it would be unable to process at the Lace school in Idrija as part of their tour in Russia and the United States do not have arguments as to what was going on. But his asylum bid until he enters Ecuadorian Slovenia yesterday.— AFP an extradition treaty and Moscow has frankly I don’t think we had a good-faith territory. —AFP Catholic priest arrested in Vatican bank probe

ROME: A senior Catholic cleric has been APSA) “about a month ago, after his superi- Zito purportedly received 400,000 euros the bankruptcy of Banco Ambrosia, in arrested on suspicion of fraud and corrup- ors learnt about an investigation into his for the service. According to the daily La which the Vatican was the main sharehold- tion in connection with a sweeping probe activities,” Vatican spokesman Federico Repubblica, Scarano is also under investi- er and which had been accused of launder- of the scandal-plagued Vatican bank, Lombardi said. gation by the Salerno prosecutor on suspi- ing money for the Sicilian mafia. Italian media reported yesterday. Contrary Scarano was arrested along with a for- cion of money laundering. The chairman of Banco Ambrosiano, to earlier media reports, the arrested cleric mer member of the Italian secret services “They called him Monsignor 500... Roberto Calvi-dubbed “God’s Banker” in Nunzio Scarano is not a bishop but a priest and a financier, reports said. Police because of the great number of 500 euro the press-was found hanging from from Salerno in southern Italy who is called declined to confirm the arrests, saying a notes he had at his disposition,” which he Blackfriars Bridge in London in 1982 in a “monsignor” in recognition of his seniority press conference would be held later yes- allegedly used to launder money for suspected murder by mobsters. at the Holy See, Vatican senior media advi- terday. friends in southern Italy, the daily said. The Vatican promised in 2011 to redou- sor Greg Burke said. ANSA news agency said the three It added that it was an initial investiga- ble its efforts to reform the bank and over- Scarano was arrested after an investiga- arrested men were suspected of plotting to tion into Scarano’s bank account at the IOR haul its financial legislation following tion into the Institute for Works of Religion illegally move 20 million euros ($26 mil- which led to the discovery of the suspect- reports of anonymous accounts at the (IOR), as the bank is known, unearthed a lion) from Switzerland to Italy. ed racket. bank being used by organized crime. suspected international fraud scheme, The money allegedly belonged to Through the years the Vatican bank has The bank was back in the headlines in reports said. friends of Scarano and was brought into been tarnished by scandals, with criminals 2012, when its head Ettore Gotti Tedeschi The senior cleric was suspended from Italy on board a private jet belonging to using anonymity or false names to launder was sacked by the board after a major his position as a member of the administra- Italian former secret service agent iovanni money. falling out with the Holy See’s Secretary of tion that manages the Vatican’s assets (the Maria Zito, the reports said. The biggest scandal was in 1982 over State Tarcisio Bertone.—AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Myanmar govt denies role in religious unrest

YANGON: Myanmar’s government and army were lence, also led to speculation it was organized by ele- Radical monks have led a campaign to shun not behind recent outbreaks of deadly religious vio- ments within Myanmar’s military intent on disrupting shops owned by Muslims, but senior monks have lence, the president’s spokesman said yesterday, the reform process. accused foreign media of one-sided reporting of the amid accusations that security forces stood by-or “There has been some speculation about who is Buddhist-Muslim conflict. Speaking at a US Embassy were even complicit-in the clashes. behind the conflict,” said president’s office event on the tensions, Ye Htut said that sweeping Sectarian bloodshed, mostly targeting Muslims, spokesman Ye Htut. “However, I would like to say economic and political reforms were for the benefit has laid bare deep divides that were largely sup- firmly, at this point, that it’s completely false that the of the whole country. “There is no reason to leave a pressed under decades of military rule which ended government is behind this and that the military car- certain group or a religion or a ethnic group behind... two years ago in the Buddhist-majority country. ried out what happened,” he said. as long as we leave someone behind in a human Rights groups have criticized the police and army for “In reality the first ones who get the headache of society our problems can never be solved.” In March failing to stop mobs attacking mainly Muslim neigh- solving the problem are the government and the mil- at least 44 people were killed in sectarian strife in borhoods in two separate flare-ups of unrest in west- itary.” Monks have also been accused of involvement central Myanmar and thousands of homes were set ern and central Myanmar. in the clashes. Eyewitnesses have said people ablaze. Communal unrest last year in the western The speed of the destruction, coupled with eye- dressed in monks’ robes were among angry mobs state of Rakhine left about 200 people dead and witness reports of investigators arriving to spark vio- who destroyed houses and mosques. 140,000 displaced, mainly Rohingya Muslims. — AFP Clashing visions on US drive for Taleban talks Karzai throws a spanner in the works for US

ISLAMABAD: As the United States makes a occupying key positions in the foreign min- Afghan president’s policy of cultivating fresh attempt to start talks with the istry and the army, which holds sway over warmer ties with India, Pakistan’s nuclear Taleban, competing visions in Afghanistan relations with Afghanistan, in recent rival. They also maintain that Pakistan has and neighboring Pakistan over what an months. Karzai was installed as president backed the Taleban through the 12 years eventual peace process might look like after US-backed troops overthrew the of war against US-backed troops. have emerged as one of the biggest hur- Taleban government in 2001. “We pleaded with Pakistan for peace, DEHRADUN: Indian defense personnel assist an injured civil- dles. Washington’s hopes of negotiating “Right now, Karzai is the biggest impedi- but Pakistan’s policy and intentions ian embarking from a helicopter at Jolly Grant airport in with the insurgents to stabilize Afghanistan ment to the peace process,” a top Pakistani towards Afghanistan have always been Dehradun of northern Uttarakhand state. — AFP before most foreign troops leave by the Foreign Ministry official told Reuters in hostile and evil,” said Bashir Bezhan, a end of 2014 had appeared to achieve a March. “In trying to look like a saviour, he is Kabul-based political analyst. Two India floods breakthrough last week when the Taleban taking Afghanistan straight to hell.” The Washington praised Pakistan last week opened an office in the Qatari capital Doha. thrust of Pakistan’s criticism is that Karzai is for helping to nudge insurgents towards But the process was plunged into uncer- too erratic to handle negotiations. Pakistani the negotiating table in Doha, a contrast survivors killed in tainty when Afghan President Hamid Karzai officials also argue that the most important with acrimonious exchanges in previous refused to send negotiators to the Gulf protagonists for any peace process are the years over allegations that Pakistan contin- Nepal landslide state after the Taleban raised a flag at its new premises, infuriating the Afghan gov- KATHMANDU: Two Nepalese migrant workers who survived ernment and prompting frantic attempts recent floods in north India were killed when a landslide trig- by US officials to resuscitate the planned gered by heavy rains buried their hotel in a remote village in dialogue. Nepal, local police said yesterday. The two men, who were in While global attention has focused on their forties stopped at a hotel in northwestern Nepal en route to the debacle in Doha, tensions between their home in Kalikot district when it was smashed by a landslide Afghanistan and Pakistan - whose coopera- Thursday night, Sher Bahadur Thapa, a local police official told tion will be vital to any deal - have made AFP. “Others escaped while the two (men) who shared a room on the prospects of meaningful progress the second floor were trapped inside and buried under the towards a settlement even less sure. debris,” Thapa said. Since the Doha office was opened, He said that another man who was also trapped with them Pakistani officials have made a series of was able to escape with minor injuries. The men, who worked as comments suggesting that Karzai, who is palanquin bearers for Hindu pilgrims visiting shrines in northern due to step down at elections in April, 2014, India, were returning home after surviving deadly floods caused is already irrelevant to what should be by early, heavy rains earlier this month, Thapa said. They were wide-ranging talks on Afghanistan’s future. rescued by Indian soldiers after being stranded in Kedarnath, “His expiry date has come,” said a BAGRAM: An Mi-17 helicopter used by the Afghan Air Force sits on Bagram Air Field among the worst-hit areas.—AFP Pakistani government official, who is close in Afghanistan. The Pentagon is spending more than three-quarters of a billion dol- to Pakistan’s discussions with the US and lars to buy Russian-made helicopters and other aircraft for an Afghan aviation unit other allies on Afghanistan. “The principle is that lacks the troops and expertise to operate and maintain the equipment, a gov- a fundamental overhaul.” ernment watchdog warned in a report yesterday. —AP India seeks talks Pakistan is in a position to influence the talks because its security forces backed the United States, the Taleban, and the ued to covertly support the Taleban. with Pakistan Taleban’s rise to power in Afghanistan in Northern Alliance, a group of Afghan ex- Against this backdrop of suspicions of the mid-1990s and continue to serve as warlords who fought the Taleban in the Pakistan, an attack by the Taleban on the gatekeepers to insurgent commanders liv- 1990s and now wield significant influence presidential palace in Kabul on Tuesday ISLAMABAD: India will soon engage the government led ing on its territory. in Kabul. cast fresh doubt on whether Karzai would by Nawaz Sharif in dialogue in an effort to resolve out- While the government official’s view This view was laid out in detail in a front- be prepared to participate in peace talks. standing issues between the two countries, said the Indian does not reflect the public position of page story published in Pakistan’s privately US President Barack Obama later called High Commissioner (IHC) to Pakistan Sharat Sabharwal. Pakistan, which has pledged to support the owned Express Tribune newspaper after Karzai and the two agreed on the need for The IHC met the Chief of the religious political party, Jamiat Afghan government’s reconciliation drive the Taleban office opened, quoting an Afghan-led peace process and to sup- Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, informing on the basis of the existing Afghan consti- Pakistani military and diplomatic sources as port the presence of the Taleban office in him about progress made by the two countries in various tution, it does provide a window into a saying Karzai had no place in any deal. Doha, the White House said. But no date areas as well as progress made in the field of bilateral trade. strand of thinking within Islamabad’s ruling The sources described the Afghan presi- has been set for any negotiations. Sabharwal said in a statement, “The visa regime has been establishment. However, it is unusual for dent as “unstable” and a “poisonous road- Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman relaxed both for businessmen and other people of 65 years senior officials in the government to dis- block.” Aizaz Chaudhry said Islamabad remained or more.” He added that in the last two years, India had cuss Afghan policy in detail. Afghan officials and commentators sus- committed to supporting reconciliation in improved its visa regime and now Pakistani citizens were The view that Karzai is a hindrance to pect that Pakistan’s frustration with Karzai Afghanistan. “The official position of the allowed to visit 10 cities. —KUNA talks was reflected in comments made to stems from its desire to ensure that any government is to support an all inclusive, Reuters by three senior Pakistani officials future government in Kabul overturns the inter-Afghan dialogue,” he said. — Reuters INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 US trains Philippines on how to use drones

CAVITE CITY, Philippines: US troops trained coordinator of the naval exercises. “This would their Philippine counterparts how to use surveil- be a very good instrument to use. This lance drones yesterday, as Manila seeks to boost unmanned aerial vehicle can monitor the actual military ties with Washington and counter what movement of the targets,” he said. it perceives as a rising security threat from China. The US and Philippine troops also practiced The naval exercises are part of annual train- marksmanship and piloting small rubber boats ing operations between the two defence part- which are frequently used by naval commandos. ners, but they have come under closer scrutiny Military officials from both sides stressed that this year due to simmering tensions between the exercises had nothing to do with China’s Manila and Beijing over rival claims to the South claim to the South China Sea. China Sea. At a naval base around 13 kilometres But Philippine Defence Secretary Voltaire (eight miles) southwest of the capital Manila, US Gazmin reiterated yesterday that the Philippines Navy SEALs trained Filipino soldiers how to use was looking to give the United States greater small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or access to its military bases, saying this was drones, launching one from a boat out at sea needed to respond to China’s threats. “At this after which it circled the base and landed in the point in time, we cannot stand alone. We need water. allies. If we don’t do this, we will be bullied by US maritime civil affairs officer Jeremy Eden bigger powers and that is what is happening said these were the smaller “Puma” drones used now: there is China, sitting on our territory,” only for surveillance and not the more lethal, Gazmin said. armed versions employed in Afghanistan. “They “What are we going to do? Wait till they get (the Filipinos) are very interested and highly into our garage?” On Thursday he said the motivated to learn and if they acquire the sys- Philippines wanted to give the United States tems, they will use them effectively,” Eden said. and also Japan greater access to its military The drones would be useful for the poorly- bases. President Benigno Aquino’s spokes- equipped Philippine military which faces both woman Abigail Valte said separately that any MANILA: A US navy personnel (left) gives instructions to his Philippine counterpart during live internal insurgencies and potential external increased US presence would comply with the firing of M-60 at the naval base in Sangley point, Cavite City, west of Manila yesterday as part threats, said Lieutenant Jojit Fiscar, a senior Philippine constitution.—AFP of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises. — AFP US raises war of words with HK over Snowden China guilty of ‘misbehavior’: Envoy

HONG KONG: The United States yesterday ests, ranging from North Korea to bilateral to give his passport number, Yuen said. accused Hong Kong of acting in bad faith trade, “we’ll get over China’s misbehavior; And on Thursday, the Hong Kong govern- over fugitive Edward Snowden and we expect less from China too”. But Hong ment said it had only just received a State warned of repercussions, after the city’s Kong could not expect to continue being Department notification that Snowden’s BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (right) meets with government said US arrest paperwork was treated as a special case lying at one US passport had been cancelled-five days Indian National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon (left) at riddled with clerical errors. remove from the rest of China, the envoy after he boarded a flight to Moscow, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing yesterday. — AFP US envoy Stephen Young also said said. “I certainly personally would hate to where he remains holed up. China was guilty of “misbehavior” over the see a situation where we decide to treat Lawmakers from both sides of the former NSA contractor’s abrupt departure Hong Kong like just another part of China. semi-autonomous territory’s pro-democ- from Hong Kong last Sunday, but said the So the question is how do we get out of racy and pro-Beijing divide have united in Manila to resume talks territory itself would bear the brunt of this, and I don’t know.” lashing out at the US accusations. Washington’s displeasure. Hong Kong offi- On Tuesday, Hong Kong’s Secretary for One told Friday’s South China Morning with rebels on July 8 cials say that a US request a week ago ask- Justice Rimsky Yuen said US suggestions Post that the US arrest paperwork was ing for Snowden to be detained was woe- that the government connived in “sloppy”, and another argued that MANILA: Peace talks between the Philippine government and fully deficient, and there was no legal basis Snowden’s departure were “totally Washington was “shameless” after Muslim rebels will resume on July 8 in Kuala Lumpur with the con- to stop him flying to Russia. untrue”. The paperwork sent by US gov- Snowden alleged that the NSA’s targets tentious issue of wealth-sharing as the main focus of discussion, an But Young, who retires at the end of ernment agencies listed three different for eavesdropping included Hong Kong’s insurgent leader said yesterday. The talks will be held even though July, said Washington was busy “dotting versions of Snowden’s full name and failed main Internet exchange.—AFP they coincide with the Muslim month of Ramadan which may the i’s and crossing the t’s” in what it took require fasting by Muslim participants, said Ghadzali Jaafar, vice- to be a normal process of communication chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “Because it is so under the two sides’ extradition agree- important, both parties decided to hold the talks even on ment. “They’ve been throwing out some Ramadan,” he told AFP. arguments as to what was going on. But The talks will likely last for five days, he added. Government frankly I don’t think we had a good-faith negotiators could not be contacted for comment. However earlier partner throughout that process,” the con- this month, members of the government peace panel said they sul-general told foreign reporters, accus- hoped to resume talks with the MILF in early July. The government ing Hong Kong of “obfuscating” the real hopes to kickstart negotiations for a peace settlement that looked issues. Snowden abandoned his high-pay- to have stalled in recent months. The negotiations, which began in ing job as an IT technician contracted to 1997, aim to create an autonomous region for the Muslim minority the National Security Agency and went to in Mindanao, the southern third of the mainly Catholic nation of 100 Hong Kong on May 20. He then began million. issuing a series of leaks on the NSA’s glob- The two sides signed a preliminary agreement in October outlin- al gathering of phone call logs and ing the broad terms for a peace treaty that would be signed by Internet data, including in China and Hong 2016, before President Benigno Aquino leaves office. However, Kong. both sides have since acknowledged difficulties in thrashing out the US administration officials allege that details of key issues like wealth- and power-sharing within the pro- Hong Kong, backed by Beijing, wanted to posed autonomous region, as well as disarming and demobilizing remove an irritant and was bent on letting the MILF. The 12,000-member MILF has waged a guerrilla war for a Snowden leave regardless of the US indict- separate Islamic state in the southern Philippines since the 1970s ment. Young said the city’s handling of the that has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives. The group has since case had left a “very bitter taste in HONG KONG: Protesters shouting slogans as they hold up a picture of former US agreed to a ceasefire to negotiate for autonomy instead. Although American policymakers’ mouths” and spy Edward Snowden in front of the US consulate in Hong Kong. US envoy sporadic clashes have since taken place, the truce has largely held. “injected a tone of distrust that I think is Stephen Young accused Hong Kong’s government yesterday of acting in bad faith Malaysia has hosted the on-again, off-again peace talks between going to take time and effort to erase”. over Snowden and warned of repercussions, angrily rejecting the city’s defense the MILF and the Philippine government since 2001. —AFP Given the huge range of Sino-US inter- that it did everything by the book. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

Watchdog warns of waste in Afghan aircraft buy

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is on Capitol Hill, where there is stiff cal year was being used for the Mi-17 The special inspector general is recom- spending more than three-quarters of a opposition to the purchase of the Mi-17 acquisition, so the restriction does not mending the purchase be suspended billion dollars to buy Russian-made heli- helicopters from Rosoboronexport, the apply. A Defense Department until the wing’s staffing, recruiting and copters and other aircraft for an Afghan state-run Russian arms exporter that is a spokesman said there was an “urgent, training problems are resolved. Chief aviation unit that lacks the troops and top weapons supplier to Syrian near-term need” to buy the wing the among them is finalizing a memoran- expertise to operate and maintain the President Bashar Al-Assad. The Mi-17s, a multi-mission aircraft dum of understanding between the equipment, a government watchdog Pentagon announced June 17 that designed to operate at high altitudes Afghan interior and defense ministries warned. Rosoboronexport had been awarded a and uniquely suited for the wing. that would give the military control of The Special Inspector General for $554 million contract for 30 Mi-17s to “Careful consideration of all the the wing. But the document remains Afghanistan Reconstruction said in a be used by the Special Mission Wing, a information available to the depart- unsigned due largely to the interior report yesterday these shortcomings move that came just days after the ment confirms that it would be in the ministry’s “resistance to surrendering mean the helicopters and fixed-wing House approved a 2014 defense policy public interest to procure the Mi-17s authority” over the wing, according to aircraft destined for the Afghan Special bill that included a prohibition on con- needed for the (wing) from the report. Mission Wing “could be left sitting on tracts with the Russian agency. The Rosoboronexport,” Army Lt. Col. Jim Michael Dumont, the deputy assis- runways in Afghanistan, rather than Senate Armed Services Committee Gregory said in a statement. In addition tant defense secretary for Afghanistan, supporting critical missions, resulting in included a similar ban in its version of to the Mi-17s, the Pentagon is spending Pakistan and Central Asia, said in com- waste of US funds.” The report recom- the bill. The defense policy bill for 2013 $218 million on 18 PC-12 cargo aircraft ments included in the report that delay- mended putting the purchases on hold also barred the Pentagon from using from the Sierra Nevada Corp. of Sparks, ing the purchase of the aircraft until the until the Afghans develop the capacity funds from that fiscal year for contracts Nev., to allow the Special Mission Wing agreement was signed “would unac- to support the aircraft. with Rosoboronexport. But the to perform counterterrorism and coun- ceptably delay our efforts to develop The findings are sure to reverberate Pentagon said money from the 2012 fis- ternarcotics missions, the report said. the (wing) into a capable force.” —AP Feds: Internet influenced Boston bombing suspect Indictment makes no mention of overseas sway

BOSTON: What Dzhokhar Tsarnaev “Defense of the Muslim Lands, the First Attorney Daniel Conley, whose jurisdic- needed to learn to make explosives with Obligation After Imam,” which advocates tion includes Boston, said at a news con- a pressure cooker was at his fingertips in “violence designed to terrorize the per- ference with federal prosecutors on jihadist files on the Internet, according to ceived enemies of Islam,” the indictment Thursday. a federal indictment accusing him of car- said. The article was written by the late The indictment contains the bombing rying out the bombings at the Boston Abdullah Azzam, whose legacy has charges, punishable by the death penal- Marathon that killed three people and inspired terrorist attacks in the Middle ty, that were brought in April against injured dozens more. East. Another tract downloaded - titled Tsarnaev, including use of a weapon of Investigators have been trying to “The Slicing Sword, Against the One Who mass destruction to kill. It also contains WASHINGTON: Sen Charles Schumer (right) shares a laugh determine whether Tsarnaev’s older Forms Allegiances With the Disbelievers many new charges covering the slaying with Sen John McCain (left) following a vote in the Senate brother, Tamerlan, who was killed while and Takes Them as Supporters Instead of an MIT police officer and the carjack- on immigration reform on Capitol Hill in Washington on the two were on the run after the bomb- of Allah, His Messenger and the ing of a motorist during the getaway Thursday. The Senate passed historic immigration legisla- ings, was influenced or trained by Islamic Believers” - included a foreword by attempt that left Tamerlan Tsarnaev tion offering the hope of citizenship to millions of immi- militants during a trip overseas. But the Anwar Al-Awlaki, an American propa- dead. U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz of grants living illegally in America’s shadows. —AP indictment released on Thursday against gandist for al-Qaida who was killed in a Massachusetts said Attorney General Eric 19-year-old Dzhokhar makes no mention US drone strike in 2011. Holder will decide whether to pursue the of any overseas influence. The 30-count indictment provides death penalty against Tsarnaev, who will Father says Snowden may Before the attack, according to the one of the most detailed public explana- be arraigned on July 10. indictment, he downloaded the summer tions to date of the brothers’ alleged Three people were killed and more return if conditions met 2010 issue of Inspire, an online English- motive - Islamic extremism - and the role than 260 wounded by the two pres- language magazine published by Al- the Internet may have played in influenc- sure-cooker bombs that went off near WASHINGTON: The father of former US spy agency contrac- Qaeda. The issue detailed how to make ing them. the finish line of the marathon on April tor Edward Snowden said in an interview that while he has bombs from pressure cookers, explosive “Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s justice will be in 15. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was captured not had recent contact with him, he is reasonably confident powder extracted from fireworks and the next world, but for his brother, four days later, hiding in a boat parked his son would return to the United States if certain conditions lethal shrapnel. He also downloaded accountability will begin right here in in a backyard in Watertown, were met. extremist Muslim literature, including the district of Massachusetts,” District Massachusetts. —AP Those conditions could include not detaining Snowden before trial, not subjecting him to a gag order and letting him choose the location of his trial, NBC News said yesterday. The NBC report added that Lonnie Snowden plans to make Line between ‘cops and robbers’ those points in a letter to US Attorney General Eric Holder to be sent through his lawyer later yesterday. Representatives for blurs in Bulger trial the Justice Department could not be reached immediately for BOSTON: Some of accused mobster trial, which began June 12, has given comment on the letter. Lonnie Snowden, in part of the NBC James “Whitey” Bulger’s closest allies the jury a glimpse of an era when interview that aired on the “Today Show,” also said he is con- should have been his biggest enemies machine-gun toting mobsters shot cerned that his son, a former contractor for the National - the FBI agents who cooked him din- associates who talked too much and Security Agency, was being manipulated by others, including ner and tipped him off about investi- buried bodies under bridges in a people from the anti-government secrecy group WikiLeaks. “I gations into his Winter Hill crime gang bloody struggle for control of the crim- am concerned about those who surround him,” he told NBC. in the 1970s and 1980s. Jurors in inal underworld. “Wikileaks - if you look at past history - their focus isn’t neces- Bulger’s murder and racketeering trial But it also has shown a dark side of sarily the Constitution of the United States. It’s simply to will get a second day of testimony yes- the FBI during that period, when some release as much information as possible. So that alone is a terday from former FBI supervisor John former agents are alleged to have concern for me.” Morris, who has described a cozy rela- traded information with Bulger and his Edward Snowden, an American, fled the United States to tionship among he, another corrupt gang to help them elude arrest and Hong Kong in May, a few weeks before publication in the agent and the gangsters they were murder “rats” who spoke to police. SANFORD: Witness Selma Mora meant to be keeping off the streets. Morris said on Thursday that he and Guardian and the Washington Post of details he said he pro- answers a question for the prosecu- Once one of the most feared men in fellow ex-FBI agent John Connolly - vided about secret US government surveillance of Internet tion during George Zimmerman’s trial Boston, Bulger, 83, is charged with who cultivated Bulger as an informant and phone traffic.He faces espionage charges in the United in Seminole circuit court in Sanford, killing or ordering the murders of 19 - would invite Bulger and his associate States and has requested political asylum in Ecuador. He has Florida on Thursday. Zimmerman has people as head of Boston’s violent Steven “The Rifleman” Flemmi to din- not been seen since he arrived in Moscow on Sunday, but been charged with second-degree Winter Hill Gang, which ran extortion ner, where they would trade informa- Russian officials said he was in a transit area at Sheremetyevo murder for the 2012 shooting death of and gambling rackets for decades. The tion and gifts. —Reuters airport. —Reuters Trayvon Martin. — AP China central bank vows France’s debt rises, World shares, bonds Businessto keep the cash flowing 16 amid budget strains 16 rise as Fed fears ease 17 SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Allegiant Air thrives on low costs and high fees 20

AMRITSAR: Indian laborers plant paddy cuttings in a field at Jahangeer village yesterday.— AFP India doubles gas prices Unit price would rise to $8

NEW DELHI: India’s government said yesterday it already heavily subsidised electricity and fertilis- had doubled natural gas prices to stimulate ers. The impact on consumers would be taken investment and reverse a decline in domestic into account and prices would be adjusted, possi- BlackBerry posts production which has caused power shortages bly through greater subsidies, because electricity for industry. The cabinet approved the first hike and fertiliser “cannot become unaffordable,” in domestically produced gas prices in three Chidambaram said. India is scheduled to go to unexpected loss years late on Thursday, saying the unit price the polls in the first half of 2014 with inflation, would rise to $8 in April next year from its current which has been in double figures for much of the TORONTO: BlackBerry offered few signs full quarter of (the new) BlackBerry 10 level of $4.2. last few years, one of the main issues affecting of a long-promised turnaround yester- sales - we haven’t received the The decision, contested by left-wing political voters. day, with an unexpected quarterly oper- BlackBerry 10 unit numbers yet - but cer- parties and opposed by some in the government, The Communist Party of India (CPI) said the ating loss, few details on sales of its tainly it doesn’t bode well for the initial is politically sensitive because of its likely impact “disastrous” decision had been rammed through make-or-break new devices and no BlackBerry 10 launch, particularly the on inflation and it will take effect around election and would lead to a damaging rise in costs for return to profit in the current quarter. Z10. But even the outlook for a Q2 loss time. Finance Minister P Chidambaram said that farmers, the biggest political constituency in the BlackBerry shares tumbled 20 percent to doesn’t bode well for the Q10 either,” India was already dependent on costly imports country. CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta also $11.58 in US trading before the market said Brian Colello, an analyst with for 30 percent of its gas requirements but this accused the government of caving in to “pres- opened. Morningstar. BlackBerry launched two share was set to surge because India’s own out- sure” from the corporate sector. The left-leaning BlackBerry, struggling to compete all-new smartphones this year, the touch put was falling. “The government is biting the government headed by Prime Minister against Apple Inc’s iPhone, Samsung’s screen Z10 device, followed by the Q10, bullet and taking hard decisions because we Manmohan Singh and led by the Congress party Galaxy smartphones and other devices with a mini keyboard favored by many need to boost investment,” Chidambaram said at has been buffeted by repeated corruption scan- powered by Google’s Android operating BlackBerry users. The Z10 only hit store a news conference. dals and hit by a sharply slowing economy. system, reported a net loss of $84 mil- shelves in the crucial US market in late “We have to produce more gas and the only Economic growth has slipped to its lowest lev- lion, or 16 cents a share, in the first quar- March, while the Q10 device only way it can be done is to bolster investment,” he el in a decade at 5.0 percent and the government ter ended June 1. That compared with a reached the United States after the end added. The shares of energy producers jumped has been under pressure from credit agencies year-earlier loss of $518 million, or 99 of BlackBerry’s fiscal first quarter. on the Bombay Stock Exchange in anticipation of which are concerned by the weak public cents a share. Excluding one-time items, The Waterloo, Ontario-based compa- higher profits and the increased value of their finances. The rupee slipped to its lowest level BlackBerry reported a loss from continu- ny said it shipped 6.8 million smart- reserves, which are mostly in the gas-rich Bay of ever against the dollar this week. ing operations of $67 million, or 13 cents phones in the quarter, up 13 percent Bengal off India’s east coast. India’s largest state- Chidambaram stressed that solving India’s a share, on revenue of $3.1 billion. from the final quarter of its last fiscal run energy explorer ONGC jumped as much as energy crisis-vividly illustrated by a mass power Analysts, on average, expected a profit year. But it did not say how many of 10.12 percent to 353.0 rupees, while private ener- cut affecting 600 million people in 2012 - was of 6 cents a share, on revenue of $3.36 them were BB10 devices. Analysts said gy giant Reliance Industries rose 5.12 percent to vital for economic growth. “There are many billion, according to Thomson Reuters the shipment numbers indicated sales of 873.0 rupees. Chidambaram acknowledged the power plants that are stranded. We have not I/B/E/S Estimates. the new devices have not yet been as power and fertiliser ministries had raised objec- been able to add to fertiliser capacity because “Quite frankly, the fear is that with a good as they hoped. —Reuters tions to the policy, which will increase the cost of there is no gas,” he said. — AFP business SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 World central bank policymakers change gears

WASHINGTON: The Federal Reserve’s ing market world that has borne the brunt although yields remain well short of danger buy debt of all 17 euro-zone countries. gradual exit plan from printing money has of recent volatility. Following is a break- level. It is not clear what the ECB can do. shifted the world’s central bank landscape down of how these central banks, and oth- Bond-buying can only be triggered if a BANK OF ENGLAND and thrown financial markets into a spin. ers, may act as thoughts turn tentatively to country requests help from the euro-zone’s Britain’s central bank holds a policy The US central bank has pumped $85 bil- quitting years of extraordinary policy meas- rescue fund and there is no sign of that meeting on Thursday at which Canada’s lion a month into its economy but has now ures. happening soon. There has been talk of Mark Carney will make his debut as gover- said it will slow that rate and maybe halt it cutting the deposit rate - which banks get nor. The Bank has already created 375 bil- by mid-2014. The big worry for investors is EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK for storing their money at the ECB - into lion pounds of new money to buy govern- that there is no playbook for stopping this The ECB, unlike the central banks of the negative territory to try and boost lending. ment bonds and no more is expected to unprecedented stimulus. In the coming United States, Japan and Britain, has not But that rate is already at zero and has not be sanctioned this time. A Reuters poll of week, the European Central Bank, Bank of created money out of thin air and is expect- prompted banks to help the wider econo- economists gave a median 40 percent England (featuring Mark Carney’s debut as ed to leave interest rates at a record low 0.5 my. If deflation loomed, the ECB’s mandate chance that more pounds will be printed governor) and the central banks of percent next week and for the rest of the would allow it to print money but again before the year-end. There is no indication Australia, Sweden, Poland and Romania all year. Perhaps its biggest concerns are the that looks unlikely. that it will begin to unwind that policy or hold monetary policy meetings. continuing reluctance of banks to lend in Another option would be an offer of raise interest rates in the foreseeable They offer a broad snapshot of the the weaker euro-zone members and rising cheap, long-term liquidity to banks similar future, with rates expected to remain at a problems facing different countries. The borrowing costs in those countries since to the more than 1 trillion euros handed record low until at least 2015. The Bank ECB and its UK counterpart have made the Fed upset the applecart. That brought over last year but there has been no hint of has warned that banks and borrowers clear no policy shift is imminent, Australia’s to an end a 10-month trend of cheaper bor- the ground being prepared for that. The would be vulnerable to an abrupt rise in fate is closely tied to China where it exports rowing following the ECB’s pledge to buy ECB has emphatically denied a report that global interest rates which could require vast amounts of raw materials, while government bonds in potentially unlimited it was considering launching a new bond lenders to bolster their capital cushions Poland and Bulgaria are part of the emerg- amounts to shore up the single currency, purchase program under which it would again.—Reuters

China central bank vows France’s debt rises, to keep the cash flowing amid budget strains Squeeze roils markets PARIS: France’s national debt rose to 91.7 per- ing the inflation indexation of welfare benefits SHANGHAI: China’s central bank said yesterday operation” of the economy. There is anxiety cent of annual output in the first quarter of was “a sensitive subject”. This week, a member it would “adjust” tight liquidity after a weeks- that tightening credit could spread into the this year, official data showed yesterday amid of the National Assembly, or lower house of long squeeze that has rattled financial markets broader economy, with some Chinese compa- rising concern about French public finances. parliament, hinted that France was in talks concerned over the impact on the world’s sec- nies reportedly running short of cash to settle At the end of last year, the debt amounted to with the European Commission over a possi- ond-largest economy, which is already slowing. suppliers’ bills. A Shanghai provider of small 90.2 percent of gross domestic product. ble adjustment of the way the annual deficit is The assurance from governor of the People’s loans said private firms consistently have trou- European Union rules require the public debt calculated. Bank of China (PBoC), Zhou Xiaochuan, helped ble getting access to capital, and that the to be no more than 60 percent of output or support sentiment on China’s stock market after impact of the bank liquidity squeeze had yet to falling towards this ratio. CONSUMER SPENDING a sell-off earlier this week that sent ripples world- be fully felt. “Recently there are more manufac- But from the last quarter of last year to the Meanwhile, French consumers spent sig- wide. “The PBoC will use all sorts of instruments turing and construction companies coming to end of the first quarter of 2013, the debt rose nificantly more than economists had expected and measures to adjust the overall liquidity level, us for loans,” said Gu Yang of Shanghai Kangxin by 36.5 billion euros ($47.6 billion) to 1.8703 in May despite concerns about surging unem- so as to ensure the overall stability of the mar- Micro-credit Co. trillion euros, the statistics institute INSEE said. ployment, data showed yesterday, rekindling ket,” Zhou said in his first public comments on For three weeks, funds have been in short The debt represents the accumulation of some hopes that France might be slowly the issue. supply on China’s interbank market, and the annual public deficits, and the Socialist gov- emerging from recession. However, although Speaking at a financial forum in Shanghai, interest rates banks charge to lend to each other ernment is embroiled in controversy over its the risk of prolonged recession may be reced- he added the bank would ensure the “normal surged to record highs last week before easing efforts to control the deficit for this year. It has ing, activity remains far too weak in the euro again. The PBoC was said to be worried about already acknowledged that it will miss its tar- zone’s second-biggest economy for a rapid risk from a boom in credit, but on Tuesday the get of achieving the EU ceiling for a deficit of recovery, economists said. bank confirmed it had offered liquidity “support” 3.0 percent of output this year, now targeting The INSEE statistics agency reported that to financial institutions and pledged to provide 3.7 percent. household spending rose 0.5 percent over the more if needed. That statement marked an The European Commission has given month, beating by a wide margin the average apparent change of course after the central bank France an extra two years to reach 3.0 percent, forecast given by economists of a 0.1 percent earlier ruled out providing fresh funds and but on condition it pursues tough structural fall. INSEE said the rise was due mainly to a ordered banks to put their financial houses in reforms. But the body which oversees the rebound in purchases of food, which jumped order. national accounts warned on Thursday that 1.4 percent over one month, partially making The central bank reversal came after Chinese the deficit this year could well turn out to be up for a drop of 3.4 percent in April. The stocks had closed at lows unseen since the 3.8-4.1 percent mainly because of weak tax improvement in French consumer spending global financial crisis in 2009. Zhou’s comments revenues owing to weak growth. The auditing mirrored an increase in German retail sales in helped nudge Chinese stocks higher yesterday body said that France would have to act May, which were up 0.8 percent over one with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index quickly to reform pensions and cut social month, their best performance since January. up 0.70 percent in afternoon trading. But ana- spending to contain the deficit. French household spending, traditionally lysts said the PBoC would have to take more The right-wing opposition has argued that the motor for the 2 trillion euro $2.6 trillion) radical action for the market to rise further, with tax revenues are falling badly short of target economy, has struggled for months as con- the focus now shifting to the weak domestic and that spending is also overshooting. The sumers retrench in the face of spiraling unem- economy. Budget Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has said ployment. French consumer confidence fell “This is more like a kind of gesture, declaring that the figures given by the opposition are this month to a record low on expectations his stance to tell everyone not to panic,” said Liu incorrect, but referring yesterday to the analy- that unemployment would keep rising in the Shengjun, executive deputy director of the sis by the national accounting court, he said: coming months, after jobless claims hit a new Lujiazui Institute of International Finance. Zhou “What the accounting court says is not record high in May. Coupled with recent remained confident about China’s growth, alarmist but measured and corresponds to the improvements in industrial production and though he acknowledged the economy had reality of the situation.” French President business confidence, the bounce in consumer slowed. “The Chinese economy, basically speak- Francois Hollande said in Brussels yesterday spending makes it more likely that data for ing, has maintained stable growth,” the central that France had to “contain public spending” the second quarter will show France returning SHANGHAI: The Jin Mao Tower (center), bank chief said. “The growth rate has slowed this year but that it was too soon to give a fig- to feeble growth or stagnation after a short, the Shanghai World Financial Center down a little bit, but it is still in a reasonable ure for the deficit for the whole of 2013. shallow recession entered in the first quarter. (left) and the incomplete Shanghai range,” he said, although gave no specific figure. If growth remained weak and the economy Unicredit economist Tullia Bucco said that Tower are covered in low cloud over the China has set its economic growth target at ended the year in slight recession, tax rev- though private-sector consumption was now 7.5 percent for 2013. China’s economy, a crucial financial district of Pudong yesterday. enues might be less than expected, he said. likely to prove stronger than expected this driver of global growth, expanded 7.8 percent in China’s central bank said it would He said that some of the suggestions by the quarter, any hopes for a rapid recovery would 2012 - its slowest pace in 13 years-and recorded ‘adjust’ liquidity to ensure stability after accounting court for reducing spending and be disappointed as any spare household a surprisingly weak 7.7 percent expansion in this a weeks-long squeeze that has rattled tax advantages were relevant, but that reduc- income was dwindling.— Agencies financial markets.— AFP year’s first quarter, well below forecasts. — AFP business SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

India’s tea sales to Iran surge despite sanctions MUMBAI: India tea exports to Iran are to cheaper supplies from Kenya. pays for 45 percent of its oil purchas- price of 232.34 rupees per kg to Iran likely to surge by around 50 percent “There is strong demand from Iran. es using its rupee currency and Iran last year, according to the provisional in 2013 from the previous year as the Since the payment issue has been set- can also use rupees to pay for its pur- data compiled by the state-run Tea sanctions-hit country increases pur- tled I don’t see any problem in chases from India. Board. This year exporters are selling chases to replenish inventory and exporting. There are lots of export Iran is replenishing its tea invento- tea around 240 rupees per kg, make use of one of its few remaining orders,” said Aditya Khaitan, manag- ry as it bought much lower than its although price varies depending on payment channels. Iran is one of the ing director of McLeod Russel, the requirement in the last few years, quality, exporter said. India’s overall biggest buyers of the south Asian world’s biggest producer of tea. Khaitan said. India exports CTC tea tea exports in 2013, however, are like- country’s tea and prefers to buy India’s tea exports to Iran fell 28 per- mainly to Egypt, Pakistan and the UK, ly to remain steady around last year’s orthodox grade. Its purchases in 2013 cent in 2011 from the previous year, and the orthodox variety to Iraq, Iran 201 million kg as demand was weak are likely to rise to 20-21 million kg after India’s central bank, under pres- and Russia. “Tea companies are get- for the CTC due to higher supplies from about 13.78 million kg a year sure from the United States, ended a ting higher prices for orthodox due to from top exporter Kenya, Atal said. ago, worth 3.2 billion rupees ($53.10 clearing mechanism which had been exports demand. Some companies Kenya’s tea production in the first million), industry officials told Reuters. used to settle trades. The move also are making more orthodox tea four months of 2013 jumped by near- Higher orthodox purchases by Iran hit oil imports from Iran. Because of instead of producing CTC,” Deepak ly 72 percent from the last year to will help India to maintain exports at the US and European sanctions, Atal, managing director of 155.3 million kg, depressing local last year’s level, as overseas demand which are aimed at cutting funding Amalgamated Plantations, said. prices by nearly a quarter since the for CTC (crush-tear-curl) is weak due for Iran’s nuclear program, India now India exported tea at an average beginning of the year. —Reuters

World shares, bonds Japan factory output rises rise as Fed fears ease TOKYO: Japanese factories put in a surpris- ingly strong performance in May, official data showed yesterday, the latest good news for Euro firmer, European shares flat the world’s third-largest economy as Tokyo works to breathe new life into the perpetual LONDON: World shares hit their highest laggard. The figures, which showed industri- level in a week yesterday and bonds and al production jumped 2.0 percent in May oil rose after two US central bankers from a month earlier, come as Japan’s trade moved to calm fears of an early withdraw- picture improves with exports rising as busi- al of monetary stimulus. Their efforts, ness with the United States and China soars. combined with better economic data Markets had been expecting a monthly from Japan and an easing of credit con- factory output rise around 0.2 percent. cerns in China, lifted MSCI’s world equity “Broadly speaking I believe this indicates a index 0.5 percent yesterday, putting it on gradual recovery. But this month’s gains course to reverse five weeks of losses. But could be attributed to production of large the gains were seen as limited with machinery like turbines and boilers. So it investors avoiding large bets on the final could represent mainly temporary factors,” trading day of an unsettled quarter while said Yasuo Yamamoto, senior economist, pondering the impact of a broader shift in Mizuho Research Institute. Fed policy. And separate figures also published yes- “It’s been a tough quarter, the easy terday painted a more mixed picture of an game is up and markets have to revaluate economy still struggling to reverse years of where they stand,” Wouter Sturkenboom, growth-crimping deflation. Consumer prices Investment Strategist at Russell were flat in May, although there was a mod- Investments, said. Global stock, bond and est increase in the metropolitan Tokyo area commodity markets have been notably and the results were better than a fall in the volatile since Federal Reserve Chairman previous month. Household spending Ben Bernanke signaled last week the bank BEIRUT: Empty tables are seen in a restaurant on the Beirut’s corniche, with a sea remained stubbornly weak, however, falling would soon cut the pace of its bond buy- view of the capital’s landmark Pigeon’s Rock, which was once crowded by tourists 1.6 percent from a year earlier. ing unless the economic recovery slowed. mainly from the Gulf states at this time of the year. War in Syria, sectarian clashes, Those figures are a key signal for econo- Two Fed policymakers came out on government changes and half a million Syrian refugees in Lebanon have all con- mists who have been trying to pin down Thursday to reassure investors that any whether a policy blitz from Japanese premier tributed to the fall in tourists visiting the country. — AFP winding down of stimulus was still some Shinzo Abe, dubbed “Abenomics”, is taking way off, though its ultimate course was week low against the dollar to $1.3045, which had let short-term borrowing costs hold. “Deflationary pressure appears to be set. and helped the dollar rise against the yen spike to record highs, said it would ensure broadly weakening,” Hideki Matsumura, sen- “The market is going to have to base its by 0.5 percent at 98.92 yen. The broad its policy supported a slowing economy. ior economist at the Japan Research views about equities and currencies on FTSE Eurofirst 300 index, which had Institute, told Dow Jones Newswires. This actual economic growth rather than sim- opened higher in line with other world RISK OUTLOOK CHANGES week, Abe said he will spend the next three ply the fact that there’s cheap money markets, pared the gains as end of quarter In the fixed income markets, European years rebuilding the nation’s fragile econo- there,” said Simon Derrick, chief currency positioning took hold, leaving it on course bonds shared in the more positive tone, my, having banished the gloom that covered strategist at Bank of New York Mellon. “I to end June lower after a record 12 with yields falling on core German debt Japan when he came to power. think that’s a fundamental shift.” The monthly rises. and riskier Spanish and Italian paper. But Since taking office in December, Abe has Fed’s signal that the era of cheap money Earlier, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia- Patrick Jacq, European rate strategist at launched his policy prescription which is drawing to a close has already hit gold Pacific shares outside Japan climbed 1.4 BNP Paribas, said investors would require blends massive monetary easing, big fiscal as its value as a hedge against inflation percent, pulling further away from an 11- higher yields in future in light of the Fed’s spending and a series of reforms aimed at evaporates. The metal dropped to a month low and wiping out this week’s policy shift. “Liquidity and credit risk freeing up businesses. Japan’s sleep-walking three-year low near $1,200 an ounce yes- losses. It was still down around 7 percent assessment has changed since the Fed economy has been given a jolt by the moves, terday, putting it on course for its worst for the year. Asia’s rise followed Wall spoke about tapering off,” he said. In with the yen shedding some of its export- quarterly performance in over half a cen- Street’s rally on the Fed comments and commodities, Brent crude oil futures sapping strength and the stock market surg- tury. Japanese data showing consumer prices climbed 29 cents to $103.11 on course for ing. Abe faces elections in the upper house stopped falling in May and labor demand the first monthly rise in five months. of parliament next month that are widely QUARTERLY CLOSE reached a five-year high. China’s stock Copper was flat but facing its biggest expected to see a resounding victory, solidi- The end-of-quarter manoeuvring was markets had also seen their biggest gains quarterly loss in almost two years, reflect- fying his power base. —AFP cited behind a rise in the euro off a four- in two months after its central bank, ing global growth concerns. — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Peugeot family ready to step aside for GM Merger would bring plant closures, job losses

LONDON: PSA Peugeot Citroen’s lion euros ($3.9 billion) in operating year, people familiar with the mat- in more cash, Chief Executive Dan France - where the government last founding family has offered to give cash last year, and asset writedowns ter said, even if the company sticks Akerson said last week, while leav- year condemned Peugeot over up control of the French automaker swelled its net loss to 5 billion to its goal of halving operating cash ing the door slightly ajar. “We don’t plant and job cuts that President as it tries to revive plans for a closer euros. Shares in Peugeot closed 5.5 consumption to 1.5 billion euros in have any intention of investing Francois Hollande described as tie-up with General Motors Co percent higher at 6.50 euros after 2013. additional funds into PSA at this “unacceptable.” As one of its rescue backed by a fresh capital injection, the Reuters story was published, Exploratory discussions about time,” Akerson told reporters in conditions, the French government sources said. Any deal combining while GM shares closed 1.7 percent selling a 30 percent stake to a con- Shanghai. “If we see something appointed civil servant Louis Gallois Peugeot with GM’s European Opel higher at $33.10 in New York. sortium led by Dongfeng Motor changes, we’ll evaluate that.” to Peugeot’s board. Gallois, a for- division would face major political Peugeot’s stock has plunged 77 Group were inconclusive, the The US Treasury, which owns just mer CEO of Airbus parent EADS, hurdles because it would bring percent over the past two years, sources said, and would anyway under 14 percent of GM common declined to be interviewed for this more factory closures and job losses compared with a 1.4 percent slide have taken too long. Dongfeng shares, declined to comment story. in France and Germany, people with for the STOXX Europe 600 autos & declined to comment. “PSA will through a spokesman. “PSA’s situa- Ministers understand that knowledge of the discussions told parts index. Its debt has been need to present a new industrial tion has only deteriorated since the Peugeot needs a fuller combination Reuters. classed as junk by all of the main plan for people to underwrite a cap- alliance was formed,” Barclays ana- with GM or another industry partner The Peugeot clan, one of and now expect Varin to present a Europe’s three surviving car dynas- new plan within months, a French ties, and beleaguered chief execu- official said. While not “dogmatical- tive Philippe Varin turned to 7 per- ly” opposed to foreign control, the cent shareholder GM after inconclu- government remains determined to sively sounding out other potential preserve Peugeot’s French sites and investors including Chinese partner jobs, he added. The government or Dongfeng, the sources said. “GM a state-owned investment vehicle faces the same overcapacity situa- could end up taking a Peugeot tion with Opel, and that’s why PSA stake if necessary, officials have also is trying to convince them to merge suggested. In the past five years, the two,” said one of the people, GM has scrapped a Belgian car fac- who asked not to be identified tory and earmarked another for clo- because the talks are confidential. sure in Germany, where it has about “The Peugeot family has now 20,000 employees. accepted that they’ll lose control, so Peugeot, which employs 77,000 this is no longer an issue.” workers in France, is shuttering its The family, which founded Aulnay plant near Paris and scaling Peugeot in 1810 as a coffee mill down another domestic site. Its five manufacturer, holds a 25.4 percent French assembly plants ran at 71 stake commanding 38.1 percent of percent capacity in 2012, according voting rights in a company now to IHS Automotive data, while GM’s struggling for survival. Peugeot and PARIS: Photo shows pictures of the logo of French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen (left) and the logo of US three main German sites were at 66 GM both declined to answer ques- giant carmaker General Motors. Shares in ailing French auto group PSA Peugeot Citroen fell sharply yester- percent. Combining their European tions about their frequent discus- day amid reports, and a denial, that the US group General Motors could take control and inject cash. — AFP operations would require deep cuts sions. “We don’t comment on spec- to draw benefit from the consider- ulation or rumors,” Peugeot rating agencies since early 2012. ital increase, and the only hope is lysts Michael Tyndall and Brian able overlap between similarly sized spokesman Jonathan Goodman CEO Varin has responded by cutting GM,” one said. “They (GM) are ready Johnson said in a note on the and priced cars. GM sold 9.3 million said. Before injecting more cash, GM 10,000 more jobs, selling 2 billion to inject more money if they can Reuters story, concluding that an vehicles globally last year and its would need assurances that it had a euros in assets and negotiating a 7 control the business, integrate expanded relationship was “unlike- French partner 3 million. free hand to cut production capaci- billion-euro state guarantee for Peugeot and Opel and rationalize ly.” “A further cash infusion could be Peugeot also ended 2012 with ty as it took control of integrating financing arm Banque PSA. The production.” viewed as throwing good money cash of 6.67 billion euros, excluding Peugeot and Opel, sources said in company aims to cut more costs by after bad,” they added. Opel should listed subsidiary Faurecia SA, and is recent days. pooling future car programs with PLAYING HARD BALL “search for global synergies with expected to consume 2 billion GM under their existing alliance - GM is “playing hardball” by hold- GM operations in regions such as euros this year after restructuring SALES SLUMP cemented by a 1 billion-euro share ing out for assurances that it would China, where opportunity is abun- costs. Together with 2.4 billion Peugeot, its sister brand Citroen issue when the US auto giant be able to cut plants and jobs at dant, rather than France”. euros in undrawn credit lines, that and Opel are among those worst-hit acquired its Peugeot stake in March reasonable cost, another person Still, walking away might not be will leave about 7 billion euros in by a European car sales slump that 2012. Earlier talks on a full combina- said, adding that no plan is likely to an easy option for GM. Its own available reserves -but the real cush- put a $1.8 billion dent in GM’s 2012 tion were halted late last year as a surface before German elections in European turnaround plan draws ion is closer to 4 billion because earnings. The market is on course to French government bailout of September. The US carmaker has on technology from vehicles such Peugeot needs the difference just to contract for a sixth straight year, Peugeot and its worsening cash drawn criticism from some share- as the Peugeot 208 and Citroen C4 operate. “The minimum level of liq- taking sales to a two-decade low. position stirred misgivings at GM’s holders over the initial Peugeot Picasso for future versions of the uidity they need is 3 billion,” said a For Peugeot, heavily dependent on headquarters in Detroit. Peugeot investment. GM halved the book Opel Corsa small car and Zafira London-based auto analyst with a its home region, the threat is exis- will need another capital injection value of its stake in a February minivan. But approval for sweeping major US bank. “You never want to tential. The company burned 3 bil- and must lay the groundwork this writedown. GM has no plans to put cuts seems unlikely in Germany or use that up.” —Reuters

Peugeot shares zig-zag on uncertainty over GM role

PARIS: Shares in ailing French auto job cuts and the closure of a big plant. French government which has a repre- diluting the shareholding of the group PSA Peugeot Citroen fell sharply GM, which owns the German brand sentative on the supervisory board of Peugeot family because they are not yesterday amid reports, and a denial, Opel, already owns 7.0 percent of the the company, declined to comment. prepared to provide more money.” A that the US group General Motors group under a strategic partnership The family controls about 25 percent of source close to the matter said that could take control and inject cash. PSA agreed last year, and Dow Jones the capital and 38 percent of the voting “there is no urgency about this” and that shares were showing a fall at mid-day Newswire reported that according to rights. Sources close to the group said “while the Peugeot family wants to of 2.54 percent to 6.34 euros, in an sources close to the matter, PSA had that the board was expected to stand retain their control of Peugeot, their overall French market down 0.25 per- approached GM with an invitation to by its forecasts when it published six- means are not limitless.” At Deutsche cent as measured by the CAC 40 index. inject new capital. But a spokesman for month results on July 31. It would also Bank, analyst Gaetan Toulemonde com- On Thursday the shares had jumped GM told AFP: “Our position remains repeat its wish to halve the rate at mented in a note to clients that if the 5.47 percent in an initial response to a unchanged: we have no intention of which it uses up cash which last year family were prepared to give up control, report that GM could take control. The investing additional funds into PSA at was running at 200 million euros ($261 that should be seen as “a message to GM cause of the volatility was reports this time. We will not comment on million) a month. But one analyst who to force it to take a more radical decision Peugeot family might be prepared to speculation.” The head of GM, Dan declined to be named, commented: concerning the future of PSA and GM’s cede control to GM in return for fresh Akerson, had expressed the same posi- “The company would well need a new subsidiary, Opel.” PSA Peugeot Citroen capital. tion last week. increase of its capital.” has been hard hit by a big decline of the PSA is struggling to restructure with The Peugeot family, and also the He said: “This could have the effect of European car market. —AFP business SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Rising debt costs may slow Africa’s rush to Eurobond

JOHANNESBURG: In a year when a record number of African countries are lining up to join the Eurobond club, membership just got pricier. After Zambia saw unprecedented demand for its debut $750 million Eurobond last September, some predicted that a rush of African issuers would tap international debt mar- kets in 2013. Rwanda was first out of the blocks, issuing a $400 million 10- year bond at a 6.875 percent yield in April despite its B rating and a recent disruption to its foreign aid flows caused by some donors’ displeasure over Kigali’s alleged meddling in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Ghana and Nigeria announced plans to return to the market after their debuts in 2007 and 2011 respectively, while Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Angola and Cameroon are also potential candidates. But as the global economy comes to terms with a possible end to the US Federal Reserve’s bond-buying program in 2014 and rising US Treasury yields have sparked a sell-off in emerging market assets any hopes that African governments held of bor- rowing at cheap rates are likely to be dashed. “The window of opportunity in accessing the Eurobond market by African sover- eigns is closing,” said Angus Downie, Ecobank’s head of econom- BEIJING: A barber cuts the hair of a customer in an alleyway in Beijing yesterday. — AFP ic research. “They’re going to have to face the reality that investors will want higher yields in order to invest in what they consider now to Beijing tightens supervision on be slightly more risky assets.” Demand for African Eurobonds is still expected to be solid given their scarcity and investors’ desire scandal-plagued food industry for diversification, but without the Fed’s stimulus, the days of out- sized order books are probably gone. Zambia, which launched its China expands system to track food shipments Eurobond on the same day the Fed announced its third round of quantitative easing, received $11.9 billion of bids, more than 15 BEIJING: China is expanding a pilot sys- who also complain about severe air pollu- they source from farms. “If you only go as times the issue size, while Rwanda’s bond was more than seven tem that tracks the movement of meat tion and poor water quality. The ava- far back as the slaughter houses, it’s of times oversubscribed. and vegetables to the supermarket shelf lanche of scandals has sown deep distrust some value but not much value. A DIFFERENT WORLD as part of efforts to tighten supervision of of domestic brands, prompting Premier Li The decision to spray a certain pesti- its scandal-plagued food industry. Under Keqiang to promise tougher rules. cide or give an animal a specific antibiotic “I would say the past 12 to 18 months were God’s gift to the program, which is voluntary, city gov- Beijing has repeatedly urged more will usually be taken by a fairly uneducat- issuers and clearly things are slowly normalising,” said Nicholas ernments are monitoring produce as its inspections of food processing facilities ed farmer,” said John Chapple, a consult- Samara, vice president in capital markets origination at Citi. “Most leaves slaughter houses and wholesale and meted out tough punishment to ant to food companies in China. To try to likely you’re not going to see these $12 billion order books any- markets to make sure the same food those found responsible for safety scan- tackle that problem, Beijing is encourag- more. Simply put, we’re in a different world.” arrives at the supermarket and to get unli- dals. The pilot system uses barcodes as ing a move to larger farms and farmers’ Reflecting the new reality, yields on African Eurobonds have censed vendors out of the supply chain. well as tags that allow radio frequency cooperatives. Consolidation is already climbed significantly in the past month, by more than 100 basis The system has been set up in 20 cities identification (RFID) to transmit informa- under way in the domestic dairy sector, points for Rwanda’s 2023 bond and nearly 300 basis points for and is currently being rolled out in anoth- tion about product batches to a central driven in large part by a 2008 safety scan- Senegal’s 2021 paper. Nigeria’s 2021 bond is trading at a yield of er 15 including Beijing. It should cover 50 database. dal when milk formula tainted with the 5.9 percent from a low of 3.66 percent in January. Africa’s biggest cities by the year-end, said Li Zhenzhong, The system was working well, with illegal additive melamine killed six infants. oil producer, which plans to raise $1 billion this year to fund infra- deputy chief of the Ministry of authorities frequently checking that the Other tainted milk incidents have structure in the power sector, completed a European and US Commerce’s market supervision depart- retailer has keyed in data to show a ship- emerged since. China Mengniu Dairy Co roadshow this week but will not issue yet given volatile market ment. “They are trying to tackle the fact ment had arrived, Bodenes said. It has Ltd signed a $1.6-billion deal this month conditions. that in China, between the slaughter already helped remove some unlicensed to take over the milk powder business of When it eventually taps the market, it will pay a higher price house and the retailer, they still have slaughter houses from the supply chain, Carlyle-backed Yashili International than if it had done so earlier this year, but its strong fundamen- some illegal or blackmarkets,” said Xavier he added. Li said the new system would Holdings Ltd. That was its second acquisi- tals and familiarity to investors means the bond will be oversub- Bodenes, national quality and food safety allow authorities to recall potentially haz- tion in a month. But the meat and fresh scribed, analysts said. Its domestic debt was about 18 percent of director at French supermarket chain ardous products “within minutes”, but he produce sectors remain fragmented. GDP in 2012 and external debt 2.5 percent of GDP, lower than its Carrefour. gave no details and other ministry officials “China needs to encourage this kind of peers. Inflation is in single digits and investors are optimistic “They want to be sure that the 100 declined to comment. consolidation not only in the dairy sector, about power sector reforms, seen as key to unlocking further tons that left the slaughter house is the Some experts said the system would but also among its many other food man- growth potential in the Nigerian economy. same 100 tons at final distribution.” From have only limited use because it did not ufacturers to create some national giants A dollar bond from Kenya, with its diversified economy and rat meat being sold as lamb to toxins include China’s 200 million farmers, where with the scale and resources to implement traditionally low levels of external debt, should be well received, found in rice, food scandals are a daily health standards can be low and regula- strong quality control to ensure product but countries like Ghana that are struggling with high budget occurrence in the world’s second biggest tion often has little reach. Many large safety,” China’s state-run Global Times said deficits will face more investor scrutiny, said Razia Khan, Standard economy, fueling anger amongst Chinese retailers run their own audits on what in a commentary last week.—Reuters Chartered’s head of research for Africa. Small or mid-sized economies such as Tanzania are likely to face questions about the sustainability of their borrowing. The higher yields investors would demand could put such countries under pressure, poten- New treasurer looks to keep tially creating problems with repayment in the future, said Downie. “Definitely, we’re going to see smaller sovereigns that Australia out of recession may not have accessed the Eurobond market rethink their strate- gy,” he said. SYDNEY: Australia’s new Treasurer Chris woman premier Julia Gillard. ship will see some continuity but also Bowen was yesterday welcomed by busi- Chief economist at Bank of America change ahead of the yet-to-be-announced FINER PRICING FOR RISK ness figures as he hinted at policy changes Merrill Lynch Saul Eslake said one of election date, originally scheduled for Samara believes several issuers will still take the leap, especial- amid recession fears following an Bowen’s first challenges would be to September 14. Rudd was due to unveil his ly given their need to diversify their sources of financing and fund unprecedented Asia-mining boom. improve relations between business, full cabinet later Friday. “If you are asking infrastructure projects. Rates are still lower than they were before Bowen, who served as assistant treasurer which has had to absorb divisive mining us... to say we are never going to change the global financial crisis, he points out. Ghana and Gabon’s 10- from late 2007 to mid- 2009 and was also and carbon taxes in recent years, and gov- any government policies, we’re never year bonds are yielding 6.95 percent and 4.8 percent respectively minister for immigration, tertiary educa- ernment. “I think Bowen probably needs going to discuss any change to govern- but both countries issued at yields of more than 8 percent in tion and small business, was installed as to do things to shore up the credibility of ment policy in the future ... well we are not 2007. “Today’s markets, historically speaking, are still very attrac- treasurer on Thursday. The high office the budget,” Eslake also said, adding this going to do that,” he told Network Seven. tive compared to where they were pre-crisis,” Samara said. Many rewards the 40-year-old from Sydney for would be a delicate balancing act given Bowen takes over from Wayne Swan African sovereigns will probably issue once they have lined up his strong support of Kevin Rudd, the for- the economy was likely weaker now than who took on the job in 2007 when Rudd specific projects that need financing, a difficult task that may mer prime minister who made a dramatic when the budget was announced in May. was first elected prime minister and who have caused some to delay their plans, said Florian von Hartig, political comeback as national leader on Bowen, a career politician with a was credited with helping Australia side- head of debt capital markets at Standard Bank— Reuters Wednesday night, ousting Australia’s first degree in economics, said the new leader- step the global financial crisis. —AFP business SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

LAS VEGAS: A Southwest airliner comes in for a landing as a row of Allegiant Air jets are parked at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. — AP Allegiant Air thrives on low costs, high fees Allegiant profitable for 10 straight years LAS VEGAS: There are no sure things in this city its marketing muscles to convince people in theme-park tickets. It even gets people to her husband and three kids at home. - with one exception: Allegiant Air. While other small towns to fly away for a vacation. attend timeshare sales presentations. But she and her friends quickly got back to US airlines have struggled over the past decade “Allegiant tends to bring people into the air- Before a passenger can finalize a ticket pur- drinking hard lemonade, mapping out their from the ups and downs of the economy and port who wouldn’t normally fly,” says Tim chase online, they must click through page after weekend away from Iowa. A few feet away, oth- the price of jet fuel, Allegiant has been prof- Bradshaw, director of the Eastern Iowa people page offering them these add-ons. Last year, er passengers shared tips on attractions, buffets itable for 10 straight years. The tiny airline Airport in Cedar Rapids. “It brings people off the revenue from commissions totaled $36 million, and the cheapest blackjack tables. “You must focuses on a niche ignored by other airlines: It couch.” Last year, 7 million passengers took a or nearly $12 per roundtrip passenger. “I don’t see the pirate show,” one insisted. Allegiant only flies from small cities to sunny vacation flight on Allegiant. That is a sliver of the 642 mil- think of them as an airline. I think of them as a finds ways to profit on routes other airlines spots. lion people who took a domestic flight last year. travel company,” says Helane Becker, an airline couldn’t make work, often swooping in after Allegiant entices people who otherwise But Allegiant earned a whopping $11.22 each analyst at Cowen Securities. Once onboard, they pull out. This month, it started flying wouldn’t fly with low fares and non-stop flights. way from those passengers. On average, the air- Allegiant passengers are again bombarded with between Asheville, NC, and Tampa, Fla, a route Then it aggressively pitches them hotels, rental line industry earned 37 cents each way, per pas- sales pitches. On a recent flight from Cedar abandoned by AirTran after Southwest Airlines cars, show tickets and other entertainment, senger, according to Airlines for America, the Rapids to Las Vegas, flight attendants came over acquired it. earning millions in commissions. Passengers industry’s lobbying group. Southwest Airlines, the loudspeaker and hawked show tickets and Like other discount carriers, Allegiant prefers face fees for almost every service and amenity one of the industry’s most profitable carriers, airport shuttles. small airports that charge airlines lower rents, imaginable. At Allegiant, fees for checked bag- made $3.85 per passenger last year. Allegiant is The in-flight magazine is filled with ads for even if they aren’t the most convenient. In gage and changing an itinerary - which are com- ruthless about keeping its costs down. Its shows and attractions instead of stories. One ad Orlando, that means flying into Sanford, Fla, 30 mon on many airlines - are just the beginning. employees are some of the lowest paid in the offers $30 off a Las Vegas helicopter tour if pur- minutes further from Walt Disney World than The Las Vegas-based airline charges extra to industry, in some cases making $20 an hour less chased from flight attendants, who are paid Orlando International Airport. Frugal decisions book flights online, or to use a credit card. than colleagues at other airlines. extra for each item sold. “They do a fantastic job like that helped Allegiant post a net profit of $78 Selecting a seat in advance costs $5 to $75 each It pays cash for airplanes nearly twice as old packaging,” says JetBlue CEO David Barger. “I million last year on revenue of $909 million. Its way, depending on the length of a flight. Even a as everyone else. It only sells directly to vaca- think we can learn a lot from what Allegiant 8.6 percent profit margin was the highest of any bottle of water costs $2. tioners, refusing to pay Expedia, Orbitz or other does.” Ben Baldanza, CEO of Spirit Airlines - the US airline, making it a darling of Wall Street. Flying Allegiant isn’t glamorous. While other sites to list its flights. And if you have a question, only other US carrier to charge for overhead bin The last five years have been good for airline airlines tout new aircraft with Wi-Fi and TVs in it will cost you: the airline doesn’t have a toll- space or for booking over the Internet - also investors. After a major spike in fuel prices in every seat, Allegiant buys old planes to avoid free number. Like some other budget airlines, respects Allegiant’s ability to sell extras, such as 2008 and a drop in business travelers, airlines hefty aircraft loans. And to pack in as many pas- Allegiant advertises extremely low base fares a round of golf in Myrtle Beach, SC. tweaked their business models, adding baggage sengers as possible, its seats don’t recline. But and then tacks on numerous fees. A roundtrip “They developed that expertise earlier than fees and cutting unprofitable flights. They start- for small-town Americans with limited flight ticket with Allegiant costs $195, on average. we did,” Baldanza says. Spirit focuses on getting ed to make money and their stock prices options, these inconveniences are worth it for a But passengers pay an additional $83 in fees passengers between big cities cheaply; Allegiant climbed. While the S&P 500 climbed 26 percent few days of sunshine. “They could be the worst - or 30 percent of the total cost of flying. To taps into people’s desire to escape small-town in the past five years, an index of all US airline airline in the world and we’d fly them because book a trip by phone, Allegiant charges $50 for life for a few days. Most airlines promote their stocks has tripled. Allegiant’s stock has done we want to go to Vegas,” says Tom Mayo of each roundtrip ticket. To book online costs $20 new first-class seats or individual TV screens. even better, increasing more than fivefold to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who recently flew there with for each roundtrip ticket. The only way to avoid Allegiant - which only offers coach seats - pro- $105.40 Allegiant has 64 planes and flies to 87 his family. “It’s our only option.” the fees is to purchase tickets at the airport, motes its destinations: Las Vegas gamblers smil- cities, but it’s tiny compared with an airline like Allegiant offers non-stop service from places something fewer than 3 percent of its customers ing after winning at roulette, a hot-air balloon United, which carried 20 times as many people like Owensboro, Ky, Casper, Wyo and Appleton, did last year. But whether you book by phone, floating over the Arizona desert or a woman in a last year, often on much longer flights. Wis, to popular destinations in Nevada, Florida, Internet or in person, paying with a credit card bikini sipping a frozen drink on a Hawaiian The airline got its start in 1998 as a charter Hawaii and Arizona. These may not be the most costs an extra $8. beach. operation with one airplane. By February the fol- coveted routes in the airline business, but that is Placing a suitcase in an overhead bin is $10 Allegiant’s passengers aren’t sold on the air- lowing year, it had started scheduled flights precisely why Allegiant likes them. Only 17 of to $25. Boarding passes signify who has paid the line but on the escape. An hour and a half between Fresno, Calif. and Las Vegas. But its Allegiant’s 203 routes are flown non-stop by fee. If passengers show up at the airport with a before a recent flight from Cedar Rapids to Las business struggled and less than two years later, another airline. “Typically, the best way to make large carry-on bag and haven’t prepaid the fee, Vegas, a spare seat couldn’t be found in the air- it filed for bankruptcy protection. Maurice J money is not to compete with somebody,” says the airline penalizes them an additional $25 to port bar. It was only 11 am, but travelers like Gallagher, Jr, the airline’s major creditor and a Andrew C Levy, president of Allegiant Travel Co, $50, depending on the route. But what really Bridget Estrada and her four friends were too founder of ValuJet Airlines, gained control dur- who sits in a cubicle next to the rest of his staff. makes Allegiant different are the commissions it excited for their trip to wait. It was only Estrada’s ing the reorganization and became CEO. ValuJet Rather than battle major carriers for customers earns from selling hotel rooms, rental cars and second trip on a plane and her first in 13 years. was a low-cost carrier that changed its name to on routes between major cities, Allegiant uses other extras including Everglades boat tours and She was nervous and gave a quick thought to AirTran after a 1996 fatal crash in Florida.—AP and theirinstruments tothebeat.—AFP and drumswith boltsoflighteningcrackling fromthem whilst wearingferroalloymetal suitsplayguitars,violins in 2007andafterwardsformed his10memberbandwho, Zengxiang, anelectricalengineer madehisfirstTeslaCoil Inventor andfoundingmember ofthebandWang that createslongboltsofelectricity likelightening. produces vastamountsofvoltage athighfrequencies invented byNikolaTeslain1891isatransformerthat of FuzhouinChina’sFujianprovince.TheTeslaCoil creates lightningwithaTeslaCoilintheirvillageoutside The guitaristoftheband“Lightningfan”WangHongbin SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 www.kuwaittimes.net album Spanish her 1st releases Cole Natalie star’s death’ ‘was hardesthitby Jackson’s daughter PAGE 23 PAGE 23 SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

ritish rocker Liam Gallagher kicked off three days of music Bat the Glastonbury festival yesterday, cheered on by mud- splattered revellers glad to see the skies clear after 18 hours of rain. In one of the worst-kept secrets of the 2013 festival, Gallagher and his band Beady Eye opened the day at 11 am (1000 GMT) from one of 58 stages scattered across a sprawling 900 acre (365-hectare) site at Worthy Farm in rural southwest England. Despite vowing never to play at Glastonbury again after criti- cizing the event in 2004, the former Oasis frontman kicked off an hour-long set with “Flick of the Finger” and pulled out crowd pleasers like “Morning Glory”. “It’s never too early for a bit of rock ‘n roll aggro, is it?” a black-clad Gallagher told the heaving crowd, wearing a pair of sunglasses. Other acts on the bill included Sinead O’Connor, Dizzee Rascal, Rita Ora, and headliners Arctic Monkeys, while the year’s main act, the Rolling Stones, will play on Saturday and British folk rockers Mumford & Sons on Sunday. More than 135,000 fans have descended on the farm located about 130 miles (210 km) south- west of London for Britain’s largest music festival, which started off as a retreat for about 1,500 hippies in 1970 who paid one British singer Liam Gallagher gestures to the crowed while British singer Rita Ora performs on the Pyramid Stage on the pound and got free milk. performing with his band Beady Eye on third day of the third day of the Glastonbury Festival. True to Glastonbury’s alternative roots, the festival includes Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts near music of all genres, from hip hop to chanting monks, and surpris- Glastonbury, southwest England yesterday. — AP/AFP ing choices like US country star Kenny Rogers and octogenarian British TV presenter Bruce Forsyth. Solange Knowles, younger sis- since gates opened early on Wednesday, keen to secure the best is popular as it makes it so much easier for people as they don’t ter to 2011 headliner Beyonce, played one of the smaller stages camping spots. have to come early to set up camp and they arrive to find it all yesterday. The festival was not held last year due to the London For those unwilling to sleep in a normal tent, there are up to ready for them,” Weightman told Reuters. Olympics and demand for the 205 pounds ($315) tickets was 1,000 tipis and Mongolian-style tents called yurts available for One happy customer was Steve Pratt, 29, an insurance agent, strong, selling out in a record one hour and 40 minutes. hire, which are set up in advance and can come with furnishing who paid 950 pounds to share a tipi with four friends in a desig- depending on price level. Tara Weightman, managing director of nated areas where toilet facilities were less crowded. “I’ve been to Demand for tickets, upmarket camping company Hearthworks that oversees the ready-pitched accom- Glastonbury before with my own tent but this really appealed to While Glastonbury is known for its megastars, it also has a rep- modation, said a record number of 10,000 people had paid to me as it gives you more space and some quiet - and you can utation for mud, and this year proved no exception with campers camp in style this year, while separate VIP areas catered for the escape the rain in comfort,” Pratt said. — Reuters drenched on Thursday and some creating mud slides. Forecasters musicians. expected the rest of the weekend to stay dry. Although the main The Rolling Stones’ frontman Mick Jagger tweeted that he music program started on yesterday, revelers have been arriving would be staying in a yurt, but the location remains unknown. “It

Festival goers wait at the Pyramid stage on the third day US singer and guitarist Danielle Haim and US singer and bass player Este Haim US singer Amanda Palmer performs. of the Glastonbury Festival. perform in the band Haim.

ick Jagger admitted yesterday he has found his career completely pointless,” he added. “But I don’t feel frustrated for Min the Rolling Stones “intellectually undemanding” a lack of control at all and I’m very pleased with what I’ve and sometimes wishes he had stuck to his original done. “Everyone wants to have done more things in their lives. idea of becoming a teacher. Jagger, who will front the Stones It is a slightly intellectually undemanding thing to do, being a in their first ever appearance at Britain’s Glastonbury festival rock singer, but, you know, you make the best of it.” — AFP today, said he had considered other career options such as being a journalist or a dancer, although that would have involved “too many injuries”. The 69-year-old, who was still a student at the London A picture dated May 3, 2013 School of Economics when the Stones were starting out, said shows musician Mick Jagger in a BBC interview: “A schoolteacher would have been very of The Rolling Stones per- gratifying, I’m sure. “There are millions of things you would forming at Staples Center have loved to have done, a politician, a journalist... I thought launching of their ‘50 & of being a journalist once. Counting’ tour on in Los “All these things you think of when you’re a teenager, you Angeles, California. — AFP can think, well, I would have liked to have done that but that’s SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

ichael Jackson’s daughter Paris, who death. Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine is uncle after his own mother died when he was Mtried to commit suicide this month, suing tour promoter AEG Live, accusing them of 16. “My world crumbled and my uncle Michael was the hardest hit by her father’s 2009 negligently hiring Conrad Murray, the doctor saved it,” he said, at one point taking several death, a co-guardian of the star’s three children convicted of involuntary manslaughter for giv- seconds to compose himself after he was asked said Thursday. T.J. Jackson, a nephew of the late ing the singer the drug that killed him. how much the late singer meant to him. “He King of Pop, struggled to compose himself as he Murray was found guilty in 2011 of adminis- was just everything,” he said. Paris Jackson was testified in court in Los Angeles, a day after the tering the anesthetic propofol to Jackson to rushed to hospital after trying to commit suicide late singer’s 16-year-old son Prince took the help him with chronic insomnia, as he rehearsed at the family home in Calabasas, northwest of stand. “I think the loss of my uncle has hit her at in Los Angeles for the planned “This Is It” come- Los Angeles, on June 5. She had previously been a different level,” he said of his cousin Paris, who back tour. T.J. Jackson, the son of the late King treated for depression, and remains under med- remains in hospital after trying to cut one of her of Pop’s brother Tito, was made co-guardian last ical supervision. — AFP wrists and taking 20 Motrin (ibuprofen) pills. year of his three cousins Prince, Paris and “It’s tough. She was daddy’s girl. My uncle “Blanket,” now 11 years old. Testifying in the was her world,” he added. The 34-year-old, also AEG trial’s ninth week, he described 83-year-old a singer/songwriter, was the second Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson as “the family member to testify after Prince Jackson queen” and “the CEO,” adding: “I help her do the took the stand Wednesday, recounting for the daily stuff.” first time the harrowing day of his father’s He said had became extremely close to his

amily, friends and fans united in grief theater, and Edie Falco, who played Tony FThursday in an emotional sendoff for Soprano’s wife Carmela in the series that ran James Gandolfini, star of the hit TV series from 1999 to 2007. “The end of The Sopranos “The Sopranos.” Gandolfini, a Golden Globe and has a different meaning to me now,” said three-time Emmy winner for his portrayal of Baldwin on his Twitter feed after the funeral. emotionally vulnerable New Jersey mobster “Rest in peace, Jimmy.” Gandolfini’s second wife Tony Soprano, died June 19 after a heart attack Deborah Lin spoke of a loving husband and in a hotel in Rome, where he was traveling with attentive father to their nine-month-old daugh- his 13-year-old son. He was 51. ter Liliana who was “always trying to help some- Mourners converged on Manhattan’s one.” Emotions were no less strong outside the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, an Episcopal cathedral. “We’ve been up since 4:30 this morn- church that is among the world’s biggest, well ing,” said Stephanie Solana, a fan who traveled before the mid-morning start of Gandolfini’s to the Upper West Side from The Bronx with her funeral. Some 1,500 people filled the pews, two granddaughters to pay her respects. including Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey, “My heart is broken. It is really bad for the the state across the Hudson River from New fans, but he will always live on for me. We’ll nev- York City where Gandolfini was born and “The er forget him.” “I am probably the oldest fan Sopranos” was set. here,” echoed a 93-year-old New Yorker, who Also present for the two-hour funeral were preferred not to give her name. “He was one of cast members of the HBO series, whose creator the greatest actors of his generation.” “The David Chase delivered a eulogy in the form of a Sopranos,” she added, was nothing less than “a letter to his fellow American of Italian heritage. work of art ... better than Shakespeare. It had a “We both loved family, work, people, food, alco- real depth.” On Wednesday, family and close hol, talking,” said Chase, who remembers his friends gathered away from prying cameras for t’s been four years since Natalie Cole received music legend Juan Luis Guerra. The album title is friend as “a sad boy, loving and confused... an invitation-only private viewing at a funeral Ia kidney from a Salvadorian donor, and the reminiscent of her famous father Nat King Cole’s That’s why I think you were such a great actor, home in Park Ridge, New Jersey, near where the singer says it not only connected her to “Cole Espanol,” which brought him love and because of that boy inside.” Longtime friend actor grew up.—AFP Hispanic culture, it has given her the strength to recognition in Spanish-speaking countries. Cole, and fellow thespian Susan Aston affectionately record her first post-operation album - totally in who famously sang with her deceased father remembered Gandolfini as “my teddy bear Spanish. “I don’t believe in coincidences. I with technological wizardry on the best-selling friend.” believe everything happens for a reason. That “Unforgettable,” now sings “Acercate Mas” with Others in attendance included actor Alec this was a Latin family, I feel like I’m part Latino him on the new album over a recording he did in Baldwin, like Gandolfini a veteran of Broadway now. That (made) the desire to make this record Cuba in 1956. became even stronger,” Cole said recently dur- This duet was possible thanks to a recently ing a private listening session of “Natalie Cole En discovered recording that Nat King Cole did in Espanol,” released this week. Cuba in 1956, said Perez. Both father and daugh- This is Cole’s first album since she received ter recorded their Spanish albums learning the her kidney in May 2009. Her donor was a young lyrics phonetically; neither of them spoke the woman from El Salvador who died while giving language. “Black people and Hispanic people birth to a baby boy, Lucas, said Cole (the have the same kind of feel for passion, for music, Grammy-winner received the donation after suf- for fun, for heart,” Cole said. “We are very similar fering from hepatitis C, a liver disease spread in that way and that to me is the next language. I through contact with infected blood). “I couldn’t love French .. I love Portuguese, I love Italiano, totally grasp, understand it, but there’s some- but for me right now is Espanol.” — AP thing there, the spirit of this young girl, the spirit of this family, the spirit of the Latin culture, of a Latin heart is inside me,” the 63-year-old said. Produced by Cuban-American Rudy Perez, the 12-track album is a compilation of Latin American classics, plus a Spanish-language ver- sion of the Beatles’ “And I Love Her.” It includes titles like “Solamente Una Vez” by Mexican Agustin Lara, “El Dia que Me Quieras” by Argentine Carlos Gardel and a medley of “Voy a Apagar La Luz” and “Contigo AprendÌ” by Edith ‘Edie’ Falco, best known as Carmela Soprano in The Sopranos, arrives at the Cathedral Mexican Armando Manzanero, as well as two Church of St John the Divine for funeral service for ‘Sopranos’ actor James Gandolfini June 27, duets: “Besame Mucho,” with Italian Andrea 2013 in New York. — AFP Bocelli, and “Bachata Rosa,” with Dominican SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

A gallery assistant holds a Martin D-28 Marquis ‘Birthday Special 2007’ guitar that used A gallery assistant holds a Vox Mk. XII twelve string electric guitar that used to belong to to be owned and played by British musician Jimmy Page ahead of its sale at Bonhams British musician David Bowie ahead of its sale at Bonhams auction house. The guitar is auction house The guitar is estimated to fetch between 10,000-15,000 British pounds estimated to fetch between 10,000-15,000 British pounds (12,000 - 18,000 Euros). — AFP (12,000 - 18,000 Euros). — AFP

he studio really wanted Melissa McCarthy but nary a blushing bride. Bullock plays an uptight view of relationships. “The saccharine is gone, but thought, ‘what cave do you live in?’” McCarthy said Tand Sandra Bullock to have love interests in FBI agent forced to work with a cranky Boston cop the heart is there and it’s more realistic,” veteran while promoting “The Heat” at CinemaCon. “The Heat,” but the filmmakers resisted the personified by McCarthy while tracking down a marketing researcher and Capstone Global “Uncensoring women has I think led to more urge to bring romance into the picture. Jenno drug lord. Neither has had a partner and both are Marketing co-founder Catherine Paura, said. “The fun on screen,” Bullock said at the same event. She Topping, president of films at Chernin socially impaired. The movie, opening Friday, is on role of women in our culture has changed enor- praised “Bridesmaids” as a movie that was less Entertainment and a producer on the Fox film, pace to open to $35 million this weekend, accord- mously when you think about how many women interested in showing women should say or considers the lack of male main squeezes key to ing to pre-release tracking. “Bridesmaids” did have are head of households, how many women don’t behave in a certain way. “It was just these funny the appeal of the movie about a pair of mis- a wedding, although audiences would be hard get married, how many women are single mothers people having awkward life moments and I think it matched cops. She freely admits it’s risky from a pressed to pick the groom out of a lineup. It, like and what women do at work.” takes the sex out of it,” she said. business perspective. “The Heat” and to a lesser degree McCarthy’s It’s also helping to explode the prejudice that Barry Mendel, one of the producers of “Male figures aren’t relevant one way or the “Identity Thief,” emphasized friendship in place of women can’t be funny; an argument that bubbled “Bridesmaids,” believed the female friendship at other to Sandy and Melissa’s journey in this film,” sexual attraction. up in the mid-aughts thanks to the late the heart of the movie was key to its success, not Topping told TheWrap. “The very thing that That’s in keeping with modern moviegoers, Christopher Hitchens’ infamous 2007 Vanity Fair the racy comedy that grabbed some appealed to us the most was the riskiest element analysts and marketing experts say. The depictions essay, in which he asserted that women dampen headlines.”‘Bridesmaids’ was raunchy and wild and of the movie. We had all the naysayers saying of women on film mirror the varied experiences of their humor to appeal to men. “When the crazy scatological, but we were trying to tell a complex you’re going to cancel out your audience, because women in the real world and the more jaundiced thing years ago was like, ‘women aren’t funny,’ I story of two people who had a close friendship men aren’t going to want to see a movie about that changed as they got older,” Mendel told two women being cops and women won’t want to TheWrap. “It’s about a woman who does not feel see women playing cops and not wearing pink valued and valuable and all of those ingredients fluffy dresses.” are equally important to why ‘Bridesmaids’ suc- Topping said Fox especially wanted Bullock, a ceeded.” former queen of romantic comedies, to have a love Thus far, moviegoers are embracing the new interest in the movie. Yet the producers and the kind of comedies with the same intensity that they stars remained adamant that men remain an after- once rejected romantic comedy duds like “How Do thought. “It would have changed the constellation You Know” and “New Year’s Eve.” “Identity Thief” of the thing,” Topping said. “It was so unusual to earned $174 million worldwide on a $35 million see two parts for women that were funny without budget while “Bridesmaids” scored with $288.4 them being relegated to love interests. It was a pla- million on a $32.5 million budget. Its success tonic love story about women working in a tradi- helped stoke a bidding war for the buddy comedy tionally male workplace, but not in a didactic way.” “Don’t Mess With Texas,” a project starring Reese If the movie succeeds, it could pave the way for Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara as a cop and pris- more female buddy cop movies, much the way oner on the run in the Lone Star State. that “Bridesmaids” opened the door to more Despite the gains women have made in these raunchy comedies revolving around women. Male movies, producers and analysts acknowledge that buddy cop movies have been a staple for years, there are fewer opportunities for them onscreen but women have been relegated to playing side- than men. “Social change occurs very slowly in big kicks or at best one half of a law enforcement businesses,” said Martha Lauzen, executive direc- team. Bullock, coincidentally, played a fashion- tor of the Center for the Study of Women in impaired FBI agent in “Miss Congeniality,” while Television and Film at San Diego State University. McCarthy has been upending expectations about “‘The Heat’ may have two female leads and that’s female roles since breaking out in “Bridesmaids.” encouraging, but can we name five more studio “The Heat,” like “Bridesmaids,” was directed by films with female leads this summer? I wouldn’t This film publicity image released by 20th Century Fox shows Sandra Bullock as FBI Paul Feig and based on a screenplay written by a expect a quick turnaround.” —Reuters Special Agent Sarah Ashburn, left, and Melissa McCarthy as Boston Detective Shannon woman, Katie Dippold. Mullins in a scene from ‘The Heat.’— AP The movie boasts a tracheotomy in a Denny’s SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

ow that summer is in full swing in the Northern Festival goers feast on the native rhythms from every corner of NHemisphere, the lingering daylight and sultry evenings are The Gorge Amphitheater, George, Washington, United States the world. And they do so deep in the rainforest of Borneo. prime-time for outdoor concerts. In an effort to get you The Columbia River canyon, the Cascade Mountains and The swaying in the breeze, online travel advisers Cheapflights.com Who. That’s what you get as a show sitting on the lawn at The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens, Greece (www.cheapflights.com) has put together this list of the places to Gorge Amphitheater. The simple stage and hillside seating make Built initially between 160 and 174 AD by Herodes Atticus in enjoy outdoor summer music. Reuters has not endorsed this list: it clear the scenery, a sweeping vista down the Columbia River memory of his wife, this amphitheater on the southern slope of with a backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, and the music are the the Acropolis is a storied as well as scenic venue. For more than Red Rocks, Morrison, Colorado, United States draws. The Who is just one of many big names to perform backed 1,500 years, the Roman-style marble theater was little more than More than a mile high and forged by over 160 million years of up by the gorgeous view. The Gorge has hosted everyone from a ruin, damaged by fire and buried under farmland. However, as shifting sands and sandstone, Red Rocks is an amphitheater like David Bowie to the Dave Matthews Band and been the site of modern Greece emerged, so too did the Herodeon, as it is often no other. The natural acoustics, surrounding landscape and big numerous festivals, including Lilith Fair and Lollapalooza. Look for called. Extensively restored in the middle of the 20th century, the sky vistas combine to make an amazing concert setting. And, if John Mayer, Phish and Black Sabbath, among others, this sum- Herodeon is a center piece of the annual Athens Festival, a sum- the star power coming from the sky isn’t enough of a draw, the mer. mer long program of arts and entertainment dating back to 1955. glittering stage line-up will lure you. Imagine shows from Sting, In addition to hosting a summer of classical, jazz and folk per- Darius Rucker, Big Head Todd, Widespread Panic, Robert Plant, Dalhalla, R‰ttvik, Sweden formers for the Athens Festival including, this year, the Greek the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, BB King and Peter Frampton and It seems fitting that Earth, Wind and Fire is one of the acts National Opera as well as Diana Krall and Haris Alexiou, the reborn George Thorogood in an intimate setting (fewer than 10,000 peo- coming to Dalhalla this summer. This limestone quarry turned ruin has been center stage for a number of historic music ple and seats as close as 10 feet from the stage). That’s just a sam- music venue is another great example of the elements delivering moments. Elton John, Sting, Yanni and Andrea Boccelli have all pling of what’s on tap at Red Rocks in 2013. a natural stage. Thanks to a meteorite strike that left the region performed major events here. rich in limestone and 50 years of excavation, a perfectly shaped Slane Castle, County Meath, Ireland acoustic bowl emerged. Now crowds descend into the 55 meter Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY, United States Along the shores of the River Boyne, 30 minutes north of (180 foot) deep, 400 meter (,1300 foot) long hole for the ultimate A landmark for Long Island and the greater New York area, this Dublin, lies Slane Castle, the ancestral home of the Conyngham in surround sound experiences. The dramatic layers of rock that waterfront amphitheater once had a true standout stage. It was family. For over 300 years, that family has called the castle home, rise above just add to the visual effect. Look for Toto, Sting and on an island all its own with a moat separating the audience from but for the last 30 plus years, so has rock and roll. Starting with Patti Smith to add their music to the mix this summer as well. the performers. A boat had to deliver the stars of the show to per- Thin Lizzy in 1981, concerts in a natural amphitheater in the shad- form. The moat has since been filled in, but the feeling of seeing a ow of the castle have been a summer tradition at Slane. Now Kootenay Lake, Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada show with the waves lapping at your feet remains. The Jones crowds of 80,000 people flock to the 1,500 acre estate for majestic Here’s a venue you won’t find every day. In fact, it only exists Beach Theater is part of the Jones Beach Park, a stretch of protect- shows from classic bands like the Rolling Stones (2007) to more for a three-day music festival held each August. The stage for the ed beaches just 33 miles (or a subway ride) from Manhattan. It modern favorites like Oasis (2009) and Kings of Leon (2011). This Kaslo Jazz Festival floats just off the beach on a serene lakefront, features expansive views of picturesque Long Island Sound and summer Bon Jovi will grace the grounds, giving audiences a mix with deep blue water, bobbing boats and even some distant hill- the Atlantic as well as good acoustics for all 15,000 seats. And, in of classic rock and regal living. U2 is best able to attest to life at tops as a backdrop. With attendees lounging in beach chairs or true New York style, even after taking a severe blow from the castle, having performed there three times and even lived and swimming around the stage, the whole event has a casual sum- Hurricane Sandy last fall, the show will go on at Jones Beach. The recorded there. mertime feel. However, when the musicians take to the floating restoration efforts wrapped up just in time for the opening of the stage, the energy spikes and the crowd dives into the music as 2013 season. Expect to take in Fleetwood Mac, One Direction, Lil’ The‚tre Antique d’Orange, Orange, France well. With performances from the likes of Tiempo Libre, Dave Wayne and Train along with the view this summer.—AP This classic Roman amphitheater showcases the setting and Brubeck and a host of other jazz, funk and blues performers, the acoustics of the ancients. A UNESCO World Heritage site, ThÈ‚tre festival (now in its 22nd year) offers a great combination of set- Antique features an incredibly preserved stage wall that bore wit- ting and sound. ness to the shows of Roman times. Now the 100 meter (328 foot) long, 37 meter (120 foot) high wall serves as the backdrop to an Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Borneo, Malaysia annual opera festival, the ChorÈgies d’Orange, and a diverse and This outdoor museum is a living exhibit of the many tribes and international music line-up ranging from The Cure in 1986 to DJ cultures of Malaysia. Visitors can explore the homes and lifestyles Laurent Wolf’s 2009 “Wash My World Festival” to upcoming of various native populations in this ethnically diverse region and shows by Chinese pianist Lang Lang and Italian opera duo Patrizia are treated to daily dance and music performances. However, the Ciofi and Leo Nucci. Audiences enjoy the excellent sound quality biggest show is the annual Rainforest World Music Festival. For projected from the wall and marvel over the statue of Apollo at three days, the chance to see and explore cultures at the Sarawak center stage and the columns and complex array of theater Cultural Village goes global as music groups from Ireland, Korea, entrances and structures that date back thousands of years. South Africa, Australia, Colombia and elsewhere take to the stage.

Usher, recipient of the ASCAP Golden Note Award, poses at the 26th Annual ASCAP Iraqi singer, Kazem al-Saher, performs on stage during a concert at the Jarash Festival of Rhythm and Soul Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday in Beverly Hills, Culture and Arts on June 27, 2013 at the South Theater of Jordan’s ancient Greek-Roman Calif. — AP city of Jarash. Some 5000 people attended Saher’s concert, who was performing for the eighth time at the festival. — AFP SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

A swirling colorful rock formation known as The Wave in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona. — AP photos

mall wooden balls click rapidly in a whirling bingo basket, as check off their list.” About a third of visitors are from other coun- S78 hikers wait to see if their numbers will roll out to win one tries, particularly Germany, with an upswing from Japan and of 10 permits to visit a rock formation known as The Wave. China in recent years, according to Wright. Some had been contemplating the hike for years. Only 20 people Last year, 48,264 people applied to visit The Wave, said are allowed to visit The Wave each day, with 10 chosen in an Spellman, who works at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National online lottery four months in advance and the other 10 picked in Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, where the drawing is this daily 9 am lottery. The US Bureau of Land Management limits held for hikes that take place the next day. That’s compared to access to protect The Wave’s delicate red sandstone formation 7,300 permits awarded in a year, based on the 20 allowed each and to prevent overcrowding at the designated wilderness site. day. To reach The Wave, lottery winners drive the 46 miles (74 “Fortunately or unfortunately, The Wave has kind of caught on kilometers) from the drawing site in Kanab to the trailhead. as a fun hike,” Kathy Spellman, a visitor information assistant with The colorful, contoured landscape at Vermilion Cliffs is more the BLM, explained to the room of hopeful hikers in May, where than just something to marvel at; it’s how you find The Wave. cheers went up as the numbers were announced. “The hike out is Permits come with a map and directions that include compass very nice,” she said. “It’s 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) round-trip, so it’s points. The map also has 12 photographs of key navigational not too long, not too short. You can go in there and it’s not a points with dotted lines showing the way with sandstone ridges marked trail. The trees don’t have names on them. There are not and other stony landmarks. Six photos capture main points on little rocks along the edges of the trail, so you can feel like you’re the way; six illustrate the way back. Each photo also has written in the middle of nowhere.” directions to help get from an area shown in one photo to the The Wave’s dramatically flowing contours in bright orange, next. red, pink and yellow, are a prized image among landscape pho- Hikers are warned about sun and heat. At least a gallon of tographers, who can be seen lugging tripods across the desert water per person is recommended, as well as salty snacks and wilderness. The fiery swirls have been emblazoned on postcards, sunscreen. If you’re not handy with a compass, the photographs posters, maps and computer screensavers. alone may not be enough to navigate the unmarked way. Some “It’s just become such a ubiquitous, iconic photo,” said Kevin get lost, either on the way or when trying to return. The area is Wright, monument manager of Vermilion Cliffs National remote, so losing your way can lead to an unexpected night on Monument, where The Wave is located in the Arizona backcoun- the rocks. One photographer who stayed to take a picture of The try near the Utah border. Among “people that love the outdoors Wave at sunset got lost in the dark and died after falling into a and have these bucket lists, I think it’s become something to slot canyon.

A section of a rock formation known as The Wave. Hikers walking on rocky terrain for a 3-mile trip to The Wave rock formation. SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

A hiker on a rock formation. A hiker taking a photo on a rock formation known as The Wave in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

Guides can be hired to provide a ride in a four-wheel drive The Wave. You have to climb up into it. Once you reach the top of But nowadays, Wright said, it’s not uncommon to have 150 vehicle across the 8 miles (13 kilometers) of dirt road that leads to the incline, it’s a short walk. people take part in the daily drawing, particularly in April, May the start of the hike. First-timers can also hire guides to accompa- Suddenly, you’re standing in a tall bowl of long thin lines, and June. Fewer apply in winter, and a hot forecast in summer ny them on the trail to make sure they won’t get lost. The BLM has stained in searing oranges, yellows and reds. It conveys a sense of can also cut the numbers. Those caught hiking without a permit a list of registered guides who don’t need an additional permit to the dynamic movement of wind and water that has been long at face tickets ranging from $125 to a couple of thousand dollars. accompany permitted hikers. work on the stone from the Jurassic period. Part of the thrill of vis- “People will find out about those people, and they turn them in,” An early start is a good way to get ahead of the heat. A dirt iting is wandering around to drink in various angles, which pro- Spellman said. footpath leads to a washed out stream for the first half-mile (near- vide a smorgasbord of images for a photographer. The colors Up to six people can be represented by one bingo ball in the ly 1 kilometer) of the trip. Soon, the landscape opens up into a change noticeably as varying degrees of cloud cover pass and drawings, but if only two spots remain and a group of four is cho- vast area of reddish rock, dotted with green sage bushes. About time goes by. sen, they have to decide which two can go. On occasion, a whole two-thirds of the trip is in Utah before hikers cross over the Gerald Bryant, director of the field research institute at Dixie group passes, and cheers can be heard as renewed possibilities Arizona border. State University in St. George, Utah, says the sand composing The open up for others and the drawing continues. Sandstone buttes and huge mesas surround the area through- Wave was deposited 180 million to 190 million years ago, based The disappointment can be palpable for people who don’t out the richly colored geological upheaval. The work of powerful on analyses that date the area using fossil pollen and volcanic ash win. Still, with destinations like the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, tectonic force through the ages is on full display. Panoramas full deposits. “The sandstone is weakly cemented and ongoing Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and other natural of jagged red rock project out of the sand. Beyond them, tower- processes of erosion are important to its present configuration,” wonders located an easy day trip from Kanab, there are plenty of ing hills of rosy stone loom in the backdrop. Some may find the Bryant wrote in an email. “Though the bulk of landscape incision great alternatives. scenery along the way as stunning as the destination. Small, swift- and sediment removal has been accomplished by running water, Karla Costa of Chicago didn’t get selected in a drawing in May. ly moving lizards put on vigorous territorial push-up displays, urg- many of the delicate surfaces have been sculpted by wind.” Next time, she says, she will try the online lottery. Despite missing ing hikers to move along, but that’s about the only thing that dis- The Wave was not well-known in the decades before out on The Wave, Costa noted the many other places to explore. turbs the serenity except for the occasional small group of hikers. Vermilion Cliffs was designated a national monument in 2000. “If it does not work out in the morning, we just, you know, hit the Once you are there, it’s easy to appreciate the 20-hiker daily limit. “Nobody knew really where The Wave was,” Spellman said. road,” she said. — AP After about two hours of walking, a black crack in a ridge that “Friends had to tell friends. It wasn’t on the Internet. Somebody serves as a landmark becomes visible. The Wave is just below it. would give you a secret map, hand drawn with circles, and you’d The steepest incline of the hike takes place right at the base of go up to a desk and people would say: ‘Oh yeah, go on in there.’”

Hikers pausing to view a rock formation known as The Wave. SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

Models present creations by US designer Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton fashion house. — AP/AFP photos

he Louis Vuitton man moved from the eastern Himalayas The collection ranged from the road trip, as imagined in Silhouettes were tight and masculine. The 41 classy looks Tof last season to the sunny West Coast of the United khaki parkas with travel badges and cotton printed bandanas, were fairly eclectic and so served up a little something for States for this spring-summer 2014. “This was the to a whole mix of different American styles: From sportswear, everyone. The collection, however, produced no great creative American road trip, just enjoying and celebrating Americana as in white, blue and red silk graph check tailored shorts, to surprises, apart from the piece de resistance: A fantastic retro from NASA through to the traditional things such as ban- Gatsby-style evening suits in raw kimono silk with a classy black silk jacket with mother-of-pearl jacquard featuring the danas,” said designer Kim Jones, breaking a sweat backstage curved lower part. As ever, when traveling anywhere Vuitton- famed LV monogram. — AP Thursday at the Paris show that was held inside a scorching style, don’t expect to rough it. Stylish and coiffed David conservatory. Beckham looked approvingly on from the front row.

rue style has no rules,” designer “TMaria Grazia Chiuri said of the spring- summer 2014 collection for Valentino - only the second menswear outing in Paris for the storied Italian house. The show, with a uniform theme, was more coherent than last season - and felt as if Chiuri and her design partner Pier Paolo Piccioli were finding their feet in this new territory for Valentino, a label that’s known principally for its wom- enswear. The idea of “no rules” played out in the 47 looks - mostly to good effect - where uniform was broken up and subverted. The show’s opener was the most successful example of this, with the uniformity of the bread-and-but- ter sharply tailored suits broken up with con- trasting bands of blue dye. Elsewhere, pock- ets, martingales, panels and collars were given S fashion photographer Bert Stern, famous for his photos textural and color contrasts on ensembles of Marilyn Monroe taken six weeks before her death, has with military, mechanic and school uniform U died in New York, his partner told AFP on Thursday. He styles. was 83. “Bert Stern passed yesterday, Wednesday,” Shannah (This sort of paneling is becoming some- Laumeister said in a brief email. During a career of more than 50 thing of a recurrent theme in Valentino’s nas- years, he photographed some of the world’s most beautiful cent menswear vocabulary.) However, in women, also including Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia some of the military-inspired looks, a dalliance Loren and Brigitte Bardot. with camouflage didn’t feel very fresh, and a But he was known above all for the moving pictures of a large- series of dazzling coats and suits in ultrama- ly undressed Monroe, taken at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles in rine look like they’d be hard to wear. Still, June 1962. Over three days he took 2,571 photos, turned years Valentino was one of Wednesday’s hottest later into a book, “Marilyn Monroe: The Complete Last Sitting.” menswear tickets, shown by the roll call of The actress died on August 5 that year. Stern also took publicity celebrities such as Cannes Film Festival Palme shots, and is considered a key figure in transforming such pic- d’Or winner Adele Exarchopoulos who lined tures into an art form in the 1960s. He also made the film “Jazz on the front row. — AP a Summer’s Day” in 1959. His work has been shown in some of Models present creations by designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo the world’s most prestigious galleries and museums, including Picciol for Valentino fashion house. New York’s Museum of Modern Art. — AFP SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

Models present creations for Belgian fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester during the men’s ready-to-wear fashion shows yesterday in Paris. — AFP

Models present creations by Indonesian fashion designer Sjully Darsono during the Islamic Fashion week in Jakarta, Indonesia, yester- day. — AP photos TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Samsung puts curve in OLED televisions

SEOUL: After delays, Samsung Electronics Co rolled its latest technologies. In recent years, attempts to TVs this year, he said. The concave display gives out yesterday a curved TV that uses an advanced boost sales by introducing 3-D TVs and TVs that are viewers a sense of being immersed in the images, display called OLED. connected to the Internet have failed to end the according to Samsung. Samsung and LG, which are The 55-inch TV will sell for 15 million won downturn in the TV industry. Samsung is not the the only TV makers in the world to begin commer- ($13,000) in South Korea, more than five times the first to introduce a curved TV using OLED. In May, its cial sales of OLED TVs, had promised to launch them cost of LCD televisions of the same size. But Kim rival LG Electronics Inc, the second-biggest TV mak- in 2012 but delayed the launch to this year. Hyunsuk, the executive vice president of Samsung’s er, launched a 55-inch curved TV in South Korea. The two South Korean TV giants tout OLED, short TV division, said the company is optimistic about LG’s model, which also sells for 15 million won, is for organic light-emitting diode, as the next genera- demand for the high-end TV. “OLED is about picture not sold outside South Korea. tion display technology that will eventually replace quality,” Kim told reporters. “We are sure that we LG spokesman Kenneth Hong said the company older displays. But mass producing OLED displays realized the perfect picture quality.” will ship curved OLED TVs to other countries in the still faces many challenges, leading to high prices. It remains to be seen if consumers will be willing near future. Samsung will ship its curved OLED TVs In addition to curved OLED TVs, Samsung launched to pay a premium for enhanced imagery. The TV to overseas markets starting July, Kim said. The two ultra-HD TVs, with about four times the resolu- industry has been struggling to excite interest with company does not plan to manufacture flat OLED tion of regular high-definition TVs.—AP

Hospitals seek high-tech help for hand hygiene

RICHMOND HEIGHTS: Hospitals have fretted for years over how to make sure doctors, nurses and staff keep their hands clean, but with only limited success. Now, some are turning to technology - beep- ers, buzzers, lights and tracking systems that remind workers to san- itize, and chart those who don’t. Health experts say poor hand cleanliness is a factor in hospital-borne infections that kill tens of thousands of Americans each year. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta estimates that one of every 20 patients in US hospitals gets a hospital-acquired infection each year. “We’ve known for over 150 years that good hand hygiene pre- vents patients from getting infections,” said Dr John Jernigan, an epidemiologist for the CDC. “However, it’s been a very chronic and difficult problem to get adherence levels up as high as we’d like BRAZIL: Favela tour guide Thiago Firmino speaks on his cell BRAZIL: Sara Esteves das Machado speaks on her cell phone them to be.” Hospitals have tried varying ways to promote better phone in Santa Marta shantytown in Rio de Janeiro on June in Santa Marta shantytown. hygiene. Signs are posted in restrooms. Some even employ moni- 11, 2013. — AFP photos tors who keep tabs and single out offenders. Still, experts believe hospital workers wash up, at best, about 50 percent of the time. One St Louis-area hospital believes it can approach 100 percent adherence. Wireless revolution Since last year, SSM St Mary’s Health Center in the St Louis sub- urb of Richmond Heights, Mo, has been the test site for a system developed by Biovigil Inc, of Ann Arbor, Mich. A flashing light on a reaches Brazil’s favelas badge turns green when hands are clean, red if they’re not. It also tracks each hand-cleaning opportunity - the successes and the fail- ures. The failures have been few at the two units of St Mary’s where RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian tour guide them. Dona Marta, a pocket of poverty entered the country’s growing middle the system is being tested, the hospital said. One unit had 97 per- Thiago Firmino notices that the two in the wealthy southern part of Rio that class, in part due to government social cent hand hygiene success, said Dr Morey Gardner, the hospital’s cable cars servicing the working-class sees major tourist traffic, was one of the programs. Many of them also want to director of infection disease and prevention. The other had 99 per- neighborhood of Dona Marta, on a first of the city’s shanty towns to be join the 21st century communications cent success. steep hillside overlooking Rio, are out of “pacified” by police and taken over from revolution. “The holy grail of infection prevention is in our grasp,” Gardner order. He quickly snaps a photo with his drug gangs in 2008. In 2011, it also The potential for mobile phone said. The Biovigil system is among many being tried at hospitals. A smartphone and sends a complaint via became the first favela to have free wi-fi growth in Brazil is enormous propor- method developed by Arrowsight, based in Mt Kisco, NY, uses video Twitter to the governor of Rio de Janeiro access. tionally two times higher than that of monitoring. It is being used in intensive care units at North Shore state. Firmino, 32, always has his smart- As of late January, the National India, another powerful emerging econ- University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, and the University of phone at the ready. In fact, he has two- Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) omy, Anavitarte said. “In 2013, the California San Francisco Medical Center. Akron, Ohio-based GOJO with different service providers. If he says there were 262.2 million mobile expenditure on technology in general Industries, maker of Purell hand sanitizer, has developed an elec- needs to connect with clients, he can. If phones operational in Brazil-a country by Brazilians should reach $123 billion,” tronic compliance monitoring system using wireless technology to there is a pothole or broken street light, of 194 million and the world’s seventh he predicted. track when soap and hand sanitizer dispensers are used. he complains instantly. largest economy. On average, 30 About 14 percent of Brazil’s popula- His phones, he says, give him great phones are sold in the country every tion, or 27 million people, has a smart- freedom. With mass protests sweeping minute, according to consulting firm phone, according to a study by Our Brazil over public services, corruption LCA. But the infrastructure can be spot- Mobile Planet carried out for Ipsos. and the elevated cost of the 2014 World ty. In Dona Marta, residents sometimes Fifteen years ago, the favelas did not Cup, mobile phones have become indis- gather at night in a neighborhood plaza even have fixed-line telephones, said pensable tools. And that connectivity is where the signal is strongest. Sara Machado, 52, a resident of Chapeu finally reaching into some of the most “Everyone comes to the plaza to use Mangueira, located just steps away from forgotten corners of Rio-the city’s Facebook,” said 21-year-old Daiana Rio’s famed Copacabana beach. “Now we sprawling favelas. “It was like a small Santos. As of March, some 73 million find out about everything thanks to this revolution was taking place little by lit- Brazilians had Facebook accounts, six small device,” said Machado, who has a tle,” says Firmino, who has a blog for his times more than in February 2012, mobile phone but has not yet upgraded tour guide business, and accounts on according to company officials in Brazil. to a smartphone. Wireless access has Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. In his “This new class of consumer wants to allowed the rest of Brazil to get to know free time, he works as a disc jockey. have access to this type of technology, the favelas, and vice-versa, said Sivaldo “We exchange text messages, use and the favela resident already has the Pereira, an expert in contemporary cul- smartphone apps to send short mes- necessary access to credit to make these ture at the Federal University of Alagoas. Photo shows Theresa Gratton, infection prevention coor- sages, and we coordinate for protests,” purchases,” said Luis Anavitarte, vice Firmino agrees. “Those who do not have dinator at St Mary’s Health Center, wears a device to help said Firmino, who says he always goes president of polling in emerging mar- a mobile phone are prisoners on the high remind health care workers to keep their hands clean at to the demonstrations with his phones kets for Gartner Consulting. Over the mountain-they do not expand their hori- the hospital in Richmond Heights, Mo. — AP fully charged to take photos and tweet past decade, 40 million Brazilians zons,” he said. — AFP TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Wearable computers a smart fashion trend

SAN FRANCISCO: The notion of being fashionably smart is get- sound, GPS locations and more combined with “killer apps” in ing aid at this year’s Wimbledon. Apple chief Tim Cook last month ting a makeover as Internet-linked computers get woven into for- powerful smartphones have set the stage for wearable comput- said he sees promise in computers shrunk down and worn like merly brainless attire such as glasses, bracelets and shoes. A wear- ing to be commonplace, according to the professor. “Contextually watches. able computing trend is at the heart of the “quantified self” move- aware computers will be hot topics for at least the next decade,” He predicted there will be “tons of companies playing” in the ment in which people track anything from how many calories Smailagic said. “They can help you when you need help, even to wearable computing sector but sidestepped a question as to they burn to how well they sleep or their moods at any given look smarter. whether Apple would be among them with the creation of a moment. “Everybody likes to have the kind of help contextual comput- rumored “iWatch” device to be worn on the wrist. “The wrist is “We are heading for the wearable computing era,” Gartner ing can provide.” Contextual computing goes beyond recogniz- interesting,” Cook did allow. Pebble smart watches created by a analyst Van Baker told AFP. “People are going to be walking ing where someone is to factoring in other information such as startup that raised more than $10 million in funding at crowd- around with personal area networks on their bodies and have whether it’s lunchtime or if someone has shown a preference for a source investment website Kickstarter recently began shipping to multiple devices that talk to each other and the Web.” nearby restaurant. “When you combine wearable computing with buyers. The wearable computing craze has already spread to Understandably, the trend has found traction in fitness with sensors and machine learning algorithms then you get context, dogs, with startup Whistle introducing a pendant that tracks devices such as the Jawbone UP, Nike’s FuelBand, and Fitbit the computer knows your state and is able to help out clearly in canines. keeping tabs on whether people are leading active, healthy lifestyles. The devices use sensors to detect micro movements and then feed information to smartphones or tablets, where applications tap into processing power to analyze data and provide feedback to users. San Francisco-based Jawbone jumped into wearable computing years ago, building electronic brains into stylish wire- less earpieces and speakers for smartphones. Jawbone recently added muscle to its lineup of fitness lifestyle devices with a deal to buy BodyMedia. BodyMedia makes arm- bands used to track caloric burn of fat-shedding competitors on US reality television show “The Biggest Loser.” “There’s an enor- mous appetite for personal data and self-discovery among con- sumers that will only continue to grow,” said Jawbone chief exec- utive and founder Hosain Rahman. A Forrester Research survey conducted early this year found that six percent of US adults wore a gadget to track performance in a sport, while five percent used a gadget like UP or Fitbit to track daily activity or how well they SAN FRANCISCO: These two file photos show (at left) a model displaying a Fitbit Flex wristband device and a smartphone as sleep. Worldwide shipments of wearable computing devices Japan’s mobile operation giant Softbank announces the launch of the new health care service in Tokyo on May 7, 2013; and (at could climb as high as 30 million units this year, according to right) Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, wearing Google Glass during Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O, on Forrester. June 27, 2012. — AFP Interest goes beyond fitness to desire for things like a gadget that recommends films based on wearers’ moods and one that replaces keys when it comes to unlocking cars or homes, the sur- the situation,” Smailagic said. He is confident Google Glass will be Whistle devices attached to dog collars or harnesses use vey indicated. “It is just amazing,” said engineering professor a hit despite privacy worries expressed about the yet-to-be- movement-sensing accelerometers to track activity and even how Asim Smailagic, director of a wearable computer lab at Carnegie released Internet-linked eyewear with camera capabilities. well a pet is sleeping, then relay the information wirelessly to Mellon University in Pennsylvania. “We will see an exciting future Google Glass connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi hot spots or, smartphones or wi-fi hotspots. An online database built in collab- ahead.” Smailagic began working on wearable computing at the more typically, by being wirelessly tethered to mobile phones. oration with researchers and veterinary something may be amiss. university about 25 years ago, with projects including head worn Pictures or video are shared through the Google Plus social net- “Traditional technology companies will have to start paying displays that serve up technical information when needed during work. “Wearable computing has to be unobtrusive, fit as a natural attention to how sensors are enabling us to live,” said Ben Arnold, aircraft maintenance. extension of your body, and not get in the way,” Smailagic said. director of industry analysis for consumer technology at NPD. “Google Glass is on the right path to solve these problems.” The “Consumers are ultimately going to become more aware of their ‘Wearable computing has to be unobtrusive’ invention has been a hit with American tennis player Bethanie data in the digital ether,” he said. “I suspect wearables are going Sophisticated and inexpensive sensors for tracking movement, Mattek-Sands, who has been testing the special glasses as a train- to disrupt the way tech firms are doing business now.”— AFP

SEOUL: Photo shows South Korean children displaying their SEOUL: South Korean children during a special class on SEOUL: South Korean children hugging with their parents smartphones after a special class on smartphone addiction at smartphone addiction at an elementary school. during a clinic for smartphone addiction at a church. an elementary school in Seongnam. — AFP photos Ultra-wired South Korea battles smartphone addiction

SEOUL: Kim Nam-Hee pulls no punches as she warns a classroom “most wired” city on the planet. About 70 percent of South Korea’s wean students off their dependency. According to government of wide-eyed South Korean 10-year-olds that they stand on the 50 million people have smartphones-the highest penetration rate in data, more than 80 percent of South Koreans aged 12 to 19 owned edge of an addiction that will turn them all into “mindless slaves”. the world, according to the market research firm eMarket. But the smartphones in 2012, double the 2011 figure. The grim presentation by the social campaigner follows a survey country’s fixation with everything digital has parents worried about Nearly 40 percent of those spent more than three hours a day with the loaded title: “Who’s your real family?” It asked the stu- its impact on young-sometimes very young-children. The concern is tweeting, chatting, or playing games-despite attempts by teach- dents to compare the hours they spend on their smartphones with shared around the world in other advanced economies, but the ers to confiscate all devices at the beginning of the day and the time they spend interacting with relatives. South Korea’s pride South Korean government has gone furthest in its response. “We return them when classes are over. An annual government sur- in its high-tech prowess, from ultra-fast broadband speeds to felt an urgent need to make a sweeping effort to tackle the growing vey estimated that nearly 20 percent of teenagers were “addict- Samsung’s cutting-edge smartphones, is now tinged by anxiety danger of online addiction... especially given the popularity of smart ed” to smartphones. Addiction was defined by a number of crite- over digital addiction-with even pre-school children showing devices,” the science ministry said when it announced a policy pack- ria, including anxiety and depression when separated from a symptoms of IT obsession. age on June 13. The initiative, organized in conjunction with the smartphone, a repeated failure to cut back on usage time, and The country has long promoted Internet technology as a key health and education ministries, requires schools to teach special feeling happier using smartphones than being with family or driver of growth, and the capital Seoul is often referred to as the classes on Internet addiction and organize holiday “boot camps” to friends.—AFP TV listings SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

22:00 Top Gear (US) 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 15:50 Shake It Up 17:30 Married To Jonas Basics 23:00 Greek Stewart 16:10 Shake It Up 18:00 E! News 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:00 Glee 21:30 The Colbert Report 16:35 Shake It Up 19:00 THS 18:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 17:00 Harriet The Spy: Blog Wars 20:00 What Would Ryan Lochte Do? 19:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:10 Wheeler Dealers 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 18:30 That’s So Raven 20:30 What Would Ryan Lochte Do? 19:30 Chopped 15:05 Wheeler Dealers Stewart 18:55 Gravity Falls 21:00 Chasing The Saturdays 20:20 Chopped 16:00 Wheeler Dealers 01:00 The Colbert Report 19:20 Good Luck Charlie 21:30 Fashion Police 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 16:55 Wheeler Dealers 03:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:40 Jessie 22:30 E! News 22:00 Food Wars 17:50 Overhaulin’ 2012 03:30 How I Met Your Mother 20:05 Shake It Up 23:30 Chelsea Lately 22:25 Food Wars 18:45 Gold Divers 04:00 Seinfeld 20:30 Austin And Ally 00:00 Dirty Soap 22:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay 20:50 A.N.T Farm 00:55 Style Star 23:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:35 Sons Of Guns Leno 21:15 That’s So Raven 01:25 20 Acts Of Love Gone Wrong 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:30 Storage Hunters 05:30 Two And A Half Men 05:15 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 21:40 Good Luck Charlie 00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:55 Storage Hunters 06:00 All Of Us 05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 22:00 Shake It Up 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:25 Storage Hunters 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 06:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:25 A.N.T Farm 00:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:50 Storage Hunters 08:00 Seinfeld 06:25 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 22:50 Austin And Ally 01:20 Unwrapped 23:20 Storage Hunters 08:30 Two And A Half Men 06:35 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place 01:45 Food Wars 23:45 Inside The Gangsters’ Code 09:00 How I Met Your Mother 06:45 A.N.T. Farm 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 03:05 Coastal Kitchen 00:40 I Escaped: Real Prison Breaks 09:30 Go On 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 00:00 Stitch 03:30 Food Poker 01:05 I Escaped: Real Prison Breaks 10:00 2 Broke Girls 07:35 Jessie 00:20 Stitch 04:15 Bargain Hunt 01:35 Ultimate Cops 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 07:55 That’s So Raven 00:45 A Kind Of Magic 05:00 Mitch And Matt’s Big Fish Leno 08:20 Gravity Falls 01:05 A Kind Of Magic 05:25 Planet Cake 04:15 Skyfall-PG15 12:00 All Of Us 08:45 Good Luck Charlie 01:30 Emperor’s New School 05:50 Cash In The Attic 06:45 Battleship-PG15 13:00 Two And A Half Men 09:05 Shake It Up 01:50 Emperor’s New School 06:35 Coastal Kitchen 09:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 09:30 Jessie 02:15 Replacements 07:00 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent Chipwrecked-PG 14:30 2 Broke Girls 09:55 Austin And Ally 02:35 Replacements 07:50 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 11:00 Skyfall-PG15 14:50 Marine Corps Survival School 15:00 Go On 10:15 A.N.T. Farm 08:40 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 13:30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly 15:45 Combat Countdown 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 10:40 Code: 9 09:30 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent Close-PG 16:40 King Tut Unwrapped Stewart 11:05 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 10:20 Cash In The Attic 16:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: 18:25 Real Gangs Of New York 16:00 The Colbert Report 12:35 Code: 9 11:05 Come Dine With Me Chipwrecked-PG 19:20 American Car Prospector 16:30 All Of Us 13:00 Shake It Up 11:55 Planet Cake 18:00 Think Like A Man-PG15 20:10 Delta Divers 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 13:25 Jessie 14:05 What Would Ryan Lochte Do? 12:20 Planet Cake 20:00 The Three Stooges-PG15 21:05 Empire 18:00 Wilfred 13:45 A.N.T. Farm 14:30 What Would Ryan Lochte Do? 12:45 Planet Cake 22:00 Paranormal Activity 3-18 22:00 Combat Countdown 18:30 Happy Endings 14:10 That’s So Raven 15:00 Keeping Up With The 13:10 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic Cookery 00:00 Pariah-18 22:55 American Car Prospector 19:30 2 Broke Girls 14:35 Good Luck Charlie Kardashians 13:40 Food Poker 02:00 Think Like A Man-PG15 23:50 Real Gangs Of New York 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 15:00 Austin And Ally 16:00 Keeping Up With The 14:25 The Hairy Bikers Come Home 00:45 Legend Detectives Leno 15:25 Gravity Falls Kardashians 15:15 Bargain Hunt 01:35 Legend Detectives 17:00 Married To Jonas 16:00 Antiques Roadshow 17:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 07:00 Second Chances-PG15 18:20 Extreme Makeover: Home 09:00 Madea’s Big Happy Family-PG15 Edition 11:00 Spy Kids: All The Time In The 19:00 Celebrity MasterChef World-PG 14:20 Food Factory 19:55 Vacation Vacation Vacation 13:00 This Means War-PG15 14:45 Food Factory 20:20 Come Dine With Me 15:00 The Dragon Chronicles: Fire & 15:10 X-Machines 21:15 Antiques Roadshow Ice-PG15 16:00 Scrapheap Challenge 22:15 Bargain Hunt 17:00 Just Crazy Enough-PG15 16:55 Through The Wormhole 23:00 Extreme Makeover: Home 18:45 We Bought A Zoo-PG 17:45 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger Edition 21:00 The Girl With The Dragon 18:10 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 23:45 Superhomes Tattoo-R 18:35 The Gadget Show 00:35 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 23:45 The Disappearance Of Alice 19:00 How Tech Works 01:25 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent Creed-18 19:30 What’s That About? 02:20 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 01:30 Just Crazy Enough-PG15 20:20 X-Machines 21:10 Kitchen Chemistry 21:35 Kitchen Chemistry 22:00 What’s That About? 22:50 Dark Matters 04:15 Mandie And The Secret Tunnel- 23:40 Kitchen Chemistry PG 03:00 Food Wars 00:05 Kitchen Chemistry 06:00 Last Holiday-PG15 03:25 Food Wars 00:30 Weird Connections 08:00 Waiting For Forever-PG15 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:00 Thunder Races 10:00 Journey 2: The Mysterious 04:15 Unique Eats 01:50 Thunder Races Island-PG 04:40 Chopped 12:00 The Tree Of Life-PG15 05:30 Iron Chef America 14:15 Every Jack Has A Jill-PG15 06:10 Food Network Challenge 15:45 Waiting For Forever-PG15 07:00 Healthy Appetite With Ellie 17:45 New Year’s Eve-PG15 Krieger 19:45 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of 14:00 Storage Wars 07:25 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Shadows-PG15 14:30 Storage Wars Krieger 22:00 The Avengers-PG15 15:00 Pawn Stars 07:50 Healthy Appetite With Ellie 00:30 Waiting For Forever-PG15 15:30 Pawn Stars Krieger 02:15 New Year’s Eve-PG15 16:00 Pawn Stars 08:15 Healthy Appetite With Ellie 16:30 Pawn Stars Krieger 17:00 American Restoration 08:40 Cooking For Real 17:30 American Restoration 09:05 Cooking For Real 18:00 American Restoration 09:30 Cooking For Real 04:00 Killer Mountain-PG15 18:30 American Restoration 09:55 Cooking For Real 06:00 The Adventures Of Tintin-PG 19:00 Storage Wars 10:20 Tyler’s Ultimate 08:00 Battle For Terra-PG 19:30 Storage Wars Texas 10:45 Tyler’s Ultimate 10:00 Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes- 20:00 Pawn Stars 11:10 Tyler’s Ultimate PG15 20:30 Pawn Stars 11:35 Tyler’s Ultimate 12:00 Ice Road Terror-PG15 21:00 American Pickers 12:00 Staten Island Cakes 14:00 Battle For Terra-PG 22:00 Storage Wars 12:50 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 15:45 X-Men: First Class-PG15 22:30 Storage Wars Texas Basics 18:00 Ice Road Terror-PG15 23:00 Pawn Stars 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 20:00 Killer Elite-18 23:30 Pawn Stars Basics 22:00 House Of The Rising Sun-18 00:00 Counting Cars 13:40 Barefoot Contessa 23:45 Covert One: The Hades Factor- 00:30 Counting Cars 14:05 Unique Sweets PG15 01:00 Storage Wars 14:30 Unique Sweets 02:45 House Of The Rising Sun-18 01:30 Storage Wars 14:55 Unique Sweets 02:00 Storage Wars 15:20 Unique Sweets 15:45 Chopped 16:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 08:00 Mr. Popper’s Penguins-PG 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 15:00 Glee Basics 10:00 Ernest Scared Stupid-PG15 16:00 Smallville 17:25 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 12:00 The Wish List-PG15 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Basics 14:00 Puss In Boots-PG 19:00 Body Of Proof 17:50 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 21:00 White Collar SKYFALL ON OSN MOVIES HD 16:00 Ernest Scared Stupid-PG15 TV listings SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

18:00 The Winning Season-PG15 20:00 A Few Best Men-18 22:00 Cellmates-PG15 00:00 Spread-R 02:00 A Few Best Men-18

09:15 Virtual Lies-PG15 11:30 The Artist-PG 13:30 Treasure Island-PG15 17:00 The Beaver-PG15 19:00 The Prey-PG15 21:00 The People vs Larry Flynt-R 23:15 Shadows & Lies-18 01:00 Super 8-PG15

01:30 Super League 03:30 NRL Premiership 05:30 ICC Cricket 360 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 Live AFL Premiership 10:00 ICC Cricket 360 10:30 Trans World Sport 11:30 Futbol Mundial 12:00 Live British & Irish Lions 15:30 ICC Cricket 360 ‘White House Down’ a silly throwback 16:00 Live Super Rugby 18:00 Live Super Rugby 20:00 Live Super Rugby taggeringly implausible, cartoonishly comical, Clarke, swapping sides in the war on terror following done it in both of those movies. It’s a style of block- 22:00 British & Irish Lions SRoland Emmerich’s “White House Down” is “Zero Dark Thirty”). buster that now feels dated, like a ‘90s kind of big- refreshingly dumb. Refreshing because carefree This is a kind of coronation for Tatum as a movie budget moviemaking that depends on explosions, action absurdity, once the province of the summer star. He’s now reached the level that he can breeze flashes of comedy and star charisma. The charm of cinema, is on the outs. Solemnity - even for caped, through a blatantly silly movie and look none the Tatum - toned but goofy - carries the film. Foxx, a 01:00 WWE Smackdown flying men in tight-fitting trousers - is in. But there’s worse for it. He’s John Cale (not to be confused with more gifted comic actor, is left off-screen for large 03:00 WWE Bottom Line an inarguable, senseless pleasure in watching Jamie the Velvet Underground musician, although, how chunks. His president is a kind of liberal fantasy ver- 04:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter Foxx, as the president of the United States, kicking a could you?), a Silver Star veteran of Afghanistan and a sion of Barrack Obama, boldly removing all troops 05:00 Super Rugby terrorist and shouting: “Get your hands off my police bodyguard to the speaker of the house from the Middle East, thereby sparking the fury of the 07:00 Trans World Sport Jordans!” Hail to the chief, indeed. “White House (Richard Jenkins). For his Secret Service interview at Beltway’s white power players. 08:00 Live Rugby World Cup Sevens Down” follows Antoine Fuqua’s “Olympus Has the White House, he’s brought along his politics- If “White House Down” had pushed the farce fur- 20:00 Live PGA Tour Fallen,” released in March, as the second movie this obsessed 11-year-old daughter (the promising Joey ther, Emmerich’s overlong romp could have been 21:30 Inside The PGA Tour year to imagine an assault on 1600 Pennsylvania King). But it goes poorly, partly because his would-be something special. But the comedy in James 22:00 Live PGA Tour Avenue. The two films are very similarly plotted, but boss turns out to be an old flame (Maggie Gyllenhaal) Vanderbilt’s screenplay only comes in spurts. Many of “White House Down” is notably less serious, more who doubts he’s grown up. There’s some reason to its biggest laughs don’t come when they’re cued up, content to loosen the strings and acknowledge its believe her, since Cale (in the mold of most action but at the film’s attempts at emotion. Woods, for own inherent preposterousness. heroes) is an absentee, divorced dad. example, gravely announces: “Killing Ted Hope was 00:00 ICC Cricket 360 This becomes particularly crystallized somewhere It’s an archetype defined by Bruce Willis in “Die the second hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life.” If 00:30 Futbol Mundial around the time Foxx’s President James Sawyer and Hard,” a movie “White House Down” apes right down stripped of its production value, “White House Down” 01:00 Cricket Friends Life T20 his rescuer, Channing Tatum’s wannabe secret serv- to the tank top. When the Capitol dome is detonated would make one hysterical off-Broadway one-act. 04:00 Trans World Sport ice agent, are careening across the White House lawn and the White House invaded, Cale is separated from “White House Down,” a Columbia Pictures release, is 05:00 Super League in the president’s limo while terrorists shoot in pur- his daughter and stumbles into the kidnapping of the rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action and 07:00 Champions Tour suit. Onlookers behind a fence - media, regular peo- president. From there, it’s a series of chases through violence including intense gunfire and explosions, 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 ple, the Army - merely gape in awe, as if frozen by the the handsome, recreated halls of the White House, some language and a brief sexual image. Running idiocy. “White House Down” is most entertaining where golden light filters in through venetian blinds time: 137 minutes. Two stars out of four. — AP 09:30 Futbol Mundial when it’s a simple, ludicrous buddy movie, with but seemingly scant security measures exist. 10:00 Total Rugby Tatum and Foxx fleeing across the White House Emmerich, the director of spectacles like 10:30 Live Super Rugby grounds, dropping one-liners as they go, eluding a “Independence Day” (a movie he references in “White 12:30 Live NRL Premiership gang of assailants led by a bitter turncoat (James House Down”) and “2012,” has made blowing up the 14:30 Super League Woods) and his ferocious henchmen (including Jason White House something of a fetish, having already 16:30 Live Cricket Friends Life T20 19:30 NRL Premiership 21:30 NRL Premiership 23:30 ICC Cricket 360 ‘Elephant’ Star Robinson Wraps Indie Thriller ‘Intruder’

00:30 WWE This Week 01:00 UAE National Race Day Series lephant” star John Robinson has just Peter Winther and Tina Sutakanat. Robinson was dis- wrapped the psychological thriller “Intruder,” covered by director Gus Van Sant, who cast him as the 02:00 Mobil 1 The Grid “E 02:30 Motor Sports 2013 which recently completed filming in lead in 2003’s school shooting drama “Elephant.” He 03:00 Motor Sports 2013 Portland, Oregon. Veteran production designer Travis went on to play Stacy Peralta in Catherine Hardwicke’s 04:00 Mass Participation Zariwny wrote and directed the film, which also stars “Lords of Dogtown” and appear alongside Shia LaBeouf 05:00 NHL Louise Linton (“Lions for Lambs”). in Michael Bay’s “Transformers.” His recent credits 07:00 WWE Smackdown After a random encounter on the street, a young include Kelly Reichardt’s drama “Wendy and Lucy” with 09:00 WWE Bottom Line woman (Linton) is followed home where she spends Michelle Williams and Michael Polish’s adaptation of 10:00 Mobil 1 The Grid two days becoming increasingly frightened by strange Jack Kerouac’s novel “Big Sur.” Robinson is repped by 10:30 Live NRL Premiership happenings in her apartment. An individual familiar Paradigm and Radius Entertainment. — Reuters 12:30 WWE Vintage Collection with the project tells TheWrap that “Intruder” blends 13:30 UAE National Race Day Series the modern, simplistic tone of “Paranormal Activity” 14:30 Motor Sports 2013 with the cinematic elegance of Alfred Hitchcock’s 15:00 Live PGA European Tour “Rope” to create a disturbing thriller that will make 19:00 Motor Sports 2013 audiences think twice about being home alone. 20:00 UFC Linton helped produce the film with Michael Jones, 23:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

ASSE-Kuwait Chapter elects new board

KUWAIT: American Society of Safety Engineers - Kuwait their respective committee activities conducted during Chapter (ASSE-KC) conducted its 13th Annual General the year. G. Sampath Reddy, Secretary, also delivered the Body meeting on June 25 at Hotel Safir, Kuwait. The pro- financial report (2012-13) on behalf of Treasurer. The gram started with HSE moment by Jignesh Shah, Head, house approved the financial report. Env and Health Committee and welcome address by For the active support and contribution towards the Fadhel Al-Ali, Chairman, ASSE-Kuwait Chapter. chapter activities, mementos were presented to the Vasudevan, President, in his address highlighted the members of Advisory Committee, Executive Committee, growth of Chapter during last three years and thanked Administration Staffs and other members who con- the committee heads and other members who have con- tributed for Chapter activities. tributed to the Chapter activities during the year 2012- Mohammad Riaz Shareef, Vice President, in his vote of 2013. thanks, thanked the committee members for their excel- Subsequently G. Sampath Reddy, Secretary, delivered lent services and the contribution and requested all the a brief report on the Chapter activities conducted during members to extend their generous support and coopera- the society year 2012 - 2013. He started off with the key tion for the new committee. achievements of the Chapter and briefed about the pro- Following are the details of the elected officers for the grams that included outreach programs, activities of term 2013-2014: Publication Committee, participation in Expos and other President conferences, honors and awards received by Kuwait .. Eng. Ahmad Alattar, chapter. He concluded with a challenging tasks for the Vice President.. Mohammad Riaz Shareef, incoming executive committee to take up during their Secretary C.H. Rama Krushna Chary, term 2013- 2014. Head of Committee for Technical Treasurer.. Dan Mangalam Events Ramakrushna Chary, Student and Govt affairs There were around 70 members who attended the committee Engr. Ahmad Alattar, Training Committee event. The meeting concluded with a dinner sponsored Engr. Nada Al Saleh, WISE committee Janet and Health ASSE-Kuwait Chapter. and Environment Committee Jignesh Shaw presented WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

Sheikha Al-Ghaliya with Sheikh Ali, Abeer Al-Tamimi and family members.

Sheikha Al-Ghaliya with her father Sheikh Ali Al-Abdallah and her mother Abeer Al-Tamimi and sister Sheikha Haya. Sheikha Al-Ghaliya with her certificate.

KUWAIT: Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governor Sheikh Ali Al-Abdallah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and his wife Abeer Al-Tamimi celebrated the graduation of their daughter Sheikha Al-Ghaliya from Al-Bayan Bilingual school and wished her more success.

KUWAIT: Future Kid Company celebrated with the outstanding students during a celebration, in which Sebamed was a sponsor. Gifts and prizes were distributed during a day of fun and celebration. HEALTH SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

Britain plans world’s New rules aim to rid schools of junk foods first go-ahead for WASHINGTON: High-calorie sports drinks have significantly increased the expense of “It’s not enough for it to be low in prob- and candy bars will be removed from school preparing school meals, at a time when lem nutrients, it also has to provide positive ‘3-parent’ IVF babies vending machines and cafeteria lines as food costs were already on the rise,” she nutritional benefits,” says Margo Wootan, a soon as next year, replaced with diet drinks, said. Ford called on the USDA to perma- nutrition lobbyist for the Center for Science LONDON: Britain is planning to become the first coun- granola bars and other healthier items. The nently do away with the limits on grains and in the Public Interest who has lobbied for Agriculture Department said Thursday that proteins, saying they hampered her school the new rules. “There has to be some food in try in the world to offer controversial “three-parent” for the first time it will make sure that all district’s ability to serve sandwiches and sal- the food.” The new rules are the latest in a fertility treatments to families who want to avoid pass- foods sold in the nation’s 100,000 schools ads with chicken on top that had proved long list of changes designed to make foods ing on incurable diseases to their children. The meth- are healthier by expanding fat, calorie, sugar ods, currently only at the research stage in laboratories and sodium limits to almost everything sold in Britain and the United States, would for the first time during the school day. That includes snacks involve implanting genetically modified embryos into sold around the school and foods on the “a women, and raise serious ethical questions. la carte” line in cafeterias, which never have The techniques involve intervening in the fertiliza- been regulated before. The new rules, pro- tion process to remove faulty mitochondrial DNA, posed in February and made final this week, which can cause inherited conditions such as fatal also would allow states to regulate student heart problems, liver failure, brain disorders, blindness bake sales. and muscular dystrophy. They are designed to help The rules, required under a child nutri- families with mitochondrial diseases - incurable condi- tion law passed by Congress in 2010, are tions passed down the maternal line that affect around part of the government’s effort to combat one in 6,500 children worldwide. Mitochondriaact as childhood obesity. The rules have the tiny energy-generating batteries inside cells, potential to transform what many children The controversial potential treatment is known as eat at school. While some schools already have made improvements in their lunch three-parent in vitro fertilization (IVF) because the off- menus and vending machine choices, oth- spring would have genes from a mother, a father and ers still are selling high-fat, high-calorie from a female donor. foods. Standards put into place at the After a national public consultation showed Britons beginning of the 2012 school year already broadly favor the idea, the government’s chief physi- regulate the nutritional content of free and cian said yesterday it should be allowed to go ahead low-cost school breakfasts and lunches that KANSAS: File photo shows a student purchases a brown sugar Pop-Tart from a under strict regulation. “Scientists have developed are subsidized by the federal government. vending machine in the hallway outside the school cafeteria, in Wichita. — AP ground-breaking new procedures which could stop However most lunchrooms also have the “a popular with students. The Government served in schools more healthful and acces- these diseases being passed on, bringing hope to la carte” lines that sell other foods - often Accountability Office said it visited eight dis- sible. Nutritional guidelines for the subsi- many families seeking to prevent their children inherit- greasy foods like mozzarella sticks and tricts around the country and found that in dized lunches were revised last year and put ing them,” Sally Davies, chief medical officer, told nachos. Under the rules, those lines could most districts students were having trouble in place last fall. The 2010 child nutrition law reporters. offer healthier pizzas, low-fat hamburgers, adjusting to some of the new foods, leading also provided more money for schools to “It’s only right that we look to introduce this life-sav- fruit cups or yogurt, among other foods that to increased food waste and decreased par- serve free and reduced-cost lunches and ing treatment as soon as we can.” Davies said the gov- meet the standards. ticipation in the school lunch program. required more meals to be served to hungry ernment’s health department is drafting regulations to One of the biggest changes under the However, the agency said in a report kids. Last year’s rules making main lunch cover the new treatments, and plans to publish them rules will be a near-ban on high-calorie that most students spoke positively about fare more nutritious faced criticism from sports drinks, which many beverage compa- eating healthier foods and predicted they some conservatives, including some later this year. The move would make Britain the first nies added to school vending machines to will get used to the changes over time. One Republicans in Congress, who said the gov- country in the world to give patients to option of using replace high-calorie sodas that they pulled principle of the new rules is not just to cut ernment shouldn’t be telling kids what to so-called mitochondrial DNA transfer to avoid passing in response to criticism from the public down on unhealthy foods but to increase eat. Mindful of that backlash, the Agriculture the diseases on to their children. health community. The rule would only the number of healthier foods sold. The Department left one of the more controver- allow sales in high schools of sodas and standards encourage more whole grains, sial parts of the rule, the regulation of in- DNA swap sports drinks that contain 60 calories or less low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and lean school fundraisers like bake sales, up to the Scientists are researching several three-parent IVF in a 12-ounce serving, banning the highest- proteins. states.—AP techniques. One being developed at Britain’s calorie versions of those beverages. Many Newcastle University, known as pronuclear transfer, companies already have developed low- swaps DNA between two fertilized human eggs. calorie sports drinks - Gatorade’s G2, for What’s in and out under Another, called maternal spindle transfer, swaps mate- example - and many diet teas and diet rial between the mother’s egg and a donor egg before sodas are also available for sale. fertilization. Elementary and middle schools could new school snack rules A British medical ethics panel which reviewed the sell only water, carbonated water, 100 per- potential treatments for mitochondrial diseases decid- cent fruit or vegetable juice, and low fat and The government for the first time is pro- Fruit cups ed last year they were ethical and should go ahead as fat-free milk, including nonfat flavored posing broad new standards to make Yogurt long as research shows they are likely to be safe and milks. First lady Michelle Obama, an advo- sure all foods sold in schools are health- Sugarless gum cate for healthy eating and efforts to reduce effective. Because Britain is in the vanguard of this ful. The rule announced Thursday will Whole grain-rich muffins childhood obesity, pointed out that many apply to “a la carte” lines in school cafe- 100 percent juice drinks research, ethical concerns, political decisions and sci- working parents don’t have control over entific advances here are closely watched around the terias, vending machines, snack bars and Diet soda (high schools) what their kids eat when they’re not at any other food sold regularly on cam- Flavored water (high schools) world - particularly in the United States where scien- home. “That’s why as a mom myself, I am so tists are also working on DNA swap techniques. pus. It won’t apply to fundraisers, after- Diet sports drinks (high schools) excited that schools will now be offering school concession stands, class parties Unsweetened or diet iced teas (high Some pro-life campaigners have criticized the scien- healthier choices to students and reinforc- or foods brought from home. A separate schools) tific research, saying that creating embryonic children ing the work we do at home to help our kids set of rules already applies to free and Baked lower-fat french fries in a lab abuses them by subjecting them to unnatural stay healthy,” Mrs Obama said in a state- low-cost meals in the main lunch line Healthier pizzas with whole grain processes. Critics also worry that modifying embryos to ment. that are subsidized by the federal gov- crust avoid disease could be the first step towards the cre- At a congressional hearing, a school ernment. Lean hamburgers with whole wheat ation of “designer babies”, whose genetic makeup nutritionist said Thursday that schools have Under the new rules, most food sold buns could be modified as embryos to ensure certain traits had difficulty adjusting to the 2012 in school will now be subject to fat, calo- such as height or hair color. changes, and the new “a la carte” standards rie, sugar and sodium limits. Snack foods What’s out Asked whether she was “comfortable” with taking could also be a hardship. Sandra Ford, presi- will have to be less than 200 calories and Candy such a major step along the way to allowing human dent of the School Nutrition Association and have some nutritional value. Some Snack cakes genetic modification, Davies said she had debated and director of food and nutrition services for a examples of what could be in and out Most cookies school district in Bradenton, Fla., said in pre- considered the ethical implications with many experts under the rules provided the items meet Pretzels pared testimony that the healthier foods or don’t meet all of the requirements: High-calorie sodas over many years and had come to the conclusion the have been expensive and participation has High-calorie sports drinks techniques should be allowed. Any final decision on declined since the standards went into What’s in Juice drinks that are not 100 percent putting the regulations in place to allow the new treat- effect. She also predicted that her school Baked potato chips juice ments to be offered will be subject to a vote in parlia- district could lose $975,000 a year under the Granola bars Most ice cream and ice cream treats ment, but Davies said she hoped the first patients may new “a la carte” guidelines because they Cereal bars High-fat chips and snacks be able to get the new treatments within the next two would have to eliminate many of the foods Trail mix Greasy pizza years. — Reuters they currently sell. Dried fruits Deep-fried, high-fat foods — AP “The new meal pattern requirements health & science SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Hospitals TUITION Prayer timings Fajr: 03:16 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Tuition for IGCSE/ TOEL/ Amiri Hospital 22450005 IELTS/ GMAT/ SAT and for Shorook 04:51 American, English, Bilingual Maternity Hospital 24843100 Schools and University stu- Duhr: 11:51 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 dents. Spoken English for all. English teacher - call: Asr: 15:25 Chest Hospital 24849400 66948099. (C 4446) Maghrib: 18:51 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 24-6-2013 Adan Hospital 23940620 Isha: 20:24 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 CHANGE OF NAME Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 I, HASEENABIBI Manorsha Fakir THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 holding passport No. J4436269 FOR CIVIL INFORMATION wish to change my name to Mrs. Automated enquiry Clinics Hasinabibi Fakir Mohammad about the Civil ID card is Diwan. 112 Rabiya 24732263 1889988 Rawdha 22517733 I, FAKIR Manorsha Pirusha, hold- Adailiya 22517144 ing passport No. F8463173 wish to change my name to Fakir Khaldiya 24848075 Mohammad Pirusha Diwan. No: 15854 Khaifan 24849807 (C 4450) 26-6-2013 Shamiya 24848913 Shuwaikh 24814507 I, Eshfak Esmailbhai Huseiny, Abdullah Salim 22549134 holder of passport No. H2611280 have changed my Al-Nuzha 22526804 name to Mustafa Esmailbhai Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Huseiny. (C 4445) Al-Qadisiya 22515088 24-6-2013 Dasmah 22532265 FOR SALE Bneid Al-Ghar 22531908 Mercedez Benz E230, 1998 Al-Shaab 22518752 model, white color in excel- Al-Kibla 22459381 lent condition for sale, well Ayoun Al-Kibla 22451082 maintained, insured up to June 2014. Contact: Mirqab 22456536 99797826. (C 4451) Sharq 22465401 26-6-2013 Salmiya 25746401 Mitsubishi Pajero, 2007 Jabriya 25316254 model, single man driven, Maidan Hawally 25623444 maintained by Mitsubishi, for immediate sale. Contact: Bayan 25388462 66101542. (C 4447)

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (27/06/2013 TO 03/07/2013)

SHARQIA-1 TATTAH (DIG) 3:00 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 10:30 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 11:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 1:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 5:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 12:30 AM NO SUN+ TUE+WED MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 4:00 PM TATTAH (DIG) 7:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 7:00 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 10:00 PM AVENUES-2 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 9:30 PM MARINA-1 MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 2:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 12:05 AM MUHALAB-3 THE PURGE (DIG) 12:45 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 5:15 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 2:30 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 8:15 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM TATTAH (DIG) 4:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 11:15 PM SHARQIA-2 MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 5:00 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 6:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 12:30 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 7:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 8:30 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 3:00 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 9:45 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 11:00 PM AVENUES-3 MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 5:15 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 12:45 AM TATTAH (DIG) 12:30 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 7:30 PM FANAR-1 NO SUN+ TUE+WED TATTAH (DIG) 3:00 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 10:00 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 12:45 PM TATTAH (DIG) 5:30 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 12:45 AM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 3:00 PM MARINA-2 TATTAH (DIG) 8:00 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 5:30 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 1:30 PM TATTAH (DIG) 10:30 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 8:00 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 4:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 1:00 AM SHARQIA-3 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 10:15 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 7:00 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED THE PURGE (DIG) 12:45 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 12:45 AM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 9:30 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 2:30 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 12:05 AM 360º- 1 TATTAH (DIG) 4:15 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED THE PURGE (DIG) 1:00 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 6:30 PM FANAR-2 THE PURGE (DIG) 3:00 PM TATTAH (DIG) 8:30 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 1:15 PM MARINA-3 THE PURGE (DIG) 5:00 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 11:00 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 3:30 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 7:00 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 1:00 AM THE PURGE (DIG) 5:45 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 9:00 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 7:30 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 5:00 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 11:00 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 9:45 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 7:15 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 1:00 AM MUHALAB-1 THE PURGE (DIG) 11:30 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 9:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 1:15 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 1:15 AM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 12:30 AM THE PURGE (DIG) 4:00 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED NO SUN+ TUE+WED 360º- 2 MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 5:45 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 12:45 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 8:30 PM FANAR-3 AVENUES-1 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 3:30 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 10:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 12:30 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 2:30 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 6:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 3:15 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 4:45 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 9:00 PM MUHALAB-2 LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 6:00 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 7:00 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:45 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 12:45 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 7:45 PM DARK TIDE (DIG) 9:15 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED information SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

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Arrival Flights on Saturday 29/6/2013 GFA 219 BAHRAIN 19:05 FDB 56 DUBAI 09:55 Airlines Flt Route Time MSC 405 SOHAG 19:30 QTR 133 DOHA 10:00 BBC 43 DHAKA 00:05 JAI 572 MUMBAI 19:35 IRC 6589 SHAHRE 10:00 QTR 148 DOHA 00:05 FDB 8057 DUBAI 14:50 ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:15 JZR 267 BEIRUT 00:20 KAC 538 SOHAG 15:40 KAC 101 LONDON 10:25 JZR 539 CAIRO 00:40 KAC 790 MEDINAH 13:55 IRM 1185 SHIRAZ 10:30 RJA 644 AMMAN 00:30 KAC 176 GENEVA 17:45 MEA 407 BEIRUT 10:45 MEA 408 BEIRUT 00:10 KAC 788 JEDDAH 15:00 JZR 356 MASHHAD 11:00 SAI 441 LAHORE 01:30 KAC 542 CAIRO 18:15 KAC 501 BEIRUT 11:10 THY 764 SABIHA 01:40 KAC 672 DUBAI 13:40 GFA 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 01:45 KAC 804 CAIRO 15:40 KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30 GFA 211 BAHRAIN 01:55 KAC 104 LONDON 18:45 IRA 3406 MASHHAD 11:35 PIA 239 ISLAMABAD 02:05 KAC 118 NEW YORK 16:00 KAC 165 ROME 11:45 UAE 853 DUBAI 02:25 KAC 614 BAHRAIN 23:00 IAW 158 AL NAJAF 12:00 ETD 305 ABU DHABI 02:30 JZR 135 BAHRAIN 23:00 JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:25 JZR 555 ALEXANDRIA 06:20 JZR 239 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 22:30 MSC 406 SOHAG 13:00 JZR 1541 CAIRO 06:25 JZR 189 DUBAI 20:10 IRM 1189 MASHHAD 13:10 FDB 67 DUBAI 03:10 JZR 185 DUBAI 22:40 JZR 176 DUBAI 13:20 RJA 648 AMMAN 03:10 JZR 513 SHARM EL SHEIKH 23:20 JZR 124 BAHRAIN 13:30 RBG 555 ALEXANDRIA 03:15 RBG 553 ALEXANDRIA 19:40 JZR 268 BEIRUT 13:35 MSR 612 CAIRO 03:15 FDB 61 DUBAI 20:00 MSR 611 CAIRO 14:00 OMA 643 MUSCAT 03:20 OMA 647 MUSCAT 20:00 THY 767 ISTANBUL 14:10 QTR 138 DOHA 03:30 ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:05 KNE 481 TAIF 14:10 THY 770 ISTANBUL 04:35 IRA 607 MASHAD 20:10 UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15 DHX 170 BAHRAIN 05:10 MEA 402 BEIRUT 20:15 FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30 FDB 69 DUBAI 05:50 MSR 618 ALEXANDRIA 20:30 KAC 561 AMMAN 14:40 BAW 157 LONDON 06:30 KNE 462 MEDINAH 20:35 QTR 141 DOHA 14:55 CLX 8706 LUXEMBOURG 04:55 AXB 489 COCHIN 20:35 IRC 6693 MASHHAD 15:00 KAC 416 JAKARTA 06:35 KLM 415 AMSTERDAM 21:05 MSR 576 SHARM EL SHEIKH 15:00 KAC 412 MANILA 06:15 ALK 229 COLOMBO 21:10 KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05 KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 07:25 UAE 859 DUBAI 21:15 IRM 1187 IMAM KHOMEINI 15:20 KAC 284 DHAKA 08:15 ETD 307 ABU DHABI 21:30 KNE 473 JEDDAH 15:30 KAC 352 COCHIN 08:05 QTR 136 DOHA 21:35 FDB 8058 DUBAI 15:35 JZR 165 DUBAI 11:35 GFA 217 BAHRAIN 21:45 KAC 617 DOHA 15:45 JZR 503 LUXOR 07:40 JAI 576 COCHIN 21:55 SYR 342 DAMASCUS 15:55 JZR 529 ASSIUT 06:40 QTR 146 DOHA 22:00 SVA 505 JEDDAH 16:00 FDB 53 DUBAI 07:45 FDB 59 DUBAI 22:20 KAC 773 RIYADH 16:00 UAE 855 DUBAI 08:25 AIC 975 CHENNAI 22:25 JZR 188 DUBAI 16:00 ABY 125 SHARJAH 08:50 KNE 474 JEDDAH 22:30 KNE 461 MADINAH 16:05 QTR 132 DOHA 09:00 UAL 981 BAHRAIN 22:40 RJA 641 AMMAN 16:55 IRC 6588 SHAHRE KORD 09:00 DLH 636 FRANKFURT 23:10 KAC 785 JEDDAH 17:00 IRM 1186 TEHRAN 09:10 JAI 574 MUMBAI 23:20 JZR 238 AMMAN 17:05 FDB 55 DUBAI 09:15 MSR 614 CAIRO 23:30 JZR 512 SHARM EL SHEIKH 17:15 ETD 301 ABU DHABI 09:30 THY 772 ISTANBUL 23:45 QTR 135 DOHA 17:20 IRA 3407 MASHAD 10:35 FDB 8053 DUBAI 21:30 ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:20 GFA 213 BAHRAIN 10:40 QTR 6258 AMSTERDAM 20:55 JZR 538 CAIRO 17:40 IAW 157 BAGHDAD 11:00 KAC 786 JEDDAH 22:40 ABY 128 SHARJAH 17:50 IRM 1188 MASHAD 11:45 UAE 858 DUBAI 18:15 MEA 406 BEIRUT 09:45 Departure Flights on Saturday 29/6/2013 GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:20 KAC 382 DELHI 07:30 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 511 RIYADH 18:20 KAC 302 MUMBAI 07:50 AIC 976 GOA/CHENNAI 00:05 UAL 982 BAHRAIN 18:30 KAC 362 COLOMBO 08:45 JAI 573 MUMBAI 00:20 JZR 184 DUBAI 18:30 KAC 344 CHENNAI 08:20 UAL 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 00:25 JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:40 KAC 674 DUBAI 19:25 DLH 637 FRANKFURT 00:30 NIA 252 ALEXANDRIA 19:00 KAC 618 DOHA 19:10 MSR 615 CAIRO 00:30 IZG 4168 MASHHAD 19:05 KAC 502 BEIRUT 18:50 KLM 413 AMSTERDAM 00:55 QTR 145 DOHA 19:25 KAC 774 RIYADH 19:25 MEA 409 BEIRUT 01:10 FDB 64 DUBAI 19:35 JZR 357 MASHAD 16:50 JZR 502 LUXOR 01:30 GFA 220 BAHRAIN 19:50 JZR 269 BEIRUT 19:15 BBC 44 DHAKA 01:30 KAC 613 BAHRAIN 20:00 JZR 325 NAJAF 12:25 THY 773 ISTANBUL 02:20 JZR 134 BAHRAIN 20:05 KAC 283 DHAKA 20:15 JZR 257 BEIRUT 14:30 SAI 442 LAHORE 02:30 RBG 554 ALEXANDRIA 20:20 JZR 777 JEDDAH 17:50 THY 765 ISTANBUL 02:40 MSC 402 ALEXANDRIA 20:30 JZR 535 CAIRO 16:10 ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 JAI 571 MUMBAI 20:35 JZR 241 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 12:35 RJA 645 AMMAN 03:05 FDB 62 DUBAI 20:40 JZR 177 DUBAI 17:30 PIA 240 SIALKOT 03:35 ABY 120 SHARJAH 20:45 JZR 125 BAHRAIN 16:25 UAE 854 DUBAI 03:45 KAC 331 TRIVANDRUM 20:50 JZR 359 MASHAD 12:45 FDB 68 DUBAI 03:50 OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55 MSC 401 ALEXANDRIA 12:00 RBG 556 ALEXANDRIA 03:55 KAC 351 KOCHI 21:05 UAE 871 DUBAI 12:45 MSR 613 CAIRO 04:15 IRA 604 ISFAHAN 21:10 MSR 610 CAIRO 13:00 OMA 644 MUSCAT 04:20 MEA 403 BEIRUT 21:15 THY 766 ISTANBUL 13:10 ETD 306 ABU DHABI 04:20 MSR 607 LUXOR 21:30 KNE 480 TAIF 13:20 QTR 139 DOHA 04:25 KAC 543 CAIRO 21:30 QTR 140 DOHA 13:45 QTR 149 DOHA 05:15 KNE 475 JEDDAH 21:45 FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50 FDB 70 DUBAI 06:30 DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50 IRC 6692 MASHAD 14:00 RJA 649 AMMAN 06:35 KLM 415 DAMMAM 22:05 IRM 1184 SHIRAZ 14:05 JZR 358 MASHHAD 06:55 FDB 8054 DUBAI 22:10 MSR 575 SHARM EL SHEIKH 14:15 GFA 212 BAHRAIN 07:00 ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:15 SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30 THY 771 ISTANBUL 07:10 ALK 230 COLOMBO 22:20 KNE 472 JEDDAH 14:35 JZR 240 AMMAN 07:10 UAE 860 DUBAI 22:25 SYR 341 DAMASCUS 14:55 JZR 164 DUBAI 07:25 KAC 381 DELHI 22:30 KNE 470 JEDDAH 15:05 KAC 537 SOHAG 07:45 QTR 137 DOHA 22:35 RJA 640 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 15:55 CLX 8716 LUXEMBOURG 08:15 KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:40 QTR 134 DOHA 16:15 BAW 156 LONDON 08:25 GFA 218 BAHRAIN 22:45 ETD 303 ABU DHABI 16:35 FDB 54 DUBAI 08:25 QTR 6258 DOHA 22:55 UAE 857 DUBAI 16:55 JZR 256 BEIRUT 08:50 KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 23:00 ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:10 KAC 803 CAIRO 08:55 FDB 60 DUBAI 23:00 UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 17:15 JZR 324 AL NAJAF 09:10 JAI 575 ABU DHABI 23:05 GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:20 JZR 534 CAIRO 09:10 QTR 147 DOHA 23:05 SVA 510 RIYADH 17:20 KAC 789 MADINAH 09:15 JZR 554 ALEXANDRIA 23:20 NIA 251 ALEXANDRIA 18:00 KAC 671 DUBAI 09:25 JZR 1540 CAIRO 23:25 IZG 4167 MASHAD 18:05 ABY 126 SHARJAH 09:30 KNE 471 JEDDAH 23:25 QTR 144 DOHA 18:25 KAC 787 JEDDAH 09:35 KAC 411 BANGKOK 23:40 FDB 63 DUBAI 18:55 UAE 856 DUBAI 09:50 JZR 528 ASSIUT 23:55 Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Word Search DOWN 1. Slightly open. CROSSWORD235 2. The specified day of the month. 3. Long-legged web-footed black-and-white shorebird with slender upward-curving bill. 4. The ninth month of the Moslem calendar. 5. Being one hundred more than two hundred. 6. Toward the mouth or oral region. 7. The 11th letter of the Greek alphabet. 8. A transuranic element that has not been found in nature. 9. An unwholesome atmosphere. 10. Made by polymerizing butadiene. 11. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska. 12. A state in southeastern India on the Bay of Bengal (south of Andhra Pradesh). 13. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 14. The mother of your father or mother. 22. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America. 25. Largest known toad species. 27. Informal terms for a mother. 30. An enveloping or covering membrane or layer of body tissue. 31. A territory in southwestern Germany formerly ruled by the counts palatine. 34. Of or relating to a directionless magnitude. 35. Humorously vulgar. 38. An avalanche volcanic water and mud down the slopes of a volcano. 39. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a mosque. 42. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits. 43. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables. 44. Long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron. 47. Devoid of any feeling of awe or reverence. 48. Area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir. 50. The capital and largest city of Bangladesh. ACROSS 53. A married man. 1. The sixth month of the civil year. 55. A small sc or pouch (especially the smaller chamber of the membranous labyrinth). 5. Any of various tall perennial herbs constituting the genus Frasera. 57. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd 12. White crystalline compound used as a food additive to enhance flavor. and has an edible pulp called monkey bread. 15. An island in Indonesia south of Borneo. 60. A bachelor's degree in science. 16. The part of the skull that encloses the brain. 63. English essayist (1775-1834). 17. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine. 64. A member of an Iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of Lake Erie in 18. (physics and chemistry) The smallest component of an element having the chemi- northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and western New York. cal properties of the element. 65. Queen of England as the 6th wife of Henry VIII (1512-1548). 19. The shape of a bell. 66. A visual representation of an object or scene or person produced on a surface. 20. A nucleic acid consisting of large molecules shaped like a double helix. 68. Made agreeably cold (especially by ice). 21. A summary that repeats the substance of a longer discussion. 69. Any of a group of Indic languages spoken in Kashmir and eastern Afghanistan and 23. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity. northern Pakistan. 24. A Nilo-Saharan language spoken in parts of Chad. 71. Electronic warfare undertaken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the 26. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls. electromagnetic spectrum. 28. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 73. An undergarment worn by women to support their breasts. 29. A language spoken by the Atakapa people of the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas. 74. Used of a single unit or thing. 32. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and 78. A metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter. thermal conductivity of any metal. 33. A former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia. 36. Of or related to the genital and urinary organs or their functions. Yesterdayʼs Solution 37. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group. 40. Being one more than one hundred. 41. A transuranic element. 45. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits. Yesterdayʼs Solution 46. Being one more than one. 49. The cardinal number that is the sum of five and one. 51. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily. 52. A landlocked federal republic in central Europe. 54. Relating to the abomasum (the fourth compartment of the stomach of ruminants). 56. Stems of beans and peas and potatoes and grasses collectively as used for thatch- ing and bedding. 58. One of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for play- ing games or for telling fortunes. 59. Relating to or characteristic of or occurring on the sea or ships. 61. (computer science) A coding system that incorporates extra parity bits in order to detect errors. 62. The compass point that is one point south of southeast. 67. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 70. United States physicist who invented the bubble chamber to study subatomic par- ticles (born in 1926). 72. A coffee cake flavored with orange rind and raisins and almonds. 75. Fiddler crabs. 76. A unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour. 77. A river that rises in northeastern New Mexico and flows eastward into Oklahoma where it becomes a tributary of the Arkansas River. 79. (Irish) The sea personified. 80. A boy or man. 81. A thin pliable sheet of material. 82. A doctor's degree in education.

Daily Sudoku Yesterday’s Solution SPORTS SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Red Sox extend AL East lead

BOSTON: Jon Lester pitched into his next start. Koji Uehara pitched a ing run on a fielderís choice 5) and went to third on Troutís sin- the eighth inning before leaving perfect ninth for his third save. grounder in a wild five-run fifth gle to right field. Pujols sent a drive with a jammed hip, and Dustin Chien-Ming Wang (1-1) lasted just 1 inning, and Baltimore rallied for a to deep center, where Austin Pedroia homered in a seven-run sec- 2-3 innings, allowing all seven runs victory over Cleveland. The Orioles Jackson failed to make a difficult ond to help the Boston Red Sox beat on six hits. used six hits and two errors to erase catch with his back to home plate. the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4 in the a 3-2 deficit in the fifth, salvaging a Josh Hamilton made it 3-1 with a opener of a four-game series RANGERS 2, YANKEES 0 split in the four-game series. Nick sacrifice fly. Kevin Jepsen (1-2) Thursday night. Toronto, which Derek Holland tamed a team that Markakis, Matt Wieters and JJ Hardy worked a scoreless ninth for the win reeled off 11 straight wins this often tagged him, pitching a two- also had RBIs during the rally. and Ernesto Frieri got his 19th save. month, had won 12 of its past 14 hitter as Texas finished an impres- Miguel Gonzalez (6-3) won for the games and 15 of 19 to close within sive road trip with a win over New fourth time in five decisions. He TWINS 3, ROYALS 1 6Ω games of the AL East-leading York. Jurickson Profar homered and allowed three runs on nine hits over Samuel Deduno pitched seven Red Sox. scored twice, while fellow rookie 6 2-3 innings, walking none and sharp innings and one of Justin Then the Blue Jays ran into Lester Engel Beltre got two hits in his first matching a career high with nine Morneauís two doubles drove in (8-4), who was charged with four big league start. AL West-leading strikeouts. Lonnie Chisenhall and Minnesotaís first run in a victory runs on five hits with five strikeouts Texas went 5-1 on its trip to St. Louis Mike Aviles homered for the Indians. over Kansas City. Deduno (4-2) gave and three walks in winning for just and Yankee Stadium. Holland (6-4) Chisenhall had three hits. Corey up only five hits and, more impor- the second time in his last eight threw his sixth career shutout and Kluber (6-5) yielded seven runs - six tantly, one walk. He struck out three starts. The left-hander retired 10 the lowest-hit shutout by a visiting earned - in 4 2-3 innings. and let only eight fair balls leave the straight to begin the game and did- Rangers pitcher against the Yankees infield. Jared Burton pitched a score- nít allow a hit until the fifth. He since the Texas franchise moved ANGELS 3, TIGERS 1, 10 INNINGS less eighth and Glen Perkins came out after giving up two singles from Washington for the 1972 sea- Albert Pujols hit a tiebreaking notched his 20th save in 22 tries to start the eighth and with a 3-0 son. The 26-year-old lefty struck out double in the 10th inning and Los with a scoreless ninth despite allow- count on Emilio Bonifacio. seven, walked two and didnít permit Angeles beat Detroit for a three- ing a walk and a double. The Twins Red Sox manager John Farrell a runner after the third. Phil Hughes game sweep and its ninth straight even managed to beat Jeremy came darting out of the dugout as (3-7) allowed five hits in eight victory over the Tigers. Mike Trout Guthrie (7-6). The right-hander the infielders crowded around innings after getting seven daysí had four hits and Jered Weaver topped them twice earlier this sea- Lester. Moments later, Lester walked rest. pitched seven strong innings in a son and brought a 6-2 record over off the field and Junichi Tazawa tight duel with Detroit right-hander nine previous career matchups into came on in relief. Lester said after- ORIOLES 7, INDIANS 3 Doug Fister. JB Shuck singled lead- the game. Salvador Perez hit a long ward that he doesnít think heíll miss Chris Davis drove in the tiebreak- ing off the 10th against Phil Coke (0- homer for the Royals.— AP Diamondbacks salvage finale of 3-game series

WASHINGTON: Didi Gregorius drove in and Puig slapped a two-out, 0-2 pitch to the go-ahead run with a bunt single in left field to put the Dodgers ahead 5-4. the 11th inning and Aaron Hill homered as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the METS 3, ROCKIES 2 Washington Nationals 3-2 Thursday Marlon Byrd hit a go-ahead homer in night to salvage the finale of a three- the eighth inning and threw out a run- game series. Miguel Montero led off the ner from right field in the ninth to lead 11th with a ground-rule double off Craig New York past Colorado in a makeup of Stammen (4-3). AJ Pollock ran for a snowed-out game April 17. With the Montero and Cody Ross bunted him to Mets trailing 2-1 and a runner on, Byrd third. After Jason Kubel drew a walk, drove a fastball from reliever Matt Belisle Gregorius bunted down and Pollock ran (4-5) into the left-center seats. That was on contact, scoring the go-ahead run as about the extent of the offense for New Gregorius beat the throw at first. York with star slugger David Wright Josh Collmenter (4-0) pitched the receiving a rare rest. Starter Jeremy 10th inning and Heath Bell picked up his Hefner drove in the teamís other run. 14th save as the Diamondbacks snapped LaTroy Hawkins (3-1) earned the win a three-game losing streak. Ian Desmond with a scoreless seventh and Bobby homered for the Nationals. Arizonaís Parnell closed for his 14th save in 17 Patrick Corbin, who came in 9-0, and chances. The fourth-place Mets finished Stephen Strasburg matched up for sev- 7-4 on a four-city road trip that took en innings with each allowing two runs. them to three time zones. They have Strasburg gave up six hits while striking won eight of 12 overall. out four and walking two as he threw 113 pitches. Corbin allowed five hits CUBS 7, BREWERS 2 while striking out six and walking two. Matt Garza struck out 10 in seven sol- id innings and Dioner Navarro hit a DODGERS 6, PHILLIES 4 three-run homer, sending Chicago to a Yasiel Puig singled home the tying victory over Milwaukee. Garza (3-1) had and go-ahead runs in the seventh his third consecutive strong outing. The inning, Andre Ethier had a two-run dou- right-hander allowed one run on eight ble and Los Angeles beat Philadelphia. hits and a walk while throwing 101 Greinke (4-3) struck out five over seven pitches. The Cubs broke the game open innings and allowed four runs on 12 hits, with four runs in the third, capped by including solo homers by Domonic Navarroís seventh homer. Milwaukee Brown and Chase Utley. Kenley Jansen made a pair of errors and all the runs in got the last three outs for his seventh the inning off Wily Peralta (5-9) were save in nine chances as Los Angeles won unearned. Peralta gave up seven runs, its sixth straight. The Dodgers loaded three earned, on eight hits and a walk the bases in the bottom half of the sev- while striking out two in five innings. He enth against rookie reliever Justin De allowed the leadoff batter to score in LOS ANGELES: Jonathan Pettibone #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Fratus (2-2) without the benefit of a hit, three of the first four innings.— AP Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 27, 2013. — AFP sports SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Prepare for a fight, Tour rivals tell Team Sky

PORTO VECCHIO: Rivals are lining up to target Team Sky’s hopes of consecutive Tour de France victories when the 100th edition of the world’s most famous cycle race gets under way in Corsica today. The 2012 success was built on Bradley Wiggins’s domina- tion of the time trials and Team Sky’s conservative tactics in the mountains which led to Wiggins becoming the first Briton to win the Tour. This year, with Wiggins out through illness, Team Sky is led by Chris Froome, last year’s runner-up, who is in “the absolute ideal place”, said team principal Dave Brailsford. Froome has won four of the five stage races he entered this season as Team Sky set a blistering pace in the mountains. But last year’s beleaguered rivals are geared up for a fierce challenge in a race that this year will feature an unprecedented double ascent of the 21 hairpins to l’Alpe d’Huez. The presence of Spanish climbers Joaquim Rodriguez and Alberto Contador will definitely spice up the action, as will as Garmin-Sharp’s plan to “cause chaos” in the three-week race. Garmin-Sharp manager Jonathan Vaughters told reporters: “(Team effort) is our strength and we’re going in with the same open strategy. We don’t have one superstar but we have a bond- ed group of guys who together can create chaos in the race and create a situation where (we) can perform way above what any- one’s expectations of us are.” With 2012 Giro d’Italia champion Ryder Hesjedal of Canada, Liege-Bastogne-Liege winner Dan Martin of Ireland and American hope Andrew Talansky, the U.S. team are a formidable outfit. Contador’s Team Saxo-Tinkoff have Czech Roman Kreuziger, Irishman Nicolas Roche and Australian Michael Rogers in the team as well as road manager Bjarne Riis, who was lured from Team Sky this season. Movistar could also be a factor as Spain’s Alejandro Valverde, Portugal’s Rui Costa and Colombian Nairo Quintana can all do well in the general classification. “There will be more action this year,” double champion Contador, back after a one-year absence due to a doping ban, told reporters. “There will be more movement than the previous year.” Spaniard Contador, who won the Tour in 2007 and 2009, was PORTO VECCHIO: Team Saxo-Tinkoff climbs during a training ride ahead of the start of Tour de France cycling race beaten by Froome every time they crossed swords this season in Porto Vecchio, southern Corsica island, France. — AP but both know that counts for nothing when the 198 riders line up at the start. “Once we line up...every other race this season folds away,” said Froome, who is hoping to win the first race since Armstrong: Is impossible to seven-times winner Lance Armstrong admitted to doping his way to victory. Armstrong, stripped of his Tour titles, told Le Monde newspaper yesterday that winning the Tour in his era without win Tour ‘without doping’ doping was impossible.- Reuters Riders hit back at Armstrong doping claims

America’s Cup set PORTO-VECCHIO: Tour de France riders endurance event where oxygen is deci- Pat McQuaid, also disagreed with yesterday dismissed claims by shamed sive,” he was quoted as saying by the Armstrong. “It might have been true in to sail despite US cyclist Lance Armstrong that it was French daily. He added: “To take one the past because there were unde- “impossible” to win the sport’s most example, EPO (erythropoetin) will not tectable substances such as EPO,” the famous race without doping, saying his help a sprinter to win a 100m but it will International Cycling Union (UCI) presi- rule turbulence claims hit at their credibility. Cadel be decisive for a 10,000m runner. It’s dent told RTL radio. Evans, who won the Tour in 2011, said obvious.” Armstrong, who won the Tour “So everyone used EPO in cycling SAN FRANCISCO: America’s Cup organizers have vowed that he had shown it was possible to triumph a record seven times between 1999 and and other endurance sports too. But the premier yacht-racing event would launch as planned without cheating, amid claims the focus 2005, later said his claims only applied today the system is more strict and I’m here next week despite protests over last-minute rule was being shifted away from the start of to the period in which he dominated the convinced that you can win endurance changes. “I don’t see any possibility of delay,” America’s Cup this year’s historic 100th edition of the sport. “99-05. I was clear with Stephane sports by being clean and win the Tour event authority chief executive Stephen Barclay told race, which begins on Saturday. Mandard (the sports editor of Le Monde) de France by being clean.” McQuaid, reporters in a sun-drenched pavilion on the San Francisco “I think the opposite. I am proof that on this. Today? I have no idea. I’m hope- who has faced calls to quit because of waterfront that will be among the viewing spots for races. that is not true,” the Australian BMC rid- ful it’s possible,” he wrote on his Twitter accusations of UCI complicity and cov- “No one is talking about not going out there and racing.” er told a news conference in Porto- account @lancearmstrong. er-up in Armstrong’s activities, Four days of mediation over America’s Cup rule changes- Vecchio, on the Mediterranean island of Armstrong was last year exposed as a denounced the American as an “oppor- adopted in May for safety after the death of British sailor Corsica. “I sometimes read in the press serial drug cheat in a devastating US tunist”. “The Tour de France gets under Andrew Simpson-ended on June 22 with no final resolution. what Armstrong says and I respect him Anti-Doping Agency report that way this weekend, so he’s decided to Sticking points included allowing a design change to catama- as a human being but really I just focus plunged cycling into crisis about the attack the Tour de France at this precise ran ‘elevators,’ a part of the rudder that effects how high on doing my own job as best I can and extent of drug-taking in the peloton. moment and to attack the authorities,” boats can rise out of the water and, by extension, how fast fortunately we are supported by a great The Texan rider, who insisted for years he added. they can go. “This provision has nothing to do with safety, it group of people. that he did not take performance- “Lance Armstrong is someone who is purely a performance intervention,” said a spokesman for “We try to do our job as we see fit enhancing drugs, was stripped of his only thinks about himself.” Five-time Italian team Luna Rossa, which planned to file a formal and within the rules of course.” Evans’ Tour titles and banned from the sport Tour winner also Bernard Hinault react- protest within a few days. “We will not accept it,” he contin- teammate, the Belgian Philippe Gilbert, for life. He then admitted in a television ed angrily to Armstrong’s comments, ued. “The race director has exceeded his authority.” blamed the media for seizing on the interview that he used a cocktail of calling for an end to claims that all Rule changes focused on boats, instead of things like safe- comments just as riders prepared for the drugs, including the blood booster EPO, cyclists were “thugs and druggies”. “It ty gear for crews, fall under the category of ‘class’ changes race. Team Sky, which includes favorite testosterone and blood transfusions, to depresses me to hear all this,” he told that can’t be implemented without unanimous agreement Chris Froome, said they did not want to win the Tour. BFM TV, suggesting that other sports from competitors, Luna Rossa argued. Luna Rossa did not comment. Armstrong was asked in an Armstrong told Le Monde that he were also implicated. “Stop saying it’s threaten to pull out of the Cup, saying “it was here to race.” interview with French daily Le Monde was not the first athlete to dope and cultural for God’s sake. It’s impossible. Team New Zealand also said it would file a formal protest published on Friday whether it was pos- there would always be a doping culture There are plenty of young riders who’ve with the America’s Cup international jury over proposed sible to win without taking perform- but cycling was being made a “scape- had dope tests and not tested positive. changes to the AC72 catamaran class rules. ance-enhancing drugs when he was rid- goat” for the practice in all sport. “I sim- It’s constant suspicion,” he added. The two changes at issue were among the 37 recom- ing. ply took part in this system. I’m a human Hinault on Thursday lashed out at mended by regatta director Iain Murray in the wake of the He responded: “That depends on the being,” he said, admitting that he could claims that his fellow French cyclist deadly capsizing of the AC72 of Swedish syndicate Artemis races that you wanted to win. “The Tour never erase the past but would strive to Laurent Jalabert took EPO on the scan- Racing in training on San Francisco Bay.—AFP de France? No. Impossible to win with- make up for it for the rest of his life. The dal-hit 1998 Tour, claiming that people out doping because the Tour is an head of world cycling’s governing body, wanted to “kill” the race.— AFP sports SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Ricciardo ready to fill Webber’s shoes SILVERSTONE: Daniel Ricciardo is ready to progress from being the ‘other Australian’ on the Formula One starting grid to the only one next year. Where the Toro Rosso driver ends up remains to be seen but in his ideal world it would be at champions Red Bull as replacement for compatriot Mark Webber, who announced on Thursday that he will be leaving the sport at the end of the season. Ricciardo and team mate Jean-Eric Vergne are both part of the Red Bull young driver program, the same one that saw triple world champion Sebastian Vettel graduate from Toro Rosso to the main team at the end of 2008 with sensational consequences. Both are under consideration to replace Webber, although Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen - the 2007 world champion - is seen as a frontrunner by much of the paddock. Ricciardo’s challenge is to produce convincing evidence that he is the right man for the job, starting at this weekend’s British Grand Prix. “Unfortunately I’ve had a pretty poor run in the last few races so that’s definitely my concern. My priority now is to get some results back on the board,” said the Australian, who has not scored a point since Spain in May. “I haven’t really come off a strong few (races) to give me brag- ging rights to say ‘That’s mine, everyone,’” added the ever- smiling Perth native, who turns 24 on Monday. “So I’ve definitely got to focus on the next few weekends to ASSEN: Jorge Lorenzo of Spain rides his Yamaha in wet conditions during the MotoGP Free Practice of the remind everyone that I’m here to be successful. “I think ideal- Dutch Grand Prix, in Assen, northern Netherlands. —AP ly, in the perfect world, they (Red Bull) would love one of us juniors to go through and to do what Seb did. I think that’s the real philosophy of the program. I think they would love to see one of us really start to shine.” Ricciardo was 15th in the Pedrosa gains as previous race in Canada and retired in Monaco after being shunted out by Lotus’s Romain Grosjean. Vergne, on the other hand, has arrived at Silverstone on the back of two strong scoring finishes. Lorenzo limps out BIG BOXES Asked whether he felt he had time to convince Red Bull, ASSEN: Dani Pedrosa’s hopes of wrest- times. My win here was my first ever help me also to get a better starting Ricciardo - who made his F1 debut in 2011 with the now- ing back the world title momentum at and I have very good memories from position as it is so important to make defunct HRT team - hoped so. “I’ve got to really make sure I this weekend’s Dutch MotoGP were that day,” Pedrosa told a pre-race press the best qualification possible. Assen is get the next few races the way I want them to go,” he said. increased after Jorge Lorenzo’s unfortu- conference on Wednesday. He added: a great track, I love it and it brings to “And then at least I can say I’ve done all I did. If it comes off or nate high speed crash in practice. “The championship is now closer but mind a lot of good memories. We’ll try if it doesn’t, whatever. I’m sure there will be another opportu- Reigning world champion Lorenzo there is still a long way to go; we must to leave this good feeling with the track nity maybe further down the track. arrived in Assen with back-to-back wins keep going with the points. It looks like and the bike to improve our results.” “The chance is definitely there. If I can get Silverstone, in Spain and Italy, and the Spaniard had the weather will be a big thing and we’ll Lying third behind Pedrosa and Lorenzo Nuerburgring, Budapest... if I can get three great results, lain down a marker by topping the just have to adapt to the situation.” in the championship battle is Marc maybe exceed the expectations of the team then I don’t see times in Thursday’s first practice ses- With Lorenzo out of the picture Marquez, the 20-year-old rookie who why it wouldn’t put me in a good position for it. “As long as I sion. But in the second session, fate - Yamaha’s hopes are represented by became the youngest ever MotoGP win- do all that and tick pretty big boxes... then I think I’ve got it all and rain - intervened to leave the multiple former champion Valentino ner at the Grand Prix of the Americas. in my control.” Webber, Australia’s main focus in Formula One Yamaha rider nursing a fractured left Rossi, who came in fifth in Spain and is Ahead of his first taste of Assen in the for more than a decade, will be missed by the next big hope collarbone after being flung from his optimistic of a good showing in Assen top category the Honda new boy, who who can expect to line up in Melbourne next year as the only bike at 200 kilometers an hour. While after a positive testing session last was narrowly edged out for second by home driver in the race. Ricciardo acknowledged his debt to Lorenzo faces surgery in Barcelona this week. “I am very happy about the test in Pedrosa in Catalunya, said: “This is a the Red Bull veteran. “He has helped me out,” he said. “When I weekend, Pedrosa will be intent on Aragon and I’m looking forward to track I like. “It will be interesting to see first stepped into an F1 car, he called me the night before my extending his slim seven point lead in going to Assen,” the nine-time title win- how it is on a MotoGP bike and we’ll pay first test and gave me some advice and just eased me into it a the riders’ standings. ner told the sport’s official website, attention to the weather because that bit. “To hear from him, and I was still a young kid and he was Pedrosa, unlike Lorenzo yet to wear motogp.com. “The settings that we will be the biggest problem this week- an idol of mine, definitely motivated me. And once I got into the MotoGP crown after three near tested were positive and I now feel end, but anyway we will try to be ready.” F1 two years ago here, he came over and had a bit of a chat misses, is out to take the chequered flag more feeling with the bike, especially Going into this seventh leg of the and just made life a bit easier for me. “Not only myself but after two close runner-up finishes to his when braking. For me it is an important MotoGP season P:edrosa leads the rid- Australia will miss him on the grid. But then that’s my job to arch-Spanish rival in the last two races. step and I really want to try the new set- ers’ standings on 123 points from try and keep Australia still cheering for someone. We’ll see And Assen holds fond memories for the up on another track. Lorenzo (116), Marquez (93), Cal what happens there.” —Reuters Honda man. “I have raced here many “I hope that this improvement will Crutchlow (71) and Rossi (60).—AFP F1: Williams jumps the lights to mark 600 races

SILVERSTONE: Frank Williams has never of motorsport is a remarkable achieve- Group, as a tribute to their continued hard sticking to their principles and remaining been one to stand and wait, always obey- ment,” said Williams, the team’s founder work and dedication. as British as afternoon tea. Nine of those ing the adage that claims if you stand still and principal. “Seventy-eight teams have “Williams has never been an organiza- titles have been won in the constructors’ in Formula One, you will be overtaken by come and gone or changed ownership tion to dwell on what has gone before but championship. The other seven were driv- the developments of your rivals. As a since our foundation and our longevity is a this weekend we will be rightly celebrating ers’ championships won with Alan Jones, result, it is no surprise that the Williams testament to the thousands of people who our heritage and reflecting on some of our Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel team will be celebrating their achievement have sacrificed so much to keep us here. defining moments over the past 36 years,” Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and of 600 Grand Prix race starts at this week- “It seems only right to mark this mile- added Williams’ daughter Claire, who is Jacques Villeneuve. end’s British Grand Prix-one week before stone at the home of British motorsport deputy team principal and commercial Quintessentially British, the Williams they actually reach that landmark. alongside our loyal British fans.”The British director. “This is also an opportunity for us Group has also grown into a significant The team will clock up 600 at the Grand Prix circuit was the scene of the to take stock and look ahead to the future, international business since its inception German Grand Prix on July 7, exactly seven team’s first win in 1979 and their 100th win making sure that we have the necessary and its achievements earned Frank days after the Silverstone race starts tomor- in 1997. To mark the achievement, the pieces in place to make our next 600 races Williams a knighthood in the 1999 New row, but they have decided that this week- Williams team will carry the number 600 on just as memorable.” Year’s Honors List to augment France’s end’s British event is more suitable for the side-pods of both their FW35 cars. The Founded in 1977 by Frank Williams and highest civil decoration, the Legion them to celebrate their longevity with their livery will also be emblazoned with the Patrick Head, Williams have secured 297 d’Honneur. The team hope to add to the home fans. “For an independent team like names of all 691 Williams employees who podiums, 114 race wins and 16 world celebrations this weekend by scoring their Williams to reach 600 races at the pinnacle work across all divisions of the Williams championship titles in 36 years always first points of the season. —AFP sports SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Noel, Len atop an NBA Photo of the day draft full of questions

NEW YORK: Nerlens Noel is coming off a major knee injury. Alex Len is in a walking boot. One of them could be the No 1 pick Thursday in an NBA draft that appears short on stardom, and neither looks ready to get his career off to a running start. “This draft is really unpre- dictable, a lot of guys with injuries and you don’t have any, like, LeBron James,” Len said Wednesday. “So it’s going to be interesting.” Ten years after James climbed on stage to start a draft that goes down as one of the best in recent memory, the No 1 pick again belongs to Cleveland. The Cavaliers won’t find anyone who can play like James on the court - if they keep the pick - and even the climb- ing the stage part will be a challenge for the big men who opened their college seasons against each other and are competing again now. Noel tore the ACL in his left knee on Feb. 12, ending his lone season at Kentucky. The 6-foot 11 freshman led the nation in shot blocking and his conference in rebounding, but hasn’t been able to show the Cavaliers if his offensive game has grown. The only basketball work he did during his visit to Cleveland was shooting some free throws. Perhaps the pants he wore with his sports jacket and orange tie were just too tight, but Noel was walking gingerly as he exited a hotel ball- room after meeting with the media Wednesday. “I wanted to do more. Unfortunately I got hurt, but I mean I defi- nitely felt right before I got injured I was really coming along as a player and just really coming into my own during that part of the season,” Noel said. “But like I said, unfortunately I got hurt, so I wasn’t able to show as much as I wanted to.” Nor has Len, but that hasn’t stopped the 7-1 center from the Ukraine who spent two seasons at Maryland from climbing into the mix at No 1. His left foot started bothering him around February, and he found out after the season that it was a stress fracture. The Stig drives the RB7 during the Top Gear Festival in Durban, South Africa. He was aware he was projected as a top-10 pick before the draft combine, but may go much higher even though his visits to teams have consisted of nothing more than interviews. He no longer needs crutches but will be in the boot for perhaps two more weeks. So, with all these injury questions, what about playing it safe and picking NFL criminal cases a healthy guy? “I mean, probably a lot of people wish it could be that easy,” Kansas guard Ben McLemore said. “But it’s a process for the teams, they’ve got to see what’s available and what they really need. put focus on vetting And like I said, this draft is up in the air and nobody knows what’s going to happen, who’s going to get drafted in which order.” Orlando has the No 2 pick, followed by Washington, Charlotte NEW YORK: Two felony charges in one day were more than a bump aware of three cases this year worse than a speeding ticket: Two and Phoenix. McLemore, Indiana’s Victor Oladipo, Georgetown for- in the NFL’s offseason. They pointed to an ongoing problem for the drunk driving and a misdemeanor drug charge. ward Otto Porter and national player of the year Trey Burke of league - players who wind up at the center of criminal cases. New While granting that NFL rosters are far bigger than those in the Michigan are among the other players who will hear their names England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested on NBA or MLB, Benedict says, “You can’t take these tiny snap shots and called early at Barclays Center by NBA Commissioner David Stern in Wednesday in Massachusetts, accused of murdering his friend Odin say the NFL is low.” Of course, even a few cases such as Hernandez’s or his final draft. It’s a class that won’t draw any comparisons to the one Lloyd. Hours later, Cleveland Browns linebacker Ausar Walcott was that of Jovan Belcher - the Kansas City player who shot his girlfriend to that James led, which featured future Miami Heat teammates charged with attempted murder in New Jersey. death last December, then committed suicide in front of his coach Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, along with NBA scoring champion Both players were cut later in the day by their teams. On Thursday, and general manager - can create a widespread negative image. And Carmelo Anthony among the first five picks. Brooklyn Nets general the league said any club that now wants to sign Hernandez will face a anyone who has suited up for an NFL team will face extra public manager Billy King said a number of teams are trying to trade out of hearing with Commissioner Roger Goodell first. The question is scrutiny for even minor transgressions. the draft and acquire extra picks for next year, which is expected to whether the veteran tight end and the rookie should have been in the That, in turn, puts more pressure on the league’s vetting process. be a stronger class. But he doesn’t know if there will be enough league at all. “It is difficult, it’s always a balancing act,” says Tony Dungy stresses that the amount of homework teams do is critical teams interested in being trade partners to get those deals done. Dungy, who won a Super Bowl as Indianapolis Colts coach and has because they don’t get a lot of one-on-one time with prospective “There are good players in this draft, but right now, there are not served as a mentor to players since leaving the NFL, including Michael players. Some clubs do psychological analyses, even hiring outside impact players. What I mean by that is that there’s no one you look at Vick after the quarterback served federal prison time for dogfighting. agencies to handle them. Though others like the approach, Dungy is in this draft that within two years will be an All-Star, say like Kyrie “The league has a security department that sends out information, not a fan of it and always believed in his gut feeling about a player. Irving was, players like that,” said Minnesota Timberwolves president and every team is different in terms of how much its scouting depart- “You have to find out if they have grown from the issues, or there Flip Saunders, referring to the guard Cleveland took with the No. 1 ment does and what areas are concentrated on most. “It’s really a seems to be a pattern, or will these issues always be there,” he says. pick in 2011. matter of what you do with the information and what your organiza- Bill Polian, who built the Bills, Panthers and Colts into Super Bowl “And so in order for you to move up and dilute your talent pool tion feels is important. One thing you have to keep in mind is a lot of teams as one of the NFL’s most successful general managers and and your roster, you’ve got to get an impact-type player, and I just the (negative) things that happen come when they are 15 or 17 or 19 team presidents, strongly maintains that the league’s vetting process don’t believe ... there’s good players, probably pretty good players in years old.” is solid. It delves into players’ histories from high school and university this league, but are they going to be that impact player who’s going According to FBI statistics cited by the league, the incidence of NFL before they enter the league. Those investigations have become to be an All-Star or future Hall of Famer? That’s what you don’t see. players getting arrested is much lower than in the general public. The more sophisticated through the years; background checks include And sometimes that’s something you don’t see for two or three average annual arrest rate of NFL players is roughly 2 percent of about not only public records such as court documents and arrest data, but years in a row.” 3,000 players who go through the league each year, including tryouts talking to teammates and coaches, high school principals and other McLemore has in some ways been hurt by healthy, since by and minicamps. That’s about half the arrest rate of the general U.S. people who have been a part of a player’s life and development. being able to work out he’s given teams something to nitpick. Noel population, the league says. The NFL notes the disparity becomes But there’s no way of knowing how playing American football for and Len have been largely free of criticism while sitting on the side- even more dramatic when the group is narrowed to American men a living will change a young man. “There’s no magic wand a team can line. Instead, Len is hoping his first impression of the season is one ages 20-34. wave and change that player who has had serious problems. It’s no that holds up, when he had a career-high 23 points, 12 rebounds But Jeff Benedict, author of several books on athletes and crimes, different than any other workplace in America, just more publicized,” and four blocks against Noel in Maryland’s loss to Kentucky, right in including “Pros and Cons, The Criminals Who Play In The NFL,” Polian says. Former Denver Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist the building where they will be Thursday. “I did well against him. So, believes the FBI statistics are a bad gauge. “The danger of doing com- said the Vick scandal made teams improve vetting. “Vick was the turn- it’s not up to me, it’s up to teams,” Len said of a team choosing parisons with the general public is, if you look at these people and ing point on the timeline,” Sundquist says. “He was right in their back- between the two. Neither player said he knows what the Cavs will their backgrounds, how many of those guys who have been arrested yard and they didn’t know it was going on, an example of a team that do. There has been speculation they are open to dealing the pick, in the FBI numbers have been to college, make a lot of money like NFL had not had a handle on what players were doing.” something teams rarely consider in a year with a clear-cut No 1. Noel players do, and live in safe, good neighborhoods?” Benedict says. “The Ultimately, if the public grows tired of player misconduct, regard- said he had gotten no sense from the Cavs that they had concern issue is why any of these guys are doing this when they have all these less of the low percentages, it could become a huge problem for the about his knee, which could keep him off the court until early in the good things going on in their lives.” NFL. And it could change how the teams approach player procure- regular season. And in a draft full of questions, he believes selecting The San Diego Union-Tribune, which has tracked NFL arrests ment. “As these issues become a much more public situation in a him is the right answer. “I’m a good teammate, I definitely love to “more serious than speeding tickets” dating to 2000, has listed 36 this business that relies upon the public for its goodwill,” Polian says, “you work,” Noel said. “I want to get better. I want to be great, I want to year, including Hernandez and Walcott and three players who were are more and more concerned about taking chances on individuals - reach my potential, be the best player I can be. I definitely do count- charged twice. By comparison, the NBA says six of its players have no matter what the talent - if they have problems in their back- less hours in the gym and I’m definitely working to get there.”— AP been arrested since last July 1, and Major League Baseball says it’s ground.”— AP SPORTS SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Chiefs blow away Hurricanes to go top

HAMILTON: Aaron Cruden continued have played one game more than the being a missed conversion by Beauden ion with his second penalty before the his development as a potential world New Zealand side. The loss ended the Barrett. Cruden slotted an early penalty Chiefs shut the Hurricanes down in the class flyhalf by guiding a ruthless Hurricanes’ playoff hopes. “We were a and converted tries to number eight final quarter. Waikato Chiefs side to the top of the bit rusty in the first half and I think Matt Vant Leven and inside centre The Chiefs pulled clear when Super Rugby standings with a 34-22 (showed) a bit more accuracy and tick- Bundee Aki. scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow and victory over the Wellington Hurricanes er (heart) in the second half,” Chiefs Both of the Hurricanes tries, to replacement prop Ben Tameifuna in Hamilton yesterday. Cruden, who captain Craig Clarke said in a pitchside scrumhalf TJ Perenara and Barrett, crashed over to give the home side a grew in confidence when he started interview. “The points are crucial as we came from patient build-ups and while 19-point lead with five minutes two tests for the All Blacks against aim to get a home semi and we have the flyhalf converted Perenara’s try, he remaining before Alapati Leiua France earlier this month as world to keep winning these local derbies.” was unable to add the extra points grabbed a consolation try for the leading points scorer Daniel Carter The intensity was ramped up with from his own. The 22-year-old, howev- Hurricanes. “I felt we were in that game recovered from a broken hand, created the playoffs looming as both sides er, added a penalty with halftime even though the scoreboard suggests two tries and slotted 14 points with the shook off the rust from the internation- looming to reduce the deficit to 17-15 otherwise,” Hurricanes captain Conrad boot. al break. Both were patient in their at the break. Barrett missed an early Smith said. “They’re a good side and The four-try victory moved the 2012 attack, willing to build phases and second half penalty and the match set- you know that when you think you’re champions to 61 points, ahead of stretch the opposition defense with tled into a war of attrition before in it, look at the scoreboard and are 10 Australia’s ACT Brumbies (59), who the only difference in the first half Cruden gave his side a five-point cush- points down.”— Reuters

Lions on verge of first series win in 16 years

MELBOURNE: The British and Irish Lions are poised to secure their first series in 16 years while the Wallabies have their backs to the wall and must win today’s pivotal second Test in Melbourne. Warren Gatland’s Lions go in with the edge after clinging on to a 23-21 victory in last week’s Brisbane Test when Kurtley Beale missed a kickable penalty in the final minute. The Lions last won a series in South Africa in 1997 and the chief coach has shaken up a winning side in a bid to wrap up the series ahead of the July 6 final Test in Sydney. Gatland has made five changes, while Australia counter- part Robbie Deans has made two enforced changes and kept faith in James O’Connor at flyhalf despite his difficult night in the first Test defeat. Gatland was forced to switch two of his front five because of injuries with England’s Mako Vunipola and Geoff Parling promoted to take the places of Alex Corbisiero in the front row and lock Paul O’Connell. The coach has also added Wales flanker Dan Lydiate to the back row in place of Tom Croft, while Ben Youngs replaces NEW YORK: Spectators watch Hee Young Park, of South Korea, hit a tee shot on the 10th hole during the second round of experienced scrum half Mike Phillips, who has a knee injury. the US Women’s Open golf tournament at the Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton. — AP Tom and Ben Youngs will become the first brothers to start together in a Test for the Lions since Scotland’s Gavin and Scott Hastings in the third Test of the 1989 series against the Wallabies. Ireland’s Tommy Bowe returns on the right wing for Park in the major mix Brisbane try scorer Alex Cuthbert after making a three-week recovery from a broken hand that required surgery. “One or two changes were forced on us, and we’ve got a at US Women’s Open couple of players coming back from injury, but it just shows how strong the squad is and that we have a huge amount of competition,” Gatland said. “It is about picking the best team to do a job for us. We can win this series by winning today and South Korean opens with a 67 at Sebonack that’s where our whole focus needs to be. Everything for us is about today’s night.” Deans, whose Wallabies’ coaching future NEW YORK: South Korea’s in-form Park didn’t miss many fairways or greens.” been going, the way I’ve been getting may hinge on the series outcome, brought in Beale for con- Inbee made an ideal start in her pursuit Tournament organizers had moved sev- the luck,” said Park. “I think I am in the cussed Berrick Barnes at fullback and Joe Tomane for side- of a third major crown this year as she eral of the tees up due to concerns over zone. I’ve been playing my best in my lined winger Digby Ioane. charged into contention for the US a poor weather forecast for Thursday, career at the moment. I really just want But Deans points to the availability of Christian Lealiifano Women’s Open in Southampton, New and Park took advantage with some to enjoy the moment.” as key for his side’s chances after the ACT Brumbies’ inside- York in Thursday’s opening round. aggressive approach play. “I was able to Park, who at 19 became the youngest centre was knocked out in the opening tackle of last week’s Taking advantage of some favorable tee attack some pins where the USGA ever winner of the US Women’s Open Test and was carried off. The Wallabies also had further dis- positions, the world number one birdied (United States Golf Association) was a lit- with a four-shot victory in the 2008 edi- ruption with Barnes and Pat McCabe stretchered off and four of her last nine holes to fire a superb tle generous on us, a lot of tees were tion at Interlachen, was a heavy favorite five-under-par 67 at Sebonack Country moved up,” she said. “So instead of hit- coming into this week following wins in injuries to Adam Ashley-Cooper and Ioane. “It was a pretty Club, ending the day a stroke behind her ting like five-irons, we were hitting nine- her previous two starts on the LPGA challenging circumstance last week. It’s not great to get pacesetting compatriot Kim Ha-neul. irons, and that made the course much Tour. “I’ve played very good golf the last injured in your first outing. Christian will get the chance to Another Korean, Kim In-kyung, was easier. “I was actually able to go for some two or three months,” the South Korean experience a lot more this week and we’ll get the benefit of also in early contention for the season’s pins and give myself a lot of opportuni- said. “Everything’s been going the right that,” Deans said. third major after carding a 68 to finish ties today. I made a lot of putts and way. Everything’s going the way I really “I thought the boys did incredibly well under the circum- level with American Lizette Salas and didn’t leave much out there.” want it to.” Park held at least a share of stances, particularly as it was a domino effect that went from Swedes Caroline Hedwall and Anna the lead for most of the day until Kim there to the extent where we had to play a forward in the Nordqvist. However, Park will have given OOZING CONFIDENCE birdied her 17th hole, the par-five backline. So for the team to work their way through and put every other player in the field plenty to Having already won this year’s Kraft eighth, to edge one shot clear. themselves in the position to be able to win that game was think about after surging to the top of Nabisco Championship and LPGA “This is my first time in US Open, and I remarkable. “Clearly this week we’ve had the benefit of some the leaderboard in her bid for a sixth vic- Championship, Park is oozing self-belief didn’t think that I’m going to do it like more prep and hopefully we’ll have a lit bit more fluency in tory on the 2013 LPGA Tour, and the as she seeks to emulate Babe Zaharias this,” the 24-year-old Kim said through a our game and Christian will be a big part of that.” fourth major title of her career. “I played (1950), Mickey Wright (1961) and Pat translator after piling up six birdies in a On the last two tours to Australia, in 1989 and 2001, the very good today,” the 24-year-old Bradley (1986) by clinching three major bogey-free display. Kim has triumphed side that has won the first Test has gone on to lose the series. Korean told reporters after mixing six titles in one season. “I do have a lot of seven times on her home LPGA of Korea Lions captain Sam Warburton does not want history to repeat birdies with a lone bogey and totaling confidence in myself at the moment ... Tour where she led the money list in itself. “The talk around the players has been making sure we only 25 putts. “I hit the ball very good, the way I’m playing, the way things have 2011 and 2012. —Reuters finish it this weekend,” Warburton said. —AFP sports SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 Nerveless Navas sends Spain into final Spain beat Italy 7-6 on penalties to reach Confeds final

FORTALEZA: Jesus Navas scored the deci- extra time in the 120th minute, the crowd inside the box that Spain goalkeeper Iker Tax authorities sive penalty as World Cup holder Spain inside the Castelao Stadium cheered loud- Casillas did well to block. beat Italy 7-6 in a shootout Thursday after ly, applauding two hours of world class A minute later, Xavi Hernandez set up tighten screw extra time ended 0-0, setting up a show- football between teams which could not Spain’s only real chance early on but down with host Brazil in the be separated. Before kickoff, about 5,000 Fernando Torres shot wide. Reverting to a on Spanish clubs Confederations Cup final. Nobody missed anti-government protesters battled police three-man defense, Prandelli made anoth- in the shootout until Italy defender about 2 kilometers from the stadium. More er tactical move to start the second half, MADRID: News that the Spanish tax authorities intend to pur- Leonardo Bonucci shot over the bar to give protests are expected at tomorrow’s final replacing center back Andrea Barzagli with sue World Footballer of the Year Lionel Messi on charges of Navas an attempt at the winner. of the World Cup warm-up tournament. midfielder Riccardo Montolivo and putting avoiding more than four million euros ($5.2 million) tax on The recently signed Manchester City income from his image rights has captured world attention. midfielder cooly beat goalkeeper Gianluigi The Spanish taxman’s focus on the previously squeaky-clean Buffon to end a top-class battle and send Argentine superstar is in keeping with a more robust Spain to another major final. “We were approach to the world of football when it comes to paying lucky in the penalty shootout,” Spain coach their dues to society in a time of economic crisis. On the sur- Vicente del Bosque said. “It was a very diffi- face, the health of Spanish football looks rosy. The national cult match for us.” In draining heat and team are world and European champions and all 11 players humidity, each side hit the woodwork in chosen in FIFA’s 2012 team of the year played in La Liga. extra time. Emanuele Giaccherini smashed But beneath that healthy exterior is a mountain of debt a shot off the post in the 93rd minute and that clubs below the big two are struggling to cope with. At Buffon deflected a shot from Xavi the end of the 2011/12 season the total debt of Spanish clubs Hernandez off the post in the 115th. stood at an incredible 3.3 billion euros, much of it owed to the “It was a marvelous team effort by both tax authorities. Latest figures released in March showed that teams,” Del Bosque said. “It was a clean although the debt to the state had fallen by 8.2% in the past and sporting match that was played under year, there was still some 690.4 million euros outstanding - very difficult climatic conditions.” The final 535.8 million of which belonged to teams in the Primera will be played tomorrow at the Maracana Division. Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Italy will also The authorities claim the reduction in the debt is thanks to face Uruguay in the third-place match in their firm stance, with repayment plans in place with a num- Salvador tomorrow. “Now we have to con- ber of clubs. The Spanish Professional Football League has sider what we have to do in the three days also begun to take serious measures to curb the culture of to recover,” Del Bosque said. “We will defi- debt amongst its members. Clubs will have to lodge with the nitely stand up to Brazil in the Maracana. league their budgets for the upcoming season along with The players should feel as happy as kids their operating costs and the amount they are due to repay playing in the Maracana. They have won a tax authorities over the season. The league will then set a limit lot, but they want to win in the Maracana.” FORTALEZA: Players of Spain celebrate after midfielder Jesus Navas (out of that the club is allowed to spend on its first-team squad and In a rematch of the Euro 2012 final, frame) scored his penalty in the shoot-out at the end of the extra time and management team. which Spain won 4-0, Italy threatened early defeating Italy in their FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 semifinal foot- Moreover, from the 2014/15 season clubs will have to on even without the injured Mario ball match on June 27, 2013. — AFP deposit 35% of their income from television rights with the Balotelli, relying on counterattacks, while league, and it will then be used as security against them fail- Spain relied on its usual game of short Thursdays’ were the latest in a series of De Rossi at the center of the defense. ing to pay the tax authorities on time. The long-term goal of passes and ball possession. “We played a massive, nationwide protests that have hit Seeking to inject some energy into his these measures is to clear the clubs’ tax debts by 2020. The great match. We created and we conceded Brazil since June 17. Demonstrators are squad, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque regulations will also coincide with UEFA’s newly implemented but we were always in the match,” Italy angered about corruption and poor public sent on Navas for David Silva in the 52nd Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules which threaten clubs that fail to coach Cesare Prandelli said. “They’re still services despite a heavy tax burden. and Navas had the first significant chance balance their books with expulsion from European competi- ahead of us but we’re improving. “In these Protests are also denouncing the billions of of the second half six minutes later with a tion. conditions, between absences and fatigue, dollars spent to host the World Cup and long, low effort that Buffon controlled. However, there has been skepticism as to whether bigger it’s nearly impossible to go all the way, but the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The roles reversed as the second half clubs who fail to meet such obligations will be punished as the guys really moved me,” Prandelli Tomorrow is the fourth major final wore on, with Italy controlling more and harshly as smaller fry. Stefan Szymanski, professor of sport added. Spain will play in five years, having won the Spain resorting more to counterattacks. management at the University of Michigan and who has writ- The roles reversed in the second half 2008 and 2012 European Championships Italy had a series of corner kicks at one ten extensively about the economics of European football, but it wasn’t until extra time that each side plus the 2010 World Cup. Inside the point but had trouble producing chances. points out that tax authorities often struggle with clamping produced some of the match’s best Fortaleza stadium, which appeared full, Navas threatened in the 92nd with a long down on big clubs with huge fanbases and significant power chances. “The Italians were better than us there was overwhelming support for Italy shot that appeared to surprise Buffon but to influence governments. for all of the first half. In the second half it from local fans, who were perhaps afraid of the goalkeeper quickly recovered. A “Tax authorities the world over will go after a well-known was more balanced and then in extra time facing Spain in the final. Spain was booed minute later, Giaccherini hit the post and player or football club once in a while as it is a very strong way we improved gradually and then we were early on every time it took the ball. then Jordi Alba volleyed high from close of sending a message that everyone is liable for tax. —AFP superior,” Del Bosque said. When English Christian Maggio had the best chance of range as all of a sudden there was a flurry referee Howard Webb whistled the end of the first half in the 36th with a header of chances. —AP Julio Cesar set for Confeds conquest

RIO DE JANEIRO: After being one of the penalty save in Wednesday’s semi-final generally played second fiddle to Dida, he Of his save against Uruguay, Julio main fall guys for a disappointing 2010 win over Uruguay provided the spring- swiftly came to the attention of Inter Cesar, closing in steadily on the 100 caps World Cup, goalkeeper Julio Cesar is back board for a gutsy, if slightly fortuitous, Milan, who initially farmed him out to mark, said he had simply done his home- in Brazil’s good books for playing a major victory at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Chievo on loan. work and that he knew Forlan would fire part in the Selecao’s march to the Horizonte. But he was back within months to oust his penalty to his left. “I played with him Confederations Cup final. The oldest play- His stop from Diego Forlan’s spotkick Francesco Toldo as first choice at San Siro at Inter Milan - but it was a good stop,” he er in a squad comparatively lacking expe- drew praise even in the immediate after- and after helping his country win the told reporters. “Luckily, Julio Cesar made rience as coach Luiz Felipe Scolari builds a math of what was a crushing blow for 2009 Confederations Cup, his club career a really great stop,” added fellow London- team to lift the World Cup next year on Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, who swal- hit the ultimate high with Inter’s victory in based star, Chelsea defender David Luiz, home soil, the 33-year-old came to this lowed his frustration to note that Cesar the Champions League in 2010. Yet weeks whose tug on Diego Lugano gave away event hot after suffering the indignity of “has again shown what a great keeper he later he was deemed to be at fault for a the penalty. Julio Cesar has managed to relegation from the English Premier is”. Julio Cesar’s career has had its ups and Wesley Sneijder goal in a World Cup quar- throw off his recent travails both with league with Queen’s Park Rangers. downs ever since he made his debut for ter-final loss to Holland and after Mano QPR and with Brazil and is now one match That fate was not quite the way the Flamengo 16 seasons ago. An under-17 Menezes replaced Dunga at the helm he away from a third international crown. veteran shot-stopper from Duque de world champion in 1997 who made his lost his place. His exile ended earlier this But he will hope his real crowning glory Caxias had expected to prepare for his full debut for Brazil in 2004, winning the year after Scolari replaced Menezes and will come in 12 months’ time as Brazil tar- end-of-season World Cup dress rehearsal. Copa America - with a penalty shootout he has re-established himself as number get what they really want more than any- But he has risen to hero status after his save against Argentina. And though he one between the posts. thing: A sixth World Cup.— AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013

US men slump to 100-year Wimbledon low

LONDON: The United States suffered Reynolds were left. It was a challenge champion, three-time winner John old in July, 2011. His ranking rose to 43 their worst men’s singles performance too far as Blake fell to Tomic and Kudla McEnroe (1981, 1983 and 1984) and in July last year but his progress has at Wimbledon for over a century when was put out by Ivan Dodig of Croatia. double champion Jimmy Connors stalled and he went into Wimbledon at they were left without a player in the So it’s been almost 10 years and (1974 and 1982). Isner has still to get 84 in the world. third round for the first time since now 39 Grand Slams since the United beyond the second round at Reynolds believes there is hope and 1912. World number one Novak States was able to salute a men’s tro- Wimbledon despite having the killer- that there is some promising young Djokovic delivered the fatal blow by phy winner at the majors. Pete serve which should, in theory, ease his talent in the college system and in the beating the last American man stand- Sampras was the last American man to path through the draw. “I was the early stages of ATP careers. “You have ing, world number 156 Bobby win Wimbledon when he captured his highest seeded player on a surface that guys like Jack Sock and obviously Reynolds, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-1 in the sec- seventh title in 2000. Andy Roddick, I’m tough to beat on, given how well I Steve Johnson and Kudla, guys like ond round. the last US man to lift a major at the can serve and how much I can hold that, that have huge weapons,” said In all, 11 American men started out 2003 US Open, suffered three heart- serve,” said Isner. Reynolds. in the main draw on Monday but their breaking Wimbledon final losses to “I had a good chance to go pretty “They’ve got huge serves, huge only two seeded players-John Isner Roger Federer in 2004, 2005 and 2009. far here. My deal is just as long as I can forehands. Obviously, it’s a matter of and Sam Querrey were out by Since then, the only American man to get through the first couple of rounds I harnessing those, cutting down on the Wednesday. Isner, the 18th seed, trouble the All England Club engravers feel like I always get better as events errors, and using that. “I do see those retired with an injury from his second was Isner whose name now adorns a go on.” Querrey’s best Wimbledon per- guys as having top potential. Isner had round match against France’s Adrian plaque on Court 18 to recognise his formance remains a last-16 run in a freak accident. He could have gone a Mannarino. Querrey, the 21st seed, lost winning role in the world’s longest 2010. Ryan Harrison, 21, who was long way. Querrey had tough trial with a five-setter in the first round to tennis match in 2010. another first round victim. Harrison Tomic. “There’s a lot of guys are com- Australia’s Bernard Tomic. By Thursday, It’s all a far cry from the glory years won his first tour-level match at just 15 ing up. They’re knocking on the only James Blake, Denis Kudla and of Sampras and Andre Agassi, the 1992 and cracked the top 100 as an 18-year- doorstep of top 100.”— AFP

Zemlja beats Dimitrov It’s Wimble-Zen as Djokovic gets inner to silence Sharapova Buddhist peace LONDON: Novak Djokovic admits trips to a Buddhist tem- Robson keeps British flag flying ple near Wimbledon have given him the peace of mind to cope with a manic week at the All England Club. Djokovic LONDON: Slovenian Grega Zemlja had to deal with Grigor has progressed serenely to the last 32 while several of the Dimitrov’s thunderous serve, drizzle and Maria Sharapova’s world number one’s rivals for the Wimbledon title have vocal support for his opponent as he caused another surprise suffered agonizing exits. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and at Wimbledon on yesterday. After the match was stopped by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga all perished within the first three days, Thursday’s rain with unseeded Zemlja leading 9-8 in the fifth, but Djokovic has yet to drop a set and hasn’t surrendered having had two match points, he returned to complete the job his serve in his opening two matches. in a nervy finale, winning 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-4 11-9 to reach the The 26-year-old Serb maintained his dominant form on third round for the first time. Thursday with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-1 win over American qual- Russia’s former world No1 Sharapova, Dimitrov’s high-pro- ifier Bobby Reynolds under the Centre Court roof. And file girlfriend who was already consigned to the second-round Djokovic revealed he has been taking his mind off the scrapheap during a tumultuous Wednesday, urged her man intense struggle for a second All England Club title by on with loud “C’mons!” from a her courtside seat. Bulgarian seeking refuge in the tranquil surroundings of a Buddhist Dimitrov saved three more match points in the opening game Temple near the rented house which he shares with girl- of the day, the first after another delay as he refused to play on friend Jelena Ristic and his coaching team in Wimbledon at 30-40, saying the court was too greasy. However, there was Village. “It’s very calm and quiet, obviously. I stay in a to be no escape as the solid Zemlja crunched a running fore- house which is very nearby. This is a place which we all vis- hand winner down the line. it,” Djokovic said.”We like Wimbledon and London in gen- “At a few points I heard her Maria screaming behind my eral because there’s so many beautiful parks and nature, back which wasn’t very pleasant!” the 26-year-old son of a for- places which you can call getaways during these two mer ski jumper, told reporters. “It was after the points not dur- weeks of a hectic Grand Slam atmosphere. “Obviously ing the points though.” Dimitrov, whose stylish shots have led there is huge amount of pressure and stress and every- to comparisons with 17-times grand slam champion Roger thing involved, so you need to have a place where you Federer, is yet to make a major breakthrough and many pre- know you can switch off and recharge your batteries. dicted a strong run here for the 22-year-old 29th seed. Victory “I guess it’s private, in a way. But I just can say that it’s a over Zemlja would have meant he survived longer this year very calm and very beautiful environment where I like to than seven-times champion Federer, but he lacked the author- spend time.” Djokovic’s low-stress path towards another ity to seize his chance, despite some stunning winners. Wimbledon final is unlikely to get much more demanding in the next round when he is due to face French 28th seed TOO GREASY Jeremy Chardy or German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff. At 8-9, 30-30 Dimitrov lost his footing while delivering a Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer are potential quarter- serve and tried to play his second shot from a sitting position. final and semi-final opponents respectively, but neither Then he walked towards his chair and refused to play on say- are likely to strike fear into the heart of the six-time Grand ing the surface was too greasy, forcing a 15-minute delay. Slam champion. “When I slipped, I fell down, I hit my hip,” Dimitrov told LONDON: Grega Zemlja of Slovenia follows a return to However, Djokovic is adamant he won’t get carried reporters. “I told him, I’m not serving. Basically we had to stop Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria during their Men’s second away by dreams of more Wimbledon glory just because a and wait for another chance.” Zemlja, who spent the previous round singles match at the All England Lawn Tennis few big names have crashed out. “I don’t think about the night reflecting on the two match points that went begging Championships in Wimbledon yesterday. -— AP final because it’s still a very long way,” he said. “I think the on Thursday, was not impressed. fact that the top players lost in the last few days gives “I said to the umpire, “What’s going on we were playing resistance cracked in the following game. “Not at all,” Dimitrov enough reason for all of us to not underestimate any until now, the conditions are not changing so why are we not said when asked whether having Sharapova cheering him on opponent and not look that far. “So we got to take it step playing,” but I can’t force him to play.” When the match point increased the pressure. “I feel even more pumped and happy by step. It’s sport, you know. This is what happens. was finally contested Dimitrov thumped down a pile-driving that she’s there for me.” Zemlja will play eighth seeded “Everybody, especially lower ranked players in the open- serve and Zemlja’s forehand return smacked into the net tape Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the third round today. ing rounds, have nothing to lose really when they go on and stayed on his side. the centre stage and they come up with their best game. Dimitrov saved two more match points in the same game, BRITISH FLAG FLYING “It’s something that you should always be cautious both greeted with a loud cheers from Sharapova who sported In another development, Laura Robson, the last British about, the potential upsets. “This is part of the sport. There a pair of expensive-looking sunglasses and Converse sneakers. woman standing at Wimbledon, made it through to the third is also a huge amount of expectation for the top players “Baby-Federer” had a break point at 9-9 but, like many of his round for the first time yesterday, beating Colombian qualifier always to reach the final stages.” —AFP opportunities in the four-hour contest, he wasted it and he his Mariana Duque-Marino in straight sets. — Agencies Zemlja beats Dimitrov to silence Sharapova 47 SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 SATURDAY, SportsSports

WIMBLEDON: Spain’s David Ferrer celebrates beating Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut during their second round men’s singles match on day five of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament yesterday. — AFP Ferrer books third round spot Stakhovsky fails to build on Federer shock

LONDON: David Ferrer came out on top in FEDERER-SLAYER STAKHOVSKY Melzer was able to subdue Stakhovsky’s continuing, but Melzer, already a break up, an all-Spanish second round match at Sergiy Stakhovsky’s Wimbledon fairy- serve and volley tactics and will play easily closed out the set. Wimbledon, getting the better of a baseline tale came to an abrupt end as Roger Spanish 15th seed Nicolas Almagro or Stakhovsky had out-played Federer by battle to beat Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3 3-6 Federer’s conquerer slumped to a 6-2, 2-6, Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz for a place in the attacking the Swiss great with a retro 7-6(4) 7-5 yesterday. When fourth seed 7-5, 6-3 defeat against Austria’s Jurgen quarter-finals. Stakhovsky might have had game-plan rarely seen in this era of base- Ferrer claimed the first set after 43 minutes, Melzer in the third round on Friday. an inkling it wasn’t going to be his day line dominance. Stakhovsky, bidding to there was no hint that the 60th-ranked Stakhovsky had caused one of the biggest when he suffered an injury scare midway make the fourth round of a Grand Slam for Bautista Agut could upset the country’s upsets in the history of the All England through the first set, slipping as he raced the first time, kept coming to the net and pecking order and reach the third round of Club when the world number 116 defeat- to the net and twisting his right ankle into levelled the match as he broke twice to a grand slam for the first time. But his clever ed reigning champion Federer on Centre an awkward position as he struggled to take the second set. He broke again for a 4- shot-making drew a string of unforced Court on Wednesday. It was Federer’s ear- stay upright. 2 lead in the third set, but suddenly lost his errors from this year’s French Open finalist liest exit from a Grand Slam for a decade The slippery condition of the grass rhythm and Melzer hit back in ruthless Ferrer in the second set and he tenaciously and ended the seven-time Wimbledon courts has been a major bone of con- fashion, breaking twice to move within one dug-in to take the third set to a tiebreak. champion’s incredible run of 36 successive tention this week and Grigor Dimitrov had set of victory. Stakhovsky failed to convert However, Ferrer kept his nerve to regain quarter-final appearances at the majors. refused to continue playing when he fell as three break points in the second game of the lead, broke in the 11th game of the But Stakhovsky, 27, was brought back rain came down during his defeat to Grega the fourth set and that proved the end of fourth set and closed it out to set up a down to earth just 48 hours later in the Zemlja on the same court earlier in the day. his memorable week as Melzer made him third-round match against Ukraine’s less glamourous surroundings of Court The Ukrainian called for a medical timeout pay with a break in the next game to seal Alexandr Dolgopolov. Three. Unlike Federer, world number 37 and had the ankle heavily strapped before the win. — Agencies