National & Liberation Days

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 JAMADA ALAWWAL 6, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net MoI: Parts How Iranian Gayle smashes Suarez brace of Gulf military double ton as puts Barca in Road to chiefs operate Windies pound charge as Messi be closed5 in13 Iraq Zimbabwe18 misses20 penalty Sisi widens scope of Min 08º Max 23º High Tide security crackdown 04:29 & 15:07 Low Tide Egyptian president issues new anti-terrorism law 10:23 & 23:19 40 PAGES NO: 16444 150 FILS CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has signed off on an anti-terrorism law that gives authorities more FIFA calls for sweeping powers to ban groups on charges ranging from harming national unity to disrupting public order. The winter World move, announced in the official gazette yesterday, is likely to increase concern among rights groups over the govern- ment clawing back freedoms gained after the 2011 upris- Cup in Qatar ing that ended a three-decade autocracy under Hosni Mubarak. Switch angers Europe Authorities have cracked down hard on the Islamist, sec- ular and liberal opposition DOHA: A FIFA task force’s call yesterday for the alike since then army chief 2022 World Cup in Qatar to be shortened and held Sisi toppled elected in November-December met immediate condem- Islamist president nation from Europe’s major football powers. Mohamed Morsi in 2013 Football’s ruling body said the tournament had to after mass protests against be moved from the traditional summer months his rule. According to the because of the scorching temperatures in Qatar. The group made a provisional recommendation for gazette, the law enables the 2022 tournament to start on Nov 26 and end authorities to act against on Dec 23 in a move that risks the wrath of any individual or group European football leagues and international broad- deemed a threat to casters. national security, includ- England’s Premier League chief Peter ing people who disrupt Scudamore said he was “very disappointed” by the public transportation, an apparent reference to decision. Spanish, German and French officials also Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi expressed opposition. A final decision will be made protests. Loose definitions by the FIFA executive committee at a meeting in involving threats to Zurich, Switzerland, on March 19-20. Fierce lobby- national unity may give the police, widely accused of abus- ing is expected up till then. A November-December es, a green light to crush dissent, human rights groups say. tournament was “the most viable period” for the The Interior Ministry says it investigates all allegations of World Cup, according to a FIFA statement released wrongdoing and is committed to Egypt’s democratic transi- after the task force ended its meeting in Doha. tion. Under the mechanism of the law, public prosecutors FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said the ask a criminal court to list suspects as terrorists and start a working group touched on “all the options”, includ- KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (left) and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh trial. Any group designated as terrorist would be dissolved, ing holding the World Cup in Jan and Feb 2023. “It Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attend the opening of the botanical garden at Bayan Palace yesterday. the law stipulates. It also allows for the freezing of assets is clear there are pros and cons for all but there is The garden project covers an area of 170,000 sq m and consists of a 3,200 sq m greenhouse hosting various belonging to the group, its members and financiers. one solution coming out from this discussion, exotic plants. — KUNA (See Page 2) Continued on Page 13 which is November-December 2022,” said Valcke, acknowledging that the proposal would not please everyone. Obama hails Qatar as ‘strong partner’ Continued on Page 13 WASHINGTON: US President Barack lize the country with Bashar Al-Assad in Obama praised Qatar as a “strong part- power. “There are areas where we dis- News ner” in the fight against Islamic State agree with the Qataris” said White militants yesterday despite what he House spokesman Josh Earnest, adding in brief called the “extraordinary challenge” of there were more areas where interests stabilizing Syria, as he hosted Emir “overlap”. Weapons found after Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Speaking after the meeting, the Emir the Oval Office. “Qatar is a strong part- also praised the strong bilateral relation- blast at citizen’s house ner in our coalition to degrade and ulti- ship, and urged efforts to advance the mately defeat ISIL,” said Obama, using Middle East peace process. “We have to By Hanan Al-Saadoun another name for the jihadist group. find a solution for Palestine. And I’m hap- “We are both committed to making sure py to learn, to hear from you Mr KUWAIT: A cache of weapons was found in the home of a that ISIL is defeated, to making sure that President, that you’re committed,” he said. citizen in Fahd Al-Ahmad after an explosion at noon yester- in Iraq there is an opportunity for all Libya and Yemen were also discussed. day, the criminal investigation department said late yester- people to live together in peace,” “The bottom line is that Washington and day. It said guns, forged currency, laptops and night-vision Obama said. Doha share an exceptionally strong goggles were seized. Earlier, a security source said that the Qatar is host to a large US military strategic partnership,” said Lori Plotkin citizen was taken to Adan Hospital in critical condition after he sustained burns on his face due to the explosion. base, but the two countries are some- Boghardt of the Washington Institute for Unconfirmed and conflicting reports were swirling times uneasy allies. The White House Near East Policy. “Washington and Doha throughout the day on social media on the cause of the played down allegations that Qatar has certainly have a number of important dif- blast and type of weapons found. itself has abetted hardline Islamic ferences, but we’ve seen over and over groups and is a source of terror financ- again that the strategic partnership ing. Obama said the two leaders are between the two allies ultimately trumps Gunman kills 8 at WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama meets Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim “deeply concerned” about Syria. He said in importance almost all of those differ- Czech restaurant bin Hamad Al-Thani yesterday in the Oval Office of the White House. — AP they don’t believe it’s possible to stabi- ences.” — Agencies PRAGUE: An apparently unstable armed man burst into a restaurant in an eastern Czech town yesterday, killing eight people before committing suicide, offi- cials said. The interior minister ruled out terrorism as a Faberge unveils motive for the rampage at the “Friendship” restaurant in the town of Uhersky Brod, which saw panicked din- first Imperial ers flee through a back door as two dozen shots rang out. “According to the available information, this was egg in 99 years not a terrorist attack, but one carried out by an imbal- anced individual,” Interior Minister Milan Chovanec DOHA: Once the jewel-encrusted playthings of the said on Twitter. Mayor Patrik Kuncar said the assailant, Russian royal family, the first Faberge Imperial egg pro- who turned the gun on himself after the shooting duced in almost a century was set to be unveiled in spree, was carrying two weapons and fired off 25 Qatar yesterday, its makers said. Ninety nine years since shots. Private television station Prima said the gun- Faberge made its last Imperial egg, for Tsar Nicholas II, man, identified as a resident of the town in his 60s, the famous jewel maker will show off had called its crime hotline to announce his plans. its newest creation at an exhibition of watches and jewellery in Doha. The “Faberge Pearl Egg” features IS jihadists kidnap 139 fine white pearls, and more Syrian Christians than 3,300 diamonds as well as BEIRUT: The Islamic State group has seized at least 90 other precious gemstones, accord- Assyrian Christians in Syria, in the jihadists’ first mass ing to the jeweller. Several Gulf kidnapping of Christians in the war-torn country, a nations have a long history of pearl monitor said yesterday. The abductions appeared to be diving, and Qatar is building an artificial in retaliation for a major Kurdish offensive aimed at island off its coast named after the recapturing nearby villages, and which has killed 132 precious treasure. jihadists in four days, said the Syrian Observatory for The egg is the first of its kind Human Rights. The Britain-based monitor said IS kid- commissioned since World War I. napped the Assyrians on Monday after seizing two vil- Faberge’s last Imperial creation - the Steel Military Egg - lages, Tal Shamiram and Tal Hermuz, in Hassakeh was commissioned in 1916 by the Tsar just months province from the control of the Kurdish People’s before he was removed from power by the Russian Protection Units (YPG). After IS attacked the two vil- Revolution and forced to abdicate in Feb 1917. Nicholas lages as well as the nearby town of Tal Tamr, which II had arranged the egg as a present for his wife, remains under Kurdish control, the jihadists set fire to a Alexandra. The tradition of giving decorative eggs was KUWAIT: The banking complex is decorated with lights in the colors of the national flag ahead of the cele- church there and then installed fighters in the remains started by his father, Tsar Alexander III, who surprised brations marking Kuwait’s 54th National Day (Feb 25) and the 24th Liberation Day (Feb 26) in Kuwait City of the building, an activist network reported. Continued on Page 13 yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Newly-appointed Environment Public Authority (EPA) directors met His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace yesterday. The team included Director General Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Deputy Director-General for Environmental Monitoring Dr Mohammad Dawood Al-Ahmad, Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs Mohamed Al-Enezi, and Director General for Administrative and Financial Affairs Rajaa Dawood Al-Busairi. It was accompanied by Minister of Oil and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Dr Ali Al-Omair. — KUNA Amir receives congratulatory cables on National Days

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh HH Sheikh Nawaf wished HH the Amir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah everlasting wellbeing to continue his received congratulatory cables yesterday achievements and service to the homeland. on Kuwait’s 54th National Day, the 24th He also prayed to the Almighty God to Liberation Day, and the ninth anniversary bestow everlasting stability, security, of HH the Amir’s assumption of power. progress and welfare on Kuwaiti people HH the Amir received cables from HH under the wise leadership of HH the Amir the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad. Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly HH the Crown Prince sent similar con- Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Chief of the gratulatory cables to National Guard Chief National Guard Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al- Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. National Guard Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad In return, HH Sheikh Nawaf received cables Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH Sheikh Nasser Al- from the National Guard Chief Sheikh Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and HH Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Sheikh Mubarak the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratu- Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. lating him on the national days. In their cables, they expressed loyalty to Kuwait and prayed to the Almighty Allah to Senior officials perpetuate lasting health and wellness on Moreover, HH the Crown Prince received His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- HH the Amir in continuing his benevolent cables of congratulation from National Sabah listens to a demonstration at the garden. HH Sheikh Nasser Al- and peaceful march in the country and Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Mohammad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak attain further development, prosperity, and senior sheikhs, Deputy Chief of the Sabah attends the opening ceremony of the botanical garden at Al-Sabah, and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign progress under his wise leadership. National Guard Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Bayan Palace. — Amiri Diwan photos Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah are seen in the background. Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH Sheikh Nasser Al- Honest sentiments Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and HH In return, HH the Amir exchanged good the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- sentiments and congratulated them and all Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and First Kuwaiti leadership attends Kuwaiti people on the national days, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign expressing his appreciation to their honest Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad sentiments and generous prayers. HH the Al-Sabah. Bayan Palace garden opening Amir also wished everyone the best of luck He also received congratulatory cables and success, recalling the noble sacrifices from cabinet ministers, governors, senior of Kuwait’s martyrs, praying to the state officials, MPs, diplomats and a large KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Al-Sabah and head of the financial and administra- Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Almighty Allah to bestow his mercy and number of Kuwaiti citizens and residents. In Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the tive department at the Amiri Diwan Abdulaziz Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of and Interior peace upon their souls. return, HH Sheikh Nawaf sent cables to Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Saud Ishaq. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Moreover, HH the Amir also received Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti well-wishers con- Sabah attended yesterday the opening of the His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- were present at the opening. The botanical garden cables of congratulation from leaders of gratulating them on the dear occasion and botanical garden at Bayan Palace. Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister project covers 170,000 square meters, and consists Arab and foreign countries on Kuwait’s thanking them for their good sentiments. The Kuwaiti leaders were received at the garden Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First of a 3,200 square meters glasshouse hosting vari- 54th National Day, the 24th Liberation Day, by Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Ali Jarrah Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign ous exotic plants. — KUNA and the ninth anniversary of HH’ assump- tion of power. Acting Speaker In response, HH the Amir sent them Separately, Acting National Assembly cables of thanks and appreciation on their Speaker Ahmad Lari congratulated HH the good wishes and sentiments, wishing them Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- lasting health and wellness, as well as fur- Sabah on the 54th anniversary of the ther development and progress to relations National Day and the 24th anniversary of between their countries and Kuwait. the Liberation Day. Lari, in a press state- ment, wished HH the Amir everlasting well- UN honoring being, and Kuwait security, stability and In his cable to HH the Amit, HH the prosperity. He also thanked the Kuwaiti Crown Prince said that this year’s celebra- people for effectively participating in the tions follow the UN honoring and procla- country’s national occasions by decorating mation of HH the Amir as a Humanitarian their houses and suburbs, and hailed all Leader and of Kuwait as a Humanitarian state bodies for organizing national festi- Center. vals. — KUNA IOM deputy chief hails Amir’s humanitarian ‘leadership’

KUWAIT: International Organization for Migration (IOM) deputy chief Laura Thompson said her visit to Kuwait was to thank His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his ‘leader- ship’ in regional humanitarian response efforts. “The objective of my visit was to thank the government of Kuwait, HH (the Amir) for not only the collaboration with us but also his leadership in his whole human- itarian response in the region,” the Deputy Director-General Laura Thompson said in a speech at a UN House event. During the event which announced her publication on IOM joint efforts with Kuwait, she described her visit as ‘very suc- cessful’, saying “I leave from here very hap- py for the collaboration that we have with the government. KUWAIT: International Organization Several meetings she had held with for Migration (IOM) Director-General Kuwaiti government officials and lawmak- Laura Thompson speaks at the UN Deputy speaker lauds House. — KUNA ers, including parliament deputy speaker Mubarak Al-Khurainej, Thompson said, placed within the country, and certainly the “reflects a strong partnership that we (IOM) humanitarian needs in these two places are naming harbor after Amir have been able to develop with the gov- huge,” she said The UN official paid homage ernment of Kuwait (and) with the institu- to HH the Amir for his organization of three tions, and this is an excellent result.” international donors conferences for Syrian KUWAIT/AMMAN: Deputy National Assembly newspapers shed light in particular on the to- shrewdness in shadow of the current conditions “Thanks to the “generosity of the people refugees and those displaced, along with Speaker Mubarak Al-Khurainej on Monday level meeting significance, for it was held amid in the Arab region,” noting his rich experience in of Kuwait and HH the Amir”, she said “the neighboring nations hosting Syrian expressed gratitude to Jordanian King Abdullah critical conditions prevailing in the Middle East, diplomacy and his pivotal role in dealing with II for naming the gas port at Aqaba after His noting in this regard the region’s need for Sheikh the national crisis when his country was occu- IOM has been able to assist a lot of people refugees. Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah’s diplomatic shrewdness to tackle crises. pied by Iraqi forces between 1990 and 1991. that are in terrible need both in Syria and “The whole UN system has been receiv- Jaber Al-Sabah. Al-Rai in its front-page article said the two Iraq. The needs are great (and) the funds ing a lot of support, and particularly his (HH In a press statement, Al- Khurainej said the leaders focused their talks on cementing the Unifying efforts that we have received are still limited com- the Amir’s) convening of the two confer- honoring reflects how King Abdullah II and the brotherly ties between the two countries in vari- Al-Dostour gave prominence to the King ini- pared to the needs that exist, and we have ences before and the next conference, Jordanian people hold HH the Amir and the ous spheres. They affirmed the two leaders’ satis- tiative of naming the gas port in Al-Aqaba after seen the situation (go into) degradation.” which is to come on the 31st of March, Kuwaiti people in high esteem. He added that faction at current level of the bilateral relations Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad. For its part, Al-Arab Al- have been a determinant for securing a lot the Kuwaiti people appreciate the “brotherly ini- bonding Amman with Kuwait. At the Arab level, Yom said the summit “affirmed the two coun- Syrian refugees of the funding.” tiative” motivated by sincere feelings. HH the Amir and the Monarch noted need for tries’ stance with regard of the necessity to unify Her talks with Kuwaiti officials discussed These efforts were handed esteemed greater efforts to resolve the crises in Syria and efforts for combating terrorism and extremism.” around 12.5 million in Syria that have been recognition from the UN chief himself as Critical conditions Iraq, for sake of strengthening the Arabs’ ranks. It also noted the UN proclamation of HH the either internally displaced or are living as Ban ki-moon awarded HH the Amir a one- Meanwhile, the Jordanian daily press yester- It quoted the King as praising Kuwait for Amir as a Humanitarian Leader and Kuwait as a refugees in countries neighboring their and-only accolade for his contributions, day highlighted the Jordanian-Kuwaiti summit standing on Jordan’s side at hard times. Writer Dr Humanitarian Center, such titles have been own, she added. “We talked about two mil- dubbed the Humanitarian Leader award in between HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Yaacoub Nasser Edddine wrote in the same arti- earned with generous Kuwaiti assistance to peo- lion people in Iraq that have been dis- Geneva in November, 2014.— KUNA Al-Sabah and King Abdullah II on Monday. The cle, emphasizing “the need for the Amir’s ples in need for help. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Amir the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah during a National Day celebration. —KUNA photos Kuwaitis celebrate national occasions with strong patriotic sentiments

KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait celebrates today On May 18, 1964, leaders decided to pendence on February 25th-also known as the the constituent assembly, charged with draft- establishing strong relationships with friendly the 54th National Day amid deepening senti- change the anniversary day for it fell during National Day. ing National Constitution, based on democra- and brotherly countries, in addition to its lead- ments of faithfulness and devotion to the very hot summer period, merging the date cy. It was endorsed by the late Amir Sheikh ing role in promoting the GCC, backing inter- homeland among the citizens. with February 25th, also coinciding with Political system Abdullah Al-Salem, in November 1962, thus national efforts for global peace and security. June 19, 1961 marked the day Kuwait won Abdullah Al-Salem’s ascending to the top post. Kuwait, since 1962, has been updating its paving way for the first legislative elections, This approach, also aimed at ensuring abid- independence from Britain. The late Amir Since then, Kuwait has been celebrating inde- political system, starting with establishment of held on January 23, 1963. ance by the international legitimacy, has been Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the coun- The sixth provision of the Constitution stip- played within framework of the United try’s 11th ruler, signed at the time the inde- ulates that the ruling system in the country is Nations, its affiliate agencies, the Arab League, pendence document with Sir George democratic. The nation, which enjoys sover- the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (for- Middleton, the British commissioner in the eignty, is the source of all jurisdictions. Ruling merly the Organization of Islamic Conference), Arabian Gulf, thus repealing a treaty that had is practiced on basis of the three powers’ sepa- and the Non-Aligned Movement. been signed by the seventh ruler, Sheikh ration, however they maintain cooperation. Kuwait, since independence, has been Mubarak Al-Sabah, with the UK on January 23, None of the authorities, the executive, parlia- offering abundant aid to peoples in need, 1899, to protect the country. mentary and judicial, enjoy the right to cede where humanitarian activities have become a some of the jurisdictions assigned to each, as main feature of the country’s identity. Aware Homeland construction stipulated by the Constitution. of this, and as a gesture of gratitude, the Kuwait celebrated its National Day for the The Kuwaiti judicial system, renowned as United Nations has recently designed His first time on June 19, 1961, with a grand mili- “open and capable of resolving various strives,” Highness the Amir as a Humanitarian Leader tary parade at the old airport that had been is internationally respected and acclaimed- and Kuwait as a Humanitarian Center. located at “derwaza Al-Brai’see.” On that day, thus enabling Kuwait to establish solid politi- February is not a regular month for the the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem cal and economic ties with nations of the Kuwaitis; it is the month during which sacri- addressed the citizens, saying in part that the globe. fices of the ancestors are remembered. Since country “marks the first anniversary of the the 70s and 80s of the past century, the National Day, with the hearts filled with joy, Foreign policy nationals have been celebrating the occasion determination to press ahead with the home- Since its independence, Kuwait has adopt- with parades and festivities along the seaside land construction.” Sheikh Abdullah noted his ed moderate and balanced external policies, Arab Gulf Road. In 1985, the Flag Square was keenness on attaining prosperity and justice based on friendship, peace and stability and prepared to celebrate the occasions’ quarter- for all citizens. prosperity for nations. It has succeeded in century anniversary. —KUNA Kuwait Towers Lighting Show

KUWAIT: Khabari International, a key play- had joined works to install lightings at er in the Kuwait lighting industry, is set to Kuwait Towers to create a fully interactive display a lighting show on Kuwait Towers, media facade lighting solution, utilizing for the owner Touristic Enterprises 248,000 LEDs that are individually pro- Company as a part of their National and grammed. The entire solution is designed Liberation Day celebrations. This lighting to keep the identity of the landmark, merg- show is said to be one of the biggest and ing the atmosphere and vibes surrounding never seen before in Kuwait. It will take the towers to blend the highest standards place from 25th to 28th February 2015, of scenarios, using customized media con- from 5:30 am to 12:00 am, repeated every tent creation enabling a 360 degree view- half an hour intervals. ing angle. Further information of the show Earlier this month, Khabari International can be found at www.khabari.net.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Towers under construction during the 1970’s. —KUNA photos Kuwait towers to re-open today

KUWAIT: Serving as a monument reflecting National monument the country’s proud history and continuous Kuwait Towers serve as a national monu- progress, the newly refurbished Kuwait ment which also houses a cafe, a restaurant Towers re-open today, coinciding with the and other facilities. The design of the towers country’s celebration of its 54th National Day was approved by Sheikh Jaber and was con- and 24th Liberation Anniversary. The site had ceived by Swedish and Yugoslavian compa- been closed since 2012 for maintenance nies. The construction process took five years, Standing at 187 meters on the costal side from 1971 till 1976. The official opening cere- of the capital city, Kuwait Towers, or Abraj Al- mony occurred on March 1, 1979. Kuwait in Arabic, was built due to an initiative The towers sustained some heavy damage by His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- during the Iraqi invasion in 1990, with the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The three towers, cost estimated around KD 2 million. After the peppered with three humongous spheres, invasion, repairs were done to the towers were built as a replacement for old water and they were re-opened on December 26th, tanks in the old city area. 1992. —KUNA British Embassy wishes Kuwait Burgan Bank announces Happy National, Liberation Days KUWAIT: At the occasion of Kuwait’s tributing to Kuwait’s economy, build- piece of history that may seem distant holidays working hours National and Liberation Days, British ing Kuwait’s future; the British Council to those Kuwaitis (more than half of Ambassador Matthew Lodge, on is helping Kuwaitis young and old to you) who, like me, were born since KUWAIT: Burgan Bank today announced behalf of the British Embassy, would improve the English or sit their exams; 1961. But it is more than just history. like to say a few congratulatory words: UK universities are welcoming hun- Just as the UK’s participation in the lib- that its airport branch will resume normal “Mabrouk! Congratulations Kuwait. dreds of Kuwaiti students each year; eration of Kuwait in 1991 is more than working hours during Kuwait’s National It gives me great pleasure to offer British hospitals are treating Kuwaiti just history. These past events show and Liberation holidays, on Wednesday warmest wishes on behalf of the patients; Kuwaiti investments make a how we have been together, stand 25th February and Thursday 26th United Kingdom to His Highness The huge contribution to the UK econo- together, and fought together. February 2015, in order to accommodate Amir, the Government, National my; British Military officers work with- Alongside Kuwait’s many other part- banking requirements for all the cus- Assembly and all the people of Kuwait in the Kuwaiti MoD, Kuwaiti officers ners and friends, the UK continues to as you celebrate 54 years since inde- are being trained and educated in the stand together with Kuwait today - tomers during the public holidays. The pendence and 24 years since the liber- UK; and the UK and Kuwaiti and I look forward to us doing so bank’s branch will operate from 8:00 am ation. The relationship between Governments work closely together in tomorrow, next week, next year and to 10:30 pm. Kuwait and Britain is a special one. confronting global challenges such as British Ambassador beyond. Happy National and Close bonds connect people across the humanitarian disaster in Syria or Liberation Days, Kuwait!” For more information on any products Matthew Lodge or services, customers are required to the generations: there are still many the security threats posed by radical In celebration, The British Embassy contact Burgan Bank’s call center 1804080 signs of the British influence prior to extremism. I could go on, but (as my and competitive world. Our needs and will be closed on Wednesday and independence; thousands of British Kuwaiti friends often tell me) the point relationships seem increasingly com- Thursday, February 25-26, 2015. The during the holiday. On this occasion, nationals live and work here (a num- is, there is an understanding between plex. We need to maintain our part- embassy will resume its business on Burgan Bank extends its best wishes and ber have been here since the 1960s); us. I hope we can build on that under- nerships and build alliances across a Sunday, March 1, 2015. During this greetings to the public on Kuwait’s Kuwaiti children study the English cur- standing, strengthen our existing whole range of issues. The fact that time, all British Embassy departments nationwide celebrations of both the 54th riculum at school; British companies bonds and seek together to build new Kuwait’s independence, celebrated so will be closed which includes Visa Independence Day and the 24th large and small have close and impor- links for the future.” happily this week, followed the period Services at the Visa Application “We live in a volatile, fast-changing of the UK Protectorate is an interesting Centre (VAC). Liberation day. tant relationships with Kuwait, con- LOCAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Al Farsi Kite Festival kicks off

By Faten Omar 258, is part of the National and Liberation Days celebra- we also have the largest kite in the world,” said Al-Farsi This year the festival will offer many recreational and tions. The festival includes a variety of kites of various team’s Vice-Chairman Tariq Hassan. social activities from February 25 to 28. Many government KUWAIT: The Al Farsi Kite Festival kicked off yesterday shapes and sizes. “This festival is held for the 13th consecu- “There are 15 participating teams in the festival, with 40 and private agencies and volunteer teams are also partici- under the patronage of Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al- tive year. The participating teams are from France, Italy, US participants flying their kites. Though almost 50 kite flyers pating in the festival. The Ministry of State for Youth Affairs Sabah, Chairwoman of the Voluntary Work Center. The festi- and more than one team from Southeast Asia. We have had applied, we could not accommodate them all because announced its sponsorship of the festival, in addition to the val, held for the 13th consecutive year in Bnaider off Road always organized the largest kite festival in the world and of the weather and wind direction and speed,” Hassan said. Public Authority for Youth and Sports and VIVA Telecom. CBK provides services during National Days

KUWAIT: Celebrating the 54th Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) joy by flying white doves, kites and National Day and the 24th Board Chairman, Ali Al-Mossa, CEO, balloons with the colors of the Liberation Day anniversaries, Elham Mahfouz and staff expressed Kuwait flag. Speaking on the occasion, CBK’s Assistant General Manager for Advertising and Public Relations, Amani Al-Weraa, said: “CBK has pre- pared a special creative festivity on the occasion by flying white doves as a symbol of peace and love in addition to Kuwait flag-colored kites and balloons.” Weraa added that the bank also distributed badges with Kuwait’s old and new flags. In order to continue serving its customers at all times including the National and Liberation Days, CBK announced that it would continue KUWAIT: Celebrations underway at the National Council for Culture, Arts serving the customers through the and Letters. — KUNA two branches at the airport that already operate 24/7. In addition, Minister hails NCCAL as mirror the services will be provided through the bank’s service line for Kuwait’s culture, heritage number 1-888225 and online. KUWAIT: The National Council for the NCCAL’s staff to do all in power to Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) is a better represent Kuwait and raise its mirror that reflects the real civilized flag high at regional and internation- image of Kuwait’s culture and her- al culture events. itage, Minister of Information and The Minister called for boosting Minister of State for Youth Affairs the culture’s role in society and offer Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al- unlimited support to the talented Humoud Al-Sabah said yesterday. youth. The ceremony was attended Minister of Information and Minister Speaking at a ceremony to launch by a large number of NCCAL officials of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh the NCCAL’s celebration of the and staff. It included various activi- Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al- National Days, Sheikh Salman urged ties. — KUNA Sabah Bangladeshi embassy marks Martyrs Day

KUWAIT: The Martyrs and International Mother Language Day were observed at the Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait on 21 February 2015 in a befitting manner. To celebrate the day, the Mission drew up elaborate programs which included National Flag Hoisting at half mast at the Chancery and Bangladesh House, recita- tion from the Holy Quran, reading out of messages and discussion with participa- tion of community members. The program of the Day began with ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag at half-mast. Ambassador Maj Gen Mohammed Ashab Uddin, ndc, psc (rtd), hoisted the National Flag at half mast in presence of Embassy officials, officers of the Bangladesh Military Contingent to Kuwait, Bangladesh Biman and members of the Bangladesh community. Messages given by the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, and European Union’s Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Tibor Navrascis were read out by officers of the Mission. A doc- umentary film on the Martyrs and International Mother Language Day was also displayed at the program. A big number of Bangladesh community peo- ple from all strata of lives participated in the program. S M Mahbubul Alam, Counsellor and Head of Chancery anchored the program. The discussion program began with recitation from the Holy Quran. Special the day including art competition (differ- Bangladesh under the leadership of the dua and munajat were offered seeking ent age groups) and beautiful Bangla Father of the Nation Bangabandhu divine blessings for the Martyrs of the Handwriting Competition (different age Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He reiterated Language Movement and freedom fight- group). Around 150 children participated that as a nation we would not forget the ers who laid down their valuable lives for in the competitions. Trophies were dis- supreme sacrifice of the freedom fighters the causes of mother tongue and inde- tributed among the bests and crests & and we all should love our beloved moth- pendence of the country, and for contin- certificates were distributed among all erland and mother tongue with an ued peace and progress of the country the participants. At the end of the day, a unquestionable patriotism and without and for wellbeing of Bangladesh commu- Bangla Poem Recitation program was any prejudice. He urged the community nity overseas. One minute silence was organized, where many children and members in Kuwait to get inspirations observed in honor of the martyrs of the interested community people recited from the sacrifice of our great martyrs Language Movement in 1952. In the Bangla poems. In his speech, Ambassador and to devote themselves to buildup the Discussion session, the speakers high- Mohammed Ashab Uddin, ndc, psc, paid country through their patriotism and lighted the history and significance of the deep homage to the martyrs of the hard work. He also requested the com- day. They also emphasized on role of all Language movement 1952 and the War munity people to take care of their chil- to uphold our image and flourish of Liberation in 1971 and highlighted the dren so that they learn and practice pure achievements. significance of the day. He said that Bangla. He also requested all to ensure a Bangladesh Embassy in collaboration Language Movement was the foundation peaceful co-existence of all Bangladesh; with Bangladesh Community in Kuwait of so many sociopolitical events and nationals in Kuwait and to increase the also organized a series of events to mark achievements including independence of image of own motherland overseas. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Thousands registered in NBK’s Walkathon 2015

KUWAIT: Several thousand participants enrolled so far at National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) Walkathon “Let’s Walk Together” 2015 that will take place on 7th of March 2015. On the occasion of National Holiday, participants can still register through nbkwalkathon.com. On oth- er days, NBK volunteers will be available at the regis- tration location next to the Scientific Center daily to help participants during registration and on the day of the Walkathon. Registration will be held daily - from 9:00am to 1:00pm and from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. The participation in NBK’s Walkathon is increasing year after year, and NBK registration Point continues to receive participants till 5th of March 2015. NBK’s 2015 Walkathon aims to encourage each individual to believe in their ability together towards making a change “Let’s Walk Together”. NBK’s Walkathon is marked by a variety of fun, entertain- ment filled and health awareness-raising activities. NBK`s 2015 Walkathon is scheduled to kick off on Saturday 7th, March 2015. It will award more than 120 participants valuable prizes alongside the grand draw on 3 brand new Renault cars from Al Babtain Group. Ten winners will be selected from each of the 12 categories of participants. The walk for the male par- ticipants will start from Kuwait Towers on the Gulf Road, while the walk for female participants will begin from Souq Sharq. The walk for kids and Zeina Friends club members will be located at the Shuwaikh Beach Park overlooking the Gulf Road.

Vehicle assembly area extends from 3rd Ring Road intersection to that of the 2nd Ring Road. Carnival path and audience watching area is between the 2nd Ring Road inter- Crime section till the British Embassy intersection. Report Parts of Gulf Road to be closed One dead, 17 injured KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry announced that Gulf Road has with the Second Ring Road for those coming from Salmiya direction at 8 am today, then it will be closed in both direc- been closed from yesterday evening from its intersection towards Kuwait Towers in one direction from 11.30 pm, tions from 1 pm until the march and celebrations are over. in road collision with the British Embassy to the Second Ring Road on the where vehicles participating in the carnival will assemble. The carnival march will start at 3.30 pm from the Second Ring occasion of national celebrations and the ‘Humanitarian The statement said Gulf Road will be closed from its inter- Road intersection to the British Embassy junction. Sixty buses Leader’ carnival march. The security information department section with the Second Ring Road till the British embassy for will transport the crowds to the site from certain parking lots By Hanan Al-Saadoun said in a statement that Gulf Road closed from its intersection those coming from Salmiya towards Kuwait Towers in one and back. — KUNA KUWAIT: One person died and 17 were injured when a bus collided with a car on the Seventh Ring Road, sources said. Never violated law: Former The injured people were taken to hospital via 13 ambu- lances that were dispatched to the scene. social affairs undersecretary

By Meshaal Al-Enezi involvement in violations, fearing for his reputation in front of his ‘colleagues, fellow-workers, friends, family and in Power not sole KUWAIT: Former Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor public opinion.’ “My official four-year tenure as undersecre- (MSAL) Undersecretary Abdul Mohsen Al-Mutairi said that tary, as per Civil Service Commission regulations, ends on solution for world he was surprised by his referral to retirement, and stressed February, 2, 2017,” he explained, underlining that all that the decision was actually a termination made by min- through his years in service, especially as undersecretary, conflicts: Diplomat ister Hind Al-Subaih. “This decision is bewildering and I do he had never violated any laws, had protected public NEW YORK: Kuwait reiterated its commitment to maintain not know its justifications,” he stressed, noting that the funds, been cooperative with the minister and lost many the UN Charter’s stance concerning world conflicts, noting decision made him look as if he was terminated for friends for being strict in law enforcement. that military might and force were not the sole solution to end crises. Kuwait’s stance came during a speech late Monday by per- manent delegate to the UN headquarters in New York Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi to the UNSC discussions on maintaining world security and peace. Ambassador Otaibi said the UN charter had faced several serious violations that threatened peace and security on a regional and global scale. Though Kuwait witnessed the strong stance that the international community had provid- ed during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and subsequence libera- Drug dealers caught tion of Kuwait, the UN still faces a great challenge in bring- Narcotics authorities arrested three citizens with 72 ing upon a just solution to nearly 50 years of the Palestinian kilograms of hashish and 3 kilograms of ICE. The first plight, he said. two were arrested after 20 captagon pills and an enve- Ambassador Otaibi called on the UNSC to play an integral lope containing ICE with them during search. The two role in spreading peace and security worldwide, affirming that confessed that they hid a large quantity of drugs in the Kuwait would support every effort to implement international Arabian Gulf waters, and gave the coordinates to laws and justice. He also called for greater reforms at the UNSC, police. They added that they would pull the drugs out including the voice of smaller members at the UN. — KUNA of the waters to sell it on behalf of a central prison inmate. The drugs were collected, and the suspects US Embassy message were sent to the proper authorities for further action. KUWAIT: The United States Embassy sent the following message to US citizens in Kuwait, warning of heavy traffic expected during the National and Liberation Days along the Gulf Road and other areas. Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days are scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, and Thursday, February 26. Festive celebrations, large crowds, and heavy traffic con- gestion are expected throughout the long weekend, par- ticularly along the Gulf Road and Salmiya. The Ministry of Interior will augment the presence of emergency services in these and other areas. Please stay current with media coverage of local events. If you go out, be aware of your surroundings and practice personal security awareness at all times, including avoiding crowds and keeping vehicle doors locked and windows up. Medical emergencies set for anniversaries Rumors on social media By Hanan Al-Saadoun Security Information Department informed that police arrested the citizen who confessed to spreading false KUWAIT: The medical emergencies departments are rumors over social media about deaths and injuries at prepared for the National Days’ celebrations, the Ministry Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Village during the strong of Health announced. Three field clinics on the Arabian winds and sandstorm that swept the country last Friday. Gulf road have been established, Undersecretary Dr The rumors created apprehension and fear among citizens Khalid Al-Sahlawi said. One clinic is set near Beit Luthan and expats. in Salmiya, the second near the engineers’ society in Bneid Al-Gar and the third in Bneider Chalets’ area. “One hundred paramedics Using ministry car illegally have been distributed Ahmadi police arrested a Sri Lankan national in pos- over 30 ambulances,” session of 60 liquor bottles, sources said. The alleged Sahlawi said, adding criminal is using a health ministry services car for his that six medical sectors activities. He was sent to concerned authorities. that are fast moving are designated in crowded areas. He appealed to Female firefighters citizens and expats to Kuwait Fire Services Directorate’s (KFSD) Deputy Director cooperate with para- General for Prevention Affairs Khalid Al-Zaid said his medics and police to department asked the administrative development and reduce accidents and training department to include female firefighters to work injuries. Finally, Sahlawi as inspectors, because the sector needs them. He said that congratulated His following their success in inspecting beauty salons, social Highness the Amir event halls and women’s places, and due to the expansion of KFSD and the opening of new departments in all gover- Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad norates, the request was made for a fire sergeant course for Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH 25 women. He said the directorate is ready to participate in the Crown Prince Sheikh the national celebrations. Teams have been formed and Nawaf Al-Ahmad, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- preventive measures put in place to protect lives and prop- Mubarak Al-Sabah, government and citizens on the erty at all celebration locations. occasion of National and Liberation Days. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 From the Arabic press

Al-Anbaa Al-Watan THE RAILWAY Not a dawah state Garbage trucks

Dr Shamlan Al-Essa

By Dr Mutlaq Al-Qarawi l-Qabas published on Feb 18 a news item on its front page, reporting that the Ministry of Awqaf hortly after midnight every day, many orange Aand Islamic Affairs terminated the services of garbage collection trucks traverse various 71 preachers out of 200 abroad, which it signed with Sareas, making enough noise from their them to make dawah in their countries, and the rea- engines and from the sound of unloading garbage son for the termination was these preachers’ associa- dumpsters to make us know they have come. They tion with extremist Islamist factions and other suspi- are in fact, indispensable unwelcomed guests each cious ones, in addition to violations in appointing and every night. These trucks remind me of a story some of them, as many of them do not have a certifi- with a great moral lesson in it about the manners cate, while some of them were working as keepers in their countries. Islam urges us to follow and the great human val- First, we thank the Minister of Awqaf for taking ues it includes. practical steps to terminate their contracts, and here The narrator says that he was once heading to we want to ask the minister: Are there among Kuwait’s the airport in a taxi and that the taxi driver was fol- external goals to preach abroad? Is it among Kuwait’s lowing traffic rules, going at legal speed in the duties to spread Islam in the entire world? right lane, when all of a sudden, a driver who had We are a civil country, and our regime is the parked by the roadside pulled into the lane right in democracy and constitution, and if we want to spread front of the taxi. “This made the taxi driver strongly Al-Jarida Islam abroad, then why use people whose religious hit the brakes to avoid colliding into his car,” said affiliation we do not know, and whether they belong the narrator, noting that the funny thing was that to political Islam parties and movements? Why the the other driver glared at the taxi and started ministry did not use Kuwaiti preachers from the many shouting and cursing, while the taxi driver’s reac- graduates from the university and sharia college, and this is an opportunity for Kuwaiti preachers to spread tion was the exact opposite. Al-Qabas what they learnt to students of other countries. The “The taxi driver swallowed his anger, smiled at problem of Kuwait’s preachers is that they are politi- the other driver and apologized,” said the passen- cized - Salafist, Brotherhood, Wahhabist and others. ger, expressing amazement at such a reaction. Repercussions of unilateral thinking The other problem is that these preachers do not “How come that he is wrong and almost caused a know foreign languages well, be it English, French, terrible accident and you still apologize to him?” By Ahmad Al-Sarraf Spanish or Portuguese. the passenger asked the taxi driver, who gave him Islam historically was not spread in Asia, Africa and an unforgettable lesson by saying: “Many people enis Diderot once said: “The philosopher has only were satisfied with not giving any benefit to South America by preachers only - rather it was spread are like garbage trucks - they are loaded with all never killed any priests, whereas the priest has humanity since the start of their existence, rather they by merchants by their good dealing with others, kinds of problems, anger and depression that accu- Dkilled a great many philosophers. And do not caused much of the killing and destruction in tens of which made them like Islam and became Muslims mulate within their souls, and sometimes they talk to me too much about religion - let me see it in countries and most often in the name of religion. peacefully. The new preachers with whom the Awqaf need to let out steam and unload this garbage any- your behavior and interaction!” So all those who believe that they, their race or peo- Ministry signed contracts, nobody knows their reli- gious background. Is the Islam they want to spread in where and for the slightest reasons. So do not Muslims, and Arabs in particular, believe they are ple, for one reason or another, are better than others, their countries the Islam of the Kuwaiti people and make yourself a dumpster where these garbage “religiously” better that others, and that they are cor- as Hitler imagined, are either delusional or mad, and rulers who are known to be moderate, centrist and trucks unload!” rect and the rest are astray. And such a feeling may be this thinking is evidence of the inability to deal forgiving in dealing with others, and most importantly Our minds do lead us, hearts are merciful and within the thinking and belief of followers of other reli- humanly with others. Also, the best people are the not injecting religion in political affairs? souls cannot be tamed unless by smart minds and gions, even if less violent. We may accept this logic if most beneficial and not necessarily the most religious. The new preachers have adverse stands against passionate hearts, Smiles, tolerance and good Muslims agree on one opinion, but reality is different, And because the Salafist ideologies are multiple Kuwait, as the foreign ministry complained, although words are thus the best way to bring whoever because each side opposes the other, so there is no and varied, then it is for sure that those differences will they receive their salaries from the ministry. We do not wishes to unleash his inner conflicts on others back possibility to believe that all are right. If we look at the turn into severe disputes between them, because each know their political affiliations. The Awqaf Ministry to sanity and stop them from throwing verbal Salafist ideology, which its followers think is more side believes it is the legitimate representative of the said they belong to Europe and East Asian countries, ‘garbage’ at them. adherent to religion, and their method is the most cor- nation’s faith. The Salafist person, no matter who he is, in addition to Brazil and Argentina. Who can guaran- Successful people never allow ‘garbage trucks’ to rect, we will find its weaknesses surfacing as soon as it does not argue with others because he believes he is tee us that they do not belong to political Islam groups like Salafists, jihadists and others. take much of their time because life is too short to faces the complexities and means of the era, which better than others, even if the other is more knowl- Did anyone in the ministry ask what will be the waste on feeling sorry for things we do during includes a large number of challenges that cannot be edgeable than him. moments of anger. Therefore, be thankful to those stand of Kuwait if these preachers or their students confronted and overcome by an ideology that does It is regretful that the rejection of the other ideolo- commit a terrorist attack in their countries? It is for who treat you gently and nicely and forget about not have anything other than texts. gies or openness to it basically goes back to fear from sure that Kuwait will be blamed for financing them, so those who do you wrong and always remember There is no example here with good intentions, everything new, because they consider everything we appeal to the Awqaf Minister to stop this program, that 10 percent of life is affected by what you do because there is no advantage for one over the other, new as ‘bidaa’ (heresy), so those people do not believe because the international campaign against terrorism and 90 percent of it is subject to how you accept except for how much goodness he gives to humanity. in democracy, no matter what they say contrary to this, has no mercy. Maybe Kuwait will be, along with the others around you. So thanks to the garbage truck So, we find the “infidel West” is the only one who gave, because the “other” either accepts their ideology or Awqaf Ministry, listed for financing preachers all over we hear every night for teaching us how to get rid and is still giving humanity, the best for 250 years, and bears the result of rejection, and each violation should the globe. Pay attention to our children and youth of the garbage deep within hearts and souls away it is very difficult for us to believe that our “group” is be met with either repentance or severing of the head, inside Kuwait so that they are not swept by political from people! better than others, while they are the ones who not and there is no solution in between. Islam factions.

News Crime in brief Report

Citizen sentenced in maid’s murder Delivery man KUWAIT: The Criminal Court recently sentenced a citizen to 10 years in prison with labor for beating an Asian maid to death in South Surra, said security sources. They noted tricked that the case papers indicated that the alleged suspect and his wife had repeatedly beaten up the maid for being ‘lazy,’ KUWAIT: A Bangladeshi national reported that a lady driv- leading to her death. The couple later took the body and ing a car asked him for KD 20 change. When he handed the dumped it in an open yard before the husband reported change, the lady unexpectedly drove away. The the maid missing. — Al-Watan Bangladeshi victim who works as a delivery driver said he hung onto the lady’s car but she refused to stop and dragged him for 20 meters before he fell on the road. Manpower office at MGRP Police are investigating. to issue work permits KUWAIT: The Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP) Secretary General Fauzi Al-Majdali denied Homicide probe in man’s death rumors about suspending the MGRP subsidies. He also A young man was brought to Jahra Hospital, suffering explained that the suspension only includes those who from three bullet wounds. A homicide case was regis- had just registered with MGRP or those who shifted tered at north Jahra police station after doctors failed to between companies and that their addresses and contacts save his life. The man was pronounced dead, and the were not yet available. Further, Majdali stressed that body was recovered by the coroner. The deceased is a according to the national labor support act and the cabi- bedoon (stateless) who was facing financial problems net resolution number 1028/2014, all private sector com- and having disputes with his Kuwaiti brothers, sources panies would not get any government tenders or projects said. They added that the victim’s brother who rushed unless they hired the percentage of employees set by the him to the hospital said that the victim asked his broth- act. Accordingly, Majadali urged all citizens working to ers to forgive him before shooting himself in a Mutlaa apply to the social security authority and those who have camp. Investigations are ongoing. not registered with MGRP to get a work permit as stipulat- ed by the law. ‘In order to facilitate this and make it easier on citizens, MGRP has opened a special office to issue the Taxi driver forced to sign work permits at its headquarters,” added Majali. —Al-Jarida An Egyptian expat, who works as a taxi driver, com- plained that he was forced to sign a promissory note under threat. The man said that he headed to a house after a Ministry to recruit woman called to ask for a ride from Bayan to Firdous. The teachers from Egypt taxi driver alleged that in Firdous, he was asked to enter a KUWAIT: Following a two-year halt, the Ministry of house, and then forced by a number of people to sign a Education (MoE) announced re-opening the door for for- paper under threat. An investigation has been opened. eign recruitment of teachers from Egypt for the next school year 2015-2016. MoE Undersecretary Mariam Al- Wetaid sent a letter to her counterpart in the Foreign Intruder at dawn caught A citizen reported that he caught a person entering Ministry, noting that MoE needs to publish advertisements his Filipina maid’s room when he was at his balcony at about its need for new teachers in Egyptian papers. dawn. The citizen said he rushed to the room to find who Notably, MoE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Public the intruder was. The Filipina woman was questioned Education, Dr Khalid Al-Rasheed had contacted Wetaid in after the intruder ran away. The maid confessed that she this regard noting that the ministry needs new teachers for allowed her friend to enter, and that she knew him from specific subjects from Egypt and Jordan in addition to an earlier job. - Al-Anbaa Syrians living in both countries. —Al-Jarida Kuwaiti citizenship worth KD 9.6 million KUWAIT: The World Health the value of Kuwaiti nationality at statements. Organization has estimated the life birth. • It was assumed that there is a expectancy of Kuwaitis to be 79 years, government job for all citizens, for and the total average of what the The following was assumed: simplicity. state spends on the citizen during this • Consumption by citizens of 50 • The average monthly govern- lifetime in government salaries, edu- percent of subsidies estimated of KD ment salary starts from KD 1,200 from cation, subsidies and health amounts 5.11 billion for 2015, which is KD 2,000 the age of 23 and ends at KD 2,500 at to KD 948,000, and 70 percent of per year per individual, although citi- the age of 55, including the costs of those expenses are concentrated dur- zens make up only 31 percent of the insurance on the government. ing the government employment population. • Gradual retirement for women period. If what the state spends on • 5 percent profits were on state from the age of 45 and men at 55, and the citizen during his life is invested reserves as well as a yearly discount pensions are financed from the social with a return of 5 percent annually, percentage. securities portfolio and not from the the total amount at his death will be • A student’s yearly cost is KD state. KD 9.6 million, which is equal to 4,937, according to official statements. • A child costs the state KD 50 per investing KD 204,000 at 5 percent • Healthcare costs KD 285 per year month until he reaches employment return for 79 years, and this represents for each citizen according to official age. — Al-Qabas WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 Nasheed’s arrest sparks Spain breaks up network recruiting women for Islamic State international concern

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LA QUEUE-EN-BRIE: In this file photo, French company Malou Tech’s “Army” speed drone mounted with a Go pro Hero3 performs during a demonstration flight in La Queue-en-Brie, east of Paris, France. Paris police say they spotted at least five drones flying over the French capital overnight yesterday, and an investigation is under way into who was flying them and why. — AP Multiple drones spotted over Paris landmarks

PARIS: At least five drones flew over the while the capital was under darkness, said the Interior Ministry headquarters, she nomenon. In France it is a growing worry spying on technology or could one day Eiffel Tower, the US Embassy and other Paris prosecutors’ spokeswoman Agnes said. A Paris police official said at least five after dozens of sightings of mystery be equipped with weapons. Drone opera- Paris landmarks overnight, authorities said Thibault-Lecuivre. drones were involved. Officials with the drones over nuclear plants and military tor Jean-Luc Fournier, who has consulted yesterday. It was the most audacious of First, one was spotted above the US police, gendarmes and prosecutor’s office installations - and one over the presiden- on French drone legislation, said author- several mysterious drone overflights Embassy, then one at the Eiffel Tower, and said it’s unclear who was behind the tial palace. Investigators have yet to find ized operators condemn such rogue around France in recent months. An inves- then later drones were spotted over the flights and even whether they were all most of the perpetrators. French authori- flights because it casts the whole indus- tigation is underway into who was operat- Louvre Museum in central Paris, the coordinated. The US Embassy would not ties have said the drones currently pres- try in a bad light. He said such flights ing the latest drones buzzing over Paris, Bastille monument to the French comment on the incident. A small drone ent no threat, but the government is try- raise tension, with Paris already on edge and why. Such flights are banned over Revolution in eastern Paris, the crashed on the White House lawn last ing to find ways to counteract the after deadly terrorist attacks last month Paris skies. The drones flew in three stages Montparnasse tower in southern Paris, and month, raising US concern about the phe- devices. Some fear the drones could be by Islamic radicals.— AP

Man sentenced to death for apostasy

RIYADH: An Islamic court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a man to death for renouncing his Muslim faith, the English-language daily Saudi Gazette reported yesterday. The man, in his 20s, posted an online video ripping up a copy of Islam’s holy book, the Quran, and hitting it with a shoe, the newspaper reported. Saudi Arabia, the United States’ top Arab ally and birthplace of Islam, follows the strict Wahhabi Sunni Muslim school and gives the clergy control over its jus- tice system. Under the Wahhabi interpretation of Sharia Islamic law, apostasy demands the death penalty, as do some other religious offences like sorcery, while blasphemy and criticism of senior Muslim clerics have incurred jail terms and corporal pun- ishment. Executions in Saudi Arabia are usually carried out by public beheading. International rights groups say the Saudi justice system suffers from a lack of transparency and due process, that defendants are often denied basic rights such as legal representation and that sentencing can be arbitrary. The Saudi government has taken some steps to reform its judicial system but has also defend- ed it as fair. Last year a court in Jeddah sentenced Saudi liberal Raif Badawi to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison for publishing criticism of the kingdom’s ruling religious and political elite and calling for reforms in Islam. The first of 50 of those lashes were carried out in January, but sub- sequent rounds of flogging have not occurred. Officials have not publicly commented on the case, but insiders say the lashing appears to have been quietly dropped. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Timing for key Iraq battle spurs controversy

BAGHDAD: Iraqi officials have April-May. Mosul is a major hub for the and Syria. It has been under the almost daily strikes around Mosul since cutting some supply roads and destroy- expressed irritation and analysts skepti- Islamic State group and holds special jihadists’ full control since the second August 2014. Some Iraqi officials have ing some of the military equipment they cism at the US prediction that an offen- significance as the place where jihadist day of their June offensive in Iraq but been gung-ho about a Mosul offensive, had seized from the army. sive to retake Iraq’s key city of Mosul leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi pro- federal and Kurdish forces have been arguing that no more time could be But the US Central Command official from jihadists could be launched in claimed his “caliphate” straddling Iraq slowly closing in. wasted to claim the country back, but said 20,000-25,000 federal, Kurdish and An official with the US Central preparations have been slow. Sunni tribal forces would be needed to Command said last week that “the mark defeat 1,000-2,000 IS fighters in Mosul. on the wall we are still shooting for is ‘Challenge is enormous’ “It would be extremely difficult to get the April-May timeframe.” The rationale Hakim Al-Zamili, a lawmaker and sen- these numbers of Iraqi army forces or is to launch the operation before the ior leader in the Sarayat Al-Salam Shiite ministry of interior forces into Mosul by Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, militia, argued it was more pressing to summer 2015,” said Michael Knights of which will start in mid-June, and sear- liberate the western province of Anbar, the Washington Institute. The United ing summer temperatures, he said. US which borders Baghdad. “We need more States officially has hundreds of forces in President Barack Obama’s envoy for the time (for Mosul)... maybe by the end of Iraq, advising and training the army, but international coalition against IS, John the year,” he said. “The army needs more there is no sign that process is near com- Allen, said in October that any attempt training, equipment, and arms to be pletion. Beyond just finding the man- to wrest back Mosul, Iraq’s second city, able to do this.” power, the Iraqi army would need to could be a year away. “Yes we want to liberate Mosul and achieve a quantum leap in logistics to Iraq’s defense minister, Khaled we support its liberation, but there are coordinate and supply different forces in Obeidi, was irate that the Pentagon important flashpoints that need to be a broad operation. would call a date for the Mosul battle. “A secured and we should not stretch our- Relations between the autonomous military official should not disclose the selves too thin,” Zamili said. Kurdish government and the federal date and time of an attack,” he told Mosul is a large city whose popula- authorities in Baghdad, currently strained reporters on Sunday. “The timing is up tion was estimated at close to two mil- by a revenue-sharing dispute, would also to (Iraqi) military commanders. Where lion prior to the June 2014 IS assault. Ten have to improve. Knights said the time- this American official got his informa- years ago, it took 10,000 highly trained frame given by the Pentagon official may tion from, I don’t know,” Obeidi said. In a US marines to clear Fallujah, a city the have been more of a political message possible sign of the sensitivities of such fraction of Mosul’s size. With Mosul, “the that a blurted military secret. “I think it is a issues, these comments were cut out of challenge is enormous, it would be a misstatement of US policy,” he said, argu- video footage of his press conference bigger operation than the post-Saddam ing that everything so far suggested subsequently posted online by the Iraqi military has ever accomplished,” Washington was trying to slow Baghdad’s MOSUL: Fighters from the Islamic State group parade in a comman- defense ministry. said Nate Rabkin, the managing editor schedule down rather than pushing for Together with Iran, the United States of the Inside Iraqi Politics newsletter. quick action. “Maybe Iraq wants to go deered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the has been Iraq’s top foreign partner in Months of coalition air strikes have next week, and this is our attempt to hold northern city of Mosul, Iraq. —AP the war against IS and has launched weakened IS’s grip on the Mosul region, them off till later.” —AFP Spain breaks up online network recruiting young women for IS Islamic State targeting young women

MADRID: Spain said yesterday it searches of the homes of all four organized for recruiting purposes turned-propagandist who had the had broken up an online network suspects. The two detained in and a number of young people profile of a “lone wolf” who acted accused of recruiting young Melilla were said to be behind the had begun preparations to travel alone. The other was said to have women to join Islamic State mili- creation and operation of several to war zones, the ministry said. edited and distributed videos to tants fighting in Iraq and Syria and Internet platforms spreading prop- One of those arrested ran a “virtu- recruit potential jihadists. The arrested four suspects. The arrests aganda, particularly for the Islamic al community” with Islamic State authorities were working to came as European nations scram- State group, the interior ministry propaganda and more than 1,000 establish links between the two in ble to halt a surge in young people said in a statement. “In line with subscribers, it said. On Facebook, Melilla and those in Spain’s north- wanting to travelling to Iraq and the strategy of the Daesh terrorist he had a “multitude of sub- east. Spain has dismantled several CAIRO: Egyptians carry their belongings towards the Libyan side of the Ras similar networks, particularly in Djir border crossing, as they head to Tunisia for a flight evacuating them Melilla and its other north African back to Cairo. —AFP enclave, Ceuta. The two enclaves on the constitute the only land 15,000 Egyptians flee borders between Africa and Europe and attract thousands of Libya after warnings people, mostly sub-Saharan Africans, trying to reach European CAIRO: Almost 15,000 Egyptians have flocked mostly in construction and services, and countries. An estimated 550 home from war-torn Libya via the border formed the backbone of the expatriate work- Western women are believed to crossing at Sallum, state media reported, after force in the oil-rich nation. have gone to Syria to join the Islamic State group jihadists murdered 21 jihadist cause. Spanish authorities Coptic Christians. Last week Egyptian and Amnesty condemnation Libyan warplanes hit IS targets inside Libya Hours after IS released the video last week estimate that around 100 nation- after the jihadists released a gruesome video showing the beheading of the Christians, Egypt als have joined jihadist fighters in on February 15 showing the Christians, 20 of carried out air strikes against IS targets inside Iraq and Syria, a lower number them Egyptian, being beheaded. Cairo has Libya. On Sunday President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi than those from Britain, France since urged the hundreds of thousands of said 13 IS targets were hit in the raids. On and Germany. In August two Egyptians working in Libya to leave, and also Monday, rights group Amnesty International young Spanish women, one of chartered planes to fly many of them home criticized Egypt over the strikes, saying its air from Tunisia, Libya’s western neighbor. force failed to take the necessary precautions in them under 18, were arrested in At least 14,585 have heeded the call and the raids which also killed seven civilians in a Melilla on suspicion of trying to returned through Sallum in northwest Egypt, residential neighborhood of Derna. “Egypt has join an Islamic State cell in the state news agency MENA reported. It said now joined the ranks of those placing civilians Middle East. they included 3,018 Egyptians on Monday at risk in Libya. The killing of seven civilians, six Seven people were arrested in alone, but did not specify how many were of them in their own homes, must be investigat- Spain and Morocco in December Christian. A transport ministry spokeswoman ed, as it appears to have been disproportionate,” for allegedly recruiting young in Tunisia said at least 1,000 Egyptians who Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty’s Middle East had fled Libya have been airlifted home on and North Africa deputy director, said in a state- women via the Internet to join IS planes chartered by Cairo since Friday. A ment. Amnesty said that during the February 16 fighting in Iraq and Syria. Britain Tunisian customs official said an unspecified strikes, two missiles were fired into a heavily says some 500 people have trav- number of Egyptians were also waiting on the populated residential area called Sheiha Al- elled from the country to join Libyan side of the border, hoping to cross. Gharbiya near Derna’s university. jihadist groups, while France says Late on Monday a plane carrying 231 One killed a mother and her three children about 1,400 residents have either Egyptians airlifted from Tunisia earlier in the aged between three and eight, and wounded day landed at Cairo airport, the fifth such their father and another child, it said. A sec- joined the jihadist cause in Syria MADRID: One of four people suspected of creating and operating several Internet platforms Egypt Air flight bringing Egyptians home, an ond missile that hit a street killed three more spreading propaganda, particularly for the Islamic State group in a bid to recruit young women and Iraq or were planning to do airport official said. civilians. Amnesty said it has found no evi- to join Islamic State militants is arrested in Melilla yesterday. —AFP so. France on Monday announced Last July, thousands of Egyptians fleeing dence of any military target in the area, and that it had confiscated the pass- violence in Libya were stranded for days at the strike came without any prior warning to Syria to fight with the jihadists. group, they focused on the recruit- scribers” outside Spain, including ports of six suspected would-be the border with Tunisia, with authorities refus- civilians. Libya’s air force chief Saqr Al-Jaroushi Two of the suspects were arrested ment of women who, after a Latin America and countries such jihadists and would ban another ing to admit them until Cairo had arranged told Egyptian television hours after the raids in Melilla, the Spanish enclave process of indoctrination, would as Belgium, France, Morocco, 40 from travelling. Spain suffered their return home. Tunisia was flooded by that at least 50 people were killed when expatriates fleeing Libya during the 2011 Egyptian and Libyan warplanes struck IS tar- neighboring Morocco, in the latest end up joining the terrorist group Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, one of Europe’s worst ever uprising that toppled and killed dictator gets. In a televised address on Sunday, Sisi operation by Spain’s authorities in conflict zones,” it said, referring Turkey and the United States, the peacetime attacks on March 11, Muammar Gaddafi, and struggled to cope. said the Egyptian air strikes chose IS targets targeting such recruiting networks. to the Arabic name for IS. statement said. 2004, when Al-Qaeda-inspired Days after the revolt erupted, Egypt sent mili- “carefully”. “No one should think we attacked The others were detained in One of the suspects arrested in bombings killed 191 people in an tary aircraft to Libya to evacuate its citizens civilians.” Amnesty said Cairo should have tak- Girona and Barcelona in Spain’s ‘Multitude of subscribers’ Spain’s northeast was described attack on Madrid commuter trapped by the violence. At the time, officials en the precaution to “avoid or at least mini- northeast. Police were conducting Private home visits were also as an Islamic State sympathizer- trains.—AFP said 1.5 million Egyptians worked in Libya, mize civilian casualties”. —AFP US, Iran ‘positive’ after nuke talks GENEVA: The United States made some structive discussions. We have made some that remains the case,” the senior US official said progress in talks with Iran on its nuclear pro- progress but we still have a long way to go. We on Monday. Reflecting the technical nature of gram and managed to “sharpen up some of the did very much sharpen up some of the tough the latest talks, US Energy Secretary Ernest tough issues”, a senior US official said on issues so we can work to resolution,” the senior Moniz and Iran’s atomic nuclear chief Ali Akbar Monday, but both sides said much remained to US administration official told reporters. Salehi took part. Helga Schmid, political director be done. Negotiators from Iran and six major Negotiators hope to meet a self-imposed March of the European Union’s External Action Service, powers agreed to resume talks next Monday at 31 deadline for an initial political deal, but the also attended. The approaching deadline has a venue to be decided, the official said, speak- US official said that would not “make us rush to caused divisions between the United States and ing after US Secretary of State John Kerry and an agreement that does not fulfill the objectives one of its closest allies, Israel, which has called Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held that the president has given to us.” The aim of the talks “dangerous” and “astonishing”. The two-day talks in Geneva. ensuring Iran does not acquire a nuclear United States has accused it of distorting Zarif told Iran’s Fars news agency: “We had weapon “has to be met and that is not about Washington’s position. serious talks with the P5+1 representatives and the deadline, it is about the purpose”, the official Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said in especially with the Americans in the past three said. Iran, which denies having any nuclear a statement on Monday: “The agreement with days ... But still there is a long way to reach a weapons program, hopes a deal will bring relief Iran as it is coming together now is a great dan- final agreement.” As Kerry’s plane touched down from international sanctions. ger to Western world peace and a threat to in Washington later on Monday, a senior State Israel’s security.” Ya’alon said the deal would per- Department official said Kerry and Zarif would ‘Breakout’ capacity mit Iran to be freed from current economic meet again next week and details were being Diplomats say the six major powers aim for a sanctions on it while continuing to enrich urani- worked out. The P5+1 group-the United States, deal lasting at least 10 years under which Iran um. He called Iran “the most dangerous regime” Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany-are would need a year or more to produce enough and a central factor behind instability in the seeking to negotiate an agreement with Tehran highly enriched uranium for a single nuclear Middle East. Israel has the Middle East’s only GENEVA: US Secretary of State John Kerry (right) stands at the shore of Lake to address concerns that Iran is seeking nuclear bomb, the so-called “breakout” capacity. “We nuclear arsenal and has threatened to attack Geneva prior to a bilateral meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad weapons technology, something it denies. have always said we will have a one-year break- Iran if it is not satisfied over plans for Tehran’s Javad Zarif for a new round of Nuclear Talks in Geneva. —AP “These were very serious, useful and con- out time for a double digit number of years and nuclear program.—Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Cuba’s revolution generation: Few regrets

HAVANA: Communist Cuba’s revolution has tory of his generation, “Tales from the Belly of held sway for so long - 56 years - that those the Beast.” A legendary folk singer for the gen- who remember no other system are nearing eration, Silvio Rodriguez, put it in one verse: retirement age with a mixture of fond memo- “virar esta tierra de una vez” (“change this ries, and just a few regrets. “We were part of a country’s course completely.”) “Our generation generation that changed everything, romantic, had a lot of goals. Too many, maybe. But even contradictory, and maybe one of a kind,” jour- if we only achieved some of them, that will do,” nalist and author Manuel Juan Somoza, 69 said demographer Antonio Aja, 61. said. For political analyst Jesus Arboleya, 67, it was the revolution generation under a young Looking back, and ahead lawyer named Fidel Castro that fought hardest Before 1959, Cuba was allied with the to get Cuba on a different path-and wound up United States and was advanced economically the Americas’ only one-party communist by Latin American standards. Socially however nation. it was wracked by inequality, illiteracy and lack “We were certain we were going to win. of access to education and health care. In the And that is precisely how we acted. “We also Cold War era that saw Havana become a are known for the personal sacrifices we have staunch US foe for over five decades, GenRev made, and for honesty. Some people now call was the leading edge of change. There are it idealism, but it was what made our lives over a million unofficial members of GenRev, make sense,” Arboleya said. Around the world, about nine percent of Cuba’s population. many remember the international role Cuba Some are currently leaders in President Raul played in the Cold War. But inside Cuba, in the Castro’s government. 1960s and 70s in particular, the revolution gen- Thousands of people in GenRev, particular- eration (“GenRev”) became known for its ly in rural areas, were the first in their families activist commitment to making Cuba’s divided to learn to read-then dare to dream of higher and unequal society a symbol of equality. education, and achieve it. “We had an academ- WASHINGTON: Members of the Secret Service Uniformed Division stand guard outside of the White House in Washington, DC. A shutdown They led the way on national campaigns to ic, ethical and social training that despite some looms over the Department of Homeland Security as the Republican-led Congress threatens to withhold funding for the department over US wipe out illiteracy, organizing students and pressures was really valuable,” said writer President Barack Obama executive action on immigration. —AFP picking crops for the greater good. As the gen- Leonardo Padura, 59. In 2018, the generation eration nears retirement age of 60, many that won the revolution, led by Fidel Castro GenRev are proud they made change in Cuba, and now Raul Castro, is scheduled to hand the Homeland Security shutdown but realize mistakes were made along the way. reins of the government to a new generation. “We were a really committed and optimistic Described as the generation of “institutional generation,” Arboleya said. Yet at the same revolution,” they are led by Castro’s designated time, GenRev took orders from authority, and successor Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel. nears with immigration fight did not rebel. “We always were unconditionally Economy Minister Marino Murillo and Foreign taking orders from the generation that won” Minister Bruno Rodriguez are also notable A bitter standoff over Obama’s reform plan the revolution, said Somoza, who wrote a his- leaders from the next generation.—AFP

WASHINGTON: A Department of Homeland Immediately afterward, Senate Majority Leader ‘Break the impasse’ Security shutdown grew increasingly likely, with Mitch McConnell introduced stand-alone legisla- And DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson called on lawmakers fighting over funding for the US tion to repeal Obama’s immigration “overreach.” Congress to act immediately to prevent shut- agency amid a bitter standoff about President He and his office gave no indication whether he down. “If Congress wants to have a debate about Barack Obama’s immigration reform plan. Facing would follow that up with a clean DHS funding immigration, the president and I welcome that a Friday deadline, Senate Democrats for a fourth bill. Republicans including Flake and Senator debate,” he said. “But don’t tie that debate to the time blocked a measure that would fund the John McCain have said they would support pass- funding of the men and women standing department tasked with protecting Americans ing a temporary funding extension, a possible behind me,” he told reporters, urging lawmakers and securing the border. Lawmakers want to see last-minute way to avoid a lapse. to “figure out a way to break the impasse.” DHS fully funded, particularly during the current Some House Republicans have indicated they Should Congress fail to agree on funding, heightened threat environment. might be willing to test a partial DHS shutdown, agents including border security personnel, air- But the $40 billion bill contains Republican arguing that essential personnel would keep port screeners, and Secret Service agents tasked amendments that would repeal Obama’s plan to working. House leaders have not indicated how with protecting the president would remain on shield millions of people from deportation, they will proceed. “It’s going to be difficult for the job without pay. Funds for new border changes that Democrats do not support. With them to move anything,” Flake said of the the blame game in full swing, it appeared House. “There are a lot of people dug in.” Obama agents, training and equipment would be increasingly likely Congress would fail to fund fought back Monday against efforts to block his frozen. Crucial emergency management pro- DHS before the midnight Friday deadline. “We’re immigration order, urging a federal court to grams would halt. “This is no way to run a gov- in a bit of a boxed canyon here and I think we all allow the shielding of deportations and ernment,” Johnson said. Obama himself ham- know that,” Republican Senator Jeff Flake said demanding Congress fund DHS. The Justice mered the point to state governors gathered at after the vote. “Right now, it does seem to be Department filed a motion calling for a Texas the White House, where he warned of trickle- where we’re headed,” White House spokesman district court to stay its injunction issued down effects of withholding 100,000 salaries. “It Josh Earnest said of a possible shutdown. against Obama’s plan last week, which was a will have a direct impact on your economy, and HAVANA: Cubans line up to buy newspapers in Havana. Communist Cuba’s revolution All Senate Democrats voted against the blow to his efforts to reform a system most law- it will have a direct impact on America’s national has held sway for so long - 56 years - that those who remember no other system are measure, along with Republican Dean Heller. makers agree is broken. security,” Obama said.— AFP nearing retirement age with a mixture of fond memories, and just a few regrets. —AFP New flight paths cause turbulence in Phoenix

PHOENIX: Steve Dreiseszun says he town homes, and residents are at 2 a.m., when “it sounds like cannot sit in his backyard or read a enraged over what they view as an bombers are overhead.” “These houses story to his son without a sense of attack on their quality of life. They have been here a hundred years,” said dread. For the past several months, he have been lashing out at federal offi- Longdon, a writer who works from and other residents in a Phoenix cials in community meetings and talk- home. “I didn’t move into a Sky Harbor neighborhood of historic homes have ing about filing a lawsuit. Other cities flight path. A flight path moved over been jolted - sometimes out of their where residents have been complain- my house.” sleep - by the sound of airplanes fly- ing of noise amid the new flight paths As of December, the City of ing directly above them. The noise include Chicago, New York, Los Phoenix Aviation Department had sometimes comes every three min- Angeles and Boston. At Chicago’s received more than 2,700 noise com- utes and can last through the night. O’Hare International Airport, the plaints from nearly 950 households “You want to read a book or you’re try- changes drew fire from the northwest since the Sept. 18 changes. By com- ing to study something on the com- side of the city and its surrounding parison, the department received puter and these flights are overhead, suburbs. Two Illinois congressional roughly 220 complaints from 43 it breaks your train of thought,” representatives joined other lawmak- households in 2013. The noise also Dreiseszun said. “Outside the house ers to urge action. has affected other areas of Phoenix we’ve lost the enjoyment of our prop- Congress approved the NextGen and the suburb of Tempe. The indig- erty. It’s not just an annoyance. It program in 2003, and the agency nation even has some city officials impacts our quality of life.” already has spent more than $5 billion considering a lawsuit. In a meeting Residents and city officials have on developing it at major US airports. with city representatives last month, been up in arms since September, Until recently, the loudest complaints the FAA said it would not revert to old when the Federal Aviation about the program came from mem- flight paths while the issue gets fur- Administration implemented new bers of Congress who were upset ther study. Two city council members satellite-based arrival and departure about the price tag. But now, noise said the decision showed a “blatant paths out of Phoenix Sky Harbor has become the big complaint. In disregard for our communities’ quality International Airport. The changes are Phoenix, the new flight paths are over of life.” part of a new program the FAA is neighborhoods that have experi- They want the city to look into liti- rolling out at major airports across the enced a renaissance in recent years as gation and filing a complaint with the country as it looks to replace an out- the city’s real estate market rebound- National Historic Preservation dated network of radar and radio ed. Vintage three-bedroom homes in Association. In a letter to the city man- communications with satellite-based the heart of downtown routinely sell ager, FAA administrator Michael and digital communications. The new for $500,000 and higher. Huerta said city officials could take system is designed to save fuel, Residents are convinced people part in ongoing discussions with a reduce emissions and make air travel will leave the neighborhood and “performance-based navigation work- more efficient nationwide as airplanes prospective buyers will be skittish ing group” later this month. The are able to make more efficient and about moving in because of the jet group will look at possible new flight direct flight paths in and out of air- noise, causing property values to sink. paths and procedures. Aviation ports. But in some cities, those flight Jennifer Longdon says she likely experts say the outrage over the noise paths happen to be over neighbor- would have gone elsewhere if she debate in Phoenix obscures the fact hoods, creating noise complaints. knew what was in store when she that the program is designed to make In Phoenix, the changes sent flight moved into her home in May. air travel safer and more efficient. The paths directly above historic down- Longdon says she has been awakened FAA says the new flight paths allow airlines to save fuel and offer more flights while reducing delays. “You could increase the capacity of the airspace and therefore be able to increase frequency of flights, which could give passengers more options,” said Joshua Schank, president of the Eno Center for Transportation, a non- profit think tank. “Now, that of course doesn’t seem to be helpful for the people who care about noise. But for people who care about frequency of service, it’s a real improvement.” Schank said the FAA would not have done such an overhaul if the agency didn’t see potential for a real benefit without endangering safety stan- dards. “It’s no fun being the people who get the louder noise,” Schank said. “Somebody’s always going to be upset. and the best thing you can do is keep working on improvements to PHOENIX: A passenger plane flies directly over a home as it brings the technology and to the flight path increased noise to residential neighborhoods. — AP that can reduce noise.”— AP p10 2_Layout 1 2/24/15 8:28 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Foreign ministers scrambling News in brief

‘Missing’ Korean teen to salvage Ukraine peace deal at Islamic State camp SEOUL: A South Korean teenager who went missing last month has joined the Islamic State (IS) group and is receiv- Putin rules out ‘apocalyptic scenario’ of all-out war ing training, South Korea’s spy agency said yesterday. The 18-year-old middle school dropout, identified only by his KIEV: Foreign ministers from Ukraine, surname Kim, went missing in Turkey on January 10. There Russia, Germany and France gathered yes- had been speculation that he crossed into Syria to join the terday to try to revive a shaky ceasefire in radical Islamist group. The National Intelligence Service east Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir (NIS) said in a report to a parliamentary committee that Putin ruled out an “apocalyptic scenario” of Kim was receiving training at an undisclosed IS camp, all-out war. Top diplomats from the four Yonhap news agency reported. The NIS report was dis- countries, whose leaders hammered out closed by lawmakers who attended the closed committee the initial peace plan in the Belarusian capi- session. The teenager was last seen leaving his hotel in the tal Minsk, met in Paris, with Kiev accusing southern Turkish city of Kilis-not far from the border. South Moscow and pro-Russian rebels on the Korea’s foreign ministry said earlier that CCTV footage ground of torpedoing the truce. “The Minsk obtained by Turkish police showed Kim taking an unli- agreements are not being respected and censed taxi, together with an unidentified man, outside a everyone has to say clearly that this cannot mosque near his hotel. go on,” a high-ranking Ukrainian diplomatic source said. Fighting has dropped off significantly N Korean leader’s aunt since rebels ignored a truce to seize the still alive: South Korea strategic transport hub of Debaltseve last SEOUL: The once powerful aunt of North Korean week, but clashes still continue around leader Kim Jong-Un is still alive despite her extended strategic flashpoints. Ukraine’s military said absence from public view since her husband was exe- its forces in the conflict zone came under cuted, South Korea’s spy agency said yesterday. The fire 12 times overnight and rebels had whereabouts and status of Kim Kyong-Hui, 68, have again tried to storm a village east of key been a focus of media attention after her husband port town Mariupol. The continuing clashes Jang Song-Thaek was executed in late 2013 on an have delayed a pull-back of heavy weapons array of charges, including treason and corruption. Her that was due to start a week ago under the long absence from public occasions had sparked spec- peace plan. Kiev refuses to withdraw its big ulation she may have fallen ill, with one leading South guns from the frontline until the shooting Korean newspaper suggesting she may already be stops definitively. The rebels have claimed dead. But the South’s National Intelligence Service several times that they have started to (NIS) yesterday refuted reports that she had died, withdraw arms but this has not been con- Yonhap news agency reported. “They said she’s alive,” firmed by monitors from the Organization Shin Kyoung-Min, a ruling party legislator was quoted for Security and Cooperation in as saying in a parliamentary intelligence committee Europe(OSCE). meeting, without elaborating. Kim Kyong-Hui had ABU DHABI: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (third left) and the head of Ukrainian General Staff Viktor Muzhenko, in uni- wielded influence in her supporting role under the form, visit the International Defense Exhibition and Conference, IDEX, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates yesterday. —AP Apocalypse ‘unlikely’ leadership of her brother and late leader Kim Jong-Il. The latest fighting came as Putin-whom forces around Mariupol, the latest allega- peace plan, but that demand has been nearly 200 captured fighters from both She and her husband were also seen as instrumental in Kiev and the West accused of mastermind- tion that Moscow is spearheading the opposed by Moscow and failed to gain sides were traded. smoothing her nephew Kim Jong-Un’s transition to ing the conflict-said he thought the insurgency. Moscow denies it is sending much traction with the West. The United States and the European power, before Jang fell from grace. prospect of all-out war between Russia and arms and troops to bolster the rebels. “We view this operation as an indis- Union have strongly warned against fur- Ukraine was unlikely. Asked in an interview However it made similar denials over pensable instrument to ultimately help ther breaches of the ceasefire, with with Russian state television if he thought Crimea-the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula implement these agreements and bring Washington saying extra “consequences” Thai anti-graft body the current situation could lead to a direct that it annexed last year-before finally peace back,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister could be imposed on Russia within days. indicts 250 ex-MPs confrontation, Putin said: “I think that such admitting that it had deployed troops. If Pavlo Klimkin told the UN in New York on Russia has already been hit by successive BANGKOK: Thailand’s anti-graft agency indicted 250 an apocalyptic scenario is unlikely and I Mariupol were to fall to the pro-Russian Monday. Germany and France brokered rounds of Western sanctions, savaging its former lawmakers yesterday, a member of the body hope that it will never happen.” “If the rebels, it would remove a key obstacle to the Minsk truce this month in a last-ditch economy, which is headed for recession said, in a ruling that will further erode the influence of Minsk accords are complied with, then I am creating a separatist land corridor stretch- effort to end fighting that has claimed at because of a collapse in oil prices. former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The decision sure that the situation will gradually get ing from Russia’s border with Ukraine to least 5,690 lives since April, and the Meanwhile, Russia’s state-owned gas comes less than a month after Thaksin’s sister, former back to normal.” Crimea. peace deal was subsequently endorsed giant Gazprom warned yesterday it could Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, was banned from He added: “No one needs a conflict, by the UN Security Council. Up to now, cut off gas deliveries to Ukraine within politics for five years by the junta-appointed legislature moreover an armed one, on the periphery US warns of ‘consequences’ the main act of compliance with the two days, upping the stakes in the crisis stacked with former or serving officers of the military, of Europe.” Ukraine has accused Russia of Kiev has pressed for UN or EU peace- Minsk agreement has been a prisoner there-and threatening supplies to the which has twice toppled governments led by her family. sending in more tanks to bolster rebel keepers to be deployed to enforce the swap conducted on Saturday in which rest of Europe.— AFP Wicha Mahakun, a member of the National Anti- Corruption Commission (NACC), said the body would forward the case to the country’s National Legislative Assembly. “We have found 250 MPs guilty of acting French president Hollande vows unconstitutionally. We will forward the case for impeachment to the national legislature,” Wicha told stiffer penalties for hate speech reporters. The NACC said the former MPs acted dishon- estly. They face a five-year ban from politics if found PARIS: French President Francois Hollande guilty by the NLA. The case concerns a 2013 proposal by has vowed to introduce tougher penalties for “racist, anti-Semitic or homophobic” remarks lawmakers from Yingluck’s Puea Thai Party to amend in the wake of last month’s militant attacks in the constitution and enlarge the upper house Senate by Paris. Speaking at an annual dinner hosted by making it a fully elected body. The case aims at destroy- the country’s Jewish community, Hollande ing the Shinawatra political machine, said Paul called for “faster, more effective sanctions” Chambers, research director at the Institute of South against hate speech and added: “I want such East Asian Affairs affiliated with Chiang Mai University. speech to come under criminal law rather than press laws.” Hollande said anti-Semitism should be treated as an aggravating circum- Australia PM accused stance in the prosecution of all offences. of inciting ‘ill-feeling’ Would-be jihadists would also face stiffer SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was punishment under a draft intelligence bill to yesterday accused of “scapegoating” an entire com- be unveiled next month, he said. The dinner munity and inciting “ill-feeling” after telling Muslim was marked by the absence of the rector of leaders to do more to combat extremism. In a the Great Mosque of Paris, Dalil Boubakeur, national security address Monday, Abbott said he outraged over comments by a Jewish com- had often heard Western leaders describe Islam as a munity leader, Roger Cukierman, blaming PARIS: French President Francois “religion of peace” and that he wished Muslim lead- MALE: Maldives police try to move former president Mohamed Nasheed during a young Muslims for anti-Semitic violence. Hollande pauses, as he delivers his ers “would say that more often, and mean it”. scuffle as he arrives at a courthouse in Male. — AFP Cukierman said he “deeply regretted” speech at the 30th annual dinner held by “Everybody, including Muslim community leaders, Boubakeur’s absence from the dinner, adding: the French Jewish Institutions needs to speak up clearly because, no matter what “Jews and Muslims are all in the same boat Representative Council (Conseil the grievance, violence against innocents must and I hope that contact will swiftly be Ex-Maldives president’s arrest Representatif des Institutions juives de surely be a blasphemy against all religion,” he said. reestablished.” France, CRIF) in Paris. —AP sparks international concern Since January’s attacks, in which 17 people The Islamic Council of Victoria, which represents were killed, including four Jews gunned French migration to Israel hit a record high that state’s more than 150,000 Muslims, said it was down at a kosher supermarket in Paris, sol- last year of 6,600 people, and many believe one of many community bodies which had repeat- MALE: The United States and regional pow- expressed concern, while Canada’s Foreign diers and police have been deployed outside the trend will accelerate. France is still on high edly condemned all forms of violence and extrem- er India have voiced concern after former Minister Rob Nicholson said the allegation synagogues and Jewish schools. Last month, alert following January’s shooting rampage ism. “We continue to encourage the PM to reflect Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed was of terrorism was “politically charged” and the country’s main Jewish group said the by three jihadists who attacked the Charlie the set of values he espouses by utilizing a reper- forcibly dragged into court to face terrorism “abhorrent”. number of anti-Semitic acts doubled in Hebdo satirical magazine, the Jewish super- toire of inclusive rather than divisive language,” charges and denied legal access and med- France during 2014, with acts involving physi- market and police officers in a three-day cam- council spokesman Kuranda Seyit said. “The PM’s ical treatment. Nasheed, who was ousted Taken to prison island cal violence leading the increase. France is paign of terror. The attacks were the worst in lack of acknowledgement or appreciation of three years ago, was denied bail at a brief Police hauled the former leader into the home to Europe’s largest Jewish population, France in decades. The violence in Paris and Muslim community leaders and members who vol- hearing on Monday after being arrested on court in the capital Male on Monday, ignor- estimated to be between 500,000 and more recently in Copenhagen, where two what critics have labeled trumped-up ing his plea to be allowed to walk in himself. unteer their time to consult with all levels of gov- 600,000, as well as the continent’s largest people were shot dead in attacks on a cultur- charges. Nasheed told the court that his arm hurt ernment and enforcement agencies misleads and Muslim population, estimated at around five al centre and a synagogue, has sparked fears The dramatic arrest came amid growing after police violently pushed him to the incites ill-feeling from the broader community.” million. of a major threat from radical Islamists.— AFP opposition to the government of President ground, but the three-judge bench brushed Abdulla Yameen, whose spokesman yester- aside his complaints, only asking police to day denied that the move was politically grant him “necessary treatment” after the motivated. “Everything is (happening) hearing. according to the law,” spokesman Ibrahim Nasheed was later seen being taken N Zealand trainers to join anti-IS fight Muaz Ali said, rejecting international criti- away by boat to the nearby prison islet of cism over the handling of the case. “This is Dhoonidhoo. His shirt buttons were missing WELLINGTON: New Zealand will send saying New Zealand would “stand up for pilots are burnt to death, while kids exe- an internal matter for the Maldives. We are and he looked to be in pain throughout the troops to Iraq on a ‘behind-the-wire” non- what’s right”. “Sending our forces to Iraq is cute soldiers,” he said. “This is the time to an independent country since 1965.” hearing. The charges, which carry a penalty combat mission to boost the local military’s not an easy decision but it is the right deci- stand up and be counted.” New Zealand, Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party of more than 10 years in prison, relate to the ability to fight the Islamic State (IS) group, sion,” he said. He added that New Zealand part of the so-called “five eyes” intelligence has said that what it called the “trumped-up January 2012 arrest of then-criminal court Prime Minister John Key said yesterday. Key troops would most likely work alongside network involving the United States, charges of terrorism” are aimed at cracking chief judge Abdullah Mohamed, when said about 140 troops would begin the mis- their Australian counterparts at a military Britain, Australia and Canada, has faced down on the opposition before a planned Nasheed was still president. Since stepping sion in May after a request from the Iraqi base in Taji, north of Baghdad. Key said the pressure from allies to join the anti-IS protest rally on Friday. The Maldives is a down, Nasheed has been plagued with government for international help to initial deployment was for nine months and effort. British Foreign Secretary Philip major tourist attraction, but political unrest court action over the 2012 saga, with the increase its military capability against the the mission would not extend beyond two Hammond urged the country to make its has dented its image as a peaceful island most recent arrest coming just days after jihadists. “We cannot, and should not, fight years. military expertise available when he visited paradise in recent years. Ali’s comments the state prosecutor dropped charges of Iraq’s battles for them-and actually Iraq Auckland this month. “Frankly we’ve got came after regional power India expressed abuse of power against him. Moosa Ali doesn’t want us to,” he told parliament. ‘Get some guts’ used to New Zealand being there alongside concern over the “arrest and manhandling” Jaleel, who was head of armed forces under “Our military can, however, play a part in The leader of the main opposition Labor us, alongside the US, the UK, Australia, as of the country’s first democratically elected Nasheed and is now the defense minister, building the capability and capacity of the Party, Andrew Little, said New Zealand part of the family,” Hammond said. leader. India’s foreign ministry said both and three others have also been charged. Iraqi forces so they can fight ISIL them- should concentrate on supplying humani- Key said in January that New Zealand sides should “resolve their differences within However, the president’s spokesman Ali selves.” Key flagged the mission late last tarian aid to Iraq, rather than conducting was expected to assist the military effort, the constitutional and legal framework of said Jaleel would remain part of the cabinet year and it has been hotly debated in New military training. “We won’t fix the (Iraqi) adding “there has to be some contribution, Maldives”. since he and the other accused were consid- Zealand, with all major opposition parties army, it is disorganized, it is broken, it is it’s the price of the club”. New Zealand did US Assistant Secretary of State for South ered innocent until proved guilty. Nasheed not participate in the US-led invasion of and Central Asia Nisha Biswal also voiced resigned as the Maldives’ leader in February against it. A TVNZ opinion poll released this treacherous and it is corrupt,” he told par- concern at Nasheed’s arrest when she spoke 2012 after a mutiny by police and troops week found 48 percent of participants sup- liament. Green Party leader Russel Norman Iraq to oust Saddam Hussein in 2003, to the Maldivian foreign minister at the that followed weeks of protests over the ported a military training mission, with 42 criticized Key for refusing to put the although it sent two 60-odd strong contin- weekend, a State Department spokes- arrest of the criminal court judge Mohamed percent against and the rest undecided. planned mission to a parliamentary vote, gents of engineers to Basra in 2003-04 after woman said. “She (Biswal) urged the govern- on corruption allegations. Yameen came to Key said New Zealand was part of a 62- saying he knew he would lose. “Democracy, a UN request for help in reconstruction ment to take steps to restore confidence in... power in November 2013 after an election nation coalition against the Islamic State it seems, is a military export and is not for efforts. The country also sent a reconstruc- their commitment to democracy, judicial that Nasheed initially led before losing in a organization, also known as ISIL or ISIS, domestic consumption,” Norman said. In a tion team and small special forces contin- independence, and rule of law, including controversial run-off. The next presidential which has captured swathes of territory fierce parliamentary debate, Key said oppo- gent to join the NATO-led operation in respect for the right to peaceful protest and election is not due until late 2018, but the across Iraq and Syria. He described the sition leaders should “get some guts and Afghanistan in 2003, resulting in 10 New respect for due process,” spokeswoman Jen opposition has been staging regular anti- group-infamous for beheading, stoning join the right side”. Zealand deaths during the decade-long Psaki said. The Commonwealth has also government demonstrations in Male.— AFP and burning alive its victims-as “barbaric”, “I will not stand by while Jordanian deployment.— AFP

INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 Critics tear their hair over Malaysia PM’s wife

KUALA LUMPUR: The wife of Malaysia’s prime right. But what about housewives like us, with The New York Times ran a report earlier this minister, who is widely mocked over reports of no income?” she was quoted as saying by the month detailing purchases of high-end US real her taste for luxury, drew fresh scorn yesterday Malaysian Insider news portal. estate by people close to Najib, and said it also after she complained about the rising cost of Malaysia’s minimum wage is 900 ringgit per had obtained documents showing millions of house calls from hairdressers and tailors. month, though critics say it is seldom enforced. dollars in jewelry purchases for Rosmah. In a Rosmah Mansor, 63, is a controversial figure in Rosmah made the comments at a public event statement to AFP after the New York Times Malaysia, where she is routinely portrayed by to discuss the introduction of a new consumer report, the prime minister’s office said “We pre- critics as out of touch with ordinary citizens tax in April. “Is this woman for real? Some fami- fer not to comment on unsourced speculation struggling to make ends meet. lies have to live on what she pays to have her concerning the private finances and spending The wife of Prime Minister Najib Razak hand- hair dyed,” said one Facebook user, among a of the prime minister and his family.” Malaysian ed her critics new fuel with comments on flood of social media postings poking fun at her police on February 14 seized a shipment of Monday lamenting the 1,200 ringgit ($330) she on Tuesday. Said a post on Twitter: “I hope to books lampooning Najib and Rosmah by one of has to spend on house calls by stylists to dye become a poor housewife of a civil servant just the country’s best-known political cartoonists. her substantial head of hair, and 500 ringgit for like you Rosmah.” Since her husband took office Last year an opposition lawmaker was charged tailored dresses. “We have to make beautiful in 2009, Rosmah has faced periodic criticism with sedition for producing a satirical video that clothes to attend functions, but the prices are over reports of luxury overseas shopping included a character widely viewed as repre- way too high. For those who can afford, it’s all sprees. senting Rosmah. — AFP Rosmah Mansor News in Brief

Too late’ to raise alarm on missing girls: Turkey

ANKARA: Turkey accused Britain of being too late to inform the Turkish authorities over the departure to its territory of three teenage British girls feared to be on their way to Syria. The three girls, aged between 15 and 17, boarded a flight from London to Istanbul last week and police suspect they planned to transit Turkish terri- tory on their way to join Islamic State (IS) jihadist fight- ers in Syria. “Of course, Turkey is not at fault here,” Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesman Bulent Arinc told Turkish reporters late Monday after a cabinet meeting. “We are taking the necessary meas- ures. But countries like Britain need to share the infor- mation with us.” “Britain passed on their information three days after” the arrival of the girls in Istanbul, he said. Turkey has repeatedly been accused by its Western allies of failing to do enough to stop the transfer of jihadists, as well as their female companions, across its territory on their way to Syria. Arinc’s complaints echo similar remarks made by Turkish officials after Hayat Boumeddiene, the wanted partner of one of the gun- men behind the January terror attacks in France, trav- elled undetected through Turkey on her way to Syria.

Kazakh ex-diplomat found hanged in Austrian prison VIENNA: Rakhat Aliyev, the Kazakh president’s KABUL: Four Afghan civil society activists pose as corrupt officials while standing inside a mock prison cage during a demonstration outside the High Court in Kabul, former son-in-law turned Afghanistan. The demonstration, attended by tens of people, protested against the increasing violence against women in the country. — AP political arch enemy, has been found dead in an Austrian jail after killing himself, a court spokes- Gunmen abduct 30 Shiite woman said yesterday, but his lawyers said they doubted he had taken his own life. Austrian prose- Muslims in Afghanistan cutors in December charged him with the murder of two bankers in 2007, a case in which Hazara Muslims often the target of sectarian violence Kazakhstan’s two requests for extradition were denied because of Photo shows Rakhat KANDAHAR: Masked gunmen have abducted 30 Shiite but kidnappings for ransom by bandits, local militias and Carter said Saturday Washington was seriously considering the former Soviet repub- Aliyev Muslim men who were travelling by bus through southern Taleban insurgents are common in Afghanistan. Interior slowing the pace of its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan lic’s human rights record. Afghanistan, officials said yesterday. ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said police were “doing as the fight continues against the resilient Taleban insur- Aliyev, a former Kazakh ambassador to Austria who The men, members of the minority Hazara ethnic group, everything to ensure their safe release”. Nearly 200 Hazara gency. Under the current plan, the 10,000-strong US force is became a vocal critic of President Nursultan were seized on Monday evening in Zabul province, on the Shiites were killed in early 2013 in two major attacks in the due to drop to about 5,500 by the end of 2015 and then pull Nazarbayev, had denounced the case against him as road between the western city of Herat and the capital Pakistani city of Quetta, capital of Baluchistan province out altogether by the time Obama leaves office in two years. politically motivated. Kabul. Hazara Shiite Muslims are often the target of sectari- which borders southern Afghanistan. Afghan leaders and some lawmakers have urged Obama to He had been in custody since June when he turned an violence at the hands of Sunni Muslim extremists in US-led NATO forces ended their combat mission in reconsider the withdrawal timetable, warning that an early himself in to Austrian authorities after a four-year Pakistan and Afghanistan. “Our driver saw a group of Afghanistan in late December after more than a decade US exit could jeopardize security and international aid. US investigation. The Austria Press Agency (APA) quoted masked men in Afghan army uniform signaling him and he fighting the Taleban, having failed fully to quell their insur- General John Campbell, the commander of the remaining corrections department director Peter Prechtl as say- thought they were soldiers so he stopped,” Nasir Ahmad, an gency. Civilian casualties rose sharply last year as local forces NATO forces in Afghanistan, said the reassessment was tak- ing Aliyev’s body was found at 7:20 am in Vienna’s official with the Ghazni Paima bus company said. took on the task of battling the militants, with 22 percent ing into account the potential threat posed by IS in the Josefstadt prison in a cell where he had been in soli- “The gunmen took 30 Hazaras away with them.” Ahmad more killed or wounded in conflict than in 2013. There have country. Campbell told reporters that while IS had only a tary confinement. He had hanged himself in a bath- said the kidnappers took only the men on the two buses been fears recently that the influence of the Islamic State (IS) “nascent” presence in Afghanistan, the risk they pose was room, Prechtl said. Defense attorneys Manfred and and not the women and children travelling with them. No group, which has a strongly anti-Shiite agenda, could be weighing on President Ashraf Ghani’s mind and US forces Klaus Ainedter were quoted by APA as saying they one immediately claimed responsibility for the abduction, growing in Afghanistan. New US Defense Secretary Ashton were tracking it closely. — AFP could not imagine their client, 52, had killed himself. Media self-censorship Court dismisses death row Anti-Boko Haram activist growing in Abe’s reign wins Japan’s peace prize TOKYO: A Nigerian woman who has campaigned Australians legal challenge TOKYO: Worries are growing in Japan about a trend of against Islamist extremists Boko Haram was yesterday media self-censorship as journalists and experts say news awarded a Japanese peace prize worth $170,000. Esther JAKARTA: An Indonesian court yesterday dismissed a bid by lawyers said they would do. Widodo insisted that Jakarta would organizations are toning down criticism of Prime Minister Ibanga, a pastor and activist in Nigeria, has kept up a two Australian drug traffickers on death row to avoid execution push ahead with the executions of the Australians and other Shinzo Abe’s government for fear of sparking ire and losing vocal protest against the kidnappings that Boko Haram by challenging the president’s rejection of their pleas for foreigners on death row despite coming under intense interna- access to sources. No one is accusing Abe’s administration has made almost routine, the Niwano Peace Foundation clemency. Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, the ringlead- tional pressure. of overt meddling in specific news coverage, but media ers of the so-called “Bali Nine” drug smuggling gang, were said. The foundation said it had awarded her its 20 mil- insiders and analysts say the government’s message is get- lion yen annual prize because of the way she has tire- arrested for trying to traffic heroin out of Indonesia in 2005 and ‘Do not intervene’ ting through. “The media did, in recent years, play a much sentenced to death the following year. Their appeals for presi- He said that his message to other countries was: “Do not lessly pressured central and local governing officials in more positive role in ... making people in power squirm. In dential clemency, typically a death row convict’s final chance of intervene in executions. This is Indonesia’s judicial and political her efforts to fight back against extremists. “Esther has avoiding the firing squad, were recently rejected by Indonesian sovereignty.” Indonesia sparked a diplomatic storm in January the Abe era, they have begun pulling back,” said Jeffrey worked extensively to foster and facilitate reconciliation Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University’s President Joko Widodo. when it executed six drug convicts, including five foreigners, between conflicting religious and tribal groups,” setting Japan campus. Widodo has been a vocal supporter of executing drug traf- prompting Brazil and the Netherlands-whose citizens were up an organization that has all tribal women leaders on fickers and insisted yesterday that foreign countries must not among those executed-to recall their ambassadors. “There is a chilling atmosphere that encourages media organizations to exercise self-restraint.” The conservative its membership, the Buddhist group-backed foundation interfere in Indonesia’s right to use the death penalty. Indonesia Authorities originally said the Australians would be put to said. Boko Haram fighters have kidnapped hundreds of death in February but last week announced their executions Abe, who returned to office in 2012, had fraught media ties would be delayed by up to a month, insisting it was due to during his first term, which ended when he quit in 2007 schoolgirls, causing global outrage and a social media “technical reasons” and not sustained diplomatic pressure from after a year of scandals and ill-health. This time, Abe wants campaign to release them. Over 13,000 have been killed Canberra. The men’s lawyers have launched a series of last-ditch to avoid the same mistake, experts say. His appointee as while more than one million people have been left legal moves in a bid to save the pair, both in their early 30s, chairman of NHK public television, Katsuto Momii, raised homeless since 2009 as the extremist militants try to from the firing squad, despite Jakarta’s insistence nothing more doubts about the respected broadcaster’s independence carve out an Islamic state in Nigeria’s northeast. can be done for them. Their legal team have argued that they when he told his first news conference in early 2014: “We have been rehabilitated in prison and Widodo had failed to cannot say left when the government says right”. consider the cases properly. Late last year, a ruling party aide to Abe wrote to televi- Support for Britain The looming executions have dramatically heightened ten- sion broadcasters ahead of an election demanding fair cov- anti-EU party slips sions between Australia and Indonesia, fraying ties that were erage. Many journalists took the letter as a signal they LONDON: Support for the anti-EU UK Independence only just recovering from a spying row. Australian Prime should dampen criticism or risk losing access to officials. Party (UKIP) has slipped less than three months before Minister Tony Abbott has made repeated pleas for the men to “There have been cases of media self-restraint in the past, a national election, following a slew of negative pub- be spared and even urged Indonesia to remember Canberra’s but they usually involved the imperial family, or, as after licity, denting its hopes of winning more seats in par- significant help in dealing with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsuna- liament, an opinion poll showed yesterday. UKIP won mi. However, the remarks sparked anger in Indonesia, with the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster, when media adopt- European elections in Britain last May, has regularly JAKARTA: In this combo photograph, Australian drug several groups organizing collections of coins to return the ed a sober tone,” said Shinichi Hisadome, a foreign news been getting 15 percent in opinion polls, and has even smugglers Andrew Chan (left) and Myuran Sukumaran aid to Australia and Vice President Jusuf Kalla saying the mon- editor at the Tokyo Shimbun, a feisty metropolitan daily spoken of holding the balance of power after the elec- (the ringleaders of the “Bali Nine” drug ring) are seen at ey would be given back if Canberra did not consider it regarded in media circles as less submissive than national tion. But a Comres poll for the Daily Mail newspaper a court holding cell during their trial in Denpasar, in “humanitarian”. media. “I think this is the first time that criticism of the gov- put the party which wants Britain to leave the Bali resort island. — AFP France has been piling pressure on Indonesia over the exe- ernment itself has been so restrained,” Hisadome said. cutions, last week summoning the Indonesian ambassador to European Union and cut immigration sharply - on 13 is facing intense diplomatic pressure not just from Australia but express its “extreme concern”. And with a second of its citizens ‘Cozying up’ percent, down 4 points since January, its lowest share also Brazil and France, whose citizens have also lost their due to face the firing squad, Brazil is also ratcheting up diplo- Experts say the result is a far friendlier tone toward the of the vote since last April. An Ashcroft poll on Monday appeals for clemency and are facing imminent execution. matic efforts, with President Dilma Rousseff refusing last week government even among media that previously were criti- put UKIP on just 11 percent, down 5 points in a week, Earlier, the Administrative Court in Jakarta dismissed the to accept the credentials of the new Indonesian ambassador. cal. “Criticism of the government has dropped sharply,” said just days before it tries to galvanise supporters at its Australians’ application to challenge the president’s refusal to The family of Rodrigo Gularte, who recently lost his appeal for Kozo Nagata, a former NHK producer and now a professor spring conference in southern England. The softening grant them clemency, a rare move that was seen as having little presidential clemency, say he has been diagnosed as a para- of media studies at Musashi University. In one example of in UKIP support follows a TV drama which imagined it chance of success. Rejecting Sukumaran’s application, presiding noid schizophrenic and should be in a psychiatric facility. the climate, a producer of TV Asahi’s Hodo Station, a night- ushering in a period of racial unrest and economic Judge Hendro Puspito said: “Clemency is the prerogative of the After visiting him in jail in central Java yesterday, his cousin ly news show known for not pulling punches, will be shift- pain after winning power, and the broadcast of an president... the state administrative court has no right to rule on Angelita Muxfeldt said that “he doesn’t understand what has ed to a new post from April because she would not heed embarrassing documentary which featured a UKIP the challenge.” He also rejected Chan’s application. The judge happened”. “He thinks he will go home, death penalty doesn’t internal warnings not to criticize Abe’s government, two councilor saying she had a problem with “negroes”. said the pair had 14 days to lodge an appeal, which their exist anymore.”— AFP sources familiar with the matter said. —Reuters NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 How Iranian military chiefs operate in Iraq

BAGHDAD: The face stares out from multiple billboards in cen- troops” whose “word is like a sword above all groups”. tral Baghdad, a grey-haired general casting a watchful eye The body he heads helps coordinate everything from logis- across the Iraqi capital. This military commander is not Iraqi, tics to military operations against Islamic State. Its members though. He’s Iranian. The posters are a recent arrival, reflecting say Mohandis’ close friendships with both Soleimani and Amiri the influence Iran now wields in Baghdad. Iraq is a mainly Arab helps anchor the collaboration. The men have known each country. Its citizens, Shiite and Sunni Muslims alike, have long other for more than 20 years, according to Muen Al-Kadhimi, a mistrusted Iran, the Persian nation to the east. But as Baghdad Badr Organisation leader in western Baghdad. “If we look at struggles to fight the Sunni extremist group Islamic State, this history,” Kadhimi said, “it helped significantly in organising many Shiite Iraqis now look to Iran, a Shiite theocracy, as their the Hashid Shaabi and creating a force that achieved a victory main ally. that 250,000 (Iraqi) soldiers and 600,000 interior ministry police In particular, Iraqi Shiites have grown to trust the powerful failed to do.” Iranian-backed militias that have taken charge since the Iraqi Kadhimi said the main leadership team usually consulted army deserted en masse last summer. Dozens of paramilitary for three to four weeks before major military campaigns. “We groups have united under a secretive branch of the Iraqi gov- look at the battle from all directions, from first determining the ernment called the Popular Mobilisation Committee, or Hashid field ... how to distribute assignments within the Hashid Shaabi Shaabi. Created by Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi’s predeces- battalions, consult battalion commanders and the logistics,” he sor Nuri Al-Maliki, the official body now takes the lead role in said. Soleimani, he said, “participates in the operation com- many of Iraq’s security operations. From its position at the mand centre from the start of the battle to the end, and the nexus between Tehran, the Iraqi government, and the militias, last thing (he) does is visit the battle’s wounded in the hospi- it is increasingly influential in determining the country’s future. tal.” Until now, little has been known about the body. But in a Iraqi and Kurdish officials put the number of Iranian advis- series of interviews with Reuters, key Iraqi figures inside Hashid ers in Iraq between 100 and several hundred - fewer than the Shaabi have detailed the ways the paramilitary groups, nearly 3,000 American officers training Iraqi forces. In many Baghdad and Iran collaborate, and the role Iranian advisers ways, though, the Iranians are a far more influential force. Iraqi play both inside the group and on the frontlines. Those who officials say Tehran’s involvement is driven by its belief that spoke to Reuters include two senior figures in the Badr Islamic State is an immediate danger to Shiite religious shrines Organisation, perhaps the single most powerful Shiite paramil- not just in Iraq but also in Iran. Shrines in both nations, but itary group, and the commander of a relatively new militia especially in Iraq, rank among the sect’s most sacred. called Saraya al-Khorasani. The Iranians, the Iraqi officials say, helped organise the In all, Hashid Shaabi oversees and coordinates several Shiite volunteers and militia forces after Grand Ayatollah dozen factions. The insiders say most of the groups followed a Sistani called on Iraqis to defend their country days after call to arms by Iraq’s leading Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al- Islamic State seized control of the northern city of Mosul last Sistani. But they also cite the religious guidance of Ayatollah Ali June. Prime Minister Abadi has said Iran has provided Iraqi Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, as a key factor in their forces and militia volunteers with weapons and ammunition decision to fight and - as they see it - defend Iraq. Hadi Al- from the first days of the war with Islamic State. They have also A duck takes flight at the Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Dubai yesterday. The sanctuary, Amiri, the leader of the Badr Organisation, told Reuters: “The provided troops. Several Kurdish officials said that when which is Dubai’s only desert wetland, occupies about 2.4 square miles on the banks of Dubai Creek and com- majority of us believe that ... Khamenei has all the qualifica- Islamic State fighters pushed close to the Iraq-Iran border in tions as an Islamic leader. He is the leader not only for Iranians late summer, Iran dispatched artillery units to Iraq to fight prises of mudflats, lagoons, pools and mangroves. — AFP but the Islamic nation. I believe so and I take pride in it.” He them. Farid Asarsad, a senior official from the semi- insisted there was no conflict between his role as an Iraqi polit- autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan, said Iranian troops often ical and military leader and his fealty to Khamenei. “Khamenei work with Iraqi forces. In northern Iraq, Kurdish peshmerga sol- Faberge unveils first Imperial egg in 99 years would place the interests of the Iraqi people above all else,” diers “dealt with the technical issues like identifying targets in Continued from Page 1 Morand would not confirm that and said the price could Amiri said. battle, but the launching of rockets and artillery - the Iranians only be known “on application” for interested buyers. were the ones who did that.” his wife Empress Maria with a bejewelled Easter egg She added that several people had already expressed From Battlefield to Hospital Kadhimi, the senior Badr official, said Iranian advisers in Iraq in 1885. But as much as they were loved by the Russian their desire to buy the piece. The egg has been commis- Hashid Shaabi is headed by Jamal Jaafar Mohammed, bet- have helped with everything from tactics to providing paramili- ter known by his nom de guerre Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandis, a for- tary groups with drone and signals capabilities, including elec- royalty, the diamond-encrusted objets d’art have come sioned in association with the Gulf-based Al Fardan jew- mer Badr commander who once plotted against Saddam tronic surveillance and radio communications. “The US stayed all to symbolise the family’s excesses. The new egg has ellery group, which is renowned for its pearls. The $2 Hussein and whom American officials have accused of bomb- these years with the Iraqi army and never taught them to use been crafted “to mark the upcoming (100th) anniver- million price tag may end up being a conservative esti- ing the US embassy in Kuwait in 1983. Iraqi officials say drones or how to operate a very sophisticated communication sary since the last Imperial egg was commissioned,” mate. Mohandis is the right-hand man of Qassem Soleimani, head of network, or how to intercept the enemy’s communication,” he Faberge’s spokeswoman Alize Morand told AFP. She said The last Imperial egg to be auctioned reportedly the Quds Force, part of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Mohandis is said. “The Hashid Shaabi, with the help of (Iranian) advisers, now the egg would be the first of several that will soon be went for more than $30 million when sold last year after praised by some militia fighters as “the commander of all knows how to operate and manufacture drones.” — Reuters unveiled by Faberge. being found in a jumble sale. And the last officially After going on show for the first time, the egg will be known price for an egg was $18.5 million, which was Sisi widens scope of security crackdown sold at the end of the five-day exhibition in Qatar and sold at Christie’s in London in 2007. Faberge says that 50 there are already buyers interested in the piece. One eggs in total were commissioned and 43 of those are Continued from Page 1 “terrorist group” also will apply to any entity that endangers estimate put the value of the new egg at $2 million. But known to have survived the Russian Revolution.— AFP the environment, antiquities, communications or trans- Since taking office in 2014, Sisi has identified Morsi’s portation, or obstructs the work of local or international Muslim Brotherhood as a threat to national security. He has agencies in Egypt. It also includes any group that uses “any FIFA calls for winter World Cup in Qatar linked the Brotherhood, the region’s oldest Islamist group- means” to disturb public order, endangers security or state ing, with far more radical groups, including one based in interests, and seeks to “disrupt the constitution or law, or Continued from Page 1 November after 13 or 14 games and start again in Sinai that supports Islamic State, allegations it denies. harm national unity”. January. In the meantime, players will not play, the Hundreds of supporters of the Brotherhood, which says Zaree said such a broad definition could leave anyone - A Nov 26 to Dec 23 tournament would be 31 days, clubs will not make any money, the fans will be it is a peaceful movement, have been killed and thousands including even a political party calling for a protest or criti- one shorter than the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. FIFA said deprived of national competitions and television com- panies will be furious,” he told AFP. arrested in one of the toughest security crackdowns in cizing the government in a statement - subject to the law. “The proposed event dates have the full support of all six confederations.” German Football League boss, Andreas Retting, said Egypt’s history. In Egypt’s penal code, terrorism is already broadly defined Qatar, already on the defensive over allegations of FIFA “now has to demonstrate how a solution will work”. Since Morsi’s fall, Sinai-based militants have killed hun- as an act that endangers public order. “This definition of ter- corruption surrounding its bid for the 2022 event, said it Germany is one nation that has been predicted to seek dreds of police and soldiers, and the beheading of up to 21 rorism can now be applied to the Islamic State or to us,” would accept whatever FIFA decides. “We have always compensation for the switch. Spain’s football league Egyptians in neighbouring Libya prompted Sisi to order air Zaree said, referring to the rights community, which is high- committed ourselves to what the football community said the new dates would cause “serious damage” to the strikes against militant targets there. Some Egyptians have ly critical of the government’s human rights record. decides,” said the country’s World Cup chief, Hassan Al- normal routine of European domestic championships. overlooked widespread allegations of human rights abuses The new law is likely meant to replace emergency meas- Thawadi. “We are onboard whatever the executive com- The European leagues say that three quarters of the and backed Sisi for delivering a degree of stability following ures that Egyptian police and prosecutors have operated mittee decides.” players at the last World Cup came from European years of political turmoil since 2011. under for 30 years. Those measures already overstepped UEFA, Europe’s governing body, said it supported the leagues. “In the absence of accountability and monitoring, we existing legislation, giving authorities broad powers to task force’s recommendation for a winter tournament. Even within FIFA there is likely to be debate on the will never know whom this law is applied to,” said detain and arrest suspects, and leaving the public mistrust- But Europe’s top leagues and clubs, who fear a costly final dates. Britain’s FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce said Mohammed Zaree, Egypt program manager at the Cairo ful of their ability to follow the law. According to Zaree, the disruption to their domestic championships, expressed the move to winter was “common sense” but he would Institute for Human Rights Studies. “The absence of new law effectively narrows public space, and also serves to immediate opposition. “Yeah, very disappointed that’s oppose holding the final as late as December 23 as it accountability and monitoring only leaves authorities “cover up” Egypt’s unsuccessful effort to defeat terrorism. the word, I think, on behalf of all the European leagues was so close to Christmas Day on Dec 25. FIFA ruled out above the law.” Egypt has been without an elected parlia- “This is ... a backdoor to emergency law,” Zaree said. “Egypt and particularly the European clubs who provide most holding the tournament in January-February because of ment since 2012 when the last elected house was dissolved is now living under an undeclared emergency status.” of the players for this World Cup,” said Scudamore. a clash with the Winter Olympics. But it also said a by a court order. Sisi has the power to approve new laws in A court yesterday acquitted Mubarak-era prime minister The English Premier League chief said Europe’s top European club proposal for a tournament in May-June the form of decrees. Ahmed Nazif and former interior minister Habib Al-Adly of clubs felt “let down” by UEFA who would see minimal was unworkable because of the heat. Traditionally the The new law defines a terrorist group as any entity that graft charges, judicial sources said, a day after prominent impact on their Champions League. Frederic Thiriez, World Cup is played in June and July, but summer tem- calls “by any means, inside or outside the country, for harm- activist, Alaa Abdel Fattah, was jailed for five years for violat- president of the French league and of the European peratures in Qatar soar above 40 degrees Celsius. In ing individuals, terrorizing them or putting their lives, free- ing limits on demonstrations. “I served Egypt, and history Professional Football Leagues, called the recommenda- November-December, the temperatures would be doms, rights or security in danger.” Furthermore, the label will judge,” Nazif told reporters at the court. — Agencies tion “the worst solution”. “We are going to stop in around 25 degrees Celsius. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues Can an Oscar speech spark social change?

By Ted Johnson

t’s routine for Oscar winners to use their platform before a worldwide audience to push a social problem into the Ispotlight. That was true in spades at this year’s Oscarcast, as recipients called attention to voting rights, incarceration rates, teen suicide, Alzheimer’s care, veterans’ mental health, immigration, government spying, ALS funding and more. In the Dolby Theater and on social media, Patricia Arquette’s call for equal pay for women got some of the biggest reac- tion, bringing celebrities like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez to their feet and generating a flood of second-day op-eds and analysis. Will it matter? It’s next to impossible to measure what impact a speech has on moving a social or political cause, although such calls to action do generate at least momen- UK police in new role rescuing slaves tary bursts of awareness. That appears to be the case with Julianne Moore, who talked of Alzheimer’s in her accept- ance speech for “Still Alice,” in which she played a professor By Kieran Guilbert who asked to remain anonymous, said human traf- with the early-onset form of the disease. ficking was more lucrative than the drugs trade, and Angela Geiger, chief strategy officer of the Alzheimer’s nside one of Britain’s biggest special anti-traffick- that, given the complexity of the crime, criminals Turkey plays off Assn, said that donations were up 20 percent since 6 pm on ing operations, police officers surrounded by were more likely to get away with trafficking people Sunday evening, just after the awards started. She also said Ifiles, forms and photographs attempt to unravel into Britain than drugs. The International Labour that sign-ups doubled for an online campaign called My a complex network of crime. On a whiteboard, the Organisation estimates that globally, millions of all sides in Syria Brain, where the organization gathers commitments to faces of men, women and children are encircled by a forced labourers are generating some $150 billion a raise money and push for more research money. She credit- web of ticks, checklists and scribbled diagrams with year in profits for those who exploit or enslave them. names, addresses and nationalities scrawled in For some victims, a life of forced labour and the By Nick Tattersall “slaughtered” by the militants. Turkish presiden- ed the movie with helping to “change the conversation tial spokesman Ibrahim Kalin dismissed the about Alzheimer’s disease.” black. Operation Retriever was set up in September income it provides - no matter how pitiful - is prefer- after police in northern England were alerted to a able to a life back home with no money at all, some y extracting dozens of its soldiers sur- Syrian reaction, saying President Bashar Al- Similarly, a number of advocacy groups have highlight- rounded by Islamist fighters in Syria, Assad’s government had lost all legitimacy. ed Arquette’s speech, and the social-media reaction that fol- Slovakian woman who had been tricked into travel- experts say. ling to Britain and then forced to marry a man BTurkey has warded off a potential crisis But a Western diplomat based in Ankara said lowed, to try to draw new interest to gender disparity in pay and shown its ability to manoeuvre between rival it was likely that Ankara had communicated with and wages. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Secretary threatened with deportation back to South Asia. Mistrust The woman had been sold for thousands of For the police trying to bring perpetrators to jus- warring parties, including Islamic State. Several the militants in advance. “They’ve clearly got very of Labor Tom Perez and White House Senior Adviser Valerie hundred Turkish ground troops, backed by tanks effective and open channels (with IS), there’s not Jarrett each tweeted an enthusiastic reaction to the speech. pounds by a trafficking ring in a case that sparked tice, the reluctance of many victims to speak out alarm about slavery in modern Britain and the scale against their traffickers is a major hurdle preventing and drones, mounted an eight-hour operation much doubt about that,” the diplomat said. Yet it’s unclear what will happen with the attention paid to on Saturday night to evacuate the 38 soldiers “There must have been some discussion with the issue. Immediate action in Congress is doubtful. The of the hidden problem. “Modern slavery is not more prosecutions. Campaign groups say the rea- (being chained up),” said Detective Inspector Jim son why trafficking is under-reported is partly guarding the tomb of Suleyman Shah, grandfa- them to avoid any misunderstanding, though I Paycheck Fairness Act was blocked in the Senate last year ther of the founder of the Ottoman Empire. imagine it would have been more the stick than by Republicans; now the party controls both chambers. Faulkner, who leads the team at Greater Manchester because victims are too afraid of their traffickers to Police, the largest force outside London. “It’s being provide evidence against them. Faulkner said he was The fact there were no clashes appeared to the concession.” coerced and feeling compelled to work somewhere well aware of the problem, which is complicated suggest that Islamic State fighters surrounding Turkey has negotiated with Islamic State Backlash the site were either warned or coerced by Turkey before. Last September it won the release of 46 Moreover, some comments that Arquette made after- because the victims think they have no other choice when victims do not realise a crime has been com- and the traffickers have such control that they live in mitted against them or that enslavement is illegal. not to try to disrupt the incursion, the first it has hostages held by the militants for three months ward in the press room triggered criticism for being exclu- mounted since Syria’s civil war broke out in 2011. in northern Iraq, in what Erdogan described at sionary, and she later clarified what she said. Some conser- fear.” Since the Slovakian case, his seven detectives “These are some of the most vulnerable people you have uncovered eastern Europeans trafficked to the can meet, and the process takes time ... the initial “The game of those who tried to use the tomb the time as a covert rescue operation. In contrast vative commentators dismissed the preponderance of and our soldiers to blackmail Turkey has been to the weekend events, Turkey refrained from political issues at the ceremony as a liberal wish list. UK for forced labour in factories and many more in contact is stand-offish and distrustful,” he said. sham marriages. There are as many as 13,000 victims Victims of trafficking from eastern Europe often disrupted,” President Tayyip Erdogan said on using military force during Islamic State’s long Backlash is just part of the risk that winners take when they Monday, without making clear whether he was siege of the Kurdish border town of Kobani, use the Oscar platform as a bully pulpit. Just ask Michael of slavery in Britain, forced to work in factories and have little confidence in the police, Faulkner said, farms, sold for sex in brothels, or imprisoned in adding that many came from countries where police referring to Islamic State, Kurdish militants or the when its tanks looked on from surrounding hills Moore, or, going even further back, Vanessa Redgrave. The Syrian army. but held back from direct intervention, even as a difference now is that an array of advocacy organizations domestic servitude, among other forms of exploita- forces are perceived to be corrupt. “You can’t pursue Despite the tough rhetoric, the operation - US-led coalition carried out air strikes against IS. are much savvier about picking up on messages and pro- tion, according to the Home Office (interior min- a someone you know nothing about, you need the facilitated by gains by PYD Kurdish forces inside Turkey has been a reluctant member of the moting them on Twitter and Facebook, giving them more istry). In response to the problem, the government victim for that information,” he said. “Only when you Syria - looks more like a one-off tactical move coalition, at times to the frustration of of a social-media afterlife. announced in 2013 a draft bill which would raise the delve into the history, and build a relationship, can than a permanent hardening of Turkey’s line Washington, arguing that Assad needs to be Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans maximum penalty for traffickers to life imprison- you find out what has actually happened.” This against Islamic State. The soldiers at the tomb forced from power and that even if Islamic State of America, tweeted during the ceremony and praised the ment. The Modern Slavery Bill is widely expected to approach led to the operation’s defining moment - a had been encircled for eight months - a situation is pushed back, his forces or Kurdish militants will win for the documentary short subject “Crisis Hotline: be passed before elections in May. raid on a factory in which 20 people were rescued. which, if left unresolved, could have damaged fill the void. Kalin made clear that despite plans Veterans Press 1,” for which IAVA is listed in the credits. Even The victims from eastern Europe had been paid only the government in the run-up to a parliamentary to relocate the tomb of Suleyman Shah in Syrian though “American Sniper”, a runaway hit at the box office, Money Spinner 25 pounds for working 80 hours a week in a picture election in June. “This was a pragmatic way to territory notionally controlled by the PYD, a won just one Oscar, for sound editing, Rieckhoff was just as Faulkner’s team is based in Rochdale, a town in frame factory. “I remember walking into that factory, eliminate a residual vulnerability,” said Sinan group close to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) bullish about its impact. He said that the movie has helped north England once at the heart of Britain’s textile explaining that we were police ... We had people which has waged a three-decade insurgency in call attention to veterans’ issues, as well as to a suicide pre- industry. Today it is known for being at the centre of running towards us in tears, and saying ‘help me’. Ulgen, head of the Centre for Economic and vention bill that passed Congress overwhelmingly several a 2012 sex trafficking scandal in which nine men of They were clinging to our arms and some had to be Foreign Policy Studies in Istanbul. “It doesn’t real- Turkey, Ankara still considered it a “terrorist weeks ago. Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Afghan origin were jailed carried out,” Faulkner said of the raid in December. ly signal a shift against Islamic State, and I don’t organisation”. “You can see the conversations about those topics, for a total of 77 years for abusing dozens of girls. The While the police get to grips with tackling slav- think the tacit cooperation with the PYD signals a “Turkey has proven yet again that its role in pegged to the Oscars, that’s happening online, and it’s likely men groomed the girls with gifts, and plied them ery, becoming increasingly aware of the warning shift in Turkey’s relations with the Syrian Kurds.” the Syrian conflict must not be overlooked,” that it’s going on in the nonvirtual world, too - what used to with alcohol and drugs, before forcing them to have signs, hotspots and sources of intelligence, criminal Aaron Stein and Michael Stephens of the be called ‘the water cooler,’” Martin Kaplan, director of the sex with others. The scandal was followed by similar strategies are ever adapting. Despite pressure from ‘Effective Channels’ London-based Royal United Services Institute Norman Lear Center at USC, said via email. “But what effects cases in other towns. the Home Office to increase convictions for traffick- In a sign of Syria’s anger, Tourism Minister said in a joint blog post. “It has links to all the that increased exposure and attention will have on what “In terms of the wider national picture, we know ing, Faulkner said each case needed to be dealt with Bisher Yazagi told Reuters the weekend opera- main actors operating in northern Syria and is people know, believe and do, especially people with power, human trafficking is taking place in every town, in according to the victim’s needs. “Fundamentally we tion pointed to “the complete coordination” able to generally get its way with most of is basically grist for speculation and anecdotes. Measuring every major city in the country. This is a wide-scale are there to protect them from harm,” he said. “I’m between Turkey and Islamic State, saying that all them, albeit with the occasional disagree- actual impact is way more challenging than counting likes problem, with a lot of money to be made,” Faulkner quite happy to walk away from a case in order to foreign hostages other than Turks had been ment.” —Reuters and clicks.” told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. One officer, safeguard the victim.” —Reuters For the short term, however, activists are pleased that a series of issues made it to one of the year’s biggest prime- time audiences. “It was very heartening indeed to see the US predicts inmates’ future crimes attention paid to all of these topics, as Hollywood has a very big megaphone,” said Josh Bell, media strategist for the ACLU, which has been advocating for equal pay and voting By Eileen Sullivan and Ronnie Greene Rand Corp study that said the surveys accurately state’s predictions were inconsistent. Three risk now doing this, a state spokesman said. rights and highlighting over-incarceration. can predict the likelihood of repeat offenses as assessment surveys produced three different The Justice Department’s position on the sur- He said there was a “significant spike” in an online peti- S states are trying to reduce prison popula- much as 70 percent of the time if they are used results. When Thomas, 58, was up for parole in veys is inconsistent. On one hand, the department tion asking President Obama to grant clemency to Edward tions with secretive, new psychological correctly. But even the Rand study, one of the 2013 after serving time for theft, the Arkansas is helping bankroll this movement by providing Snowden, the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary Uassessments to predict which inmates will seminal pieces of research on the subject, was Parole Board assessed him as a high risk to re- millions of dollars to help states develop and roll “Citizenfour”. He is on temporary asylum in Russia, and the commit future crimes and who might be safe to skeptical of the surveys’ overall effectiveness. It’s offend. out new policies. Yet it’s also putting on the brakes Obama administration has resisted calls for clemency. “Our release, despite serious problems and high-profile nearly impossible to measure the surveys’ impact He was released in November of that year, and and is reluctant to use them for the federal prison views on this matter are well known, and they aren’t affect- failures, an AP investigation found. These pro- on recidivism because they are only part of broad- the state’s community supervision agency population. ed by the decision of the Academy,” said White House grams are part of a national, data-driven move- er efforts. assessed him again. This one determined Thomas “Criminal sentences must be based on the spokesman Josh Earnest. —Reuters ment to drive down prison populations, reduce Some surveys have the potential to punish was a low risk, Thomas said, and required the min- facts, the law, the actual crimes committed, the recidivism and save billions. They include ques- people for being poor or uneducated by attach- imum amount of supervision and no rehabilita- circumstances surrounding each individual case, tionnaires often with more than 100 questions ing a lower risk to those who have steady work tive programs. After Thomas was arrested on the and the defendant’s history of criminal conduct,” about an offender’s education, family, income, job and high levels of education. They surveys are rape charge last July, the parole board assessed Attorney General Eric Holder told the National All articles appearing on these status, history of moving, parents’ arrest history - clouded in secrecy. Some states never release the him again and downgraded his risk from high to Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in or whether he or she has a phone. A score is evaluations, shielding government officials from moderate. August. “They should not be based on unchange- pages are the personal opinion of affixed to each answer and the result helps shape being held accountable for decisions that affect While these results seem to defy common able factors that a person cannot control, or on the writers. Kuwait Times takes no how the offender will be supervised in the system public safety. sense, the board said the system worked and the possibility of a future crime that has not taken responsibility for views expressed - or released from custody. “It is a vast improvement over the decision- there was a simple reason for lowering Thomas’ place.” Used for crimes ranging from petty thievery to making process of 20, 30 years ago when parole risk: Varying accounts of Thomas’ age when he Cost savings, however, make these tools therein. Kuwait Times invites read- serial murders, these questionnaires come with boards and the courts didn’t have any statistical was first arrested. In 2013 in Texas, a routine risk appealing to states. North Carolina, for instance, ers to voice their opinions. Please their own set of risks, according to the AP’s exami- information to base their decisions on,” said Adam assessment used on sex offenders when they are could save $560 million by 2017, a Justice send submissions via email to: opin- nation. Many rely on criminals to tell the truth, Gelb, director of the Public Safety Performance released from prison found convicted rapist Department report concluded. Between 2011 and and jurisdictions don’t always check to make sure Project at the Pew Charitable Trusts, which is Darren Vann to be a low-risk to re-offend. About a 2014, the North Carolina prison population [email protected] or via snail the answers are accurate. They are used inconsis- working with the Justice Department to shape year later, in Indiana, Vann confessed to police decreased by more than 3,000 people, according mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. tently across the country, sometimes within the reforms nationally. that he killed seven women. Experts said the risk- to the state. These reforms, including the use of The editor reserves the right to edit same jurisdiction. The same defendant might be There are dozens of different surveys in use. In and-needs assessment surveys should be evaluat- risk assessments, has saved the state nearly $84 any submission as necessary. scored differently in the same crime. the case of Milton Thomas in Arkansas, a parolee ed every few years. Texas, which in 2000 started million, and it plans to route $32 million of those Supporters cite some research, such as a 1987 accused of raping a 70-year-old woman, the using the instrument that evaluated Vann, is just savings for community treatment programs. —AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS

Thiago back in training Dyche hits back at Marquez leads in Sepang BERLIN: Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara started individual train- Mourinho’s ref rant ing with a football yesterday for the first time in four months as he works SEPANG: World champion Marc Marquez was the fastest rider at Malaysia’s towards his comeback. LONDON: Burnley manager Sean Dyche has responded angrily to Chelsea Sepang circuit yesterday, day two of the second round of pre-season MotoGP win- The Spaniard, who last trained on Oct. 14, had to undergo further knee boss Jose Mourinho’s criticism of referee Martin Atkinson and Clarets forward ter testing. surgery that month after an injury setback. “Getting used to the ball was Ashley Barnes. The Spaniard had little to shout about on Monday after experiencing braking what was on the programme today,” Bayern said in a statement. “It is the Mourinho was furious with Atkinson and Barnes after Chelsea midfielder problems. But he was top of the time sheets yesterday, revving his Honda to clock next small step towards a comeback.” Nemanja Matic was sent off for shoving the Burnley player in response to a in at 1 minute and 59.844 seconds on his 22nd lap. Marquez in 2013 became the Bayern coach Pep Guardiola last week sounded confident the player nasty tackle high on his shin at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Struggling youngest rider ever to take the world title and the first rookie to win in 35 years. could be back in team training in a matter of weeks but did not Burnley took advantage of their numerical superiority to snatch a shock 1-1 Trailing behind the Spaniard was Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo at 1 minute and 59.902 give a specific date for his return. draw against the Premier League leaders, prompting Mourinho to slam seconds, while his team mate Valentino Rossi was sixth fastest, The Spain international partially tore ligaments in his Atkinson and describe Barnes’ challenge as “criminal” during a lengthy televi- 0.464 seconds behind Marquez. right knee, the one he initially tore in March, in an injury- sion interview on Sunday. Chelsea’s website also broke down the incidents, Both Yamaha riders are testing out a new seamless shift plagued 2014. Thiago was out of action for two months but while publishing the views of personalities who agreed with their manager. gearbox introduced on Monday. Ducati debuted its new GP15 aggravated the injury in May during training and required But in an interview with Burnley TV on Monday, which Dyche claimed was bikes at Sepang, with Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea surgery, forcing him to miss the World Cup before his sec- necessary to “give a balanced view” on the game’s events, the Burnley boss Iannone putting the machines through their paces. ond operation in October. Bundesliga leaders Bayern, taking Iannone was third fastest, behind Marquez by 0.254 sec- on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League round of 16, defended Barnes’ tackle. “When moments like that occur, it’s very rare there is not a reaction to that onds, while Dovizioso took the fourth spot, clocking in at 2 min- are waiting for the return of several key players, utes and 0.250 seconds. Honda’s Dani Pedrosa was the fifth fastest including holding midfielder Javi Martinez and moment in the stadium,” Dyche said. “Look at the reaction from a bunch of captain Philipp Lahm. Lahm trained with a ball expert footballers from the Chelsea side - the likes of John Terry, Kurt Zouma, rider with a lead gap of 0.431 seconds. Riders had to cope with fierce for the first time on Monday as he prepares for Branislav Ivanovic - big, strong boys who are on top of this moment. tropical heat. Suzuki’s Aleix Espargaro tweeted: “Extremely his own return following a broken ankle in “Jose Mourinho has a similar view to me, the crowd behind me, circa hot out there!! After 4 laps, even with a camelback you November. — Reuters 15,000, no-one reacts. In live time no-one reacts except Matic. —AFP feel like a cake inside the oven!!” —AFP Rockets pound T’wolves

HOUSTON: James Harden had 31 points, 11 the All-Star break. The Jazz used an energetic just four days removed from his deadline-day rebounds and 10 assists for his second triple-dou- defensive effort to turn a season-high 22 trade to Boston, scored 21 points in his ble this season, leading the Houston Rockets to a Spurs turnovers into 17 points. Forward return. Bledsoe had 21 points and 10 assists 113-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves Gordon Hayward scored 18 despite a poor- in the Suns’ eighth loss in the past nine on Monday night. Harden got off to a slow start, shooting night, while Derrick Favors added 14 games. Brandon Knight, acquired in another missing his first seven shots. He got going late in points and 10 rebounds. Suns deal last Thursday, had 20 in his first the first quarter, had 13 points at halftime and was Jazz center Rudy Gobert set the defensive start for his new team. a rebound away from wrapping up his fourth tone early with two first-quarter blocks of Tim career triple-double entering the fourth. Duncan and finished with seven points, 14 NETS 110, NUGGETS 82 Houston led by nine at the start of the final peri- rebounds, three blocks and two steals. The Brook Lopez led seven Nets players in dou- od, but Andrew Wiggins led a charge that cut the Jazz have held their last five opponents under ble figures with 19 points as Brooklyn won its lead to one point with less than 4 minutes left. The 100 points. Duncan had 14 points and 10 second consecutive road game. Deron Rockets took over after that, using a 14-2 run, with rebounds. Boris Diaw chipped in 13 points Williams added 16 points and 12 assists, and five points from Harden, to make it 111-98 with and Cory Joseph had 10. Thaddeus Young scored 15 in another solid less than a minute to go. Wiggins scored 30 for the outing for the Nets since his acquisition last Timberwolves, who lost for the third time in four CELTICS 115, SUNS 110 week from Minnesota in exchange for Kevin games. Avery Bradley scored 23 points, Isaiah Garnett. Brooklyn, coming off a 114-105 win Thomas burned his former team with eight at the Los Angeles Lakers last Friday, won GRIZZLIES 90, CLIPPERS 87 critical points in the last two minutes as back-to-back road games for the first time Mike Conley scored 18 points and Jeff Green Boston held off Phoenix. since mid-January. Danilo Gallinari had 22 added 16 as Memphis hung on to end the Clippers’ Boston made a season-high 14 3-pointers, points for the struggling Nuggets, who have four-game winning streak. 10 in the first half as the Celtics ran out to a lost 16 of 18 - including seven in a row at Marc Gasol added 14 points and Zach Randolph 19-point league against the struggling Suns. home. It matches their longest losing streak had 10 rebounds as the Grizzlies improved to 15-3 But Phoenix cut the lead to one on a 3 from at the Pepsi Center since also dropping seven since Green joined the team on Jan. 12. They won Eric Bledsoe with 2:33 remaining. Thomas, straight from Feb. 6 to March 2, 2003. — AP using balanced scoring with no one getting 20 points. Memphis led by eight before the Clippers scored seven in a row to close to 88-87, but Chris Paul lost the ball and Conley was fouled. He made both and the game ended with Matt Barnes throw- ing the ball into the hands of Courtney Lee. Paul had 30 points and 10 assists for the Clippers, with Jamal Crawford scoring 15 points off the bench. NEWARK: Mike Cammalleri No. 23 of the New Jersey Devils heads for the empty net HEAT 119, 76ERS 108 as Keith Yandle No. 3 of the Arizona Coyotes defends at the Prudential Center. — AFP Luol Deng made 11 of 14 shots and scored 29 points, and Goran Dragic added 23 points and 10 Devils defeat Coyotes assists as Miami set a season high for scoring. Dwyane Wade scored 18 for the Heat, who NEWARK: Cory Schneider had 38 saves scored in the shootout as the Ducks ral- stayed in the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference. for his third shutout of the season as the lied from a 2-0 hole. Hassan Whiteside added 12 points and 14 New Jersey Devils posted their first four- The Ducks looked out of it before rebounds for Miami, which shot 55 percent. game winning streak in two years with a scoring three goals in a four-minute Hollis Thompson scored 22 points for 3-0 decision over the fading Arizona third-period flurry to take the lead - leav- Philadelphia, which got 18 from Nerlens Noel, 16 Coyotes on Monday. ing a sizable contingent of Red Wings from Robert Covington, 12 from Henry Sims and Scott Gomez tallied on a first-period fans in shock after they turned the 11 from Isaiah Canaan. It was a good-news day all breakaway and Mike Cammalleri had Honda Center into a de facto home around for Miami. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said breakaway and empty-net goals in the game for most of the night. before the game that Chris Bosh - who has blood clots on a lung, a season-ending issue - will be third period for New Jersey which had Francois Beauchemin buried a shot going home “soon” from a hospital where he’s not won four in a row since early from just inside the blue line at 12:57 of been treated since late last week. February 2013. the third after Andrew Cogliano whacked The win moved the Devils within home a rebound to finally put the Ducks BULLS 87, BUCKS 71 eight points of a wild-card spot in their on the board and Emerson Etem beat Tony Snell scored 20 points, and Nikola Mirotic long shot bid to make the playoffs for the Jimmy Howard through the legs 90 sec- had 16 points and a career-high 14 rebounds as first time in three seasons. onds later. surging Chicago pounded Milwaukee on the It also gave them points in 14 of their John Gibson made 35 saves for the boards. Pau Gasol added 15 points and 10 last 16 games at the Prudential Center. Ducks, who earned their third straight rebounds as the Bulls enjoyed a whopping 62-41 Mike Smith made 25 saves for the win. Pavel Datsyuk scored twice to give advantage on the glass. Joakim Noah had eight Coyotes, who lost their season-high sixth the Red Wings a 2-0 edge. points and 16 rebounds on his bobblehead night, HOUSTON: Terrence Jones No. 6 of the Houston Rockets fights for the basketball with Nikola in a row. But his try in the shootout hit the post and Jimmy Butler finished with 11 points and nine Pekovic No. 14 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during their game at the Toyota Center. — AFP and Tomas Tatar had a chance to extend boards. Milwaukee shot 34 percent (30 for 89) from DUCKS 4, RED WINGS 3 the shootout, but missed wide to the the field in its second straight loss after a stretch of Corey Perry and Jakob Silfverberg right of Gibson. — AP nine wins in 10 games. Ersan Ilyasova had 15 NBA results/standings points and 11 rebounds in his first start since Jan. 27 at Miami. Chicago played without key reserves NHL results/standings Taj Gibson and Kirk Hinrich, who were away from Miami 119, Philadelphia 108; Chicago 87, Milwaukee 71; Houston 113, Minnesota 102; New the team due to an illness. Orleans 100, Toronto 97; Brooklyn 110, Denver 82; Boston 115, Phoenix 110; Utah 90, San Antonio 81; Memphis 90, LA Clippers 87. New Jersey 3, Arizona 0; Anaheim 4, Detroit 3 (SO) PELICANS 100, RAPTORS 97 Western Conference Tampa Bay 37 19 6 203 167 80 Alexis Ajinca capped a 16-point performance Eastern Conference Western Conference Atlantic Division Northwest Division Pacific Division Detroit 33 14 11 173 153 77 with a go-ahead layup in the final minute as New W L PCT GB Portland 36 19 .655 - W L OTL GF GA PTS Boston 29 21 9 157 156 67 Orleans erased an 18-point deficit to beat Toronto. Toronto 37 19 .661 - Anaheim 38 16 7 182 171 83 Luke Babbitt scored a season-high 18 for New Oklahoma City31 25 .554 5.5 Florida 26 21 12 143 166 64 Brooklyn 23 31 .426 13 Vancouver 34 22 3 169 155 71 Orleans, including a clutch 3-pointer that gave the Utah 21 34 .382 15 Ottawa 24 23 10 163 161 58 Boston 21 33 .389 15 Los Angeles 28 18 12 161 152 68 Pelicans their first lead of the game with 1:55 to go. Denver 20 36 .357 16.5 Toronto 24 31 5 167 183 53 Philadelphia 12 44 .214 25 Calgary 32 23 4 171 156 68 The clutch outings by the two reserves helped Minnesota 12 43 .218 24 San Jose 30 23 8 171 174 68 Buffalo 17 38 5 110 202 39 NY Knicks 10 45 .182 26.5 New Orleans overcome the absence of All-Star Pacific Division Arizona 20 33 7 133 201 47 Metropolitan Division Central Division Golden State 43 10 .811 - Edmonton 17 34 10 140 205 44 NY Islanders 39 20 2 195 172 80 Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson, who were both Chicago 36 21 .632 - Central Division NY Rangers 36 16 6 185 145 78 injured Saturday night in Miami. Cleveland 35 22 .614 1 LA Clippers 37 20 .649 8 Nashville 40 13 7 181 141 87 Pittsburgh 34 17 9 172 149 77 Newly acquired Norris Cole scored 15 for New Milwaukee 31 25 .554 4.5 Phoenix 29 28 .509 16 St. Louis 38 17 4 186 146 80 Washington 33 18 10 181 152 76 Orleans. Omer Asik added 14 points and 11 Detroit 23 33 .411 12.5 Sacramento 19 35 .352 24.5 rebounds, and Tyreke Evans had 13 points and 12 Chicago 35 20 5 177 144 75 Philadelphia 26 23 11 161 174 63 Indiana 23 33 .411 12.5 LA Lakers 14 41 .255 30 Winnipeg 30 20 11 169 166 71 assists. Kyle Lowry scored 22 for Toronto, which lost New Jersey 25 26 9 136 158 59 Southeast Division Southwest Division Minnesota 31 21 7 168 156 69 its second straight. Jonas Valanciunas had 17 Columbus 26 28 4 153 180 56 Atlanta 44 12 .786 - Memphis 41 14 .745 - Dallas 27 24 9 189 198 63 points and 14 rebounds. Washington 33 23 .589 11 Houston 38 18 .679 3.5 Colorado 26 23 11 159 170 63 Carolina 21 30 7 130 158 49 Miami 24 31 .436 19.5 Dallas 38 20 .655 4.5 Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth JAZZ 90, SPURS 81 Charlotte 22 32 .407 21 San Antonio 34 22 .607 7.5 Atlantic Division one point in the standings and are not Trey Burke scored 23 points as Utah handed San Orlando 19 39 .328 26 New Orleans 29 27 .518 12.5 Montreal 38 16 5 157 131 81 included in the loss column (L). Antonio its third straight loss since returning from Red-hot Lahiri lauds effects of meditation

LONDON: A decade spent practising the art of meditation your tight or relaxed or tense, anxious, or just happy. get into a quiet space,” he added. “It’s all about under- the other guys’,” said Lahiri who was speaking to Reuters in has played a fundamental role in transforming Anirban “When I meditate it’s like an exercise in self observation standing what you are trying to do. I don’t meditate to an interview organised by his club supplier Srixon Lahiri from an also-ran golfer into a world-class performer, and when you observe yourself it kind of helps you to dis- become a better golfer, I mediate to become a better per- (www.srixon.co.uk). the Indian said. The 27-year-old has surged to 34th in the associate from pressure situations.” son. “The golf is a by-product. I’ve never really approached “That was really frustrating for me and I think those two world rankings after winning two of the last three Lahiri said it came to the fore in the final round of the it in terms of trying to get something out of it for my golf weeks I spent at home watching the world pass me by European Tour events, this month’s Malaysian Open and Indian Open when he needed a moment of magic to save and that’s what helps me apply it to my golf because I’m really fired me up to take my opportunities whenever I get the Indian Open on Sunday. his par at the penultimate hole of regulation. not trying too hard to do that.” them. “When I showed up in Malaysia it was with more Both victories were close calls-Lahiri pipped Austria’s “When you practice meditation enough it becomes Lahiri, who needed to go through Qualifying School in determination than I’ve ever had before.” No sooner did Bernd Wiesberger by one shot in Kuala Lumpur and over- automatic,” he explained. “For instance on Sunday I wasn’t November to earn his European Tour card, said he was Lahiri chalk up his first European Tour win in Kuala Lumpur came compatriot SSP Chawrasia in a playoff in New Delhi. thinking I needed to chip in at the 17th. “I’m just not think- fired up to succeed after having to miss two big tourna- than he followed up with a second in New Delhi. He believes the time he spends meditating is invaluable ing about the result or the outcome or judging myself by it, ments at the start of the season, the Qatar Masters and the The 27-year-old from Pune has his feet firmly planted in tight situations. “I’ve been doing it for about 10 years I’m thinking about what I feel at that moment. I stay in the Dubai Desert Classic. The Indian was sidelined because the on the floor, though, and did not overdo his victory cele- and it helps me when things get really tight and the pres- present and don’t look into the future.” Lahiri said he does short daylight hours in the Middle East mean reduced brations. “I just went out for dinner with my dad, my wife, sure is on,” he told Reuters in a telephone interview. “When not meditate solely to improve as a golfer. fields and Q School graduates go to the bottom of the my manager and a few friends and had a couple of glasses you practice meditation it’s all about controlling your invite list. of beer,” said Lahiri. “It’s nice to be able to celebrate some- breath, understanding what your body is feeling under QUIET SPACE “I was sitting at home watching those events on TV and thing special with the people you love and care about. pressure, whether your heart rate is high or low, whether “You spend an hour and a half by yourself, introspect, saying ‘I should be out there playing and competing with That’s what life is all about.” — Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS Murray celebrates climb with a win

DUBAI: Andy Murray followed his climb above Rafael Nadal to world number three with a che- quered but foundation-laying straight-sets win over Gilles Muller to begin his bid to win the Dubai Open title. The Scot’s 6-4, 7-5 win over the Luxemburger illustrated how far the former Wimbledon and US Open champion has come in the one year since returning to the tour after a serious back operation. It also showed that Murray’s return of serve and his trademark containing ground- strokes - almost always the bedrock of his game DUBAI: World Number One tennis player Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball in - were in good order, suggesting he has a solid this file photo. — AFP basis from which to build his form over the week. “I made him work very hard on his service games. That was something I wanted to try to do Djokovic: Sometimes from early on in the match,” said Murray. “And I think in his second service game, although I lost the game, there were a lot of I have to let it all out deuces and it was good to sort of build a bit of pressure and make him realise that I was going BELGRADE: Novak Djokovic’s flamboyant “I owe a lot to my genes as my grandfa- to make a lot of balls on the return games and on-court demeanour may be occasionally ther is 78 and is still able to play volleyball, make it very hard for him. That was probably the unacceptable but it is an integral part of his but the crux of it is in various recovery most pleasing thing.” success, the world number one said. techniques ranging from stretching out to That game contained 11 deuces, went on for In a pre-recorded appearance on ice-baths.” 30 points and lasted more than 20 minutes, after DUBAI: Tennis player Andy Murray of Great Britain returns the ball to Gilles Muller of Serbian state television aired on Monday Adored in his native Serbia as a sports which Muller’s flow of aces, which had already Luxembourg during their match in the second day of the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis night, the 27-year old from Belgrade also icon, Djokovic acknowledged longtime reached eight by that stage, largely dried up. Championships. — AFP confirmed he would lead Serbia in their rivals Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were Murray held his next service game to love in March 6-8 Davis Cup first-round home more popular among international fans. only three minutes, and when Muller was called Similarly, in the second set at 5-4, he served a much better at this stage than I did last year.” clash with traditional rivals Croatia. “Given their long-term success, Federer upon to serve again so quickly he was unable to double fault and this time allowed Muller to Murray now plays Joao Sousa, the world “Mangling my racket and an odd swear- and Nadal are still the two most popular escape being broken a second time. Murray break back. But his concluding two games were number 50 from Portugal, and has a seed-free word on the court is not something I am players although I am the world number achieved that break with an extraordinary lob- impeccable. The performance underlined that, route to the semi-finals after Marcos Baghdatis, proud of and it shouldn’t happen,” said one. “But I hold nothing against anyone for pass combination. after his run to the Australian Open final last the former Australian Open finalist from Cyprus, Djokovic, who won his fifth Australian that, to the contrary. It enables me to grow month, Murray knows he is a genuine Grand overcame David Goffin, the number eight seed Open title in Melbourne last month. in a different way devoid of a certain kind CELEBRATION Slam contender again, something he often did from Belgium, 6-2, 7-5. “But even my coaches have told me that of pressure. He somehow got a racket to a very good not feel during his long drawn-out return to full Earlier, another title contender, Tomas it’s sometimes better to let it all out, the “I wouldn’t say that I am not respected serve and ballooned it high and deep, then fitness last year. Berdych, the third-seeded Czech who has been anger inside you, because keeping it bot- enough abroad and although I don’t scampered across court to block a fierce smash “Mentally I feel completely different, both in twice a finalist here, also started with a straight tled would just eat you up in the long term. always look back at criticism that comes my back for a highly improbable winner. His fist was my body and in my mind, though there are still sets win, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 over Jeremy Chardy of “I want to be my own man. I don’t like way, I am aware that it’s part of the process more celebration than expression of attitude. things I can do better,” he said.”Last year even if I France. He now plays Simone Bolelli, who in duplicity and hence I want to be sincere because it offers a different perspective.” Curiously when Murray came to close out the was playing well I was doubting a lot of things - Australia last month became part of the first and speak my mind every time. Sometimes Winners in 2010 and finalists in 2013, set he delivered three double faults and had to confidence in my body and in my game. Even if I Italian men’s pair in almost 60 years to win my emotions may seem unacceptable but Serbia will have another shot at the Davis save two break-back points. was playing well I didn’t feel like I was. I feel Grand Slam title. — AFP that’s me.” The world number one also Cup title and Djokovic was delighted that dwelled on his enviable fitness which has the tie against Croatia was awarded to played a crucial part in winning eight grand Kraljevo. “It will help promote tennis in slam titles. “I never once contemplated tak- Serbia and it’s only the second time I will Which NFL team is going to ing banned substances and I could never play a Davis Cup match outside Belgrade. do such a thing because I have been “We have a strong team and expect to win brought up in a different manner. but although the Croatians will miss Marin LA? The envelope, please ... “The people around me would never Cilic and Ivo Karlovic, we have to beware of mention or even think that I should con- the young Borna Coric who reminds me of sume something which would enable a my younger self and has a very bright NEW YORK: These days, Hollywood’s most rivet- team to go to LA is about a lot of potential law- On Friday, city leaders in suburban Carson quicker recovery after matches. future.” — Reuters ing drama is still in development, playing out suits.” For those who are unfamiliar with the began the push for a new stadium to serve as among three NFL teams. At some point in the script so far, here’s a recap: The Rams and the home for both the Oakland Raiders and San Diego not-so-distant future, Commissioner Roger Raiders both flee Los Angeles after the 1994 sea- Chargers, assuming those AFC West rivals can’t Goodell will have to decide which of these proj- son, dashing off to St. Louis and Oakland when work out new stadium deals in their current cities Guingamp takes on ects gets the green light. Rams? Raiders? those cities flash wads of cash. While La La Land sometime this year. Now, what’s Goodell to do? Chargers? seems to get along just fine without an NFL team, While the two-team option would seem the most But first, the commish will have to navigate apparently distracted by the beaches and prudent from a financial standpoint - after all, they the world’s best some tense, back-room negotiations involving paparazzi, the NFL works incessantly behind the could share the building costs and the stadium hundreds of millions of dollars and the future of scenes to get another franchise into the City of would get twice as much use - Burton said those the nation’s second-largest television market, Angels. Unfortunately for the league, this is the sort of arrangements normally get messy. GUINGAMP: The coaches went to their club million euros ($28.5 million). But while mon- which has somehow gone without a pro football one municipality that seems to have no interest “One team is going to believe they’re a sec- president with a modest request: could he ey is increasingly important for football suc- team for the past two decades. in using the public’s money to fund a stadium for ond-class citizen,” he said. “You’re never going to buy them a hut, locker or something to cess, the Bretons prove it isn’t everything. How Goodell handles this plot twist will go a billionaires. Then, the NFL realizes it has quite the have both teams treated identically.” Since the store their footballs and equipment? They see themselves as football’s equivalent long way toward determining whether he’s worth bargaining chip out on the West Coast. By simply Raiders don’t have the money to build a stadium “No,” replied Bertrand Desplat, “it costs of Asterix, the beloved cartoon character that $44 million annual salary to the people who invoking the threat of moving a team to Los on their own, and it’s not known if the Chargers money.” With one of the puniest budgets in whose village, thanks to its druid’s super- pay it - his bosses, the 32 NFL owners. Angeles, one team after another gets a new stadi- would be willing to go that route, the Carson pro- France’s top division, Guingamp can’t splash strength magic potion, holds out against “The primary thing that a commissioner is um, a long-running scam would’ve made a good posal looks like two teams or bust. Burton, there- the cash like some of the mammoths - Roman invaders. Fans have taped a figurine charged with doing is asset appreciation,” said sequel to “The Sting.” fore, thinks Kroenke’s plan is the most likely to Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain being the of the druid and his cauldron to a handrail Rick Burton, a professor of sports management at “It always seemed to me the league was better win the league’s approval, though it could get prime example - it competes against and in Guingamp’s stadium. Syracuse University and former commissioner of off not having a team in LA than having a team,” messy trying to pacify the other two teams (espe- humbles from time to time. Desplat invoked the spirit of Asterix the Australian National Basketball League. “An said Andrew Brandt, executive director of cially the Raiders, who were moved twice by the Out here in one of the most unlikely when he shook players out of a catastrophic owner wants to be able to say, ‘If I buy my team Villanova’s Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for Sports late Al Davis without league approval and are backwaters of top-class football, in a start to this season, telling them in for $500 million and hold on to it, I will double, Law. In the meantime, Los Angeles created a now owned by his son, Mark). Brittany town of 7,300 inhabitants, where December to “sound the alarm and find the triple or even quadruple my investment. whole new industry built around elaborate stadi- In the end, the NFL will probably use the hefty fans attend games wearing jerseys marked ingredients of the famous magic potion.” “That’s your job, Roger. Grow my asset.’” Maybe ums renderings. A proposed downtown stadium relocation fee it charges the team that moves to ‘Proud to be a peasant,’ euros and cents are They won the next match 5-1 and the next this will actually be a welcome respite for seemed the most likely destination for a new settle with the teams that are forced to stay put. If counted in before being counted out. The 12 of 16 games after that, including a 1-0 Goodell, who hasn’t exactly shown a deft touch team, even giving itself a name (Farmers Field) the NFL plays its cards right - and it usually does golden rules of France’s sole surviving rep- victory against PSG, the French champions’ with horrific problems such as concussions and before one shovel of dirt was turned. in matters of the wallet - everyone gets richer. resentative in the Europa League: no debts, first league loss of the season. domestic violence (or even the still up-in-the-air But along comes St. Louis Rams owner Stan The team that moves, because its value no spending beyond what the club earns. Guingamp qualified for its Europa DeflateGate). Kroenke, stealing the lead by announcing plans increase two- or three-fold. The teams that “We really have a farmer’s good sense,” League adventure by winning the French Los Angeles seems to be a can’t-miss block- to build a new stadium on the site of the old remain where they are, because of their hush Desplat said in an Associated Press interview Cup last May. The only French team among buster in waiting. But Goodell could still get it Hollywood Park race track in suburban money. The other 29 teams, because the TV deals before the biggest European match in the 32 still in the competition travels to Kiev wrong. The envelope, please ... “The bottom line Inglewood, presumably to serve as the new home are likely to grow even bigger with LA in the fold. club’s 103-year-old history on Thursday, this week, carrying a 2-1 lead from a boiling is: the NFL wants a team in LA,” Burton said, “for for his team, which hasn’t been able to persuade “At the end of the day,” Burton said, “money is against Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine. “At first leg in Guingamp’s Roudourou stadium the ratings and for what it means to the broad- the good folks in Missouri to provide a new stadi- going to solve this problem.” And the winner is ... Guingamp, nothing we do is done just on Thursday, with two Dynamo players sent cast contracts and packages. But picking the right um. Not so fast, Stan. the NFL. —AP because it is easy,” the president said. “The off and home fans singing, “We’ll never first response is always, ‘No.’ Then we have a abandon you!” in the rain. re-think to see if the response can become, “We like being the never-ending miracle, ‘Yes, but...’” Guingamp defies the usual logic the little village of Gauls who resist,” said of modern football. With tumble-down Fabrice Colleau, a Guingamp coach and for- Spring training warms ancient fortifications, austere houses of grey mer teammate of Drogba and Malouda. granite and damp Atlantic weather, the town The engineer of Guingamp’s on-field is as far removed as one can get from the success is coach Jocelyn Gourvennec, who Parisian glitter, wealth and nightlife that have took over in 2010 and is surely destined for up players and fans tempted some of the biggest names in foot- bigger clubs, perhaps overseas, having ball - David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hauled the team from the third division. NEW YORK: Major League Baseball spring train- believing he can handle a full workload without after neck surgery. The New York Mets, mean- and others - to France’s top league. Equally remarkable is what Guingamp ing camps heat up this week with position play- further complications from a torn ligament. “I while, are banking on the comeback of hard- But Guingamp can be a trampoline. offers off the field: old-school charm and ers joining the early reporting pitchers and feel it’s healed,” Tanaka, who went 13-5 with a throwing Matt Harvey, who missed last season Players that other teams reject or neglect - friendliness, football on a human scale, gen- catchers, warming the hearts of fans suffering in 2.77 ERA in his rookie campaign, said through rehabbing from elbow surgery.Harvey, 25, was “thinking they are too fat, too slow, too uine love between club and fans. the arctic chill of a brutal winter. an interpreter. “I’m confident that I can get 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 178.1 small, too stupid,” said Desplat - come here In a town this small, players can’t motor The stirrings of baseball in sun-drenched through this season.” innings before being shut down in the 2013 to start or revive careers, often loaned out around with big heads. Playing for Florida and Arizona provide light at the end of a Texas fans pine for a bounce back from pow- season. “I saw him throw one curveball and it or allowed to leave for little or nothing by Guingamp means crossing paths with fans frigid tunnel and an optimistic renewal that fos- er-hitting Prince Fielder, who played just 42 was stinking dynamite,” enthused Mets manag- clubs that found no use for them. in the supermarket and queuing with them ters hope of better days ahead. games last season before he was shut down er Terry Collins. — Reuters “We take them in, because we see the at the bakery for Sunday morning bread “It’s a new beginning for all of us, each year,” potential,” Desplat said. “We believe in the after playing for them the night before. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters man inside the player.” Some are miserable “It’s not gods on one side and plebs on in Arizona on the joys of spring training. moving to the sticks. Wages, for football, are the other,” said Desplat. “Matches are won Many teams opened their coffers to restock modest. Unlike at PSG, no Guingamp player by a whole family being together.” rosters, notably the Chicago White Sox, San earns enough to be hit by the Socialist gov- Guingamp slashed, instead of hiked, ticket Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red ernment’s super-tax on salaries over 1 mil- prices against Dynamo, with the most Sox who could change the MLB landscape. lion euros (US$1.13 million), Desplat said. expensive costing 20 euros ($23), to reward Comebacks by key players returning from But as a top division team, Guingamp is as fans’ loyalty. injury will also earn close attention before good a place as any to get noticed. Playing The 18,000-capacity Roudourou, named Opening Day on April 5. Slugger Giancarlo well is the ticket out. With 17 still fondly for the Breton word for a river crossing, Stanton of the Miami Marlins inked the largest remembered goals in 34 league games in holds more than twice as many people as contract ever in North American sports — $325 2002-2003, it was here that Didier Drogba - Guingamp has inhabitants. Yet it heaves, million for 13 years-but will be tested this spring teamed with winger Florent Malouda - first draining supporters from surrounding vil- after missing the end of last season after being caught the eye of their future manager at lages, farms, towns and fishing ports short hit in the face by a pitch. Chelsea, Jose Mourinho. of other forms of entertainment. Fans start Stanton, 25, led the National League with 37 All that fans and club administrators ask each season crossing fingers the team will homers and drove in 105 runs while batting is that players give their all - “drench the jer- play well enough to stay in the top division. .288 despite missing the final 17 games after his sey” with sweat, as they say - before Any triumph beyond that is celebrated with beaning. After suffering facial lacerations requir- Guingamp sells the best. Proceeds are abandon. “Like 99 percent of professional ing stitches, facial fractures and extensive den- plowed into the future. The 7.5 million teams in Europe, Guingamp has no chance tal damage, he is being counted on to show euros ($8.5 million) the club reportedly of winning a European cup. We couldn’t unflinching resolve when next he faces an earned from midfielder Giannelli Imbula’s care less. The idea for us is to have chal- opponent’s 95 miles-per-hour fastball. The transfer to Marseille in 2013 (Desplat would- lenges ahead that look unwinnable and to Yankees are expected to attract a horde of n’t confirm the amount) is financing new try and win them,” said Desplat. “When you media covering the return of slugger Alex facilities for Guingamp academy players. win an unwinnable challenge, the collective Rodriguez after a one-year doping ban and the PSG, France’s richest club, has a budget emotion is better than a Bruce Springsteen health of Japanese starter Masahiro Tanaka. nearly 20 times larger than Guingamp’s 25 concert.” — AP Tanaka has no doubts about his right elbow, Giancarlo Stanton WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Ireland seek to back up Windies win against UAE

BRISBANE: Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien has warned his side their World Cup win over the West Indies will “mean nothing” if they don’t see off the United Arab Emirates in Brisbane today. Victory against their fellow Associate nation would leave the Irish on the brink of the quarter- finals after they started the tournament with the latest of several World Cup wins over a Test team courtesy of a four-wicket triumph against the West Indies in Nelson on February 16. “It’s gone-as great a result as it was,” said O’Brien. “It will mean nothing if we don’t win today.” Several members of the Ireland side play for English county teams and they will look to the likes of Middlesex’s Paul Stirling, who made 92 against the West Indies, and Sussex’s Ed Joyce, who scored 84, to carry on from where they left off in a match where Somerset left-arm spinner George Dockrell took three for 50. Ireland and the UAE have met several times in low- er-level International Cricket Council competitions in recent years and all-rounder O’Brien was impressed by the way the Middle East side nearly pulled off an upset before losing to Zimbabwe by four wickets in their opening Pool B match. “They really pushed Zimbabwe and it was only very good batting performances from Sean Williams and Craig Ervine that got Zimbabwe over the line,” O’Brien said. “The UAE have some very good players. Khurram Khan and Swapnil Patil are two very good middle-order batsmen and their bowlers have improved a lot. They have some useful spinners as well. “They ran us close in the World T20 qualifiers a couple of years ago when they needed two or three off the last ball but ‘TJ’ (Trent Johnston) bowled a very good ball and denied them.” UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir, reflecting on the Zimbabwe defeat, said: “We had quite a few positives from the game. The batters batted well and the bowlers did a decent job, but it was defi- nitely an opportunity missed.” The UAE’s display was all the more impressive given they are a part-time side made up of mainly expat players from India and Pakistan. Wednesday’s match is another chance for both sides to show the strength of international cricket below Test level, with the ICC under fire for their plans to reduce the number of teams at the World Cup from 14 to 10 come the 2019 edition in England. Eight places will be reserved for the world’s top eight one-day international sides. The best way to rise up the standings is to beat higher-ranked teams yet there is no obligation between this World Cup and the next for the Test nations to play teams such as Ireland and the UAE. “Who are they (the DUNEDIN: New Zealand batsman Corey Anderson pulls a ball to leg in this file ICC) protecting and why are they protecting them? photo. — AFP Forget about audience, it is about competition,” UAE coach Aaqib Javed, a member of the Pakistan side that won the 1992 World Cup when the tour- BRISBANE: Ireland captain William Porterfield plays a shot during a training session ahead of Kiwis expect verbal nament was last staged in Australia and New their 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool B match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the assault from Aussies Zealand, told the National newspaper. —AFP Gabba. —AFP AUCKLAND: New Zealand are expecting New Zealand have won all three of their Pakistan summon casino Australia to sledge as part of their game- pool matches, including a stunning demoli- plan when the teams clash in their World tion of England, while Australia also beat Cup match in Auckland on Saturday, all- Eoin Morgan’s side in their tournament rounder Corey Anderson has said. opener before rain washed out the second row selector back home Australia has long employed aggressive match against Bangladesh. banter as a tactic to try to put opponents Australia were upset by New Zealand at off their game, earning criticism from some the same ground in the 1992 World Cup ISLAMABAD: Pakistani cricket chiefs yesterday pundits and a raft of code of conduct viola- and ended up missing the semi-finals at summoned the chief selector home from the World tions for taking the chirping too far. the tournament they co-hosted. Cup as they investigate reports he visited a casino Timeline on Pakistan Saturday’s match at Eden Park is expected The ODI teams have hardly played each shortly before the team’s disastrous loss to the West to be a sell-out and could well decide who other in the last five years, with the last Indies. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launched a World Cup turmoil finishes top of Pool A ahead of the knock- result a big win to Australia at the 2011 probe on Monday as claims surfaced that Moin out rounds. “Their sledging tactics are well- World Cup in India. “It’s going to be definite- Khan had been seen in a casino in the New Zealand BRISBANE: Factfile on Pakistan’s World Cup some senior players and out of frustration known now,” Anderson told reporters in ly the biggest game in my career and the city of Christchurch shortly before Saturday’s 150- turmoil after chief selector Moin Khan was Auckland. “It’s something we haven’t same for a lot of other guys,” said Anderson. run defeat. PCB chairman Shehryar Khan told resigned,” a source in the Pakistan camp told involved ourselves in. We’re neutral on the “At the moment it feels like another World reporters Moin Khan had been recalled to account summoned home after reportedly being AFP. But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) field and we just stick to what we do. Cup game that we’ve got to win but I’m for himself in person. spotted in a casino in Christchurch hours deny Luden resigned after the India match “We’ll be expecting a little bit of heat sure once we see the crowds roll in and a lit- before the team’s defeat by the West Indies: although they admit he had offered to quit from them but I guess that’s just part of tle more hype a couple of days out, it’s before the World Cup started. their game plan and we’ll deal to it as it going to be pretty cool. “It’s Australia, you Feb 12: Eight Pakistan players, including comes.” always want to beat Australia.” — Reuters maverick former captain Shahid Afridi, fined Feb 21: Pakistan lose to the West Indies for breaching a team curfew ahead of their by 150 runs in Christchurch. Chasing 311 to crucial World Cup game against India. They win, Pakistan never recover from slumping are also warned that a repeat offence will to one for four, the worst start in one-day Chappell-Hadlee see them kicked out of the tournament. international history, and are all out for 160 “Eight of the Pakistan players, which also in the 39th over with Umar Akmal top-scor- included former captain Shahid Afridi and ing on 59. trophy at stake opener Ahmed Shehzad, were fined 300 Australian dollars (US $230) after they came Feb 21: Pakistani fans in the south-east- AUCKLAND: Australia and New Zealand World Cup 2015 match only reflects its late to their Sydney hotel on Sunday,” ern city of Multan hold a mock funeral after will not only vie for top spot in Pool A of significance for both Australians and sources in the Pakistan team tell AFP. Feb the record-shattering defeat at the hands of the World Cup when they clash in New Zealanders.” 15: Afridi plays down being fined for break- the West Indies. Auckland on Saturday, but the winner Cricket Australia chief executive ing the curfew, claiming he and his team- Residents organise a symbolic funeral will also lift the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, James Sutherland added: “The trophy is mates went out to eat and not to dance the procession, replete with a coffin with sever- it was announced yesterday. named after two of our great cricketing night away. “There are restaurants that have al cricket bats placed over it. “This time we If there was not enough hype around families and so to have it at stake in this clubs inside them-nothing happened, we were really hoping for Pakistan to win,” this weekend’s clash between the World highly anticipated match is entirely went for food then came back,” Afridi told Shama Bibi, one of those taking part, tells Cup co-hosts, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) appropriate. BBC Urdu. “When you have no news to AFP. “We don’t want to watch this anymore.” announced the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, “Australia and New Zealand are two show, they spread these kind of rumours to contested by the two nations since 2004, of the most in-form sides in world cricket Pakistani cricket chief selector Moin Khan get attention from people. Nothing hap- Feb 24: Pakistani cricket chiefs launch would be up for grabs. at the moment and matches between us pened that night. We went for dinner-we investigation into reports that chief selector Australia currently hold the trophy by have invariably produced excitement “Moin told me that he had gone to casino for a are in Australia, not in [Pakistani cities] Moin Khan visited a casino shortly before virtue of their win over New Zealand in a and drama. meal with his wife and his friend and friend’s wife. I Thatta or Larkana.” the team’s calamitous defeat by the West 2011 World Cup match held in Nagpur, “I do not expect Saturday’s action to have asked him to return and explain his position Indies. “We have launched an investigation India. Remarkably, the trans-Tasman be any different and I think everyone is to the enquiry committee,” chairman Khan said. Feb 15: Pakistan lose World Cup opener over the reports that Moin Khan visited a rivals have not met in a one-day series looking forward to the match-up “Pakistan team manager Naveed Cheema will to arch-rivals India by 76 runs at the casino, action will be taken if the reports since then. between two attack-minded sides.” chair the tour selection committee (from now Adelaide Oval. The defending champions prove true,” Shehryar Khan, the chairman of The only Australia-New Zealand ODI Sutherland said officials were looking onwards).” Moin’s presence at the World Cup was match in the intervening four years was into ways in which Australia and New criticised by a number of former players, who said it make 300 for seven with Virat Kohli (107) the PCB, told reporters. “As per initial a rain-marred no result at Edgbaston Zealand could play more one-dayers was unnecessary and a waste of money to send and Shikhar Dhawan (73) sharing a second- reports, Moin Khan went there to have a during the 2013 Champions Trophy in against one another. him to Australia and New Zealand for the event. wicket stand of 129 before Suresh Raina hits meal two days before the match against England. But now two of the leading “We are due to play Test cricket Pakistan crumbled to 160 all out chasing the 74. In reply, Pakistan are bowled out for 224 West Indies and a Pakistani couple pho- contenders to lift the World Cup trophy against each other next summer and we West Indies’ 310-6 in Christchurch on Saturday, los- with skipper Misbah-ul-Haq making 76. It tographed him and made a video.” will meet for another piece of silverware are examining the schedule to see what ing their first four batsmen for just one run, to add was India’s sixth win in six World Cup games in front of what is set to be a packed options we have for playing each other to the anguish of their opening defeat by arch- against Pakistan. Feb 24: Shehryar Khan tells reporters Eden Park. “The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in One-Day Internationals on a more reg- rivals India. Fans in the central Pakistani city of Moin Khan has been recalled to account for brings to mind the rich history of New ular basis in the future.” Multan held a mock funeral for the national team Feb 18: Pakistan’s campaign rocked by himself in person. “Moin told me that he Zealand-Australia one-day contests and The trophy is named after the after the defeat, which left them rooted to the bot- fresh allegations of unrest when reports had gone to casino for a meal with his wife two of the families who played such Chappell family-with three brothers, Ian, tom of Pool B. Pakistan will hope to kick-start their claim that fielding coach Grant Luden was and his friend and friend’s wife. I have asked prominent roles in the early rivalry,” said Greg and Trevor, all playing cricket for tournament when they take on Zimbabwe in involved in a heated row with senior play- him to return and explain his position to the NZC chief executive David White in a Australia-and the Hadlee family, with Brisbane on Sunday. Moin was a member of ers. Initial reports in the Pakistan media enquiry committee,” chairman Khan said. statement. father Walter and his three sons Barry, Pakistan’s only World Cup-winning team when the claim Luden resigned after an argument “Pakistan team manager Naveed Cheema “Having it contested alongside such Dayle and Richard all representing New tournament was last played in Australia and New with Afridi, Shehzad and Umar Akmal. will chair the tour selection committee an important fixture as an ICC Cricket Zealand. — AFP Zealand 23 years ago. He also skippered Pakistan “Luden had a serious argument with (from now onwards).” — AFP between 1998-2001. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Gayle’s record double ton flattens Zimbabwe

CANBERRA: Chris Gayle smashed the highest ever individual World Cup score of 215 and his first century in 20 months as the West Indies flat- tened Zimbabwe on a record-shattering day in Canberra yesterday. The Caribbean entertainers amassed 372 for two after winning the toss and then bowled Zimbabwe out for 289 chasing a revised 363 to win the rain-reduced match by 73 runs at Manuka Oval. Man-of-the-match Gayle, 35, clubbed a record-equalling 16 sixes including three in a row, to cash in after a huge let-off on the first ball he faced and was eventually out off the final SCOREBOARD ball of the innings. Gayle also eclipsed his previous highest one- CANBERRA: Scoreboard in the World Cup Pool B match between the West Indies and day international knock of 153 not out against Zimbabwe at Manuka Oval in Canberra yesterday: Zimbabwe in 2003. Records tumbled as Gayle, West Indies S. Williams c Smith b Holder 76 who also went past 9,000 ODI runs, bettered D. Smith b Panyangara 0 C. Ervine b Gayle 52 South African Gary Kirsten’s previous highest C. Gayle c Chigumbura b Mazakadza 215 S. Matsikenyeri lbw b Gayle 19 World Cup score of 188 not out against the UAE M. Samuels not out 133 E. Chigumbura c Gayle b Taylor 21 in Rawalpindi in 1996. Extras (b1, lb2, w16, nb5) 24 T. Panyangara c Ramdin b Taylor 4 Only India’s Rohit Sharma with 264 and Total (2 wickets, 50 overs) 372 T. Chatara b Miller 16 Virender Sehwag (219) have scored more runs Did not bat: J Carter, D Ramdin, L Simmons, D T. Kamungozi not out 6 than the explosive West Indian left-hander in an Sammy, A Russell, J Holder, J Extras (lb9, w14, nb2) 25 ODI innings. Gayle’s 372-run partnership with Taylor, N Miller Total (all out; 44.3 overs) 289 Marlon Samuels (133 not out) was also an all- Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Smith), 2-372 (Gayle) time ODI record. Bowling: Panyangara 9-0-82-1 (2nb, 4w); Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Chakabva), 2-26 The 35-year-old Gayle’s double-century came Chatara 9.4-0-74-0 (2nb); Williams 5-0-48-0 (Masakadza), 3-46 (Raza), 4-126 (Taylor), 5-177 off just 138 balls and this innings was his first (1w); Chigumbura 7-0-44-0 (1nb, 6w); Raza 10- (Williams), 6-226 (Ervine), 7-239 three-figure score since he made 109 against Sri 1-45-0 (4w); Kamungozi 3-0-37-0; Masakadza (Matsikenyeri), 8-254 (Panyangara), 9-266 Lanka at his Sabina Park home ground Kingston 6.2-0-39-1. (Chigumbura), 10-289 (Chatara) in June 2013. “It’s been a lot of pressure, the runs Bowling: Taylor 10-0-38-3 (5w); Holder 7-0-48- haven’t been coming and this is the first time Zimbabwe (target: 363 runs from 48 overs) 3 (1w); Miller 6.3-0-48-1 (2w); Samuels 9-0-59- ever in my career,” said Gayle during the mid- Sikandar Raza c Simmons b Holder 26 1; Russell 5-0-44-0 (2nb, 2w); Sammy 1-0-8-0; innings break. “So many people wanted me to R. Chakabva lbw b Holder 2 Gayle 6-0-35-2 (2w). score runs and the messages kept coming in on H. Masakadza lbw b Taylor 5 Result: West Indies won by 73 runs (D/L B. Taylor c Ramdin b Samuels 37 method). Twitter and in the end I am glad to have given them something to actually cheer about,” he added after his 22nd century in 226 ODIs. Gayle turned around the West Indies innings with World Cup result and standings Samuels after the second-ball dismissal of fellow opener Dwayne Smith. Pool B Samuels inninins was comparatively more At Canberra sedate compared to Gayle’s whirlwind knock, West Indies 372-2 (Chris Gayle 215, Marlon Samuels 133 not out) v Zimbabwe 289 all out his 133 not out coming off 156 balls with 11 (Sean Williams 76, Craig Ervine 52) fours and three sixes. West Indies won by 73 runs (D/L method) But it could have all been different had Gayle Played won lost tied N/R points run rate Pool A not survived a very contentious review in his New Zealand 3 3 0 0 0 6 +3.586 favour off the first ball he faced. Tinashe Australia 2 1 0 0 1 3 +2.220 Panyangara had a tremendous opening over, Bangladesh 2 1 0 0 1 3 +2.100 bowling Smith second ball and then looking Sri Lanka 2 1 1 0 0 2 -0.861 most unlucky not to get Gayle out leg before England 3 1 2 0 0 2 -1.415 wicket with his fourth delivery after a review. Afghanistan 2 0 2 0 0 0 -1.175 Replays showed the ball hitting Gayle’s pads and Scotland 2 0 2 0 0 0 -2.740 CANBERRA: West Indies batsman Chris Gayle celebrates after scoring a double century during he was initially given not out by umpire Steve their Cricket World Cup Pool B match against Zimbabwe. — AP Davis, only for Zimbabwe to seek a referral. Pool B India 2 2 0 0 0 4 +2.060 The TV umpire ruled umpire’s call, adjudicat- embarrassing Twitter gaffe committed by West Indies were 73 for one. Gayle was caught by West Indies 3 2 1 0 0 4 +1.339 ing the ball was going over the stumps, but Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Raza off a no-ball by Panyangara on 121 in the Ireland 1 1 0 0 0 2 +0.618 Gayle looked fortunate to still be at the crease. Cameron who retweeted a post from a spectator 39th over as things continued to go his way. South Africa 2 1 1 0 0 2 -0.680 “It was scary the first ball, it was like ‘come on, calling for the batsman to be pensioned off. But off the last ball of the innings, Gayle was Zimbabwe 3 1 2 0 0 2 -0.827 you’re not serious, you can’t be out first ball,’” Gayle’s knock was only the fifth double centu- out after he skied a catch to Zimbabwe skipper UAE 1 0 1 0 0 0 -0.258 Gayle said. “I needed a chance and I got a break ry in all ODIs and the first by a non-Indian, with Elton Chigumbura. In total, he faced 147 balls Pakistan 2 0 2 0 0 0 -2.260 and I made best use of it. Sharma having gone past 200 on two occasions. with 10 fours and 16 sixes. “I was under pressure to score runs, and I kept “I am very happy to get this first double hun- Zimbabwe never looked like getting near the getting messages from Twitter and on my cell dred and ever since Rohit got two, I have been huge West Indian target, reduced by a rain break phone from fans. I have never known so many hounded to get one as well,” said Gayle. to 363 off 48 overs, with Sean Williams top-scor- people wanting Chris Gayle to do so well.” Samuels also had a life on 27 when he was ing with 76 off 61 balls and Jason Holder and Gayle’s record-shattering innings came just put down by Tendai Chatara at backward point Jerome Taylor taking three wickets each and days after he was inadvertently caught up in an off Sikandar Raza just before drinks and the West Gayle claiming two wickets. — AFP Gayle, the rebel with many causes

SYDNEY: He’s the rebel with plenty of causes, mer kings of the sport have often been reduced of a central contract with speculation that with most of which have put him at loggerheads with to a supporting role. But his roller-coaster rela- his patience for Test cricket waning, the hard-hit- West Indies officialdom, but no-one can deny tionship with the WICB has threatened his lega- ting batsman may call time on his international that Chris Gayle is cricket box-office, a globe- cy. On the eve of the World Cup, he accused the career. Not that he’ll be without offers of trotting superstar with a bat for hire. ruling body of victimization for dropping employment after his market value shot up on a The 35-year-old Jamaican left-hander Dwayne Bravo and Kieran Pollard from the dank, cloudy afternoon at Canberra’s Manuka smashed the highest individual World Cup score squad as punishment for their role in last Oval on Tuesday. His CV already lists 13 teams- of 215 on Tuesday, equalling the number of sixes October’s abandoned tour of India, a controver- West Indies, Barisal Burners, Dhaka Gladiators, in a one-day international innings with 16 and sial gesture which landed the WICB with a bill for ICC World XI, Jamaica, Jamaica Tallawahs, playing the alpha-male role in a record ODI part- $42 million in compensation. Kolkata Knight Riders, Matabeleland Tuskers, nership of 372 with Marlon Samuels. Gayle, as a result, has been summoned to Royal Challengers Bangalore, Stanford His innings came just days after West Indies appear before a disciplinary commission to Superstars, Sydney Thunder, Western Australia Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameroon explain his outburst. Being carpeted is nothing and Worcestershire. embarrassingly retweeted a fan’s call for the new for Gayle, the reggae-loving, fast-car driv- Gayle is hot-wired for Twenty20 cricket-he hit mercurial batsman to be pensioned off after ing, unofficial trade unionist for the squad. Back the first century in Twenty20 internationals another flop at the wicket. in 2009, he was one of the leading figures in the against South Africa in the World Twenty20 in “I was under pressure to score runs, and I kept decision to boycott a home series against 2007 and at the 2013 Indian Premier League he getting messages from Twitter and on my cell Bangladesh, with all senior players refusing to smashed 175. But his 103 Tests have also proved phone from fans. I have never known so many take part in the Tests and one-dayers in a famil- fruitful since his 2000 debut. Against Sri Lanka at people wanting Chris Gayle to do so well,” Gayle iar row over money. Six years on, Gayle is still in Galle in 2010, he batted almost ten hours and said. Gayle is and has been one of his team’s few combative mood and on the eve of the team’s scored 333 to become the only the fourth bats- genuine match-winners in an era when the for- departure for the World Cup he refused the offer man to score two triples in Test cricket. — AFP Bangladesh deny bookie links

MELBOURNE: Bangladesh yesterday rubbished Afghanistan. Hossain apparently admitted ately,” the paper wrote. media reports back home that seamer Al-Amin knowing an unnamed Indian bookmaker The paper quoted team manager Khaled Hossain had been kicked out of the World Cup for whom he had met in Chennai, where he had Mahmud as saying that Hossain had confessed reportedly confessing to meeting an illegal gone to have his bowling action tested last to his misdemeanor, but did not elaborate. Indian bookmaker. The official statement issued year, but the ACSU did not bring any charges “He confessed everything to me,” Mahmud on Sunday by the team management had said against him. told the paper. “If he was simply breaking team Hossain, 25, was being sent home for breaking However, when the seamer broke curfew rules he might have got away with a fine. But curfew rules ahead of Bangladesh’s washed-out rules and went out late at night in Brisbane, the this was a more serious issue, so we had no oth- AUSTRALIA: West Indies Chris Gayle (center) stands between Zimbabwe’s Elton match against Australia in Brisbane last weekend. team management decided to punish him and er choice but to send him back.” Chigumbura (right) and Tinashe Panyangara (left) during the 2015 Cricket World Cup But the Dhaka-based English language ‘New send him packing from the World Cup. The ACSU does not comment on its day-to- Pool B match. — AFP Age’ newspaper and other media said Hossain The ‘New Age’ quoted an unnamed official as day operations. Bangladesh’s bowling coach had been under observation by the saying that Hossain gave three different ver- Heath Streak insisted Hossain will not be First ever World Cup 200 International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption sions regarding his late-night outing when missed because his replacement Shafiul Islam and Security Unit (ACSU) for some time. questioned by team management. was an “experienced campaigner” However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)’s “He first claimed that he went to buy a SIM “We are obviously disappointed and sad to CANBERRA: West Indies opener Chris Gayle His tally of sixes equalled the record for the became the first batsman to score a World Cup most in an ODI innings held jointly by South head of media, Jalal Yunus, insisted the only card, which raised more suspicion as the player see a fellow team-mate go, but it won’t affect us double century when he made 215 against Africa’s AB de Villiers and India’s Rohit Sharma. charge of indiscipline against Hossain was stay- had already one with him,” the paper said. “Al- too much,” the former Zimbabwe fast bowler Zimbabwe in a Pool B clash in Canberra yester- Gayle’s innings was also only the fifth double ing out late at night and had nothing to do with Amin then claimed that he went to a nightclub and captain said. day. Gayle, who might have been given out lbw century in all one-day international cricket and any alleged corruption. but BCB officials were not ready to accept this “Shafiul coming in is good because he is a before he had scored, brought up his first dou- the first by a non-Indian, with Sharma (two), “The ACSU has told us they have nothing story either because they found it hard to very experienced campaigner and has been ble century in 226 one-day internationals off Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag the only against Hossain, but we took action because we believe that he will visit a nightclub alone in part of the dressing room for a long time.” just 138 balls including nine fours and 16 sixes. other batsmen to achieve the feat. have a no-tolerance policy for not obeying bad weather. Teams can only usually bring in replace- The 35-year-old Jamaica left-hander’s Gayle and Marlon Samuels, who scored 133 team orders,” Yunus told AFP. “There is no truth “The question that spurred them most was ments at a World Cup for injured players, but innings of 215 surpassed the previous World not out himself, also set a new partnership in reports that he was sent home because of why he had walked back to the hotel instead of the ICC said Bangladesh’s request to call-up Cup best of 188 not out by South Africa’s Gary record for any ODI wicket. Their unbroken stand alleged links with bookies.” taking a taxi and the player had no answer to Shafiul had been approved as an “exceptional Kirsten against the United Arab Emirates at of 371 surpassed the 331 shared by India’s Rahul Media reports said the ACSU had already that. “In the face of repeated questioning he circumstance”. Bangladesh, who beat Rawalpindi in 1996. Dravid and Tendulkar against New Zealand at spoken to Hossain a few days earlier in finally confessed that he went to meet a bookie Afghanistan in their Pool A opener, continue Gayle was eventually off off the last ball of Hyderabad (Deccan) in 1999 and took the West Canberra when the team was in the Australian who dropped him close to the hotel and the their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in the innings, having faced 147 balls, with 10 fours Indies to a huge total of 372 for two at capital for their opening match against decision to send him back was taken immedi- Melbourne tomorrow. —AFP and 16 sixes with his team on 372-2. Canberra’s Manuka Oval. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS November/December the best WCup option, even for Europe

LONDON: The FIFA Task Force set up to recommend Had they recommended a January and February top clubs in Europe, although the concept of a winter unhappy with the disruption to their usual schedule, the best time of year to stage the 2022 World Cup in tournament, the World Cup would clash with, among break is not entirely alien to them. the World Cup is, by its very nature, a global event, and Qatar were always in an impossible position, from the other things, the globally-televised Winter Olympics, Germany’s Bundesliga always has a break in not only a European one. moment they sat down to consider the options. But the NFL Superbowl and the Australian Open tennis January as do many other leagues in colder eastern Naturally, given the soap opera that modern foot- yesterday’s recommendation to stage it over championships. Had they gone for an April/May Europe, and if, for the first time since the World Cup ball has become, European clubs will not readily agree November and December is probably the best option option, the dates would clash with Islam’s observance started in 1930, clubs in England and elsewhere have to this and the fall-out is likely to rumble on for years. for all-even though Europe’s major clubs disagree. of Ramadan and the climax of the European domestic to accommodate the change, they have seven years to The next stage in the long-running saga will come The European giants will have seven years to get and continental seasons. The months of June and July prepare for it. when FIFA’s executive committee meets in Zurich on used to the idea that they must re-schedule five or six were ruled out because of the summer temperatures Of course, the qualifying competition, which tradi- March 19 and 20 to endorse the Task Force proposals. matches in the winter of 2022, for the first time in in the Gulf when the mercury regularly rises to 40 tionally ends six months before the finals, would prob- That will settle the issue once and for all. Harold almost 100 years of World Cup soccer. degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), impractical ably have to be tweaked, finishing with the playoffs in Mayne-Nicholls, the former head of the technical com- For once, they may have to put football’s wider for players and fans alike, even in Qatar’s promised, April or May 2022 rather than the usual November fin- mittee which analysed all the countries bidding to interests ahead of their own, as Sheikh Salman bin eco-friendly and solar-powered air-conditioned stadi- ish the year before the finals. stage the 2022 finals, gave Qatar the lowest marks Ebrahim AlKhalifa, the head of the Task Force, ums. The Task Force is also considering staging the because of the summer heat but told Reuters in a implied. “Some people have concerns, but whatever Confederations Cup in June or July 2021 outside Qatar recent interview that following further analysis he too decision you’re going to take will have some questions COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURES while the FIFA Club World Cup could be held in Qatar now favoured a November/December tournament. about it,” he said on the sidelines of a meeting which A winter World Cup later in the year would disrupt in November and December 2021 as the World Cup One compromise the Task Force has recommended settled on the proposals. around 50 major leagues around the world for a few test event. “The proposed event dates have the full is that the tournament should be curtailed for a few “But we need to look at the overall benefit for weeks, as well as holding up the Champions and support of all six Confederations”-including UEFA, days to try to minimise disruption further. everybody.” There had been effectively four options Europa Leagues. But the temperatures would be a whose president Michel Platini has continually backed So there will not be a Christmas World Cup. But at facing the Task Force which was holding its third and more comfortable, 23-30 Celsius in the Middle East, a winter World Cup,” FIFA said in a statement after the least the winning country will have something of a final meeting in Doha yesterday. and the only people seriously affected would be the meeting. Although the major clubs in Europe will be unique gift to enjoy that month. — Reuters

LONDON: Monaco’s players attend a training session at the Emirates Stadium in London ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match against Arsenal. — AFP

CL Preview Monaco’s Berbatov seeks goals on London return

LONDON: Dimitar Berbatov will be hoping for in a 3-3 draw in November 2012 and, though the real business of the Champions League SUPER TOUGH confidence level will be high” he told the club’s a goalscoring return against his former arch- he turned 34 in January, the Bulgarian heads today. Monaco’s Belgian winger Yannick Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger, website (www.arsenal.com). enemies Arsenal when AS Monaco come to back to London as Monaco’s top scorer this Carrasco is having treatment on a bruised who coached Monaco between 1987 and Like Monaco, Arsenal are also on a good the red half of north London for their season. Monaco head to Arsenal buoyed by right thigh while their France defender Layvin 1994, has warned his players not to underesti- run of form with eight wins in their last nine Champions League Round of 16 first leg their 1-0 derby win at Nice on Friday which Kurzawa is also being treated for bruised mate the visitors as his current team, in the games despite injuries to Aaron Ramsey, Alex match today. sees them fourth in Ligue 1 with just one quadriceps. Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim last 16 for the 15th consecutive year, attempt Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mikel Arteta and The Bulgarian is still remembered with defeat in their last 17 matches in all competi- told Britain’s Sunday Sun newspaper: to end a run of four successive exits at this Mathieu Debuchy. affection for the 46 goals he scored for tions. They also won 1-0 at the Emirates last “Everyone considered us a gift, a lucky draw, stage. “The last 16 in recent years has been They also have history on their side, having Arsenal’s local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a August when Radamel Falcao, now on loan at so the luck fell to Arsenal. super tough,” Wenger said. “This is a 50-50 lost just twice to French teams in 20 competi- two-year spell at White Hart Lane before a 30 Manchester United, scored the only goal in the “It’s normal that everyone thinks Arsenal game. We know that Monaco are very tight tive matches. Monaco have played English million pounds ($46.05 million) move to pre-season Emirates Cup tournament against will qualify. I too think Arsenal are favourites defensively-they didn’t concede in the group sides 10 times, winning five and losing two, Manchester United in September 2008. the hosts. But there will be very little similarity but in football sometimes money and the stage against good teams. “They came back but this is their first competitive game against He scored twice for Fulham at the Emirates between that warm-up summer run-out and favourites don’t win.” into a good position in the league and their Arsenal. — Reuters

CL Preview Atletico duo aim to keep goals flowing

LEVERKUSEN: Atletico Madrid arrive at Bayer Leverkusen for today’s Champions League last 16, first leg, clash hoping for a sixth straight clean-sheet in Europe, with Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann hunting more goals. Between them the pair have already bagged 37 goals this season as the 2014 Champions League finalists look to leave Leverkusen’s BayArena with an advantage in the hunt for a quarter-final place. Former Bayern Munich striker Mandzukic has already shown Pep Guardiola what he is missing in Bavaria by scoring 20 goals, while Griezmann has hit the net 17 times for Atletico this season. French midfielder Griezmann says Diego Simeone’s Madrid need a good start in Leverkusen, just as they had in Saturday’s 3-0 home league win over Almeria to stay third in the table. “We need to keep working and enjoy- ing the games like we are at the moment,” said the Frenchman after netting in the 20th and 29th ITALY: Napoli’s Italian forward Manolo Gabbiadini kicks the ball during the Italian Serie A minute following Mandzukic’s 13th-minute football match against Sassuolo. — AFP penalty. “We need to face all the games the same way, trying to win and coming out flying from the start.” The only casualty for Madrid is mid- Napoli blank Sassuolo fielder Koke, who will miss the first leg with a hamstring injury having, scored two goals and MILAN: Duvan Zapata scored a goal of sheer brute nents sprawled on the pitch. provided four assists in the group stages. force and determination to set Napoli on the way to Zapata, who only started because Gonzalo Olympiacos were the last team to score a 2-0 win over Sassuolo which moved them another Higuain was suspended, then provided the pass for against Atletico when they enjoyed a 3-2 group step closer to second-placed AS Roma in Serie A on Hamsik to score the second with a curling shot. “It’s stage win in Greece back in September. Monday. Mauro Icardi scored his 14th league goal of not easy to leave Zapata on the bench but he’s got Since then, Madrid have scored 12 goals with- the season to give Inter Milan a 2-1 win at Cagliari in Higuain in front of him,” coach Rafael Benitez told out reply in Europe, including a 5-0 thumping of Monday’s other game, pushing Gianfranco Zola’s reporters. “He just needs to continue working hard Malmo and a 4-0 thrashing of Olympiacos in the side closer to Serie B. like he has done in the last few days.” Napoli saw out return leg. Bayer have never won a last-16 tie in Napoli had spent just over one hour banging the win despite having substitute Dries Mertens the competition’s current format and will have to away at the Sassuolo rearguard when Zapata col- sent off after only six minutes on the pitch. The work hard to change that statistic against an lected Marek Hamsik’s pass and ran towards the Belgian midfielder was given a straight red card for Atletico side who finished top of Group A ahead centre of the retreating defence. The burly a trip from behind, although it seemed a harsh deci- of Juventus. Colombian fell over when his shot was blocked but, sion. Third-placed Napoli, who were nine points Leverkusen are winless in their last three despite being surrounded by four defenders, leapt behind Roma before the Christmas winter break, cut league matches and have had little to cheer to his feet, got to the ball first and then managed to the gap to three points as they moved onto 45 about at this stage of the competition in recent place it into the net, leaving three bemused oppo- points from 24 games. Benitez’s team have won six years. They were thumped 4-0 at home by Paris out of eight league games since the start of January. St Germain last season on the way to a 6-1 Mateo Kovacic put the finishing touch to a flow- aggregate defeat. That came two years after ing move to put Inter ahead two minutes into the Lionel Messi ran riot when Bayer’s 3-1 defeat in Matches on TV second half and Icardi extended their lead with a Leverkusen preceded a 7-1 humiliation away to (Local Timings) solo effort, making him joint topscorer alongside Barcelona in 2012 when Messi netted five times. fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez of Juventus. Leverkusen are without Australia winger Cagliari had wasted chances in between the UEFA Champions League Robbie Kruse, who has an ankle injury, while goals and finally pulled one back when Samuele defensive midfielder Sven Bender and defender Longo won possession off Juan Jesus, rifled a volley Tin Jedvaj are doubtful with knee and hamstring Bayer v Atletico 22:45 against the post and the ball rebounded into the injuries respectively. beIN SPORTS 2 HD goal off Inter goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo. The Having dropped to sixth in the Bundesliga Arsenal v Monaco 22:45 Sardinians, who did more than enough for a point, after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Augsburg, qualify- beIN SPORTS 1 HD were left stranded in 18th place in the 20-team ing for next season’s Champions League is of GERMANY: Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone controls the ball during a beIN SPORTS 13 HD table, three points adrift of Atalanta and safety. Inter more pressing concern than progressing in this training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League first-leg, round of 16 football climbed to eighth with 35 points. — Reuters season’s edition. —AFP match against Leverkusen . —AFP Murray Gayle’s record celebrates double ton climb with flattens a win16 Zimbabwe18 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Monaco’s Berbatov seeks goals on London return Page 19

MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany (left) tries to stop Barcelona’s Lionel Messi during the Champions League Round of 16 soccer match at Etihad Stadium. — AP Suarez scores brace, Barca down City

MANCHESTER: Luis Suarez returned to haunt foul by Pablo Zabaleta, only for Joe Hart to Fernando as a sole holding midfielder in the Suarez hared onto Neymar’s pass and forced Dzeko squandered two headed chances- Manchester City by scoring twice as save his spot-kick and for him to head the absence of the suspended Yaya Toure gave Hart to make a sprawling save. putting one wide and sending another Barcelona took control of their Champions rebound wide. Another echo of last year’s tie Barcelona acres of space to flood into. Vincent The second goal arrived on the half hour straight at Ter Stegen from six yards out-while League last 16 tie with a 2-1 away win yester- means that City will travel to Camp Nou with- Kompany volleyed a lofted pass from Messi and had Messi at its root, the Argentine jink- the German also caught a header from day. out left-back Gael Clichy, however, after he narrowly wide of his own goal, Demichelis ing past three players and finding Jordi Alba, Demichelis and saw Aguero fire a shot just Suarez was a thorn in City’s side last sea- followed Martin Demichelis and Zabaleta’s blocked from Messi and Suarez hit the side- whose low cross was gleefully touched home wide. Clichy’s first booking arrived in the 59th son, scoring 31 goals as Liverpool pushed example from 2014 by getting sent off for netting before Barcelona broke through in by the sliding Suarez. minute when he tripped Ivan Rakitic, shortly Manuel Pellegrini’s team all the way in the two bookable offences. the 16th minute. Neymar saw a lob hacked off the line by before City introduced Fernandinho for Nasri title race, and his first-half brace set Barcelona Pellegrini had opted for a cautious Messi’s right-wing cross struck Kompany Kompany, Hart saved bravely from Messi and and Champions League debutant Wilfried on the way to a repeat of their 4-1 aggregate approach when the teams first met a year on the back as he covered Suarez’s run Dani Alves hit the bar with a mishit cross, Bony in place of Dzeko. With 21 minutes win over the same opponents from this time ago, fielding Alvaro Negredo as a lone striker towards the near post and the former before Samir Nasri finally drew a save from remaining, Aguero gave City a lifeline, gather- last year. and packing the midfield, but he changed Liverpool talisman pounced to lash a left-foot visiting goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on ing a neat back-heel from Silva and ghosting But Sergio Aguero struck in the 69th tack dramatically for the reunion by using shot across Hart and in. the stroke of half-time. past Gerard Pique before slamming home. minute to give City something to build on in Edin Dzeko up front alongside Aguero in an In response, Dzeko headed wide from Ter Stegen had rather more to do in the Clichy’s second booking, for a clumsy kick the second leg on March 18 and they were adventurous 4-4-2 formation. Clichy’s cross, but Barcelona were already in opening stages of the second half, but City at Alves, dampened the mood, but Messi’s spared a heavier defeat in stoppage time It was a gameplan that unravelled at dizzy- control, with Messi nonchalantly nutmegging could not convert the initial opportunities penalty mishap gave the home fans inside the when Lionel Messi won a penalty following a ing speed, as the decision to deploy David Silva inside his own half shortly before they made. Etihad Stadium late encouragement. — AFP Tevez and Morata strike as Juve battle past Dortmund

TURIN: Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata struck for fielder Nuri Sahin had time to unleash a long-range Juventus as the Italian champions secured a 2-1 effort that swerved late before Buffon parried with Champions League last 16 first leg win over Borussia both hands. Dortmund in Turin yesterday. Pogba looked far from his sparkling best and to However, Massimiliano Allegri’s hosts were left make matters worse, Juve lost influential midfielder lamenting a host of missed chances and conceding an Andrea Pirlo on 37 minutes after he pulled up with a away goal that could prove costly heading towards suspected hamstring strain. the decisive second leg on March 18. Yet Juve took the lead against the run of play just Juventus coach Allegri had warned of the threat before the interval. Tevez collected a long ball from of Dortmund’s potent counter-attack, but it was from his own half and set up Pogba on the left for the such a move that Tevez broke the deadlock on 13 Frenchman to deliver a low cross which Morata minutes. glanced inside Weidenfeller’s far post with the inside The ball was fed out to Morata, who controlled well of his boot. before launching a run down the left flank and firing Juve resumed in positive fashion but spurned sev- in a shot which ‘keeper Roman Weidenfeller pushed eral clear chances to put the result beyond doubt. into the path of Tevez for the Argentinian to bundle Bonucci narrowly failed to make contact with a corner over from a yard out. swung in from the left after it bounced off ITALY: Juventus’ forward from Spain Alvaro Morata Juventus looked to be in their stride but the hosts’ Weidenfeller, while at the other end former Torino (left) vies with Dortmund’s defender Mats Hummels joy was ended minutes later following a howler by striker Ciro Immobile saw his angled drive held by during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first Giorgio Chiellini. The central defender slipped on the Buffon as the visitors enjoyed possession. leg football match. — AFP edge of the area, missed the ball completely and clat- Juve spurned a great chance just before the hour tered into Leonardo Bonucci. when Dortmund skipper Mats Hummels lost posses- metres. He was replaced moments later by Jakub Marco Reus waltzed in to collect and had enough sion to Tevez in midfield but Pogba wasted the oppor- Blaszczykowski, prompting a tactical switch which time to pick his spot against a rooted Gianluigi Buffon tunity in the area after collecting Morata’s long ball saw Aubameyang move into the striker’s role.But Juve before levelling on 18 minutes. from the right. continued to dominate. Juventus tried to hit back, Tevez cutting back for A probing cross by Stephan Lichsteiner was then Tevez was sent through on the right to force Morata at the byeline only for the Spaniard’s header headed on by Morata into path of Tevez, who bal- Weidenfeller into action and from the corner Chiellini to spin wide of Weidenfeller’s upright. But the reality looned over from 10 yards out. was allowed to rise above Aubameyang to fire a pow- of Dortmund’s away-goal leveller appeared to take The Argentinian edged closer when he fired a low erful header just over. ITALY: Juventus’ Patrice Evra challenges the ball with hold. drive amid a rabble of players on the edge of the area Five minutes from full time Roberto Pereyra, who Borussia Dortmund Pierre Emerick Aubameyang Juve looked out of sorts for long spells in the which crept inches wide of the upright. had replaced Pirlo, missed a great chance when he during the Champions League round of 16 first leg opening half as Borussia moved the ball around with Dortmund saw a rare chance go amiss when was sent through by Tevez only for his angled low soccer match. —AP ease, albeit without capitalising. On 33 minutes mid- Immobile fired a yard over Buffon’s crossbar from 20 drive to sneaked just past the far post. — AFP Indonesia to crack down on corporate tax evasion

Page 22 Business RBS restructuring chief to shrink investment bank WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 Page 23 Zain CEO reviews 2014 results Russia’s ruble slides on ‘junk’ rating downgrade Page 25 Page 26

ATHENS: Workers clean a the sign above a currency exchange office in Athens as people stand outside a national bank branch yesterday. Greece edged closer to euro-zone survival yesterday as its international creditors and hold-out Germany looked ready to approve the reforms they had demanded of Athens in return for extending its bailout program. — AFP Euro-zone backs Greek reform plan Athens secures a four-month aid extension

BRUSSELS/BERLIN: Greece secured a four-month exten- Alexis Tsipras had vowed to scrap. ing”. from campaign promises to reverse austerity, scrap the sion of its financial rescue yesterday when its euro-zone In a foretaste of tough negotiations to come, IMF Greek financial markets, which reopened for the first time bailout and end cooperation with the “troika” of EU, ECB and partners approved a reform plan that backed down on key Managing Director Christine Lagarde said the reform plan since Friday’s outline deal between Varoufakis and euro- IMF inspectors. leftist measures and promised that spending to alleviate was “not very specific” and much clearer assurances would zone finance ministers, rallied strongly on relief that a melt- The letter said Greece would phase in collective bargain- social distress would not derail its budget. be needed on key reforms of pensions, taxation and privati- down had been averted for now. Government bond yields ing with a view to raising minimum wages “over time” but Finance ministers sealed the decision in a one-hour tele- zation. And Slovak Finance Minister Peter Kazimir, reflecting dropped by three percentage points and stocks hit a 2-1/2 promised that any changes would be agreed with its part- phone conference convened by Eurogroup chairman Jeroen deep skepticism among northern European fiscal haws, said: month high due even though the country’s longer-term sur- ners. Dijsselbloem after the new leftist-led Athens government “Greeks have lots of heavy lifting to do until end-April. We all vival in the single currency remains uncertain. Dijsselbloem, While Tsipras has won broad support in his coalition for sent him a detailed list of reforms it plans to implement by want to see numbers now.” who is also Dutch finance minister, told the European the deal clinched in Brussels, some hardline leftists have crit- July. Financial markets surged even before confirmation of the Parliament that Athens was likely to need a further aid pro- icized it and the conservative opposition has charged that “Following Eurogroup teleconference decision, national extension of the 240 billion euro EU/IMF bailout, saving gram when the four months expires, saying: “I think we need his illusions have been punctured. In a televised address on procedures for extension of the Greek program can begin,” Greece for now from an imminent banking collapse, state to consider further support for Greece.” Saturday, Tsipras called the tentative accord a victory for Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commission vice-presi- bankruptcy and a possible disorderly exit from the euro- The euro zone could consider further debt relief meas- Greece, but participants said Athens was isolated in the talks dent for the euro, said on Twitter. The ministers reviewed a zone. The country’s longer-term financial future remains ures if Athens met all the criteria specified in its November and forced to make humiliating concessions because its six-page document signed by Marxist Finance Minister Yanis uncertain with Dijsselbloem telling the European Parliament 2012 second bailout, “which hasn’t happened yet”, he said. banks were running out of cash. Latvia’s central bank gover- Varoufakis that watered down campaign promises to halt the euro zone’s most heavily indebted member is likely to Dijsselbloem insisted a Greek exit from the euro zone had nor, a member of the ECB’s policymaking governing council, privatizations, boost welfare spending and raise the mini- need further assistance after two bailouts since 2010. not been discussed and was not on the table, adding that cast doubt on elements of the Greek reform plan, such as mum wage, vowing to consult partners before key reforms the only government to have held a meeting to prepare for tackling tax evasion and smuggling, questioning how much and to keep them budget-neutral. Markets rally a possible “Grexit” was in non-euro Britain. In EU paymaster extra revenue they would raise. “Those are soft measures, Both the European Commission and the International The Greek letter pledged not to reverse ongoing or com- Germany, Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, who took which may partly fill the budget gaps in the short-term, but Monetary Fund called the Greek letter “sufficiently compre- pleted privatizations, and to ensure that the fight against the toughest line in the Greek negotiations, wrote to the (in the case of Latvia) nobody planned or budgeted it as hensive to be a valid starting point for a successful conclu- what the government calls the humanitarian crisis caused speaker of the lower house of parliament requesting a vote permanent revenues,” Ilmars Rimsevics told state broadcast- sion of the review”. In a statement, the 19-nation Eurogroup by austerity “has no negative fiscal effects”. The six-page doc- this week on extending the bailout. er LTV. Commenting on ongoing negotiations with Greece, urged Greece to develop and broaden the list of reform ument, seen by Reuters, contained few figures but promised Germany’s rejection of an initial Greek request for a six- he said: “For Europe, in a certain way, fatigue has set in, and measures, based on “the current arrangement” - a euphe- to improve tax enforcement, fight corruption and “review month loan extension forced Athens into a string of politi- this nursing and instructing all the time is also very burden- mism for the bailout agreement which leftist Prime Minister and control spending in every area of government spend- cally sensitive concessions, postponing or backing away some.” — Reuters markets hold breath ahead of US Fed report Qatar CB: Gulf economies have failed to diversify MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS BAHRAIN: Rich Gulf Arab countries have so pegs, which are not under major market pres- far failed to diversify their economies away sure despite the oil price tumble. DUBAI: Most Gulf stock markets stood nearly still yesterday as oil prices same amount for the last 10 years. from oil revenue and some may eventually Speaking at the same conference, seesawed and investors waited for the US Federal Reserve to indicate face political challenges as a result, a senior Bahrain’s central bank governor Rasheed Al- when it plans to start raising interest rates. Brent crude oil hovered UAE, EGYPT Qatar central bank official said yesterday. The Maraj said there would be risks for the GCC if around $59 per barrel during the day, swinging repeatedly between Dubai’s index edged up 0.2 percent amid a mixed performance by comments by Khalid Alkhater, the Qatar cen- it changed monetary policy and operated gains and losses and giving no clear direction to equities. local stocks and low trading volumes. Gulf Finance House was the most tral bank’s Director of Research and Monetary more independently from the United States. US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen will deliver the central bank’s traded stock and fell 2.0 percent after surging 7.8 percent in the previous Policy, were unusually frank public criticism “If we have a volatile and unpredictable semi-annual Monetary Policy Report to the Senate Banking Committee session when it announced a swing to profit in the fourth quarter. by a senior official of economic policy-making exchange rate, it will affect investment flows yesterday and it remains unclear whether she will reaffirm June as a win- Abu Dhabi slipped 0.2 percent as most blue chips pulled back, but in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council. in the country...from local speculators on the dow for a first rate hike. Changes in US rates will not only affect risk telecommunications firm Etisalat edged up 0.4 percent ahead of its quar- They reflected concern in the region about currency,” Maraj said. He later told Reuters, “I appetite among global investors, they are expected quickly to influence terly earnings announcement, scheduled for Wednesday. the impact of the plunge of oil prices since can only speak for Bahrain but we are com- monetary policy in the Gulf countries, whose currencies are mostly Abu Dhabi Ship Building Co jumped 2.7 percent after its chief execu- last year, even though GCC oil exporters’ huge mitted to” the country’s dollar peg. But pegged to the dollar. tive said the firm was in discussions with other buyers to sell more war- fiscal reserves mean they face no immediate Alkhater argued that the pegs would have to Analysts expect the impact to be especially visible for Saudi Arabian ships in addition to those it is building for the United Arab Emirates Navy. threat and can continue heavy state spend- be reviewed in the longer term if economic banks, which are to a large extent funded by demand deposits bearing Qatar’s bourse was down 0.2 percent as Qatar Fuel Co (Woqod), a dis- ing. “GCC economies have failed in diversify- imbalances grew. He criticized GCC govern- no interest. A hike in US rates would widen their interest margins and tributor of oil products, plunged 7.1 percent in the heaviest trade since ing their economies away from oil revenue so ments for investing too much in “supply-side” boost profits. The impact of a rate hike will, however, depend on each last June. far,” Alkhater said in a panel discussion at an projects, such as real estate developments, bank’s mix of deposits and loans. Al-Rajhi Bank and Bank Albilad, which The company reported 2014 net profit of 1.13 billion riyals ($310 mil- economic conference in Bahrain. rather than “demand-side” initiatives and according to data from Kuwait’s Global brokerage and Saudi Arabia’s lion) versus 1.12 billion riyals in 2013, and the board recommended an He reiterated previous comments, made in human capital. Saudi Fransi Capital have above-average concentrations of demand annual cash dividend of 9 riyals per share, against 10 riyals and a 30 per- a research paper seen by Reuters last month, “If the oil price is at $60 for a prolonged deposits, were the top gainers among the kingdom’s banks on Tuesday, cent bonus share issue for 2013. Egypt’s bourse inched up 0.1 percent that GCC economies should rethink their period of time, the GCC will be adversely rising 1.2 and 3.2 percent respectively. and blue chip lender Commercial International Bank, up 1.1 percent, was monetary policies and the long-term sustain- impacted,” Alkhater told Reuters, though he They were also among the main supports for the stock index , which the main support. The bank this week called a shareholder meeting for ability of their currency pegs to the US dollar. added that the impact for each economy edged up 0.7 percent. Saudi Electricity Company jumped 3.2 percent March 12 to approve, among other matters, the issuance of one bonus Bankers in the Gulf do not expect any change would depend on the extent of its oil after proposing a 2014 dividend of 0.7 riyal per share. It has paid the share for each four shares outstanding. — Reuters in the foreseeable future to the currency dependence and size of fiscal reserves. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 BUSINESS News in brief

Kuwait oil price drops KUWAIT: Kuwait crude oil price went down by $3.20 reaching $52.15 per barrel on Monday as compared to $55.35 pb in latest trades of the East markets ahead of China’s holiday today, according to Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) yesterday. On the international markets, prices of forward deals dropped more than two percent in end of unstable trades, amid continuing jitters due to glut, hiking USD, despite pressures caused by a strike observed at American refineries. The Brent forward deals fell USD 1.3 per barrel to $58.90 pb, while the American Texas crude dropped $1.3 to $49.45 pb. Dr Abdulsamee Behbehani, an oil expert, told KUNA that stability was largely being restored to the markets, indicating that the crude reserves rise halted a forecast trend that would put the prices above the $60 pb. Other factors were the Greek debts crisis and bearish trend of the US rate.

Saudi’s Mobily head quits, appoints replacement DUBAI: The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) has resigned with immediate effect, the king- dom’s No 2 telecommunications operator said yester- day. Abdulaziz Al-Saghyir quit due to health reasons, but will remain on Mobily’s board, the company said in a statement to Riyadh’s bourse. Mobily has appointed Suliman bin Abdulrahman Al-Gwaiz as chairman, effec- tive Feb. 23. Gwaiz is also chairman of Banque Saudi Fransi and governor of state-owned fund the General Organization for Social Insurance, the statement said. The telecom operator reported a surprise fourth-quar- ter loss of 2.28 billion riyals ($607.9 million), while in November it also cut its profits for 2013 and the first half of 2014 by a combined 1.43 billion riyals.

Taqa Morocco doubles full-year profit BAGHDAD: Iraqi children employed at the traditional brick factory of Nahrawan, one of the largest brick factories in Iraq located on the eastern outskirts of the capital RABAT: Moroccan power company Taqa Morocco, owned Baghdad, stand in front of kilns yesterday.—AFP by Abu Dhabi National Energy Co , reported 2014 net profit attributable to shareholders up 102 percent to 799 million Moroccan dirham ($83.6 million), citing production from new units. Taqa Morocco runs the largest coal-fired power plant in the Middle East and North Africa. It is also the first Indonesia to crack down independent power producer (IPP) in Morocco, supplying 38 per cent of the kingdom’s electricity. The company increased the plant’s capacity by 700 megawatts (MW) to 2,065 MW and sold 15 pct of its capital in the Casablanca on corporate tax evasion stock exchange at the end of 2013. Total revenue jumped 50.2 percent to 7.41 billion dirhams and the company pro- posed a dividend of 22 dirhams per share, which it said was above expectations in its business plan. Taqa Morocco Tax office head aims to recoup $15.6bn in lost revenue shares fell 4.6 percent in early trading, with traders saying that investors had been expecting a higher dividend. “Last year the company proposed 106 dirhams per share, so JAKARTA: Indonesia will crack down on corpo- priced their goods as the tax office lacked com- investors were expecting at least 35 dirhams, even though rate tax avoidance via transfer pricing this year parable data on market prices, Pramudito said. the business plan has changed,” one trader said. to try and recoup 200 trillion rupiah ($15.6 bil- But now it has collected more comprehen- Bahrain bank lending to lion) in lost state income, mainly in the com- sive data and is increasing its number of offi- modities sector, the new head of the tax office cers, he said, adding that it could take such Pick up after slump: CB Turkish CB cuts all told Reuters. President Joko Widodo’s adminis- companies to a tax court and indeed had won main interest rates tration, which took office in October, is plan- some such cases. BAHRAIN: Commercial bank lend- projects in Bahrain were being ISTANBUL: Turkey’s central bank cut its one-week repo ning to double its infrastructure spending this Widodo plans to add 4,000 taxmen per year ing in Bahrain is expected to pick scaled back. rate by 25 basis points yesterday, as inflation slows and year to build ports, power plants and other to its existing 36,000 to help achieve an ambi- up after a slump, and the plunge of “It’s premature to judge at this it faces growing political pressure to ease monetary projects, and the tax office figure for lost tious tax revenue target of 1,489.3 trillion rupi- oil prices is not hurting liquidity in stage. The situation is still fluid. It’s policy. The bank cut the repo rate to 7.5 percent and income would cover more than two-thirds of ah this year, up 30 percent from last year’s col- the banking system, Bahrain’s not easy to predict what will hap- lowered its overnight borrowing rate to 7.25 percent. It that spending. As a proportion of gross domes- lection. Central Bank Governor Rasheed Al- pen under these circumstances.” cut its overnight lending rate by 50 basis points to tic product (GDP), Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s During his presidential campaign last year, Maraj said yesterday. Asked whether banking system 10.75 percent and its primary dealers’ overnight bor- largest economy, has one of the lowest tax Widodo pledged to increase tax collection to Domestic assets of banks in liquidity had been hit by the oil rowing rate to 10.25 percent. Of 19 economists polled takes in the region, trailing behind Malaysia, 16 percent of GDP from about 12 percent, and Bahrain shrank 4.0 percent from a price drop, he said: “So far the liq- by Reuters, 14 expected a cut in the repo rate of Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, the tax office is keen to close any loopholes. year earlier in November, the most uidity in our banking system is very between 0.25 and 0.75 percent, with eight forecasting according to the World Bank. The tax crackdown on the resources sector recent month for which data is good. We have not seen any Sigit Priadi Pramudito, the country’s direc- comes at a time when the prices of commodi- 0.25 percent. available. Lending to the private change. Even comparing this peri- tor-general of taxes, said in an interview late on ties have fallen to multi-year lows due to slow- sector fell 6.0 percent, its seventh od when we had lower oil prices, Monday that many Indonesian companies, par- ing global economic growth and ample sup- ticularly in the coal, palm oil, cocoa and other plies, setting the stage for a showdown with decrease in a row and the biggest we have not seen the liquidity dry- Indonesia plans new commodities sectors, were avoiding corporate these companies. Even so, many of them are monthly drop in the series. ing up.” taxes by using transfer pricing. still making big profits, Pramudito said. However, Maraj told reporters at Maraj did, however, concede in sukuk structures He declined to give names, but said some of “The prices of commodities have dropped, an economic conference: “Overall a panel discussion at the confer- them were major companies. Under the trans- but the costs are still cheap. The fact is, their lending may be dropping because ence that banks might become KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia is aiming to boost volumes of fer pricing method, an Indonesian company profits are still tremendous, and using that of repayment, but the underlying more conservative in lending Islamic bonds (sukuk) by introducing new assets to sup- sells its goods to a subsidiary in another coun- method (transfer pricing) adds to the profits.” growth in consumer lending and because of lower oil prices. He also port the transactions, a government official said yesterday. try below market prices, and the subsidiary in Indonesia’s finance minister has said some of the corporates are still said there were too many banks in The government is considering the use of state goods and turn sells them to the market. Southeast Asia’s largest economy will review its doing well. “In view of some of the Bahrain: “I need to see stronger and services as underlying assets on its sukuk, which have pre- This effectively reduces profits in Indonesia tax treaties with dozens of countries and may big projects coming on stream in a bigger banks.” viously relied on projects and infrastructure assets under and increases them in that foreign country. suspend those it concludes are being abused year or so, I think this will start The central bank has been the ijara or wakala formats, Robert Pakpahan, head of “There’s a lot of potential in this area. We for tax avoidance. picking up.” Bahrain is among the encouraging mergers and consoli- financing and risk management at Indonesia’s finance min- suspect that all along, they have been using When asked whether the tax crackdown will financially weakest of the Gulf oil dation in the industry for several istry, told Reuters. “We want to increase our capability in the transfer pricing method,” Pramudito said. hurt the investment climate in Indonesia, exporters, and the government’s years. The government has no doing sukuk,” said Robert. Authorities in Indonesia want to “This year we will chase them.” Pramudito said the country’s hope to boost budget deficit is expected to plans so far to issue sovereign reshape the country’s Islamic finance industry by encour- The tax office has the authority to adjust the investment should not come at the expense of expand considerably because of Islamic bonds and will wait until aging consolidation and building a new regulatory system, tax bill of a company if it suspects that a sale to tax compliance. cheap oil. But Maraj said it was too the new state budget has been as the sector seeks to catch up with more mature markets a related entity is under-priced. In the past, it “How can you build an investment climate early to say whether economic approved, Maraj added. — Reuters in Malaysia and the Middle East.—Reuters was difficult to prove companies had under- on the basis of tax avoidance?” —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.565 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Nepalese Rupees 3.970 Singapore Dollar 0.214542 0.220542 South African Rand 0.019371 0.027871 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 82.020 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.750 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001848 0.002428 Japanese Yen 2.492 Australian Dollar 227.72 Thai Bhat 10.080 Taiwan 0.009270 0.009450 Indian Rupees 4.768 Canadian Dollar 243.15 Turkish Lira 120.955 Thai Baht 0.008766 0.009316 Pakistani Rupees 2.914 Swiss Franc 322.91 Arab Srilankan Rupees 2.221 Euro 341.15 Bahraini Dinar 0.780277 0.788277 Nepali Rupees 2.982 US Dollar 296.50 Bahrain Exchange Company Egyptian Pound 0.037449 0.040549 Singapore Dollar 218.730 Sterling Pound 458.91 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Hongkong Dollar 38.241 Japanese Yen 2.53 Iraqi Dinar 0.000191 0.000251 Bangladesh Taka 3.810 Bangladesh Taka 3.811 CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.414290 0.421790 Philippine Peso 6.700 Indian Rupee 4.766 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Thai Baht 9.120 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.221 Belgian Franc 0.007729 0.008729 Lebanese Pound 0.000147 0.000247 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Nepali Rupee 2.980 British Pound 0.450929 0.459929 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022011 0.046011 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Pakistani Rupee 2.930 Czech Korune 0.004231 0.016231 Nigerian Naira 0.001211 0.001846 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.57 Danish Krone 0.040987 0.045987 Omani Riyal 0.7634371 0.770051 Saudi Riyal 79.146 Bahraini Dinar 786.95 Euro 0.330491 0.338491 Egyptian Pound 38.76 Norwegian Krone 0.034822 0.040022 Qatar Riyal 0.080758 0.081971 Qatari Riyal 81.517 Saudi Riyal 0.078457 0.079157 Omani Riyal 770.990 Jordanian Dinar 421.29 Romanian Leu 0.075350 0.075350 Omani Riyal 768.93 Syrian Pound 0.001255 0.001475 Bahraini Dinar 788.100 Slovakia 0.008737 0.018737 Qatari Riyal 81.65 Tunisian Dinar 0.150125 0.158125 UAE Dirham 80.806 Swedish Krona 0.031155 0.036155 Saudi Riyal 78.98 Turkish Lira 0.119270 0.126270 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.305474 0.315674 Turkish Lira 0.119270 0.126270 UAE Dirhams 0.079772 0.080921 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.870 Yemeni Riyal 0.001339 0.001419 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.798 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.385 Australian Dollar 0.222151 0.233651 Tunisian Dinar 153.760 New Zealand Dollar 0.215096 0.224596 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 418.390 US Dollar 296.250 Canadian Dollar 0.230009 0.238509 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.991 Canadian Dollar 238.695 US Dollars 0.292500 0.297200 Syrian Lira 2.115 Sterling Pound 455.890 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 31.520 Euro 338.725 US Dollars Mint 0.293000 0.297200 US Dollar 295.600 Asia EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 278.270 Euro 334.700 Bangladesh Taka 0.003509 0.004109 US Dollar Transfer 296.600 Bahrain Dinar 788.025 Pound Sterlng 450.800 Chinese Yuan 0.046072 0.049572 Euro 336.940 UAE Dirhams 81.035 Canadian Dollar 236.700 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036148 0.038898 Sterling Pound 459.730 Qatari Riyals 82.195 Indian Rupee 4.765 Indian Rupee 0.004523 0.004924 Canadian dollar 236.150 Saudi Riyals 79.190 Egyptian Pound 38.710 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Turkish lira 119.930 Jordanian Dinar 418.150 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.219 Japanese Yen 0.002406 0.002586 Swiss Franc 313.530 Egyptian Pound 38.750 Bangladesh Taka 3.796 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.221 Kenyan Shilling 0.003236 0.003236 Australian Dollar 232.680 Philippines Peso 6.685 Indian Rupees 4.758 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 US Dollar Buying 295.400 Pakistan Rupee 2.925 Pakistani Rupees 2.913 Malaysian Ringgit 0.078654 0.084654 GOLD Bahraini Dinar 787.100 Bangladesh Taka 3.806 Nepalese Rupee 0.002995 0.003165 UAE Dirham 80.450 20 gram 238.100 Philippines Pesso 6.696 Pakistan Rupee 0.002699 0.002979 Saudi Riyal 79.000 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 727.170 Philippine Peso 0.006591 0.006871 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.485 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 BUSINESS

Mobily set to slash dividends after earnings scandal

DUBAI: An accounting scandal at Saudi largest Arab bourse, to direct investment turned profitable in 2006, a year after dends from its affiliate for 2012-13 com- Arabi’s second largest telecoms compa- Arabia’s Mobily is set to constrain divi- by foreigners this year. The Saudi market launching operations, and annual profits bined. ny, blamed the earnings restatements dend payouts from the former stock has a reputation among fund managers soared 854 percent between then and on “accounting errors”, mainly hasty market darling for the next few years as one of the best regulated in the 2013. Dividends jumped by a similar DWINDLING DIVIDEND booking of revenue from wholesale and make investors more picky about Middle East, on a par with many emerg- margin, propelling its shares to an eight- Mobily appears to have little option broadband leases and mobile promo- companies in the kingdom. ing markets around the world. year high of 98.25 riyals last May. but to rethink its dividend policy. After tional campaigns. Analysts who met acting Mobily Chief But Mobily is the sort of company But the bumper payouts masked bal- meeting Okandan, brokerage EFG Meanwhile, Mobily accrued about Executive Serkan Okandan a month ago that would have been expected to ance sheet weakness- receivables Hermes predicted late last month that 18.3 billion riyals of borrowings from came away with the impression that the attract a sizeable chunk of foreign mon- swelled to $2.7 billion by last June as Mobily would not issue dividends for 2012 to the third quarter of 2014, which company would not pay a dividend this ey. So its fall from grace may give foreign Mobily struggled to collect revenues 2015 and pay an annual total of 2 riyals are due to be repaid in 2017-2024. This year and make only modest payouts investors pause for thought. which it had booked. At the same time, per share from 2016 on. lifted the ratio of net debt to earnings from 2016. “Mobily needs to determine “The earnings restatement will weigh the company’s borrowing surged, appar- For the first half of 2014 — before its before interest, tax, depreciation and its dividend policy based on both oper- heavily on investor sentiment towards ently to bolster dividend payouts and earnings shock- Mobily announced divi- amortization (EBITDA) to 3.55, Reuters ating free cash flows and net profit-this all Saudi companies because Mobily was bridge a cash flow shortfall caused by dends totalling 2.5 riyals; in total for data shows. That compares with ratios 2013, it paid 4.8 and for 2012, 4.15. is a usual practice in telcos,” Okandan considered a blue chip,” said Daniel delays in collecting revenues. for Dubai’s du and Vodafone Qatar, told Reuters by email this month. Broby, chief executive of British-based Facing a regulatory probe, the firm “Management said historical divi- which are also single-country operators, Problems at Mobily came to a head Gemfonds, an emerging market fund suspended CEO Khalid al-Kaf last dend payout levels were based on over- of 0.77 and 1.82. last November when the company specialist. November. Okandan, who had joined as stated earnings figures and were not restated profits for 2013 and the first half “Restatements happen, but the num- Kaf’s deputy a month earlier and has a related to actual free cash flow,” EFG Okandan, however, insisted Mobily’s of 2014, cutting them by 1.43 billion ber of accounting areas that were mandate to remain at the helm at least wrote. level of borrowing was not a concern. riyals ($381 million) combined. In addressed is where the cause for con- until end-March. The problems have sent Mobily’s “There are many global telco companies January, it posted a shock fourth-quarter cern lies.” Okandan is also chief financial officer stock tumbling. Yesterday’s price of having similar or higher net debt to EBIT- loss of 2.28 billion riyals. of Abu Dhabi-listed Etisalat, which owns 35.30 riyals per share means around $13 DA ratios,” he said. “The liquidity avail- The timing is sensitive as Riyadh is Market darling 27.5 percent of Mobily and received 1.91 billion has been wiped off Mobily’s mar- able...is abundant. This ratio is easily preparing to open its stock market, the Mobily’s rise was remarkable. It billion dirhams ($520 million) in divi- ket value since May. The firm, Saudi manageable.” — Reuters Epic change? Greece’s proposed reforms list

ATHENS: International creditors yesterday in tax collection, the managing of public pored over a list of reforms proposed by finances, the social security system and in Greece’s new anti-austerity government government bureaucracy. aimed at securing a four-month extension of This will include cutting the number of the country’s financial lifeline. ministries to 10 from 16, reducing the num- Greece’s current bailout program expires ber of “special advisors” to government and on Saturday. If there is no extension, Greece’s slashing “fringe benefits” of politicians and government risks running out of money and other top officials like cars and travel expens- potentially triggering a run on its banks or es. Spending will be reviewed “in every area even having to leave the euro-zone. of government spending” and cost-savings The program, seen by AFP, includes a raft will be identified through a “thorough spend- of measures aimed at tackling corruption and ing review”. Loopholes allowing “excessive” improving tax collection, the social security early retirement will be eliminated. system and government bureaucracy-but In addition, the government aims to without giving figures. implement labour market reforms and It commits to maintaining privatizations achieve a “better business environment”, that have already been completed and to including by removing barriers to competi- improving the business environment, and tion, cutting red tape and opening up regu- says that measures to alleviate poverty will lated professions. have “no negative fiscal effect”. Herewith is a summary: Privatisations The program commits to maintain privati- Tax zations that have already been completed The government wants to “work toward and to “respect the process according to the creating a new culture of tax compliance to law” where a tender has already been ensure that all sections of society, and espe- launched. But at the same time, the govern- cially the well-off, contribute fairly to the ment will review privatizations that have not financing of public policies”. yet been launched with a view to improving This will include “robust efforts” to improve the terms and to “maximize the state’s long- tax collection and fight tax evasion, including term benefits”. through better use of technology, reforming ATHENS: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras arrives for a ministerial meeting at the parliament in Athens yesterday. — AFP value-added tax (VAT) and “modernising” the ‘Humanitarian crisis’ income tax code. Calling itself the “National Salvation Government”, Tsipras’s administration has Corruption vowed to tackle high rates of poverty caused A key policy aim of left-wing Prime by years of recession and austerity cuts in RBS restructuring chief to Minister Alexis Tsipras, 40, who swept to pow- return for two international bailouts. To tackle er last month promising to reverse hated aus- this, the list includes measures to improve terity measures, is to tackle corruption. access to basic needs such as nourishment, To this end, the list sent to Brussels talks of health care, housing and energy though shrink investment bank implementing a “national plan against cor- “highly targeted non-pecuniary instruments” ruption”. This will involve cracking down on like food stamps. fuel and tobacco smuggling as well as money Importantly, however, the government RBS expected to confirm plans for Asian exit laundering, while keeping closer tabs on the claims that its “fight against the humanitarian funding of political parties and the awarding crisis”, as well schemes such as temporary LONDON/HONG KONG: Royal Bank of Scotland McEwan to enlarge his remit, the sources said. 2,800 at the end of last year, when it unveils of public tenders. work programs for the unemployed, will have will hand restructuring chief Rory Cullinan the “He’s been phenomenal,” said Bernstein ana- full-year figures on Thursday, the sources said. To underscore its determination, the gov- “no negative fiscal effect”. task of overseeing another major scaling back lyst Chirantan Barua. “Given his experience and The move will mark the latest step in RBS’s ernment has created an anti-corruption min- In the same way, the scope and timing of of its investment bank, sources told Reuters, what he’s delivered, I would not be surprised at sharp retreat from both Asia and investment istry headed by a former prosecutor. the government’s planned increase in the allowing it to focus on lending to British house- all that Ross gives him something more. What is banking in the past six years following its 45.5 minimum wage-a measure that particularly holds and businesses. next in line in terms of cutting is the invest- billion pound bailout during the financial crisis. Efficiency alarmed creditors-will be made “in consulta- Cullinan will take over responsibility for ment bank.” The bank hopes that slimming The bank had more than 12,000 staff in Asia In order to save money the government tion ... with European and international insti- RBS’s investment bank from Donald Workman, down and simplifying its business will enable it at its peak, which included retail businesses plans to improve efficiency across the board: tutions”.— AFP currently executive chairman for corporate and to bolster its capital and generate better that used to be part of ABN and were mostly institutional banking, the sources said. It is not returns, making it more attractive to investors sold in 2009. Cullinan will also take responsibili- clear what role Workman will take. Cullinan and easier for the government to return to pri- ty for managing RBS’s exit from several Aviva Investors pays out already runs RBS’s internal ‘bad bank’ and is vate ownership. European markets, the sources said. RBS has overseeing the sale of its US business Citizens RBS’s investment bank was built into one of been in Asia Pacific since the 1820s and cur- $232m for control failures and its Williams & Glynn business in Britain. The the biggest in the world by former chief execu- rently has offices in 10 countries in the region. bank, 79 percent-owned by the government, is tive Fred Goodwin in the years before the finan- Singapore is one of its global operational hubs. LONDON: Aviva Investors Global Services, incentive to favor one fund over another,” the under pressure from lawmakers to do more to cial crisis, and it grew further by the takeover of The bank currently supports clients based in part of insurance company Aviva, has paid watchdog said. This abusive practice is known support the domestic economy. Dutch bank ABN AMRO in 2007. Its investment Asia Pacific and execution services in Asian out 150 million pounds ($232 million) in fines as “cherry picking”, it said. Traders were able to Chief Executive Ross McEwan said last year bank had more than 20,000 staff and risk- markets for US and European clients. and compensation after failing to control delay recording the allocation of trades for that he wanted to increase the proportion of weighted assets of 278 billion pounds at the RBS, which is also expected to announce the conflicts of interest, Britain’s markets watch- several hours without being detected inter- assets that RBS holds in Britain to 80 percent of end of 2008, almost half of RBS’s massive bal- appointed of ex-financial regulator Howard dog said yesterday. nally. its global business from 60 percent at present. ance sheet that it has dramatically shrunk in Davies as its new chairman tomorrow, is set to The Financial Conduct Authority said it Compensation was paid to eight funds Cullinan was appointed to run RBS’s ‘bad bank’ the last six years. report an underlying pretax profit of about 4.1 fined Aviva Investors 17.6 million pounds for managed by Aviva on behalf of other compa- in December 2013. He is on track to sell or wind billion pounds, according to a Reuters poll. But systems and controls failings spanning eight nies within the group. Aviva Investors said it down the majority of the 38 billion pounds Asian retreat that is likely to be largely wiped out by a write years to June 2013. “These weaknesses led to cooperated fully with the regulator over the ($58.6 billion) of unwanted assets placed within RBS is expected to announce that it will sig- down on the value of its US bank Citizens of compensation of 132 million pounds being breaches. “We fully accept the conclusions of it by the end of 2015, a year ahead of schedule nificantly scale back its operations in Asia leav- about 4 billion pounds, according to industry paid to ensure that none of the funds Aviva this investigation,” Euan Munro, chief execu- and his success in that role has persuaded ing about 200 staff in the region, down from sources. —Reuters Investors managed was adversely affected,” tive of Aviva Investors, said in a statement. the regulator said. “We have fixed the issues, improved our sys- Aviva Investors, which manages 240 bil- tems and controls and ensured no customers lion pounds on behalf of customers, used a have been disadvantaged.” Home Depot approves $18bn management strategy whereby funds that The regulator said Aviva worked with paid different levels of performance fees were the watchdog in an exceptionally open managed by the same trading desk. and cooperative manner and qualified for buyback; boosts dividend 26% The same people were managing hedge a 30 percent discount to its fine because of funds, which typically pay a high fee for out- early settlement. The watchdog has ATLANTA: Home Depot authorized Street expectations for profit and rev- bell and appeared headed for an all- Its dividend will now be 59 cents performing the market, and so-called long warned the funds industry on the need to the repurchase of $18 billion of its enue during the fourth quarter and it time high. Home Depot is riding and per share. The dividend will be paid funds that pay much lower fees. Some of manage conflicts effectively in a market own shares and boosted its quarterly released a better-than-expected out- improving, if unsteady housing mar- on March 26 to shareholders of these fees were paid to traders who managed review and letters to chief executives of dividend by 26 percent. The home- look for the year. Shares rose more ket. record on March 12. Home Depot the funds. asset managers in November 2012. “This improvement store also beat Wall than 3 percent before the opening The National Association of said it’s the 112th consecutive quar- “This type of incentive structure created will continue to be an area of focus for the Realtors said Monday that sales of ter that it has paid a cash dividend. conflicts of interest as these traders had an authority,” it said. —Reuters existing homes tumbled 4.9 percent Home Depot posted fourth-quarter last month to a seasonally adjusted profit of $1.38 billion, or $1.05 per annual rate of 4.82 million. That share, for the period ended Feb. 1. Lebanon’s growth brings sales down to their lowest lev- Excluding a gain related to the sale of el since April 2014. Still, homes did a portion of HD Supply, its profit was sell at a rate 3.2 percent faster than $1 per share. That’s well above the 89 expected at 2.5% January 2014 and Home Depot has cents per share that analysts had been a beneficiary. The company this expected, according to a survey by BEIRUT: Lebanon expects its economy to ther bond issues. Khalil said 2015 public debt month announced that it would hire FactSet. grow by 2.5 percent in 2015, the finance min- would increase to $68.7 billion after the latest 80,000 workers to handle increased Revenue was $19.16 billion, also ister said yesterday after announcing a Eurobond issuance, up from $66.5 billion at traffic over the spring and summer. better than Wall Street’s projection of Eurobond of $2.2 billion, the largest issue in the end of 2014. He added that he expected It hired the same number of work- $18.68 billion. Sales at stores open at the country’s history. 2015 debt to GDP ratio to drop to between ers last year during the home build- least a year rose 7.9 percent in the Lebanon’s economy has been hit by the 129 and 133 percent, compared to 135 per- ing and improvement season. The quarter, 8.9 percent if only US stores war in Syria, which started in 2011 and has cent in 2014. Atlanta company’s buyback program are counted. spilled over into the small Mediterranean This bond issue showed high subscrip- announced yesterday replaces a prior “While some of it could have been country. Political stalemate has paralyzed tions, he said, adding it was also evidence authorization. Home Depot has driven by weather concerns ahead of government and parliament has been unable that “regardless of the political difficulties that returned more than $53 billion of the harsh weather in February, we to elect a president. Ali Hassan Khalil said the we are living in, there is still confidence in cash to shareholders through buy- think the upside to comp came most- country would still need an additional $2.2 Lebanon’s future.” He urged politicians in backs from 2002 through Feb. 1. The ly from the housing recovery and billion to cover financial needs for 2015 but Lebanon to overcome differences and to pass chain plans to complete $18 billion in market share gains,” wrote Kate that so far he only had the required permis- laws that would allow him to issue the addi- A Home Depot store is shown in Hialeah, Florida. Home Depot reported buybacks by fiscal 2017’s end. McShane of Citibank yesterday.— AP sion from parliament for $300 million of fur- tional bonds before June. —Reuters quarterly financial results before the market opened yesterday.—AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 BUSINESS Greek shares rally on bailout hopes

PARIS: Greek shares surged yesterday, outpacing mod- reignited investors’ worries about the country’s debt pile. The six-page document, seen by Reuters, contained can is being kicked down the road with nothing Overall, fourth-quarter earnings are expected to est gains in pan-European indexes after Athens delivered The sector has lost 85 percent since early 2012, reducing few figures but promised to improve tax enforcement, really changing. With the day-to-day volatility in grow by 19.5 percent, according to Thomson a list of economic reforms to the euro-zone that it hopes the combined market value of Greece’s top four banks to fight corruption and “review and control ...every area of Greek markets at the moment, people are playing Reuters I/B/E/S, which would be Europe’s best sea- will secure a four-month extension of its financial lifeline. 17.8 billion euros ($20.1 billion), less than a fifth of the government spending”. the markets daily for a fast return.” Elsewhere in son in 3-1/2 years. Volatile Greek banking stocks were the top gainers value of Spain’s Banco Santander, the euro zone’s biggest Investors remained skeptical, however, unwilling to Europe, shares in chip-making equipment builder “Economic activity is accelerating in Europe,” across Europe, with National Bank of Greece up 13.9 per- bank. At 1145 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top chase European stocks higher after hefty gains made ASML rose 3.8 percent and hit a record high after said Mathieu L’Hoir, strategist at AXA Investment cent, Alpha Bank up 13 percent, Bank of Piraeus up 11.2 European shares was up 0.2 percent at 1,537.76 points, a since the start of the year. The FTSEurofirst 300 is up 12 the company announced it had passed a key per- Managers, which has 607 billion euros ($686 bil- percent and Eurobank up 10.7 percent, as the Greek level not hit for seven years. The list sent to the percent in 2015. formance milestone. lion) in assets under management. market reopened after a three-day weekend. Despite its Eurogroup late on Monday set out in broad terms the “The situation is fairly exasperating. There is not a sin- Shares in BHP Billiton rose 4.6 percent, driving “The impact from the drop in energy costs and recent rebound, the Greek banking sector index is still measures Athens plans to implement by July, offering gle number or target in that list,” said Ioan Smith, manag- a sector rally, after the global miner beat market the lower euro combined should translate into a below the level it traded at before last month’s election assurances it will not deviate from fiscal targets or roll ing director of KCG Europe. “We’ve been in similar situa- forecasts by posting a smaller-than-expected drop boost of about 0.5 percentage points to euro- victory by the anti-austerity Syriza party, which has back past reforms. tions during the euro-zone crisis, where it seems like the in half-year profit. Half way into Europe’s earnings zone GDP... This will help companies restore their season results have been strong, with 57 percent profit margins, which remain at recession levels,” of companies meeting or beating profit forecasts. he said. —Reuters

TOKYO: A couple look at an electronic stock indicator in Tokyo yesterday. Asian stocks were little changed yesterday as investors waited for remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. —AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 BUSINESS

Inflation, other risks point to UK rate hike: BoE’s Forbes

LONDON: British inflation pressures factor into a case to tighten monetary hike in early 2016. Sterling hit a 7-year with inflation of just 0.3 percent in There might also be a need to raise could pick up quickly and other factors policy in the near future. But they do high against the euro after Forbes’s January. However, the external factors interest rates if capital flowed into could also mean an interest rate hike is not currently appear to be generating a comments but British government which have pushed inflation down- Britain because borrowing costs were needed “in the near future” but the sufficient cost to merit a change in bond prices were little changed. such as the plunge on oil and food even lower in other economies, Bank of England is right to keep rates interest rates today.” Simon Peck, a gilts strategist at RBS, prices and the strengthening of ster- potentially overwhelming the BoE’s on hold for now, a BoE policymaker The BoE’s nine rate-setters all voted said Forbes could join Weale and ling-would fade quickly. toolkit to prevent risks in the financial said yesterday. to keep rates at a record low of 0.5 per- McCafferty, considered the most likely She said there were risks that infla- sector. “At some point monetary poli- Kristin Forbes said in a speech that cent in January and February. Two poli- rate-setters to push for a rate hike later tion could prove either stronger or cy may have a role to help fill in these the risks from a return of inflation, asset cymakers, Martin Weale and Ian this year. “But it seems there is a rela- weaker than expected: “The bottom ‘cracks’,” she said. Forbes mentioned price bubbles in the financial sector McCafferty, had voted to raise rates in tively strong consensus on the com- line ... is that the current policy of near- other reasons why a rate hike in and levels of consumption and savings late 2014 but changed their minds after mittee for the foreseeable future which zero interest rates does not yet appear Britain was not needed now, including were “moderate and manageable” at oil prices pushed Britain’s inflation rate is happy to keep policy easy,” Peck said. to be generating incipient inflationary signs that consumers were not going the moment. “All of these trends merit to near zero. Forbes said in her speech it might pressures that could not be addressed on a borrowing binge to fund their close attention,” she said. “Any could Investors are pricing in a first rate sound silly to ask if rates needed to rise in a timely fashion as needed.” spending. —Reuters Russia’s ruble slides on ‘junk’ rating downgrade Russia to experience ‘deep recession’: Moody’s

MOSCOW: Russia’s ruble and stock market Moscow-based economists agreed. term challenge,” Alfa Bank said. showed renewed weakness yesterday in VTB Capital said Moody’s decision appeared response to another slide in the price of oil and to be based on the assumption that Russia’s net Focus on inflation a downgrade to “junk” status of its sovereign capital outflows-estimated at around $150 bil- Russia at first appeared uncertain about how debt by Moody’s. The global rating agency lion last year-would nearly double to $270 bil- to cope with the double-edged sword of soar- announced after trading in Moscow finished on lion in 2015. “Given $50-60 billion external debt ing inflation and plunging economic output. Friday that it expected Russia to experience a redemptions, Moody’s appears to assume more Consumer prices shot up by 15 percent in “deep recession” this year and continued eco- than $200 billion of domestic capital outflow,” December and have grown another five per- nomic contraction in 2016. VTB Capital said in a research note. cent since the start of the year. The economy in Russia’s markets were closed for a public hol- “This seems extreme, as it would be more turn is expected to shrink by three to five per- iday on Monday and the ruble only traded over than 80 percent of local currency term-deposits cent in 2015. the counter in thin volume. But the ruble yes- in the banking system.” Siluanov also argued on The central bank shocked the market in mid- terday was down nearly two percent against Friday that Moody’s prediction of the inflation December by hiking its key rate to 17 from 10.5 the dollar from Friday’s close. The Russian cur- rate reaching 22 percent this year was overly percent in a desperate bid to save the Russian LONDON: The Secretary General of the OECD (Organization for Economic rency lost almost a percent against the euro pessimistic. currency-stripped of half its value since the Co-operation and Development), Angel Gurria delivers a statement follow- while Moscow’s two main stock exchanges “Russia in recent months has demonstrated start of 2014 — from even further declines. ing the release of the Economic Survey of the United Kingdom during a were both down about one percent. stability in the face of unprecedented external But it appeared to be responding to growing press conference at the Treasury in London yesterday. —AFP Traders attributed the declines to both the shocks,” he said in statement. pressure from the Kremlin and Russia’s cash- rating cut and another drop in the global price Others said the cut meant that Russia’s strapped business community by trimming the for Russia’s vital oil exports. Moody’s down- investment climate would remain troubled rate back down to 15 percent at the start of UK should press on with grade came slightly less than a month after an even if the European Union eased back some of February. identical one by Standard & Poor’s. Most major its Ukraine-linked sanctions in the coming Siluanov said yesterday that inflation Western funds are forbidden from holding debt months. remained Moscow’s main target despite the austerity plans: OECD stripped of its investment-grade status by two “This cements Russia’s loss of investment slight rate easing. “We must pursue a tough of the world’s three main rating agencies. grade, meaning that even under the opti- monetary policy,” he told a meeting of top tax LONDON: The Organization for Economic age spending cuts elsewhere, in real terms, Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov mistic case of sanctions being eased and the officials. “We must adjust our budget and econ- Cooperation and Development said yester- of almost 40 percent between the financial immediately denounced the Moody’s cut as oil price recovering, reinstating financial omy to new conditions, irrespective of what day that Britain should continue to cut its years 2010-11 and 2019-20. “political” and economically unjustified. Some capital inflows to Russia will remain a long- decisions rating agencies make.” —AFP budget deficit after May’s national election, “Hence, the composition of fiscal adjust- and might need to rethink plans to shield ment should be reviewed to ease pressure healthcare and schools spending. on public services that have already con- With May 7 shaping up to be one of the tributed to consolidation,” the OECD report Al Mulla Exchange opens closest and most unpredictable elections in said. Other think tanks have disagreed with modern British history, all main parties have the austere approach of the current govern- promised to maintain spending on schools ment. Earlier this month, a review of the and health. But the Paris-based think tank government’s record by the National 3 new branches in Kuwait said this might impose unacceptably high Institute of Social and Economic Research cuts in other areas. “(Britain should) continue concluded that austerity had been an to pursue the medium-term fiscal consolida- unnecessary risk that had caused significant tion path ... and ensure consolidation efforts damage to the economy. KUWAIT: Al Mulla International are fair,” the OECD said in a report. The oppo- The OECD predicted Britain’s economy Exchange, the leading money remit- sition Labor party plans to balance the gov- would grow 2.6 percent this year, slightly tance company in Kuwait, inaugurat- ernment’s books, excluding investment above the 2.4 percent forecast by the gov- ed three new branches in Jaber Al Ali, spending, within the next parliament. The ernment’s independent fiscal watchdog, Riggae and Jahra respectively, to join ruling Conservative Party says it intends to the Office for Budget Responsibility. But the company’s chain of 60 branches balance the budget completely and return a the OECD said Britain needed more private- located all over Kuwait. small surplus. sector infrastructure spending to deliver On behalf of Al Mulla The OECD cited research suggesting that the rise in productivity that was necessary International Exchange, Rakesh Joshi, protecting areas such as health and educa- to make the economic recovery sustain- General Manager, commented on tion from spending cuts would imply aver- able. —Reuters the branches’ opening by saying: “Every time we open a new branch, we feel that it brings us closer to our clients. Our expansion policy in the Kuwaiti market today is going in a faster pace that can be noticed through the opening of new branch- es in Jaber Al Ali, Jahra and Reggae. We also seek from this expansion to improve the level and quality of money exchange solutions propor- tionally with our increasing clients’ base.” “The company will continue to open new branches in different sites to ensure easy access for our clients to services and products from our network of branches in Kuwait that currently reached 60,”he said. “We can confirm that choosing Jaber Al Ali, Jahra and Reggae to open new branches is based on the two areas’ importance as vital centers in Kuwait. We are committed to provide all serv- ices and products to our clients Macy’s shoppers leave the retailer’s flagship store in New York. —AP through our fully equipped branches, as our name has become synony- Macy’s Q4 earnings slip 2% mous with the best financial insti- tutes worldwide,” he added. but top analyst expectations The branch located in Al Naseem area, Jahara was inaugurated by the NEW YROK: Macy’s fourth-quarter net Adjusted results totaled $2.44 per share, chairman and board of directors of Al income slipped 2 percent as the retailer paid excluding charges for store closings and a Naseem Co-operative Society in pres- off some debt early and saw expenses rise, previously announced merchandising and ence of Al Mulla Group management but its bottom line beat Wall Street expecta- marketing restructuring, among other items. and acquaintances. tions. The department store operator says it That topped the average analyst forecast of The opening of the new branches earned $793 million, or $2.26 per share, in $2.39 per share. Macy’s Inc, which has corpo- reflects the company’s efforts in the quarter that ended Jan. 31. That com- rate offices in Cincinnati and New York, saw adopting policies and strategic pro- pares with earnings of $811 million, or $2.16 revenue climb nearly 2 percent to $9.36 bil- grams that include expanding per share, last year, when the company had lion, which fell short of analyst expectations branches and providing advanced more shares outstanding. for $9.4 billion. —AP services to different social categories. This comes as part of the company’s policy to bring itself closer to clients all over Kuwait, as they are the pri- South Africa growth mary target behind the expansion process and launching innovative fell to 1.5% in 2014 services. The company renews through PRETORIA: South Africa’s growth rate fell to 1.5 region, which according to the International opening the new branches its com- percent last year, official data showed yesterday, as Monetary Fund likely turned in 4.8 percent growth mitment towards its clients, as well as strikes and power cuts hobbled Africa’s second- last year. However, South Africa’s gross domestic its efforts to meet the demand on its largest economy. The preliminary 2014 figure output (GDP) expanded by a much stronger 4.1 money exchange services. The new announced by Statistics South Africa is below the percent in the fourth quarter of last year-a change branches’ design reflects highest lev- 2.2 percent growth recorded a year earlier, largely Bouwer attributed to industries going “back to els of convenient and proper envi- the result of persistent strike action in the mining normal” at the end of the year. ronment to perform remittance sector. This was evident in the manufacturing and operations quickly and securely. “Due to a lot of industrial strikes, I think it had a mining sectors, which rose 1.2 and 1.1 percentage Al Mulla International Exchange quite negative impact on the economy,” the statis- points respectively in the fourth quarter, though also offers insurance and loyalty tics agency’s manager of national accounts the year-on-year growth was negative. “Hopefully points services on every transaction Gerhardt Bouwer told reporters in Pretoria. we can keep the strength and avoid any strike free of charge, in addition to SMS The growth rate is far below the 6 to 7 percent action or stoppages,” he said. It was a hope econo- confirmation for transfer operations. most economists believe South Africa needs to mists greeted skeptically. “Until we deal with the The company also offers quick and provide jobs for millions in a country where one in issues in the labour market, the risk of these sorts secure money transfer from home or four people is officially unemployed. It also leaves of disruptive strikes remain,” said Nedbank senior the office online through the compa- the country a laggard in the sub-Saharan Africa economist Nicky Weimar. —AFP ny’s website at www.amxremit.com. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 BUSINESS Zain CEO reviews 2014 results

Scott Gegenheimer looks at operational challenges, future strategic direction of Zain

KUWAIT: Zain officials address the annual general meeting.

KUWAIT: For the full-year 2014, Zain Group more impressive considering the highly pen- five leading global technology companies. from the era of 3G in Iraq. in Jordan and 3G launch in Iraq and 4G LTE generated consolidated revenues of $4.3 bil- etrated market conditions that exist in the The agreements aim to enhance Zain Saudi The positive impact of the introduction of expansion in Saudi Arabia to name a few. lion, down 2 percent from 2013. country. Kuwait’s healthy ARPU of $36 and Arabia’s customer experience and to high-speed mobile data is evident in Bahrain If we consider today’s mobile consumers, Consolidated EBITDA for the period reached high EBITDA margin of 48 percent vindicates improve and expand Zain’s network capaci- where the launch of 4GLTE in the Kingdom they are utilizing more and more mobile $1.8 Billion, down 6 percent, reflecting an the continual investment in the network. ty, coverage, and speed. The operator aims in 2014 made an immediate positive impact services in their lives, and smartphones are EBITDA margin of 41.8 percent. Consolidated In 2014, the operation in Saudi Arabia to provide 4G LTE coverage to over 90 per- on revenues and data usage. In December becoming smarter. If we look at Small Office net income amounted to $685 million, down continued to show a healthy growth, nar- cent of the population, providing existing 2014, Zain Bahrain also took the significant HomeOffice or Small Medium Enterprises or 10 percent, and reflecting earnings per share rowing net losses by 23 percent and signifi- and new customers with real high-speed step of listing 15 percent of its shares on the larger enterprises, they are utilizing cloud of $0.18. cantly increasing its EBITDA by 24 percent to mobile Internet connectivity. Bahrain Bourse, in fulfilment of its licensing services and finding new ways to consume The company’s overall twelve-month reflect a 17 percent EBITDA margin. Data In Bahrain, we undertook and completed conditions, and allowing a wider base of and offer Information Technology. As a lead- financial results were materially affected by consumption and its subsequent revenue a USD 101 million network modernization investors to participate in the shareholding. ing operator, we are in a key position to be currency translation impacts, effectively growth of 37 percent for the year has also program with including the launch of 4G This milestone was the first IPO in Bahrain ableto leverage our network connectivity slashing reported net income by $152 mil- been a source of encouragement in the services that will support the operator’s since 2010. assets to create and enable new services for lion (KD 43 million), substantially higher Kingdom, becoming an important contribu- aggressive marketing strategy to capture The factors driving the business in 2014 our customers and enable growth for us as a than $ 88 million (KD 25 million) for the full tor to the operator’s overall service revenue. greater market share. Zain has been investing heavily in mobile company. year 2013. Excluding the currency variance Although the lower growth in key finan- In Jordan, we announced the commence- broadband networks, having already This means the company and the indus- and FX translation impact, net income cials was not what we expected, our opera- ment of a 4G LTE network deployment fol- launched 4G LTE in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, try need to change their focus to customers, would have been relatively stable. tion in Jordan continues to deliver healthy lowing a $270 million investment to acquire and Bahrain as well as advanced 3G net- and to service and business model innova- Our customer base reached 44.3 million results and the future looks brighter for that an exclusive 4G license and additional 3G works in Jordan, Sudan and South Sudan. tion. Zain is focused on improving the way at the end of 2014, reflecting a 4 percent operation given the impending launch of 4G spectrum, where investments in excess of Even in countries such as Iraq, where the we serve our customers, and introducing a reduction year-on-year, predominantly due services in early 2015. $100 million will be made towards the roll- company had not introduced the latest transactional Net Promoter Score, for exam- to a change in the definition of an ‘active Despite a difficult year in overall financial out of the 4G network. mobile broadband networks in 2014, ple, enabling us to see how well our cus- customer’ implemented by Iraq’s regulator terms, it is pleasing that we remained the In addition, on December 31, 2014, Zain demand for digital services remained enor- tomer touch points are performing and to and the new SIM registration policy in market leader by customer numbers in Iraq made the nation’s first third generation mous and continues to grow, boding well respond to issues faster. Sudan, which together saw approximately Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, South Sudan, phone call to the Iraqi Minister of for Zain’s future growth opportunities. On the innovation and business model three million customers removed from the and Lebanon. Telecommunications, marking a new era of CAPEX in 2014 for the Group (excluding side of things, we need to explore new areas, base. enriched communications technology in the Saudi Arabia) reached USD 730.3 million for and this requires investments into new skills Industry changing rapidly country. The rolling out of the 3.9G service the year reflecting 17 percent of revenues. and capabilities. One of the things we do not 2014, a challenging year Over our more than 30 years of operation, by Zain Iraq will offer the Iraqi people Saudi Arabia invested an additional $211.4 want to become is a dumb pipe but rather a The global telecom sector during 2014 Zain has consistently sustained itself as a unprecedented access to mobile data and million in CAPEX, thus our total expenditure smart pipe that adds services on top of the continued to be impacted by changes in pioneer in regional innovative products and connectivity, and will enable the socio-eco- reached $ 942 million for the year. connectivity we offer. We need to continue telecom operators’ business models primari- services, and 2014 was no different as we nomic progress linked to its provision. Regarding new business opportunities, to grow our business and we are considering ly due to the presence of over-the-top serv- took immediate action in adapting to mar- Zain’s investments in improving network Zain is seeking such on two fronts; strength- opportunities in our industry as well as in ices (OTT), which have led to consumers ket forces. service are just one aspect of the company’s ening its presence within the enterprise adjacencies to our core operations, and this adopting new ways of communicating and In 2014, we devised a clear strategy that drive to provide an optimal customer experi- domain through the establishment or acqui- may take the form of an ISP, data center, or a running their businesses through smart we intend to implement over the next five ence. To ensure it is on the right track, Zain sition of ISPs, data centers, fiber plays, cross- smart city specialist. We need to be open- phones and online services. years that will take advantage of our compe- continuously engages with and listens to its border international connectivity compa- minded and nimble. From a financial standpoint for Zain, there tencies, which include our people, networks, customers in order to measure their satisfac- nies, or digital services. Zain is also pursuing Additionally, we are actively looking to is no doubt that 2014 proved to be a chal- and geographic coverage, while looking to tion with the company’s performance and adjacent opportunities in the machine-to- diversify into the enterprise and M2M mar- lenging year across all our operating compa- develop new areas and becoming an inno- offerings. machine (M2M) space, mobile money, and kets, and the move into other vertical mar- nies due to the intensive competition in key vative and diversified operator. strategic partnerships with OTT players, as kets is an opportunity for us to generate markets resulting in lower margins, which We are looking to evolve from being a Zain digital frontier and outlined in the description of the activities strong incremental revenue growth. was further exacerbated given the relatively mobile operator to becoming an integrated innovation (ZDFI) of the ZDFI. Having experienced an increase in con- high penetration rates in many of the mar- digital life-style company that also has a The ZDFI business unit was established in Data-related services as a revenue stream solidated mobile data revenues for the kets in which we operate. Adverse currency strong enterprise sector focus. We took this 2014 growing the business through new were a clear positive trend in 2014 especially Group of around 13 percent in 2014, and devaluations for the year did not help mat- vision further by detailing our five-year innovative business streams adding to Zain’s after Zain Group reported that revenue from with non-voice data accounting for between ters either as it impacted all our key finan- transformation agenda based on the adop- financial viability and market capitalization. non-voice data services (excluding SMS and 15 percent to 30 percent of revenues in most cials substantially, especially the bottom tion of a strategy comprising of fixing the The unit focuses on the areas of innovation; VAS) rose 13 percent during the year, while operations, one of the secrets to the compa- line. Additionally, there were a number of basics within the Group, differentiation, and digital services; corporate venturing; and non-voice revenues represented 16 percent ny’s success has been its ability to bring new external circumstances beyond our control revenue diversification on one side, and cus- smart cities, with the ultimate aim of trans- of the Group’s total revenues at the end of technologies to markets first. that hit several of our operations hard, and tomer experience, operational effectiveness, forming Zain into a regional innovation December, 2014. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia On a longer-term it is likely that we will as a result had a negative impact on Zain business growth, and people development trendsetter. It is estimated that potential rev- are the major drivers of this data growth, see the telecom sector consolidate, given Group’s overall operational and financial on the other. enue streams from such activities are huge, given their superlative data offerings on the regulatory environment and the evolv- performance. Six strategic initiatives have been defined with Zain having already identified substan- their 4G LTE networks. ing business model. Regulation needs to In both Iraq and South Sudan for exam- within Zain Group, namely customer experi- tial potential revenues in the smart cities help the telecom industry to adopt OTT and ple, the escalation of social instability during ence; cost optimization; talent development; space alone. Looking to the year ahead and beyond VoIP-type services, and legislation needs to the year saw several million people dis- Zain Digital Frontier and Innovation (ZDFI); Zain’s enthusiasm to be a technology guide the development of the sector. placed and parts of the network were ren- customer value management and enter- Major highlights leader is driven by the company’s ambition The period ahead is both challenging and dered inaccessible for maintenance at times, prise, all with the aim of supporting the We benefit from having over 30 years of to remain relevant and create value within exciting for mobile operators. On one level creating additional operational costs. company’s target of capturing a significant experience in the telecom industry in the the fast-evolving telecom eco-system. Our our core business is evolving rapidly In addition, the recent appreciation of the market share from this new line of business Middle East. There is a reason why we have regional telecom industry is in the middle through OTT services and market saturation USD against the KD, along with foreign cur- that will substantially lead to generating bil- survived through to this day, and this is our of a transitional period from deploying net- and on another we see many new opportu- rency revaluation losses predominantly in lions of dollars of additional revenues. ability to adapt and extract value from our works, to acquiring new customers, and nities that we can bolt on top of our world- the Republic of Sudan and in Iraq, had a We also took proactive steps to future- operations. There are very definite chal- adapting to heightened penetration in sat- class networks and IT systems. negative impact on Zain Group’s financials. proof our networks. Our flagship operation lenges - our industry is moving at a rapid urated markets where the focus has to be I believe that telecom remains one of the Part of our success over the years is in being in Kuwait continues to push technology pace, and our value chain is becoming more to expand into new business areas and key drivers in shaping our societies and lives able to overcome challenges, and we are innovation of its nationwide 4G service by complex; however, there are also great services. well into the future. confident this is precisely what we will do in testing both LTE-Advanced services and opportunities. Looking to the future, we believe the tra- due course. In other parts of the Group, VoLTE (Voice over LTE) during the year, with The progress towards licensing 3G in Iraq ditional revenue side of the business is Final comment there were a number of positive signs and plans to launch these state-of-the-art tech- in 2014 was momentous given the latent going to have less incremental growth; how- I wish to extend my appreciation to the developments. nologies in 2015. potential for mobile broadband in the coun- ever, this doesn’t mean that the core net- Board of Directors, Shareholders, our valued Our 4G network in Kuwait has continued In Saudi Arabia where data usage is try. We have already invested almost $5 bil- work business would no longer be impor- customers and all other stakeholders for to deliver on the promise of offering new already high, but growing all the time, we lion in our network in Iraq during our time of tant for us. It obviously is and shall remain their unwavering support over the last 12 and compelling services, and our flagship took the unprecedented step of signing net- operation in the country, and many of our so, and we need to continue to invest in it, months. I would also like to thank my 7,000 operation in Kuwait witnessed growth in all work expansion and upgrade agreements base stations are 3G-ready. Therefore, we which we are and this can be seen in our colleagues for making Zain the wonderful its key financial indicators, which is even totaling SAR 4.5 billion (USD 1.2 billion) with expect substantial new revenue streams ongoing projects such as our 4G LTE launch telecom company it is today. technology WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Fierce battle looms on US ‘open Internet’ rules

WASHINGTON: US regulators meet tomorrow to vote The “open Internet” rules, which would become FCC opens itself up to legal challenges. And while FCC choices,” describing the effort as an “approach on rules aimed at heading off Internet “fast lanes,” final if adopted by the five-member FCC, would bar officials have not released details of the plan, imposed in Europe” which has led to less private although it may not be the end of a years-long battle. “paid prioritization,” blocking of legal content or Furchtgott-Roth said the reclassification will likely investment. The “net neutrality” rules which seek to guarantee “throttling”-slowing a rival service which competes mean “billions of dollars in new fees and taxes” which Josh Stager at the New America Foundation’s Open equal access to all online services are likely to spark with one backed by the Internet provider. would be imposed either at the federal or state level. Technology Institute said Pai “seems to prefer the sta- fresh challenges in court and efforts in Congress to The FCC move also sparked criticism in the tus quo, in which broadband providers have free reign nullify or revamp the plan. Heavy-handed regulation Republican-led Congress, which has the authority to to manipulate consumers and abuse their market Federal Communications Commission Chairman But critics say the Wheeler plan is heavy-handed, nullify the rules or pass legislation to reverse some of power.” Tom Wheeler earlier this month unveiled the plan to based on a 1934 law aimed at regulating phone com- the mandates. Lewis at Public Knowledge said that in the runup to regulate broadband Internet service providers as panies, and claim it will stifle investment and cost con- Republican Representative Bob Goodlatte, head of the vote “there have been a lot of ugly accusations but “public utility” carriers, revamping the agency’s rules sumers more, because broadband firms would not be the House Judiciary Committee, said Wheeler “overes- we are happy the FCC is moving forward.” He noted struck down by a federal court last year. able to generate revenue through special deals. timates the FCC’s authority to rewrite our nation’s that many Internet startups take issue with notion that The rulemaking effort elicited an unprecedented Michael Powell, head of the National Cable & communications laws... and ignores the fact that his neutrality discourages investment-saying online serv- four million comments, with passionate arguments on Telecommunications Association, which represents net neutrality rules almost certainly will be stuck in ices are as important as infrastructure. both sides about the importance of “freedom” and the broadband cable operators, said the FCC was moving courts for years over questions of their legality.” Some 16,000 websites are endorsing the neutrality need to encourage “innovation” and investment. toward “onerous regulation and could well depress effort, in a coalition that includes Tumblr, Mozilla, “This is a big step forward for consumers,” said Chris investment and innovation.” Split decision MediaFire and online review site Yelp. In a blog post, Lewis at the consumer activist lobby Public Powell said the move opens the door to rate regu- The FCC action comes three months after President Yelp said that without FCC enforcement of open Knowledge, which has been pressing for strong net lation despite Wheeler’s claim to steer clear of this. Barack Obama endorsed a strong net neutrality effort, access, “the Internet could fall victim to entrenched, neutrality rules. Lewis said the rules would ensure “an Former FCC commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth saying no online service should be forced into a “slow monopolistic ISPs and gatekeeper companies who Internet where consumers can go anywhere they said the agency faces a difficult legal path trying to lane.” As a result, some Republicans are denouncing would control when, how, from whom and at what want,” without seeing services or applications blocked classify broadband as a public utility without imposing the FCC move as “the Obama plan” and questioning cost you view content online. This threatens the very for competitive or financial reasons. Senator Patrick other regulations imposed on telecom firms. whether the president unduly sought to influence the core of American freedom and values.” Leahy also welcomed the effort, saying it will “ban pay- “I don’t think the commission has thought this independent rulemaking agency. Twitter public policy manager Will Carty said the to-play deals that could strangle innovation from through,” said Furchtgott-Roth, who heads the Hudson FCC commission member Ajit Pai said in a state- FCC rules would guarantee “the ability for all users to startups and small businesses, creating an Internet Institute’s Center for Economics of the Internet. ment that “the president’s plan will lead to less com- ‘innovate without permission’” and “have important divided between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots.’” By selectively imposing regulations, he said, the petition and leave Americans with fewer broadband implications for freedom of expression.” — AFP Spacewalking astronauts turn cable guys in first of 3 jobs Rigging eight power and data lines

CAPE CANAVERAL: Spacewalking astronauts routed more than 300 feet of cable outside the International Space Station on Saturday, tricky and tiring advance work for the arrival of new American-made crew capsules. It was the first of three spacewalks planned for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Terry Virts over the coming week. Altogether, Wilmore and Virts have 764 feet of cable to run outside the space station. They got off to a strong start Saturday, rigging eight power and data lines, or about 340 feet. “Broadening my resume,” Virts observed. NASA considers this the most complicated cable-routing job in the 16-year history of the TOKYO: A woman poses as humanoid robot Pepper takes a picture at a booth of digital space station. Equally difficult will be running marketing company IMJ Corporation during the Pepper App Challenge 2015 in Tokyo. cable on the inside of the complex. The exten- Mobile phone carrier Softbank, which developed the humanoid robot, held the applica- sive rewiring is needed to prepare for NASA’s tion competiton for Pepper. — AFP next phase 260 miles up: the 2017 arrival of the first commercial spacecraft capable of transport- ing astronauts to the orbiting lab. Japan’s Robear: Strength NASA is paying Boeing and SpaceX to build the capsules and fly them from Cape Canaveral, of a robot, face of a bear which hasn’t seen a manned launch since the shuttles retired in 2011. Instead, Russia is doing TOKYO: Forget the frightening androids of increasing life expectancy means Japan’s all the taxi work - for a steep price. dystopian sci-fi, the future of robots is cute population of elderly people is growing, The first of two docking ports for the Boeing polar bears that can lift elderly people into while the pool of youngsters to look after and SpaceX vessels - still under development - is and out of bed. them is shrinking. due to arrive in June. Even more spacewalks will The “Robear” has a cub-like face with big A reluctance to accept large-scale immi- be needed to set everything up. In this image from television astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore begins the spacewalk Saturday doey eyes, but packs enough power to gration means an increasing reliance on morning Feb 21, 2015 to wire the International Space Station in preparation for the arrival in July transfer frail patients from a wheelchair to a robots, especially to perform physically dif- Victory of the international docking port for the Boeing and Space-X commercial crew vehicles. — AP bed or a bath, Japan’s Riken institute said ficult work. There were so many cables that NASA color- coded them. That helped the spacewalkers only “We’ve got a lot of work still,” Mission Control worn by Wilmore and Virts had reliable fan and yesterday. This frequently combines with the coun- said as Saturday’s 6 1/2-hour spacewalk drew to pump assemblies. Two other fan-pump units “The polar cub-like look is aimed at radi- try’s love of all things cute, to produce so much; they expected a lighter blue for one of the lines. a close. “We want to make sure we look after failed aboard the space station in recent months ating an atmosphere of strength, geniality machines with disarming faces and child- your health and get you back inside now, so and were returned to Earth earlier this month for and cleanliness at the same time,” research like voices. “I worked up a lather on that one,” Wilmore informed Mission Control. After successfully we’re going to claim victory here.” analysis. Corrosion was discovered, the result of leader Toshiharu Mukai told AFP. “We voted “As Japan is ageing with fewer children, It was the first spacewalk for Virts, who water intrusion from testing. Their suits for this design among options presented the problem of a shortage in caregivers for attaching the first four cables, he added, “I’ve got to cool down.” Mission Control left two cables - arrived at the space station in late November. He appeared to work fine Saturday. by our designer. We hope to commercialise the elderly is getting serious,” Riken said in savored the moment as he floated out high “I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the robot in the not-too distant future,” he a statement. “Expectations are high that or about 24 feet worth - for the next spacewalk coming up tomorrow. Four hundred feet of addi- above the South Pacific. “Pretty cool,” he said. their hard work and diligence,” Wilmore, the sta- added. robotics will help resolve this problem,” it Spacesuit concerns stalled the work by a day. tion’s commander, said once he was safely back A historically low birth rate and ever- said. — AFP tional cable will be installed March 1 on space- walk No. 3. NASA wanted to make certain that the suits inside. — AP Visa Europe new security could pave way for Apple Pay

FRANKFURT: Visa Europe has announced a new, more secure Visa Europe has partnered with Singapore-based Fastacash to way for consumers to pay retailers via smartphones, a move that enable its member banks to soon start sending peer-to-peer pay- could set the stage for Apple’s Apple Pay and rival mobile pay- ments via popular social media services. Visa Direct will allow Visa ment services to be introduced into Europe in the coming Europe card users to transfer funds in multiple currencies to the months. mobile phone numbers of nearly 2 billion other Visa card holders. Visa Europe said yesterday it would introduce to member The personal money transfer service, which complies with banks by mid-April a “tokenisation” service which substitutes ran- “Know your customer” banking regulations and other internation- dom numbers for a user’s credit card details when a merchant al rules, will not be available in the United States, Japan or nations transmits transaction data, reducing the risk of online theft. sanctioned by U.S. Treasury Department, it said. Currency Similar security from Visa Inc, the former parent of Visa Europe, exchange fees will be set by the card holder’s bank. — Reuters and rival card issuers MasterCard and American Express has been key to the success of Apple Pay since it was introduced in the United States last year, according to industry experts. Apple Pay allows iPhone users to store their credit card details Apple emoji go on their phones, then pay at the tap of a button. In its first three months, more than $2 out of every $3 which US consumers spent racially diverse using speedy new “contactless” systems at the three major credit card networks was done via Apple Pay, the company said last month. Visa Europe’s move is one of several new services the WASHINGTON: Smiley emoji, sad emoji, hearts London-based credit card giant is unveiling as it battles to retain emoji, and now, for the first time, racially diverse its role as a middleman connecting banks and consumers in a emoji. Apple is preparing to release non-white faces fast-moving payments landscape being shaken up by major tech- in its line-up of the cartoon faces used to liven up nology firms including Apple, Google and eBay’s PayPal, as well as text and email messages, news reports said. TOYOTA CITY: Employees of Toyota Motors assemble the FCV “Mirai” on the assembly line during the vehicle’s line off scores of ambitious start-ups. In its next update of the icons, the faces will be ceremony at the Motomachi factory in Toyota city, Aichi prefecture yesterday. The world’s biggest carmaker plans to These include a way for card customers to send money over- available in six different skin tones, US media report- produce 700 units of the four-door Mirai sedan — powered by hydrogen and emitting nothing but water vapour from its seas to other Visa users via their social media profiles on sites such ed late Monday. CNN’s website said these are just tailpipe — by the end of December. — AFP as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter or LinkedIn. some of 300 new emojis included in the latest devel- Steve Perry, Visa Europe’s chief digital officer, said in an inter- oper version of iOS 8.3. view his association’s plan for secure credit card data transmission But the new icons won’t be available to the public Toyota unveils first parallels what Visa Inc offers in the United States. But he declined until the update is released later this year, CNN to comment on whether Apple Pay had agreed to use his organi- added. The task is not simple. The keyboard of illus- sation’s version in European markets. trated icons is based on Unicode, the standard for “Apple and Visa (Inc) have an agreement around what has hap- text, numbers and emojis across all platforms. mass fuel-cell car pened,” Perry said. “I am as excited as anyone, but we have to wait,” Emoji originated in Japan and were added to the he said. The Visa Europe executive referred further questions to Unicode Standard in 2010, CNN said, and Apple first Apple. An Apple spokesman was not immediately available to TOYOTA: Toyota President Akio Toyoda yesterday minutes like gasoline engine vehicles. comment on any international expansion plans it might have. included them in iOS in 2011. unveiled the assembly line that is making the first mass “We are thrilled to think that before everyone else, we “Apple supports and cares deeply about diversity, market fuel-cell car. are taking a historic step toward the establishment of a Pay by tweet and is working with The Unicode Consortium to The world’s biggest carmaker plans to produce 700 hydrogen society in Japan,” Toyoda told reporters last Visa Europe, which since 2007 has operated independently of update the standard so that it better represents units of the four-door Mirai sedan-powered by hydrogen month when he delivered a Mirai to the prime minister’s Visa Inc, is a cooperative of more than 3,700 European banks with diversity for all of us,” said an Apple spokesperson, and emitting nothing but water vapour from its tailpipe- office. Fuel-cell technology is seen as the Holy Grail of more than 500 million cards in circulation. Its plans also include according to CNN. by the end of December. Production of the car whose green cars as they are powered by a chemical reaction of opening a mobile app store for its members to pick and choose The Unicode Consortium sets international rules name means “future” in Japanese is scheduled to expand hydrogen and oxygen, and produce nothing more harm- payment apps that they can assemble into mobile banking servic- for text and characters to insure consistency across to 2,000 units in 2016 and 3,000 units in 2017. ful than water. Japanese automakers, including Toyota’s es they offer their own customers. platforms. Major companies like Apple, Google, The Mirai, which is being made at the firm’s Motomachi rivals Honda and Nissan, have been leaders in the green The company said it would introduce by this summer a global Microsoft and IBM use it. This allows people to send, Plant in Aichi, central Japan, can travel about 650 kilome- car sector. The country’s seven major manufacturers peer-to-peer payments service called Visa Direct, which was for- say, an emoji from an iPhone to someone with an tres (400 miles) without refuelling, some three times fur- reportedly plan to spend a record $24 billion to research merly known as Visa Personal Payments and offered on a limited Android device and it is still readable. — AFP ther than an electric car, and its tank can be filled in a few the sector this year. — AFP basis. HEALTH & SCIENCE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Ebola drug in Guinea helps some, stirs debate on broader use

DAKAR: A Japanese anti-Ebola drug being tested in which runs the treatment centre in Nzerekore, in for treatment earlier,” said Philippe Maughan, at the als, including unconventional treatments such as gas- Guinea should be made available across West Africa southeast Guinea. humanitarian branch of the European Commission. tric juice from vultures, and has now narrowed the after initial trials showed it halved mortality rates in An outbreak of Ebola has killed close to 10,000 field down to 8-10 candidates. some patients, the medical charity administering it people across West Africa over the last year. The num- No sufficient data Favipiravir, developed by a subsidiary of Japan’s said. Alliance for International Medical Action (ALI- ber of new cases has plummeted but officials have ALIMA also wants to make it available to direct Fujifilm to treat flu, has been used on some Western MA), which ran the trials of favipiravir in Guinea, said said much work still needs to be done before the Ebola contacts, such as a baby breast-fed by an infect- Ebola patients. No negative side effects were report- mortality rates fell from 30 to 15 percent in patients virus is snuffed out in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra ed mother, as a preventative measure. ed among 80 patients during the Guinea trial. Unlike with a low to moderate Ebola count but was not Leone, the three worst affected nations. But the World Health Organization (WHO) said some of the other drugs, there are thousands of dos- effective on those with a high level of the virus. Guinea’s government has already authorised the more research should be done. “There are not suffi- es available and it is relatively cheap. The trial, spon- The level of the Ebola virus in a patient’s blood is use of favipiravir in other Ebola centres where there cient data to draw firm conclusions about this drug’s sored by French health research body INSERM and thought to be determined by the amount of time are 40 patients. Several health officials said the drug efficacy against Ebola,” a spokeswoman said. made public on Monday at a medical conference, since infection as well as age and genetics. should be given in Sierra Leone, where more than 160 Asked whether the WHO would facilitate the use envisaged testing at least 120 patients, but falling “We think this is a sufficiently encouraging sign for patients are suspected of carrying the virus. of favipiravir more widely, she said: “It is up to national cases in Guinea has made that difficult. The trial of it to be made available to Ebola patients more widely,” “It isn’t a miracle cure but it could help by improv- regulatory authorities how and whether to use it.” another experimental drug, brincidofovir, in Liberia said Augustin Augier, secretary general of ALIMA, ing chances of survival and getting people to come in The WHO has received hundreds of drug propos- was cancelled due to a lack of patients. — Reuters Alaska becomes third US state with legal marijuana Remains illegal to smoke marijuana in public

JUNEAU: Alaska yesterday became the third US state to legalize the recreational use of marijua- na, but organizers don’t expect any public cele- brations since it remains illegal to smoke mari- juana in public. In the state’s largest city, Anchorage police officers are ready to start handing out $100 fines to make sure taking a toke remains something to be done behind closed doors. HYDERABAD: Indian patients suspected with swine flu rest in their beds at a Swine flu Placing Alaska in the same category as ward of Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, in the southern Indian state of Telangana, yester- Washington state and Colorado with legal mari- day. Health officials in India are struggling to contain an outbreak of a flu that has juana was the goal of a coalition including liber- claimed more than 700 lives since mid-December. — AP tarians, rugged individualists and small-govern- ment Republicans who prize the privacy rights Indian city bans gatherings enshrined in the Alaska state constitution. When they voted 53-47 percent last November to legalize marijuana use by adults in over swine flu outbreak private places, they left many of the details to lawmakers and regulators to sort out. AHMEDABAD: An Indian city has banned pub- Modi has registered the second-highest death That has left confusion on many matters. The lic gatherings to contain the spread of deadly toll from the outbreak after neighbouring initiative bans smoking in public, but didn’t swine flu after thousands were infected with the Rajasthan, where the disease has claimed 225 define what that means, and lawmakers left the virus, officials said yesterday. Authorities in lives. India’s health ministry said that 833 people question to the alcohol regulatory board, which Ahmedabad, the largest city in western Gujarat had died of swine flu from the beginning of the planned to meet early Tuesday to discuss an state, said 219 people had died of swine flu since year till Sunday, while some 14,484 people had the start of the year, with more than 3,300 cases been infected. Authorities in Gujarat have come emergency response. detected so far. “We have issued a notification under fire for failing to tackle the outbreak. That’s left different communities across the prohibiting any kind of public gathering in the But the state health minister said that there state to adopt different standards of what smok- district,” said senior city administrator Rajkumar was “no need for declaring the swine flu out- ing in public means to them. In Anchorage, offi- Beniwal, adding only weddings and funerals break as (an) epidemic as the situation is under cials tried and failed in December to ban a new would be exempt. control”. commercial marijuana industry. But Police Chief “For any kind of public gathering the organis- The national government has reportedly Mark Mew said his officers will be strictly enforc- ers will have to take prior permission from us. He offered help to states hit by the virus and has ing the public smoking ban. He even warned will be required to provide masks to all those asked health officials to ensure necessary treat- people against smoking on their porches if they attending the event... (and) sanitisers and water,” ment and adequate medicines for swine flu live next to a park. he added. The decision came after Gujarat’s jun- patients. But far to the north, in North Pole, smoking ior health minister tested positive for swine flu The government said it was reviewing proce- outdoors on private property will be OK as long Monday, just a day after the state assembly dures to prevent the disease from spreading fur- as it doesn’t create a nuisance, officials there speaker was diagnosed with the virus. ther, including vaccinating medical staff working said. Other officials are still discussing a pro- The home state of Prime Minister Narendra with affected patients. — AFP posed cultivation ban for the Kenai Peninsula.

Odd legal limbo ANCHORAGE: In this Feb. 20, 2015 photo, Peter Lomonaco, co-founder of the Alaska Cannabis Club, In some respects, the confusion continues a and CEO Charlo Greene roll a joint at their medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. Merck grants free license four-decade reality for Alaskans and their rela- Yesterday, Alaska will became the third state in the nation to legalize marijuana. — AP tionship with marijuana. While the 1975 Alaska for pediatric HIV drug Supreme Court decision protected personal this new law. We’re in the midst of an enormous “When they start depending on smoking marijuana possession and a 1998 initiative legal- TRENTON: Drugmaker Merck & Co. has grant- percent less than Isentress now costs. social and legal shift,” organizers wrote in the marijuana, I don’t know how far they’d go to get ized medicinal marijuana, state lawmakers twice Alaska Dispatch News, the state’s largest news- the funds they need to support it, to support ed a free license allowing one of its HIV medi- According to the Geneva-based organiza- criminalized any possession over the years, cre- cines to be made and sold inexpensively for tion, about 98 percent of children with HIV live paper. Richard Ziegler, who had been promoting themselves,” said Edward Nick, council member ating an odd legal limbo. use in young children in poor countries hard in India, South Africa and other developing what he called “Idida-toke” in a nod to Alaska’s in Manokotak, a remote village of 400 that is hit by the AIDS virus. countries. That’s because unlike in wealthier As of yesterday, adult Alaskans can not only Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, reluctantly called predominantly Yup’ik Eskimo. The deal, announced yesterday, lets any countries, their mothers aren’t likely during keep and use pot, they can transport, grow it off his party. Both alcohol and drug use are prohibited in generic or brand name drug manufacturer their pregnancy to be tested for HIV and given and give it away. A second phase, creating a reg- There’s no such pullback for former television Nick’s village 350 miles southwest of Anchorage, make low-cost pediatric versions of Merck’s medicines to prevent transmitting the virus ulated and taxed marijuana market, won’t start reporter Charlo Greene, now CEO of the Alaska even inside the privacy of villagers’ homes. raltegravir for sale in 92 low- and middle- during childbirth. until 2016 at the earliest. That’s about the same Cannabis Club, which is having its grand open- But Nick fears that the initiative, in combina- income countries, according to the Medicines “Without antiretroviral therapy, 50 percent timeline for Oregon, where voters approved ing yesterday in downtown Anchorage. She’s tion with a 1975 state Supreme Court decision Patent Pool. The group, backed by the United of infants living with HIV/AIDS will die by the legalizing marijuana the same day as Alaska did already pushing the limits, promising to give that legalized marijuana use inside homes - Nations, works with brand-name drugmakers age of 2, and 80 percent by the age of 5,” Dr. but the law there doesn’t go into effect until July away weed to paying “medical marijuana” could open doors to drug abuse. Initiative back- to find ways to make their HIV medicines still Deborah Birx, U.S. global AIDS coordinator, 1. Washington state and Colorado voters legal- patients and other “club members.” ers promised Native leaders that communities covered by patents available in developing said in a statement. Few medicines are ized marijuana in 2012 and sales have started Greene - who quit her job with a four-letter could still have local control under certain con- countries for a fraction of the price charged in approved for children with HIV under age 3, there. Europe or the United States. but raltegravir is - for those as young as 4 walkoff on live television last year to devote her ditions. Alaska law gives every community the And while possession is no longer a crime efforts to passing the initiative - plans a celebra- option to regulate alcohol locally. From north- Merck, based in Kenilworth, New Jersey, weeks old. under state law, enjoying pot in public can bring sells raltegravir under the brand name The deal supports efforts by the Pediatric tory toke at 4:20 p.m. ern Barrow to Klawock, 1,291 miles away in a $100 fine. That’s fine with Dean Smith, a pot- Isentress. In the US, it costs about $1,350 a HIV Treatment Initiative, a collaboration southeast Alaska, 108 communities impose local month without insurance. The patent pool is including the patent pool and other health smoker in Juneau who has friends in jail for mar- Temptations limits on alcohol, and 33 of them ban it alto- now starting to line up manufacturers to pro- charities, to develop better medicines for HIV- ijuana offenses. “It’s going to stop a lot of people Meanwhile, Alaska Native leaders worry that gether. duce raltegravir for poor countries, where the infected children, including liquid and chew- getting arrested for nonviolent crimes,” he said. legalization will bring new temptations to com- But the initiative did not provide clear opt- patent runs until about 2022. Based on prior able forms easier to take than pills. Raltegravir The initiative’s backers warned pot enthusi- munities already confronting high rates of drug out language for tribal councils and other small- licensing deals made by the group, the pills already is available as chewable tablets and in asts to keep their cool. “Don’t do anything to and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and sui- er communities, forcing each one to figure out could be priced between 47 percent and 87 a dissolvable powder.—AP give your neighbors reason to feel uneasy about cide. how to proceed yesterday. — AP Antarctica: Mystery continent holds key to mankind’s future

DECEPTION ISLAND: Earth’s past, present and About 98 percent of it is covered by ice, and that ice below 32 (0 degrees Celsius). And while the sun what happens here will determine if cities such as together a billion years ago, half a billion years ago, future come together here on the northern penin- is constantly moving. Temperatures can range from rarely shines on the long, dark Antarctic winters, Miami, New York, New Orleans, Guangzhou, 300 million years ago,” he said, adding that the sula of Antarctica, the wildest, most desolate and above zero in the South Shetlands and Antarctic nighttime never seems to fall on summer days. Mumbai, London and Osaka will have to regularly insights will help him understand Antarctica’s key mysterious of its continents. Peninsula to the unbearable frozen lands near the While tourists come to Antarctica for its beauty battle flooding from rising seas. role in the jigsaw of ancient super continents. With Clues to answering humanity’s most basic ques- South Pole. As an active volcano, Deception Island is and remoteness, scientists are all business. What names like Rodinia, Gondwana and Pangaea, scien- tions are locked in this continental freezer the size of a pot of extreme conditions. There are spots where they find could affect the lives of people thousands Antarctica is changing tists believe they were significant landmasses in the United States and half of Canada: Where did we the sea boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 of miles away; if experts are right, and the West Antarctica “is big and it’s changing and it affects Earth’s history and were periodically joined together come from? Are we alone in the universe? degrees Celsius), while in others it can be freezing at Antarctic ice sheet has started melting irreversibly, the rest of the planet and we can’t afford to ignore through the movement of plates. What’s the fate of our warming planet? The first what’s going on down there,” said David Vaughan, Because there is no local industry, any pollution explorers set foot in Antarctica 194 years ago hunt- science director of the British Antarctic Survey. captured in the pristine ice and snow is from chemi- ing 19th century riches of whale and seal oil and fur, Often, scientists find something other than what cals that traveled from afar, such as low levels of turning tides red with blood. Since then, the fist- they were looking for. Last year researchers calculat- lead found in ice until it was phased out of gasoline, shaped continent has proven a treasure chest for ed that ice on the western side of the continent was or radiation levels found from above-ground scientists trying to determine everything from the melting faster than expected. Last month, scientists nuclear tests thousands of miles away and decades creation of the cosmos to how high seas will rise researching vital geology in that melting were look- ago by the US and the Soviet Union, Vaughan said. with global warming. ing a half mile under the ice in pitch dark and found “It’s a window out to the universe and in time,” a surprise: fish a half foot (15 centimeters) long and Planet’s freezer said Kelly Falkner, polar program chief for the US shrimp-like creatures swimming by their cameras. The ice tells how levels of carbon dioxide, the National Science Foundation. For a dozen days in Geologists are entranced by Antarctica’s secrets. heat-trapping gas, have fluctuated over hundreds January, in the middle of the chilly Antarctic sum- On a recent scientific expedition led by Chile’s of thousands of years. This is also the place where a mer, The Associated Press followed scientists from Antarctic Institute, Richard Spikings, a research geol- hole in the ozone layer, from man-made refrigerants different fields searching for alien-like creatures, ogist at the University of Geneva, wielded a large and aerosols, periodically parks for a couple months hints of pollution trapped in ancient ice, leftovers hammer to collect rock samples in the South and causes trouble. It happens when sunlight from the Big Bang, biological quirks that potentially Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Curious creeps back to Antarctica in August, triggering a could lead to better medical treatments, and per- members of a penguin colony on Cape Legoupil chemical reaction that destroys ozone molecules, haps most of all, signs of unstoppable melting. The watched as he pounded on slabs of black granite causing a hole that peaks in September and then journey on a Chilean navy ship along the South and diorite rising out of the southern ocean. By the closes with warmer weather in November. Exploring Shetland islands and vulnerable Antarctic Peninsula, end of the two-week trip, his colleagues had joking- Antarctica is something Chilean Alejo Contreras, 53, which juts off the continent like a broken pinky fin- ly begun calling him “Thor.” began dreaming about as a teen after reading ger, logged 833 miles (1,340 kilometers) and allow- “To understand many aspects in the diversity of Robert Falcon Scott’s journal of his journey to the ANTARCTICA: In this Jan. 22, 2015 photo, a Gentoo penguin feeds its baby at Station Bernardo ing the AP team a firsthand look at part of this vital animals and plants it’s important to understand South Pole. When Contreras finally got to the South O’Higgins in Antarctica. “To understand many aspects in the diversity of animals and plants it’s continent. Antarctica conjures up images of quiet when continents disassembled,” Spikings said. “So Pole in 1988, he stopped shaving his beard, which important to understand when continents disassembled,” said Richard Spikings, a research mountains and white plateaus, but the coldest, dri- we’re also learning about the real antiquity of the today hangs down to his chest and often goes geologist at the University of Geneva. - AP est and remotest continent is far from dormant. Earth and how (continents) were configured every which way, similar to his explorations.—AP HEALTH & SCIENCE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 Fears over Kuwait facing challenges plastic-eating coral in Great to prevent diabetes

Barrier Reef By Abdellatif Sharaa whether they are financial or human resources, the only way we are going to tackle these diseases is to come up SYDNEY: Corals in the Great Barrier Reef are eating KUWAIT: Diabetes became a huge concern and is an with innovations in prevention and innovations in treat- small plastic debris in the ocean, Australian researchers epidemic that has to be confronted at all levels be it ment by which we would improve quality, improve said yesterday, raising fears about the impact the indi- official, social at school and at home. As the WISH 2015 access and reduce cost. It is the same formula. It is no gestible fragments have on their health and other was held in Qatar lately, one of its research and reports magic formula - the evidence base is there and we just marine life. was on diabetes and a forum was held on it. need to make it happen. The scientists found that when they placed corals Kuwait Times had the opportunity to interview the from the reef into plastic-contaminated water, the Executive Chair of WISH, Qatar Foundation, Director of KT: What about pressuring governments? For marine life “ate plastic at rates only slightly lower than Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College example the ministry of education came up with a their normal rate of feeding on marine plankton”, the London Lord Darzi of Denham. good decision to ban the sale of certain items in study published in the journal Marine Biology said. Lord Darzi holds the Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery at school, yet many of the banned substances are still “If microplastic pollution increases on the Great Imperial College London, and the Institute of Cancer sold in school canteens. Barrier Reef, corals could be negatively affected as their Lord Darzi: I think it is fantastic that the ministry of tiny stomach cavities become full of indigestible plastic,” Research. He is Director of the Institute of Global Health Mia Hoogenboom of Queensland state’s James Cook Innovation at Imperial College London, Vice Chair of the education is doing this, but a ministry and a minister University said. UK Government All Party Parliamentary Group on alone cannot change the world. You need to go very Microplastic is defined as particles smaller than half a Global Health and the Executive Chair of the World local into a community, and this is how you effect centimetre (a fifth of an inch). The scientists found the Innovation Summit for Health, Qatar Foundation. change. A community, down to a family and down to an plastic “deep inside the coral polyp wrapped in digestive Research led by Professor Darzi is directed towards individual. tissue” and expressed concerns the substance could achieving best practice through innovation, enhancing An individual child’s behavior will depend on what then hurt the creature’s ability to digest normal food. patient safety and the quality of healthcare. He has they see at home with their family, what they see within They also sampled waters near inshore coral reefs in published over 800 peer-reviewed research papers to their own community, what the neighbors do and final- the World Heritage-listed site and found microplastics date. In recognition of his achievements Professor Darzi ly the school they are in. You need to change the behav- including polystyrene and polyethylene in small has been elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal ior of all these different actors, otherwise it will not amounts, study co-author Kathryn Berry said. Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the Academy of work. Because you may have a school that may imple- The health of the reef, along the Queensland coast, is Medical Sciences, a Fellow of the Royal Society and a ment healthy diets or healthy food, but the kid will go already under close scrutiny from the United Nations foreign associate of the Institute of Medicine (The US home and may get served something not healthy. We Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. National Academy of Science).. need to bring everything together, so this is why we Climate change, poor water quality from land-based need to look at this more with a community approach. run-offs, coastal developments and fishing all threaten Kuwait Times: How can we push governments to Recently I conducted a review in London, and one of the biodiverse site. As much as 88 percent of the open help prevent diabetes and assist patients? my recommendations is that the school regulator will ocean’s surface contains plastic debris, findings pub- Lord Darzi: What I do is innovation, and innovation make sure that nutrition education is part of the cur- lished in the Proceedings of the National Academy of is about three things, which is what we call the triple riculum. So besides learning mathematics, geography Sciences last year found. Lord Darzi and history, students will get nutrition classes, which The small pieces-from mass-produced plastics such aim: Improving quality, improving access to care and Dasman Diabetes Institute and I’ve been there twice as toys, bags, food containers and utensils-make their reducing cost. Because if you have any innovation in kids do not know, as they choose based on taste and way into the sea through storm water run-off, raising any sector, it tends to improve quality. For example in and it is a fantastic facility. Their approach to diabetes is they choose based on the norm, and the norm in a concerns about the effect on marine life and the food the banking sector, it’s putting the card in the wall. It right, and the only way we are going to manage dia- warm country is to eat 10 ice creams a day. Although chain. The United Nations Environment Programme esti- improves access, improves quality because it is quicker, betes is to reduce the burden of diabetes. In other there is nothing wrong in having ice cream, but if you mated in 2012 that around 13,000 pieces of microplastic has 24-hour accessibility and reduces cost. words, exercise and reduce weight, as the prevalence is have proper nutritional education, you would come to litter were found in every square kilometre of sea, with Kuwait is facing the same challenges as other GCC high because of the obesity epidemic in Kuwait and the the conclusion that you should only have one ice the North Pacific most badly affected. countries, which is the burden of diabetes. Some of it rest of the region. cream. Despite the prevalence of microplastics, scientists say what we call epigenetic while some of it is related to People say prevention is better than cure, and I Remember, it is the individual, family, community, it is not well-known what effects they have on the lifestyle, and the prevalence now in Kuwait is high and strongly believe in this. Prevention is cheaper than school and then the ministry. Because the ministry is in world’s marine life. — AFP something can be done about that. We do know of the treatment, so within the limited resources we have, the cloud, and you need to go down. Asia companies seek global appetite for China delicacy Bird spit coffee? KUALA LUMPUR: Prized in China for its alleged health benefits States and plans to raise about $30 million through an initial for hundreds of years, nests made from swiftlets’ saliva are public offering and New York listing in the third quarter of this being mixed into coffee and cereal as the Southeast Asian pro- year. ducers of the delicacy seek to broaden its appeal, and their profit margins. Popular The nests are among the world’s most expensive foods, sell- Southeast Asian swiftlets’ nests are particularly popular in ing for up to $2,500 a kg and the swiftlets that weave them are the Lunar New Year festivities, which began in China last week, indigenous to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. and are believed to be rich in nutrients that can help digestion, China consumes almost 90 percent of all bird’s nests, tradi- raise libido and improve the immune system. tionally eaten in soup, creating an industry that last year record- Malaysia is the world’s largest producer of raw nests after ed $5 billion in sales and which executives expect to double by Indonesia. 2020. Companies such as Malaysia’s Swiftlet Eco Park, one of the Lee Kong Heng, president of the Malaysian Federation of country’s largest developers of swiftlet houses, want bigger Bird’s Nest Traders Association, says marketing bird’s nest as a gains by expanding their product line and market beyond supplement would attract younger, wealthier and more health- China, where importers can often dictate the price. conscious consumers worldwide. “Ask anybody in the industry where is your market and Vietnam’s largest birds’ nest producer Yen Viet Joint Stock Co. they’ll say China and Hong Kong. Everybody is going there,” said is also keen to play up the benefits of the delicacy. The compa- Group Managing Director Loke Yeu Loong. “We are looking at ny makes cereals and porridge and is investing into scientific new markets, but if I sell raw bird’s nest to Europe or India, they research in a bid to increase global sales, said Chief Executive don’t even know how to cook it.” Dang Pham Minh Loan. Swiftlet Eco makes coffee, skin care, puddings and candies Malaysian bird’s nest producers are well placed to market to with bird’s nest. Loke declined to give specific sales figures but the majority Muslim Middle East because the nests are halal, or said the profit margin on some of these products was 10 times a food permissible under Islam, Swiftlet Eco Park’s Loke said. more than the raw nests. With more research, he hopes birds nest will become a glob- The company is also spending big on marketing bird’s nest al phenomenon. “We can conduct research and prove the ben- Bird’s nest white coffee as a health food in the Middle East, Europe and the United efit of consuming bird’s nest scientifically,” he said. — Reuters WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 GUST sponsors ‘small businesses - future and ambition’ forum

ulf University for Science Technology polls show that small and medium-sized (GUST) hosted a forum for its students enterprises (SMEs) now make up 95% of the Gentitled “Small Businesses - Future and world’s companies and employ 80% of the Ambition”, whose goal is to encourage world’s employable workforce. Kuwait’s youth to contribute to energizing the Present at the event were a number of local economy. illustrious figures including leaders of enter- The event gathered a number of esteemed prise and ministers, such as Sh. Alzain Al leaders of industry from various sectors as Sabah - Undersecretary Minister of State for well as notable ministers whose functions Youth Affairs, Dr. Bader Al Essa - Minister of help and support the emergence of small and Education and Higher Education, Khaleefa medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as speakers. Hamada - Undersecretary of Finance, Dawood This provided students with valuable knowl- Al Sabej - Assistant Undersecretary of edge and expertise relating to starting one’s Commerce, and Assistant Undersecretary of own business. Higher Education, Ali Moussa - Chairman of The forum served as a link opening a direct the Commercial Bank of Kuwait, Faris Al Enezi- channel of communication between the Manager of the SME Department at the youth, and with established members of the Manpower and Government Restructuring business community, as well as those in high Programme, Dawood Marafie - board mem- office in order to learn from their experiences. ber at the National Fund for the Development Topics discussed at the forum included the of SMEs, and Jamal Al Dossari - GM at the importance of engaging with and establish- General Institute for Manpower. ing SMEs, explaining local laws and regula- Dr. Donald Bates, Gust President, said, “We tions governing them, and possible invest- are honoured to have such important business ment opportunities. Furthermore, guest personalities and high profile ministers come speakers also spoke in depth of the various share their experiences with our students and channels available to finance one’s emerging to shed light on topics close to our students’ business. hearts and minds. With this in mind, GUST was GUST President Donald Bates Gives his opening speech. (right) High ranking guests in attendance at the event. The timing of the forum is especially adamant in sponsoring this forum for its stu- poignant as Kuwait begins to lay the ground- dents in order to provide them with the neces- The forum itself was very well received and er as integral to their futures. heard our guests speak so knowledgably and work to further encourage the growth of sary knowledge and tools they need to estab- produced a strong showing of students from a Business Major student, Sanaa Qaisar, “I am encouragingly, I will begin to look more seri- SMEs in order to invigorate the economy. This lish their own enterprise, and to open the right spectrum of various majors and ages - proof so grateful to have had the opportunity to lis- ously at businesses I would like to start after is especially noteworthy as the latest global doors for them to begin their endeavour.” that the topic of SMEs is a subject they consid- ten and participate in this forum. Having graduating”.

Stage set for two-day drama festival ‘Keli 2015’ he stage is set for ‘Keli 2015’, a two-day theatre festi- val for Gulf Indian diaspora, organized by the Kuwait TChapter of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi (KSNA). Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain will inaugurate the festi- val at a glittering opening ceremony at the Indian Community School (Senior), Salmiya at 5.30 pm tomor- row. A judging panel comprising three well-known theatre personalities from Kerala - Sreejith Ramanan, Sudheer Parameswaran and C K Haridasan — will adjudge the four dramas to be performed during the two-day event, KSNA Kuwait Chapter Chairman Vijay Karayil said. On the first day (Wednesday), Nirbhaya Theatre, Kuwait will present ‘Eee Choottonnu Kathichu Tharuo’ at 6:00 pm followed by the play ‘Guantanamo’, by Ayanam Open Forum, Kuwait, at 8:00 pm. On the second day, Kalpak Kuwait will present ‘Papasangeerthanam at 5:30 pm and Sruti School of Music will present the drama ‘Kolangal’ at 8:00 pm. Theatre festival for Gulf Indian Malayali diaspora, held under the aegis of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in order to identify and honor the best theatre artistes in the Gulf region, will also be staged in Qatar on February 27- 28 and Bahrain on March 1-2. According to the KSNA Ad- Kuwait English School held its annual event to celebrate Kuwaitís Independence and Liberation Days. Hoc Committee, the entry to ‘Keli 2015’ will be free. ‘Keli 2015’ is expected to provide an exciting and memorable experience for theatre lovers in Kuwait. Fun, prizes galore at IES winter carnival KDN to hold 4th Malabar Maholsavam ozhikode District NRI Association (KDNA) Kuwait will conduct Malabar Maholsavam on February 27th at KIndian Central School, Abbassiya, Kuwait, as a full- day event. The venue is titled Kallai Kadav” will landscape the heritage and cultural significance of Malabar and its deep rooted relation with Kuwait, and the same was men- tioned by the organizers in a press meeting. The entrance will resemble the famous “Kallai Bridge” in Kozhikode. The event begins at 10 am. Different types of dances, Oppana, Mehfil and comedy show of the famous M-80 Moosa & Pathu team, [Vinod Kovoor & Lakshmi Surabhi] and great music are from Afzal, Akhila the fabulous back- ground singers from Malayalam film industry in store for visitors at the event. The day’s event will begin with Henna competition for ladies at 10:00 am, fancy dress completion & face painting competition for children, Cooking competi- tion for ladies. Various types of Malabar foods will be avail- able in the stalls. The highlight of the day will be a cultural program fea- turing prominent film director IV Sasi, and the musical eve lead by famous Afzal and Akhila un Galore, Prizes Galore’ - the in the country, but what sets Bhavan’s icing on the cake indeed was the wondrous The Winter Carnival also hosted many a KDNA President Aziz Thikkodi, General Secretary tagline of Bhavan’s Annual Winter Winter Carnival apart is the meticulous Baby Show. Tots to toddlers danced on the sizzling food kiosk. Indian, Chinese, and Sathian Varoonda Program Chairman Suresh Mathur , Carnival is just an understatement plans executed by the organizing commit- stage and walked on the ramp captivating Arabic food stalls in the badminton court Program General Convener Zubair.M.M, Treasurer Zaheer ‘F of the fervent frolic, boundless fun and tee to bring in novelty and exhilaration by every heart around. The venue was agog were visited by gourmets much to the sat- Alakkal, Media Secretary Muhammed Rafi were present allure that filled every nook and corner of ensuring that run-of the mill games and with young parents who took pride in isfaction of their taste buds. during the press meet. Indian Educational School premises on antiquated activities are excluded from the introducing their prized possessions to the January 30, 2015. Indian Educational IES carnival that we get to see at every big, wide world. Raffle draw South African Embassy School (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) organizes school carnival venue. Excitement rose to the pinnacle when Winter Carnival every year to take a break The packed auditorium witnessed a Game stalls the raffle draw began. Fifteen fantabulous Closure from the hectic schedule of academics and slew of various cultural performances. Children and parents thronged the prizes and a dozen consolation prizes to cool off before the students as well as Incredible dance performances comprising game stalls to test their nimbleness and were given away to the winners of the n the occasion of the National Day and Liberation the teachers gear up for the annual day both modern and traditional dance forms ability. More than 30 game stalls provided lucky draw. T Premkumar, principal, IES, Day, the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa will and terminal examinations toward the end were some of the highly appreciated sheer enjoyment and pure gaming experi- thanked the sponsors and the well-wish- Obe closed from Wednesday, 25th February 2015 to of the academic calendar. onstage performances that enthralled the ence to the visitors. Children were seen ers for their support. He also thanked the Thursday, 26th February 2015, and will reopen with its offi- IES Winter Carnival 2014-2015 was spectators. The talented Bhavanites also excessively proud and happy to display parents, students, and teachers for mak- cial office hours from 8:00 to 16:00. The Consular Section unboxed on Friday, January 30 at 10:00 am displayed their flairs to the public by par- the prizes they had won at the game ing the winter carnival a grand success. operation hours will be from 8:30 to 12:30 on Sunday, 1st when N K Ramachandran Menon, the taking in an array of assorted stage per- stalls. Face Painting, Henna, Bingo, Juke Upon asked the veteran educator also March 2015. For emergency calls, please contact: 94924895. Chairman, Bhavans Middle East inaugurat- formances that consisted of instrumental Box, Tattoos, and Hair color were also said that the key idea behind conducting ed the carnival amid roaring applause. The music, karaoke singing, hip-hop, fusion some of the stalls that were agog and school carnivals is to strengthen the usually sober and serious campus, thick music, and many a dance form. abuzz throughout the carnival. The base- sense of togetherness and belonging EMBASSY OF INDIA with mundane academic activities magical- The DJ Show was the most sought after. ment of the school building hosted Magic between the teachers, the students, and he Embassy will remain closed on the following ly turned into a merry land since then. The The young and ‘young at hearts’ danced to Show, Star Wars, Video Games, and White the parents. two days during the last week of February 2015. school premises gradually transformed into the electrifying tunes. The drumbeats could Elephant stalls. The White Elephant stalls The exhilaration and elation slowly fad- TNATIONAL DAY OF KUWAIT- 25 February - a fairytale palace agog with fun, laughter, hardly keep pace with heartbeats when the boasted of household articles contributed ed away as the crowd walked away from Wednesday LIBERATION DAY OF KUWAIT- 26 February- merriment, games, and whatnot. music reached a transfixing crescendo. The by Bhavanites for sale. Mobile Phones to the carnival venue with immense content- Thursday As a special gesture, the Embassy will, howev- Fashion Show followed next. Parents blu-ray players and soft toys to tongs ment and a bit of disenchantment that er, provide Consular, Labour and Attestation Services on Winter Carnival walked on the ramp stylishly and confi- were available for sale at the White they have to wait for another year to have Friday (27 February 2015) to the public. Dime a dozen school carnivals are there dently amidst cheering and adulation. The Elephant stall. such an unalloyed carnival experience.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity concluded a spring camp for its students, which also featured participation from children of workers at the Public Authority for Minors’ Affairs.

KKMA releases new membership card co-branded by Joyalukkas

uwait Kerala Muslim Association 20,000 by the end of the year. low income group of NRIs in Kuwait who are Receiving the symbolic ID card, Sageer reit- KKMA presided over the event. N.A. Muneer (KKMA), the largest social organization Gipson Joseph the Regional Manager of active in the field of social welfare and social erated the organizations intention to serve the (Vice Chairman) introduced the guest. Kof Indian nationals in Kuwait released its Joyalukkas in Kuwait released the card projects. He explained that the Joyalukkas community better as the Membership Card Mohammad Ali Matara (C.F.O), Abdul Fattah new Membership Identity Card for the year byhanding over the first ID card to Sageer Group has also always believed that the peo- issued is not limited to being used for mem- Thayyil (Vice Chairman), A.P. Abdul Salam, 2015-2016. Co-branded by Joyalukkas, the Trikarpur, Patron of KKMA at an event held in ple and the community within which it oper- bership services of the Association, but also Hamza Payyanoor, K.C. Rafeek, B.M. Iqbal renowned gold and diamond jewellery retail- KKMA Auditorium in Jleeb. ates are the cornerstones for its success and as good for loyalty programs that the organiza- working presidents, K. Basheer General er, the membership card will be issued for its Gipson in his brief speech mentioned his such is actively involved in CSR (Corporate tion is currently introducing for its members. Secretary, Muneer Kodi Treasurer and the lead- 14000 plus existing members. The organiza- happiness to be associated with KKMA, as the Social Responsibility) activities across the Akbar Siddique, chairman of KKMA inaugu- ers of the central committee and branch com- tion is expected to increase its membership to organization being a vibrant forum of mostly world. rated the event. Ibrahim Kunnil, president mittees were also present.

ajat school in Hawally organized a celebration of national days in the presence of school principal Hassan Thiab and Assistant Principal Khalid Al-Jaber, and other teachers. The celebration included Nrecitation of holy Quran, display of friendly countries’ flags, motorcycle show and ardha dance. The celebration was concluded with the honoring of the school’s outstanding athletes. Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (19/02/2015 TO 25/02/2015)

SHARQIA-1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:30 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 2:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:05 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 4:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM 360º 2 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM DRAGON BLADE 1:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 3:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 AM FANAR-5 DRAGON BLADE 6:30 PM SONG ONE 12:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 9:15 PM SHARQIA-2 HOUSEBOUND 2:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:15 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 11:45 AM HOUSEBOUND 4:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM SONG ONE 6:45 PM 360º- 3 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 8:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 11:30 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 9:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM SONG ONE 11:00 PM YELLOWBIRD 4:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:00 AM HOUSEBOUND 6:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM HOUSEBOUND 8:30 PM MARINA-1 HOUSEBOUND 10:45 PM SHARQIA-3 DRAGON BLADE 12:30 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:00 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM DRAGON BLADE 3:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 1:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 5:45 PM AL-KOUT.1 DRAGON BLADE 4:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 8:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 10:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 9:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:30 PM MARINA-2 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:45 PM MUHALAB-1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:05 AM DRAGON BLADE 1:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 1:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 11:30 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 2:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 7:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:15 AM DRAGON BLADE 4:30 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 7:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 7:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 10:00 PM MARINA-3 DRAGON BLADE 9:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:30 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 11:30 AM DRAGON BLADE 11:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:30 PM MUHALAB-2 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 4:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 5:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 3:15 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 7:30 PM SONG ONE 1:30 PM HOUSEBOUND 5:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 3:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 8:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:45 PM SONG ONE 6:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 10:30 PM SONG ONE 8:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:45 AM AVENUES-1 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:00 PM YELLOWBIRD 11:45 AM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 AM MUHALAB-3 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 4:15 PM AL-KOUT.4 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 12:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:15 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 1:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:15 AM AVENUES-2 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 12:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:30 PM FANAR-1 HOUSEBOUND 3:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 10:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 AM HOUSEBOUND 5:15 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:00 AM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:15 PM HOUSEBOUND 7:30 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 4:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 9:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 12:05 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:05 AM AVENUES-3 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 4:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:15 PM FANAR-2 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 3:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:30 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 6:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 2:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 8:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:00 AM DRAGON BLADE 5:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 7:30 PM BAIRAQ-2 SITUATION VACANT ACCOMMODATION DRAGON BLADE 10:00 PM AVENUES-4 DRAGON BLADE 11:45 AM DRAGON BLADE 12:30 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 2:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 4:45 PM Required Indian (prefer Sharing accommodation in FANAR-3 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:15 PM Goan) male houseboy, cook Maidan Hawally, room and YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 9:45 PM and driver with Kuwait partition, Filipino/Indian. THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 1:45 PM Special Show “KINGSMAN: The Secret Service” 7:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:15 AM license for a Kuwaiti family. Call 65020905. THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:30 PM SUN- 22.02.2015 With good English speaking 24-2-2015 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:15 PM BAIRAQ-3 and expert in cooking YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 12:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:30 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 2:45 PM Kuwaiti foods. Contact: YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM 360º 1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 4:45 PM 22450617/8. (C 4934) YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 7:00 PM 24-2-2015 FANAR-4 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 11:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 4:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 PM

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 25/2/2015 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 Departure Flights on Wednesday 25/2/2015 FDB 8064 Dubai 13:10 Airlines Flt Route Time MSC 407 HRG 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 IAW 157A Al Najaf 00:05 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 14:10 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 IZG 4167 Mashhad 14:35 IAW 158A Al Najaf 01:00 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:30 MEA 408 Beirut 00:35 SYR 1523 Damascus 14:50 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 MEA 409 Beirut 01:35 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 JZR 175 Dubai 15:20 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 MSC 408 HRG 15:20 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 CKS 513 New York 15:30 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 IZG 4168 Mashhad 15:35 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 SYR 1524 Damascus 15:50 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 JZR 512 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:30 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 IAW 158B Al Najaf 05:00 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 IAW 157B Al Najaf 04:00 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 KAC 545 Alexandria 17:30 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:35 SYR 342 Damascus 06:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 SYR 341 Latakia/KAC 05:30 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 GFA 048 Istanbul 06:25 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 GFA 048 Bahrain 07:10 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 BAW 157 London 06:40 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 204 Lahore 07:45 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:45 IAW 157C Al Najaf 07:55 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 IAW 158C Al Najaf 09:00 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JZR 552 Alexandria 19:30 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 CKS 513 NRT 19:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 502 Beirut 19:50 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 KAC 117 New York 10:05 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 120 Sharjah 10:30 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 ABY 129 Sharjah 09:45 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 20:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:40 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 JZR 174 Dubai 10:45 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 IRM 1186 Tehran 10:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 IYE 826 Sanaa 22:00 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 KAC 103 London 12:20 ETD 920 Dubai 22:25 IZG 4165 Mashhad 12:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:05 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 FDB 8063 Dubai 12:30 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 513 Sharm el-Sheikh 22:55 IZG 4166 Mashhad 13:00 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 MRJ4 815 Mashhad 12:55 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:05 IYE 827 Mukalla/Sanaa 23:00 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:30 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 CROSSWORD 826 STAR TRACK

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

Concrete decisions regarding business may be hard to uncover at this time. Business dealings may be particularly fruitful now if you give one hundred per- Careful-a collision of powerful energies spills into your life in random ways. The decisions and cent. If there is something that you want or some problem that you want to solve-the time is right actions today will have lasting effects. It is best to keep this energy in check and avoid entering for detective work. This is not a time to act quickly-you could misconstrue a quote, a word or a into any relationship or conversation impulsively. Today puts a magnifying glass on relationships. vision. Think hard before making any life-changing decisions. There are new friends in your life Positive aspects will bring comfort, but hidden tensions will be exposed. You could learn a lot now that are beginning to take the front-row seat. It is not that old friends are bad; it is that you about your feelings and how much you need from a close partner. There is time for imagination seem to have moved in a different direction lately. You are well disposed to others at this time, and creativity when it comes to ideas and thinking. You may want to break that routine and try but you should be careful of bending over backwards just to help someone or please someone- something new or different this evening. Weather permitting, enjoy the night. you could feel used. Watch your stress level-find ways to express yourself creatively.

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

Your communicative abilities are accented. This is an excellent time to sway oth- You may feel there is something missing from your professional life these days-no ers to your cause through speeches or clever arguments-your thinking is most logical and capti- matter how well you have been progressing. It may be time to reassess the balance between your vating. Your energy is high and your creative juices are successfully being applied to whatever professional and personal goals and the progress you are making with each one. This must be the needs accomplishing. You will enjoy considerable success at this time. You feel vital; you feel balance that is right for you-there are no correct answers-but neither side should monopolize your good; you feel in harmony with yourself, the entire world and everybody in it. Others can feel this, life at the expense of the other. Be attentive to all work you do today, for there may be a tendency so they in turn are drawn to you, making this a positive day for any kind of group endeavor. to gloss over anything that needs to be done. This may include your own personal business deal- Companionship is most rewarding. Best of all, relations with the opposite sex are at a peak. This ings or purchases. You should make time for your family this evening . . . They model their lives by evening is a super time to go on a date, be married or to be in love! watching you. You enjoy your interaction with loved ones this evening.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Teaching, public speaking and writing can be enjoyed. Communication comes This is an excellent time to get many things accomplished. You are inspired today- easily. You make all details clear. No one should misunderstand anything you say. exploit it. If you have not decided what area you want to become involved with when it comes to There may also be an opportunity for catching up on paying bills, cleaning up paperwork, writing ACROSS that allow air to flow through the cavities to volunteer work-do it now-nothing comes to you until you have given out to others. Travel and letters and perhaps, making phone calls. Your phone will probably be ringing often. There is an air 1. Airtight sealed metal container for food the pharynx. other contacts with faraway people and places will play a bigger role for you now. Such things of seriousness to all your dealings with partners. Also, you are concerned more about the future of or drink or paint etc.. 6. An associate degree in nursing. bring love and gain in one way or another. Higher education or philosophical and religious con- business and romantic associates now than at any other time. You may experience many situa- 4. A substitution of part of speech or gen- 7. A relaxed comfortable feeling. tacts could have a part in making good things happen. Doing just about anything with friends or tions during this time when a new relationship may begin, particularly one of a physical, loving family later this evening will bring much joy. If you are unattached, you could be viewing the nature. Additionally, this is a time when your powers of creativity are great. der or number or tense etc. (e.g., editorial 8. A statement that deviates from or per- opposite sex with a renewed interest. Always find ways to network-good things will happen. `we' for `I'). verts the truth. 12. The cry made by sheep. 9. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 15. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to 10. A conspicuous disparity or difference as but heavier than beer. between two figures. ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Small family of usually tropical butter- 11. The branch of engineering science that Cancer (June 21-July 22 flies. studies the uses of electricity and the Imagination soars! Exercising your initiative opens doors for you and your charisma Whatever feelings underscore your life, will be felt strongly. If you are going through 17. The compass point that is one point equipment for power generation and distri- wins the attention and support of others. Begin new projects now. If you need help-all you have to a particularly trying time, this period could produce low energy levels. If this is the case, take it easy north of due east. bution and the control of machines and do is ask! Awareness and insight into others’ minds and into spiritual matters is particularly acute. for a while-otherwise, you should have a burst of energy that will keep you going! Careful-the plan- 18. Any of various alloys of tin with small communication. This is a most energetic time, filling you with a great desire to succeed in all spheres of your life. ets present at this time may make it a difficult time for you to communicate. Technologies that amounts of other metals (especially lead). 12. A small ball with a hole through the Working with partners in an open, honest environment can only bring good fortune to you. This is change the way people live-not just one person, but many-are a major new focus in your life. This could involve testing new inventions or putting the finishing touch on some new communication 20. A less than average tide occurring at the middle. also a time when both you and your friends and loved ones will experience tremendous changes in your lives-changes that push you forward into better pay and better hours. This evening is a systems. Involvement with ideals and idealistic groups enhance your sense of purpose. You want first and third quarters of the moon. 13. A French abbot. good time to just sit and reflect or perhaps, help others. to improve the world. Relationships improve. 22. Of the relatively near future. 14. Type genus of the Anatidae. 24. United States clockmaker who intro- 19. An alloy of copper and zinc (and some- duced mass production (1785-1859). times arsenic) used to imitate gold in cheap 25. A monarchy in northwestern Europe jewelry and for gilding. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) occupying most of the British Isles. 21. The process of gradually becoming infe- You may find yourself serving to guide someone younger than you in matters of You are supersensitive today and this can be rewarding or damaging, depending 28. A unit of information equal to one mil- rior. importance. There are favorable aspects for financial dealings. Later today you tend to involve on how you handle it. If you focus on others, your understanding will enable you to fit into any lion (1,048,576) bytes. 23. The blood group whose red cells carry yourself in cozy, instructive conversations with friends and especially loved ones. You will have a group. This ability is helpful in any job. If, however, you are caught up in your own feelings, you are 29. Owed and payable immediately or on both the A and B antigens. heightened appreciation of art, nature and music. You may feel that you are walking through a likely to see only what you want to see. Save the decisions that require clear logic for another day. demand. 26. The basic unit of money in China. romantic fog, sensitizing your need to be surrounded by beauty. If possible this evening, find a The clouds of difficult emotions do seem to clear away by the afternoon. A little bit of protein will 31. The sixth month of the civil year. 27. A public promotion of some product or pleasant spot in the country or gaze at a spectacular view from a hill, perhaps with your sweet- help keep you in check the rest of the afternoon. You are proud of your family and enjoy showing 35. A region of Malaysia in northeastern service. heart. Your awareness of the needs of a loved one may become more acute. You may feel you off a few pictures from time to time. Further, you may wish to strengthen ties with your parents. finally have found a kindred spirit. Flow with it-and be thankful. There is a healing and a new understanding. Borneo. 30. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls. 40. Being ten more than one hundred forty. 32. Locate and correct errors in a computer 41. German bacteriologist who isolated the program code. 33. Frogs, toads, tree toads. anthrax bacillus and the tubercle bacillus Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) and the cholera bacillus (1843-1910). 34. A switch made from the stems of the 43. The United Nations agency concerned rattan palms. All that work piled up on your desk can really get to you-move forward one page Progress may seem slow right now but patience will pay off later this afternoon. with atomic energy. 36. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly at a time and you will eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Getting your For now, this slack in business will give you a little re-organizing time. You know what to do to 45. And nothing more. aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true material affairs in order can go a long way toward the advancement you have been looking for late- make a better presentation or to update files and before you know it, the work will be completed 46. A soft white precious univalent metallic stems and roots and leaves. ly. You are apt to spend a great deal of time in quiet contemplation over some technical problem and processed. People want to help you celebrate and you may have to stop your progress during element having the highest electrical and 37. A blind god. later today. You are original when it comes to solving problems and may find yourself distracted the day but have no fear, all will go well and any new work will have your attention tomorrow. Give with co-workers coming to you for help. Whenever possible, encourage them to go back and think yourself a treat and relax this evening. Family and household difficulties take a turn for the positive. thermal conductivity of any metal. 38. A case or sheath especially a pollen sac harder-you will be glad you did-and so will they. You are apt to enjoy considerable success at work. You have free time this evening to plan a trip for viewing the beautiful auroras created by geomag- 47. (Greek mythology) The Titaness who or moss capsule. You also may enjoy reminiscing with old friends about pleasant memories. netic storms. Check out the high latitude places. was mother of Helios and Selene and Eos in 39. A diacritical mark (an inverted circum- ancient mythology. flex) placed above certain letters (such as c) 49. Yellowwood trees or shrubs. to indicate pronunciation. 51. Small European grebe. 42. Elegant and stylish. Yesterday’s Solution 54. 40th President of the United States 44. A British peer ranking below a Marquess (1911- ). and above a Viscount. 55. Spanish poet and dramatist (1898- 48. A state in northwestern North America. 1936). 50. Everyone except the clergy. 58. Assist or encourage, usually in some 52. Highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by wrongdoing. divine grace). 61. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. 53. Resembling cotton. 65. Highly seasoned cut of smoked beef. 56. Unknown god. 70. The basic unit of money in Uruguay. 57. A radioactive element of the actinide 71. Aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing series. bacterium. 59. English monk and scholar (672-735). 74. A religious belief of African origin 60. A Roman Catholic priest who acts for involving witchcraft and sorcery. another higher-ranking clergyman. 75. Chief port of Yemen. 62. 100 agorot equal 1 shekel. 76. A genus of Paridae. 63. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked 77. The most common computer memory on a skewer usually with vegetables. which can be used by programs to perform 64. (Jungian psychology) The inner self (not necessary tasks while the computer is on. the external persona) that is in touch with 78. A polite name for any woman. the unconscious. 79. United States writer of plays and short 66. The elementary stages of any subject stories (1908-1981). (usually plural). 80. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 67. A member of the Siouan people former- from aba cloth. ly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska. DOWN 68. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily 1. A headlike protuberance on an organ or one-seeded fruits. structure. 69. A city of central China. 2. The 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 72. The United Nations agency concerned 3. United States astronomer (1835-1909). with international maritime activities. 4. Swelling from excessive accumulation of 73. Concerning those not members of the serous fluid in tissue. clergy. 5. Any of the openings to the nasal cavities

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Gossip and he former couple - who split in 2013, reportedly Brown Rihanna cannot “cut off communication” with each other T but pals insist there are no romantic feelings between them. A source said: “Chris and Rihanna can’t stop texting just can’t cut off communication with one anoth- er. She actually wished Chris a happy birthday when he turned 25 last year, so he was returning the favor by wishing her many happy returns on Friday. “They don’t talk every day. Occasionally, one will reach out to the other once a month, but it’s very harmless. They still have a fondness for one another, despite everything that went on, but don’t have any romantic feelings.” The ‘Loyal’ hitmaker was convicted of assaulting Rihanna in 2009 and previously had to spend time in jail after violating his proba- tion. His recent communication with the ‘FourFiveSeconds’ hitmaker - who turned 27 on Friday - is said to have upset his on/off girlfriend Karrueche Tran. The source told HollywoodLife.com: “Karrueche isn’t happy about it. She doesn’t think Chris should be contacting his exes and should concentrate on her. “He doesn’t listen, however, and likes to stay friends with former girlfriends, much to her annoyance.”

Tyga in Wilde’s priorities love with changed after child he ‘Tron: Legacy’ star - who has nine-month- a quieter area. A source shared: “They want a bigger old Otis with Jason Sudeikis - has admitted house, somewhere quieter than Manhattan. They like get- Kylie T she will more carefully select what projects ting to walk around and buy groceries.” And Jason couldn’t she takes on so she can proudly show them help but gush about his little boy recently, admitting the off to her little boy. She told the New York couple are “really lucky” to have such a wonderful son. He Daily News: “It takes a fun project to make it worth leaving said: “He smiles a lot. I would say any looks he’s got going - Jenner home. So maybe your standards get a little higher. “Your I feel like he’s a real cute little guy - that’s Olivia’s doing. priorities change too because you think, ‘Well, I want to And then him smiling is both of us because we’re really he ‘Rack City’ hit maker is believed make something my kid will watch. Jason is making ‘Angry lucky.” to be enjoying a relationship with Birds’ and I’m really happy about that because it’s probably the ‘Keeping Up with The the first movie of either of ours that Otis will be able to T Kardashians’ star but he played watch.” Meanwhile, the couple are reportedly set to move down the rumors by insisting it from Manhattan to Brooklyn so they can raise their son in was “all about a friendship”. He told Hot 97: “If I love her, and I love her as a person, ain’t nobody else gotta deal with that. That’s real. The more your friendship grows, it keeps growing. It’s all about a friendship.” The pair’s relationship appeared to have been confirmed recently by Kylie’s brother-in-law Kanye West, Legend slept who praised the “smart” 25-year-old rapper for getting in “early” with 17-year-old Kylie. He said: I think he got in early; I think he was Vergara smart. They’re closer in age than a lot of rela- tionships I know.” Meanwhile, the television with his Oscar personality’s mother, Kris Jenner, is reportedly postpones wedding “furious” with the ‘Stronger’ hit maker for he 36-year-old singer and Globe win. Taking to her Twitter revealing Kylie and Tyga was an item. A source his beautiful wife Chrissy account after the event, she wrote: “It’s he couple - who began dating last shared: “Kris is beyond furious with Kanye for T Teigen were so thrilled been five minutes and I’m already a year and got engaged on Christmas saying Tyga and Kylie are in love. She adores that he won the Best meme. Sorry I don’t practice my cry T day - have revealed they were plan- Kanye but this is the one thing that drives her Original Song for his track face okay.”2 ning to tie the knot this summer but crazy about him - he can’t keep his mouth ‘Glory’ from the movie ‘Selma’ that they have had to put their plans on hold shared their bed with the golden gong because of Joe’s upcoming movie ‘Magic Mike XXL’. after the Hollywood ceremony at the Sofia said: “We wanted to get married this sum- Dolby Theatre. Taking to his Instagram mer, but Joe will be busy working and promoting account on Monday, John shared a ‘Magic Mike 2’. “We want to get married at a time photograph, which shows him and when we can get away and make time for a hon- Chrissy snuggled up with the trophy, eymoon. So the wedding will probably be later and accompanied it with the caption: this year.” Joe will be starring alongside Channing “Bed time.” Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Tatum, Adam Rodriguez and Matt Bomer in the model has been nothing but support- sequel to the 2012 comedy drama in which they ive of her spouse and took to her star as male strippers. The ‘True Blood’ hunk added social networking site on Sunday to to the New York Post newspaper’s PageSix: “I share a snap of John holding his spe- would love to get married this summer, but I’m cial prize. Speaking to Us Weekly, John going to be too busy promoting my male stripper said of his wife: “She’s so happy right movie!” Meanwhile, Sofia’s ‘Hot Pursuit’ co-star now. She’s been crying since I won, but Reese Witherspoon has revealed she’s been help- she tried not to do it on camera... So ing the 42-year-old beauty with plans for her big she didn’t do it like she did last time.” day. She shared: “We’ve already talked about the Chrissy, who married the hunky star in wedding; we have a lot of plans. I gotta help, I’ve 2013, hit the headlines last month gotta be there for my girl! So I’m excited.” The 38- when she was caught on camera year-old actress also admitted she can’t wait for pulling a bizarre face while she cried people to see them star alongside one another in her eyes out following John’s Golden the film in which she plays an inept police officer tasked with protecting a drug dealer’s widow (Vergara) from criminals and corrupt cops. She told Extra: “Oh my God! Sofia Vergara is so funny, as you know. But I can’t wait for people to see her in the movie. It’s just a great new character for her closed. “Kris knows about Kylie and Tyga’s rela- to play and I think people will love it.” tionship but has purposely kept a lid on it for months because she was scared of the public’s reaction not to mention the authorities. “She was protecting both Kylie and Tyga. Everyone was on board keeping the company line that he 28-year-old star took to the stage Tyga and Kylie were just friends. Now Kanye at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles has messed it all up.”uberty my appetite had T to sing ‘Climb Every Mountain’ and finally exploded. I became extremely active was reduced to tears when the leg- and physical - soccer, weights, ice-skating, endary actress emerged from behind climbing. Dad would call me his Monster the curtains. Speaking to E! News, Gaga said: “I because I’d eat half a pound each Saturday.” started crying. It was a beautiful moment. As a However, the 35-year-old star - who has three- child performer and a music lover, you dream year-old son Kahekili with boyfriend Norman Gaga your whole life that you will get to perform for Kali - admitted she didn’t always have the somebody like that and it was just magical.” The same passion for food, and liked the idea of it ‘Applause’ hitmaker went on to reveal she had no more than consuming it. She explained: “As a idea Julie, 79, was going to join her on stage for girl I spent most of my time in a fantasy world ‘started crying’ the song and it is a moment she’ll now cherish and you don’t need to eat there. I enjoyed see- forever. She explained: “I had just spoken to Julie ing all the candy in ‘Willy Wonka’, reading on the phone the day before and she was telling about the cakes and potions in ‘Alice in after Oscar me to just relax and enjoy myself and then when Wonderland’ and the hunger of ‘The Very she came out at the end, it was the perfect Hungry Caterpillar’. But actual food didn’t moment. I can’t even explain it. It was a dream interest me.” And mealtimes followed suit, performance come true. It was a surprise.” Meanwhile, the which drove the ‘Lost’ star’s father “bananas” eccentric singer raised eyebrows when she because he couldn’t stand to see her eating at turned up at the glamorous event in a huge ball such a sluggish pace. She said: “I was an gown and red rubber gloves, which covered her extremely slow eater. And because of my heart-shaped diamond engagement ring that her father’s ADHD, he was frustrated by my slow partner Taylor Kinney had recently proposed eating and very vocal about it. I sent him with. The couple got engaged on Valentine’s Day absolutely bananas.” in Manhattan, New York, following three years of dating, but she admits they’re in no hurry to tie the knot. Asked if she’s made any wedding plans yet, she replied: “We’re just excited to be engaged.” lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Rio de Janeiro: The inspiration for the Dumond 2015 Summer Collection he colors of the landscape, the modern architecture and the the shoes as well. Vintage and romantic styles also make an appear- curvaceous women of Rio de Janeiro are the basis and inspira- ance. Ttion behind the new Dumond Summer 2015 shoe and acces- A more masculine vibe can be found in the boat shoes, moc- sory line. The city’s hot weather is perfect for wearing sandals. casins, loafers and oxfords. They combine comfort and leisure with Guaranteeing comfort for your feet, the sandals and flip-flops a woman’s delicateness. For accessories, mini bags are the must include jewel appliquÈs and beads that make them look more mod- have item for the season. The smaller versions of classic bags can be ern and give them a true summer feel. Designs were added to the used for day or night. insoles to provide another reminder of summer. The colors were taken from nature. Jabuticaba, pitanga, Birken sandals are back in full force. With their flexible insoles, cupuaÁu and graviola are some of the typical Brazilian fruits that these comfortable sandals have been reinvented with new materi- had their colors represented in the collection. The Rio de Janeiro als and modern colors. Another classic that is back to stay are inspiration celebrates Dumond’s 20th anniversary - the beautiful wedge sandals. With rustic heels made from twine, they go perfect- city transformed into beautiful shoes. Available at The Avenues ly with a more relaxed look. Mall. The preferred style of the women of Rio de Janeiro (which never goes out of style) was also included in the Dumond Summer 2015 collection. Boho, in its chic version, gives a modern ensemble a touch of hippie flair. Fringe was added not just to the purses, but to

Germany sued over medieval art treasure

he heirs of Nazi-era Jewish art dealers ment with regret, calling the heirs’ claim “diffi- say they have filed a lawsuit in the US cult to understand.” Tsuing Germany and a German museum However, the heirs’ attorney O’Donnell for the return of a medieval treasure trove called last year’s recommendation by the worth an estimated $226 million. The suit, commission “flawed,” and said his clients which attorneys said was filed late Monday in decided to file suit in Washington because the US District Court in Washington DC, is the they feel “US federal courts are the best suit- latest salvo in a long-running campaign by ed to sort out these ownership rights” based the heirs for return of the so-called on the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. The Welfenschatz, or Guelph Treasure - which plaintiffs are identified in the suit as Alan they claim their ancestors sold under Nazi Philipp from London and Gerald Stiebel from pressure. Santa Fe, New Mexico. Originally collected over centuries by the Braunschweig Cathedral, the Welfenschatz Dismissed by courts includes some of the outstanding goldsmith There have been other cases in which works of the Middle Ages, among them heirs of looted art have sued Germany or ornate containers in the form of cathedrals German government museums in US courts. used to store Christian relics. Many of the sil- Two recent cases involving looted art were ver and gold pieces are decorated with jewels dismissed by the courts on sovereign immu- and pearls. Some are more than 800 years nity grounds. Complicating matters, the state old. Attorney Nicholas O’Donnell told The of Berlin recently declared the collection a Associated Press in an interview in Berlin that national cultural treasure, meaning the art Attorneys Markus Stoetzel, (left) and Nicholas O’Donnell attend a news conference about a restitution of the Welfenschatz or Guelph Treasure the suit asks the Washington court to declare pieces can no longer leave the country with- to the heirs of Nazi-era Jewish art dealers in Berlin. an American and a British descendant of a out the explicit permission of the country’s consortium that owned the collection in 1935 culture minister. - when it was sold to the German state of The Welfenschatz collection, originally 82 Prussia - the rightful owners today. pieces, ended up in the hands of a consor- “Any transaction in 1935, where the sellers tium of Jewish art dealers from Frankfurt in on the one side were Jews and the buyer on 1929 when they purchased it from a the other side was the Nazi state itself is by Braunschweig duke. With the onset of the definition a void transaction,” O’Donnell said. Great Depression, they were not able to resell The organization that oversees Berlin’s muse- all the relics as quickly and profitably as ums, the Prussian Cultural Heritage expected; in the early 1930s they still owned Foundation, says that the collectors were not half of the collection. After Adolf Hitler’s rise forced to sell the pieces, arguing among oth- to power in 1933, the story becomes murky. er things that the collection was not even in What is undisputed is that Jewish owners sold Germany at the time of its sale. the remaining 42 pieces to the state of Prussia, which at the time was governed by Forced sales top Nazi Hermann Goering. The lawyers for Last year, a German government commis- the heirs told the AP that the art dealers had sion created to help resolve restitution claims to sell the treasure significantly below its evaluated both arguments and recommend- actual value because they were under mas- ed that the collection stay in Germany. The sive pressure, exposed daily to the terrors of commission wrote that after thoroughly the Nazi regime. investigating the sale process, it came to the The Prussian Cultural Heritage conclusion that it was not a “forced sale due Foundation, which oversees the Berlin muse- to persecution.” The commission’s recommen- ums, has maintained in the past that the price dations aren’t binding, but they are often was fair. It notes that the collection was in accepted by parties in such disputes. Amsterdam at the time, though several of the The foundation’s president, Herrmann owners still lived in Germany. The Germans Parzinger, said yesterday that he was “aston- did not invade the Netherlands until 1940 - ished” by the claimants’ decision to sue for five years after the sale. The collection, which the collection. “The applicants’ legal represen- has been on display in Berlin since the early tative had told me that the applicants would 1960s and is on show at the city’s Museum of also accept and abide by the recommenda- Decorative Arts, is considered the largest col- tion of the Commission,” Parzinger said in a lection of German church treasure in public statement. “I am not aware of any new facts hands. — AP that might lead to a different evaluation of the case.” “While we believe that there is no jurisdiction over this claim in the United States, we are confident that any court ruling on the merits would reach the same conclu- sion that we and the advisory commission have reached,” Parzinger added. In this Jan 9, 2014 file photo, the medieval Dome Reliquary (13th century) of the A medieval reliquary bust of St Blaise, of the German Culture Minister Monika Gruetters Welfenschatz, is displayed at the Bode Museum in Berlin. — AP photos Welfenschatz, is displayed at the Bode Museum. said in a statement she noted the develop- lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Gap Kids and babyGap launches Spring 2015 Collection

ress your young ones cute and trendy crochet and lace tops add to the uber-chic shirts along with vintage fleece hoodies and this spring with Gap’s new spring col- feminine look and go with not only denims color chino are the key pieces of the season. Dlection. For girls, Gap Kids offers fit but also denim shorts, leggings in printed While toddler girls can be dressed up in and flare dresses, tanks, knit pants in floral and solid options woven jogger in chambray, color and print prints and quilted pattern that can be lay- For boys, Bedford cord, straight fit den- or fashion dresses in print, texture, eyelet ered with cardigans and bomber jackets. For ims, linen and gingham shirts, polo’s in stripe and stripe. the fashion conscious young ones, watch and solid in shades of yellow, navy and For babies, choose from cute woven tops out for dresses available in floral chambray whites and sweat pants with hoody stand to fashion knit pants as babyGap offers prints to eyelet details. out to make way into wardrobes. Gap also some exciting pieces this season for your lit- Woven tops and graphic tee in colors of offers a wide range of graphic tee that can tle one. The new Spring 2015 collection is pink, greys and shades of navy outfitted be worn with denims or shorts. Lived in chi- now available across all Gap stores in the with various options of printed leggings no continues to make a statement while for UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. help achieve the look of the season. Super layering shirts and denim jackets are the key skinny and skimmer jeggings are a must highlights. have for the season for young girls. Shirred, For toddler boys, plaid shirts and oxford Nicolas Giacobone, (from left) Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo pose in the press room with the award for the best picture for ‘Birdman’ at the Oscars. — AP Four lessons from this year’s Oscars he 87th Academy Awards are happened most recently in 2012 over, and the campaign sea- sound editing), strategists are Tson (which was equally brutal, reminded that a single vote can mean and fascinating) provides make the difference. So nobody several lessons. wants to lose out on even one vote.

Festivals are a big deal Rules were made to be broken. This year it was unanimous: All A lot of online pundits predicted eight best-picture contenders had “Birdman” couldn’t win, because it debuted at a festival. For the past lacked a nomination for editing: five years, it was 60%-80% of the Every best-picture winner since top contenders. But in the decade 1980’s “Ordinary People” had boast- since the Oscar ceremony shifted ed at least a nomination in the its date a month earlier, festival important editing category. platforms are increasingly valuable. Similarly, many predicted “Boyhood” and “Whiplash” bowed Alexandre Desplat would split the at the January 2014 Sundance; the vote, since he had two nominations other best-picture contenders in one category. And others pre- bowed at various fests (Cannes, dicted that the popularity of New York, etc) culminating in the “Birdman” and “Boyhood” meant Nov. 11 launches of “American that one would win for picture, the Sniper” and “Selma” at the AFI Fest other for director. This leads us to (an increasingly important strategic point 4: option). Fests offer a high-profile launch in terms of global press and, Oscar pundits are full of hot air. crucially, can start the want-to-see On Feb 23, the day after the buzz among industry voters. Academy Awards, there was a lot of talk about “Birdman” having “turned Campaigning: The X Factor the tide” with its PGA-SAG-DGA Every year there are more meet- wins, after “Boyhood” had won so the-filmmakers receptions and many critics prizes. But critics and post-screening Q & A. And the guild members are completely dif- results: a mixed message. Patricia ferent voters. For all we know, Arquette, JK Simmons and Eddie members of the PGA might have Redmayne were everywhere. On been in “Birdman’s” corner for the other hand, Alejandro Gonzalez months, but didn’t have the chance Inarritu was busy working and was to voice their opinion until January. not on the circuit. Yet all of them So Oscar punditry is thoughtful, but won. Richard Linklater and Michael often based on nothing but hunch. Keaton were tireless campaigners, And that means every Oscar pundit, but went home empty-handed. No including us. — Reuters one will ever know whether the handshaking and personal contact helped gain even a few crucial votes. But when there are ties (as

Oscar’s diversity still a controversial topic

hat was missing from the Academy Awards turned ‘Selma’ star tions were announced, according to Topsy. The number of sense of humor they share. “I found it hilarious,” he said. All’s out to be the issue that could not be ignored on the Another knowing line from Harris came when he praised mentions peaked that day and the hashtag became popular good, said Penn’s publicist, Mara Buxbaum, on Monday. “As Wnight trophies were handed out. The lack of non- actor David Oyelowo, who played Martin Luther King Jr. in the again Sunday night. Inarritu said, they are indeed great friends,” she said. “Sean white contenders for major acting awards this year became a movie “Selma” but was passed over for an acting nomination. Penn is currently in Haiti with President Clinton. He is not focus on the day Oscar nominations were announced. Harris asked Oyelowo to stand and the audience applauded. Arquette backlash available for an interview.” Lynn Elber and Steve Loeper in Los Hollywood’s commitment to reflecting the nation’s diversity, “Oh, sure,” Harris said. “Now you like him.” Oyelowo was Meryl Streep stood and cheered when Patricia Arquette, in Angeles contributed to this report. and its sensitivity to how these issues are perceived, could not arguably involved in the emotional high point of the show. her acceptance speech for best supporting actress award, be missed on Sunday’s show - from the opening joke on. The movie’s anthem, “Glory,” by Common and John Legend, made a ringing declaration in favor of equal rights and pay for Non-nominated minorities won the Oscar for best song shortly after the two musicians women. Her elaboration backstage, however, struck some To some viewers, the Academy Awards made it a specific Best and whitest performed it. A camera cut to Oyelowo as the song was being who heard about it as pitting groups against each other. “It’s point to emphasize diversity during the show, from Harris not- Host Neil Patrick Harris put it right on the table. “Tonight, sung and his face was stained with tears. time for all the women in America and all the men that love ing Oyelowo in the audience to making Oprah Winfrey a joke we honor Hollywood’s best and whitest - excuse me, bright- women, and all the gay people, and all the people of color target. Nowhere was the effort more evident than in the est,” he said. It drew a knowing laugh, and no small amount of Boycott that we’ve fought for to fight for us now,” Arquette said back- awards presenters, who included Terrence Howard, Kerry parsing. Was Harris tweaking Hollywood for an embarrassing Haywood saw references to Oscar moments on Twitter stage, leading some critics to wonder if her call for wage Washington, Viola Davis, Winfrey, Oyelowo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, shortcoming? Or was he making fun of the people who have Sunday night but had no personal knowledge of them. He equality was for white women only. Idris Elba, Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, Lupita Nyong’o, Zoe raised it as an issue of concern? Obviously, the Oscars are an wasn’t watching. Being in the entertainment business, he usu- Saldana and Octavia Spencer. — AP entertainment program and hosts are expected to make ally tunes in. This year, he participated in a boycott of the Penn and Inarritu jokes, said Eric Haywood, a writer on Fox’s hit drama “Empire.” Oscars ceremony by some black viewers that was organized The line, coming from one of Hollywood’s most prominent Yet jokes can also make people feel that their concerns are not through the Twitter hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. liberals, seemed shocking. “Who gave this son of a bitch his being taken seriously, he said. “As it stands, the joke is likely to That hashtag appears to have been started by a friend of green card?” actor Sean Penn said, announcing the win for be reduced to a meme, which the Academy is in no way obli- Haywood’s, Washington lawyer April Reign, according to “Birdman” as best picture, directed by Mexican-born Alejandro gated to address and can easily dismiss,” said Robert Jones, a Twitter, and was the gathering place for a steady stream of Inarritu. A slur? No, Inarritu said backstage that he and Penn Brooklyn writer and creator of the social justice blog, Son of commentary on Hollywood’s lack of diversity. There have been are friends and the reference to the document that confers Baldwin. “It is, after all, just a joke, right?” some 140,000 mentions of the hashtag since the day nomina- residency status to immigrants was an example of the rough

David Oyelowo attends the Governors Ball after the Oscars. Akiva Schaffer, (from left) Andy Samberg, Common, winner of the award for best original song in a feature film for “Glory” from “Selma” and Questlove attend the Governors Ball. — AP photos lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Models present the creations from the Burberry Prorsum collection during the 2015 Autumn/ Winter London Fashion Week. — AFP photos

Burberry and Kane lead the runway

ondon Fashion Week rolled out the big guns Monday, push through the crowds to get to her seat mid-show. On cessful British brand at London Fashion Week, and it’s a but on scrutiny one can make out a hand here, entwined with British design powerhouse Burberry hosting the the catwalk, the label reinforced fashion’s current fling with fairly safe bet that whatever Bailey sends down the catwalk limbs there. The designer said desire was a central theme, Lglitziest catwalk show of the season. Hunter, the mak- all things retro with a collection rich in patchworks of floral will be copied in a few months in a store near you. “You and he was aiming for “something sexual but not er of the classic Wellington boots, evoked wild Scottish embroidery, bohemian ponchos and quilt-like textures. The know, it’s always delightful when something really res- grotesque.” countryside with indoor waterfalls, while Christopher Kane first look, a cozy turquoise and grass-green printed poncho onates with people,” Bailey said modestly of the influence Those sketches, with their torsos, breasts and limbs, also seduced with clothes featuring nude life drawings. laden with long suede fringes, set the tone. Then came he wields in fashion. “But you never really know when you found their way onto ethereal tulle dresses, and the artsy folksy tiered, paisley dresses and hippie versions of the do a show how people might express it or translate it.” theme continued on pieces featuring a woman’s silhouet- Burberry stars brand’s bestselling trench coats, all tan suede and adorned ted profile. Elsewhere, there were sleek black suits with With the Oscars clashing with London Fashion Week, with tassels. Kooky Kane pops of bright red on the lapels, velvet tuxedos, and bright the past few days have seen a dearth of big names gracing A tan suede cape-dress, covered all over with tiers of For some designers, seduction may be manifest in a low red and blue coats with a bold lightning pattern. — AP catwalk front rows. Not so at Burberry. Actress Maggie fringes - and worn with tasseled shoe-boots, no less - won neckline or a thigh-high slit. But this is Christopher Kane, Gyllenhaal squeezed in with Grammy-winning musician approving nods from the stars and models gathered in the and his version of sensuality is nothing one would expect. Sam Smith, and all the top British models were here: Kate front row. Backstage, design chief Christopher Bailey said Kane, known for his creative and kooky designs, created Moss, Cara Delevingne and Jordan Dunn. Naomi Campbell, he wanted to explore “all the different crafts that we have dresses that featured sketches of nude bodies - taken from sporting a fluffy white fur coat, arrived late and had to in the British Isles.” Burberry is the biggest and most suc- life drawing classes. The shapes appear abstract from afar, Four lessons from this year’s Oscars

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 38

Daniel Craig steps out of a sports car during the shooting of the latest James Bond movie ‘SPECTRE’ in Rome. Production for the new James Bond thriller ‘SPECTRE’ has moved to Rome, where crowds are lining up to catch a glimpse of 007 and the oldest Bond girl yet, 50-year-old Monica Bellucci. — AP Philippines’ 40-year bamboo organ fest may end

nearly 200-year-old Philippine bamboo pipe projects, belt-tightening by European embassies affected organ, said to be the oldest and most complete in by the economic downturn in their countries, and less Athe world, has survived time, storms and wars. But support from corporate sponsors more keen on involve- an annual concert festival that has showcased its unique, ment in pop concerts. Without the festival, the unique lilting music in a Roman Catholic Church for four decades sound of the bamboo organ - completed by the late may be playing out for the last time due to waning funds Spanish priest Diego Cera in 1824 - would have no venue and interest in a country where many have been to really shine, Renier said. enthralled by modern Western music. The clear, flute-like “The bamboo organ is not just a piece of furniture sounds produced by the organ’s 902 bamboo and 129 with bamboo, but you have to hear it,” he said, as per- metal pipes have captivated music lovers for decades. By formers rehearsed music from Bach’s “B minor Mass” pulling different knobs, an organist can make the instru- under chandeliers made of Capiz shells and bamboo. The ment produce distinct sounds that one player said was organ is also played during church services, but Renier like calling on different members of an orchestra, one said the festival is where it really shines, with renowned after another. Organizers of the International Bamboo musicians bringing out its beauty. He said Cera was a Organ Festival hope history, pride and a rediscovery of genius who created a complete instrument and brought Baroque music from the country’s musical past will it to its ultimate level, gathering the pipes from nature prompt Filipinos not to abandon a yearly tradition that and classifying them into related sounds. “I guess you has attracted renowned musicians and curious visitors cannot go farther than what he did in the number of from as far as Europe and the United States. pipes, in the extension of the keyboards. Normally the Belgian Leo Renier, a former priest who founded the keyboard ends at ‘do’ - he made it up to ‘fa,’” Renier said. festival and is its executive director, worries that drying Swiss organist Guy Bovet, in his seventh year at the funds from the Philippine and foreign governments and festival, said, “All the bamboo parts of the organ are very corporate sponsors more inclined to spend for a Justin gentle, and reminds you a little of, I would say, a pan pipe, Bieber concert than the music of masters may mean the or something like a wooden flute.” “If I pull this one, or this end to the annual concerts, held since 1975 at St Joseph one, the sound will be very different,” he said, pulling on church in Las Pinas City, in southern metropolitan Manila. knobs to make different sounds. “It’s just like calling for This year’s event runs from Feb 19-27. As of last one instrument of the orchestra or for another one.” Wednesday, the eve of the festival’s 40th year, only a por- tion of the 3.2 million peso ($72,400) budget had been Cultural treasure receiving minimal pay for the festival, which serves as a Graz in southeastern Austria. He did his post-graduate Members of a Philippine forum for musicians to meet, and as a training ground for studies in Vienna, but came back in 1992 to share his tal- secured. The rest of the pledged donations had not yet The organ has been declared a national cultural treas- orchestra take a break at been sent to the foundation that runs the festival, and ure, and the festival organizers are confident the instru- local talent. Several former members of the Las Pinas ent with the younger generation in his hometown. “It’s the ongoing 40th ticket sales alone were not enough to fund the perform- ment will continue to have support from the Philippine boys choir, which performs at the festival, have gone on the only place in the Philippines where you hear this ances. After this year’s festival, the foundation’s reserves government. Still, the eight-night festival - when the to pursue international careers in music and organ build- kind of music and with this kind of interpretation,” said International Bamboo will be exhausted. organ is accompanied by an orchestra, a choir and ing after training in Europe. Salarza, a professor of organ at the University of the Organ Festival concert at singers under the direction of noted conductors at the The festival’s artistic director and resident organist, Philippines. — AP Las Pinas city. Lack of funds stone-and-wood church - is at risk due to the dwindling Armando Salarza, is a product of the boys choir, and has Organizers blame the funding crunch on the abolition funds. played the bamboo organ since he was 11. After high of a government discretionary fund for lawmakers’ pet Renowned musicians from overseas come out of love, school, he was sent on a scholarship to study music in

Prof Armando Salarza, (right) the artistic director and resident organist of the International Bamboo Organ Prof Armando Salarza stands by the loft housing the world famous Las Pinas Bamboo Organ. Festival, rehearses his piece with a Philippine orchestra. — AP photos