RABI ALTHANI 8, 1439 AH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017

Max 21º 32 Pages 150 Fils Established 1961 Min 10º

ISSUE NO: 17416 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Amir receives ROTA Cabinet sends Caracal deal Pakistan allows Indian ‘spy’ Don’t miss your Kuwait Times 2 goodwill ambassador 3 to anti-corruption authority 9 on death row to meet family 2018 calendar with today’s issue

Committee meeting on jailed MPs aborted over no-shows Opposition blasts absent pro-govt lawmakers

By B Izzak Opposition MPs Al-Humaidi Al-Subaei, Mohammad speaker calling on the Assembly to allow them to attend the two MPs. He said the four members should have Al-Dallal and Mohammad Hayef came to the meeting, but the weekly session today and tomorrow, saying they are attended the meeting and expressed their viewpoints in KUWAIT: A meeting of the National Assembly’s legal MPs Ahmad Al-Fadhl, Khaled Al-Shatti, Askar Al-Enezi jailed in violation of the constitution and that their the panel deliberations and not abstain and obstruct the and legislative committee scheduled to discuss the issue and Talal Al-Jallal did not come. For the meeting to be forcible absence undermines the right of voters who committee meeting. He said that this incident will not be of the two jailed lawmakers could not be held yesterday legal, at least four of the seven members must be present. elected them. The two lawmakers also said that their allowed to pass without action. Opposition MP Adel Al- because four pro-government MPs, who are members of The committee was supposed to look into the legal issues absence from attending the session casts suspicion over Damkhi said that the arrest and imprisonment of two MPs the seven-MP committee, did not attend. Opposition law- regarding jailing Tabtabaei and Harbash although they the laws passed by the Assembly, claiming that the gov- undermines the authority of the Assembly, because they makers accused the pro-government MPs of deliberately still enjoy their parliamentary immunity, after the ernment deliberately adopted measures to arrest and were jailed before the final verdict. boycotting the meeting in a bid to prevent the panel from Assembly referred the issue to the panel following a imprison them. In a related development, Assembly Speaker discussing the issue of opposition MPs Jamaan Al- debate last week. Opposition MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari accused the Marzouq Al-Ghanem said the Assembly will continue Harbash and Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, who were handed jail The jailed MPs say putting them behind bars because four pro-government lawmakers of deliberately abstain- debating the Amiri address today and will try tomorrow terms along with over 60 activists for storming the of a conviction that is not final is against the constitution. ing from the meeting with the intention to prevent the to debate and approve a number of draft laws on which Assembly building in Nov 2011. Yesterday, the two MPs sent a new letter to the Assembly meeting from being held and from discussing the case of there is consensus between MPs and the government.

Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem GUATEMALA CITY: Guatemala is to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, President Jimmy Morales has announced, following US President Donald Trump’s contro- versial decision on the holy city. After speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Morales messaged Guatemalans on his Facebook page Sunday, saying “one of the most important topics was the return of Guatemala’s embassy to Jerusalem,” from Tel HERZLIYA: The Guatemalan flag is seen outside a building housing the offices Aviv where it is currently located. of the Central American nation’s embassy near Tel Aviv yesterday. — AFP “For this reason I am informing you that I have given instructions to the decision, saying other nations goes totally against the wishes of foreign ministry that it start the would follow Washington’s lead. church leaders in Jerusalem” and of necessary respective coordination “Other countries will recognize a non-binding UN General KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Fahd Al-Hajeri (left) vies for the ball with Oman’s Raed Ibrahim Saleh (right) during the 2017 to make this happen,” Morales Jerusalem and announce the reloca- Assembly resolution condemning Gulf Cup football match between Kuwait and Oman at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium yesterday. — AFP wrote. tion of their embassies. A second the US recognition, the ministry Guatemala’s leader made the country did it and I repeat it: there said in a statement. In all, 128 Kuwait that saw a shot at the goal narrowly missing announcement on Christmas Eve, will be others, it’s just the start and nations voted to maintain the inter- Kuwait knocked the net. three days after two-thirds of UN it’s important,” Netanyahu said in a national consensus that Jerusalem’s Oman pressed forward to start the second half, member states rejected Trump’s statement. status can only be decided through out of Gulf Cup and their pressure yielded a penalty that midfielder decision to have the United States The Palestinian foreign ministry peace negotiations between Israelis Ahmad Al-Muhaijri converted. Kuwait’s defense recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s cap- meanwhile slammed Guatemala. and Palestinians. committed a mistake a minute later that could have ital. Netanyahu yesterday hailed the “It’s a shameful and illegal act that Continued on Page 11 after second loss been very costly, but Oman could not capitalize on it. Oman were dangerous until the 70th minute mark, By Ahmad Jabr when momentum shifted to Kuwait as they searched for an equalizer. Omani players tried to slow down News in brief KUWAIT: Kuwait suffered a heartbreaking loss at the pace, and they were successful in doing so until Tunisia says UAE the hands of Oman yesterday, losing all chances to the last five minutes of the game, when Kuwait picked Dec 31, Jan 1 official holidays advance into the semifinals of the 23rd Gulf Cup. The up intensity and threatened the Omani goal with mul- attack fears behind Blues had also lost their opening match against Saudi tiple shots that were fended off by the Oman goal- Arabia on Friday. Omani Captain Ahmad Al-Muhaijri KUWAIT: The Cabinet announced yesterday that keeper and defense. next Sunday and Monday - Dec 31, 2017 and Jan 1, scored the only goal of the match 13 minutes into the Kuwait could not take advantage of five minutes of female flyer row second half. The Omanis then held on to beat Kuwait 2018 - will be official holidays. Deputy Prime injury time added by the referee, and the match end- TUNIS: Controversial security measures taken by the Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs 1-0 and keep their hopes to advance past the group ed with a second straight defeat for the host team, stage alive. United Arab Emirates against Tunisian women trying to Anas Al-Saleh told KUNA that ministries as well as which now finds itself in a very difficult position travel to the Gulf state were prompted by fears of a ter- state institutions and authorities will be off due to Kuwait piled on the pressure early in front of a heading into the final round of the group stage. With capacity crowd at Jaber Al-Ahmad International rorist attack, Tunisia said yesterday. Since Friday, New Year celebrations. During its weekly meeting, its win, Oman earned its first three points in the tour- Tunisian women and girls have been delayed for hours the Cabinet decided that work will resume on Jan 2, Stadium, but Oman stayed calm and controlled the nament, and sits in third place in Group A after Saudi pace by keeping the ball in the midfield. The two as they look to board planes for the UAE, sparking out- 2018, affirmed Saleh. Arabia in first place and the United Arab Emirates in cry in the North African nation that led to the suspen- teams traded attacks in the first 20 minutes, after second - both with four points. Meanwhile, Kuwait which play slowed down as players from both teams sion of Emirates airline flights to Tunis. remains with zero points, knocked out from the tour- “The UAE authorities have serious security informa- Saudi Shiite judge killed searched for an opening in the other team’s defense. nament that marked its return to international com- The first half ended with a dangerous opportunity for tion about the possibility of terrorist attacks,” Tunisian petition after its two-year FIFA ban was lifted. Continued on Page 11 RIYADH: Saudi police have recovered the body of a kidnapped pro-government Shiite judge after a shootout in which a policeman and a suspected militant were killed, the interior ministry said yes- The footage shows Nour and Ahed terday. The remains of Judge Mohammed Al-Jirani Israel extends approaching two Israeli soldiers before shov- were found on a farm in the town of Awamiya in the ing, kicking and slapping them while filming on kingdom’s Eastern Province, which has been a detention of mobile phones. The heavily armed soldiers do hotbed of protests among the Shiite minority for not respond in the face of what appears to be years. The raid took place last Tuesday and subse- an attempt to provoke rather than seriously quent DNA tests confirmed that a body recovered women over harm them. They then move backwards after was that of Sheikh Jirani, a ministry spokesman told Ahed’s mother Nariman becomes involved. The the official Saudi Press Agency. slap video Tamimi family are at the forefront of regular protests in Nabi Saleh, a frequent scene of demonstrations against Israel’s occupation of Bahrain convicts six to death OFER MILITARY COURT: An Israeli court the West Bank. yesterday extended the custody of three They say a member of the family was shot in DUBAI: A Bahraini military court sentenced six Palestinian women detained after a viral video of the head with a rubber bullet during protests Shiite men to death and revoked their citizenship an alleged assault on Israeli soldiers in the occu- on Dec 15. Residents say part of the village’s after they were convicted on charges of forming a pied West Bank, the police said. They said the land was confiscated by Israeli authorities and terrorist cell and plotting to assassinate a military Ofer military court ruled that Ahed Tamimi, 17, her given to a nearby Israeli settlement. official, Bahrain news agency BNA reported yester- mother Nariman Tamimi, 43, and her cousin Nour The videos of the alleged assault were day. The men, including one soldier, were accused Naji Tamimi, 21, would remain in custody until widely picked up by Israeli media outlets, of several militant attacks and of attempting to Thursday. All three women appeared in a video which often accuse Palestinian protesters of assassinate a commander of the Bahraini army, Ahed Tamimi, a 17-year-old prominent Palestinian campaigner, appears at a BNA said. that went viral after it was shot on Dec 15 in the provoking the army into responses which are military court in the West Bank village of Betunia yesterday. — AFP West Bank village of Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah. then filmed. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Local Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Amir receives ‘Reach Out To Asia’ goodwill ambassador of Qatar Kuwaiti leader an exemplary father figure: Al-Muftah

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Reach Out To Asia’s (ROTA) Goodwill Ambassador of Qatar Ghanim Al- His Highness the Amir receives one of the winners. Muftah. —KUNA photos

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir dents on their impressive feat, wishing Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- them the best of luck in future endeav- Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday ors. Acting Minister of the Amiri Diwan Reach Out To Asia’s (ROTA) Goodwill Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Ambassador of Qatar Ghanim Al- Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah attended the Muftah. meeting. Al-Muftah, 15, said that he was hon- Separately, HH the Amir received at ored to meet again with His Highness the Seif Palace Deputy Prime Minister and Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Sabah, affirming that the Kuwaiti Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, escort- leader is an exemplary father figure. ing Moroccan Minister of Foreign His Highness the Amir is a great Affairs and International Cooperation humanitarian leader and he is also con- Nasser Bourita and Morocco’s Minister sidered a prominent figure in efforts to of Economy and Finance Mohammad protect the unity and solidarity of the Boussaid. During the reception, Minister Gulf states, added Al-Muftah. Bourita handed a letter from Moroccan HH the Amir also received at Seif King Mohammad VI to His Highness; Palace winners of the best student proj- tackling means of fostering bilateral ties ect company of 2017. High school stu- in all spheres and issues of common dents won the prize for their project concern. The reception was attended by that transforms food waste into organic Acting Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs fertilizer. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al- His Highness the Amir lauded the stu- Mubarak Al-Sabah. —KUNA His Highness the Amir receives winners of best student project in 2017. Established 1961 3 Local Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Kuwait, Saudi agree on economic diversification: Sheikh Nasser

‘New Kuwait 2035’ working group meets

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s First Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Bureau (SAB) to check all relevant doc- Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said that Kuwait and Saudi Kuwait Cabinet uments and report to the Cabinet as Arabia see eye-to-eye on each other’s economic diversification plans. early as possible. Also in a local issue, Sheikh Nasser made the remarks at a ‘New Kuwait 2035’ working the Cabinet adopted a draft decree group meeting on Sunday, attended by Saudi Arabia’s visiting Royal sends Caracal appointing new board members of the Court Advisor Prince Turki bin Mohammad bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz Central Agency for Public Tenders Al-Saud, a Kuwait Defense Ministry statement read. The Saudi offi- deal to anti-graft (CAPT), Deputy Premier and State cial’s attendance of the talks was a “great opportunity” to outline to Minister for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al- Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince, Saleh said in a statement following the Premier and Defense Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman “coordi- commission meeting. The ministers also congratu- nation” on the two countries’ development visions, said Kuwait’s lated His Highness the Amir, His deputy premier. “The future visions adopted by both countries are Highness the Crown Prince and Kuwaiti KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Cabinet has ambitious plans that boost their strength and unity,” he said, in refer- people on New Year, wishing peace, ordered that a recent judicial report ence to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- security and stability worldwide. The about the Caracal military helicopter Sabah’s ‘New Kuwait 2035’ vision and the ‘Saudi 2030 Vision.’ cabinet further voiced much satisfaction deal be taken to National Anti- After having earlier received an invitation for an official visit to with the participation of Gulf football Corruption Commission (NAZAHA). Saudi Arabia from Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Sheikh Nasser said teams in the Arabian Gulf Cup, better The order was given during the he would be briefing Saudi officials on the matter during talks with known as Gulf 23, held in Kuwait, and Cabinet’s customary weekly meeting the prince. appreciated the great efforts of the yesterday, presided over by His Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah yesterday met at Seif organizing committee. Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Palace US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence R Silverman. According Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Cabinet KUWAIT: Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah greets Saudi Royal Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. to the Defense Ministry’s public relations department, both sides dis- Court Advisor Prince Turki bin Mohammad Al-Saud. —KUNA sharply deplored a recent planned mis- The latest move came following recent cussed during the meeting issues of mutual concern and ways of bol- sile attack by Yemen’s Houthi militias on instructions by His Highness the Prime stering bilateral relations. The meeting was attended by Kuwaiti the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as a “heinous Minister sending the dossier to the Army’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Al-Khoder, Ahmad Al-Sabah and Chief of US Office of Military Cooperation aggression” on the kingdom’s security commission and Kuwait State Audit Ministry of Defense’s Undersecretary Sheikh Ahmad Mansour Al- Brigadier-General David San Clemente. — KUNA and stability. — KUNA

ity can be promoted and developed “once we Horeca 2018 to have the will and sound planning”. “This is annually proven with each edition of Horeca even without implementing new government months to pinpoint any existing hurdles be held from policies or strategic plans to encourage Awqaf Minister that could impede progress. tourism and business. So, what if we had such As a government body that deals January 15 to 17 policies and plans?” she wondered. says agenda fits with Islamic affairs, he pointed out that Anjeri thanked the International fair it was incumbent upon the ministry to Grounds Company and participants in the disseminate ideologies promoting KUWAIT: The Horeca Kuwait 2018 organiz- exhibition, the culinary competition and other into development moderation and harmony, virtues that ing committee announced that the exhibition activities, noting that sponsors are actual are synonymous with the Islamic faith, will be held in the period of Jan 15-17, 2018 partners in the success achieved so far. She plans Al-Afasi underlined. Meanwhile, in a speech of his own, the Ministry of under the auspices of Minister of Commerce Khaled Al-Roudhan Nabila Al-Anjeri added that the exhibition is held through a and Industry and Minister of State for Youth strategic partnership between Leaders Group Awqaf’s undersecretary Fareed Amadi Affairs Khaled Al-Roudhan at the Mishref and the Lebanese company ‘Hospitality KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Awqaf said that strategic planning was key to International Fairgrounds. This came in a especially if the government cooperates with Services’, the owner of the ‘Horeca’ trade- and Islamic Affairs Fahad Al-Afasi said overcome challenges and remain on the statement by the head of the committee and the private sector and proper policies are mark in the Arab world. yesterday that his ministry’s plans are path to prosperity. Leaders Group General Manager Nabila Al- set,” she said. Anjeri added that business and “Horeca is not just an exhibition - it is in line with the nation’s development He spoke of knowledge as the Anjeri, who stressed that Roudhan’s patron- hospitality tourism is rapidly growing in rather a specialized phenomenon directly goals. Upon unveiling one of many pro- bedrock of national development, age adds more value to this one-of-a-kind Kuwait thanks to initiatives by non-govern- related to tourism and the hospitality sector,” grams the Ministry of Awqaf has in revealing that the “Ministry of Awqaf event in Kuwait and manifests the minister’s mental bodies. “The total number of partici- Anjeri said, noting that the exhibition is also a store, Al-Afasi, who is also Minister of was among the first institutions in the interest in activating trade and industry as pants has so far reached more than twice as venue for catering and hotel equipment busi- Justice, said that the plan would be Arab and Islamic region to take up well as the care given to youth issues and much as those taking part in Horeca’s first ness. Over the past seven years, the exhibi- evaluated carefully within the next few strategic planning.” — KUNA enhancing Kuwaiti youth role in national pro- edition,” she added, noting that over 80 lead- tion has proven its ability to grow and devel- duction, not to mention creating more job ing companies specializing in hospitality, op despite the occasional regional economic opportunities for them. food, hotel equipment, tourism, shipping and and political crises. “This proves that Kuwait “The continued success of our exhibition energy have so far joined Horeca 2018. is a fertile environment for these activities emphasizes that Kuwait is ready for promis- Anjeri stressed that it is one of the exhibi- once we have the needed executive deci- ing achievements in the line of hospitality, tion’s aims to prove that tourism and hospital- sions,” she concluded.

TV folk band performs to celebrate Audience at the ceremony. — KUNA Gulf Cup 23 am and lasted till noon, headed by the By Nawara Fattahova Secondhand Capital municipality manager Bader Nasser Borqobah and manager of the KUWAIT: The Information Ministry is Capital cleanliness and road blockage organizing various activities during the Gulf furniture department Meshaal Al-Azmi. Cup 23 in Mubarakiya, Murouj and other Commenting on the campaign, locations. On Sunday evening, a TV folk stores closed Borqobah said the team had previously band performed at Mubarakiya for about warned the violating stores against uti- two hours to entertain visitors. KUWAIT: On the instructions of lizing outdoor areas without permission KTV reporter Kafiya Al-Dhafiri said Minister of Public Works and Minister of but they did not respond to warnings. Kuwait TV, as part of the Information State for Municipal Affairs Hossam Al- Azmi stressed that the campaigns Ministry, has been holding various activities Roumi concerning dealing strictly with would continue to implement ministerial from the start of the Gulf Cup on Dec 22 and stores unlawfully occupying outdoor decision number 149/2006 pertaining will continue till Jan 5. “We have a live studio countries, so the information ministry is casting the matches and entertainment areas, municipality inspectors toured the the use of outdoor areas and decision here in Mubarakiya during the entire period holding entertainment activities, media activities,” Dhafiri explained. “Also at secondhand furniture market in Al-Rai, number 190/2008 pertaining removing to interview visitors on their opinions on the events and various competitions. As Murouj, live activities are held daily and are where stacks of furniture are displayed abandoned vehicles. Azmi added that matches and reviewing the games, in addi- Mubarakiya is a traditional Kuwaiti market, open to the public. There are huge screens outside the stores. the campaign resulted in closing a num- tion to our media center at Sheraton Hotel,” it’s always visited by tourists,” she added. broadcasting the matches live, and on the The municipality PR department said ber of stores and confiscating 56 cu m Dhafiri told Kuwait Times. On Sunday there were no football match- days when there are no matches, various the inspection campaign started at 9:00 of the displayed furniture. Souq Mubarakiya is a very popular desti- es, so the event was organized especially for entertainment and musical activities are held nation for tourists. “Tonight’s activity aims to the players. “Not all players came, as those including magic shows, performances by encourage tourism in Kuwait. During the who will play tomorrow are training. All local Kuwaiti musical bands and many others,” Gulf Cup, many visitors arrive from GCC TV channels and radio stations are broad- she concluded.

KUWAIT: Municipality inspectors during the campaign at secondhand furniture market KUWAIT: Photographs show TV folk band perform at Mubarakiya. in Al-Rai. 4 Established 1961 Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Local

Photo of the Day

KUWAIT: A picture shows a view of Kuwait skyline. —AFP Kuwait taps Chinese experience in youth empowerment: Al-Mutairi YPA aims to build capacities and harness skills of youth

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: The Embassy of China to Kuwait held a China- Kuwait Youth Forum on Sunday at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel. “Chinese-Kuwaiti relations have quickly developed over the past years. China is aiming to promote cooperation with Kuwait in the economic and commercial fields, and to contribute to the projects of Kuwait’s Silk City and islands which serve the two nations’ interests,” Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait Zahao Liang said. During his speech, Liang pointed out that the year of 2017 was the greatest year between the two countries where the volume of trade between the two sides reached $8.3 billion, adding that China also signed new construc- tion contracts at a total value of $2.8 billion. On cultural exchange, he said that the accomplishments have been chalked up, as Kuwait has become the first Gulf state to sign an agreement with the Chinese government to set up a cultural center where China’s readiness to intensi- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Youth Public Authority fy reciprocal visits with the Kuwaiti side and strengthen (YPA) Director General Abdulrahman Al- friendship bonds. Mutairi addresses the China-Kuwait Youth For his part, Kuwait’s Youth Public Authority (YPA) Forum yesterday.— Photos by Joseph Shagra Director General Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, said that the authority aims to empower youth like China did and national cadres and minimizing departments and sections, increase their contribution to state building. with the aim of boosting investment.” Mutairi added “The YPA’s strategy focuses on partici- Al-Mutairi emphasized that YPA aims to build capaci- patory planning and studying more than 100 success sto- ties and harness skills of youth as well as create the sup- ries and experiments from around the globe.” portive environment for unconventional learning and He affirmed that the YPA benefited from the Chinese thinking. He stated that the vision of His Highness the Amir experiment in this regard as China is the world’s second Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s to transform largest economy. “The official lauded China’s administra- the country into a global commercial hub prompted the tive principles, particularly the simplification of proce- authority to focus more on empowering youth and devel- KUWAIT: Inauguration ceremony of China-Kuwait Youth Forum. dures. He pointed to the Chinese experiment in selecting oping their skills to serve the society.

55 Kuwaitis Kuwait has great tourism, graduate from cultural potential: Official Command and Staff MADRID: Kuwait has huge cultural and has not changed a lot nowadays. In the College in Sudan tourism potential, Secretary-General of the Arabian Gulf level, Rifai noted that the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Dr Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also increased Taleb Rifai expressing optimism about the its interest in the tourism sector considering KHARTOUM: Some 55 Kuwaiti officers on Gulf country’s eagerness to invest more in its it a new and important source of income Sunday graduated from the joint command tourism sector. The Kuwaiti government has especially after the sharp decline in oil and staff college in Sudan. Speaking during recently shown growing interest in boosting prices. He urged the oil-rich Gulf countries a graduation ceremony, Sudanese President tourism sector and even took several meas- to take tourism seriously as an important Omar Al-Bashir hailed the participation of ures to use its potential to give impetus to investment domain. On the Arab level, he many officers from sisterly countries in such this important sector, Rifai said in interview pointed out that the leading Arab touristic training courses as a reflection of the close with KUNA, just few days before the end of countries, namely Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon ranks and unity among these countries as his tenure. He forecast that Kuwait will and Jordan have been making huge gains well as the employment of available poten- prove successful in its endeavor to develop from tourism and beefing up national tial for mutual benefits. the tourism sector. economies despite the current challenges Meanwhile, commander of the college Kuwait has great capabilities and caused by the political unrest and terrorism. Ahmad Al-Fekki congratulated the 466 resources, especially at the cultural level, He unveiled that he plans to visit Syria graduates. He stressed that the college said the UNWTO official. Rifai, a former shortly to get first-hand information about welcomes officers from Kuwait and other Jordanian minister, described Kuwait as a the situation in the country’s archaeological Arab and Muslim countries. He added that beacon of creative thinking and dialogue. In sites, particularly in Palmyra. In this regard, The Kuwaiti graduates.—KUNA sixties and seventies of the last century, he called on the international community to the graduates were granted Masters Kuwait was a hub for creative writers and unite to protect historical sites in the war- Degrees in Military Sciences at the end of artists in the region, he said, adding that this torn Syria. —KUNA the course. Thayadi, speaking on behalf of the Kuwaiti course included many lectures and practical Staff Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Al- graduates, said that that the 10 month-long trainings. —KUNA Established 1961 5 Local Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Mandoub, aide arrested for forging residency papers Domestic helper killed in blaze

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Residency detectives discovered forgery in official documents and found fake documents were presented to transfer an expat’s sponsorship to an educational establishment in exchange of money. Tips were received about suspicions of forgery in a preliminary approval to transfer the residency of an Arab expat to an educational establishment. When investigations confirmed them, the mandoub was arrested while submitting the transaction at a labor department. He was taken to the detectives’ office, where he insisted the approval was correct, but con- cerned authorities said it was not, proving the num- ber mentioned belongs to another person. The man- doub then confessed to have received the papers from a female mandouba, who in turn said the man- doub was the forger. Both were sent to concerned authorities.

Killed in fire A domestic helper was killed in a blaze due to burns and inhaling poisonous fumes. Firemen responded to a call about a fire in Sabah Al-Salem, and found the fire was in a house with smoke emanating at a high speed. Two teams were formed - one for rescue and the other to fight the fire. KUWAIT: The gutted house in Sabah Al-Salem.

Quaid-e-Azam Day observed by Pakistani community Interior Ministry holds course on security

KUWAIT: The Leaders Preparation Center at the National Security Academy celebrated the graduation of the “basics, principles, dimensions and domains of national security” course for leaders working at the interior ministry.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun of Director General of National Security KUWAIT: The Embassy of Pakistan in collaboration College Brig Faisal Al-Foudary. with local Pakistan Schools, organized an event to pay KUWAIT: The Leaders Preparation tribute to Baba-e-Qoum Quaid-e-Azam Muhamad Ali Center at the National Security Academy Honored Jinnah. A large audience from Pakistani community as celebrated the graduation of the “basics, Deputy Head of the National Guard well as other communities attended the event despite it principles, dimensions and domains of honored the special operations battalion 67 being working day. national security” course for leaders in appreciation of their distinguished efforts The event consisted of performances on national working at the interior ministry. The cele- during their military duties during the songs by Pakistani foreign students of local Pakistani bration was under the patronage of course of “operations in build-up areas” schools, speeches and the personality and political Interior Ministry Assistant held in the UK, as well as sniper and close- struggle of the Quaid and a display of paintings/por- Undersecretary for Education and quarters battle drills held in Kuwait. The traits made by Pakistani students. The event was Training Affairs Maj Gen Sheikh Faisal celebration was in the presence of National applauded by the attending guests and it provided a Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and presence Guard Secretary Lt Gen Hashim Al-Rifae. good opportunity for the projection of the idea and culture of Pakistan. In the end, Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait Ghulam Dastgir, briefly highlighted the contribution made by the Quaid in the struggle for the Muslim cause in the Indian subcontinent. He also thanked the management of local Pakistani schools, representatives of media and the attending audience for making this event a huge success.

Citizen charged with detaining Asian expat

KUWAIT: A citizen was charged with then started crying. The officer was ques- restricting the freedom of an Asian expat in tioning the Iranian about a fight between his apartment and forcing him to sign him and a relative. But he objected to the papers. The Asian told Salmiya police that questions and broke the nose of the officer. he was barricaded for 17 hours by his He now faces two assault charges. sponsor following a dispute. He said he doesn’t know what type of papers he Citizen being scrutinized signed. Waha police sent a 33-year-old citizen to state security for questioning after he Man caught was found near the gate of a military base A man was caught in Beirut Street in for no apparent reason. Hawally with two pieces of hashish and two joints. He was sent to the Drugs Control Wanted citizen held General Department. The suspect, a citizen, A citizen, who had been wanted for a told police the drugs were for having a 30 month prison sentence, was recently “good mood”. arrested in Adnalus where reportedly withheld his own family members and Police attacked threatened to kill them, said security An Iranian who was handcuffed became sources. They said the policemen man- enraged at a police station and head- aged to free the family and arrest the butted an officer who was questioning him, culprit. Established 1961

InternationalTUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017 Russia bars Putin critic Navalny’s More than 30 bodies found, criminal probe into Philippine fire Page 9 presidential bid Page 8

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis waves from the balcony of St Peter’s basilica during the traditional ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Christmas message to the city and the world yesterday in St Peter’s Square. —AFP Pope seeks peace in Jerusalem Pontiff highlights plight of war-scarred children

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis yesterday called for including in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West include, not exclude,” stressing the principle that Christians will celebrate Christmas with great fanfare peace in Jerusalem in his traditional Christmas address Bank where Christians marked the birth of Jesus at a Jerusalem is a city for both peoples and the three for the first time in years after the end of battles and highlighted the plight of children scarred by con- midnight mass. Abrahamic faiths. between regime and rebel forces - with processions, flict, after urging the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics not to “May the Lord also sustain the efforts of all those in Hundreds had gathered in the cold on Bethlehem’s shows for children and even decorations among the ignore migrants. Addressing tens of thousands of wor- the international community inspired by good will to Manger Square to watch the annual scout parade ruins. In Iraq too, this year marks a positive turning shippers gathered at the Vatican to hear the pontiff’s help that afflicted land to find, despite grave obstacles towards the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot point for the Christian community in the northern city fifth “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and The World) mes- the harmony, justice and security that it has long where tradition says Mary gave birth to Jesus. But the of Mosul. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was meanwhile sage, Francis called for “peace for Jerusalem and for all awaited,” the pope said. The pontiff also mentioned square was noticeably quieter following the violence due to pay tribute to the cities of London and the Holy Land. other global flashpoints such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, between Palestinian protesters and the Israeli army in Manchester which suffered terror attacks this year. “We see Jesus in the children of the Middle East South Sudan and Venezuela, after stressing that the the past weeks. Twelve Palestinians have been killed “This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, who continue to suffer because of growing tensions “winds of war are blowing in our world”. “Let us pray since Trump’s declaration, including a 19-year-old who whose powerful identities shone through over the past between Israelis and Palestinians,” he said. “Let us pray that confrontation may be overcome on the Korean died of his wounds on Sunday nine days after he was 12 months in the face of appalling attacks,” the 91- that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between peninsula and that mutual trust may increase in the shot during a Gaza protest. year-old monarch was to say in the pre-recorded tele- the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be interest of the world as a whole,” the 81-year-old said. Israel seized east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East vised message. London suffered two deadly terror reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexis- war and later annexed it, in moves never recognized by attacks, while 22 people - including children - were tence of two states within mutually agreed and inter- Fewer tourists in Bethlehem the international community. Palestinians view east killed during an attack at Manchester Arena following nationally recognized borders.” Earlier, celebrating midnight mass in the ancient Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, and inter- a performance by US singer Ariana Grande. The pontiff’s plea came as fresh tensions simmered town, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic preted Trump’s statement as rejecting their right to a cap- Meanwhile a tragic Christmas weekend in the in the West Bank following President Donald Trump’s administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, used ital in east Jerusalem, although the Americans deny this. Philippines was compounded yesterday by the deaths of recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Following his homily to lambast the wars that “the Herods of 20 people killed in a bus collision while travelling to Trump’s lead, Guatemala’s President Jimmy Morales today fight every day to become greater, to occupy First Xmas in Homs in years mass. Dozens of people were feared killed in a fire said Sunday his country would move its embassy from more space”. Criticizing Trump’s announcement, Christmas decorations have meanwhile become Saturday in the southern city of Davao. Thousands were Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump’s announcement on Pizzaballa insisted “Jerusalem is a city of peace, there more visible in Christian areas of Syria’s capital displaced by floods and landslides from a storm that also December 6 unleashed demonstrators and clashes, is not peace if someone is excluded. Jerusalem should Damascus this year. In the central Syrian city of Homs, killed more than 200 others on Friday.—AFP

rior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP. Six killed in IS The Islamic State claimed the attack in a state- ment via their Amaq propaganda arm. It was the lat- est claimed assault by the Middle Eastern group in suicide attack near Kabul, which in recent months has become one of the deadliest places in the war-torn country for Afghan spy agency civilians. Security in the city has been ramped up since May 31 when a massive truck bomb ripped KABUL: A suicide bomber killed six civilians in an through the diplomatic quarter, killing some 150 attack near an Afghan intelligence agency com- people and wounding around 400 others - mostly pound in Kabul yesterday in the latest assault civilians. claimed by the Islamic State group in the capital. IS has expanded its presence in Afghanistan since The attacker struck as workers were arriving at the it first appeared in the region in 2015. It has scaled offices of the National Directorate of Security up its attacks in Kabul, including on security installa- (NDS), a week after militants stormed an NDS train- ing center in Kabul. Interior ministry spokesman tions and the country’s Shiite minority. Last week’s Najib Danish told AFP six civilians in a car were attack on the intelligence training center triggered an killed when the attacker blew himself up. “Six people intense hours-long gun battle which killed the two were martyred and three others were wounded,” militants in an assault that was also claimed by IS. Danish said. “They were hit when they were passing The resurgent Taleban are also stepping up assaults the area in their Toyota sedan vehicle. We still do on security installations. On Friday, in an attack claimed not know the target of the attack but it happened on by the Taleban, a suicide bomber drove an explosives- the main road.” packed Humvee into a police compound in the southern The health ministry confirmed the death toll but province of Kandahar, killing at least six officers and put the number of wounded at one. An AFP reporter destroying a building. Afghan forces, already hard-hit at the blast site said the attack happened outside the by desertions and corruption, have seen casualties soar main entrance to an NDS compound. Security forces to what a US watchdog has described as “shockingly have swarmed into the area, closing off the main high” levels since NATO forces officially ended their road leading to the building. Ambulances were seen combat mission in 2014 and began a training and sup- leaving the scene, apparently taking casualties to port role. Morale has been further eroded by long-run- hospitals in the city. “Our initial information shows a ning fears that the militants have insider help - every- blast took place near an intelligence headquarters in thing from infiltrators in the ranks to corrupt Afghan KABUL: Afghan security personnel keep watch near the site of a suicide attack yesterday. —AFP Shash Darak neighbourhood of Kabul,” deputy inte- forces selling equipment to the Taleban. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Peruvian president pardons ailing ex-leader Fujimori Foes take to streets in protest

LIMA: Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski par- year prison sentence, and could define the president’s doned former authoritarian leader Alberto Fujimori late on legacy. Police fired teargas at scores of Fujimori’s oppo- Sunday, triggering Christmas Eve street clashes as pro- nents in downtown Lima, who waved pictures of the vic- testers denounced the decision as part of a crude political tims of a bloody counterinsurgency campaign during his deal. At least two ministers in Kuczynski’s cabinet who term. Officers in riot gear stood guard at Kuczynski’s objected to the pardon told him they wanted to resign, and house in the capital’s San Isidro financial district as pro- Kuczynski might reshuffle testers called for the march the cabinet as early as to make its way there. this week, a government Fujimori’s family and source said. Two ruling supporters cheered the party lawmakers quit his pardon as a long-overdue party as his political vindication for a misunder- group planned next steps. 2 ruling party stood hero. Holding a vigil Kuczynski, a 79-year- at the hospital where old former Wall Street lawmakers Fujimori remained late on banker who vowed as a Sunday, his followers candidate not to pardon quit in outrage waved banners reading Fujimori, based his deci- “Freedom for Fujimori!” sion on a medical review But the pardon was a blow that found Fujimori suf- to the relatives of victims, fered from “a progressive, prosecutors and human degenerative and incurable disease,” according to a state- rights activists who helped put Fujimori behind bars in a ment from the president’s office. Late on Sunday, Fujimori lengthy judicial process that earned Peru global plaudits was taken to hospital from prison by ambulance to treat a for fighting impunity. Kuczynski, “you’ve betrayed justice, drop in blood pressure and abnormal heart beat. democracy and victims. History will never forgive you,” But many in Peru saw the pardon as part of a quid pro said Indira Huilca, a leftist lawmaker whose union leader quo after Fujimori’s loyalists unexpectedly saved father was shot dead in 1992 in what the Inter-American Kuczynski from a scandal that nearly removed him from Court of Human Rights deemed an extrajudicial killing. office three days earlier. “To save his own skin he cut a deal with Fujimori’s supporters to infamously pardon a ‘Eternally Grateful’ corrupt killer,” said Veronika Mendoza, a leftist leader who Kuczynski ran for office to cap a career in finance and LIMA: People celebrate in favor of Peru’s ex-president Alberto Fujimori on Sunday. —AFP competed against Kuczynski in last year’s presidential public administration. He has led demands in the region for election. Kuczynski’s center-right government has repeat- democratic reforms from Venezuelan President Nicolas party Popular Force that controls Congress, while his care and would not likely go home for a few days. Before edly denied allegations that a pardon for Fujimori was part Maduro, whom he has called a “dictator”, and the pardon youngest son, Kenji, has courted ties with Kuczynski’s the announcement, Kuczynski summoned his cabinet and of any political negotiation. may tarnish Kuczynski’s image and expose him to accusa- government as he challenges his sister’s past decade of ruling party lawmakers to the presidential palace to tell Fujimori is a deeply divisive figure in Peru. While many tions of hypocrisy. It could also prompt one of the biggest leadership of their father’s following. them of his decision. Congressman Alberto de Belaunde consider him a corrupt dictator, others credit him with political realignments in Peru since Fujimori fled to his par- On Thursday, Kenji led a surprise defection in Popular announced his resignation from Kuczynski’s party after- ending an economic crisis and bloody leftist insurgency ents’ homeland of Japan in 2000 as a corruption scandal Force that narrowly saved Kuczynski from a bid in ward on Twitter. Congressman Vicente Zeballos, another during his 1990-2000 right-wing government. “He’s the brought his decade in power to an end. Congress led by Kieko’s followers that would have ruling party lawmaker, was also resigning, the El Comercio best president Peru ever had,” said Maria Luisa Cuculiza, a Fujimori was extradited back to Peru in 2007 and later removed him from office in the wake of a graft scandal. newspaper reported. As the pardon inflamed long-dor- friend and former minister of Fujimori, adding that he no found guilty of commanding death squads that massacred “We’re eternally grateful to you,” Kenji told Kuczynski on mant political tension in Peru, a representative of the polit- longer had any political ambitions. “He doesn’t want to civilians, bribing lawmakers and having a hand in the kid- Twitter, noting that he was speaking for Fujimori’s family. ical arm of the Maoist-inspired rebel group Shining Path return to politics. He just wants to be a good grandfather,” napping a journalist, among other crimes. Despite his In a video Kenji shared on social media, a gray-haired called for Kuczynski to release its historic leader. Cuculiza told Reuters by telephone. downfall, the right-wing populist movement that Fujimori Fujimori, connected to tubes in hospital, was seen smiling “Freedom for Dr Abimael Guzman Reinoso!” Guzman’s Kuczynski’s decision clears Fujimori of convictions for built has remained one of the most potent political forces after reading Kuczynski’s announcement on a cellphone attorney, Alfredo Crespo, wrote in a message to journal- human rights crimes and graft before completion of a 25- in Peru. His eldest daughter, Keiko, leads the opposition with Kenji. Kenji said Fujimori was recovering in intensive ists. “Enough of hate and persecution!” —Reuters

Journalist, judge Turkish lawyers clash in Turkey say decree grants newspaper trial impunity for political violence ISTANBUL: A judge ejected one of Turkey’s most respected investigative journalists from court yesterday ANKARA: A new emergency decree in Turkey could allow and ruled that he and three other suspects should remain vigilantes to carry out political violence with impunity in jail, in the controversial trial of staff from the main against opponents of the government suspected of opposition newspaper. It was one of the angriest exchanges so far in the trial on terror charges of 17 current involvement in last year’s coup attempt, Turkey’s main and former writers, cartoonists and executives from lawyers’ groups said yesterday. The government defended Cumhuriyet (Republic), which has raised alarm over press the emergency decree, issued on Sunday, which it said was freedom under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. intended to ensure that Turks who took to the streets to The trial began on July 24, and after several conditional protect the elected government during the failed 2016 releases in previous hearings, four of the suspects remain coup would not face punishment. behind bars. The judge ordered the four of them - investiga- Turkey already granted officials immunity last year from tive journalist Ahmet Sik, the paper’s chairman Akin Atalay, prosecution for their official actions taken to suppress the editor-in-chief Murat Sabuncu and accountant Emre Iper - coup. Sunday’s decree extended that immunity to civilians to stay in jail, defense lawyer Kemal Aytac told AFP. The “whether they have an official title or not, and whether they next hearing will be on March 9 and take place in the Silivri ISTANBUL: Protestors hold placards with images of jailed journalists and words which trans- have carried out official duties or not”. The lawyers’ groups prison complex, outside Istanbul, rather than the city’s main late as “You are not alone” during a demonstration in front of a courthouse yesterday. —AFP said the measure was vaguely-worded and could lead to courthouse where the trial has been heard until now. violence. “People will start shooting each other in the head Turkish elite to the movement of US-based Islamic ists,” Gulendam San Karabulutlar, a defense lawyer, told on the streets. How will you prevent this?” Metin Feyzioglu, ‘Judiciary controlled by government’ preacher Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara accuses of being AFP. Dozens of supporters gathered outside the court in the head of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, said in a Earlier in the hearing, Sik was ordered to leave the court by behind last year’s failed coup. Istanbul, holding signs saying “You are not alone, we are video response. “So you have brought out an article that the judge because of his “political” defense statement that not alone”, “Justice for all” and “Freedom for all journal- leaves civilians killing and lynching each other unpunished condemned the government and claimed it treated its critics ‘Attempt to silence’ ists”. Some held yesterday’s issue of Cumhuriyet whose and without compensation. Are you aware of what you as “terrorists”. “There is a judiciary controlled by the govern- The 17 current and former Cumhuriyet employees are front page read: “Justice immediately”. have done Mr. President?” ment that is translating this ‘terrorist’ term into preposterous charged with supporting through their coverage three Some of the most high-profile suspects - including Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party accusations,” Sik, who has now been in prison for 360 days, organizations Turkey views as terror groups - the political commentator Kadri Gursel - have already been (CHP) said it would appeal the decree at the constitutional told the court. During the fraught hearing, Judge Abdurrahman Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the ultra-left released but remain charged and on trial. Dozens of jour- court. In a rare show of opposition, Abdullah Gul, a former Orkun Dag refused to allow Sik to continue. “That’s enough! If Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), nalists have been arrested in Turkey since the failed coup president and longtime ally of President Tayyip Erdogan, you want to play politics, become a member of parliament... I and the Gulen movement. They face up to 43 years in as part of its crackdown on alleged threats to the state. In said the wording of the article was worrisome, adding that cannot allow him to defend himself like this. Take the defen- prison if convicted. Their supporters say the charges are total, more than 55,000 people have been arrested, raising he hoped it would be revised to prevent problems in the dant outside!” Dag said, ordering his removal. absurd and the daily says the trial is an attempt to silence concern in Western capitals. According to the P24 press future. A separate decree on Sunday dismissed 2,756 more Angry supporters in the courtroom responded by one of the last independent newspapers in Turkey. freedom group, there are 170 journalists behind bars in people from their jobs, accusing them of links to terrorist shouting: “You are all going to be tried one day” and Cumhuriyet is fiercely critical of Erdogan and has run Turkey, most of whom were arrested under the state of organizations. Turkey has already sacked or suspended “Ahmet will get out, he will write again” causing the trial to front page stories that have angered the president. “This emergency in place since July 2016. Turkey is ranked 151st more than 150,000 police, teachers, lawyers and other pro- be adjourned for lunch. Sik, already jailed from 2011-2012, trial is a symbol of the attempt to silence freedom of of 180 countries in the 2016 World Press Freedom index fessionals from their jobs in the aftermath of the coup. wrote a book exposing former ties of members of the expression in Turkey. It is a symbol of pressure on journal- published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). —AFP More than 50,000 people have been arrested.—Reuters

including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Four dead after in East Jerusalem’s Old City - which would From Jerusalem, take visitors “in the footsteps of Jesus and the origin of our Judeo-Christian heritage.” bus ploughs into “For those of you who come to Israel, I’m Netanyahu offers going to take a guided tour. In fact, I’ll be your guide on this guided tour,” Netanyahu Moscow underpass Christians personal said. This would happen Christmas next year he said, without going into the logistics. MOSCOW: Four people were killed yesterday when a Moscow bus tours of Israel Trump’s Dec 6 announcement on Jerusalem ploughed into a pedestrian underpass in the west of the city, officials reversed decades of US policy on leaving said. It was not immediately clear what caused the accident as authori- JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister the city’s status to Israeli-Palestinian negoti- ties said they were looking into several possibilities, including a technical Benjamin Netanyahu offered to play tour ation. The move angered Muslims and was malfunction. Authorities did not mention terrorism as a possible cause. guide to Christian pilgrims on Sunday in a rejected by most world powers. “Nine people are currently in the city’s clinics... four people died on the message relayed from Jerusalem, whose US evangelicals who see God’s hand in the modern-day return of Jews to a biblical home- spot,” the Moscow city hall said in a statement on the website. MOSCOW: A picture obtained from Twitter shows a recognition as Israel’s capital by US land were buoyed. But Pope Francis called for Police were also giving the figure of four killed, revised down from view of the site where a city bus ploughed into a pedes- President Donald Trump has split global trian underpass yesterday. —AFP Christian opinion. A Christmas Eve video on the status quo in the city to be respected, and previous statements which said the accident caused five deaths. Footage several other Christian denominations were broadcast on national television showed the bus driving onto the pave- Twitter showed Netanyahu against the back- and the bus continued moving,” it said. Investigators said they were drop of East Jerusalem, an area laden with opposed. “The international consensus ment and then down the stairs of the underpass, running over several strengthens our cause and imbues our people questioning witnesses and plan to examine vehicle documentation and Jewish, Christian and Muslim shrines that pedestrians before coming to a stop. Moscow police said in a statement with steadfastness,” Palestinian Prime Minister order medical examination of the driver. The accident happened around 3 Israel captured in a 1967 war and which they were looking into two possible causes - the driver losing control of Palestinians want as their own future capital. Rami Al-Hamdallah said at a ceremony in the pm (1200 GMT) near Moscow’s Slavyansky Boulevard metro station, a the vehicle and a technical problem with the bus. In the message, titled “Merry Christmas occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, tradi- prestigious residential area near one of the capital’s main avenues. Sirens “The driver of the bus began movement and then changed his trajec- from Jerusalem, the capital of Israel!” he tional site of Jesus’ birth. East Jerusalem, tory, which resulted in the bus going down into the pedestrian under- were blaring around the metro station, with authorities preparing to pull described Israel as a haven for its 2 percent Hamdallah said, “is a Palestinian, Arab, Muslim pass,” the statement said. “The driver has been detained. Police employ- the bus out of the underpass, an AFP correspondent at the scene said. Christian minority because, he said, “We and Christian city, and there will be no ees are working with him,” the statement said. “According to the driver, The underpass and surrounding area were cordoned off and several protect the rights of everyone to worship in Palestinian state without Jerusalem as its capi- the bus was parked and suddenly began to move by itself,” said a state- black body bags could be seen on the pavement, partially covered with the holy sites behind me.” Netanyahu named tal, and without this there will be no peace in ment by the Russian Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes. falling snow. The emergencies ministry said helicopters had been dis- several Christian pilgrimage sites in Israel - the region nor in the whole world.” —Reuters “Despite his attempts to stop the bus, the braking system did not work patched to the scene to help evacuate the victims. —AFP 8 Established 1961 International Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Trump attends Xmas Eve mass as he spends holiday in Florida ‘We’ve got prosperity. Now we want peace’

PALM BEACH, United States: US President Donald Trump against the assault of our cherished and beautiful phrase. attended a Christmas Eve service in Florida Sunday night MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!” “We’ve got prosperity - now with First Lady Melania Trump, as they spend a year-end we want peace,” Trump told a child named Ryan, who break at the president’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Arriving at the called the North American Aerospace Defense Command Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach- (NORAD) to check on Santa’s progress. around 70 miles north of Miami-the president was greeted Every year on Christmas eve NORAD purports to track by Reverend James R Harlan as around 100 people lined the flight of Santa and his reindeer-pulled sleigh, a tradi- the street to watch the motorcade. tion since 1955 when a department store misprinted a Mass began before the Trumps arrived, and Harlan had phone number, sending a flood of calls to a NORAD asked the congregation to put any phones and cameras colonel, who played along. Later in the evening, they away, describing them as an “intrusion.” enjoyed a Christmas Eve dinner menu which included “We’re here to worship,” he said. Seated in the third row, turkey, beef tenderloin and seafood, along with side dishes Trump listened to Harlan’s sermon, which centered on the such as creamy kale, popovers and mashed potatoes. power of words. Quoting Nelson Mandela on the impor- Trump also took to Twitter to wish his followers a “Merry tance of understanding “how precious words are and how Christmas,” once again lamenting what he described as an real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die,” “assault” on the phrase. Harlan highlighted the ability of language to educate and Sitting in a gold chair beside first lady Melania Trump in enlighten, but also to cause harm. “Your words can have as an ornate, tapestried great room, the president enthusias- much destructive potential as they do healing,” Harlan said. tically chatted with youngsters and their parents. “God’s word is pure light.” A crowd lined up to shake Reporters in the room could hear only the president’s side Trump’s hand during the peace-be-with-yous-while the of the conversation. church’s livestream cut to another angle as he stood up to In his trademark brash style honed during a career in take communion. the New York real estate world, Trump predicted the kids Trump, who was accompanied only by his wife Melania, would have the greatest Christmas ever. “I’ll make a pre- departed the church after midnight local time (0500 diction - Santa is going to treat you well. Really well. The GMT), arriving back at Mar-a-Lago shortly before best he’s ever treated you,” he told one child from 12:30am yesterday. Earlier Sunday, President Trump and Mississippi, throwing in an invitation to come to the Oval the First Lady joined in the North American Aerospace Office sometime. Defense Command (NORAD) tradition of tracking Santa Casper from Arlington, Virginia, was a child after Claus, taking calls from children who wanted to know his Trump’s own heart. “Building blocks! That’s what I location. “What would you like more than anything?” the always liked too,” the president exclaimed. “I predict president asked one child. After the child responded, that Santa will bring you building blocks, so many you Trump said: “Building blocks, that’s what I’ve always liked won’t be able to use them all,” he said. As for Ryan, he too. I always loved building blocks.” told Trump he wanted his grandmother to come home “People are proud to be saying Merry Christmas from the hospital. “That is great. That’s better than ask- PALM BEACH, Florida: US President Donald J Trump participates in NORAD Santa Tracker phone calls at the again”, he wrote. “I am proud to have led the charge ing for some toy or something,” Trump said. —Reuters Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach on Sunday. —AFP

Queen Elizabeth hails Afghan political crisis British spirit in deepens as ousted Christmas address governor refuses to go after attacks, fire KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s bid to oust one of the country’s most powerful provin- cial governors has run into strong resistance that SANDRINGHAM, England: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has deepened political uncertainty just as praised the resilience of London and Manchester after Washington steps up its campaign against the “appalling attacks”, in a Christmas message that also Taleban insurgency. paid tribute to her husband, Prince Philip, who retired Atta Mohammad Noor, governor of the strategi- from regular royal duties this year. cally important northern province of Balkh, has The “powerful identities” of the capital and the north- refused to leave office, a week after Ghani’s office ern English city had shone through after militant attacks said the president had accepted his resignation and as well as a devastating fire that destroyed the residential named a replacement. The standoff has underlined tower block Grenfell Tower in London, the Queen said. how uncertain central government control remains The 91 year-old monarch, whose televised address is an outside the capital and how volatile the political sit- essential part of a traditional Christmas in Britain, said it uation has become as manoeuvering begins ahead of had been a privilege to visit victims of the bomb attack at a presidential election scheduled for 2019. a pop concert in Manchester, as she was able to witness One of a number of powerful regional leaders the bravery and resilience of survivors first-hand. who command strong local loyalty while acting On the 60th anniversary of her first televised semi-independently of the government, Atta Noor Christmas address, Elizabeth said her reflections on the has long sought a role on the national stage and is a year had made her “grateful for the blessings of home and family”, and praised her husband and his “unique” potential candidate in the 2019 election. Allies have sense of humor. The 96-year-old prince, also known as warned that unless Ghani reverses his decision, he the Duke of Edinburgh, has been at the queen’s side NORFOLK: Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall US actress and risks civil unrest that will threaten security and allow throughout her 65 years on the throne, and has often fiancee of Britain’s Prince Harry Meghan Markle Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II Britain’s Prince Harry and Britain’s Taliban and Islamic State militants to gain a foothold grabbed the headlines with his off-color comments. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh leave after attending the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day church serv- in Balkh, a major economic hub which sits on lucra- Elizabeth, the world’s longest reigning monarch, cele- ice at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, eastern England, yesterday.—AFP tive trade routes to Central Asia. brated her platinum wedding anniversary in November. “If President Ghani does not show flexibility, he Philip retired from regular royal duties over the summer and joined other members of the royal family at a ers who had gathered to glimpse the royals on will be responsible for the consequences,” said having carried out more than 22,000 solo engagements. Christmas Day church service on their country estate in Christmas morning. Farhad Azimi, a member of parliament from Balkh “I don’t know that anyone had invented the term ‘plat- Sandringham. The Queen, who missed last year’s service with a province. inum’ for a 70th wedding anniversary when I was born. Also joining them for the service was Prince Harry’s heavy cold, said in her address that she was looking for- However he said no side had any interest in a You weren’t expected to be around that long,” she said. fiancee Meghan Markle who is spending Christmas with ward to welcoming new members into the royal family confrontation that would cause violence or threat- “Even Prince Philip has decided it’s time to slow down the royals. next year. As well as Markle, who will marry Harry in en security. a little - having, as he economically put it, ‘done his bit’. The American actress wore a distinctive brown hat May, Kate is expecting a third child. But I know his support and unique sense of humor will as she arrived alongside the Queen’s grandson Harry, The royal Christmas broadcast dates back to King Divisions remain as strong as ever.” his elder brother William and his wife Kate. As they George V in 1932 when it was on the radio. It was first The standoff, which has alarmed Afghanistan’s Philip has continued to make occasional appearances, left, both couples briefly chatted to some well-wish- televised in 1957. —Reuters Western partners, has re-opened divisions that were only partially covered up by the US-brokered agreement creating Ghani’s unity government fol- system extinguished the resulting blaze. lowing a disputed presidential election in 2014. Driver rams German Authorities did not identify the man, in part Russia’s election After widespread claims of fraud by both sides in because of a policy of limiting public communica- the election, Ghani was finally installed as president party headquarters tions in cases involving suicide, attempted or oth- commission bars alongside his former rival Abdullah Abdullah from erwise, saying only that he was 58 years old. A the Jamiat-i Islami party, who took the specially cre- in apparent suicide bid police spokeswoman said investigators had found ated post of chief executive. Atta Noor, who has nothing to cast doubt on the man’s claim that he Navalny presidential bid built a strong regional power base as Balkh gover- had been attempting to commit suicide. The inci- nor, has received the backing of the party, which is BERLIN: A man drove a car at the entrance of dent did not appear to be an attack, she added. supported mainly by ethnic Tajiks from northern the Berlin headquarters of Germany’s Social It was unclear why he had chosen the SPD, MOSCOW: Russia’s Central Election Afghanistan, many of whom still resent Ghani, an Democratic Party (SPD) late on Sunday evening, which is about to start negotiations on governing Commission yesterday unanimously rejected ethnic Pashtun. lightly injuring himself, later telling police that he for another four years in coalition with Chancellor top opposition figure Alexei Navalny’s bid to “Atta Mohammad Noor is the strongest figure in had intended to commit suicide. Angela Merkel’s conservatives, as his target. run against President Vladimir Putin next year, Jamiat,” said Bresha Rabeh, another member of par- Police said the car, which crashed through the The man was taken to hospital for treatment for leading him to urge a boycott of the polls. liament from Balkh. “He will not back down.” first set of glass doors of Willy Brandt House, the superficial injuries to his head. Nobody else was The commission voted 12 to zero in barring However he has clashed bitterly with his party SPD’s headquarters, was laden with petrol canis- hurt. Police launched an arson inquiry and state Navalny from the presidential election, citing a controversial embezzlement conviction for rival Abdullah, whom he called a “serpent” whose ters and gas cartridges. The building’s sprinkler security services were also investigating. — Reuters which he received a five year suspended sen- teeth he would break. After days of silence, tence. Navalny’s crime qualifies as “serious” Abdullah confirmed yesterday that he had backed and therefore rids the individual of the right to Alexei Navalny the decision to remove Atta Noor. stand for president,” said commission member The dispute comes as US forces have stepped up Boris Ebzeyev ahead of the vote, urging the body to bar him from running. air strikes against the Taleban and other militant The decision prompted the 41-year-old protest leader-who maintains that groups as part of a beefed-up strategy aimed at the court case against him was fabricated for political reasons-to call for a forcing the insurgents to accept a peace settlement boycott of the election. after 16 years of war. US commanders say the cam- “We are declaring a strike by voters. We will ask everyone to boycott paign has had significant success against the Taleban these elections. We will not recognize the result,” Navalny told journalists. but the impact risks being diluted by political turmoil Navalny, who has campaigned across Russia in recent months, argued that has undermined public confidence in the earlier in front of the commission that his conviction was lifted in the Western-backed government. European Court of Human Rights, and that banning him from participation As the turmoil has deepened, tensions between would make March’s election illegitimate. “I assure you, a huge amount of Tajiks and Pashtuns, Afghanistan’s two largest ethnic people will not go to this election, would actively boycott this election” and groups, have intensified, undermining attempts to hold “electoral strikes.” build national unity. In a passionate speech he accused the commission of barring truly Parliamentary elections, officially scheduled for oppositional figures while allowing candidates who are not interested in next year, are in doubt and opposition groups have fighting corruption or in conducting real campaigns. Navalny was first sen- stepped up pressure on the government, with former tenced in 2013 on the embezzlement charges, which accused him of president Hamid Karzai calling for a ‘loya jirga’, or defrauding the Kirov regional budget of about $270,000. The European council of elders and political leaders. —Reuters BERLIN: A car is seen in the lobby of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) headquarters Court of Human Rights last year quashed the ruling, saying it was unfair, after a vehicle was used to ram the building in Berlin early yesterday. —AFP and Russia’s Supreme Court ordered a retrial.—AFP Established 1961 9 International Tuesday, December 26, 2017 More than 30 bodies found after deadly Philippine fire Govt launches criminal probe as toll rises to 37

DAVAO, Philippines: Firemen yesterday found the bodies statement. Mall operators denied the claims. “There is no of “around” 36 people after a deadly blaze at a shopping truth to that allegation. In fact as per accounts of those who mall in the southern Philippines, a fire official said as the got out, they were able get out thru the fire exit,” Thea Padua, government launched a criminal investigation. the mall’s public relations officer, told AFP by text message. The discovery raised to 37 the confirmed death toll from the NCCC shopping mall fire in the city of Davao on Rescuers criticized Mindanao island. The Davao region chief of the Bureau of Davao’s fire marshal described the shopping mall on Fire Protection, Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, told weep- Sunday as “an enclosed space with no ventilation”, though ing relatives of the missing that he personally counted the authorities said they had yet to determine the cause of “around 36” bodies in an office lobby at the gutted mall. the blaze. Deadly blazes occur regularly in the Philippines, City mayor Sara particularly in slum areas Duterte, a daughter of where there are virtually President Rodrigo Duterte, no fire safety standards. said earlier that 38 people Corruption and exploita- were missing and feared tion mean supposedly dead in the fire, with one Slow pace of strict fire standards are other unidentified body often not enforced. Some recovered on Sunday. recovery relatives of those missing “I personally counted earlier criticized rescuers them before I gave the efforts comes for what they felt was the information to our honor- slow pace of recovery able mayor... around 36 in under fire efforts. “They seem so number,” Kwan Tiu told relaxed,” said Jolita weeping relatives, who Basalan, weeping as she clutched long-stemmed waited for news of her white flowers as they attended a mass. “As the ground 29-year-old son Jonas who worked at the call center. commander of this operation my deepest apology for I “They are not pained because they don’t have a child was not able to save them,” said the fire official, who there. They told us to come here but no one is moving,” joined a search inside the building at midday. she told AFP. The blaze began on Saturday, trapping call center SSI said it has arranged for counselling for its employ- workers of US-based market research firm SSI, which ees and will support funeral arrangements and set up a DAVAO CITY: Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte comforting a relative of one of the vic- announced on its website late Sunday that 37 of its 500 fund for the bereaved. “This terrible tragedy has left us tims after a fire engulfed a shopping mall in Davao City on the southern Philippine island of employees at the top-floor office had been “lost” in the with heavy hearts. We offer our condolences and prayers Mindanao. —AFP fire. Philippine authorities ordered a criminal investigation to the families and loved ones of the victims,” SSI chief Monday as allegations surfaced of locked or non-existent executive Gary Laben said in a statement on its website. fire exits at the building, which its administrators denied. The shopping mall fire compounded the Christmas mis- tore through a footwear factory in Manila, killing 72. were killed in a huge blaze that gutted a Manila disco in “By punishing those responsible, we can set an example ery in the south of the mainly Catholic nation, where tens Survivors of that blaze blamed barred windows and other 1996. With low wages but strong English-language skills, to others so that hopefully there will be no repetition of of thousands were displaced by floods and landslides from sweatshop conditions for trapping people inside the facto- the Philippines is a popular destination for international those tragedies,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said in a a storm that also killed 240 others on Friday. In 2015 a fire ry. In the nation’s deadliest fire of recent times, 162 people companies to set up customer call centers. —AFP

Pakistan allows wife, China calls for mother to visit constructive Indian sentenced efforts to ease to death Korean tensions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan allowed the wife and mother of an BEIJING: China called yesterday for all countries to make Indian man convicted of spying to visit him yesterday in constructive efforts to ease tension after North Korea said Islamabad, eight months after he was sentenced to death the latest UN sanctions against it are an act of war and by a military court. tantamount to a complete economic blockade. Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, a former officer in the The UN Security Council unanimously imposed new Indian navy, was arrested in March 2016 in the Pakistan sanctions on North Korea on Friday for its recent inter- province of Baluchistan, where there has been a long-run- continental ballistic missile test, seeking to limit its access ning conflict between national security forces and militant to refined petroleum products and crude oil and its earn- separatists. The case has added to tensions between the ings from workers abroad. nuclear-armed neighbors, who often accuse each other of The US-drafted resolution also caps crude oil supplies violating a 2003 ceasefire along their disputed border in to North Korea at 4 million barrels a year and commits the Kashmir, where the countries sometime engage in intense Council to further reductions if it were to conduct another artillery duels. nuclear test or launch another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). North Korea on Sunday rejected the reso- Pakistan released a picture of Jadhav’s mother, Avanti, lution, calling it an act of war. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese and wife, Chetankul, seated at a desk and speaking to him ISLAMABAD: The wife (second left) and mother (left) of Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the from behind a glass window. “The mother and wife of an Indian national sentenced to death for spying in Pakistan, leave after meeting resolution appropriately strengthened the sanctions but Commander Jadhav sitting comfortably in the Ministry of with Jadhav at the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad yesterday.—AFP was not designed to affect ordinary people, normal eco- Foreign Affairs Pakistan. We honor our commitments,” a nomic exchanges and cooperation, or humanitarian aid. spokesman for Pakistan’s foreign office, Mohammad Faisal, unfair trial. The World Court ordered Pakistan in May to Baluchistan is at the center of a $57 billion Chinese- Hua noted it also called for the use of peaceful means to said in an earlier Twitter posting when the women first delay Jadhav’s execution, and said Islamabad had violated backed “Belt and Road” development project that at first resolve the issue and that all sides should take steps to arrived at the ministry in Islamabad. a treaty guaranteeing diplomatic assistance to foreigners focused on Chinese companies building roads and power reduce tension. “In the present situation, we call on all India’s foreign affairs office has not responded to a accused of crimes. stations, but is now expanding to include setting up indus- countries to exercise restraint and make proactive and request for comment on the meeting. After Jadhav was Pakistan authorities say Jadhav confessed to being tries. In a transcript released by Pakistan of what it says is constructive efforts to ease the tensions on the peninsula sentenced to death in April, India asked the World Court ordered by India’s intelligence service to conduct espi- Jadhav’s confession, the former naval officer says disrupt- and appropriately resolve the issue,” she told a daily news for an injunction to bar the execution, arguing that he was onage and sabotage in Baluchistan “to destabilize and ing the Chinese-funded projects was a main goal of his briefing. The North’s old allies China and Russia both sup- denied diplomatic assistance during what it says was an wage war against Pakistan”. activities. — Reuters ported the latest UN sanctions.—Reuters

is regularly battered by typhoons that Controversial Duterte son resigns Vietnam braces form over the warm waters of the Pacific and barrel westwards into land. Tembin from Philippine govt post for typhoon as will be the 16th major storm to hit Vietnam China island expansion this year. The storms and other disasters have left 390 people dead or missing, DAVAO, Philippines: Philippine President moves ahead in Philippine toll according to official figures. Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest son resigned from his local government post yester- South China Sea rises to 230 Scores missing day, citing allegations of links to drug In the Philippines, rescue workers were smugglers which he denies and a bitter still struggling to reach some remote areas BEIJING: China’s large-scale land reclamation around social media dispute with his own HANOI/MANILA: Authorities in hit by floods and landslides that Tembin’s disputed reefs and shoals in the South China Sea is “mov- daughter. Vietnam prepared to move a million peo- downpours brought, as the death toll ing ahead steadily”, state media has reported, and is on Paolo Duterte told the city council ple from low-lying areas along the south climbed to more than 230. Scores of peo- track to use giant “island-builders” to transform even of Davao, a southern port where he coast yesterday as a typhoon approached ple are missing. The full extent of the dev- more of the region. Beijing claims nearly all of the sea and serves as vice-mayor, that he was after it battered the Philippines with astation was only becoming clear as the has been turning reefs in the Spratly and Paracel chains resigning because of “recent unfortu- floods and landslides that killed more most remote areas were being reached. into islands, installing military facilities and equipment in nate events in my life”-citing family than 230 people. Health worker Arturo Simbajon said nearly the area where it has conflicting claims with neighbors. problems and allegations of drug Typhoon Tembin is expected to slam the entire coastal village of Anungan on “The course of construction is moving ahead steadily smuggling. into Vietnam late on Monday after bring- the Zamboanga peninsula of Mindanao and a series of striking results have been achieved,” “These among others, include the ing misery to the predominantly Christian island had been wiped out by a barrage of according to a report that appeared Friday on Haiwainet, maligning of my reputation in the Paolo Duterte a website under the Communist Party’s flagship newspa- Philippines just before Christmas. broken logs, boulders and mud that swept recent name-dropping incident in the per the People’s Daily. Vietnam’s disaster prevention commit- down a river and out to sea. Bureau of Customs smuggling case and media. An opposition senator accused The projects have “completely changed the face of the tee said 74,000 people had been moved “Only the mosque was left standing,” the very public squabble with my Paolo earlier this year of facilitating the Simbajon said. “People were watching South China Sea’s islands and reefs”, the report said. The daughter,” he said. “I take responsibili- smuggling of crystal methamphetamine to safety from vulnerable areas, while aggressive campaign has been a source of contention authorities in 15 provinces and cities were the rising sea but did not expect the ty for all that has happened,” the 42- worth 6.4 billion pesos ($125 million) water to come from behind them.” with neighboring countries. China’s sweeping claims over- prepared to move more than 1 million. The year-old said in a statement later into the Philippines from China. Manuel Luis Ochotorena, head of lap with those of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and government ordered that oil rigs and ves- released to the press. He testified in the Senate in regional disaster agency, said he expect- Brunei, as well as Taiwan. During 2017 China built The president’s son made headlines September to deny the drug allega- sels be protected and it warned that about ed the death toll to rise. 290,000 square meters (29 hectares) of facilities on last week when he used the official tions, in a country that has seen thou- 62,000 fishing boats should not venture “Many areas in Zamboanga peninsula South China Sea reefs and islands, including underground Facebook page of the Davao vice may- sands killed in an anti-narcotics cam- out to sea. are still without power and communica- storage, administrative buildings and large radar installa- or’s office for an expletive-laced rant at paign launched by his father. Harry “Vietnam must ensure the safety of its tions, some towns are cut off due to col- tions, the report said. “To improve the livelihood and work his teenage daughter Isabelle, after she Roque, the president’s spokesman, said oil rigs and vessels. If necessary, close the lapsed bridges, floods and landslides,” he conditions of people living on the islands, and strengthen posted criticism of him on social media. Monday that Paolo’s resignation letter oil rigs and evacuate workers,” Prime said.Tens of thousands of people on the necessary military defenses of the South China Sea Her posts were not publicly available. had been received but did not com- Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was quoted as Mindanao have been displaced by the within China’s sovereignty, China has rationally expanded The vice mayor responded in a ment further as “the father wants to saying on a government website. Schools storm, which struck late on Friday. The the area of its islands and reefs,” it said. Facebook post-which was no longer speak to the son first”. were ordered to close in the southern com- Philippines is battered by about 20 The sea is believed to hold vast oil and gas deposits publicly available yesterday-saying his Davao mayor Sara Duterte, the mercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City on typhoons a year and warnings are rou- and $5 trillion in annual trade passes through it. The daughter had “embarrassed” herself president’s daughter, said yesterday Monday, a working day in Vietnam. On tinely issued. But disaster officials said report noted that with last month’s introduction of the with her behavior though he did not she did not know if her brother’s resig- Sunday, Tembin hit the Spratly Islands in many villagers had ignored warnings this new super-dredger Tianjing, a “magical island building elaborate. nation had been accepted. The Duterte the South China Sea, parts of which are time to get out coastal areas and move machine”, and other “magical machines” soon to come, Isabelle was in the media spotlight family has controlled Davao politics for contested by several countries, including away from riverbanks. In 2013, super “the area of the South China Sea’s islands and reefs will earlier this month when photos of her more than two decades, with the presi- Vietnam and China. typhoon Haiyan killed nearly 8,000 peo- expand a step further”. China is also building a floating posing in designer gowns at the presi- dent also having served as the city’s No casualties were reported in out- ple and left 200,000 families homeless nuclear power plant, the report said, to provide power for dential palace went viral on social long-time mayor. —AFP posts there. Vietnam, like the Philippines, in the central Philippines. —Reuters those living in the Sansha city area. —AFP 10 Established 1961

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Analysis

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US’ unfair democracy

oug Jones’ remarkable victory in the Alabama Senate special election on Dec 12 is the Dstrongest sign yet that Republicans will lose seats in Congress in 2018 because of their unpopular president and extremely unpopular agenda. And yet a close reading of the Alabama result also highlights just how American democracy can thwart the will of the majority rather than serve it. The warning signs are right there on a map of Alabama. Despite his statewide victory, Jones lost six of Alabama’s seven congressional districts. That’s a symptom of gerrymandering, just one of the features of the American electoral system making it very difficult for Democrats to beat Republicans. In most democratic frameworks, the Republican Party would be facing near-certain doom in the 2018 mid-terms. The party that occupies the White House With dollar peg, Lebanon risks currency hit usually loses ground in mid-term elections, especially during a president’s first term, as Democrats did in ith fixed exchange rates and some of the world’s said Jean-Michel Saliba, a strategist at Bank of America from tensions between Beirut and Riyadh. Hariri has iden- 2010 and 1994. This is even more true if the president is worst debt and balance-of-payment ratios, Merrill Lynch. “Lebanon has been resilient for a very long tified Gulf sanctions as a major threat. “They have enough divisive, inspiring the opposing party to turn out. WLebanon risks serious economic crisis next year time but that doesn’t mean the resilience will last.” reserves but those are being fed by remittance inflows. If Donald Trump’s approval ratings have been below should worsening relations with Gulf states choke off the With a pegged currency, authorities must hold suffi- things get worse in the Middle East, you don’t know if this 40 percent for months, an unprecedented rejection for capital flows sustaining its currency’s dollar peg. cient dollar buffers to maintain faith in the exchange rate, money will still come in,” said Societe Generale strategist a president at this stage in his term. The tax cut bill that Lebanon’s ability to dodge financial disaster has for years while ensuring steady inflows to keep coffers topped up. Regis Chatellier, warning a peg collapse would send for- Republicans passed this week is the second-most confounded critics, whose warnings of debt defaults, bal- During November’s turmoil, some Lebanese rushed for eign debt ratios “through the roof”. “Lebanon, for me, is unpopular proposed legislation in recorded history. ance of payments crises and a collapse of the pound cur- dollars; data shows central bank foreign assets fell by $1.6 the credit to watch next year. This is an economy with a The least popular was the Republican proposal earlier rency, have all come to naught. billion last month, with traders citing interventions to sup- similar debt-to-GDP to Japan but with a huge current in the year to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This has What could change that equation is the foreign policy account deficit,” he added. created an electorate very hostile to the GOP. shift in Saudi Arabia, whose new Crown Prince Democrats have an 11 point lead among voters for the Mohammed bin Salman has thrust Beirut back into a ‘Stress Scenario’ next election, but whether Republicans will even lose regional power struggle between the Sunni monarchy in The peg too is both a strength and a weakness. As long control of either house of Congress remains very much Riyadh and Shiite Iran. One sign of the shifting political as it is in place and deemed trustworthy, Lebanese expats an open question. sands was the shock resignation last month of Prime Peg is both a will be happy to channel savings to high-interest bank Minister Saad Al-Hariri, widely seen as under pressure accounts at home and locals willing to hold pounds. Demographic Distribution from Saudi Arabia - which along with its Gulf allies strength and Steady deposit growth has allowed banks to fund the In the House of Representatives, that’s partly a opposes the Iran-backed group Hezbollah’s role in government, while the central bank also leverages this reflection of demographic distribution. Democrats tend Hariri’s coalition government. a weakness cash; it offers banks attractive interest rates and exchange to be concentrated in cities, while Republicans are Hariri has since rescinded his resignation. But the rates for dollar deposits. more evenly spread in conservative-leaning suburbs tumult has re-focused the attention of many economists But if inflows dwindle, say if Gulf-based Lebanese are and rural areas. This means that even a non-partisan and analysts on the frailties of an economy reliant on forced home, doubts may grow over the peg’s stability, approach to drawing congressional district boundaries remittances, an external funding deficit of about 20 per- prompting citizens to buy dollars. Toby Iles, Fitch director would favor Republicans. But in most states, both par- cent of gross domestic product and government debt of for Middle East and Africa sovereigns, says the central ties attempt to draw district lines - no matter how 150 percent of GDP, according to the IMF. These metrics port the pound. bank could cope with some level of dollar demand, as ridiculous they make look to the untrained eye - that are far worse than in other countries with the same B-rat- Governor Riad Salameh, in office since 1993, declined reserves are equivalent to 60 percent of bank deposits. favor their team. Hence the result in Alabama, where ing from Fitch. The point around which all this could to comment on the matter of interventions. But he told While noting that big deposit outflows are rare in Republicans were in charge of the redistricting. unravel is Lebanon’s currency, which is pegged at a rate of Reuters the peg had a “cost”. Salameh has a comfortable Lebanon, Iles warned: “Extensive outflows caused by a Since Republicans dominated the 2010 elections, 1,500 per dollar. While most developing countries have $43 billion in reserves. He can also point to how the central very large political shock becomes a stress scenario which they had the advantage of controlling more state legis- now adopted floating currencies, pegs remain the norm in bank maintained stability in other crises, including the could undermine confidence in the peg.” Lebanese bonds latures - and therefore the redrawing of borders - dur- the Middle East. But Lebanon’s currency peg, unlike those 2006 conflict with Israel, the assassination of former Prime reflect the vulnerability, trading as though their credit rat- ing the last round of decennial redistricting. That means of oil-rich Gulf states, is not backed by huge financial fire- Minister Rafik Al-Hariri and Syria’s civil war. ing was a notch or two below their actual score, BAML’s Democrats could fail to win the House despite getting power. Instead, the country relies on deposit inflows to The reliance on overseas citizens is a strength as well Saliba said. He and others urge Lebanon to act quickly to far more votes. Lebanese banks from its diaspora, which vastly outnum- as weakness. On one hand, diaspora money is known to be cut spending and raise revenues so it can reduce its deficit. Even though the Senate can’t be gerrymandered, the bers the 4 million Lebanese at home, to fund the govern- “stickier” than foreign stock and bond investments. The “In the long run, it’s not sustainable what we are doing. situation for Democrats there is just as bad because the ment and maintain central bank defenses. downside is that remittances comprise 16 percent of You cannot borrow forever. You can’t run a fiscal deficit as third of the Senate up for re-election in 2018 over- “The crisis is behind us for a while but in the medium Lebanon’s GDP, according to World Bank data, well above big as it is today in Lebanon forever,” said Fadi Osseiran, whelmingly consists of seats held by Democrats. term, Lebanon has difficult macro fundamentals as it needs most emerging economies. What’s more, around two- executive director of Blom Bank in Beirut. “If confidence in Republicans held 52 of the 100 Senate seats before to keep attracting deposits to sustain the currency peg,” thirds of this comes from the Gulf and could be at risk the central bank goes, the long-term becomes short (term) Jones’s upset victory. They are now down to 51-49, but - as with the House - Republicans could win fewer Senate votes than Democrats and still retain their majority. That’s happened before, most recently in 2016, mainly just need a refreshment up front to offer back up You can always because the Senate has a rural bias: Smaller states like 5 conclusions to the ageing duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Wyoming, Idaho, and Nebraska each get the same two Benzema, now both in their ninth season in senators as populous California. In order to control the Madrid. The hosts faded physically in the second rely on Benitez to Senate, Democrats must win races in states that go con- from Barca’s half as the toil of playing in six competitions this sistently Republican in presidential elections. season has become increasingly apparent in turn crisis around Clasico cruise recent months. Randomness wo months without a victory, Barca defence for real Then there is the randomness of which third of the four consecutive defeats and The key to Valverde’s rejuvenation of Barca 100 Senate seats are up for grabs in any given election arcelona further tightened their vice-like grip constant headlines surrounding a cycle. The 2018 Senate map is especially favorable to on the La Liga title by sweeping aside eternal has been an unusual one for the Catalans. Unlike T possible takeover - that would be Republicans. Democrats have to defend 23 seats to Brivals Real Madrid 3-0 on Saturday to leave the sparkling football shown by Pep Guardiola or enough to test any top flight manager. Republicans’ 10. Democrats must hold seats in 10 the European champions 14 points adrift down in Luis Enrique’s treble winning sides in the past Newcastle United had endured a states Trump carried, including conservative bastions fourth place. Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Aleix decade, Barca have built from the back. nightmare run of form going nine Indiana, West Virginia, and North Dakota. While politi- Vidal were on target for the visitors in the second Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been in Premier League games without a win Rafael Benitez cal conditions will favor Democrats overall in 2018, it half as Madrid paid for not taking their chances outstanding form, but Neymar’s departure has before Saturday’s 3-2 victory at West wouldn’t be shocking if the Democrats failed to hold when on top before the break. Here, AFP Sports also allowed Valverde to play an extra midfielder Ham United. The last victory came points at London Stadium. Newcastle one or two of these seats. looks at five conclusions to draw from El Clasico: to offer more protection to the back four. Barca against Crystal Palace on Oct 21 and are clearly lacking two or three quality Of the 10 Republican Senate seats that will be on have conceded just eight goals in their 25-game the former Liverpool manager must players who would help take the club the ballot, there are limited opportunities for Title decided unbeaten run, registering 18 clean sheets. have been wondering if he had lost his onto another level, but they have indi- Democratic pickups: Nevada, being a swing state, is The day before Santa Claus comes to Spain, magic touch. viduals who are prepared to give likely the strongest. Arizona is historically conservative Barca already have what they most wanted for Spotlight finally falls on Zidane But you can never write off the everything for the shirt and none more and Republican, but with a large and growing Latino Christmas. Not only did they leave Madrid trailing, “Tomorrow they are going to hammer me,” European Cup winner and despite the so than their influential captain Jamaal population - and the very real possibility that but defeats for Atletico Madrid and Valencia this recognized Zidane after his decision to surprising- turmoil surrounding Newcastle, on and Lascelles who was outstanding at the Republicans will nominate a brash extremist candidate weekend mean they now lead La Liga by nine ly start Mateo Kovacic instead of a host of other off the pitch, Benitez has a habit of heart of the defense. West Ham were full similar to Moore - it might offer the Democrats their points. Ernesto Valverde’s men are unbeaten in 25 attacking options such as Gareth Bale, Isco or delivering when it matters the most. The of optimism after new manager David other real chance. But finding a third seat for them to games, stretching back to their previous visit to the Marco Asensio backfired. Zidane has enjoyed an Spanish coach has a proven track Moyes looked to have turned their sea- win would be nearly impossible: The remaining Santiago Bernabeu when they were outclassed as almost flawless record during his first two years in record when it comes to managing at son around with impressive wins over Republican seats are in overwhelmingly Republican Real wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win in the charge, winning eight trophies including back-to- the highest level and he has a habit of Chelsea and Stoke City and are a major southern and western states such as Mississippi and Spanish Super Cup. Back then, Real seemed all- back Champions Leagues. However, his heaviest getting the best out of his players. For all threat with the pace of Michail Antonio Wyoming. conquering after a first La Liga and Champions defeat as a senior coach means his judgement is the talk of a possible takeover with and the rejuvenated Marko Arnautovic Jones’ win, of course, changes everything. The League double for 59 years, whilst Barca were reel- finally beginning to be questioned. And that pres- Amanda Staveley hoping to persuade in the Hammers attack. Democrats can now gain control of the Senate by just ing from the loss of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain. sure will only intensify unless he can mastermind a Mike Ashley to sell Newcastle to her But Benitez clearly did his homework winning in Arizona and Nevada and holding all of their However, thanks to Valverde’s shrewd management, way past free-spending PSG come the new year. Dubai-based PCP Capital Partners on how to stop them and worked hard seats. New York Times data analyst Nate Cohn thinks the Catalans have bounced back in incredible style, Middle Eastern investment fund, Benitez on causing problems on the counterat- the Alabama result moves Democrats’ chances of win- dropping only six points in their opening 17 league A very Messi Christmas has somehow managed to transform his tack and it proved to be the major differ- ning the Senate from a long-shot to a toss-up. Still, the games while their rivals have floundered. Ronaldo has hogged the headlines in the past squad at just the right time. ence. It remains to be seen how a possi- fact that it took an incredibly unlikely win in Alabama month after picking up his fifth Ballon d’Or to You cannot underestimate the impor- ble takeover will affect Benitez and his to even make the Senate a toss-up in a year in which Madrid need fresh legs move level with Messi in their personal battle to tance of being out of the bottom three long-term future, but one thing is certain voters are almost certain to overwhelmingly prefer the Real have paid a heavy price for not building be declared the best player of their generation. on Christmas Day and Newcastle sup- - Newcastle have a manager who will Democratic Party is remarkable. If Democrats win the from a position of strength as they cashed in The Portuguese was rewarded for his remarkable porters will be optimistic that the second give them every chance of achieving national House and Senate popular votes by a modest rather than splashing out in the transfer market in goalscoring streak towards the end of last sea- half of the campaign will provide a lot success. For all the teams involved at the margin, they’re out of luck - and out of power. the summer. Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez and son’s Champions League with 10 goals from the more optimism. The way Newcastle bottom of the table, the January transfer That highlights another problem with American Pepe all left, whilst Real failed to get their premier quarter-finals on as Madrid were crowned cham- responded to going behind so early in window could prove to be the difference democracy: The ability of a party that wins through target as Kylian Mbappe chose to join Neymar at pions of Spain and Europe. However, in terms of the game demonstrated the spirit and for Newcastle and Benitez will be pray- undemocratic mechanisms to reify its own power for PSG. Missing out on Mbappe could prove even consistent performances in 2017, Messi has been determination that Benitez has installed ing he can get in the players to help him decades. —Reuters more costly when Madrid face PSG in the last 16 in a world of his own and rounded off the year in his players and they thoroughly achieve his dream of challenging in the of the Champions League. However, Real don’t with another goal and assist. —AFP deserved to come away with all three top half once again. —Reuters Established 1961 11 News Tuesday, December 26, 2017

This photo taken on Dec 23, 2017 shows artists working on the construction site of a 80-m-long snow sculpture This photo taken on Sunday shows seagulls flying over the beach at Zhanqiao Bridge in Qinghai in China’s east- for the Vasaloppet China ski festival in Changchun in China’s northeastern Jilin province. The ski festival starts ern Shandong province. — AFP on Jan 4, 2018. — AFP

A Palestinian youth throws a tyre at another as he attempts to kick it back on the beach at sunset in Gaza City A picture taken yesterday shows a murmuration of starlings in the sky over agricultural fields near Beit Shean on Sunday. — AFP in the Jordan Valley. — AFP

defended his government’s vote at the UN backing the nationals in Tunis as well as in Abu Dhabi and Beirut. In Guatemala to United States. “Guatemala is historically pro-Israeli,” he Tunisia says UAE response Tunisia on Sunday halted Emirates flights told a news conference in Guatemala City. “In 70 years between Tunis and Dubai. of relations, Israel has been our ally,” he said. “We have Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, in a statement, move embassy... a Christian way of thinking that, as well as the politics of attack fears behind... called for the rights of Tunisian women not to be violat- it, has us believing that Israel is our ally and we must ed “whatever the justification”. But he also instructed Continued from Page 1 support it.” Continued from Page 1 Morales’s position has become fragile in recent his foreign minister, Khemaies Jhinaoui, to “work to overcome these problems as quickly as possible to pre- Only eight countries stood with the United States in months because of allegations of corruption against him presidency spokeswoman Saida Garrach told voting no to the resolution held in the UN General being investigated by a special UN-backed body work- serve fraternal relations and cooperation” with the Shems FM radio. The information indicates that with Emiratis. Jhianoui told a local radio station the UAE Assembly, among them Guatemala and fellow Central ing with Guatemalan prosecutors. The United States militants returning from Syria and Iraq, there is “a American country Honduras. Guatemala and Honduras ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, had said her country should apologize for the travel ban, which he said its possibility of a terrorist attack involving either authorities had not informed Tunisia about. are both reliant on US funding to improve security in would “take names” of the states opposing its position, Tunisian women or women carrying a Tunisian pass- their gang-ridden territories. The two nations are, along and Trump threatened to cut funding to countries “that UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar port”, Garrach said, suggesting that they could be with El Salvador, in what is known as the Northern take our money and then vote against us”. Gargash on Sunday blamed the delays on “security Triangle of Central America. Violence, corruption and Several significant US allies abstained from the UN using false identities. UAE carrier Emirates has information that necessitated taking specific proce- poverty have made them the main source of illegal vote, among them Australia, Canada, Mexico and Poland. received “clear instructions” to deny Tunisian women dures”. “We highly value Tunisian women and respect migration to the United States, which is giving them Others, such as Britain, France, Germany and South access to its planes, she added. them,” he said on Twitter. But Tunisian official Garrach $750 million to provide better conditions at home. Korea were among the nations denouncing any unilateral Passengers said the only explanation they were giv- insisted that while her country could understand the Morales, like Trump, was a television entertainer with decision to view Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The eight en by airline staff was that women holding Tunisian UAE’s concerns, it cannot “accept the way Tunisian no real political experience before becoming president countries on the US side of the vote were: Guatemala, passports were not authorized to travel to the UAE. The women have been treated”. Tunisian rights groups have of Guatemala in 2016. On Friday, Morales foreshadowed Honduras, Israel, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Tunisian authorities said they had been forced to inter- condemned the UAE measures as “discriminatory and the decision he was to make regarding Jerusalem, as he Nauru, Palau and Togo. — AFP vene several times in the past few days to help their racist”. — Agencies

Established 1961 13 Sports Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Federer, Nadal shine as rivals hobble into 2018 Defied time to sweep this year’s Grand Slams

PARIS: Written off as dead men walking, Roger Federer seed in Brisbane from next weekend with the Australian and Rafael Nadal defied time to sweep the Grand Slams Open due to get underway on January 15. The Spaniard in 2017 while the injury curse which dogged their rivals is not the only A-lister under an injury cloud. Former looks set to be the new year’s early storyline. Evergreen world number one Andy Murray and fellow three-time Federer, who will turn 37 in 2018, took his majors tally major winner Stan Wawrinka have not played since to 19 with a fifth Australian Open title, which was Wimbledon-Murray suffered a hip injury while secured by a five-set triumph over Nadal, and a record Wawrinka required two knee operations. eighth Wimbledon with a stroll past a tearful Marin Murray has delayed his departure to Australia while Cilic. Nadal, 32 in June next year, was not to be out- Swiss star Wawrinka joined Nadal in pulling out of the done, claiming a 10th French Open, a third US Open UAE event. Novak Djokovic will play in Abu Dhabi as crown and the year-ending world number one spot. the former world number one and 12-time Grand Slam Federer finished the year at number two in the world, winner makes his return having last played at having started at 16, and a season-leading seven titles- Wimbledon where he picked up a season-ending wrist including three Masters injury. Djokovic is now at Indian Wells, Miami ranked 12 in the world, and Shanghai-despite Murray is at 16 while having skipped the entire Wawrinka starts 2018 at clay court season. nine. “I wouldn’t be sur- “It’s been an amazing Nadal still prised if 2018 worked year for me,” said out for them as well like Federer who had missed battling knee it worked out for me and the last six months of the Rafa,” predicted Federer. 2016 season through injuries The new year could also injury. Nadal added two see the highly-regarded Masters titles at Monte Alexander Zverev make Carlo and Madrid to his a Slam breakthrough triumphs at Roland after a 2017 which saw Garros and Flushing him win five titles. Meadows, finishing the campaign with six trophies. The However, the beanpole German had a roller-coaster SHANGHAI: This file photo taken on October 15, 2017 shows first-placed Roger Federer of Switzerland and sec- 16-time Grand Sam champion also secured the year- year at the Slams-a last-16 spot at Wimbledon punctu- ond-placed Rafael Nadal of Spain reacting as they hold their trophies after the men’s singles final match at the ending top ranking for a fourth time. “I never would ated by a first-round loss in Australia, a second-round Shanghai Masters tennis tournament. — AFP have imagined I would end up as number one at the end exit in New York and a third-round defeat to Nadal in of the season again,” said the Spaniard. “It wasn’t one Australia. On the women’s circuit, Serena Williams of my goals going into the season-far from it. After started the year with an Open-era record 23rd Slam tri- game opened up as Jelena Ostapenko and Sloane world number one. Halep was to end 2017 on top but returning from a difficult period in my career and bat- umph in Melbourne. The achievement was made even Stephens became two of the most unlikeliest champions the popular Romanian, who has yet to win a major, tling through injuries, this wasn’t on my mind.” more remarkable when the American star revealed she at the Slams. Ostapenko, a 100-1 outsider, became faces a challenge to stay there next year especially with Nadal will go into the new season without his uncle had won the title while pregnant. Latvia’s first ever Grand Slam champion at Roland Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka lurking. Toni who has been his coach since childhood. But one Garros, claiming her first career title in the process. Five-time Slam winner Sharapova returned from a thing will be familiar-his career-long battle with knee Baby talk At Flushing Meadows, Stephens won the US Open, 15-month doping ban in April and ended the year at 59 injuries. He was forced to withdraw after just one round Williams, who hasn’t played since her Australian just six weeks after seeing her world ranking slip to in the world. Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open at the World Tour Finals and has already pulled out of Open win, married boyfriend and Reddit founder Alexis 957. In between, Garbine Muguruza won a second champion, only played two events in 2017 after taking an exhibition tournament in the United Arab Emirates Ohanian in November, two months after the couple cel- major at Wimbledon. Muguruza was one of five time away to give birth to a baby son. Her late season from December 28-30. ebrated the birth of their baby daughter in September. women-Williams, Halep, Angelique Kerber and plans were thwarted by a lengthy custody battle over Injury permitting, Nadal will now start 2018 as top In Williams’s absence, a power vacuum in the women’s Karolina Pliskova were the others-to have a spell at the youngster. — AFP

thing to prove.” Europe’s stars had a American mixed season, although 37-year-old Garcia produced the year’s stand-out moment by finally ending his wait for a youngsters major title by edging out Justin Rose in a Might Bite has thrilling Masters play-off back in April. making their Garcia’s compatriot Jon Rahm stole a few headlines by rising to world number star appeal in four in his first full season as a profes- mark ahead of sional, but four-time major winner Rory King George McIlroy was plagued by injuries and loss of form as he failed to win an event for Ryder Cup the first year since 2008. American play- LONDON: Nicky Henderson’s Might Bite, a dramatic ers received most of the plaudits for last-fence faller at Kempton 12 months ago, is favorite their major-winning exploits, but to make amends in the King George VI Chase today. PARIS: The rising generation of Europeans like Tyrrell Hatton, Rafael Blessed with Hollywood star looks, Might Bite was Americans dominated the 2017 season Cabrera Bello and Paul Casey slid slight- cruising ten lengths clear only to come a cropper in the after Spaniard Sergio Garcia’s memo- ly under the radar to finish 2017 inside Jordan Spieth Grade One novices’ chase at this meeting in 2016. That rable Masters triumph, laying down a the world’s top 20. “You tell me a time ‘F’ on his form figures has been followed by four ‘1’s marker ahead of next year’s Ryder Cup where there’s been 11 Europeans in the featuring top grade wins at both Cheltenham and in Paris. Brooks Koepka, 27, claimed the top 21 in the world,” said Europe’s Ryder World Challenge. “I was still scratchy only six holes remaining after a TV view- Aintree. US Open title, before Jordan Spieth’s Cup skipper Thomas Bjorn. “It might with my irons. I drove it pretty good all er spotted an infringement from the third Ridden by Nico de Boinville, the 11-8 market leader third major crown at the British Open have happened but it’s not something week, made some good putts.” The round. Golf’s authorities finally changed faces seven rivals as he seeks to add his name to the and his fellow 24-year-old Justin that you see very often. “So that’s a very chances of Woods adding to his major the rules at the end of the year to stop Boxing Day showpiece’s illustrious roll of honor num- Thomas’ breakthrough victory at the strong European team.” tally-and reviving his bid to chase down viewers from calling in from home to alert bering the likes of Desert Orchid, five-time winner USPGA Championship. Jack Nicklaus’ all-time record of 18 referees to possible penalties. American Kauto Star and the mighty Arkle. Henderson, who has Add in world number one Dustin Tiger’s back, again titles-will become clearer when he Thompson still only lost to South Korea’s won the King George twice with Long Run, describes Johnson, and United States Ryder Cup A year that began with a failed returns to Augusta National for the Ryu So-yeon in a play-off, so she would Might Bite as “one of the best-looking horses” he’s captain Jim Furyk has a formidable team attempted injury comeback from Tiger Masters, where he has 11 top-five finishes have won a second major title under the ever set eyes upon. “But just because you’re good- more than capable of repeating Woods, ended with the 14-time major including four green jackets. A first major new rules even if the mistake was noticed, looking doesn’t mean you’re brilliant,” he told The October’s Presidents Cup thrashing of champion starting another return. The triumph since the 2008 US Open may as she would not have been given the Guardian. the Internationals. The US are the 41-year-old pulled out of February’s seem a long way off but Woods could additional two-shot penalty for signing Reflecting on Might Bite’s mishap at Kempton last favourites to retain the trophy come next Dubai Desert Classic with a back injury, still be a force to be reckoned with if fully the wrong scorecard. It was an unsavory season, Britain’s champion trainer told the newspaper it September at Golf National, but they but after surgery and an appearance as a fit-he won five PGA Tour titles and moment reminiscent of the 2016 men’s US was “a horrible fall. It was probably unnecessary but haven’t won on European soil since 1993 Presidents Cup vice-captain, he pro- reclaimed the world number one spot in Open, when Dustin Johnson was forced to there you go - these things happen”. “He’s incredibly at The Belfry. duced a promising performance in the 2013 when he last managed a full season. play the closing holes of his victory not talented, jumps for fun and has such a high cruising “We have 25 years of scars to over- Bahamas earlier this month. knowing whether or not he would be hit speed that no one else can go the gallop and maintain come,” Furyk said in Paris in October. “I “I knew I was going to be able to play Thompson heartbreak sparks change with a penalty at the end of the tourna- it,” de Boinville told Ireland’s Sunday Independent. The don’t want (them) going in there being all four rounds, that wasn’t going to be an Lexi Thompson suffered an agonizing ment. The 22-year-old Thompson finished opposition is headed by Bristol de Mai, the Nigel overconfident that they are the greatest issue,” said Woods, who also missed all loss in the first women’s major of the year 2017 in style, though, going four matches Twiston-Davies-trained grey who won Haydock’s team. I want them going in with a chip of the 2015-16 season with back trouble, at the ANA Inspiration in April, as she unbeaten as the US retained the Solheim Betfair Chase in a procession and who will pick up a £1 on their shoulder that they have some- after finishing tied-ninth at the Hero was handed a four-stroke penalty with Cup. —AFP million ($1.36m) bonus if he adds this and the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.

‘Almighty clobbering’ Scottish Premiership. Ajer would love to Also out to deny Might Bite are last year’s stylish Ajer plans to hold on to his place and end the year on a high as Celtic prepare to face Dundee at winner Thistlecrack who disappointed on his warm-up, Dens Park on Tuesday before hosting in-form Fox Norton, and Henderson’s second runner, seize leading Rangers in the Old Firm derby next Whisper. Might Bite’s stablemate entered King George Saturday. calculations on the strength of his eye-catching sec- “2017 has been my best year in terms of ond, beaten by only a neck, in the Ladbrokes Trophy role with Celtic improvement,” Ajer said. “When I came Chase, formerly the Hennessy, at Newbury at the start here I was a young boy and now I feel I am of the month. GLASGOW: Kristoffer Ajer is determined coping well with how the boss wants me to With his regular jockey Davy Russell unable to take to make the most of his chance at Celtic play and how the team is playing. “It feels the ride due to commitments in Ireland it is Aidan after the Norwegian defender helped the really good to play games here for Celtic. Coleman who will be in the saddle. Whisper is a best- Scottish champions keep successive clean “The manager believes in everyone, he priced 9-1 to get the better of Might Bite at the third sheets for the first time since November. believes in me and that is a really good attempt. The pair first met at Cheltenham, where in one Ajer, 19, was signed by fellow countryman feeling. “Celtic is a massive club and there of the finishes of the season Whisper went down by Ronny Deila from Norwegian side Start in are so many good players here and they just a nose in the RSA Novices Chase with Might Bite 2016, but found his chances at Celtic limit- are performing well in every game. “You throwing away a 12-length advantage when veering ed and was sent out on loan to Kilmarnock just have to train hard every day and when sharply to the right and slowing to a trot after the last for the second half of last season. After you get your chance you have to take it.” fence. Their paths crossed again at Aintree, with Might returning to the Glasgow giants in the Celtic manager Rodgers revealed he Bite making all to beat his stablemate by two lengths. summer, Ajer was behind Dedryck Boyata, believed the Norwegian’s loan move to Kristoffer Ajer Whisper’s presence is in part due to the 12lb rise in Jozo Simunovic and Nir Bitton in the queue Kilmarnock had been the making of him. the weights for his fine Newbury run last time out. for a starting place in the centre of Celtic’s “This is a boy that when I came in last year defence. was 18, 6ft 5in but just needed some men’s games early on. “He is fast, he can carry the weekend as they lost for the second suc- “He’s (the handicapper) given him the most almighty However, the Norway Under-21 interna- football,” he said. “We sent him to ball and you see how he wins his aerial cessive match to sit 11 points behind the clobbering. It was brutal enough getting a bruised eye tional has featured four times for Celtic in Kilmarnock and he was taught very well by challenges as well so he is a big prospect Hoops in third place. Elsewhere, Hearts being beaten in the race, but then he got a left hook December and shone as Brendan Rodgers’ Lee McCulloch and Lee Clark, and when for us.” Rangers will be hoping for a boost host Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby with from the handicapper as well,” said his trainer. With side recorded a 2-0 win over Partick and a he came back in the summer he was a man. before Saturday’s Old Firm derby when the Jambos hoping to close the gap with Whisper meeting Might Bite on level terms today, 3-0 thrashing of Aberdeen, which moved “He was physically developed and he they host Motherwell tomorrow. The Ibrox their rivals to just two points with a win at Henderson feels his hand was forced.—AFP them eight points clear at the top of the played in some of the Champions League club went down 2-1 to Kilmarnock at the Tynecastle. — AFP 14 Established 1961 Sports Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Banged up hand not a barrier for captain Smith

Coach Lehmann to step down after Ashes

MELBOURNE: Getting whacked on the hand by a trophy with his express pace, late swing and aggres- Cameron Bancroft shot would not keep Steve Smith sion, Bird was more than capable of stepping into fill his from the Boxing Day test against England, the Australia shows, Smith said, even if the pitch was not expected to captain said yesterday. Smith was struck on the right be overly helpful to the bowlers. “It looks pretty flat. It hand by a Bancroft shot while standing at the back of doesn’t look like there will be great deal of sideways the batting nets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on movement, maybe a bit of reverse swing as the game Sunday ahead of the fourth test in the series. goes on,” he said. “Hopefully we can get the ball revers- The 28-year-old said he had been in pain on Sunday ing and hopefully there’s a little bit of spin for Nath and again yesterday when he was batting during train- (Nathan Lyon). “We’ve been able to get results here in ing but it would not affect him when he leads his side the last couple of years. We’re going to have work hard, out today as they continue their push for a series first-innings runs are going to be crucial again. “We’ve whitewash. “It was a little bit sore today playing a few now got an opportunity to keep winning. That’s been different shots” he told reporters. “But I’ll be able to my message to the boys, don’t worry about 5-0 at this deal with it and I’ll get on with it. “Maybe I’ll just have stage. “You’ve got to win this one first.” to use a bit more of my top hand throughout the game, a bit less wristy. “I copped a few (on the right hand) in Lehmann to step down as coach the nets in Perth and a few more in the game. It just Meanwhile, Darren Lehmann will step down as seems to be whenever Australia coach after the you’re getting hit in a 2019 Ashes series in spot - it just continually England, he told Fox gets hit.” Sports yesterday. The Australia have already Push for a 47-year-old, who took regained the Ashes after the job in 2013, will lead an innings and 41-run series Australia’s World Cup victory in the third test in defence in England Perth last week gave whitewash before they attempt to them an unassailable 3-0 win an away Ashes lead in the five-match series for the first time series. Smith said that since 2001. “That will be Bancroft had apologized it,” Lehmann said. “It will profusely for the inci- be a case of too much dent. “I didn’t give him time, too much travel. much (initially). He kept coming up ... it’s all good, acci- “I’ve really enjoyed the role and am loving it,” added dents happen,” Smith said. The Australians had been Lehmann, who played 27 tests and 117 one-day inter- forced to make one change from the side that ham- nationals for Australia as a prolific middle-order bats- mered England in Perth to seal the series with Mitchell man. “We’ll just get to that point and work out what we Starc ruled out due to a heel injury and replaced by do from there.” Australia clinched the current series PERTH: Australian captain Steve Smith celebrates after reaching his 200 on day three of the third Ashes cricket Jackson Bird. against England last week with victory by an innings Test match at the WACA ground. — AFP While Starc had been instrumental in regaining the and 41 runs in the third test in Perth. —Reuters

Shooting range opens at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Village

By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: The Shooting range at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Village opened on Saturday in the presence of the Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Daifallah Sharar and the Secretary General of Kuwait and Arab shoot- ing Federations Obaid Mnahi Al-Osaimi. Sharar said he was happy to meet officials escorting the convoy throughout the Run. from the Kuwait Shooting Sport Club to open Lamborghini As is the norm with Lamborghini events the shooting range at Sheikh Sabah Al- (such as BullRun, Bulls & Coffee), the whole Ahmad Heritage Village. He went on to add experience always proves to be unforget- that the range will be open to village visitors, Kuwait table, for both the vehicle owners and avid who always enjoyed being here these past fans who are always astonished by a gath- five years. ering of so many Lamborghinis. “We always Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh members in preparing the club’s branch at Advisor Sharar thanked KSSC officials for organizes first look forward to events that bring us closer Nawaf Al-Ahmad for their continued support. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad heritage village in to our customers in a casual setting, which their efforts in introducing the sport to local He also thanked the higher committee of Salmy. He also lauded the support of advisor allows our customers and Lamborghini youth and training them on different types of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad heritage village at the Amiri Diwan Mohammad Sharar and ever BullRun Kuwait to show off the brand and the cars. shooting techniques. On his part, Secretary headed by Advisor Mohammad Sharar. village officials for providing all facilities nec- It brings us great pleasure to see so many General Al-Osaimi said “we are honored to Competitions at the range will be on Fridays essary to open the ranges as scheduled. This KUWAIT: Lamborghini Kuwait, represent- people passionate about Lamborghinis and open the shooting range at the village, and it from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm, at the rate of com- is the sixth year in which the sport of shoot- ed by Fouad Alghanim & Sons Automotive to witness the gathering of all the beautiful is a range that was built at the invitation of petition each hour, while prizes will be given ing participates within the sports and social Company, organizes the first Lamborghini Lamborghinis in such an event.” said Tarek Advisor Sharar for the sixth year running. Al- to the top three winners. activities at the village, and is witnessing con- BullRun. The BullRun, organized by AlShafie, Fouad Alghanim& Sons Osaimi said there will be competitions and Meanwhile President of Kuwait and Arab tinued success, becoming the destinations of Lamborghini Kuwait, is a Lamborghini rec- Automotive Company Dealer Principal and prizes for the winners. Al-Osaimi thanked HH Shooting Federations Eng Duaij Khalaf Al- Kuwaitis and visitors due to its cultural, social ognized event where Lamborghini owners General Manager. the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Otaibi lauded the efforts of KSSC board and sports activities. are able to gather and enjoy a drive togeth- The range of Lamborghini vehicles is er in an official Lamborghini convoy and an ever-growing, with the latest additions to event that is open to all Lamborghini the Lamborghini family being: the breath- Kuwait customers. BullRun 1 participants all taking Aventador S; the Aventador S gathered at the Company’s service center Roadster; the track-focused and record- and the Run to Dhai Complex started at breaking Huracan Performante; as well as 4:00 PM, under the guidance and support the soon to be available Lamborghini of the Lamborghini Kuwait team and the Urus - the world’s first Super Sport Ministry of Interior with local Police Utility Vehicle.

sights on being fully fit for the first Test Du Plessis against India, starting in Cape Town on January 5. “I’d rather feel good and play no cricket rather than play and not feel good,” doubtful for he said. Du Plessis admitted that a selection dilemma would be eased if he didn’t play. “It gives someone else an opportunity to play, Zimbabwe Test which was quite a headache in the first place.” Fast bowler Dale Steyn, who is mak- PORT ELIZABETH: Captain Faf du Plessis is ing a comeback after more than a year out a doubt to start South Africa’s one-off day- of action with a broken shoulder, is another was not originally chosen in England’s Ashes Wood is nearing full fitness after touring night Test against Zimbabwe, starting at St doubt, with Du Plessis saying he would not Curran to debut touring squad. But he got his chance when with the England Lions, while Ball struggled George’s Park today. Du Plessis has not be rushed back into action. “With Dale, in Steve Finn left the tour early with knee carti- in his only Test appearance on tour in played since suffering a back injury during a terms of the amount of overs he’s bowled lage problems and now has a Test opportuni- Brisbane. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Root one-day international against Bangladesh in leading up to the first Test I think it’s impor- for England in ty following Overton’s injury setback. Captain said. “We certainly had a little while thinking October. He said he was still feeling some tant to assess how ready he is to bowl at full Joe Root said he was backing Curran to make about it on this surface and these conditions. discomfort and would only play if he felt he intensity,” said Du Plessis. Melbourne Test the most of his opportunity in the showpiece For the balance of this team I think Tom is the was fully fit and that his progress had been “We want him to be 100 percent. If he we Boxing Day Test before huge crowds. best option.” Curran took 24 wickets in nine slowed by a virus he picked up a week ago. feel he isn’t quite there, there’s still time to “Tom offers a lot and is a real competitor,” first-class matches during the 2017 English “The professionals say that if there is still get him ready between now and the first MELBOURNE: Young paceman Tom Curran Root told reporters when announcing the County season at an average of 34. South pain in the disc it’s a little bit dangerous so Test against India.” Du Plessis said that a will make his Test debut in England’s only team on Monday. “He has that real sort of African-born Curran played for England in the that’s why we’re seeing how it works today,” stand-in captain would have to be chosen if change for the fourth Ashes Test against work ethic and the way he goes about things tour game against a Cricket Australia XI in the 33-year-old said. “Last week I would he didn’t play. He didn’t offer an opinion but Australia starting in Melbourne today. The is very similar to Craig (Overton) actually. Perth on December 10, where he took five the choice probably rests between AB de have said my chances were 80-20, right now Surrey 22-year-old fast bowler replaces “The way he gets involved in the contest and match wickets and made an unbeaten 77. it is about 60-40.” Du Plessis acknowledged Villiers, who captained the side when he last injured Craig Overton, who succumbed to a you know he is going to get involved in Apart from Curran’s selection, under-fire sen- that the match against Zimbabwe was a played Test cricket in January 2016, and rib injury when the tourists relinquished the absolutely everything. He’s also very skilful ior players Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad stepping stone towards a “big summer” opening batsman Dean Elgar, who was cap- Ashes to the Australians in last week’s third tain in the first Test in England earlier this and hopefully he can have a really good week held their team spots, while out-of-sorts which includes three Tests against India and Perth Test. Curran has played three four against Australia. year when Du Plessis had returned home for here.” Curran won the Test nod ahead of Moeen Ali was preferred to young leg-spinner Twenty20s and a one-day international and He hinted strongly that he was setting his the birth of his first child.—AFP Mark Wood and Jake Ball. Mason Crane as the sole spinner. —Agencies Established 1961 15 Sports Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Klopp tells Liverpool to focus on Euro ambitions

Salah determined to win with club

LIVERPOOL: Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool to stay remember that we lost it. But that’s not the plan!” motivated to reach their target of a place in next season’s Champions League by the end of the season. Klopp has Step by step acknowledged ahead of Liverpool’s clash with bottom side Klopp confirmed Liverpool will be without captain Swansea at Anfield today that a Premier League title chal- Jordan Henderson after he limped out of their 3-3 draw lenge is beyond them given they trail leaders Manchester with Arsenal last Friday. Defender Joel Matip could be fit City by 20 points. But the German believes there is still enough to feature after he recently returning to training plenty for the fourth placed Reds to play for and they following a muscle injury while striker Daniel Sturridge has should not get complacent just because City are so far recovered from illness. Alberto Moreno (ankle) and ahead. Nathanial Clyne (back) remain on the sidelines. Swansea “We have to qualify for the Champions League. We caretaker manager Leon Britton will take charge of his have to finish as high as possible,” Klopp said. “It looks second game following the sacking of Paul Clement last like we could be second, third or fourth this year, that’s a week. Britton is a modern-day Swansea great with more fantastic situation. Not the than 500 appearances to his dream but a fantastic situa- name, and guided the club to tion. “That’s what we are a 1-1 draw in his first match working on and for this we against Crystal Palace. A have to improve in all depart- match against free-scoring ments. “This year, I don’t think Liverpool at Anfield, however, that anyone apart from We have to will present a somewhat more Manchester City and maybe difficult prospect for the Manchester United are think- finish as high South Wales club. ing too much about how they Swansea striker Jordan can win the league. “In a very as possible Ayew admits the draw against difficult league, performance- Palace, in which he scored, wise we are really consistent has helped them take at least so far. If we stay consistent some confidence into the trip and avoid our mistakes, mis- to Merseyside. “We all have a takes like in the 3-3 draw with Arsenal, we will win much job to do. I think we responded well,” Ayew said. “We will more games than we lose or draw. “As it was and so it will take it day by day and see what happens in the future. “We be against Swansea, we have to perform first of all and will do our best to get something out of the game against LONDON: Arsenal’s Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech (L) saves a Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah then we have to see how the other team can react.” Liverpool. We will build step by step and things will get pass during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Even though Swansea are at the foot of the table, better. It is important for us to get a good result.” Swansea Stadium. — AFP Klopp does not want his players to assume the result will will give a fitness test to striker Wilfried Bony (hamstring) be a foregone conclusion. “They are under pressure and and midfielder Leroy Fer (back), who both missed the that’s clear because they fight for the league, 100 per cent, game against Palace. close season-has scored 21 goals in all competitions for Sports News. “I love to win something here. We are work- and that will not change before Boxing Day,” Klopp added. Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah said yesterday he Jurgen Klopp’s side and is joint-top of the Premier League ing hard every day to win something. I am sure we are “But we will be ready and we will perform, if possible, like hopes he can help Liverpool end a five-year wait for sil- scorers’ charts with Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane. “I going to win something this year.” Salah has formed a key against Arsenal but avoid the mistakes we made. “I don’t verware after making a blistering start to life at Anfield. want to win titles here, I came here to win titles-to win part of Liverpool’s ‘fab four’ attacking line-up alongside really remember the game from last year, to be honest. I The 25-year-old-who joined from Italian club Roma in the something for the club, for us, for the fans,” he told Sky Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

was so important to believe again and to Pochettino smile again by winning at Burnley, after the defeat at Manchester City. “I think we need to focus on the challenge of urges Spurs Southampton. We cannot think about Mata expects second, first, third or top four. I think the to block top most important thing is the next game.” strong response The central importance of Harry Kane to Spurs’ cause was reinforced by the strik- four talk er’s hat-trick at Burnley that took his tal- from angry United ly to 36 goals in the calendar year, LONDON: Mauricio Pochettino insists matching Alan Shearer’s 22-year-old MANCHESTER: Manchester United midfielder Juan Tottenham cannot allow themselves to be Premier League record. The England Mata admits his team-mates are furious after drop- distracted by the fluctuating form of their forward, 24, now has 93 Premier League ping two points at Leicester City, but he hopes they nearest rivals as they step up their bid for goals to his name, but Pochettino admits can channel that frustration into a strong response against Burnley today. Jose Mourinho’s side were a top four spot. Pochettino’s side welcome Kane will have to maintain that consis- stunned by a late goal from 10-man Leicester in a 2-2 Southampton to Wembley after a round tency if he is to beat Shearer’s record of draw that saw United fall a staggering 13 points of weekend matches that strengthened 260 Premier League goals. behind leaders Manchester City at the halfway stage the position of the north London club. of the campaign. A comfortable 3-0 victory at Burnley ‘Massive respect’ Mourinho angrily spoke of missing “joke chances” moved Spurs up to fifth place, one point “The record of Alan is fantastic. He BURNLEY: Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane celebrates after scor- and “childish” errors from his players after Saturday’s behind Liverpool in fourth, as Jurgen was a fantastic player. Harry is doing so ing his, and Tottenham’s third goal during the English Premier League football draw. But Mata, who scored both United goals in an Klopp’s side were held by Arsenal and well. But Alan as consistent for more match between Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor. — AFP excellent personal display, hopes his side responds Chelsea and Manchester United both than 10 years,” he said. “You need to positively to the frustration of the evening at the King drew. The contest to fill the places show massive respect for that, because Power Stadium. “You have to keep going. It’s behind runaway leaders Manchester City he did some amazing work. “Now Harry improve.” Southampton face Spurs on weeks, depriving Saints of the in-form Christmas time, you play every two or three days is expected to go to the wire and after is doing well. We hope that continues, the back of a 1-1 home draw with goalscorer for the trip to Wembley. obviously,” Mata said. “Now we feel frustrated and an inconsistent campaign, Pochettino will because to have a player like Harry Kane Huddersfield which was overshadowed Virgil van Dijk is also likely to be angry but we need to keep going and, from tomorrow, hope his side can enter the New Year on is fantastic. I hope and wish that every by a clash between Saints striker Charlie missing after the centre-back - a target rest and think about the next game and have the will the back of a winning run. season he scores 15 or more than 15. “I Austin and Town keeper Jonas Lossl. for Manchester City and Liverpool - was of finishing the next game with a much better feeling. “We cannot think about another club. think he can still improve. He is 24. Huddersfield manager David Wagner left out for the Huddersfield clash that “We got a point but it feels like a defeat because We need to keep the momentum, to try Players arrive at their best when they are claimed the forward allowed his boot to left Southampton in 13th place. “There is we were so close to winning, had chances to kill the to win again, to be consistent,” 27, 28, 29. “It depends on how profes- connect with Lossl’s head and Austin has a lot of speculation about him,” said game and they were with one less player.” Mata put Pochettino said. “If we want to fight to sional you are. If Harry Kane can keep been charged with violent conduct by Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino. “I can- United 2-1 ahead with a superbly-taken free-kick and the end for big things, we must try to be that mentality every day and never the Football Association. Austin also not control this but I have to think about revealed afterwards that his goal celebration was a dedication to Indian children with whom his charitable consistent. “But I’m sure the team is changes that mentality, then he can play picked up a hamstring injury in the game the next game. We train tomorrow and foundation Common Goal works. “It was because focused. The team is in a good way. It that is likely to keep him for at least two then decide if he can play.” — AFP for as long as he wants. But he can still when the kids from the Oscar Foundation-one of the foundations we work with-came to Old Trafford to visit me they asked if I could do this kind of ‘namaste’ again be on third placed Chelsea to take celebration for them,” explained Mata.—AFP Morata return the initiative against a Brighton side who ended a run of seven games without a win with a timely victory over Watford. boosts Morata’s return will undoubtedly help, but Conte’s decision to overlook Michy spluttering Batshuayi until late in the game at Matches on TV Everton will be taken as another indica- (Local Timings) tor of the coach’s lack of trust in the Chelsea Belgium international. Forward rein- ARABIAN GULF CUP forcements will clearly be at the top of LONDON: Alvaro Morata’s return will Conte’s wish-list for the January transfer Yemen v Bahrain 17:30 be welcomed by Antonio Conte but the MBC Pro Sports 1 HD window, with Chelsea still involved in KTV Sport HD Chelsea manager knows his side face three over competitions, even if their Dubai Sports 1 HD Brighton at Stamford Bridge with their Premier League challenge has been Iraq v Qatar 20:00 Premier League title defense all but over. reduced to ensuring a top four finish. Kuwait TV Sport Plus Morata was forced to sit out the visit to KTV Sport HD Everton on Saturday while he served a Testing campaign one-match suspension and in his Conte had predicted this would be a ITALIAN CUP absence, the Blues lacked the firepower testing campaign even before the start of Lazio v Fiorentina 23:00 to break down Sam Allardyce’s side in a the season because of the club’s return beIN SPORTS goalless draw. to European football. And the evidence ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE That led to Conte being forced to of the opening half of the campaign has LONDON: Chelsea’s Spanish striker Alvaro Morata (L) celebrates scoring the defend his decision not to replace the justified Conte’s standpoint, even if his Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton 15:30 team’s second goal, with teammates during the English League Cup quarter- beIN SPORTS HD 2 Spaniard with a conventional target man. side have shown flashes of the outstand- final football match between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion 18:00 Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ing form that took them to the title last Stadium. —AFP beIN SPORTS HD 1 was among those who appeared to year. Brighton will travel to London with Manchester United v Burnley 18:00 question Conte’s approach after a result renewed belief after moving towards beIN SPORTS HD 2 that, combined with Manchester City’s mid-table following the win against ing the champions. “It’s one that we in the games where we know we have a Watford v Leicester City 18:00 defeat of Bournemouth, left them 16 Watford. needed,” he said. “We’ve got Chelsea on better chance of getting something, that beIN SPORTS HD 5 points behind the leaders at the halfway Pascal Gross’s second half goal - Boxing Day and there won’t be too many we put in performances like we did West Bromwich Albion v Everton 18:00 stage of the season. Brighton’s first from open play in over 10 that fancy us or expect us to get any- today. “It was a good all-round per- beIN SPORTS HD 7 “I think we could have had more shots and a half hours - secured the points at a thing there. formance and we certainly need to take Huddersfield Town v Stoke City 18:00 on target but we didn’t have a big guy time when it looked as though the newly “With that being the case in particu- that on.” Shane Duffy sat out the beIN SPORTS HD 8 up front despite lots of crosses into the promoted side were set for another lar, it was important that we picked up Watford game while serving a one- Bournemouth v West Ham United 18:00 box,” said Courtois, after a game in afternoon of frustration. Seagulls manag- something and that allows us to go into match suspension but is expected to beIN SPORTS HD 9 which Chelsea failed to turn their territo- that Chelsea game with a little bit more return to the starting line-up in place of Liverpool v Swansea City 20:30 er Chris Hughton admitted the result was beIN SPORTS HD 2 rial dominance into goals. The onus will exactly what his side needed before fac- confidence. “We need to make sure that Connor Goldson.— AFP Established 1961 Sport

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017

Federer, Nadal shine as Banged up hand not a Klopp tells Liverpool to 13rivals hobble into 2018 14 barrier for captain Smith 15 focus on Euro ambitions

KUWAIT: Emirates’ Fares Saadi (R) vies for the ball with Saudi’s Mukhtar Fallatah during the 2017 Gulf Cup of Nations football match between UAE and Saudi Arabia at the Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmad Stadium. — AFP Saudi, UAE scoreless in Group A action Saudi stay on top on goal difference

By Ahmad Jabr pressing in the following 10 minutes, but all of their er was once again called into action with a great before it could reach the eager Saudi attackers. attacks presented no real danger to the Saudi goal. save in the 53rd minute. UAE immediately took The pace slowed down considerably in the final 10 KUWAIT: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Momentum shifted to Saudi Arabia after the 30- advance of Saudi’s offensive play and jumped into minutes, with play constantly dipping back to center- Emirates played to a goalless draw in their Group A minute mark, whose first real scoring chance came a counterattack that saw a shot only narrowly miss field. UAE had one final chance on goal in injury time match of the 23rd Gulf Cup yesterday at Jaber Al- when a shot towards the goal was blocked by the the target. Three minutes later, a wayward shot by which missed its target, before the referee blew the Ahmad International Stadium. Both teams played UAE goalkeeper. Saudi kept up the pressure briefly the Saudi midfielder went flying above the post. As final whistle. With this result, both teams are now at cautiously at the start of the game, with no real scor- but they could not capitalize on their momentum as the game passed the hour mark, Saudi Arabia four points, with Saudi Arabia leading the group in ing opportunities in the first 30 minutes. The play the game went scoreless into half-time. started pressing intensely and had several oppor- goal difference. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia plays its mainly centered in the midfield throughout the first The pace of play quickened at the start of the tunities to score including a free kick that narrow- final match against Oman, while the UAE squares off half. The first scoring chance came after eight min- second half, with UAE having two missed scoring ly went above the post, and a cross into the penal- against the host country Kuwait. The game was played utes when a UAE shot missed its target. UAE kept chances in the first 10 minutes. The UAE goalkeep- ty area that was caught by the UAE goalkeeper before a crowd of 47,566.

in 248 games to 258 for Manning and 293 for Favre. With would open the door for the Seattle Seahawks (9-6), who Saints, Rams, Chiefs, 70,200 career passing yards, Brees could crack Manning’s eliminated host Dallas 21-12 to stay in contention before all-time passing yardage mark of 71,940 next season. But facing Arizona next Sunday. the play of the game belonged to Saints rookie cornerback Dallas rusher Ezekiel Elliott, back from a six-game sus- Panthers clinch Marshon Lattimore, who found a unique way to pickoff an pension over a domestic violence issue, was not given the interception while face down on the field, what was ball late near the goal line and the Cowboys did not score, dubbed the “butt pick.” crushing victory and playoff hopes. The Seahawks were playoff spots Matt Ryan’s throw popped into the air before falling the first team since the 1966 Philadelphia Eagles to win a onto the rear of prone Lattimore. After the ball landed on game with more penalty yards than total yardage. his backside, Lattimore reached back with his hands, WASHINGTON: Drew Brees reached an NFL milestone brought his legs up to his rear to keep the ball from falling Gurley leads Rams’ victory and threw a touchdown after a rear-aided interception to onto the field and rolled over to complete his fifth inter- Rams rusher Todd Gurley became the first player since power the New Orleans Saints into the NFL playoffs ception of the season, with some help from teammate Herschel Walker of Dallas in 1986 to run for more than 100 Sunday by beating Atlanta 23-13. The Los Angeles Rams, Marcus Williams. Brees threw a 54-yard touchdown pass yards and have more than 150 receiving yards in a game, Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers also won to to Ted Ginn Jnr three plays later. scoring two touchdowns as Los Angeles clinched the NFC clinch post-season berths on the penultimate weekend of “That was a huge swing, for them to be in position to West title by beating host Tennessee 27-23. Gurley ran 21 the 2017 NFL campaign. get points before the half, and then we got the big play,” times for 115 yards while catching 10 passes for 158 yards New England, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Minnesota and Saints coach Sean Payton said. “Our defense was magnifi- and touchdowns of 3 and 80 yards. Jacksonville had already secured playoff berths, which cent. It was the difference in the game. We came up with Rams quarterback Jared Goff completed 22 of 38 pass- leaves three wildcard spots up for grabs next Sunday some key stops.” The Saints (11-4) snapped a three-season es for 301 yards and four touchdowns, including the game- before the playoffs begin in January. Brees, who turns 39 playoff drought but remained deadlocked atop the NFC winning 14-yarder to Cooper Kupp with 11:51 to play. The next month, completed 21-of-28 passes for 239 yards to South division with Carolina after the Panthers edged Rams (11-4) took their first division title since 2003 and spark the Saints, becoming the fastest quarterback in NFL Tampa Bay 22-19. first playoff berth since 2004, both when the team was history to surpass 70,000 career passing yards in the New Orleans can clinch the division crown next week based in St. Louis. They last won a division title in Los process. by winning at Tampa Bay or having Carolina lose at Angeles in 1985. Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith completed Brees joined retired stars Peyton Manning and Brett Atlanta. The Saints swept two games with Carolina this 25 of 39 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown to power NEW ORLEANS: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Favre in reaching the milestone with a 12-yard screen pass season to earn a tie-breaker edge. Atlanta (9-6) can clinch host Kansas City over Miami 29-13 to secure the AFC Orleans Saints signals first down against the Atlanta to Mark Ingram during the first quarter, reaching the mark the last NFC playoff spot by beating Carolina but a loss West division crown. —AFP Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.—AFP Established 1961

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017 Business

Tokyo stocks edge Lexus LC 500 grabs attention NBK remains largest 18up at the close 19 for design excellence 21 contributor in Kuwait

MUMBAI: A shop attendant sits outside a store decorated with Christmas items in Mumbai.—AFP Israel regulator seeks to ban bitcoin

Bitcoin plunged by 30% to below $12,000

JERUSALEM: Israel’s markets regulator said yester- on the day. day he will propose regulation to ban companies “We feel that the prices of bitcoin behave like based on bitcoin and other digital currencies from bubbles and we don’t want investors to be subject to trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE). that volatility and uncertainty,” Hauser said. “There Shmuel Hauser, the chairman of the Israel Securities is an importance to signal to the market where Authority (ISA), told the Calcalist business confer- things are... Investors should know where we stand.” ence he will bring the pro- Earlier this month, Hauser posal to the ISA board next had said bitcoin-based week. If approved, it would companies would not be be subject to a public hear- included in TASE indexes ing and then the TASE and that there was a need bylaws would need to be for a suitable regulatory amended. Trading will framework for such instru- “If we have a company ments given that the global that their main business is be suspended market value of all digital digital currencies we would currencies grew in 2017 to not allow it. If already list- $300 billion from $18 bil- ed, its trading will be sus- lion. The proposal will like- pended,” Hauser said, ly be the last for Hauser, adding the ISA must find the appropriate regulation who will step down next month after 6-1/2 years as for such companies. Bitcoin plunged by 30 percent ISA chief. “But once it’s on its way it will continue to to below $12,000 on Friday as investors dumped the be pursued,” said Hauser, who will be replaced by cryptocurrency after its sharp rise to nearly Anat Guetta. He said he hopes she will promote eas- $20,000. It recouped some losses to trade above ing capital gains taxes and focus on regulatory ITALY: This file photo shows the logo Bitcoin in Rovereto, northern Italy.—AFP $14,000 on the Bitstamp platform, down 9 percent enforcement.—Reuters

above $65 a barrel in recent weeks, their high- found. Ineos said the oil and gas processing Ineos starts testing est level since mid-2015. facility Kinneil should restart in the next 24 Forties plays an important role in the global hours. “Based on current estimates the com- market as it is the biggest of the five North pany expects to bring the pipeline and Kinneil UK’s Forties North Sea crude streams underpinning Brent, a progressively back to normal rates early in the benchmark for oil trading in Europe, the new year,” Ineos said. Sea oil pipeline Middle East, Africa and Asia. “The repair of Ineos was forced to declare force majeure the pipeline ... is now mechanically complete on deliveries of Forties crude oil, natural gas and pressure testing is well under way,” Ineos and condensate, suspending its contractual after repairs said in a statement. “A small number of cus- obligations to customers by citing circum- tomers are now sending oil and gas through stances beyond its control. This is believed the pipeline at low rates as part of a coordi- to be the first force majeure on a major LONDON: Britain’s Forties oil and gas nated plan that allows Ineos to carefully con- North Sea production stream in decades. pipeline, one of the biggest in the North Sea, trol the flow and pressure in the system”. Ineos didn’t say when it expected to lift the is being tested following repairs and full flows The system, which carries about 450,000 force majeure. Ineos, a privately-owned should resume in early January, its operator barrels per day of crude to Britain, along with chemicals company based in Switzerland, Ineos said yesterday. The closure of the a third of the country’s total offshore natural bought the pipeline system from BP in late pipeline since Dec 11 has pushed oil prices gas output, was shut down after a crack was October.—Reuters 18 Established 1961 Business Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Tokyo stocks edge up at the close in quite trading

Small-caps bring down the market

TOKYO: Tokyo stocks closed slightly higher yester- Panasonic gained 0.39 percent to 1,674.5 yen, while day in quiet trading, with investors sidelined by the Sony dipped 0.02 percent to 5,191 yen. Christmas holiday. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index Banks were lower, with Sumitomo Mitsui Financial edged up 0.16 percent, or 36.42 points, to end at dropping 1.17 percent to 4,917 yen and Mitsubishi 22,939.18, while the broader Topix index was up 0.16 UFJ falling 0.72 percent to 839.8 yen. The yen percent, or 2.85 points, at 1,831.93. “Trading is very changed hands at 113.25 yen in Asian trade, com- thin in holiday mode with a lack of foreign investors,” pared with 113.28 yen in New York late Friday. said Toshikazu Horiuchi, a Chinese stocks ended down broker at IwaiCosmo on Monday as the sell-off in Securities. “Players are small-caps dragged down feeling a sense of achieve- the market, dealers said. ment after the US tax cut The benchmark was finally completed,” Trading is very Shanghai Composite Index Horiuchi said. lost 0.50 percent, or 16.60 Presient Donald Trump thin in holiday points, to 3,280.46. The brought forward a bill Shenzhen Composite signing originally slated mode Index, which tracks stocks for January to fulfil a on China’s second promise to deliver tax cuts exchange, fell 0.93 percent, by Christmas. US stocks or 17.67 points, to repeatedly set records earlier in the month in antici- 1,883.89. “Small-caps brought down the market pation of the measure, but began to sag last week as amid lingering year-end worries,” said Li Daxiao, an the proposal cleared the final hurdles in Washington. analyst with Yingda Securities. Hong Kong’s stock In Tokyo share trading, Toyota was flat at 7,282 yen, market was closed for a public holiday along with while Nissan rose 0.67 percent to 1,128 yen. most Asian markets. —AFP TOKYO: A man looks at an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. — AP

Amazon Cloud Cam synched to the internet and a smart door UPAC signs KD 50.1 million Home security startup lock from either Yale or Kwikset. Prices for kits start at $250, according to Seattle-based Amazon. Prime members with the service can use a smartphone appli- Loan Facility Agreement Blink says bought cation to track packages and then watch deliveries happening or KUWAIT: United Projects for Aviation Services winning VOX Cinemas, including large-format review video of in-home drop-offs, the company said. Key Company (UPAC), a leading commercial real IMAX screens, the exclusive fine dining experi- by Amazon allows someone making a delivery to request access to the estate and facilities management company, is ence of Theatre by Rhodes and the children- recipient’s home, with Amazon checking to make sure the proper pleased to announce the signing of a five-year focused VOX Kids. VOX Cinemas will be fused SAN FRANCISCO: Blink on Friday put out word that online driver is at the right location at the intended time before unlock- KD 50.1 million loan facility agreement with two with Magic Planet, the region’s largest network of retail goliath Amazon has bought the startup specializing in wire- ing doors, according to a description of the service. of Kuwait’s leading commercial banks, Gulf Bank family entertainment centres. less home security cameras. “We’ll continue to operate under the A Cloud Cam providing a view of the inside entryway goes Kuwait and Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), to finance “Leasing for Reem Mall is progressing well Amazon umbrella,” Blink said in a blog post. into action when doors are unlocked, record- its investment in Abu Dhabi’s Reem Mall. and negotiations are underway with leading retail “It’s Day 1 for us at Amazon, and we’re ing a delivery. Delivery people will not be giv- Nadia Akil, UPAC Chief Executive Officer groups. We are proud to have executed agree- looking forward to seeing what we can en access codes, as unlocking doors will be said, “We are extremely proud to have signed this ments with prominent retailers that include deliver to our customers together.” done via the internet. Amazon said it is work- facility with Gulf Bank and ABK. This not only Landmark, Dubai Holding Group, Majid Al The US startup last week added video ing on partnerships with professional service marks a key turning point in the pro- Futtaim and others, bringing many of doorbell priced at $99 to its home security providers such as cleaners, pet sitters, and gression of the project, bringing it a the top international and local brands system offerings. Financial terms of the dog walkers to allow Key to be used to allow step closer to successful completion, including Vox cinemas, Magic Planet, acquisition were not disclosed, and Amazon them access into houses as desired by cus- but it also marks a key turning point Carrefour, Centrepoint, Max, New did not reply to an AFP inquiry. Amazon tomers. for UPAC’s growth strategy and Look, and Snow Park Abu Dhabi,” recently stretched its delivery arm inside homes with the debut of US retail giant and staunch Amazon rival Walmart late this diversification as one of the largest she said. a smart lock and camera combination that also signaled a move year began testing its own in-home delivery in collaboration and first projects of its kind outside In November, Agility, UPAC, and into home security. with a company specializing in smart cameras, doorbells, and of Kuwait.” NREC, the consortium behind Reem “Amazon Key,” available to members of the internet giant’s locks. Expanding into home security opened a new competi- Adding, “UPAC’s solid financial Mall announced that financing for the Prime subscription service in an array of US cities, was pitched tive front with Google’s parent company Alphabet, owner of position and sound reputation no $1.2 billion project was completed as a secure and trackable way for packages to be delivered Nest Labs which has a line of new products aimed at that doubt facilitated the success and clo- through the signing a seven-year inside homes when people aren’t there. Each Key kit includes an market. —AFP sure of this agreement, as it supports credit facility agreement for $457 our future expansion plans in the Nadia Akil million with regional and internation- commercial real estate market, to al banks. In addition, last month, includeAbu Dhabi’s Reem Mall. I Reem Mall appointed Itinera would like to extend my gratitude to Gulf Bank Ghantoot as lead contractor for the project. Kuwait and ABK for their trust in our capabilities Itinera Ghantoot is a joint venture between and supporting our plans in Abu Dhabi.” Itinera, one of Italy’s largest construction compa- Upon completion, Reem Mall will offer 2.9 nies, and Ghantoot, one of the UAE’s leading dures, internal controls and million square feet of retail, leisure, dining and builders, which has extensive experience in Abu ABK trains employees principles that comply with entertainment on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island. Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. the requirements in the manu- Comprising 450 stores housing local and inter- She concluded, “At UPAC, we aim to diversify al, and the training is to acti- national brands, 85 of which will be Food and our portfolio further with our investment in Reem on importance of vate these controls and to put Beverage outlets, as well as a range of family- Mall, and in the future of Abu Dhabi as a strong them into practice for both focused entertainment and edutainment and viable tourist destination. Abu Dhabi has ‘Customer Protection’ the employees and customers’ anchors, Reem Mall will be a unique addition to grown to become a world-class tourist destina- awareness. The lectures and Abu Dhabi’s family leisure attractions. The proj- tion, offering a wide range of cultural events, KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) recently announced its workshops that will be pre- ect is being developed by Al Farwaniya exhibitions and museums.” success in training the majority of its employees through e-learn- sented in the coming period represent a continuation of ABK’s Property Developments, a partnership between Al Farwaniya Property Development - a part- ing courses to increase the awareness of the Bank’s ‘Customer efforts to create a new cultural and professional environment, Agility, UPAC, and National Real Estate nership between Kuwaiti firms National Real Protection Manual’ which is aimed at protecting the Bank’s cus- and to reiterate the importance of customer protection. Company (NREC). Estate Company (NREC) and United Projects for tomers. The Head of the Complaints and Customer Protection The manual contains a set of general principles aimed at Reem Mall is set to feature Majid Al Futtaim Aviation Services Company Al Farwaniya Unit at ABK, Ali BuHamad, stated that the manual to protect cus- enhancing the protection of banking customers and creating an Ventures’ range of world class entertainment Property Development - a partnership between tomers includes an important set of instructions that complements environment suitable for the preservation of their rights, which offerings as part of landmark collaboration Kuwaiti firms National Real Estate Company the directives and guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait. is compliant with the instructions and controls of the regulatory including Snow Park Abu Dhabi -the region’s first (NREC) and United Projects for Aviation ABK has further updated and developed new policies, proce- bodies, particularly the Central Bank of Kuwait. standalone, themed indoor snowpark- the award- Services Company (UPAC).

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Canadian dollar 239.520 Syrian Pound 1.590 Asia Turkish lira 80.090 Nepalese Rupees 2.958 Bangladesh Taka 0.003298 0.003882 Swiss Franc 309.240 Chinese Yuan 0.044544 0.048044 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 75.020 Australian Dollar 236.600 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036662 0.039412 Japanese Yen 2.673 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.400 US Dollar Buying 301.550 Indian Rupee 0.004130 0.004771 Indian Rupees 4.731 Thai Bhat 10.225 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Pakistani Rupees 2.759 Turkish Lira 79.765 GOLD Japanese Yen 0.002586 0.002766 Srilankan Rupees 1.977 20 Gram 260.520 Korean Won 0.000270 0.000285 Nepali Rupees 2.962 10 Gram 133.180 Bahrain Exchange Company Malaysian Ringgit 0.070580 0.076580 Singapore Dollar 227.030 5 Gram 67.430 Hongkong Dollar 38.727 Nepalese Rupee 0.003021 0.003191 Bangladesh Taka 3.635 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.002579 0.002869 Philippine Peso 6.040 Europe Philippine Peso 0.005917 0.006217 Thai Baht 9.267 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.398750 0.406250 Singapore Dollar 0.219765 0.229765 Czech Korune 0.005916 0.015216 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001697 0.002277 GCC COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Danish Krone 0.044122 0.049122 Taiwan 0.009991 0.010171 Saudi Riyal 80.787 US Dollar 302.400 Euro 0. 353231 0.360730 Thai Baht 0.008918 0.009468 Qatari Riyal 83.207 Canadian Dollar 238.470 Georgian Lari 0.134844 0.134844 Omani Riyal 786.772 Hungarian 0.001059 0.001249 Arab Bahraini Dinar 804.440 Sterling Pound 405.520 Norwegian Krone 0.032287 0.037487 Bahraini Dinar 0.796269 0.804769 UAE Dirham 82.482 Euro 360.265 Swiss Frank 300.405 Romanian Leu 0.064785 0.081635 Egyptian Pound 0.014736 0.020454 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 ARAB COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 802.595 Russian ruble 0.005174 0.005174 Iraqi Dinar 0.000186 0.000246 Egyptian Pound - Cash 20.160 UAE Dirhams 82.725 Slovakia 0.009023 0.019023 Jordanian Dinar 0.422401 0.431401 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.943 Qatari Riyals 83.545 Swedish Krona 0.032153 0.037153 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.216 Saudi Riyals 81.500 Swiss Franc 0.299301 0.310301 Lebanese Pound 0.000151 0.000251 Tunisian Dinar 123.570 Jordanian Dinar 427.795 Australasia Moroccan Dirhams 0.022130 0.046130 Jordanian Dinar 426.950 Egyptian Pound 17.077 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.018 Australian Dollar 0.225122 0.237122 Omani Riyal 0.0780045 0.785725 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.978 Syrian Lira 0.000 New Zealand Dollar 0.206130 0.215630 Qatar Riyal 0.078863 0.083603 Morocco Dirham 32.836 Indian Rupees 4.723 Saudi Riyal 0.079647 0.080947 Pakistani Rupees 2.740 America Syrian Pound 0.001283 0.001503 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 3.668 Canadian Dollar 0.232367 0.241367 Tunisian Dinar 0.117287 0.125287 US Dollar Transfer 302.750 Philippines Pesso 6.018 US Dollars 0.298650 0.303070 Turkish Lira 0.074213 0.084513 Euro 362.090 Cyprus pound 17.995 US Dollars Mint 0.299150 0.303070 UAE Dirhams 0.081002 0.082702 Sterling Pound 407.800 Japanese Yen 3.670 Yemeni Riyal 0.000984 0.001064 Established 1961 19 Business Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Lexus LC 500 grabs attention for design excellence Coupe defines new era for global luxury brand

Within a year of its launch LC 500, the luxury coupe from craftsmanship, exhilarating performance. capability and performance. Earlier the LC had grabbed design of the LC 500 shares many of the key elements, Lexus has grabbed attention again becoming a finalist The LC 500 is the first ever luxury automobile to fea- two awards for design excellence on its debut at the 2016 proportions and visual dynamism of the LF-LC concept among 2018 Motor Trend Car of the Year. For Lexus it ture a 10-speed automatic transmission. Powered by high- North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). car. The challenge for Lexus designers was to work in has been a journey that began with the LFA that culminat- revving 5.0-liter V8 engine, the luxury coupe is also the The provocative, athletic flagship car bagged the 2016 conjunction with the engineers to find new ways to rede- ed in the LC 500, the pinnacle of Lexus inspiration and first Lexus to use the brand’s all-new, premium rear-wheel- EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence in the fine the Lexus design style with dynamic design and vision, cutting edge technology, daring design, master drive luxury platform, which promises enhanced dynamic Production Car category and for Interior Design. The advanced technology. Panasonic launches large capacity commercial refrigerator in Kuwait KUWAIT CITY: Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa (PMMAF), in collaboration with its local partner Easa Husain Al-Yousifi & Sons Co., is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new large capacity commercial refrigerator exclusively for the Kuwaiti market. The energy saving inverter K series model boasts advanced cooling performance, and is designed to provide reliable food storage solutions for the coun- try’s booming food and beverage industry. The K series, available in 1087 L and 1343 L capacities, is unique with its beautiful combination of design and technology. It offers generous storage space for food and bever- age of all sizes, thanks to its minimized space for the cooling fan and refrigeration unit. Built with auto-clos- ing door, the appliance provides high airtightness, help- ing keep food fresh for longer. Boosting its high-usabil- ity quality is the ergonomic design handle for easy grip, stainless internal cabinet, as well as anti-bacterial treat- ed handle, shelves and door packing. For easy mainte- capital vision 2030 in place, we are happy to be a part these breakthrough products.” ingly for greater energy saving. nance and cleaning, swing up front grill, detachable of this, offering cutting edge products and solutions to Complementing the K series’ well-thought design In addition to this intelligent feature, it is engi- condenser filter and refrigeration unit, refrigerant businesses, helping them provide their customers with is its unmatched Japanese technology for an efficient neered with inverter compressor, automatic frame charge port and stain-resistant surface door are high-quality products.” and reliable performance. It has an advanced cooling heater and an automatic condensing fan speed con- installed. Wael Deeb, General Manager of the electronics system that guarantees food freshness and helps pre- trol to further increase its energy efficiency capabili- Yasuhiro Shibata, Director - Panasonic Cold Chain department at Easa Husain Al-Yousifi commented, vent bacteria from growing, thus delaying the risks of ty. The product unveiling took place recently at the Business Division said, “The launch of the commercial “The Kuwaiti F&B market is booming and a high- any food spoilage. It is also equipped with Best Al-Yousifi Electronics showroom in Shuwaikh K series refrigerator is a testament to our commitment quality product like this with advanced features will Panasonic’s patented intelligent ECONAVI sensing and was attended by PMMAF representatives from of bringing the innovative Panasonic technology to vital certainly appeal to our discerning consumers in technology that guarantees optimum energy savings the Cold Chain Business Division - Yasuhiro Shibata, sectors such as the booming local F&B market in Kuwait. Businesses are always on the lookout for of up to 40 percent. The ECONAVI sensors detect Director (Overseas); Hidenori Oya, Chief Engineer; Kuwait. This appliance has been engineered with inno- innovative solutions to help them grow and deliver lighting conditions, frequency of door opening, as Mitsuhiro Maeda, Chief Engineer and Mikihiro vative features that will raise the bar on food storage the best possible services to their customers; well as internal and external temperature levels, and Obayashi, Chief (Overseas), in addition to the press for the commercial sector. With Kuwait’s world food Panasonic certainly has the expertise in developing adjust the refrigerator’s internal temperature accord- and media agencies. NBK Walkathon winners begin new journey with Renault Koleos, Megane

Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co., authorized agent requirements backed by a local product range. The vehi- the preferred choice among many, the Renault Megane of Renault in the State of Kuwait recently presented cle was specifically designed after having undergone accommodates customers who enjoy success with a dis- Ibrahim Dsousky and Dan Solo with the latest models of extensive road testing in real-world conditions over sev- tinct social appeal, and brings with it record breaking Renault Koleos and Renault Megane respectively at the eral million kilometers during its course of development. roominess. Renault Al Babtain will continue to partici- Renault showroom in Al-Rai. Ibrahim Dsousky was Dan Solo was the lucky winner who received the pate in driving Kuwait’s community initiatives forward excited to receive the Renault Koleos, a powerful and Renault Megane, a C Seda, which is a popular choice in through its commitment to encourage a healthier and refined SUV that is finely tuned with the Middle Eastern this market where dynamic compact saloon cars remain better lifestyle. 20 Established 1961

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Business Dollar steady but its funding costs soar TOKYO: The dollar was little changed ditures (PCE) price index excluding volatile will be the dollar,” he added. “The dollar hit major currency pairs including the the year-end. The one-week forward dis- against other major currencies yesterday in food and energy prices, rose 0.1 percent in this year’s high against the yen and also euro/dollar and the dollar/yen, according count starting from Wednesday jumped to holiday-thinned trading while the cost of November for an annual increase of 1.5 against a basket of major currencies on Jan. to the Thomson Reuters FX Volume 0.23 yen from around 0.04 yen in the mid- swapping the yen for the dollar jumped as percent, accelerating from 1.4 percent in 3 and I expect a similar pattern next year Heatmap. dle of last week. banks scrambled to raise dollars for the October. The data helped to push the two- as well.” On the other hand, the discount for buy- “Because foreign banks are away and few year-end period. The dollar stood little year U.S. yield to a nine-year high of 1.899 The euro was also little changed at ing the yen at future dates widened sharply market players are eager to offer dollars, the changed at 113.30 yen in Asian trade on percent and dollar interest rate futures to $1.1850, having slipped a tad on Friday as non-U.S. banks, which typically buys forward market is very thin,” said a currency Monday, hardly gaining traction from price in more than two rate hikes next year after Catalan separatists won a regional dollars now with sell-back contract at a trader at a major Japanese bank. “The mar- upbeat US economic data published on for the first time. election, deepening Spain’s political crisis future date, scrambled to procure green- ket is very volatile and there are hardly any Friday. US consumer spending accelerated “2017 was the year when the dollar in a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister backs for the year-end. On the other hand, trades beyond one week,” he said. On in November and shipments of key capital couldn’t rise even as the dollar short-term Mariano Rajoy and European Union lead- the discount for selling the dollar/yen at Monday, cryptocurrency Bitcoin slipped 4.0 goods orders increased for the 10th interest rates rose,” said Minori Uchida, ers who backed him. With most currency future dates widened sharply as non-US percent to $13,615 on Bitstamp exchange. straight month. chief currency analyst at the Bank of trading centers except for Tokyo shut on banks, which typically buys dollars for yen On Friday, it fell as to as low as $11,160 - 43 The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. “As long as US Monday for Christmas, trading volume was now with sell-back contract at a future percent below its Dec. 17 record peak of measure, the personal consumption expen- long-term bond yields are capped, so too less than 20 percent of the average for date, scrambled to procure greenbacks for $19,666 hit - before recovering.—Reuters Established 1961 21 Business Tuesday, December 26, 2017 NBK remains largest contributor in Kuwait

NBK encourages educational, professional development

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) pioneered its corporate social responsibility programs in 2017, maintain- ing its position as the largest contributor to the Kuwait community in the private sector. “NBK has a long tradition of sup- porting social and community oriented activities in the country,” said Manal Al- Mattar, NBK Public Relations Assistant General Manager. “We believe that our people are our most valuable resource and to that end we’ve implemented numerous professional development and training programs to encourage the education and professional development of Kuwait’s youth,” added Al-Mattar.

Health care NBK’s social initiatives and programs included the opening of Stem Cell Therapy NBK organized and el, offering professional training as well as Unit, the new state-of-the-art cancer wing supported a chil- growth opportunities to further instil pro- for NBK Children’s Hospital. This new cen- dren’s carnival at fessional skill sets and contribute to the ter is the largest corporate social responsi- Bayt Abdullah development, long term stability and bility donation of KD 7 million in Kuwait During 2017, NBK sponsored the activities bility. NBK continues to be a leader in Children’s Hospice, growth of the national economy. and will expand the hospital’s ability to of PAAET. NBK takes this opportunity to social welfare programs in Kuwait as part an initiative which In 2017, NBK organized training pro- treat children with cancer and blood dis- work in coordination with various educa- of its deeply-rooted commitment to included entertain- grams including NBK academy, Shabab eases. tional institutions with the aim of support- Kuwait’s society and its corporate social ment and activities training program and summer internship During 2017, NBK launched a fun activi- ing students successfully transition to the responsibility program. for resident children. program, in addition to professional pro- ty program for children at NBK’s Children workforce. NBK continued its commitment and grams in collaboration with world class Specialty Hospital and Stem Cell Therapy support for educational institutions, non- Supporting universities. Unit. The program extends all over the year Manal Al-Mattar Employee volunteering governmental organizations, charity women’s health and includes a library corner, storytelling National Bank of Kuwait organized groups, health care and professional insti- issues Support education sessions, fun events and a movie night many volunteer and charity initiatives dur- tutions as well as with other social welfare NBK takes a leading role in Kuwait As part of this strategy, NBK honored activity that are organized occasionally. ing 2017. Employees organized volunteer programs in first-of-their-kind partner- society to support and raise awareness outstanding high school graduates of pub- Children at the hospital will have the groups to distribute Iftar meals during the ships for the development of Kuwait such about women’s health issues. In 2016, the lic schools for the school year 2016-2017. chance to choose their favorite story to month of Ramadan, they also took the ini- as KRCS, Bayt Abdullah for Children’s bank encouraged women’s health through The bank expressed its appreciation to read or a cartoon movie to watch with their tiative to organize the cleaning of Kuwait’s Hospice and LOYAC, KALD, Jidariyat and the important ‘Be Aware’ breast cancer these students for their hard work through family and friends. NBK has provided a beaches during summer months and the center 21. awareness program. As part of the initia- cash rewards and more importantly, pro- display screen, entertainment facilities, cleaning of public spaces. NBK staff also NBK is the Humanitarian strategic part- tive, NBK provided for discounted mam- fessional training opportunities to encour- variety of different and various books and donated blood for the Kuwait Blood Bank ner for the Kuwait Red Crescent Society mograms and wellness check-ups for age them to always work hard and excel. other supplies for children to enjoy the female employees at local hospitals, dis- whole program. tributed pink ribbon awareness pins to staff KU universities fair NBK was the main sponsor and ‘I Dream To Be’ Initiative organizer of the KU Universities Fair For the fourth year in a row, NBK for the second consecutive year. continued to implement the first-of-its- Organized by KU’s student affairs, the kind ‘I Dream To Be’ program for chil- fair featured more than 50 educational dren in Kuwait hospitals facing life- institutes including public and private threatening conditions. The effort helps Our people are universities and colleges, Ministry of children realize their ‘dreams’ in order Higher Education, National Guard and to promote their emotional and psycho- our most valuable all the military academies. Exhibitors logical wellbeing and helps them fight met with graduates during the fair to their illnesses. resource help them choose among all the avail- able academic disciplines, learn more Healing book about how to register and provide aca- As part of the Bank’s commitment to demic consultancies. support children battling against cancer, and also offered daily tips and information NBK introduced a short story book named via NBK social media. Al-Shaheed Park “Abdallah Wins.” The book tells the story As part of its social responsibility, NBK of a young boy battling a life threatening HR, educational initiatives sponsored Al-Shaheed park’s cultural illness and how he works to overcome this and distributed water to low income labor- for its social support and initiatives with Largest employer in the private sector events during the year in order to support challenge. ers during the summer. The staff also the society. In 2017, the bank supported In 2017, as part of its commitment to cultural and heritage activities and encour- donated new clothes to families in need KRCS initiative to help fund the education providing job opportunities to new gradu- age Kuwait’s youth to develop community BACCH, KACCH and organized other initiatives and activi- of children of low-income families in ates, NBK actively recruited more than 258 responsibility and engagement. NBK works closely with the Kuwait ties aimed at supporting Kuwait’s lower Kuwait. skilled graduates and young talents. Association for the Care of Children in income communities. Schools, universities Hospital (KACCH) and Bayt Abdullah for Health initiatives Training programs During the school year, NBK hosted the Care of Children in Hospice (BACCH) Social care Annual Walkathon Every year, NBK assesses the need for several groups of visiting school and uni- to maximize its reach to children in need In 2017, NBK implemented a series of NBK organizes an annual walkathon professional development of the youth of versity students in Kuwait on field visits to and to give top priority to sick children philanthropic missions and social welfare aiming at supporting health and raising Kuwait, a core commitment of the bank. learn about the banking industry and day- with life-threatening illnesses. In 2016, programs as part of the humanitarian awareness for outdoor practices. During NBK invests in Kuwait’s youth at every lev- to-day operations of various departments. dimension of its corporate social responsi- this year, More than nine thousand contest- ants participated in NBK’s Walkathon cul- minated with a prize giving ceremony where NBK awarded the top 100 partici- pants, and gave away many valuable prizes that exceeded KD 35,000.

Do good deeds in Ramadan For more than two decades, NBK has provided charitable, social and philan- thropic programs during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Among its most prominent and successful Ramadan programs is the ‘Do Good Deeds in Ramadan’ initiative. Comprised of a series of activities and events aimed at encouraging community engagement and charity in Kuwait, Do Good Deeds exemplifies NBK’s efforts to serve as a role model and community leader. 22 Established 1961 Technology Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Eric Schmidt stepping down as chair of Alphabet board Sundar Pichai promoted to chief of Google

SAN FRANCISCO: Google’s parent company dubbed Alphabet to include internet search and a the time is right in Alphabet’s evolution for this transi- Alphabet on Thursday announced that Eric Schmidt handful of independent companies. Page became tion,” Schmidt said. “The Alphabet structure is work- will step down as chairman, remaining on the board chief executive at Alphabet, a holding company for ing well, and Google and the Other Bets are thriving.” but shifting into a role as a technical advisor. “In the tech giant’s search products and “other bets” such recent years, I’ve been spending a lot of my time on Waymo self-driving car unit; Nest smart home gadg- Poaching people science and technology issues, and philanthropy, and During his tenure, Schmidt wound up at the center I plan to expand that work,” Schmidt said in a release. of a civil suit in US federal court over an “anti-poach- Schmidt’s stint as executive chairman is to end at a ing” agreement involving tech giants Apple, Google, regularly-scheduled board meeting next month, Intel and Adobe. The long-running case alleged that according to Alphabet. Google founders Larry Page major tech companies in Silicon Valley had secret and Sergey Brin recruited the proven businessman Schmidt plans agreements not to hire each other’s employees, in a and skilled software engineer as chief executive in move to keep salaries under control. The lawsuit, 2001, bringing a mature hand to the helm of the then on expanding which led to a $415 million settlement, alleged that the three-year-old internet search company. late Apple chief Steve Jobs, Google chairman Schmidt Schmidt, Page, and Brin were considered a power his work and other tech executives were part of the conspiracy. Eric Schmidt triumvirate in control of Google. Page replaced Other companies in the lawsuit which reached ear- Schmidt as chief executive a decade later, but lier settlements included eBay, Lucasfilm, Pixar and Schmidt remained at the head of the board of direc- Intuit. Schmidt served for a few years on the Apple tors. “Eric has provided us with business and engi- board of directors, but left there in 2009 as iPhone neering expertise and a clear vision about the future maker’s rivalry with Android-backer Google intensi- president in 2008. His philanthropic endeavors of technology,” Alphabet chief Page said in a release. ets, and Google Fiber internet service. fied. Schmidt ranks among the world’s richest people. include the Schmidt Family Foundation established “Continuing his 17 years of service to the company, Sundar Pichai was promoted to chief of Google, A Forbes real-time tracker on Thursday pegged his with his wife and focus on challenges such as climate he’ll now be helping us as a technical advisor on sci- which includes leading online video-sharing service net worth at $13.8 billion, with most of that held in the change and protecting the environment. Schmidt is ence and technology issues.” YouTube. Eric Schmidt went from being executive form of Alphabet shares. also known to speak out on technology issues, About two years ago, Google unveiled a surprise chairman at Google to having the same role at Schmidt was listed as a donor and advisor to the expressing concerns about matters such as online corporate overhaul, forming a new parent company Alphabet. “Larry, Sergey, Sundar and I all believe that winning campaign by Barack Obama to become US spying and barriers to the free-flow of data.—AFP

Google VP vows China has shut down ‘vigilance’ after 13,000 websites US net neutrality since 2015 rollback GENEVA: Google’s vice president Vint Cerf voiced concern BEIJING: China has shut down or revoked the Thursday about a US move to roll back “net neutrality” licenses of 13,000 websites since 2015 for violat- rules for internet access, and vowed to be on the lookout for ing the country’s internet rules, state media report- any “serious side effects”. Cerf, considered one of the ed Sunday. The news comes as the Communist fathers of the internet, also said he believed that the deci- country continues to strengthen its already tight sion to overturn the rules requiring internet providers to regulation of the internet, a move which critics say treat all traffic equally was not the last word in the matter. has picked up pace since President Xi Jinping Several lawsuits are expected to try to block the came to power in 2012. change, and a political shift in Washington could also lead Platforms have also closed nearly 10 million to a reinstatement of the rules, Cerf told journalists on the internet accounts for “violating service protocol”, sidelines of an annual conference on internet governance in Geneva. “I don’t know yet what is likely to happen,” he the official news agency said Sunday, likely refer- said, “but if the neutrality rules are never reinstated, then ring to social media accounts. “These moves have a the speculation is that consumer interests will be harmed.” powerful deterrent effect,” Xinhua quoted Wang The US Federal Communications Commission adopted Shengjun, vice chairman of the Standing this month a proposal by its Republican-appointed chair- Committee of the National People’s Congress man Ajit Pai to scrap rules adopted in 2015, which he said (NPC), as saying. were “heavy handed” and discouraged investment and Despite being home to the world’s largest num- innovation. Critics say that without the rules, broadband GENEVA: Google vice president and co-inventor of the internet protocol Vint Cerf looks on as he speaks to ber of internet users, a 2015 report by US think providers could change how the internet works by possi- reporters on the sidelines of the annual Internet Governance Forum at the United Nations Offices in Geneva. —AFP tank Freedom House found that the country had bly blocking or throttling services or websites for compet- the most restrictive online use policies of 65 itive reasons. nations it studied, ranking below Iran and Syria. Cerf said that one “extreme example” of what could Cerf also cautioned that the “blockchain” technology extra memory.” A few years ago, he sounded the alarm This year alone, it has enacted new rules requiring happen without the rules is an internet that resembles that underpins cryptocurrencies was not optimal in areas over the danger that all the documents and images saved foreign tech companies to store user data inside “cable television, where... services vary depending upon where there is a very high rate of transactions. “It certainly on digital devices might one day become unreadable, the country, imposed fresh content restrictions, ability to pay.” While such a scenario was “pure specula- does not have the character of a system for keeping track plunging the world into a “digital Dark Age”. and made it increasingly difficult to use software tion,” he said, “in the absence of those rules in place, many of... billions of transactions a day,” he said. “Blockchain is “I am still very worried about digital preservation,” he tools that allow users to circumvent censors. of us, including me, will be very vigilant to watch whether not a solution to everything, and it is certainly not pixie said Thursday. Pointing to the old floppy disks full of data dust that you sprinkle on something and suddenly it causes in his basement, he warned that when you save information Google, Facebook, Twitter and The New York there are any serious side effects.” a miracle,” he said, though he acknowledged it is “a poten- digitally, there is no guarantee that there will be readers or Times are all blocked in China, among countless Cerf, who co-invented the protocols used online, also addressed the current bitcoin bonanza, warning that the tially useful technology for some things.” the software needed to retrieve it in the future. “I’m think- other foreign websites. Beijing strictly defends ing in 100-year, 500-year terms here,” he said. what it calls “cyber sovereignty” and maintains appetite for the volatile virtual currency, whose value has skyrocketed, “bears some similarity” to the Dutch “tulip Notes on paper “If our world is increasingly manifesting in digital form, that its various forms of web censorship-collec- craze” in the 17th century. Before that bubble burst in Despite being a high-ranking Google executive, Cerf is and if we want our descendants to know something about tively known as “The Great Firewall”-are neces- 1637, exotic tulips were considered the ultimate luxury not as enamoured with technology as one might expect. our world, we are going to have to figure out how to make sary for protecting its national security. accessory and status symbol, with people mortgaging During Thursday’s press conference, he scribbled notes on sure the digital information is still retrievable and under- Within China, websites must register with houses and selling businesses just to buy a bulb. paper, acknowledging that “for me, this is like a plug-in standable.” —AFP authorities and are responsible for “ensuring the legality of any information” posted on their plat- forms, according to regulations in force since 2000. When their content runs afoul of authorities, they can be shutdown or fined. SpaceX launches One way to bypass the strictly controlled domestic internet is by using a virtual private net- 10 more satellites work (VPN) which can allow users to access the unfiltered global internet. But here too authorities have cracked down. Earlier this week, Wu for Iridium Xiangyang from the southern Guangxi Zhuang LOS ANGELES: SpaceX on Friday blasted off a re-used autonomous region was sentenced to five and a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 10 satellites into orbit, its fourth half years in prison for selling a VPN service on launch toward a $3 billion upgrade to Virginia-based Alibaba’s Taobao and other marketplaces.—AFP Iridium’s mobile, voice and data network. The rocket, part of which had flown on a previous Iridium launch in June, lit up the night sky as it launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 5:27 pm, just after sunset. Friday’s pay- load, known as Iridium 4, brings to 40 the number of new Iridium satellites now in orbit. A total of 81 are expected by the time the launches are complete for the global project, known as Iridium NEXT. SpaceX will launch 75 of the 81 satellites. “Iridium NEXT will replace the world’s largest commer- cial satellite network of low-Earth orbit satellites in what will be one of the largest ‘tech upgrades’ in history,” said a company statement. Some of the satellites are designed to help track ships and aircraft in real time. SpaceX did not attempt to land the first stage of its rocket after LOMPOC: The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from the Space Launch Complex 4 at Vandenberg Air launch, as has become its common practice. —AFP Force Base in Lompoc, California. —AFP

internet, which prevents users from visiting a large opened an online store on Taobao, the shopping plat- China jails VPN number of sites, including Google, Twitter and form of e-commerce giant Alibaba, and a “Fangou Facebook. VPN” website to rent or sell VPN software and hard- VPNs allow internet users to reach censored con- ware routers, reaching a sales volume of nearly owner for over tent by filtering web traffic through servers around 800,000 yuan, it said. the world but China has cracked down on them. Wu China’s Ministry of Industry and Information five years Xiangyang from the south Guangxi Zhuang Technology (MIIT) announced in January that it autonomous region received the sentence along with would ban the use of unlicensed providers of VPN BEIJING: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) seller in a 500,000 yuan fine, after being prosecuted by the services. In September, 26-year-old Deng Jiewei was southern China has been sentenced to five and a half Guangxi Pingnan County People’s Procuratorate. sentenced to nine months in jail with a 5,000 yuan years in prison, official media reported Wednesday, Wu “illegally profited” from setting up VPN fine for selling VPN softwares from October 2015 to NICE: A picture shows the first submarine autonomous one of the most severe sentences yet for helping servers and selling software “without obtaining rele- 2016. Tech giants Apple and Amazon, too, have moved drone called ‘iBubble’ during a diving to run some tests in users evade the country’s “Great Firewall”. The sen- vant business licenses”, a news website managed by to limit their customers’ access to the tools in China the Mediterranean sea off the coast of Nice, southern tence comes as authorities clamp down on tools for the Supreme People’s Procuratorate-the national in what has been seen as a voluntary move to get France. —AFP circumventing the severe restrictions on China’s prosecuting authority-reported Wednesday. Wu also ahead of the impending crackdown.—AFP Established 1961 23 Health Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Nepal’s last known E. coli outbreak in Canada, women dancing bears rescued at higher risk OTTAWA: Canada’s public health agency warned of an E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce that has mainly affected women, and has been linked to at least one death. The number of cases under investiga- tion doubled in the past month to 40, the agency said, adding that “there appears to be an ongoing risk” of infection. Individuals who became ill were between the ages of four and 85 years of age, and most (73 percent) were female. Sixteen people have been hos- pitalized. They reported having eaten romaine lettuce at home, as well as in prepared salads from grocery stores, restaurants and fast food chains, before symp- toms arose. The contamination has now also spread to five eastern provinces, including Quebec and Ontario. In a statement, the public health agency urged con- sumers to “consider consuming other types of lettuce, instead of romaine lettuce, until more is known about the outbreak and the cause of the contamination.” “These illnesses indicate that contaminated romaine lettuce may still be on the market,” it added. —AFP

Two tomatoes a day may keep lung

RAUTAHAT, Nepal: These handout photos released by World Animal Protection show rescued bears being transported from a police station in Nepal’s southern Rautahat district to the Parsa disease at bay: Study Wildlife Reserve. —AFP photos PARIS: Adults who ate more than two tomatoes a day had a slower rate of natural lung function decline, with ex-smokers seeming to benefit most of all, scientists KATHMANDU: Nepali authorities have rescued the their hind legs. Their snouts are pierced with a heated largest such reserve. said. Similar benefits, they said, were observed for peo- country’s last known “dancing bears”, officials said rod so they can be controlled by the tug of a rope or Dancing bears on the Indian subcontinent date back ple who ate more than three portions of fresh fruit a Sunday, ending the medieval tradition of abuse of the chain. Animal activists said the rescued bears — 19- to the 13th century, when trainers belonging to the day, especially apples. “This study shows that diet beasts for entertainment. The Himalayan nation banned year-old male Rangila and Sridevi, a 17-year-old Muslim Qalandar tribe enjoyed royal patronage and might help repair lung damage in people who have performing bears back in 1973 but the illegal practice- female-showed signs of trauma such as cowering, pac- performed before the rich and powerful. In neighbor- stopped smoking,” study co-author Vanessa Garcia- a traditional occupation for some street performer ing and paw-sucking. ing India, the practice came to an end in 2012, decades Larsen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of communities-lingered on in parts of its southern “We are thrilled that the last two known Nepali after an official ban in 1972. Sloth bears, a critically Public Health in Baltimore said in a statement. region. Police and animal charities said they spent dancing bears have been rescued from their lifetime of endangered species, are found in India, Nepal, Sri “It also suggests that a diet rich in fruits can slow more than a year hunting the captors of the sloth bears suffering... our hard effort and dedication has helped to Lanka and Bhutan. But shrinking habitats and rampant down the lung’s natural ageing process even if you have before they were traced to the Rautahat district near bring an end to this illegal tradition in Nepal,” said poaching have reduced their numbers, according to never smoked.” In the study published in the European the border with India on Tuesday. Manoj Gautam of the Jane Goodall Institute of Nepal, the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Respiratory Journal, researchers analyzed data from 680 “We received information that they were in our area which worked with the police and World Animal The IUCN has put them on its red list of threatened people in Germany, England and Norway who signed up and managed to rescue the bears,” district police chief Protection to rescue them. The bears were located by species and their total estimated population is 20,000. for a health survey in 2002. Participants answered a Yagya Binod Pokharel told AFP. Dancing bears are tracking the owners’ mobile phones. The bears are They can grow up to 1.8 meters (six feet) tall and questionnaire and underwent two types of lung-function captured and bought as cubs and taught to dance on being cared for by the Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Nepal’s weigh up to 140 kilograms (310 pounds).—AFP tests at the start, then again 10 years later. —AFP 24 Established 1961 What’s On Tuesday, December 26, 2017 NBK organizes events for kids at NBK’s Specialty Hospital and Stem Cell Unit

ontinuing its monthly activities at the Children’s events and a movie night activity that are organized month of December to be honored by NBK, as part of this and responsibility towards the community and helping Specialty Hospital and the Stem Cell Therapy Unit, occasionally. annual program that aims at encouraging team work and those in need. It is a well rooted tradition that has been CNational Bank of Kuwait (NBK) carried out “My These activities gave the children the opportunity to cre- dedication. The fun activity program is a part of NBK’s carried out by NBK each year in its efforts to continuous- Creative Meal” and “winter cookies” events to support ate their breakfast in a healthy exciting way and to encour- social responsibility towards children and keenness to sup- ly have an active role in Kuwait`s society. It’s worth men- children while they get their treatment. The two initia- age the children to enjoy eating healthy food. Each kid cre- port them while they get their treatment. NBK has provided tioning that NBK’s Stem Cell Therapy Unit is the first chil- tives come as part of a fun activity program that extends ated his own meal and designed his cookies. Doctors and a display screen, entertainment facilities, variety of different dren’s bone marrow transplant center in Kuwait. The new all year long and includes a library, a reading corner, sto- nurses participated in both events and shared happy and various books and other supplies for children to enjoy center is the largest corporate social responsibility dona- rytelling sessions, activities for the medical staff such as moments with their young patients. Also, a doctoral commit- the whole program. tion in Kuwait and will expand the hospital’s ability to the “nurse of the month”, interactive expression day, fun tee from the hospital chose the best performing nurse for the NBK’s initiative reflects the bank’s high sense of duty treat children with cancer and blood diseases.

Ring in 2018 at LOYAC dance team at Gulf Cup Marina Hotel! arina Hotel Kuwait welcomes you to the most festive and memorable New Year’s Eve Mwith enchanting moments for children and adults of all ages. With holiday-themed dinner and New Year celebrations, everyone will feel the magic of this special night this year. Both restaurants at the hotel, Six Palms and Atlantis will be featuring seasonal décor and musical entertainment to make sure you have a charming nev- er-ending night with your family and friends. At Marina Hotel, you can never go wrong in your choice as it offers the perfect venue under the twinkling lights and the cool breeze of the Arabian coast. The specially prepared buffet menus this season has something for everyone, and features a good selec- tion of holiday specialties apart from host of other delicious and mouth-watering choices at only KD 28 per guest. To make this night even more exciting, the hotel invites its guests to spend the night with their loved ones with a fascinating New Year room pack- age of one night stay inclusive of buffet breakfast and buffet dinner at the Six Palms restaurant or Atlantis restaurant for two persons starting from KD 170. APA’s dancing team recently took part in the inaugu- they had cooperated in previous years during which French joy over taking part in such a historical activity adding that Delight yourself in a lavish experience and visit ration of the GCC Soccer Championship 2017 at dance instructors played a great role in developing Kuwaiti this would be the second largest project presented by Marina Hotel Kuwait for the fun and festivities. LJaber Stadium on Friday, December 22. 38 LAPA dancers’ performance. Speaking on the occasion, the head LAPA’s dancing department in a month following the dancers joined a professional French dancer with whom of LAPA’s dancing department, Teni Matian expressed her remarkable success achieved by the five-day FAD festival. Al Mulla Exchange wraps up 2017 in style with concert

l Mulla Exchange provided an evening of magnificent treat to music Alovers by hosting famous Filipino band Truefaith at the American International School, Maidan Hawally on December 22nd and 23rd 2017. This was two day concert. Truefaith band was The artists, as expected, took the audi- the 153rd and 154th event organized by Al formed in 1991 at the Philippines. They have ence on a rollicking ride of musical wave, Mulla Exchange, the leading exchange become one of the Philippines’ most popu- belting out the best of their repertoire, get- company in Kuwait. The Chief Guest for lar and accomplished bands. The band took ting the gallery to sway and dance. Talking “The Filipinos are lovers of art and music, of all age groups and segments of the soci- the first day was Vice Consul Charleson its name from New Order’s 1987 hit single to the media about the event, Mr. Praveen and receive such events with a lot of excite- ety can enjoy. It was a delight to the packed Hermosura Charge d` Affaires and for the “True Faith”, revealing the group’s new Singh, Divisional General Manager of Al ment. This is our humble way of expressing audience when Philippine Airlines second day it was Acting Labor Attache Ms wave origins. Under the Viva Records label, Mulla Exchange said the Filipino communi- our gratitude to the community.” announced 3 free return tickets to Lily Pearl Guerrero from the Embassy of the band has 13 best-selling albums. Their ty is among the most valued customers, He added that this is the season of festi- Philippines, there were some lucky winners The Philippines. There was a total of 4000 music is best described as a blend of jazz, whose support and trust have played a vals, and we thought of adding to the fes- also announced to the surprise of the crowd ardent music lovers in attendance for the folk, pop and rock music. great role in the success of the company. tive mood with a quality show that people assembled there.

Celebrating Uzbek culture

he ambassador of Uzbakistan Dr Bakhromjon Alove organized a cultural program along with the cooperation of National Council for art, culture and letter at the Abdulhussein Abdulredha Theater. The Uzbek artist enthralled the Audience for more than an hour with their superb performance at a packed hall. The highlight of the event was the performance of violin and flute artists who won the hearts of both Kuwaitis and expatriates Tand was awarded with thunderous applause and a standing ovation that lasted for almost five minutes. Established 1961 25 TV Tuesday, December 26, 2017

19:25 Impractical Jokers 08:00 Botched 02:05 Fish Of The Day 08:45 The Boxtrolls 19:50 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 09:00 Botched 02:35 What’s For Sale? 10:25 Die Hard 20:12 Friends 09:55 Botched 03:00 What’s For Sale? 12:40 Ride Along 21:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 12:40 Hollywood Medium With 03:30 Valentine Warner Eats 14:25 Ride Along 2 Noah Tyler Henry Scandinavia 16:10 Valentine’s Day 01:40 The Last Witch Hunter 21:30 Idiotsitter 00:10 Unbungalievable 16:20 Hollywood Medium With 03:55 Valentine Warner Eats 00:17 Shimmer And Shine 18:15 Norbit 03:30 Star Wars: Episode v - The 22:00 Broad City 00:15 PJ Masks Tyler Henry Scandinavia 01:02 Max & Ruby 20:00 Cinderella Man Empire Strikes Back 22:25 Another Period 00:40 Loopdidoo 17:15 Hollywood Medium With 04:25 India’s Mega Kitchen 01:25 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 22:25 Higher Learning 05:50 Somnus 23:15 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 00:55 Henry Hugglemonster Tyler Henry 05:20 George Clarke’s Amazing 01:47 The Day Henry Met 07:20 Operation Chromite 23:40 The Daily Show With Trevor 01:15 Calimero 21:00 My Fabulous Me Spaces 01:57 Blaze And The Monster 09:15 Con Air Noah 01:30 Art Attack 21:30 My Fabulous Me 06:15 Carnival Eats Machines 11:15 The Last Witch Hunter 01:55 Henry Hugglemonster 22:00 My Fabulous Me 06:40 Stepping Out 02:42 Zack & Quack 13:05 The Darkest Hour 02:05 Loopdidoo 22:30 Celebrity Style Story 07:10 Stepping Out 02:53 Kid-E-Cats 14:40 Star Wars: Episode VI - 02:20 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 Botched 09:00 World’s Greatest Food 03:03 Shimmer And Shine Return Of The Jedi 02:35 Calimero Markets 03:25 Nella The Princess Knight 00:40 Mythbusters 17:00 The Huntsman: Winter’s War 02:50 Henry Hugglemonster 09:55 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 03:38 Paw Patrol 01:30 How Do They Do It? 19:00 Entrapment 03:05 Art Attack 10:20 Sara’s Australia Unveiled 04:00 Little Charmers 01:55 Food Factory USA 21:00 Mission: Impossible - Rogue 00:05 Don’t Blink 03:30 The Hive 10:50 Sinful Sweets 04:24 Albert 02:20 X-Machines Nation 00:30 Don’t Blink 03:40 Loopdidoo 11:15 Sinful Sweets 05:07 The Day Henry Met 03:10 Strip The Cosmos 23:15 Assassins Tale 00:55 Don’t Blink 03:55 Henry Hugglemonster 11:45 Christmas Cracker 05:12 Nella The Princess Knight 04:00 The Big Brain Theory 01:20 The Carbonaro Effect 04:10 Art Attack 00:00 Restaurant: Impossible 12:40 Fish Of The Day 05:36 Shimmer And Shine 04:48 Mythbusters 01:45 The Carbonaro Effect 04:35 Loopdidoo 01:00 Mystery Diners 13:05 Fish Of The Day 05:58 Wallykazam! 05:36 How Do They Do It? 02:10 The Carbonaro Effect 04:50 Calimero 01:30 Mystery Diners 13:35 What’s For Sale? 06:21 Zack & Quack 06:00 Food Factory USA 02:35 Troy 05:05 Art Attack 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 14:00 What’s For Sale? 06:32 The Day Henry Met 06:24 X-Machines 03:25 Dynamo: Live At The O2 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 14:30 Valentine Warner Eats 06:38 Blaze And The Monster 07:12 Strip The Cosmos 00:50 Untamed & Uncut 04:40 Finding Bigfoot 05:45 Henry Hugglemonster 03:00 Man Fire Food Scandinavia Machines 08:00 How Do They Do It? 01:45 Treehouse Masters 05:30 Somebody’s Gotta Do It 06:00 Art Attack 03:30 Man Fire Food 14:55 Andy And Ben Eat The World 07:00 Rusty Rivets 08:26 The Big Brain Theory 02:40 America’s Cutest... 06:20 How It’s Made 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 04:00 Chopped Junior 15:25 India’s Mega Kitchen 07:12 Paw Patrol 09:14 Mythbusters 03:35 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 06:40 How It’s Made 06:45 Loopdidoo 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 16:20 George Clarke’s Amazing 07:37 Dora The Explorer 10:02 Strip The Cosmos 04:00 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 07:00 Destroyed In Seconds 07:00 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Barefoot Contessa Spaces 08:00 Nella The Princess Knight 10:50 How Do They Do It? 04:25 Monsters Inside Me 07:25 Destroyed In Seconds 07:15 Calimero 06:25 Barefoot Contessa 17:15 Carnival Eats 08:11 Kid-E-Cats 11:14 Food Factory USA 05:15 Alaska Monsters 07:50 Science Of The Movies 07:30 Loopdidoo 06:50 Bake With Anna Olson 17:40 Carnival Eats 08:21 Bubble Guppies 11:38 X-Machines 06:02 Wildest Islands Of Indonesia 08:40 How It’s Made 07:45 Henry Hugglemonster 07:15 The Kitchen 18:10 Miguel’s Feasts 08:44 Blaze And The Monster 12:26 The Big Brain Theory 06:49 Untamed & Uncut 09:05 How It’s Made 08:00 Frozen In Time 08:05 The Pioneer Woman 18:35 Maximum Foodie Machines 13:14 Mythbusters 07:36 Meet The Penguins 09:30 React To That 08:50 Doc McStuffins 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 19:05 India’s Mega Kitchen 09:07 Paw Patrol 14:02 How Do They Do It? 08:00 Meet The Sloths 09:55 React To That 09:10 Mickey And The Roadster 08:55 Siba’s Table 20:00 George Clarke’s Amazing 09:30 Shimmer And Shine 14:26 Food Factory USA 08:25 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 10:20 Kids Do The Craziest Things Racers 09:25 Siba’s Table Spaces 09:53 Nella The Princess Knight 14:50 Strip The Cosmos 08:50 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 10:45 Kids Do The Craziest Things 09:35 Sofia The First 09:55 Bake With Anna Olson 21:00 Carnival Eats 10:16 The Day Henry Met 15:38 The Big Brain Theory 09:15 Treehouse Masters 11:10 Kids Do The Craziest Things 10:00 Bob’s Broken Sleigh 10:25 Bake With Anna Olson 22:00 Miguel’s Feasts 10:21 Paw Patrol 16:26 X-Machines 10:10 America’s Cutest... 11:35 Kids Do The Craziest Things 10:45 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 10:55 The Kitchen 22:25 Maximum Foodie 10:44 Rusty Rivets 17:14 Mythbusters 11:05 Wildest Islands Of Indonesia 12:00 Kids Do The Craziest Things 11:00 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 11:45 Cooking For Real 22:55 Fish Of The Day 11:07 Wallykazam! 18:02 Strip The Cosmos 12:00 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 12:25 Kids Do The Craziest Things 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 12:10 The Pioneer Woman 23:20 Fish Of The Day 11:30 Bubble Guppies 18:50 The Big Brain Theory 12:28 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 12:50 Kids Do The Craziest Things 11:50 The Lion Guard 12:35 The Pioneer Woman 23:50 What’s For Sale? 11:54 Team Umizoomi 19:40 Mythbusters 12:55 Monsters Inside Me 13:15 Kids Do The Craziest Things 12:15 The Lion Guard 13:00 Siba’s Table 12:17 Shimmer And Shine 20:30 How It’s Made 13:50 Alaska Monsters 17:00 Incredible Food Race 12:45 Sofia The First 13:30 Siba’s Table 13:02 Max & Ruby 20:55 How It’s Made 14:45 America’s Cutest... 17:50 Kids Do The Craziest Things 13:10 Sofia The First 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 13:26 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 21:20 How Do They Do It? 15:40 Wildest Islands Of Indonesia 18:15 Kids Do The Craziest Things 13:40 PJ Masks 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 13:48 The Day Henry Met 21:45 Food Factory USA 16:35 Untamed & Uncut 18:40 Science Of The Movies 14:10 PJ Masks 15:00 Chopped 13:58 Blaze And The Monster 22:10 Cosmic Collisions 17:30 Treehouse Masters 19:30 How It’s Made 14:35 Doc McStuffins 16:00 The Kitchen Machines 23:00 How It’s Made 18:25 North Woods Law 19:55 How It’s Made 15:05 P-King Duckling 17:00 Bake With Anna Olson 14:43 Zack & Quack 23:25 How It’s Made 19:20 Australia Doesn’t Just Want To 20:20 Destroyed In Seconds 15:30 Goldie & Bear And The Magic 17:30 Bake With Anna Olson 00:10 Dian Fossey: Secrets In The 14:54 Kid-E-Cats 23:50 The Big Brain Theory Kill You 20:45 Destroyed In Seconds Map 18:00 Chopped Junior Mist 15:04 Shimmer And Shine 20:15 America’s Cutest... 21:10 Incredible Food Race 15:35 Sofia The First 19:00 Chopped 01:00 The Story Of God With 15:26 Nella The Princess Knight 21:10 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 22:00 Kids Do The Craziest Things 16:00 PJ Masks 20:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Morgan Freeman 15:39 Paw Patrol 21:38 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 22:25 Kids Do The Craziest Things 16:30 Mickey And The Roadster 20:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:00 Secrets Of Christ’s Tomb 16:02 Little Charmers 22:05 North Woods Law Racers 21:00 Man Fire Food 03:00 Locked Up Abroad 16:25 Albert 23:00 Australia Doesn’t Just Want To 17:00 Doc McStuffins 21:30 Man Fire Food 04:00 Dian Fossey: Secrets In The 17:08 The Day Henry Met 01:30 Bad Santa Kill You 17:30 Vampirina 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Mist 17:14 Nella The Princess Knight 03:00 Tomorrowland 23:55 Wildest Islands Of Indonesia 18:00 Welcome To Mcstuffinsville 22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:00 Building Wild 17:36 Shimmer And Shine 05:05 Dr. T And The Women 18:55 Sofia The First 23:00 Chopped 06:00 Fish Tank Kings 17:59 Wallykazam! 07:00 Meskada 19:20 Mickey And The Roadster 07:00 Bad Trip 18:21 Zack & Quack 08:25 How To Lose Friends & 00:50 Murder By Numbers Racers 08:00 Air Crash Investigation 18:32 The Day Henry Met Alienate People 01:45 The Real Story With Maria 19:45 Puppy Dog Pals 09:00 Building Wild 18:38 Blaze And The Monster 10:20 Kinky Boots Elena Salinas 20:10 The Lion Guard 10:00 Yukon Gold Machines 12:05 Scary Movie 2 02:40 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 20:35 P-King Duckling 11:00 Cold Water Gold 19:00 Rusty Rivets 13:20 Toast 00:15 Stella: Christmas Special 2016 Hall 21:00 Doc McStuffins Toy Hospital 00:10 Chopping Block 12:00 Brain Games 19:12 Paw Patrol 15:00 Bad Santa 01:30 Maigret 03:35 I Speak For The Dead 21:30 PJ Masks 01:00 Emmerdale 12:30 What Would Happen If 19:37 Dora The Explorer 16:30 What Just Happened 03:10 Call The Midwife: Christmas 04:30 Murder By Numbers 22:00 Bob’s Broken Sleigh 01:30 Coronation Street 13:00 Bad Trip 20:00 Nella The Princess Knight 18:15 Christmas Truce Special 2017 05:25 The Locator 22:55 P-King Duckling 02:30 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 14:00 Science Of Stupid 20:11 Kid-E-Cats 20:00 My Baby’s Daddy 04:55 I Want My Wife Back 05:50 The Locator 23:20 Puppy Dog Pals 03:25 Victoria Christmas Special 14:30 Science Of Stupid 20:21 Bubble Guppies 21:30 Tadpole 05:30 Eastenders 06:20 I Almost Got Away With It 23:45 Mickey And The Roadster 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 15:00 Fish Tank Kings 20:44 Blaze And The Monster 22:45 Henry’s Crime 06:00 Death In Paradise 07:10 What Happened To Baby Racers 06:10 Chopping Block 16:00 Cold Water Gold Machines 07:00 I Want My Wife Back Lisa? People Magazine... 07:05 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 17:00 The Story Of God With 21:07 Paw Patrol 07:25 Doctor Who: The Return Of 08:00 The Locator 08:00 Victoria Christmas Special Morgan Freeman 21:30 Shimmer And Shine Doctor Mysterio 08:25 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 09:35 Royal Stories 18:00 Air Crash Investigation 21:53 Nella The Princess Knight 08:35 Casualty Hall 10:00 Murdoch Mysteries 19:00 Seconds From Disaster 22:15 The Day Henry Met 09:30 Death In Paradise 09:15 The Locator 10:55 Chopping Block 20:00 Cold Water Gold 22:21 Paw Patrol 00:00 Devious Maids 10:25 New Tricks 10:10 American Monster 11:50 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 20:50 The Story Of God With 22:44 Rusty Rivets 01:00 Devious Maids 11:25 The Moonstone 11:05 Evil Lives Here 00:20 Street Outlaws 12:45 Emmerdale Morgan Freeman 23:07 Wallykazam! 02:00 Wedding Band 12:15 Father Brown 12:00 Murder Calls 01:05 Gold Rush 13:15 Coronation Street 21:40 Air Crash Investigation 23:30 Bubble Guppies 03:00 The Fashion Fund 13:05 Casualty 12:55 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 01:50 Gold Divers 14:15 Chopping Block 22:30 Seconds From Disaster 23:54 Team Umizoomi 04:00 Project Runway All Stars 14:00 Death In Paradise Hall 02:35 Cooper’s Treasure: The Hunt 15:10 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 23:20 Brain Games 05:00 House Of DVF 14:55 The Moonstone 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It For A Secret Fortune 16:00 The Chase Christmas Special 23:45 What Would Happen If 06:00 Devious Maids 15:45 Stella 14:45 What Happened To Baby 03:20 Misfit Garage 2017 07:00 Devious Maids 16:40 New Tricks Lisa? People Magazine... 04:05 Deadliest Catch 17:00 Once Upon A Murdoch 08:00 Wedding Band 17:35 Eastenders 15:40 Murder Comes To Town 05:35 How Do They Do It? Christmas 09:00 The Fashion Fund 18:05 Holby City 16:35 Gone 06:00 Gold Divers 18:45 Emmerdale 10:00 Project Runway All Stars 19:05 Death In Paradise 17:30 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 06:45 Street Outlaws 19:15 Coronation Street 11:00 House Of DVF 20:00 Five By Five Hall 07:30 Misfit Garage 20:10 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 00:50 Shelby: The Dog Who Saved 12:00 Devious Maids 20:10 Call The Midwife: Christmas 18:25 The Locator 08:15 Deadliest Catch 21:00 The Chase Christmas Special Christmas 13:00 Devious Maids Special 2017 19:20 I Almost Got Away With It 09:47 How Do They Do It? 2017 00:20 Future Cat 02:25 Christmas Trade 14:00 Wedding Band 22:00 Line Of Duty 20:15 The 1980s: The Deadliest 10:12 Gold Rush 21:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 01:10 World’s Deadliest 04:10 A Miracle On Christmas Lake 15:00 The Fashion Fund 23:00 Orphan Black Decade 10:57 Gold Divers Of Dogs At Christmas 02:00 Wildebeeste: Born To Run 06:10 Alone For Christmas 16:00 Project Runway All Stars 23:45 Class 21:10 Murder Comes To Town 11:42 Cooper’s Treasure: The Hunt 22:50 Emmerdale 02:50 Monster Fish 07:40 Shelby: The Dog Who Saved 17:00 House Of DVF 22:05 Murder Chose Me For A Secret Fortune 23:15 Coronation Street 03:45 Cameramen Who Dare Christmas 18:00 Grey’s Anatomy 23:00 Guilty Rich 12:25 How Do They Do It? 23:40 Coronation Street 04:40 Animal Fight Club 4.5 09:15 Christmas Trade 19:00 Grey’s Anatomy 23:55 American Monster 12:48 Extreme Collectors 05:35 Wildebeeste: Born To Run 11:00 Olaf’s Frozen Adventure 20:00 Grey’s Anatomy 13:10 Alaska: The Last Frontier 06:30 Monster Fish 11:30 Coat Of Many Colors 21:00 The Fashion Fund 13:55 Alaska: The Last Frontier 07:25 Cameramen Who Dare 13:00 A Miracle On Christmas Lake 22:00 Project Runway All Stars 14:40 Gold Divers 08:20 Animal Fight Club 4.5 15:00 Bonta 23:00 House Of DVF 00:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 15:25 Misfit Garage 09:15 Savage Kingdom: Uprising 16:25 Lego DC: Justice League 01:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 16:10 Street Outlaws 10:10 Sahara Gotham City Breakout 02:00 It Takes A Killer 17:00 How Do They Do It? 00:00 Stan Lee’s Superhumans 11:05 Secret Life Of Predators 17:50 Beethoven’s Second 03:00 The Eleven 17:50 Extreme Collectors 01:00 Ancient Discoveries 12:00 Fish Tank Kings 19:20 A Little Game 04:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 00:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 18:20 Container Wars 02:00 Clash Of Warriors 12:55 World’s Deadliest GPU 20:55 Operation: Neighborhood 05:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 00:10 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 18:50 Deadliest Catch 03:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 13:50 Monster Fish Watch 00:20 Big & Little 06:00 It Takes A Killer Witch 19:40 How Do They Do It? 03:50 Ancient Aliens: The Ultimate 14:45 The Croc Catchers 22:35 Bonta 01:05 Suddenly Rich 07:00 Homicide Hunter 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 21:00 Madiba Evidence 15:40 Animal Fight Club 4.5 01:50 Born Without Limbs 08:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 01:00 Hank Zipzer 21:50 Bushcraft Build-Off 04:40 10 Things You Don’t Know 16:35 Wild Islands 02:35 The Spouse House 09:00 It Takes A Killer 01:25 Alex & Co. 22:40 Ed Stafford: Left For Dead About... 17:30 Sahara 03:20 Little People, Big World 10:00 Homicide Hunter 01:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:30 Misfit Garage 05:30 Stan Lee’s Superhumans 18:25 Secret Life Of Predators 04:05 Toddlers & Tiaras 11:00 Cold Case Files 01:50 Evermoor Chronicles 06:20 Ancient Discoveries 19:20 The Croc Catchers 04:50 Dare To Wear 12:00 Escaping Polygamy 02:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 07:10 The Universe 20:10 Animal Fight Club 4.5 05:35 Say Yes To The Dress UK 13:00 Leah Remini: Scientology And Witch 08:00 Clash Of Warriors 21:00 Wild Islands 00:00 Screwed 06:00 Obsessive Compulsive The Aftermath 02:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 09:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 21:50 Sahara 01:50 Tommy Boy Cleaners 14:00 It Takes A Killer Witch 10:00 Ancient Aliens: The Ultimate 22:40 Secret Life Of Predators 03:30 A Date With Miss Fortune 06:45 Say Yes To The Dress UK 15:00 Homicide Hunter 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 06:00 Disney11 Evidence 23:30 Fish Tank Kings 05:10 Holiday Joy 07:30 The Spouse House 16:00 Cold Case Files 03:30 Binny And The Ghost 06:25 Supa Strikas 11:00 10 Things You Don’t Know 06:45 Big Momma’s House 2 08:15 Little People, Big World 17:00 The First 48 03:55 Hank Zipzer 06:50 Marvel’s Spider-Man About... 08:25 A Midsummer’s Hawaiian 09:00 Cake Boss 18:00 It Takes A Killer 04:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 07:15 Right Now Kapow 12:00 The Universe Dream 09:25 Toddlers & Tiaras 19:00 The First 48 04:20 Hank Zipzer 07:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 13:00 Ancient Discoveries 09:55 Murder Of A Cat 10:10 Obsessive Compulsive 20:00 The First 48 04:45 Alex & Co. 07:45 Walk The Prank 14:00 Clash Of Warriors 11:40 A Date With Miss Fortune Cleaners 21:00 The First 48 05:10 Alex & Co. 08:10 Phineas And Ferb 15:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 13:20 Big Momma’s House 2 10:55 Too Ugly For Love? 22:00 Cold Case Files 05:35 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 08:35 Mech-X4 16:00 Ancient Aliens: The Ultimate 00:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 15:05 Meet Dave 11:40 Say Yes To The Dress UK 23:00 The First 48 Witch 09:00 Marvel’s Spider-Man Evidence 00:36 Rabbids Invasion 16:45 Big Mommas: Like Father, 12:25 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 06:00 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 09:25 Lab Rats Elite Force 17:00 10 Things You Don’t Know 01:00 Rabbids Invasion Like Son 13:10 Big & Little Witch 09:50 Star Wars: The Freemaker About... 01:24 Sanjay And Craig 18:40 Breaking The Bank 13:55 Toddlers & Tiaras 06:25 Binny And The Ghost Adventures 18:00 The Universe 01:48 Sanjay And Craig 20:35 Two-Bit Waltz 14:40 Little People, Big World 06:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 10:20 Gravity Falls 19:00 Ancient Discoveries 02:12 Winx Club 22:00 Stung 15:25 Too Ugly For Love? 00:05 Graves 06:50 Rolling With The Ronks 10:45 Kid vs. Kat 20:00 Clash Of Warriors 02:36 Winx Club 23:30 Stay Hungry 16:10 Love At First Swipe 00:35 Nightcap 07:00 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 11:10 Milo Murphy’s Law 21:00 Brad Meltzer’s Decoded 03:00 Harvey Beaks 16:35 Cake Boss 00:55 Michael McIntyre’s Showtime And Cat Noir 11:35 Right Now Kapow 22:00 Ancient Aliens: The Ultimate 03:24 Harvey Beaks 17:00 Meet The Putmans 01:50 Tosh.0 07:25 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 12:00 Phineas & Ferb: Night Of Evidence 03:48 The Loud House 17:50 Obsessive Compulsive 02:15 Chappelle’s Show And Cat Noir The... 23:00 How 2 Win 04:12 The Loud House Cleaners 02:40 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 07:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts 12:55 Pair Of Kings 04:36 Breadwinners 18:50 Your Style In His Hands 03:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 07:55 Elena Of Avalor 13:20 Pair Of Kings 05:00 Breadwinners 02:00 Alex Of Venice 19:40 Say Yes To The Dress UK Noah 08:20 K.C. Undercover 13:45 Phineas And Ferb 05:24 Get Blake 03:30 New York Stories 20:10 Cake Boss 03:25 Tosh.0 08:45 Bunk’d 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 05:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 05:45 The Shamer’s Daughter 20:35 Cake Boss 03:50 Chappelle’s Show 09:10 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 14:15 Phineas And Ferb 06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 07:35 A Birder’s Guide To 21:00 My Giant Life 04:15 Kroll Show 09:35 Tangled: The Series 14:40 The Suite Life Of Zack & 06:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Everything 21:50 Fat Chance 04:40 Key And Peele 10:05 Disney’s Descendants Cody 00:20 Ultimate Wheels 07:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 09:15 Alex Of Venice 22:40 Monsters Inside Me 05:05 Important Things With 11:55 The Zhuzhus 15:30 Gravity Falls 01:10 American Pickers 07:24 Rabbids Invasion 10:55 New York Stories 23:30 90 Days To Wed Demitri Martin 12:05 That’s So Raven 15:55 Gravity Falls 02:00 Swamp People 07:48 Get Blake 13:10 The Quiet Hour 05:30 Impractical Jokers 12:30 That’s So Raven 16:20 Two More Eggs 02:50 Counting Cars 08:12 Harvey Beaks 14:45 African Safari 05:55 Disaster Date 12:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 16:25 Lab Rats 03:15 American Pickers 08:36 Sanjay And Craig 16:25 Infinitely Polar Bear 06:20 Ridiculousness Arabia 13:00 Bunk’d 16:50 Lab Rats 04:05 Time Team 09:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 18:05 Noble 06:50 Frankenfood 13:25 Tangled: The Series 17:15 Kirby Buckets 05:00 Counting Cars 09:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 20:00 The Homesman 07:15 Frankenfood 13:50 Jessie 17:40 Kirby Buckets 06:00 Ultimate Wheels 09:48 Henry Danger 22:10 Taxi Driver 00:00 King Tut: Mysteries At The 07:40 Brotherhood 14:15 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 18:05 Supa Strikas 06:50 American Pickers 10:12 Game Shakers Museum 08:05 Impractical Jokers 14:40 K.C. Undercover 18:30 Marvel’s Ant-Man 07:40 Counting Cars 10:36 Regal Academy 01:00 Expedition Unknown 08:30 Disaster Date 15:05 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 18:35 Disney11 08:30 Pawn Stars 11:00 A Fairly Odd Paradise 02:00 Mysteries At The Museum 08:55 Workaholics And Cat Noir 19:00 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 08:55 Pawn Stars 12:12 The Loud House 03:00 Olly Smith Ale Trails 09:20 Kroll Show 15:30 Bizaardvark 19:25 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 09:20 Aussie Pickers 12:36 Rabbids Invasion 03:30 Olly Smith Ale Trails 09:45 Key And Peele 15:55 Elena Of Avalor 19:50 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 10:10 Ax Men 13:00 Breadwinners 01:00 Free Birds 04:00 Expedition Unknown 10:10 Important Things With 16:20 Stuck In The Middle 19:55 Walk The Prank 11:00 Ultimate Wheels 13:24 Sanjay And Craig 02:25 Ozzy 05:00 Expedition Unknown Demitri Martin 16:45 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 20:20 Walk The Prank 11:50 American Pickers 13:48 Hunter Street 04:00 Catcher: Cat City 2 06:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 10:35 Brotherhood 17:00 Tangled: The Series 20:45 Supa Strikas 12:40 Counting Cars 14:12 I Am Frankie 05:40 Bunny Tales Destinations 11:00 Impractical Jokers 17:25 K.C. Undercover 21:10 Supa Strikas 13:30 Time Team 14:36 The Thundermans 07:00 Vickie And The Treasure Of 06:30 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 11:25 Disaster Date 17:50 K.C. Undercover 21:35 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 14:20 Swamp People 15:00 Best Player Gods Destinations 11:50 Ridiculousness Arabia 18:15 Descendants Wicked World 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 15:10 Alone 16:36 The Loud House 08:40 Teo: The Intergalactic Hunter 07:00 Mysteries At The Museum 12:15 Impractical Jokers 18:20 Bunk’d 21:45 Lab Rats 16:00 American Pickers 17:00 Sanjay And Craig 10:25 Back To The Sea 08:00 House Hunters International 12:40 Frankenfood 18:45 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 22:10 Lab Rats 16:50 Counting Cars 17:24 I Am Frankie 12:10 Hocus Pocus Alfie Atkins 08:30 House Hunters International 13:05 Frankenfood 19:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 22:35 Phineas And Ferb 17:40 Swamp People 17:48 Hunter Street 13:35 Ozzy 09:00 House Hunters International 13:30 Important Things With 19:15 Liv And Maddie 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am 18:30 Alone 18:12 Henry Danger 15:10 Catcher: Cat City 2 09:30 House Hunters International Demitri Martin 19:40 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 19:20 Mountain Men 18:36 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 16:50 Ploddy Police Car 10:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 13:55 Friends And Cat Noir 20:10 Pawn Stars 19:00 School Of Rock 18:10 Back To The Sea Destinations 14:20 Friends 20:05 Descendants Wicked World 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 19:24 Talia In The Kitchen 19:55 Outback 18:30 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 14:45 Workaholics 20:10 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 21:50 Forged: Iron & Fire 19:48 Talia In The Kitchen 21:25 Nur And The Dragon’s Temple Destinations 15:10 Key And Peele And Cat Noir 22:40 Time Team 20:12 Ride 22:55 Ploddy Police Car 19:00 Bizarre Foods With Andrew 15:35 Kroll Show 20:35 Disney The Lodge 23:30 Alone 20:36 Ride Zimmern 16:00 Comedy Central Presents 21:00 Alex & Co. 00:50 So Cosmo 21:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 20:00 House Hunters International Comedy 3alwagef 21:25 Alex & Co. 01:50 So Cosmo 21:24 Sanjay And Craig 20:30 House Hunters International 16:30 Impractical Jokers 21:50 Lolirock 02:50 Celebrity Style Story 21:48 Rabbids Invasion 21:00 House Hunters International 16:55 Friends 22:15 Lolirock 03:20 Celebrity Style Story 22:12 Breadwinners 21:30 House Hunters International 17:20 Friends 22:40 Evermoor Chronicles 03:50 So Cosmo 22:36 Harvey Beaks 02:05 Dangerous Minds 22:00 Bizarre Foods With Andrew 17:45 Disaster Date 23:05 Rolling With The Ronks 04:40 So Cosmo 00:45 Miguel’s Feasts 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 03:45 Before We Go Zimmern 18:10 Ridiculousness Arabia 23:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 01:10 Carnival Eats 23:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 05:25 Man In The Moon 23:00 Bizarre Foods With Andrew 18:35 Frankenfood And Cat Noir 06:00 Just Jillian 01:40 Fish Of The Day 23:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 07:05 The Invention Of Lying Zimmern 19:00 Frankenfood 23:45 Lolirock 07:00 Botched 26 Established 1961 Stars Tuesday, December 26, 2017

CROSSWORD 1794 STAR TRACK

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

You may be working especially hard to get things and people organized as Career decisions will be coming up soon and you may want to spend some a sense of ambition and achievement takes hold. Work, accomplishment and ambition are time in talking with friends or family members about what to expect with the choices you all things that mean a lot to you. Projects or the recent quandaries in the workplace may might want to make. This is a time when you may choose to wave your holiday time and come to your mind. New ideas could come together and present future possibilities. This push the limit in your professional field. You want to be the best you can possibly be. This is a good time to make lists, plan and create a presentation for next year. This day ends may also mean that it is time to make plans to put in your name for a job change that you on a hopeful note. There is also recognition for some of your creative ideas. Your friends have been thinking about for some time. You do not settle for something simply because it have three important roles to play in your life: fun, support and harmony. Pay attention to could make you money; there are many more aspects to be considered as far as you are your friends; they can launch you toward new spiritual awareness or artistic expression. concerned. You must feel right about it at the gut level, or you know it is not right for you. Charm and romance are strong tonight. Let your conscience be your guide.

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

You will enjoy this time immensely. You will be jumping from one project to Those around you may see you as especially witty and eccentric at this another. New opportunities are opening and this is a good time to secure them for your- time. You may find some new answers to old questions or have breakthroughs in regard self. In doing this, you probably will find that you spend a huge amount of effort and to your living situation or life’s state of affairs. Others appreciate and admire your inde- energy trying to balance all of your commitments. People look at you for answers and pendence and unique qualities. You may find that you are more organized than before— guidance and you are pleased with the end results. At this time, you may have to take on able to reach new levels of self-discipline. This is a good day for sharing, serving, chatting more responsibilities in the home and you may want to open up more to relatives; this is about the past and thinking over future ideas. This can be a smooth time during which an ideal time for strong support. There are open channels of communication between events seem to arrange themselves to a joyful time. Many different individuals agree to you and your colleagues. Using your time and energy effectively now will pay dividends pull together to accomplish a common goal. This may be a future vacation, a family busi- later, bringing good times to everyone. ness or a weekend campout. Relationships are highlighted.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Understanding and being sensitive to the needs of others is a wonderful This will be the kind of a day that we all long for, easy going and calm— prerequisite to having a special time with someone you love. Great feelings with everything running smoothly. Ideas and interaction with seniors in are in the air and you should feel a super sense of support and harmony with all that you your family may have your attention part of this day. Working with the flow of what is ACROSS times (born in 1942). meet. Some will find you most persuasive and almost charismatic in the way you commu- needed should not be hard to do. There could be some circumstances that force you to 1. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. 78. An extension at the end and at right nicate. Things are very natural for self-expression and work particularly well with your reorganize and be more frugal. This should all work out to everyone’s benefit. Your ingen- 4. A state in the southeastern United States angles to the main building. particular ideas and thoughts. Expect a good conversation with those that you love. You ious persona is apparent as you weed out some difficulty. The day may not be totally on the Gulf of Mexico. 79. Segmented worms. may want to open up more to relatives, since this is an ideal time for gaining and giving without challenges, but your wittiness is just what is needed. Additionally, this is a time 11. An Egyptian descended from the ancient 80. Having undesirable or negative others a good support system. Someone younger than yourself may look to you for when your powers of creativity are strong. Home is likely to be the center of activities this Egyptians. qualities. answers to questions that are important to that person. evening. You share snacks and light refreshment with games and laughter. 15. A number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge. DOWN 1. Type genus of the Apidae. 16. Relating to or near the pylorus. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 17. A particular geographical region of 2. A quantity of no importance. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) indefinite boundary (usually serving some 3. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian This is a day when you take some time to review some sort of revised You feel inspired about a personal project and may find the urge to com- special purpose or distinguished by its mythology. contract or business deal before work begins again. You find yourself filled plete a project you started some time ago. Perhaps you have attempted an people or culture or geography). 4. Having uncoordinated muscular move- with extra energy for planning improvements. The motivation to improve areas of your art project or you decided to begin a building project—perhaps additional storage units ments, symptomatic of a CNS disorder. 18. An agency of the United Nations affili- life is strong. You may find yourself being put to good use by your friends later today. If for your home. If you have your vacation now or your work has closed until the new year 5. A strong solution of sodium or potassium ated with the World Bank. you are working, it is because a co-worker needs a day with family. You may be in a begins, this is, indeed a good time to paint, build or generally catch up on the things you 19. Move the upper body backwards and hydroxide. position to help others and you enjoy serving others when you are needed. On your way had previously put aside. This is a time when you can put your practical insights into down. 6. Type genus of the Alcedinidae. home this evening you might stop to visit someone that has no family to check on him or words. Communication is enhanced. You can expect a sense of support from those 20. Fastener consisting of a resinous com- 7. Important food fish of the Nile and other her. A rare sound of laughter and friendship fills the air and ends your day in a peaceful around you. You may find it easy to bring a group together with words that move others. position that is plastic when warm. rivers of Africa and Asia Minor. way. Tonight you may spend a great deal of time preparing for the next holiday. This may mean some community or neighborhood get-together. 21. A constitutional monarchy on the west- 8. Type genus of the Ariidae. ern part of the islands of Samoa in the 9. (British) A minicar used as a taxicab. South Pacific. 10. (informal) Of the highest quality. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 23. Small ornamental ladies' bag for small 11. Dried bark of the cascara buckthorn articles. used as a laxative. Relationships with other people and refinement are two of the keys to find There are plenty of personal chores to be done this day and you swing into 24. Small tropical American tree bearing 12. (Greek mythology) One of the mountain satisfaction now. Anything that is harmonious and beautiful is very enjoy- action without hesitation. You may find your work moving along faster when you promise edible plumlike fruit. nymphs. able to you—the lack of these two elements can be emotionally upsetting. You should a movie or some other form of entertainment to those that pitch in and help. There is talk 25. The district occupied entirely by the 13. The state prevailing during the absence find this a good time for getting in touch with your inner self—to truly understand who of school and continued education. Before you know it you may be planning a shopping city of Washington. of war. and what you are. You shouldn’t be disappointed in what you discover and should find trip for new school clothes. You will be getting some psychic insights; recognize them for 26. A public dance hall for dancing to 14. A sharp hooked claw especially on a your emotions in particular, or the feelings of those around you, very clear. This is a very what they are and write them down each time they come to you. This will allow you to recorded popular music. bird of prey. nice time. Taking in a movie or reading a good book will please you a great deal—as it have a reference for later when you compare notes or just have fun reading how the 28. Chief port of Yemen. 22. A port city of south central Ukraine on may be a good way to allow yourself to escape from day-to-day realities. Everyone sleeping mind works. You will soon be able to find the connection to your psychic 29. United States playwright (born in 1947). an arm of the Black Sea. needs a well-deserved break to rejuvenate and recharge the emotional batteries. insights. Early evening brings about time to relax to music. 32. Someone who copies the words or 27. An organization of countries formed in behavior of another. 1961 to agree on a common policy for the 33. Of or relating to abasia (inability to sale of petroleum. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) walk). 30. A promontory in northern Morocco 34. A very young child (birth to 1 year) who opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. Your creative and intuitive talents are what may be leading you today. You may be able to converse with an elder member of your family this has not yet begun to walk or talk. 31. French revolutionary leader (born in morning. Where there may have been some difficulty in the past, a new 36. Studies intended to provide general Switzerland) who was a leader in over- Some may see you as a bit eccentric because of your rather unique approach to things. Good nutrition is something you embody and teach. You may find yourself feeding some understanding is now possible. Understanding others and spending time to lend a helping knowledge and intellectual skills (rather throwing the Girondists and was stabbed to hand is commendable and endears you to many. Everything conspires to reveal you at than occupational or professional skills). death in his bath by Charlotte Corday good alternatives to fast-food products to the young people in your family. All in all, you should benefit from whatever activities are at hand. New solutions or something very your most elegant, particularly in social encounters. Thank-you notes and letters to 40. English theoretical physicist who (1743-1793). inventive is due to develop. Later today, you may enjoy some form of entertainment with friends occupy some of your time this afternoon. You also give some thought to trying applied relativity theory to quantum 35. The sixth month of the civil year. others. You find some time to combine your efforts with the efforts of others to complete your hand at writing a story. You want to put story to paper and endeavor to become 37. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congrega- mechanics and predicted the existence of some type of family project. Stay away from games of chance. Tonight there is just published. Whatever the subject, get started! Perhaps some sort of outline could be the antimatter and the positron (1902-1984). tion. enough time to organize your mind or self for the working world. first step toward writing at this time. A college writing course might be considered. 42. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed 38. Of the nature of or undergoing an during respiration and by the decomposi- experiment. tion of organic substances. 39. A river that rises in central Germany and Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 44. A constellation in the southern hemi- flows north to join the Elbe River. sphere near Telescopium and Norma. 41. A fraudulent business scheme. 45. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike 43. English scholastic philosopher and part of an organism. assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285- 49. Large dark-striped tropical food and 1349). game fish related to remoras. 46. A person regarded as arrogant and 51. The officer below the master on a com- annoying. mercial ship. 47. A mountain in the Black Hills of South 53. An island republic on Nauru Island. Dakota. 54. A clique that seeks power usually 48. Italian violin maker and grandson of through intrigue. Andrea Guarneri (1687?-1745). 55. Apartment consisting of a series of con- 50. A city of southeastern Mexico. nected rooms used as a living unit (as in a 52. Bulky grayish-brown eagle with a short hotel). wedge-shaped white tail. 57. Situated away from the axis of any 56. A port city of south central Ukraine on body or part. an arm of the Black Sea. 59. German states who as chancellor of 58. A soft silvery metallic element of the West Germany worked to reduce tensions alkali earth group. with eastern Europe (1913-1992). 60. Belonging to or befitting a supreme 62. Avatar of Vishnu. ruler. 63. A barrier constructed to contain the 61. A means of serving. flow or water or to keep out the sea. 64. A port city in northwestern Algeria and 66. A block of solid substance (such as the country's 2nd largest city. soap or wax). 65. Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829). 70. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- 67. An Arabic speaking person who lives in cially in Turkey). Arabia or North Africa. 71. Scientific instrument that provides a 68. Tree bearing large brown nuts contain- flashing light synchronized with the period- ing e.g. caffeine. ic movement of an object. 69. A town in north central Oklahoma. 74. Of or relating to or characteristic of 72. Administration of a nutritionally ade- Thailand of its people. quate solution through a catheter into the 75. A cut of pork ribs with much of the vena cava. meat trimmed off. 73. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 77. American prizefighter who won the from aba cloth. world heavyweight championship three 76. A state in the Rocky Mountains.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Established 1961 27

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Lifestyle Feature

Tips to help you select the best fruits and vegetables

BY JESSICA MILCETICH “Iron Chef” Cat Cora has another McClatchy-Tribune simple suggestion: “Ask questions.” Find out where the crops came from, armers’ markets and grocery how long ago they were harvested store produce aisles are and how they were grown (all-natur- Fjammed with juicy fruits and al, organic, with pesticides, etc.). crunchy vegetables just waiting to And Amelia Saltsman, author of jump into our baskets, especially in “The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market the summer. But it can be confusing Cookbook: Seasonal Foods, Simple trying to select the ripest produce — Recipes and Stories from the Market even for self-proclaimed foodies. and Farm,” says to use all five sens- So, we turned to the experts — es. Look for ugly spots, a sign the chefs, cookbook authors and restau- fruit is going bad. Most produce rant owners — to give us their hot should be somewhat soft to the touch tips on picking the best produce — and many have a scent when ripe. available. Some have specific sounds indicating Marjorie Druker, chef and owner ripeness like crisp, snapping green of the New England Soup Factory in beans. And for taste, many vendors Boston, suggests shopping at farm- will allow you to sample the pro- ers’ markets. duce. “Local tastes better because it’s Use our guide to some common coming from a smaller farm where fruits and vegetables to figure out they’re growing less and maybe what’s in season, what to look for

IMAGES FROM ARTVILLE FROM IMAGES they’ve got some tricks up their and what to avoid — plus how to sleeves about when is the perfect store your fresh items once you’ve time to pick it,” Druker says. gotten them home.

AVOCADOS KIWIS PEACHES/ ARTICHOKES CUCUMBERS MUSHROOMS (Often thought to be a veg- ■ In season: NECTARINES ■ In season: All year long, ■ In season: ■ In season: etable, the avocado is consid- All year with peak from March to May. Summer. Depends on ■ In season: The warm ered a fruit because of its pit.) long. the variety. summer months. ■ What you ■ What you want: ■ In season: All year ■ What want: Good green color- ■ What you ■ What you want: Rich yel- long. you want: Plumpness, ing and firmness for want: Firm, low color at stem and firm Apply gentle globe shape, entire length. fleshy caps. ■ What you want: flesh with an aromatic smell. Yields to touch pressure with with com- What you want: ■ Avoid: Spots ■ Avoid: Bruises or when ripe, can thumb and forefin- pact, green Dull or yellow color, or a darkened or green fruit, a sign be placed in a ger, fruit should yield slightly. scales. withered ends. shriveled appearance. ■ they’re under-ripe. ■ brown paper Avoid: Very soft, shriveled Avoid: Brown Store: Refrigerator ■ Store: Will ■ Store: Ask bag with a fruit or those with damp on scales or gray- in crisper for one week. keep longer when grower if they banana to spots. black discoloration, as well as stored whole; should be left on speed ripening ■ Store: To ripen, place in a woody looking vegetables. keep in paper the counter to ripen further or time. paper bag. Refrigerate ripe ■ Store: Refrigerate for up to EGGPLANT bag, not plastic. ■ eaten right away. Avoid: No matter kiwi. a week. ■ In season: Available all the variety, avoid bright- year round, but the summer ly colored skins and rock PEARS is the best time to get locally ONIONS hard fruits. MANGOS grown crops. ■ In season: Different vari- ASPARAGUS ■ In season: All ■ Store: Needs to ripen on ■ In season: eties are at their peak ■ In season: November ■ What you year long, counter, and then it can be All year long, throughout the year. through July, with peak sea- want: No matter depending on refrigerated for several days. depending on son from March to June. what variety, look variety. ■ What you want: Each variety. for a solid color variety differs, but in general ■ What you want: Firm, ■ What you ■ What you without green look for warm skin plump, medium green spears want: Firm with a BERRIES want: Heavy for their size around the color. with compact heads; squeeze shiny, thin skin. ■ In season: Blueberries, with firm skin; smell around stem. It should the bunch to ■ Avoid: Green sunburn spring and summer; straw- stem for slight aroma. ■ Avoid: Any fruit have firm, hear a spots; blemishes; immature berries, peak in with bruises or smooth skin ■ Avoid: Those with many squeak. onions, which look wet and spring and blemishes on the and be heavy for black spots. ■ Avoid: have soft necks; or summer; rasp- skin. its size. ■ Store: If the fruit is green Tips that onions that have berries, all ■ Store: Ripen ■ at purchase, it will ripen in are wet, Avoid: Poor coloring, soft sprouted. varieties at in a cool place two to five days on the slimy or or shriveled skin. their peak in or a paper bag to ■ Store: In counter, then refrigerate for smelly. ■ Store: Unwrapped about the summer. speed the process; loosely woven up to four days. ■ Store: four days in refrigerator. basket in cool, dry ■ What you once ripe store in the refriger- Remove an area. want: ator for two to three days. inch from Blueberries should the bottom, wrap in damp be firm and plump, MELONS GREEN BEANS ■ paper towels and place in ■ with deep coloring. In season: Cantaloupes, PINEAPPLE In season: All year long, PEPPERS (BELL) June to November; watermel- crisper; will keep for two to with peak in the summer. Strawberries should be bright ■ In season: Peak from ■ In season: Peak from May on, May to September; hon- three days. red in color with bright March to June. ■ What you through August. green tops. eydew, late July to August. want: Should ■ What you want: ■ Look: Deep colors, firm Raspberries ■ What you want: have a crisp, juicy Pull out leaves skin with glossy sheen. should be full Cantaloupes snap when bro- from top — the BROCCOLI and round in should be ■ ken, with brightly ■ Avoid: Pale col- easier they come In season: All year long, shape and heavy for colored, smooth ors with soft out the riper the with peak from October to bright in color. their size skin. flesh. fruit; smell at base April. with a ■ ■ Avoid: Blueberries that are should be sweet. ■ What you want: Stalk ■ Avoid: Store: green or mushy. Strawberries thick, net- Limp beans Refrigerate ■ Avoid: Those should look juicy and fresh; that are mushy or have soft ted rind; and those for three to with dry brown heads should be compact spots and dull green tops. they should that don’t four days. leaves or dull yellow and fresh. Raspberries that are mushy; give slightly to the snap cleanly, as Red pep- color. ■ Avoid: broken berries in stained con- touch. To test a watermelon, well as those with mushy tips. pers will spoil Dry, tainers are a sign of over- smack the fruit and listen for ■ Store: Refrigerate cut faster than fibrous ■ Store: Wash beans and ripening. a “thunk”; also look for a but- pineapple in tightly wrapped green ones. stalks; then place in a sealed plas- ■ tery color on the patch where plastic for up to three days. Store: Blueberries can be the melon was on the ground. yel- tic container in refrigerator stored without washing in the Honeydew should have firm lowed for four to five days. refrigerator for skin with a warm color and heads. SUMMER five to six PLUMS be heavy for its size. ■ Store: days; straw- ■ In season: California SQUASH ■ Refrigerate in an LETTUCE ■ berries and Avoid: In general, avoid plums are available from In season: Different vari- airtight bag for four days. ■ In season: All year long, raspberries melons that slush when June to September. eties are available throughout shaken or have soft or depending on variety. the year, but yellow and can be stored ■ What you want: brown spots. ■ What you want: green squash are sum- without washing in Plump, firm fruit with Should be heavy for its mer crops. the fridge for one to two days. ■ Store: Keep on the good coloring. CORN size with fresh- counter while whole; ■ In season: Depends ■ What you want: ■ Avoid: Overly hard looking refrigerate cut fruit. on source — California, Rind should be hard, or soft plums. leaves. CHERRIES Florida, New York, firm and shiny for ■ Store: Ripen at room tem- ■ Avoid: the yellow and ■ In season: From June to New Jersey and perature, then can be refrig- Leaves that green vari- September. ORANGES Pennsylvania corn all erated four to five days. are browning eties; color ■ In season: All year long, have different peaks. ■ What you want: Plump or wilting. variations and firm fruit with shiny deep- with peak from October ■ What you want: ■ Store: Don’t do not colored skin for their variety through April. Silks should be moist TOMATOES wash it until just affect (red, purple, yellow) and crisp ■ What you want: Firm and and fresh looking, and the (Scientifically speaking, before you use it, and ripeness. green stems. heavy in hand; if you scratch ear should feel full the entire tomatoes are the fruit it will keep in the refrigerator ■ Avoid: the rind with your finger, it length; peeling back the husk ■ Avoid: Brittle of a flowering plant.) for a few days. Soft or stems; soft, dull should have a heady citrus should reveal plump kernels. ■ In season: All wrinkly cherries are scent. ■ Avoid: Dry or brown silks year long, with peak ones with signs of ■ Avoid: Skin with or tightly from July to October. flabby skin. over- dark blemishes is packed ker- ■ Store: Can store maturity. a sign of decay; ■ What you want: Should nels. be heavy in your hand and in crisper for about ■ Store: avoid spongy ■ Store: Will fully colored. a week. Very durable, fruit as well. keep longer if ■ ■ Avoid: Pale or spotted but need to be refriger- Store: it’s still SOURCES: “THE FIELD ated quickly and can be Refrigerate for tomatoes. wrapped in GUIDE TO PRODUCE,” “THE SANTA MONICA FARMERS’ kept in a bowl for a few up to two ■ Store: Ripen at room tem- the husk and MARKET COOKBOOK,” WWW.HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM, days. weeks. perature and don’t refrigerate. refrigerated. HOMECOOKING.ABOUT.COM 28 Established 1961

Lifestyle Gossip Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Dua Lipa can’t Stormzy: I don’t want Girls Aloud fan get enough of to be on a pedestal Nadine Coyle tormzy doesn’t want to put himself on a Cardi B “pedestal”. The 24-year-old grime artist has Srecently emerged as one of the UK’s biggest music stars, but Stormzy - whose real name is Michael Owuo - is determined to stay in touch with his roots. The London-born musician - who has members of the public starring in his video for ‘Blinded By Your Grace Pt.2’ - explained: “In the video we’ve got the local community, and a lot of supporters who came down, which is so important for me.” Stormzy is intent on staying in touch with his community and was thrilled to have the public appear alongside him in the distinctive- looking video. He said: “I never want to be this artist who’s on this pedestal, where I’m so over there, and so famous, with ten security guards around me that you can’t get to me, I was like ‘nah man’, I would love to keep that same essence no matter what I’m doing. “If I can bring people together, like my supporters for this, and everyone can come together and we all sing - I was like ‘that will be beautiful.’” Meanwhile, Stormzy previously insisted he deserves the same level of respect afforded to artists such as Frank Ocean or an Adele. Of his debut album ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’, he said: “This album is good, this is incredible, this is heartfelt, this has been put together so well, so strate- gically, so neatly, so creatively - so respect me the same way you’re going to respect a Frank Ocean or an Adele.” Stormzy’s ‘Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 2’ music video was created in partnership of Nokia’s #UniteFor campaign, bringing people together in disconnected and divided times. adine Coyle is Girls Aloud’s “biggest fan”. The ‘Go To Work’ hitmaker may not have much of a relationship ua Lipa can’t get enough of rapper Cardi B. The Nwith most of her former bandmates, but she’d still love ‘New Rules’ singer has revealed she is addicted Snoop Dogg to record to get back on stage with Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, to listening to the star’s song ‘Bodak Yellow’ and Nicola Roberts and her friend Sarah Harding at some point in D the future. She said: “A reunion would be great. I love Girls scrolling through her Instagram, because she loves how gospel record real she is. The brunette beauty told the Daily Star Aloud. I’m their biggest fan.” The 32-year-old star - who has three-year-old daughter Anaiya with partner Jason Bell - made newspaper: “I think I am in love with her. “I’m so noop Dogg wants to record gospel music. The her pop comeback this year and not only is she excited to be obsessed with Cardi B I do nothing but sit and watch 46-year-old star has already covered the genres back, she thinks it was important to take a break from the spot- her Instagram videos... “I think she’s brilliant. I love it! rap, hip-hop, and reggae and is planning to try S light so she had more “life experience” to write about. She said: She has so much truth and I’m like: ‘Preach it, girl.’ “The something new in 2018. He told Billboard: “I have “It was very exciting [to come back]. It was so, so exciting. It’s song is just so good it has style to it, it’s catchy, it’s so always wanted to try Gospel. This may surprise some such a release because you’ve been working on this music for great. “It’s one of those songs that makes you feel in people but all I gotta say is get ready for some good such a long time and then when it comes it you’re like ‘oh thank charge.” And the 22-year-old pop star is also a big fan for your soul music in 2018! Ya know I’m always goodness’ so it feels great. “I took maybe a year off where I of Bajan beauty Rihanna, especially her rapping lines in cookin’ up something. I’ll have some new projects for didn’t do much singing at all. But you gain more life experiences N.E.R.D’s comeback single ‘Lemon’. She said: “It’s so y’all in the New Year.” Snoop also spoke about his and you write about it. You have to go away and come back, I good.” Dua is not the only British star to be into the recent music video for ‘My Last Name’, which was a think.” The ‘Biology’ singer has previously claimed that tensions ‘Motorsport’ hitmaker. MNEK said recently he’s des- tribute to his wife Shante Broadus. He said: “Boss Lady arose in the group - which was formed on TV talent show perate to spit some lines on a Cardi B track. The 23- has held me down since day one. She’s always there for ‘Popstars: The Rivals’ in 2002 - when she was given more lead year-old producer and songwriter has worked on tracks me and our beautiful kids. This video was just a visual vocal parts on their hit songs. She said: “It was fine at the start for the likes of Zara Larsson and Anne-Marie, but he’s tribute of the love we’ve shared for decades.” While but there’s always politics in any band. “It just happened that I set his sights on performing a hook on a track by the Snoop revealed he would love to collaborate with always got more vocals than everybody else, so in terms of rising rap star. He has even offered to perform at her Sade, he has also been hugely impressed by up and people wanting their voice heard, that wasn’t happening. And it forthcoming wedding with her Migos star fiance Offset. coming rapper STIX. He said: “I’ve been rocking with made people, very bitter. They didn’t like that ... So yeah there MNEK - whose real name is Uzoechi ‘Uzo’ Emenike - rapper out of Watts, California, called STIX. He’s hun- was [a divide]. We’re all very, very different characters.” tweeted Cardi: “i now know all the words to ‘Bodak gry, talented, and has hit the road with me for a few Yellow’ your verse on ‘No Limit’ AND ‘Motorsport’. I’m shows and tours the past year. He is really at the top of stanninggggg, can i sing a hook for you? or at your his game. STIX hustles and is definitely someone to wedding idk.... in any case.... lmk @iamcardib (sic)” The keep an eye on. Lots of exciting things come up for ‘Never Forget You’ hitmaker may be in with a chance as him.” Meanwhile, Snoop announced his 16th studio the ‘Motorsport’ star said she is “taking her time” with album, ‘Make America Crip Again’, in October. her debut album. Cardi - whose real name is Belcalis Explaining his album title, Snoop said: “Certain people Paul Weller slams Almanzar - has written a whole host of songs but wants feel like we should make America ‘great again,’ but that to make sure they are top notch before letting any of time they’re referring to always takes me back to sepa- them make the final cut. Giving an update on her first ration and segregation, so I’d rather make America Crip record, Cardi wrote on Twitter last month: “I have a lot again. “What I mean by that is, in my lifetime, that’s Band Aid track of pressure on me. I have songs stashed up .I just don’t when young black men in impoverished areas came think they qualified for my album .Sometimes i think is together to help their communities and to take care of ready sometimes i think it’s not so I’m going to take my their own because society basically left them for dead.” time till it’s right. (sic)” MacFarlane’s ‘surreal’ Grammy nomination

eth MacFarlane says it is “surreal” to be competing against Bob Dylan for a Grammy award. The Hollywood star and ‘Family Guy’ creator has been nominated Sfor his ‘In Full Swing’ album and he is thrilled with his nomination, even though he finds it overwhelming. He told Billboard: “We’re busting our asses, and we’re really taking this as seriously as we possibly can and really trying to make something great. So, it’s intimidating but it’s also validating because we do feel good about the work. We do feel like we’ve really, really killed ourselves to make this everything that it could possibly be.” And Seth admitted it would be validating if he and his producing partner Joel McNeely picked up the prize. He said: “It would be doubly validating. It’s fantastic to be nominated, and if I go my whole life without ever winning, I still have these nominations and that’s more than I ever could have hoped for. But it would be massively validating. “We travel halfway across the globe to do these things [the album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London], and spend all this time casting these musicians and working through these arrangements and really kind of creating each song as its own little storytelling piece. So, on the one hand, I would be flabbergasted and overjoyed, but on the other hand, part of me says, ‘Well, yeah, we put the work in, we’ve worked as hard as anybody when they do something like this. It’s not like because I come out of television that I’m aul Weller thinks ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ is giving 50 percent. We’re just trying to bring it in every way that we can.” “shocking”. The 59-year-old singer was one of several Partists who lent their vocals to Bob Geldof and Midge Ure’s Band Aid single in 1984 - which raised money for famine relief in Ethiopia - and though he agrees the idea behind the track was worthwhile, he doesn’t like the finished song. He said: “You couldn’t argue with what Geldof was Gallagher doesn’t want trying to achieve, but the music was shocking wasn’t it? It sounded like the ‘Doctor Who’ theme.” And the former Jam frontman felt very out of place recording the song, which was the biggest-selling UK single of all time until 1997, to be a ‘stadium rocker’ alongside big name pop stars of the time, including U2, Duran Duran, and the late George Michael. He added in a oel Gallagher doesn’t need to be a “stadium rocker” at his age. The 50-year- recent interview: “Recording that whole Band Aid single was old musician believes he has “conquered the world enough” and has proved his alien to me. Everyone else involved was like a proper 80s Nability on stage over the years, but since hitting the big milestone he has pop star so I just felt like a fish out of water.” Bob is unlikely changed his ways and thinks being a crowd pleaser at his age is “undignified”. He said: to be upset by Paul’s comments as he’s previously admitted “I don’t need to be a stadium rocker anymore - I did it when I was in my twenties and he thinks the song is one of the “worst” in history and he thirties and forties, and I was good at it. I don’t particularly want to be a stadium rock- dreads hearing it every year. He said of the track: “I am er when I’m 50. I think it’s undignified. “I’ve conquered the world enough, I’ve got responsible for two of the worst songs in history. “The other enough money. In fact, I’ve got too much money. Do you want some? I’ll send you one is ‘We Are The World’. Any day soon, I will go to the some. How much do you want? I don’t need any more glory.” The ‘Wonderwall’ hit- supermarket, head to the meat counter and it will be playing. maker quit Oasis in 2009 after he was embroiled in a spat with his brother and band Every Christmas.” And the Boomtown Rats singer can’t even mate Liam Gallagher backstage at a concert, but the star has admitted he has no plans escape it at home because he always gets carol singers at to reunite with the group, and the thought of joining forces with the band again “does- his door singing the song alongside traditional favorites such n’t enter [his] thoughts” at all. He said: “I know that people will not let it go, alright?. as ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ or ‘Away in a Manger’. He said: I’m not saying you, I just mean people in general. “It doesn’t enter my thoughts at all.” “They think ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ is as old as Although Noel has silenced any speculation of him returning to Oasis, he is “flattered” ‘Silent Night’. Sometimes I think that’s wild because I wrote people continue to ask him because it makes him realize he was “something of real it. “Or else I am thinking how much I want them to stop worth”. He told Music Feeds Online: “I mean, it’s quite flattering in a way because it because they are doing it really badly.” means that you did something of real worth. But you know, I did it. I’m done with it. “ Established 1961 29 Lifestyle Gossip Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Paul Bettany wraps filming Lorde cancels Israel on ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ show after pressure

aul Bettany has wrapped up filming ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. The 46-year-old actor stars as Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is set to reprise his role in the highly anticipated third installment in the P‘Avengers’ franchise. Alongside a behind-the-scenes video from the film set, Bettany wrote on Instagram: “That’s a Wrap on me - The Vision. I’ll be seeing you all in May. X (sic)” As well as starring in the new ‘Avengers’ movie, Bettany was also recently added to the cast of the much-anticipated ‘Star Wars’ spin-off movie ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. The film, which is set for release in 2018, centers on a young Han Solo, who is one of the central characters in the money-spinning sci-fi franchise. Teasing the new movie, Bettany recently described the project as a “gangster” film, while he also hailed director Ron Howard, saying he’s “so brilliant”. Bettany explained: “It’s Han Solo’s story, and of course his story would be a caper. On one level it’s a gangster movie. “That’s really inter- esting, because it’s within the canon but really different. It’s Han Solo! “His [Howard] staging ability is so brilliant. I think he went in and he was like a laser, working out what needed to be done when he looked at the footage. “And then, as things moved on, everybody felt so secure with him. And they gave him more. He reshot a lot more than was originally intended.” Efron says Jackman Margot Robbie loves cannot calm down an ‘underdog story’ argot Robbie was eager to star ugh Jackman is “very hard to calm in ‘I, Tonya’ because she loves an down”, according to Zac Efron. The M“underdog story”. The 27-year- H30-year-old Hollywood hunk - who old actress plays the role of former appears alongside the ‘X-Men’ star in the American figure skater Tonya Harding in new movie musical ‘The Greatest Showman’ the Craig Gillespie-directed movie, and - says his co-star is as “perfect as it gets”. Margot has revealed why she was so keen Speaking to news.com.au, Efron said: to star in the film. She explained: “I love ew Zealand singer Lorde has cancelled a “When he sings, if he wants to hold a note, if gangster films ‘cause I love the underdog planned show in Israel after facing pressure it’s like ‘Today...’ he’ll naturally sing, story. I love watching someone rise up, from supporters of a boycott of the Jewish ‘TODAAAAAAAAAAAY’. “He has this natu- despite their circumstances. It’s always N state over its occupation of Palestinian territory. The ral vibrato that’s very hard to calm down. He something I feel like I can get behind. And 21-year-old, who enjoyed phenomenal success while admits it’s hard to calm down from years of she felt like an underdog, to me.” The still a teenager, announced last week a Tel Aviv per- being on Broadway. “Other than that, he’s as movie tells the story of Tonya and Jeff formance in June as part of a tour. After criticism from perfect as it gets.” The new movie - which is Gillooly, who hired a man to break the leg international and New Zealand activists, Lorde helmed by Michael Gracey - follows the true of Nancy Kerrigan - Tonya’s competitor - announced on Sunday she was cancelling the perform- story of P.T. Barnum, an American showman, at the National Figure Skating ance in Israel. “I’ve received an overwhelming number politician, and businessman remembered for Championship in 1994. The incident ended of messages & letters and have had a lot of discussions promoting celebrated hoaxes and for found- Tonya’s career, but Margot says she with people holding many views, and I think the right ing the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Efron and admires her character’s “rebelliousnes”. decision at this time is to cancel the show,” Lorde Jackman appear alongside ‘Spider-Man: The Australian star told Collider: “She had wrote in a statement distributed by Naranjah, the Homecoming’ star Zendaya in the movie. this scrappiness and rebelliousness that is Israeli promoters of her Tel Aviv show. “I’m not too And the 21-year-old actress has hailed obviously fun, but she was also, in my proud to admit I didn’t make the right call on this one,” Jackman’s positive approach to life. She eyes, really misunderstood. I could see she said of the initial decision to perform in Israel. “I’m said: “He’s very terrible at being a negative this bravado and this defiance was really truly sorry to reverse my commitment to come play for person, he just can’t do it. “I don’t think just covering a lot of hurt and a lack of you. I hope one day we can all dance.” In a statement there’s a negative bone in his body.” love. “There were so many elements to to AFP, Naranjah said: “We forgive Lorde and wish her Meanwhile, Jackman - who stars as the ring her that I needed to explore. And then, of a successful tour in Russia and the US.” The movement master in the film - recently revealed he course, once I started looking at the behind the pressure on Lorde is known as BDS- went against doctor’s orders to sing at his online footage, I couldn’t believe what Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions-and says it is audition, just a day after he underwent a she’d gone through and how harshly she inspired by the campaign that targeted South Africa’s skin cancer operation on his nose. He said: was punished.” Margot expressed some apartheid regime and is seeking an end to Israel’s “I thought there’s about a one in 10 chance sympathy with Tonya, who pleaded guilty occupation of the West Bank. In July, BDS activists this movie happens. But we’re going for it. to hindering the prosecution following the failed to get Radiohead to call off its show in Tel Aviv My doctor had said, ‘Do not sing, you’ve attack on her rival. Margot said: “She was despite heavy pressure from artists such as Pink just had 80 stitches in your nose. They really chasing the American dream and was just Floyd’s Roger Waters and director Ken Loach. Israel could split apart, you could get an infection’, about to get it, and the whole thing came sees BDS as a strategic threat and accuses it of anti- which I’d had before in a similar operation. tumbling down. “Skating was her one Semitism-a claim activists firmly deny, calling it an “So I was like, ‘Don’t worry I’m not going to safe place in the world, and that was tak- attempt to discredit them. A few politically active musi- risk that, I’m just going to speak it and en away from her. I don’t care if you think cians have called off shows in Israel over the past someone else will sing it.’ But the emotion of she did it or not, I don’t think she years, including Lauryn Hill and Elvis Costello. the song and the moment took over me.” deserved that punishment.” Pitch Perfect 3 director Dominic Cooper Avengers: Infinity explains absence of male stars embraces War will be a stunt work ‘cinematic event’ vengers: Infinity War will be ominic Cooper loves doing a “cinematic event”. Star his own stunts. The 39- Karen Gillan - who plays year-old actor stars as D ANebula in the Marvel ‘Guardians of Special Boat Service officer John the Galaxy’ and ‘Avengers’ movies Stratton in ‘Stratton’, which is - is excited for fans to see the based on a series of books by for- upcoming film and insists they will mer SBS officer Duncan Falconer, be blown away. She told The and he rejected having a body Hollywood Reporter: “I mean, this double to take part in the action is so vague but genuinely this is scenes himself, and though he going to be more than a movie, it’s almost had an accident, he going to be like a cinematic event. enjoyed the adrenaline rush they Anyone who is a Marvel fan and brought. He said: “I loved doing knows stuff from 10 years ago will the stunts. If you trust the stunt see it become relevant in this. It’s team and you invest in the stunts like everything that you’ve known and believe they are believable. about Marvel is building to this These were all very specific and movie.” Karen also revealed that well researched. Leaping from the atmosphere on set was one of driving car into a bus - nearly the best she ever experienced. She went wrong - but was good. “It told Collider: “I don’t know how gives you the adrenaline to move chaotic it is. It’s just an extremely onto the new scene. I was very long shoot with so many charac- privileged to be playing people ters. Logistically, it must be a chal- who are looking out for the coun- lenge for them to schedule it. I try.” Dominic is now looking itch Perfect 3 left out its male character because it was “time to make a fresh guess that’s where the chaos ahead to the upcoming ‘Mamma start”. Adam Devine, Ben Platt and Skylar Astin have no role in the third movie in comes from. But, it’s so much fun. Mia!’ sequel, and is delighted all Pthe franchise and director Trish Sie believes it was important for the female char- In terms of atmosphere on set, it’s the original cast will be returning acters to move on from them. She told The Hollywood Reporter: “When I came aboard, one of the best I’ve ever experi- - though he thinks the years have the version of the script that was in play already had those decisions made. And maybe enced. Everybody is just having a taken their toll since the original I could have fought hard to bring them back if I really disagreed with that decision, but really good time, at least of what was released in 2008. He told I didn’t, because there was some scheduling stuff involved-Ben Platt is busy winning I’ve seen. They’ve set a really nice BANG Showbiz: “‘Mamma Mia 2’ awards on Broadway [for ‘Dear Evan Hansen’] — but I think the main purpose was tone for the environment, so I’m is in the works we are all dancing. these girls are moving on with their life. Maybe they’ll get back to these guys at some having a good time.” Meanwhile, All the original cast are returning. point. A lot of people don’t end up with their college boyfriend and we wanted it to be Karen co-stars with The Rock in We are all there. All a bit baggy about them and their independence and finding their way in the world and moving the ‘Jumanji’ reboot and she is a around the gills. We are all a bit ahead alone. And it just felt like it was time to make a fresh start.” And Trish hopes the huge fan of his comedic abilities. more sunburnt.” And the British third film in the series - which stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson - will not be its She said: “He’s so inspiring. I’ve star is also kept busy with his TV last. She said: “I mean, of course that’s above my pay grade and I have no idea and am never met anyone that works hard- show ‘Preacher’ and hopes it con- not the one making the decisions but as far as I am concerned, I would see these er than him. I mean he is one of the tinues to run for some time. He movies on and on and on until they start sucking. I think whether it’s these women in biggest actors in the world while said: “It’s great fun and that TV the next stage of life or it’s a new group of women going through these things, I think running this empire and he has a show has so much scope. I hope there are endless ways to chart the course of the girls’ lives and a woman’s life. There’s family and maintains his body. I’m they do because it has been so so many archetypal scenes in these movies that, to me, if you get the right chemistry- just like, ‘How do you do that?’ We daring so far and the wealth of and this cast of course has amazing chemistry and that’s why it works-so if you were to had a great relationship. We were disgust and intrigue that we have do a reboot you’d have to spend a lot of time making the chemistry right. But assuming laughing a lot. I just think he’s one left to show on the screen, I think you can get that-singing, dancing, laughing, solving problems together, unlikely heroes, of my favorite comedic actors now, it will be real shame not to let band of misfits-that stuff is sort of timeless and wonderful and, as far as I am con- like I love his dry delivery. It’s, like, everyone see that.” cerned, I would watch it over and over and over again.” crazy.” — Bang Showbiz 30 Established 1961 Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Lifestyle Features

The silhouette of the Pilgrim Church (Wallfahrtkirche) is seen in the village of Christkindl.

One of the world’s largest nativity scene, accommodating 778 figures in a huge cabinet is pictured in the Austrian village of Christkindl (“Christ Child”). — AFP photos

A wax figure of the Christ child is seen at an altar of the Pilgrim Church (Wallfahrckirche) in the village of Christkindl.

raditionally in Austria, and elsewhere in Post transports them here to be stamped, includ- answered-provided the kids include a self- Europe, it’s not Santa who gives out the ing from abroad,” Poetzl told AFP. Gerhard addressed and stamped envelope. Tgifts but the “Christkindl” (“Christ Child”). Eismayr, one of several thousand people who Miracle And in the village actually make the pilgrimage to The special post office in Christkindl has been called Christkindl, it’s busy Christkindl to get his greet- running since 1950 but the fame of the northern right now. Every Christmas ings cards stamped in per- Austrian village on top of a hill dates back to the period the small village sets son, said it’s a worthwhile 17th century. In the winter of 1691, one Ferdinand up a temporary post office to The post office of experience. “If I want to give Sertl placed a small Christ Child in a niche he had stamp almost two million “ my friends and acquaintanc- cut in a pine tree and prayed to be relieved on his Christmas cards with a spe- Christkindl is the es something very personal, epilepsy. His prayers were answered. Word cial postmark, and using a dif- there is only one way: the spread and soon afterwards today’s Baroque ferent design every day. only way to give “ post office of Christkindl,” church was built on the site, with the original tree “When you consider the num- the pensioner from nearby trunk visible in the altar. Nearby meanwhile is a ber of inhabitants it’s certainly a personal gift Wels told AFP. musical, mechanical Nativity scene of 300 wood- a record, particularly seeing “It says I’m making the en Biblical figures tottering around thanks to a as this happens over just six effort for you to do something unique contraption of bicycle chains, shafts and weeks,” says Eva Poetzl from personal and nice... a post- gear wheels. And that’s not even the village’s only the local tourism office. card with a stamp from here.” Nativity scene. Christkindl’s second one is one of “Either people bring the letters themselves or, Children from all over the world also write to the the world’s largest, accommodating 778 figures in Details from one of the world’s largest nativity scene, accommodating 778 figures in a huge cabi- more usually, a special service by the Austrian “Christ Child” and their letters are even a huge cabinet. — AFP net are pictured.

Visitors look at one of the world’s largest nativity scene, accommodating A wax figure of 778 figures in a the Christ child is huge cabinet in seen at an altar of the Austrian the Pilgrim village of Church Christkindl. (Wallfahrckirche).

Martina Prinz of the Austrian Post shows this year’s collection of Christmas post stamps and marks at the post office in the A post office worker stamps envelopes with village of Christkindl. Christmas postmarks.

A tourist looks at the Pilgrim A woman walks Church by a village (Wallfahrtskirche) sign in Steyr in the village of Ferdinand Jakob looks at a moving, mechanical Nativity scene of 300 wooden Biblical figures tottering around thanks to a unique Christkindle, Christkindl. contraption of bicycle chains, shafts and gear wheels in the village of Christkindl. Austria.

Visitors buy Visitors buy Christmas post Christmas post stamps and send stamps and send letters at a post letters at a post office in the office in the village of village of Christkindl. Christkindl. Established 1961 31

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Lifestyle Features

People walking through an arcade in A butcher Al-Mubarakiya cutting meat in Souk in a shop in Kuwait City. Al-Mubarakiya — AFP photos Souk.

Women sitting at a table in a small restaurant in Al-Mubarakiya Souk in Kuwait City. A man carves pieces of shawarma to serve at a restaurant in Al-Mubarakiya Souk.

A shopkeeper piles ice next to frozen fish on display in a fish A baker preparing dough for flat bread in a restaurant kitchen market at Al-Mubarakiya Souk. in Al-Mubarakiya Souk.

A baker retrieving finished bread from an oven in a restaurant kitchen in Al-Mubarakiya Souk.

Bakers preparing flat bread dough in a restaurant kitchen Bakers preparing dough for flat bread in a restaurant kitchen in in Al-Mubarakiya Souk. Al-Mubarakiya Souk. A view of a date shop in Al-Mubarakiya Souk in Kuwait City.

A shopkeeper People watch a sitting next to his football match merchandise of on a big screen dates outside in the square his shop in outside Al-Mubarakiya Al-Mubarakiya Souk. Souk. Established 1961

Lifestyle TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2017

Kosovar children dressed as angels pray prior to the Christmas mass eve, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, on December 24, 2017 at the Mother Teresa cathe- dral in Pristina. — AFP Jerusalem tensions cast shadow over Holy Land Christmas

alestinian scouts played drums and bagpipes at Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem on Where’s Santa? US-Canadian PSunday, but many tourists stayed away with tensions still simmering following Washington’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The military command track St Nick December 6 announcement by US President Donald Trump unleashed demonstrations and clashes, including in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occu- pied West Bank where Christians will mark the birth of Jesus at a midnight mass. On Bethlehem’s Manger Square, hundreds of Palestinians and tourists gathered in the cold near a huge nativity scene and Christmas tree to watch the annual scout parade. They took pictures as a marching band made its way through the square towards the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where tradition says Mary gave birth to Jesus. The square usually throngs with tourists on Christmas Eve, but clashes between Palestinian protesters and the Israeli army in the past weeks have kept people away this year. Twelve Palestinians have been killed since Trump’s declaration, including a 19-year-old who died of People take part in the Christmas Eve celebrations at the Manger Square outside the Church of the his wounds on Sunday nine days after he was shot Nativity in the town of Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. — AFP photos during a Gaza protest. Sami Khoury, who runs the US President Donald J Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump participate in NORAD Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said and attacking worshippers before security forces Visit Palestine online tourism portal, said many vis- Santa Tracker phone calls at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida on Trump’s announcement “encouraged the illegal restored order. Christmas decorations have mean- itors had cancelled their Christmas trips. “There December 24, 2017. — AFP disconnection between the holy cities of while become more visible in Christian areas of the weren’t even that many Palestinians, let alone Bethlehem and Jerusalem... for the first time in over Syrian capital Damascus this year. t’s the question every good little girl are you? Merry Christmas. Are you track- tourists” at the celebration, he said, blaming 2,000 years of Christianity”. Mitri Raheb, pastor of In the central city of Homs, Christians will cel- and boy asks on Christmas Eve: When ing Santa? Do you know where he is right Trump’s decision for ruining the atmosphere. “It the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in ebrate Christmas with great fanfare for the first is Santa coming? As it has done every now?” she asked. “As soon as you go to doesn’t feel like Christmas.” In the square, South I Bethlehem, told AFP on Sunday that Christmas time in years after the end of battles between year since the 1950s, a Canadian and sleep, Santa will be there.” When not Korean Joon Hong, 35, said he was not religious this year is a “mix of sadness and joy” because of regime and rebel forces, with processions, shows American defense agency tracked the jolly spreading holiday cheer, NORAD con- but wanted to experience the Christmas atmos- the US decision on Jerusalem, which he called “the for children and even decorations among the old man’s path around the globe in his ducts aerospace and maritime control and phere. “People look happy and ready for beating heart of Palestine.” ruins. In Iraq too, this year marks a positive turn- reindeer-powered sleigh. A 3-D, interac- warning operations-including monitoring Christmas. It looks good,” he said. Nahil Banura, a ing point for the Christian community in the tive website at www.noradsanta.org for missile launches from North Korea, Christian woman from Beit Sahur, near Bethlehem, Christmas in Mosul northern city of Mosul. Hymns filled a Mosul showed Santa on his delivery route, allow- something that may have been on Santa’s said Trump’s decision had made the run-up to In neighboring Egypt, Coptic Christians who church on Sunday as worshippers celebrated ing users to click and learn more about mind as he passed over the country’s capi- Christmas “miserable”. “People are only going out celebrate Christmas on January 6 saw a church in Christmas for the first time in four years after the the various cities along the way. tal Pyongyang. to vent,” she said. Perhaps as few as 50,000 Giza attacked by a mob following Muslim prayers city’s recapture from the Islamic State group in The Santa tracker presented by the “NORAD radars have sensed move- Palestinian Christians make up just around two on Friday, the latest in some 20 such incidents in July. Muslims stood alongside Christian worship- North American Aerospace Defense ment near the North Pole. It appears that percent of the predominantly Muslim population of 2017. Hundreds entered the church, chanting slo- pers amid the candles and Christmas trees at St Command (NORAD) dates to 1955, when the elves have finished loading Santa’s the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Archbishop gans calling for its demolition, destroying furniture Paul’s Church. — AFP a Colorado newspaper advertisement sleigh and Santa has lifted off! Even Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of printed a phone number to connect chil- loaded with all the gifts and goodies, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the Church dren with St Nick but mistakenly directed Santa’s sleigh seems to be moving light- of the Nativity Sunday afternoon. He said last week them to the hotline for the military nerve ning fast,” the website said in a video clip that “dozens” of foreign visitors had cancelled their center. To avoid disappointing the little at the launch of Santa’s global journey. As Christmas trips after Trump’s announcement. ones, NORAD’s director of operations at of 1100 GMT, Santa had made his way But Israel’s tourism ministry has said Christmas the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, ordered his back to the North Pole, having left more preparations have not been affected, and it expects staff to check the radar to see where Santa than 7.2 billion gifts in his wake. a 20 percent increase in the number of Christian might be and update the children on his Volunteers manning the NORAD phone pilgrims this year compared with 2016. An Israeli location. President Donald Trump joined in line included military members in uniform. police spokesman said that extra units would be the NORAD tradition on Sunday, answer- One soldier completed his look with a deployed in Jerusalem and at the crossings to ing the phone from his Mar-a-Lago resort camouflage Santa hat, according to pho- Bethlehem to ease the travel and access for the in Florida. “What would you like more than tos on the website’s Twitter account. “thousands of tourists and visitors”. And the Israeli anything?” the president asked one child. The Santa tracker “has become a mag- army officer in charge of the Bethlehem area said “Building blocks, that’s what I’ve always ical tradition for generations of families that while tensions had been high in the area fol- liked too. I always loved building blocks,” everywhere,” General Lori Robinson, lowing the Jerusalem announcement, he did not Trump said after the child responded. commander of the US Northern expect trouble on Christmas. Another asked help for his hospitalized Command and NORAD, told Politico. “We’ve reinforced our troops, and are ready for grandmother. “So you want your grandma “While certainly a reminder that we have any scenario,” Lieutenant Colonel Benny Meir told to get out of the hospital? That’s what the watch defending North America, our AFP. Israel seized east Jerusalem in the 1967 your wish is? That’s great. That’s better ultimate goal is to provide goodwill and Middle East war and later annexed it, in moves than asking for some toy or something,” cheer during the holiday season.” never recognized by the international community. Trump said. “Your grandma’s gonna be Volunteers are armed with a 14-page Palestinians view east Jerusalem as the capital of good, okay, she’s gonna be good.” First handbook detailing the “tracking opera- their future state, and interpreted Trump’s state- Lady Melania Trump also took calls: “How tion,” Politico reported. — AFP ment as rejecting their right to a capital in east A man takes a selfie at the Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity as people gather for Jerusalem, although the Americans deny this. Christmas Eve celebrations in the town of Bethlehem.