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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 22, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net

MPs demand debate on Min 19º Max 31º scrapped mega tenders High Tide 03:53 & 16:07 Five investigation reports referred to Audit Bureau Low Tide 10:03 & 22:55 40 PAGES NO: 16430 150 FILS By B Izzak from the editor’s desk KUWAIT: The National Assembly yesterday demanded a debate on mega tenders cancelled by the government, 50 years mainly the airport project, after MPs criticized the actions of the ministry of public works. The government however used its constitutional right and demanded that the from now debate be delayed until the next session, scheduled for March 10. The Assembly request was triggered by a rec- ommendation by the public works ministry last week to the Central Tenders Committee to scrap a tender for the By Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan airport expansion project after bids far exceeded ministry estimates. [email protected] The ministry said that it had estimated the project to cost around KD 1 billion, but the lowest of four bids made came at around KD 1.4 billion. The ministry’s request mong the most notable of ideas to come prompted angry reactions from the Assembly, which out of the Government Summit 2015 in made its public utilities committee to recommend trans- ADubai this week was those presented by ferring the project from the ministry to the Amiri Diwan. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy But several MPs yesterday praised the ministry’s move, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces saying it aimed at safeguarding public funds. The CTC is Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahayan. scheduled to meet ministry of public works officials today During his keynote address, Sheikh Mohammed to take a decision on the tender. urged the Emirates to encourage its “human tal- During its busy schedule yesterday, the Assembly vot- ent” and to look to education and not oil for the ed to refer five investigation reports to the Audit Bureau country’s future. to complete the legal procedures for sending officials sus- I couldn’t agree more. But this opens a KUWAIT: Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem smiles as a photographer takes his picture during a National pected of wrongdoings to the public prosecution. A num- debate. How many Gulf countries are actually Assembly session yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat ber of other reports were sent to the government to capable of sustaining themselves without oil? In implement its recommendations, while a report on smug- all honesty, none of them. The truth is that the gling diesel was sent back to the public funds protection Continued on Page 13 entire region lives on oil reserves. None of the Gulf countries have true and developed manu- Former POWs look at facturing industries, with perhaps the exception of Saudi Arabia. None of them have a tourism News industry with the exception of Dubai and lighter side of ordeal in brief Makkah for religious purposes. None of them have enough highly educated and technically By Faten Omar their imprisonment, the former POWs also recalled a few Emirates aims to hire skilled local people. amusing incidents. more than 11,000 staff Education is paramount in every aspect of KUWAIT: Three former Kuwaiti prisoners of war shared Salmeen said 278 Kuwaiti prisoners were held in Iraqi DUBAI: Dubai’s Emirates Group aims to increase its staff life. Whether you are building an economy or stories about their time in captivity during an event at for a period of 238 days from Aug 3, 1990 to March 27, by about 6 percent over the next year as it adds 20 air- creating a stable political environment, educa- the American University of Kuwait on Monday night. Col 1991. “When we were in prison, the Iraqi army used many craft to its fleet and expands other operations, it said tion is the key to development and prosperity. (Ret) Nasser Salmeen, Col (Ret) Abdulwahed Al-Naqqah tactics to force us to join them. They covered our eyes yesterday. Emirates Group, which comprises Emirates Having an educated society would create the and Lt-Col (Ret) Pilot Saleh Al-Jemaz were all taken pris- and shot in the air, saying, ‘We killed your colleague airline and aircraft ground handling and flight catering conditions for economic and business innova- oner during the Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait because he was not cooperative - you have to cooperate’. firm dnata, aims to hire more than 11,000 staff by March tion and promote research and development in (1990-1991). While recounting the horrors of the war and Continued on Page 13 2016, it said in a statement. Nearly half will be recruits ways to sustain the country away from natural for Dubai-based cabin crew jobs while it will also fill resources. positions in flight operations, engineering, airport serv- Some are working on it, some are nearly ices and corporate roles. “Right now we have over there. The UAE and Qatar are now hosting inter- Upstart party wins big in Delhi 75,000 employees in Dubai and around the world,” national events, building research and knowl- Abdulaziz Al-Ali, executive vice president of human edge centers and improving their educational resources at Emirates Airline and Group said in a state- system, medical field, human talent and build- Blow for Modi • Congress decimated ment. The 6 percent growth target takes into account ing tourism industries and finance sectors. Saudi turnover, the airline clarified later, which means about Arabia has its factories, and has been focusing a NEW DELHI: India’s Narendra Modi yes- 6,500 employees will be leaving in the coming year. In lot lately on building its educational system and terday suffered his first major election 2014, Emirates received more than 480,000 online job universities. Saudi Arabia has even begun setback since becoming prime minister applications, it said. Dubai International replaced addressing its social issues and responding to last May, as anti-corruption campaigner London’s Heathrow last year as the world’s busiest air- Arvind Kejriwal won a landslide victory in societal needs rather than just trying to keep port by international passenger traffic, data released Delhi state polls. Modi’s Hindu nationalist last month showed. things the same. party won just three of the 70 seats in Unfortunately, Kuwait seems to be falling the Delhi assembly in elections held over behind in all these matters. It’s a known fact that the weekend, dealing a setback to his Kuwait’s educational system is grossly outdated Worker abuse at Louvre, efforts to consolidate power and push Guggenheim sites: HRW and inadequate and has deteriorated, and the through much-needed economic NICOSIA: Human Rights Watch urged the Louvre illiteracy level has increased. reforms. and Guggenheim museums yesterday to pressure Former Delhi chief minister Kejriwal’s Even when thinking of investing money in the United Arab Emirates to end worker abuse on a Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party won the country, official statements are very discour- project that will host branches of the institutions. 67 seats, according to official results aging. Every other government announcement Some employers at the Saadiyat Island site in Abu released hours after Modi conceded says ‘our budget is going bankrupt’ or ‘our secu- Dhabi, which will also be home to a campus of New defeat and promised the city’s new rity is under threat’ or we will remove govern- York University (NYU), are withholding wages, con- leader his government’s “complete sup- ment subsidies on a certain commodity, which fiscating workers’ passports, and housing them in port”. NEW DELHI: Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal (cen- obviously will make life more expensive. These substandard accommodation, HRW said. Several Continued on Page 13 ter) waves to the crowd yesterday. — AP are all discouraging actions, even for local hundred workers who went on strike at the site were investors. Certain policies and statements seem arbitrarily deported, the New York-based rights to be made without thought of the conse- group said. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and quences or the reaction from the market. Every Qatar gives day off for sport Investment Company (TDIC) hit back, rejecting the report’s “unfounded conclusions” which it said were diwaniya you go to in Kuwait seems to be com- DOHA: More than a million people were given a day off beginning of this year found that 73 percent of Qataris plaining of the lack of action and the lack of eco- “outdated and based on unknown methodologies”. work yesterday in Qatar to take part in a nationwide day of were classified as “overweight or obese”. The same research Saadiyat’s main developer said all workers have nomic development and opportunities. sport amid growing concern at obesity levels in the super- - covering 1,200 Qatari nationals and long-term expats also We look to our brotherly GCC neighbors and access to their passports and 99 percent are provid- rich Gulf state. Although the annual Qatar National Sport discovered that 76 percent of men and 70 percent of ed with medical insurance. However, HRW said that we feel proud of their successes. But we also ask: Day is meant to be a fun event with beach volleyball, jog- women are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. while only “a small percentage” of workers were sub- Why not Kuwait? Where does our future lie? And ging, fitness boot camps and even a screening of the box- And only two in 10 Qataris do any kind of exercise each jected to abuse, the prestigious foreign institutions how will we survive without oil? It’s time to start ing movie “Rocky”, it contains a serious message. Qatar, for week. The same research also found that 45 percent of involved should demand commitments by the planning now for where we want to be 50 years all its recent association with sport, has a weight problem. women had gained weight in the past year, though there United Arab Emirates to protect workers and com- down the road. The first results from an ongoing two-year study by the was no comparable figure for men. pensate them for mistreatment. Qatar Biobank, a medical research facility, published at the Continued on Page 13 LOCAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

KUWAIT: Prince Charles of Wales is seen off at the Amiri Terminal by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and senior officials. (Middle) Prince Charles salutes soldiers on board of the British destroyer. (Right) Prince Charles speaks with members of the Kuwaiti navy. — KUNA photos Prince Charles concludes official visit to Kuwait UK prince visits British Destroyer warship

KUWAIT: Prince Charles of Wales and his accompa- Khaled Al-Jarallah. He was also seen off by His senior crew members on board the vessel shortly armed helicopter. It has been in the Gulf for a week “delighted” with the third visit of a senior British offi- nying delegation left Kuwait yesterday, concluding a Highness the Crown Prince’s Diwan Chief Sheikh before bidding farewell to attending dignitaries, now - after taking over the role assumed by HMS cial to Kuwait, most recently that of the Foreign two-day official visit to the country. Mubarak Al-Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah, His Highness including senior Kuwaiti Navy officers, who were Defender - and will soon switch to a next phase of Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Prince Charles was seen off at the airport by His the Crown Prince Diwan’s Undersecretary for invited to a reception on the ship. deployment following the US carrier to the east of Tobias Elwood. Prince Charles earlier held talks with Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Protocol Affairs Sheikh Mubarak Sabah Al-Salem Al- Speaking on board the vessel, which is one of the the Suez Canal as it continues to launch jets over both His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Hmoud Al-Sabah, Acting Dean of the Diplomatic largest owned by the British Navy, its Lt. Islamic State militants across Iraq and Syria. Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Corps and Somali Ambassador in Kuwait Abdulqadir Commander Mike Klidjian told KUNA that the air Meanwhile, Klidjian, who comes second in the ship’s Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Amin Abu Baker, several other senior Army, Police, defense destroyer is protecting the US Navy carrier line of command, said it was an “honor to be present and their discussions reflected the values of friend- Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign National Guard and State officials and both coun- USS Carl Vinson, whose aircraft are launching in Kuwait,” adding that it was an opportunity for the ship both nations share, he said. Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- tries’ ambassadors. airstrikes from the Gulf against IS. British Navy to “reinvigorate our relations (with Afterwards, the British monarch held talks with Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Kuwait).” The crew were set to receive yesterday Kuwait Investment Authority officials, on how the Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, HMS Dauntless Security patrols some 120 young Kuwait Navy cadets who will be sovereign wealth fund could contribute to environ- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense During his two-day trip to Kuwait, Prince Charles According to a press release handed out by the receiving training on board the British Navy vessel, mental projects which could contribute to sustain- Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime paid a visit Monday to HMS Dauntless, a British ship, it is “conducting maritime security patrols to he said, a matter he highly welcomed, adding “this able development and low carbon emissions, he Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry Destroyer warship deployed in the Gulf waters tak- deter terrorist activities and illegal trafficking as part mirrors the depth of ties between both countries.” added. He went on to hail the long standing rela- Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej, His Highness the Prime ing part in the international military operation of the 30-nation Combined Maritime Forces.” The tionship between the KIA - one of the biggest invest- Minister’s Diwan Advisor and Chairman of the against the Islamic State (IS) group. vessel is armed with highly advanced weapons, Friendship values ing sovereign wealth funds in London - and Britain, Mission of Honor Sheikh Dr Salem Jaber Al-Ahmad After being welcomed on board by a military including a potent anti-aircraft missile system, a Also attending the event was British Ambassador which he said mirrors the relationship between both Al-Sabah and Foreign Ministry Undersecretary salute, the heir apparent to the British throne met highly sophisticated radar and a Merlin or Lynx Matthew Lodge, who told KUNA that he was sides. — KUNA Dubai Government Summit to VIVA honors CAN enhance public services: Official

DUBAI: The 3rd Dubai Government Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of governments, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Campaign winners Summit aims at enhancing public services, Dubai. It lasts until today, and hosted more said every successful government treats its a Kuwaiti Interior Ministry official said yes- than 100 guest speakers from outside the citizens as a national asset. He added that terday. The summit is focusing on exchang- UAE. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive the state-building doesn’t only depend on National campaign to promote cancer prevention ing expertise within public services Chairman of the World Economic Forum, is governments, but also on every citizen and amongst the participants, said Sheikh one of the main speakers during the event. resident. He also said that the UAE citizens KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-grow- Meshal Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the country’s national unity were the Assistant Undersecretary for data Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy most prime assets. ing and most developed telecom Technology and Communications. Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed He quoted a saying by the late Sheikh operator, sponsored the Cancer Aware Sheikh Meshal thanked the UAE for Forces, underlined during a keynote speech Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan that “the new Nation (CAN), the national campaign organizing the summit, affirming that the at the summit the importance of education generation should be aware of the suffer- launched to promote cancer preven- event will have its positive impact on all in shaping the future of the UAE, as well as ing of its ancestors. This awareness will pro- tion, and was under the auspices of those who took part in it. The third the challenges in the education sector that vide them with drive, firmness and solidity the retired Lieutenant General Thabet Government Summit kicked off Monday need to be addressed through a clear vision in order to complete the epic of construc- Mohammed Al-Muhanna, Governor of under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed for the next 25 years and a strategy for tion and development initiated by our the capital. CAN featured the slogan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and building future capabilities. On the future fathers and ancestors.” — KUNA and WAM “Invigorate Your Life, Diversify Your Food, And Increase Your Activity” to raise awareness for a healthy lifestyles to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. CAN recently held a walkathon in the Health district of Yarmouk, repre- sented by Abdulaziz Thunayan Mishari, Al-Yarmouk area elect, with the participation of large numbers of local residents from various age groups where VIVA honored the win- ners while promoting physical activi- ty, and encouraging people to adopt healthy living through good nutrition Abdulaziz Thunayan Mishari honors VIVA Telecom and increased movement to help pre- healthy lifestyles, develop healthy eat- VIVA will continue to perform its vent colorectal cancer. ing habits and stay active. As part of social duty as a major partner in the The campaign seeks to raise aware- its Corporate Social Responsibility development of society, to ensure ness for a healthy lifestyle by holding strategy, VIVA sponsored this cam- better lifestyle and encourage individ- workshops, lectures, and meetings in paign, one of CAN’s most important uals to improve their way of living on gathering places, public-interest health promotion initiatives in order all levels. To learn more about VIVA’s organizations, authorities, schools, to encourage healthier lifestyles with Corporate Social Responsibility initia- companies, and banks to help reduce good nutrition and physical activity. tive, please visit the company’s CSR cancer rates including colorectal can- VIVA’s sponsorship stems also from its focused portal cer. commitment, interest in health pro- https://www.viva.com.kw/csr. It VIVA hailed the success of this motion, and its strong belief that it is offers a description of each CSR initia- awareness campaign that seeks to the company’s duty to help spread tive that VIVA has supported, or encourage individuals to adopt health awareness among the public. adopted since its inception. Kuwait reiterates commitment to anti-terror resolutions Kuwait, Sudan ink cooperative deals

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister President Omar Al-Bashir to continue efforts to promote and Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah reaffirmed bolster distinguished relations between both countries. Kuwait’s commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions 2170 Kuwaiti-Sudanese relations have been developing in politi- and 2178 on the fight against terrorism. cal, economic and cultural fields thanks to the relentless deter- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled made the remark yesterday during mination and will of both countries’ leaderships and peoples, the second session of the joint Kuwait-Sudanese committee, and out of belief in the common goal and fate in light of the emphasizing that the fight against this scourge should not be current regional problems and challenges, he said. restricted to military operations as public awareness, societal development and media campaigns are also involved. Governmental investments In this context, the State of Kuwait, which is part of the On economic cooperation sector, he said the size of gov- international coalition against terrorism, is providing all types ernmental investments undertaken by the Public Investment of support for combating terrorism and forces of darkness and Authority (PIA) in vital development sectors in Sudan are esti- backwardness and cutting off its financial sources, he said. mated at $9 billion. He hoped that the Kuwaiti private sector “We are monitoring, with much concern and sorrow, the would expand investments in promising development sectors growing phenomenon of terrorism and its risks and reflections in Kuwait. In 1961, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic on our countries and peoples. Actually, it has become the Development (KFAED) extended the first loan to Sudan for a scourge of the modern age which transgresses national and railway station project and then financed 26 development religious belongings and runs counter to human nature and projects worth a total of $900 million for dams, roads and value,” he added. Under UN Security Council Resolutions 2170 infrastructure there, he added. and 2178, all countries are required to work together to stop Kuwait also provided $100 millions’ worth of humanitarian the flow, financing and encouragement of “terrorist” groups, and development aid to Sudan between 1975 and 2014, he especially the ISIL. said, adding that during an East Sudan donors conference in November 2010 Kuwait had pledged financial aid valued at New horizons $500 million, including $50 million in grants for health and Kuwait and Sudan signed a number of agreements and education and $450 million in easy loans. Kuwait and Sudan memos of understanding aiming to upgrade the level of bilat- have now signed a total of 25 agreements and memos of eral relations to new horizons. understanding in bilateral cooperation domains, Sheikh Sabah The deals, which were inked at the wrapping-up of the sec- Al-Khaled pointed out. ond session of the joint Kuwaiti-Sudanese committee, are related to cooperation in the fields of culture, arts, science, Further development technology, education, animals, fish and pastures. A loan He noted that agreements and MoUs signed by both sides agreement was also signed by the Kuwait Fund for Arab yesterday would contribute to a further development of bilat- Economic Development (KFAED) and Sudan for an East Sudan eral relations, thus fulfilling the hopes and expectations of power station project. The second session of the joint Kuwaiti- both countries’ peoples for more development, prosperity and Sudanese ministerial committee kick-started yesterday under security. co-chairmanship of Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and visiting The meeting was attended by Undersecretary of the Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti. Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah, KFAED Secretary-General Addressing the session, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said the Abdelwahab Al-Bader, several other senior officials of the meeting was held at the behest of His Highness the Amir Foreign Ministry and Kuwait’s Ambassador to Sudan Talal Al- Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sudanese Hajeri. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 LOCAL Photo of the day

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti flag waves in front of the Four Points Hotel and Sheraton Hotel building, which is decorated with colored lights representing the flag in Kuwait City. Public and private buildings around Kuwait are being decorated these days in preparation for the national holidays, which fall on the 25th and 26th of February. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Zain Great Idea update: 70 projects qualify Participants receive intensive training during Boot Camp

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- session seeing participants gather together tutored on the planning procedure of their Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter and form active businesses. tions company in Kuwait, announces that where they were introduced to essential projects and prepare for the submission headquarters. This will be complemented Zain is committed to the development of 70 projects and ideas submitted to the Zain information that will guide them through stage. The judging committee will evaluate by daily seminars and courses delivered by the national economy, and is keen to help Great Idea (ZGI) accelerator program have the next phases of the program. ZGI Boot participants’ projects upon presenting them international speakers in preparation of the achieve this by promoting the skills and qualified to take part in the second phase of Camp will see the participants taking part in after the end of the Boot Camp phase. The finalization of the projects. capabilities of young people in the country. the program, the ZGI Boot Camp that takes extensive workshops and training sessions committee in turn will nominate the 12 best The company is keen to ensure that all par- place at the company’s headquarters in to help them shape their projects up to projects to accelerate to the third phase of Entrepreneurs’ growth ticipants of the ZGI program receive access Shuwaikh. The program provides partici- international standards. the program in the United States. In undertaking ZGI, Zain extended its to internationally certified courses by col- pants with a golden opportunity to develop In the third phase, participants will enjoy partnership with Brilliant Lab; whose main laborating with some of the world’s leading and nurture their projects on solid grounds World-class institutions an international experience by visiting the aim is to help foster the growth of entrepre- institutions. with the ultimate future aim of achieving The Boot Camp program is facilitated by ‘Mind the Bridge’ Foundation located in neurs in Kuwait, and Mind the Bridge, which This year’s program if focused on tech- commercial success. world-class educational institutions featur- Silicon Valley, San Francisco. Participants will aims at providing an adoptive environment nology-related projects that provide cre- The first phase that included registration ing facilitators from Harvard University, spend three weeks accompanied by a group for youth to accelerate their business ideas. ative technical solutions such as mobile and nomination of ideas, and then qualify- Stanford University, IE Business School, and of business owners from around the world ZGI aims to support and encourage young applications and interactive websites that ing, saw a large participation from the coun- the MIT Enterprise Forum. Participants will who will share their experiences and pro- people to bring their most innovative ideas provide both commercial and social entre- try’s talented youth who were keen to bring undergo an intensive training program held vide proper guidance and advice for partici- to life by acquainting them with interna- preneurship services, due to Zain’s belief their creative ideas to life. The second phase over two weeks from 8 to 24 February at pants to improve their projects. The experi- tionally certified programs that will guide that the technology continues to enrich the started on February 8th with the orientation Zain Headquarters, where they will be ence will include informative field trips to them to realizing their own creative ideas lives of societies around the world. Canadian universities meet students in Kuwait

KUWAIT: The Twelfth Council of International Schools (CIS) tour was held recently in Kuwait, featuring participation of Canadian universities and institutions. Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Martine Moreau spoke during the event about the qualities of enrolling in Canadian univer- sities “which offer some of the world’s best educational programs.” Ambassador Moreau added that repre- sentatives of 12 of “Canada’s best univer- sities” participated in the event to meet parents, students and others in order to provide all the information about study- ing in Canada. A visa application center was also present at the event to answer inquiries about study permits, visitor visas and other services offered by the center, the ambassador said. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Ooredoo main partner in Layaly February Carnival City Part of its participation in Kuwait’s national celebrations

KUWAIT: In celebration of Kuwait’s national and liberation days, Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of the Ooredoo Group, announced its sponsorship of Carnival City, a part of Al Watan TV Layaly February. The carnival city is located in the Kuwait International Fair Ground in Mishref. This is the sec- ond consecutive year for Ooredoo’s partnership with Layaly February, and the partnership stems from their strong belief in the success of this annual carnival. The Carnival City was inaugurated on Friday, February 6, and will contin- ue to receive visitors until February 27. A number of Ooredoo manage- ment and representatives were pres- ent at the inauguration on Friday. Speaking about sponsoring the Ooredoo Corporate Communications Director Mijbil Alayoub Carnival City this year, Ooredoo Old souk fall, in additional to bowling and fish- Corporate Communications Director The Carnival City designated a ing games for kids. Mijbil Alayoub said: ‘We are happy to space styled as an old Kuwaiti souk to Ooredoo hopes that its sponsor- be taking part in one of Kuwait’s most embrace a big number of entrepre- ship to this venue will have a positive anticipated national celebrations. We neur projects. It also has a designated impact on the community, especially found that the carnival strongly repre- corner for businesses that cater specif- as it stems from its core social respon- sents some of our core values at ically to women. Additionally, the city sibility philosophy. The telecom serv- Ooredoo, especially its support to provides plenty of entertainment ice provider is always on the lookout entrepreneurs by providing a space activities for all family members, for more ways to join people in their for them to showcase their business- including musical and acrobatic per- celebrations. Ooredoo will be present es. Our commitment to Kuwait’s socie- formances. This year’s edition of the at a fully-operative branch at the ven- ty comes from our vision of enriching Carnival City also boasts an ice village ue throughout the whole duration of people’s lives.’ with a skating rink and artificial snow- the event. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Oil prices expected to surpass $65 by 2016: KPC KPC to establish regional bureau in Cairo

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Petroleum from $38 to $53 per barrel, express- Egyptian market Corporation’s (KPC) Managing ing confidence that oil prices would Asked about the KPC’s plans in the Director for International Marketing continue rebounding. upcoming period, Mudhaf unveiled Nasser Bader Al-Mudhaf expected Asked about oil prices by the that the corporation intends to open a that oil prices would exceed $65 end of the first quarter of 2015, he regional bureau in Cairo to explore new per barrel in the third quarter of believed that the prices would markets in Africa as well as Arab and 2016. stand between $50-55 by the end foreign countries on the Mediterranean Mudhaf made this remark on the of March. “Oil prices in the second Sea. “Kuwait will be the first country to sidelines of a dinner held by the quarter are expected to be below establish an oil bureau in Cairo as Egypt KPC late Monday in honor of partic- $50 due to maintenance works at has a promising market and many ipants in an annual conference on some refineries,” he said. He voiced opportunities in the future,” he said. The energy in the presence of govern- his optimism toward the position of KPC provides Egypt with 100,000 bar- mental officials and representatives oil prices at the global markets for rels on a daily basis of crude oil and 1.3 of major gas and oil companies 2014/15, ranging between $65-70 million tons of diesel and kerosene across the globe. He said that oil per barrel until the end of this under commercial, rather than political, prices jumped in the last period Fiscal Year. contracts, he added. —KUNA

KIB honors ‘Al-Dawli Weyak’ call center staff

KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank awarded members of rewarding outstanding performance within our ranks,” ‘Al-Dawli Weyak,’ its customer contact center, with explained Shorouq Al-Hazzaa, KIB Call Center Manager. Certificates of Appreciation for their performance while pro- Hazzaa added that KIB is well aware of the importance of viding KIB customers with outstanding levels of customer ensuring that all touch points with the customer are han- experience, at a ceremony recently held in the presence of dled with utmost care and professionalism, which inspires senior management. the bank to recruit the highest caliber staff that are able to The ceremony was part of the bank’s efforts to recognize efficiently and effectively deal with customers’ inquiries. She top performers while motivating them to continuously stressed that the highly-competitive nature of the Islamic advance their skills. “The excellent quality of our staff reflects banking sector requires that financial institutions adopt the constant efforts of KIB to meet customer needs. From world-class standards in customer service in order to remain inception, we have always been keen on recognizing and competitive. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 From the Arabic press Crime News Report Islamic State (IS) in brief

SMS ends up in ‘life’ Sheikh hands over unlicensed weapons KUWAIT: KUWAIT: The Criminal Court sentenced an Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousuf, former President of Kuwait Football Association became the first of the sheikhs Asian to death for killing his friend because of to hand over unlicensed weapons to the Interior Ministry. an SMS the victim had sent to the suspect’s Al-Yousuf said “I went to the criminal detectives depart- girlfriend asking her to wash his clothes. Upon ment and handed over all unlicensed weapons and ammu- hearing this from the girl, the furious suspect nition that I had. This was in response to the call of Interior decided to kill him, according to reports. When Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid who asked members of the ruling family to be the first of those handing over the victim returned home, the suspect stabbed their unlicensed weapons, to be an example for others.” Al- him several times to death. Police came to Yousuf, a former officer at Kuwait air force asked everyone know about the premeditated murder when to comply with the interior minister’s call, which is in the the girl reported the matter. interest of Kuwait and its security, based on instructions of HH the Amir under the current difficult circumstances in the Arab region. —Al-Rai Lawyer sentenced The Misdemeanors Court sentenced a No registration for cars with dull paint lawyer to one month imprisonment for KUWAIT: Major General Abdullah Al-Muhanna, insulting a judge along with KD 1,000 fine Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs, said interi- for threatening the judge’s family. The or ministers at GCC countries have unanimously agreed not to renew the registration of cars with fad- lawyer had earlier denied the charges. ed paint. He said the traffic department is waiting for a decision from the deputy premier, interior minister Al-Jarida to ban such vehicles from being used on the streets. Gang attack Muhanna said that a specialized committee will be formed to implement the decision whenever it is Two workers in Naayem scrap yard were beat- issued in a way that will not harm owners of such cars and the companies that import them. A friendly and en by a group of people over the sale of a Al-Jarida legal way out will be used to allow the owners to spare part. A security source said two Egyptian paint their cars, he said. —Al-Qabas expats reported to Taima police that they were beaten by several people and gave police the No fish for expats license plate number of the suspects’ car. Awqaf warns against extreme ideology By Abdellatif Al-Duaij Detectives are investigating. KUWAIT: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs will stop its foreign support to its centers in case they were proven ccording to reports published in local newspa- sion like this, to be implemented, should be issued by to have any extreme or deviant ideology. Yacoub Al-Sane, Costly burglary pers, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs law that makes the rest of state establishments imple- Minister of Justice and Awqaf has formed a special commit- A tee to investigate all centers supported by Awqaf Ministry and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) is studying the pos- ment it, and forces expatriates in the country to comply Burglars broke into a watch shop in a mall sibility of banning expats and companies from public with it. abroad, an official source said. Their history and curricula in Al-Rai, lifting three watches valued at KD will be reviewed in order to check if any center has extreme auctions of fish and shrimps that are held daily in PAAAFR does not have the right to legislate for peo- ideologies as its goal. —Al-Qabas 9,000. Detectives are working on the case. Mubarakiya, Fahaheel and Sharq markets. That means ple and does not have the power or the tools with that only lucky Kuwaitis are allowed in. The goal, of which it will be able to implement its decision. Drug dealer caught course, as the authority announced, is to provide fish to I do not know how some people think, but it is clear citizens for suitable prices. that some do not think rationally. Providing fish for citi- Council for Kuwaitizing judiciary, more courts Criminal detectives arrested a citizen with a This is a mad proposal that lacks humanity. It is built zens means more production and does not mean KUWAIT: Acting Chairman of the Judiciary Council cocktail of drugs on her including shabu, on the superiority complex control abusing others liv- depriving others from it. Who knows, the PAAAFR may and Head of the Constitutional and Cassation Courts ing with us. Besides being against humanitarian rights, issue a decision to ban naturalized Kuwaitis from buying Chancellor Yousif Al-Mutaw’a stressed that the judici- hashish and captagon. The woman was arrest- ary council was not against judges meetings with the It is also in violation of the country’s democratic system fish in order to supply the lucky Article 1 Kuwaitis! This is ed after a chase. She was sent to concerned aim of developing the magistrates and discussing authorities. that is built on equality between all people, expatriates not a joke at all, because he, who thinks about depriv- deterrents. However, Mutawa conditioned that such and citizens. It is also impractical and uneconomic, and ing the expatriates in favor of the citizens, may think meetings be held after organizers submit formal goes much beyond the Agriculture authorities. tomorrow about depriving part of the citizens in favor applications including the minutes of the meetings Cable thief I do not know exactly who are the authorities and of those thought to be better than them. that should be limited to judicial issues. On a different concern, Mutawa announced intentions to hold the The communication from a relay station was roles of the PAAAFR, but I know that this decision is The decision is commercially stupid also, because the related to the life of the public. This requires a law legis- expatriates are supposed to contribute commercially to first judiciary development conference that aims at interrupted after a thief stole a power gener- setting a ten-year vision of Kuwait’s judiciary that ator and copper cables. Criminal evidence lated by the National Assembly, and to be approved by the market activity, and depriving them from spending includes building more courts and working on men took the finger prints as police is looking the Amir. some of their income on basic necessities such as food, Kuwaitization of the judiciary by appointing more for the culprit. —Al-Rai A matter like this surpasses the authorities of not means encouraging them to send all their income. This Kuwaiti judges. —Al-Jarida/ Al-Qabas only PAAAFR only, but its government, because a deci- in turn will be affecting Kuwait’s market.

Al-Anbaa Al-Qabas Arabist and Judaist Love and

By Sami Al-Nisf life phobias

hroughout the one hundred years since the Arab-Israeli By Arwa Al-Waqian Tissue commenced, both sides have had their own extremists. On the Israeli side, some extremists saw e should bid farewell to our finite bodies and Palestine as a ‘land without people that ought to be given to a features that are doomed to age one day to set people without land’, which was not true at all. On the other W our souls and spirit free. We are always born free hand, some extreme Palestinian leaders totally rejected the but get enslaved by life. We are nothing but slaves to cer- presence of any Jew on the land between the River Jordan and tain systems and codes, technologies and bad, acquired the Mediterranean Sea, which, also was not the right attitude habits. We are born as Allah’s most beautiful creations but to take. Jews have existed on Palestine’s lands for ages and our personalities are shaped according to the society and extremists on both sides only made the crisis continue environment surrounding us. Whenever we decide to unsolved for a century so far. operate that organ known as the ‘brain’, we get deterred Meanwhile, there are some moderate people on the Arab and the only answer we get to inquiries why this is hap- side who may be metaphorically called ‘Judaists’, who from day pening is: What about people’s opinion and judgment?! one believed in the possibility to achieve peaceful co-existence Never have I come across such double standards, between Arabs and Jews and that the latter could be the ‘loco- throughout my life, like the ones we are experiencing in motive’ pulling Palestine and the Arab region from dark ages the Arab world. We were brought up to ‘filtering’ our into prosperity. Those moderates included prominent words and not to speak out all what goes on in our Palestinian and Arab figures and leaders who were forced to minds. We learnt that this society wants us to ‘act’ and retract in the face of cheap emotional slogans and some of pretend so that good actors and performers can be them even lost their lives for their wisdom and rationality while applauded. Accordingly, we got used to falsification and dealing with the problem. repetition. Have you ever felt fed up with false talks? Have Some wise and reasonable people also existed on the you ever felt bored with this kind of farce? Have you ever Jewish side who strongly believed in the possibility to achieve felt not belonging to such illogical practices dubbed as peaceful coexistence with Arabs without having to wage wars, ‘norms and traditions’? displace or expel people out of their land. Those included We are human beings full with emotions. But when we Chaim Weizmann, who served as President of the Zionist grow up, we are told that love is a sin. We get love-pho- Organization and later as the first President of Israel, Eshkol, bic. We read about it and not supposed to feel it because Abba Eban, Shimon Perez, Yitzhak Rabin (who was assassinat- norms and traditions state that love has been only creat- ed by an extremist Jew because of his moderation), Ezer ed for spouses. Otherwise it would be haram (forbidden)! Wiesman and Moshe Dayan, who all opened new scopes with We are taught to ‘freeze’ our emotions to the extent Arabs but were once more beaten by extremists and force that human beings no longer empathize or sympathize them out of office though they had led Israel to victory, in favor with others’ sufferings. Scenes of death and killings no of more extreme leaders like Begin, Shamir, Sharon and others. longer make us as sad as we should because we are As an example of how dialogue and communication chan- banned to love, and thus our humanity is prevented from nels can be sabotaged by short statements, let’s review what flourishing and developing. In order to suppress a Moshe Dayan said in his book ‘Story of My Life’. Dayan men- teenager’s feelings, he gets enrolled in some Islamic tions that the Palestinian poet Fadwa Toqan and her uncle visit- group that facilitates sport activities and championships ed him after the 1967 war to thank him for opting to peace and for him and teaches him how to spend his time practicing the statements he made before Palestinian municipal chiefs sport and acquiring knowledge. about his wish to give up the occupied land in Sinai, Golan the However, things may get too complicated and instead West Bank and Gaza in return for peace with Arabs. Toqan told of being taught religious sciences, those young people him that she was going to Egypt to meet President Nasser and are encouraged to take part in jihad to win houris in para- ask him accept the initiative offered by one of the ‘Arabists’! dise because worldly love is ‘haram’ and it is better to Dayan adds that Toqan later returned telling him that she had enjoy it in the hereafter. It was this way that we got IS and met Nasser and found him fully preoccupied and obsessed by other terrorist groups formed, simply because we grew a short sentence put on his mind by his friend, only advisor and up in a society that was not transparent enough with us. the author of all his speeches that goes like “What is lost by And thus, we got lost in the quest for our souls. Some of force will only be restored by force!” Thus, Arab lands were lost us got over-indulged with consumption and started seek- not because of war but because of a simple sentence! The fun- ing pleasure in purchasing things to steam out some- ny thing is that Dayan mentions, on page 234 of his book, that thing within our souls. Others resorted to religion and Toqan told him that the only person who met her in Egypt and learnt more about it. A third party opted to volunteer and encouraged her to contact him (Dayan) was Al-Ahram Editor- help other distressed people to fulfill a need within their in-Chief and Nasser’s best friend, Mohammed Hasanain Haikal. souls while a fourth party got very indulged in corruption Similarly, classified Israeli documents that were declassified and immorality to fulfill something within their own souls a few days ago showed that in the summer of 1973, Israel too. offered peace to President Sadat but his advisor and the author We are all lost while our spirits wander through a of his speeches at that time, Haikal, talked him into rejecting universe in which we are but insignificant elements. We the offer on grounds of ‘unifying Arab paths’. Thus, a suggestion are but nuclei in this galaxy. We will all be gone - our that could have saved lives, funds and weapons, was lost. Well, bodies are finite. Let us show the real essence of our ultimately, the statement ‘What was lost by force will only be spirits that have been tied and crippled by restriction, restored by force’ proved to be wrong. Israel withdrew from deprivation and pretence. Peace be upon each and Palestinian, Jordanian lands and Sinai by a peace treaty. In addi- every tortured spirit on this earth. May it, one day, find tion, the other statement about unifying Arab paths proved to peace! be wrong as well. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

US ‘indirectly’ cooperating with Families of girls switched at birth win $2.13 million Syria against IS Page 10 Page 8 Risk of civil war hangs over Yemen crisis talks Collapse of talks would risk failed state, militant haven

SANAA: In talks that could pull Yemen back from times overstated because their forces are backed the brink or pitch it into full-scale civil war, the by “Popular Committees” of local fighters. While powerful Houthi movement will attempt this now allied to the group, these may have deeper week to draw rivals into a new presidential coun- loyalties to other Yemeni figures. Meanwhile, cil to run the Arab world’s poorest country. although their leader Abdel-Malik Al-Houthi has Walkouts by two of the parties on Monday served tried to take on the mantle of a national leader, to highlight their fear of being used as pawns, many of the four-fifths of Yemenis who are Sunni, and the challenge facing United Nations envoy particularly outside the group’s northern heart- Jamal Benomar in trying to steer the factions land, distrust the Houthis. towards an agreement. For all sides, the coming days will be crucial: Rival factions the Houthis, despite controlling the capital Sanaa, The declaration of a new presidential council have until now been reluctant to assume formal was immediately rejected last week by the gover- power, while their rivals must choose whether to nors of southern and eastern provinces, the areas cooperate or confront them. Failure in the negoti- that once formed the independent state of South ations could spell a surge in violence, a humani- Yemen and which are home to the country’s oil. tarian disaster and the collapse of Yemen into a Separatist groups are very strong in southern failed state from which militant groups like the areas, where people have tired of the north’s trib- regional arm of Al-Qaeda, which has attempted al infighting and what they see as a constant flow attacks on US-bound planes, can plot and launch of resources to Sanaa. Analysts say a Houthi pow- operations. Two weeks after President Abd-Rabbu er grab could galvanize these movements. Mansour Hadi and his cabinet quit, leaving min- Ousted president Hadi, still under house arrest by istries directionless and efforts to save the coun- the Houthis, appears to have no part to play in try’s shredded finances in limbo, it is increasingly the coming negotiations. But his predecessor Ali clear that Yemen needs a government. Britain’s Abdullah Saleh, who waged six wars against the special envoy to the country, Alan Duncan, was Houthis but is accused of working with them quoted last week warning of “an utterly dysfunc- against his enemies, now faces a difficult choice. tional non-government, a proxy conflict between Analysts believe he helped the Houthis under- Iranian and Saudi interests, increased attacks by mine Hadi in the hope of regaining his position; Al-Qaeda... tribal conflict that turns into a broader now he must decide whether he can still benefit civil war”. from riding the group’s coat tails. Another group facing a difficult gamble is Houthi calculation Islah, one of the largest political parties and a The Houthis started off as a revivalist group for longstanding bitter enemy of the Houthis. It was Yemen’s Zaydi Shiite Muslim sect in the north, one of two parties that walked out of the talks on before morphing over the past decade into a rev- Monday complaining of being threatened, olutionary movement with national ambitions, SANAA: Suspected Al-Qaeda militants stand behind bars during a hearing at the Appeals Court in the Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday. Four although it was not clear if its exit was permanent and an ally of Iran. In a lightning push through suspected Al-Qaeda fighters were killed in a drone strike in Hadramawt province in southeastern Yemen, a military source said. — AFP or tactical. northern Yemen and into Sanaa last year, the themselves. “This is the turning point for them, in Group. “They have also pushed too far with their Since taking control of Sanaa in September, Combining Sunni Islamist and tribal interests, group took advantage of splits in the old ruling terms of popular opinion ... Some people who constitutional announcement and are already the Houthis have tried to play a double game, Islah risks being politically neutered if it joins a and tribal elite and of widespread anger at years were sympathetic to them have now lost their seeing pushback from political parties and other forcing the government to act on their behalf Houthi government. But the alternative might be of government failure to bring economic devel- sympathy and are angry,” said April Longley-Alley, groups, especially in the south and central parts but avoiding the responsibility of ruling a deeply even worse: being cut out of power altogether, or opment. Now their biggest risk is over-reaching Arabian Peninsula specialist at International Crisis of the country.” divided country. Street support for them is some- ending up in a civil war. — Reuters p8_Layout 1 2/10/15 8:15 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Malaysia’s Anwar in latest twist of stormy career KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader ing to go to jail or face any other conse- himself as a reformist who was praised Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy conviction is quence.” Anwar’s place in Malaysia’s in the West. Two years later, his ascen- the latest dramatic setback for the political history is already assured sion to deputy prime minister all but charismatic figure who has been jailed through his leadership of an opposition anointed him Malaysia’s future leader. three times in a turbulent career that bloc that, for the first time, has posed a But differences with Mahathir over how has profoundly changed Malaysian poli- real challenge to a government accused to respond to the 1998 Asian financial tics. Anwar’s political triumphs and legal of cronyism and authoritarian rule. crisis escalated into a bitter rift as tribulations have riveted and appalled Anwar’s call for reform and an end to Malaysians since the 1990s, when he Political chameleon UMNO corruption and nepotism soared to the top echelons of national In his four-decade career, Anwar has enraged his boss. Anwar was seen to power and then fell spectacularly in a changed his political colors with the have misplayed his hand, underestimat- power struggle, only to rise again at the readiness of a chameleon in an ambi- ing Mahathir, and he was sacked and head of a history-making opposition. tious pursuit of leadership in the multi- charged with corruption and sodomy. In But his hopes of leading Malaysia’s first- ethnic, Muslim-majority country. He first a drama that earned worldwide scorn, ever change of government since the rose to prominence in the 1970s as a Anwar was brought into court with a nation gained independence in 1957 radical Islamic student leader, taking black eye after a beating from the coun- suffered a severe blow yesterday. The part in protests over rural hunger that try’s police chief. The bruising fall from country’s top court upheld a controver- earned the first of his three jailings by grace was widely seen both at home sial conviction and five-year sentence on Malaysia’s authoritarian regime. He was and abroad as politically motivated, and charges of sodomising a young male held for 20 months under a draconian triggered unprecedented protests in a Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim aide, a ruling that could mark the end of security law. country where dissent was suppressed. Anwar’s career in active politics. But he later shocked many associates Jailed for six years, Anwar says he was movement which was energized by his tice of gerrymandering-the strategic Now 67, Anwar would be 72 when he by joining the ruling United Malays kept in solitary confinement, singing ordeal, and used his star power to unite shifting of electoral borders. is released. The conviction also officially National Organization (UMNO), and 1960s pop tunes to stay sane and read- a formerly divided and cowed opposi- bars him from taking part in the next eventually caught the eye of tough for- ing anything he could get, including the tion. The three-party alliance has capital- Strange bedfellows polls expected by 2018. “Going to jail, I mer leader Mahathir Mohamad, who Quran, the Bible, and Shakespeare. ized on rising anger over corruption and Anwar’s Pakatan Rakyat (People’s consider a sacrifice that I make for the dominated politics from 1981 to 2003. A Released in poor health in 2004 when UMNO’s oppressive tactics to shock the Pact) opposition coalition brings togeth- people of this country,” he said in a gifted natural politician and witty orator, the sodomy charge was overturned, regime in recent elections, winning 52 er strange bedfellows-an ethnic Chinese statement after the ruling. “I have fought Anwar rose quickly, heading various Anwar spent a few years recuperating percent of the popular vote in 2013 pro-democracy party, the conservative most of my life on behalf of the people ministries including the finance portfo- and working as an academic. But he elections. It failed, however, to take par- Islamic PAS, and Anwar’s racially diverse of this country-for the people, I am will- lio starting in 1991, while re-inventing eventually joined the anti-government liament due to the government’s prac- party. —AFP

News US ‘indirectly’ cooperating with in brief Damascus against Islamic State Saudi Arabia beheads Syrian drug trafficker RIYADH: Saudi Arabia beheaded a convicted Syrian drug smuggler yesterday, bringing to 27 the number of execu- Syria ‘informed’ about US-led strikes on IS tions in the kingdom this year. Authorities carried out the sentence against Abdullah Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Anzi BEIRUT: Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad third parties, Assad said: “There is no dia- for trafficking amphetamine pills, the interior ministry said said third parties including Iraq were con- logue. There is, let’s say, information, but in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. veying information to Damascus about the not dialogue. Iraqi officials say they have He was executed in northwestern Jawf region. The govern- US-led campaign of air strikes against the also passed information to the Shiite ment says it is keen to combat narcotics due to their “great Islamic State militant group in Syria. In an Islamist government in Iran about the US- harm” but the kingdom has faced constant international interview with the BBC broadcast yester- led campaign against Islamic State. Iran is criticism over its human rights record, including its use of day, Assad said there was no direct cooper- an important ally of Assad. the death penalty. Anzi was the latest of 27 foreigners and ation with the United States, whose air The United States took a strong position Saudis executed this year, according to an AFP tally. The force has been bombing Islamic State in against Assad after the uprising against his Gulf nation executed 87 people last year, up from 78 in Syria since September as part of a strategy rule erupted in 2011, saying he should 2013, AFP’s tally showed. Rape, murder, apostasy, armed aimed at rolling back the group. leave power, and has funneled support robbery and drug trafficking are all punishable by death Islamic State has seized wide areas of including limited amounts of military aid to under the kingdom’s strict version of Islamic sharia law. Syria and Iraq, declaring them part of a some armed opposition groups. US officials cross-border “caliphate”. But the United say they have not relented in their goal of 10 Bangladeshi kids States has said Assad cannot be a partner Assad leaving power but, as has been the die in 10-hour span in the campaign against the group, case for months, they see no policy likely to SYLHET: Ten infants and young children died in a sin- describing him as part of the problem. The achieve this at an acceptable cost, and their gle night in an overcrowded state-run hospital in Syrian government is waging its own, sepa- priority has switched to fighting Islamic northeastern Bangladesh, prompting authorities to rate campaign against Islamic State, includ- State. As a result, for months they have tac- investigate whether staff negligence was involved, ing air strikes in areas that have also been itly lived with Assad staying in power and officials said yesterday. The children, ranging in age struck by the US-led alliance. It has been made no bones that their focus is to com- from 1 day to 3 1/2 years old, had been admitted with widely assumed the Syrian and US armies bat the group rather than push Syria’s pres- a variety of ailments, including malnutrition, infections have conveyed information about the ident from power. and pneumonia, said Abdus Salam, deputy director of movements of jets using the same air MAG Osmani Medical College and Hospital in the city space. Asked if there was indirect coopera- Syria no failed state of Sylhet. The deaths occurred between 8 pm Monday tion, Assad said: “That’s true, through third The Syrian government has sought to and 6 am yesterday. Salam said the deaths were “natur- parties, more than one party, Iraq and oth- consolidate control over the main urban DAMASCUS: A handout picture shows Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad giving an al,” but relatives said negligence by doctors and nurses er countries, sometimes they convey a centres in the western portion of the coun- interview to the BBC’s Middle East Editor in Damascus. —AFP in the overcrowded facility were to blame. The hospital message, a general message, but there is try, including Damascus. Islamic State has The Syrian Observatory for Human its campaign against the insurgency. The has a capacity of 500 beds, but treats up to 1,800 nothing tactical.” meanwhile seized control of much of the Rights, a British-based monitoring group, use of barrel bombs - barrels packed with patients a day, said Abdus Sabur Mia, the hospital’s Assad said the Syrian government had east and north. The Shiite-led government said on Saturday the death toll from nearly explosives and projectiles that are dropped director. “In a facility like this, many die naturally every known about the US-led campaign before in Iraq, together with Iran and the four years of civil war in Syria had risen to from helicopters - has been criticized by day. It’s normal,” Mia said. “But we will look into the cas- it started but did not have details. The Lebanese group Hezbollah, have been 210,000 people. Assad said Syria was not a Syria’s opponents and human rights es of the children’s deaths seriously.” He said results of United States said in September it had important allies for Assad in the conflict. failed state, saying the government and groups. “They’re called bombs. We have an investigation were expected in a week. Sylhet is 192 informed the Syrian ambassador to the Shiite Iraqi militias have fought on Assad’s state institutions were still “fulfilling their bombs, missiles and bullets ... There is no kilometers northeast of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital. United Nations before the first strikes. side against the insurgency spearheaded duty toward the Syrian people”. He also barrel bombs, we don’t have barrels,” he Asked if there was ongoing dialogue via by Sunni Islamists. denied the army had used barrel bombs in said.—Reuters As China circles, US-Thailand military friendship stumbles BANGKOK: Perturbed by Thailand’s coup, the rule, it has no desire to risk its relationship United States has scaled back a showpiece with Thailand, especially as the world’s most joint military exercise with its Southeast Asian powerful military pursues its much-vaunted ally, but analysts say that with China circling “pivot” to Asia to challenge a rising China. for influence, Washington will not push the “This is an intimate security relationship kingdom’s generals too far. Famed for its jun- which goes back decades and has been gle bonding sessions where US and Thai sol- strengthened by multiple challenges,” said diers down snake blood, the annual “Cobra Anthony Davis, a Bangkok-based military Gold” event is the crown jewel of Thailand’s expert with IHS-Jane’s, citing conflict in Korea, decades-long strategic alliance with the US. Vietnam, Laos as well as Thailand’s own battle PARIS: A Cameroonian man living in exile in France But this year’s edition, which started on with communist insurgency. “You don’t throw adjusts a banner which reads, “Cameroon united Monday, has been slimmed down, as that away in a fit of pique.” against Boko Haram”, at the Republique plaza in Washington recalibrates the level of military Paris. — AP support it is willing to show for a country Cooling relationship under junta rule-and martial law-since last Nonetheless the relationship between the Boko Haram abducts 8 May. two old allies is currently far from cordial. Last Cameroon girls, kills 7 In tweets following the opening ceremo- month junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha reacted NAKHON NAYOK: Thai soldiers carry national flags of the participating nations as YAOUNDE: Nigeria’s Boko Haram Islamic extremists have ny, US charge d’affaires W Patrick Murphy said with barely concealed fury when a visiting they parade during the opening ceremony for the annual combined military exercis- abducted at least eight girls and killed seven hostages the exercise had been “modified” in response senior US diplomat made guarded criticisms es coined Cobra Gold 15 at Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School in Nakhon after seizing a public bus in one of their most brazen to a “challenging” period, urging a return to of the regime. Bangkok-based envoy Murphy Nayok province on February 9, 2015. Cobra Gold is a joint, multinational military attacks inside neighboring Cameroon, residents said yes- democracy so the “full potential of relations” was summoned to explain his colleague’s training exercise that focuses on maintaining and improving military-to-military terday. Boko Haram, who kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls could be restored. For months following the comments, while a joint Thai-US press confer- relationships among nations sharing common goals and security commitments in in Nigeria last year in an incident that drew international junta’s takeover-which Washington strongly ence last week to promote Cobra Gold was the Asia-Pacific region including the US, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, condemnation, have taken eight Cameroonian girls criticized at the time-there were questions abruptly cancelled without explanation. South Korea and Malaysia. — AFP hostage, said Chetima Ahmidou, the principal of a school over whether Cobra Gold would even go Gregory Poling, an expert on southeast Asian in the area. The girls range in age from 11 to 14 and come ahead. Some US Congress members suggest- militaries at the Centre for Strategic and Rebel fighters bomb government from the town of Koza, he said. The bus attack took place ed it should either be moved to northern International Studies, says Thailand’s coup Sunday about 11 miles from Cameroon’s border with Australia or cancelled altogether. has thrust the US onto the horns of a dilem- positions in South Sudan oil town Nigeria. Seven other hostages were slain and their bodies But while Washington wants to see one of ma. “The US government cannot endorse a scattered near the border, said Ahmidou, whose brother its strongest Asian allies return to democratic military junta,” he said. JUBA: Rebel fighters in South Sudan try. Both government forces loyal to Kiir was the bus driver and was among those killed. Boko “But Thailand is also a bombarded government positions yester- and rebels loyal to Machar continue to Haram has fought a five-year insurgency against the treaty ally and one of the day in the oil town of Bentiu, a day after fight, despite numerous ceasefire deals. Nigerian government, launching scores of attacks that left deepest and most abiding the UN launched a $1.8 billion aid appeal The UN estimates that 2.5 million people 10,000 people dead last year alone. In recent weeks, the relationships the United to stave off famine in the war-wracked are in a state of emergency or crisis, steps terror group has intensified its assaults on neighboring States has in the region.” country. Loud explosions were heard in just short of famine. countries. Cameroon, Niger, Benin and Chad all have Reflecting that position, US the northern town, capital of Unity state pledged to send soldiers to be in an 8,750-strong multina- military planners have refo- and one of the hardest fought over ‘Man-made crisis’ tional force that aims to squash the Islamic extremists. cused this year’s exercise on regions in the 14-month long war, and The latest fighting comes a day after humanitarian and disaster where 53,000 civilians are sheltering donors pledged $529 million (467 million relief preparation, an appar- inside a United Nations camp. “The rebels euros) towards a $1.8 billion aid appeal by Four Qaeda suspects ent attempt to play down are shelling our positions in Bentiu,” the UN, with over 2.5 million people on dead in drone strike Cobra Gold’s traditional-and Defense Minister Kuol Manyang said. “This the brink of famine. UN aid chief Valerie ADEN: Four suspected Al-Qaeda fighters were killed more prestigious-”war is a violation of the cessation of hostilities Amos on Monday warned the warring yesterday in a drone strike in Hadramawt province in games” reputation. In the agreement, and we will act in self leaders they had to show a commitment southeastern Yemen, a military source said. He said the past the exercise has often defense.” to peace. Top US official Anne C. Richard drone, which only the United States operates in the included a live-fire amphibi- Aid workers in the northern town of said that no conflict around the world ous assault which has also Bentiu confirmed the shelling, saying they today filled Washington with as “much region, targeted “a gathering of Al-Qaeda fighters” been scrapped, a spokes- briefly took shelter in bunkers. Fighting frustration and despair” as South Sudan. between the village of Qatan and the town of Shibam, woman at the US embassy broke out in South Sudan, the world’s Richard, US Assistant Secretary of State for killing four and wounding several others. It was the said. It is “a noticeable differ- youngest nation, in December 2013 when Refugees, said some areas were “teetering fourth drone strike since US President Barack Obama ence from past versions,” she President Kiir accused his sacked deputy on the brink of famine”, and that people vowed on January 25 not to let up in Washington’s said, adding that there Riek Machar of attempting a coup. The “continue to suffer and die unnecessarily campaign against jihadists in Yemen despite the coun- would, however, still be some fighting in the capital Juba set off a cycle because their leaders are unwilling to do try’s political turmoil. live-fire training.—AFP of retaliatory massacres across the coun- what it takes to restore peace.” —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Democratic ‘wise man’ splits loyalties between Obama, Clinton Podesta balances allegiance to rivals turned allies WASHINGTON: John Podesta built his repu- that he would only stay for one year. White tation as a Democratic Party ‘wise man’ by try- House officials said it wasn’t clear at the time ing to salvage the second terms of two presi- that Podesta intended to work for Clinton dents. He’s about to duck out of the White when he left. “What John does on his personal House to try to engineer the election of a time is not my matter,” said Denis third. Podesta served as Bill Clinton’s final McDonough, the White House chief of staff White House chief of staff in the 1990s and is who repeatedly tried to lure Podesta back to closing out a yearlong stint as counselor to the West Wing before finally succeeding in President Barack Obama. After departing the late 2013. For Obama and Clinton, affiliating White House later this week, his next act will with Podesta - a sharp political tactician and be steering Hillary Rodham Clinton’s expected progressive policy wonk - is a way to signal to 2016 campaign for president. For months, critics and wary supporters they are willing to Podesta has balanced his allegiance to both recalibrate and learn from past mistakes. Obama and Clinton, former presidential rivals turned allies. Friendly rivalry While shepherding the president’s climate Obama brought on Podesta after the disas- change agenda and shaping his strategy for trous rollout of his health care law, a deeply dealing with a Republican-led Congress, challenging stretch that sparked questions Podesta has also been involved in nearly every about his competence and that of his tight- key conversation with Clinton on campaign knit inner circle. Several current and former hires and her nascent organization, as well as White House officials said Podesta quickly Sen. Marco Rubio the timing of a formal announcement of her injected more depth into strategy discussions candidacy. The unusual arrangement under- and would often play devil’s advocate, push- WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama and White House counselor John Podesta walk scores the 66-year-old Podesta’s status as ing the team to consider things not on their Marco Rubio: across the ellipse in Washington as they head toward the Interior Department. — AP something of a Democratic senior statesman - radar. Podesta also ingratiated himself with Cuban descendant, “someone who knows how to navigate the Obama’s team, particularly younger aides. An to do that,” said Vermont Democratic Sen. lucrative lobbying firm with his brother, Tony. waters in Washington in a way very few do,” avid cook - his specialty is Italian, including Patrick Leahy, who was Podesta’s boss on Podesta left the firm to join Clinton’s 1992 American dreamer said Maria Cardona, who worked for Hillary risotto and biscotti - he would invite staffers to Capitol Hill during the 1980s. presidential campaign, then followed him to Clinton’s failed 2008 presidential campaign. his home in Northwest Washington for cele- The exact kind of episode Podesta is the White House. It was Podesta who was WASHINGTON: As a child, Marco Rubio assured his exiled In a statement to The Associated Press, for- bratory dinners after finishing big projects. He being brought on to help avoid erupted tasked with navigating the Clintons through Cuban grandfather that he would overthrow Fidel Castro and mer President Clinton called Podesta “always and McDonough also developed a friendly Monday, as a clash between pro-Clinton the numerous investigations, personal embar- lead Cuba. Today, at 43, he harbors shrewder aspirations: presi- on the level, straightforward with allies, adver- rivalry in running races, with the chief of staff fundraising groups became public when rassments and Clinton’s impeachment hearing dent of the United States. The Republican senator has not offi- saries and fence-sitters alike, and he never for- finally beating Podesta, 20 years McDonough’s Clinton backer David Brock abruptly resigned - experiences that deepened the couple’s trust cially announced a 2016 campaign, but he told reporters gets the impact policy decisions have on real senior, late last year. from the board of Priorities USA Action, a in him. After Republicans regained control of Monday he will decide “over the next few weeks” whether to people.” Podesta declined to be interviewed For Clinton, bringing on Podesta is widely super PAC. Hours later, Brock said he was will- the White House in 2000, Podesta set to work pursue the White House. One year ahead of presidential primar- for this story, and spokesman for Hillary viewed as an effort to avoid the disorganiza- ing to reconsider his resignation, but the inci- carving out a home for liberal policy in the ies he is an all-but-declared candidate, publishing a big-ideas Clinton also would not comment on his tion and backbiting that plagued her 2008 dent nonetheless rekindled speculation capital. With the help of donations from book and launching a tour of states that vote earliest in the prospective role in her 2016 campaign. But bid. Though Podesta’s title is expected this about whether Clinton can keep internal wealthy Democrats such as George Soros and nomination process, including Iowa on Friday. Rubio was born several people close to her operation spoke time to be something akin to campaign chair- rivalries at bay. Podesta, a married father of Steve Bing, Podesta created the Center for in Miami, Florida in 1971, of Cuban parents who fled the island about Podesta on the condition of anonymity, man, he is expected to have a hand in day-to- three, first crossed paths with the Clintons American Progress, which grew into an influ- 15 years earlier to escape poverty. because they were not authorized by Clinton’s day operations and is seen as one of the few more than 40 years ago, when he and Bill ential think tank with deep ties to the Obama After Castro seized power in 1959, the family decided never team to do so publicly on the record. staff members who can be candid with both Clinton worked on a 1970 Senate campaign White House - in part because so many mem- to return to Cuba, a country Marco Rubio has never known. But A wiry Chicagoan with a quirky, sometimes Hillary and Bill Clinton. “He’ll be the one who in Connecticut. They stayed in touch as bers of the White House staff have worked at Cuba is a recurring theme for the first-term senator, whose ambi- dark, sense of humor, Podesta accepted the can say, you really did this right, however on Clinton became Arkansas governor, and the center at some point during their tions reflect those of generations of exiles eager to carve out post in Obama’s White House on the condition this, you’ve got to change and won’t be afraid Podesta worked in Congress and started a career.—AP better lives in America. “I am the son of immigrants, exiles from a troubled country,” he wrote in his 2012 memoir, “An American Son.” “They gave me everything it was in their power to give. And I am proof their lives mattered, their existence had a purpose.”

Cuban son The son of a bartender and a housemaid, Rubio grew up in Miami’s Cuban-American communities, although the family spent five years in Las Vegas, where they converted briefly to the Mormon faith before returning to Catholicism. Influenced by his grandfather, who spoke no English, Rubio developed a passion for politics. He was a fan of Senator Ted Kennedy, a Democratic icon, before falling hard for Republican president Ronald Reagan. Americans nationally learned of Rubio in 2010 when as an underdog he spectacularly won election to the Senate, riding the Tea Party wave that sent several small-government conser- vatives to Congress. While some Republicans privately argue it is too early for a Rubio presidential run, many envision him becoming the nation’s first Hispanic commander-in-chief. Just two years after earning a law degree, he was elected in 1998 to the West Miami City Commission. A year later, it was Florida’s House of Representatives, where he rose to become speaker in 2006.In his memoir Rubio offers inexhaustible detail of his political maneuverings that boosted his career, at the risk of appearing motivated more by power than political ideas. Rubio is a compelling package: handsome with an angelic smile, and a charismatic orator, despite an occasional rapid-fire deliv- ery and a visible impatience. He breaks the traditional conserva- tive mold: he goes to church with wife Jeanette and their four children, but since childhood he has been a hip-hop fan, often hailing genre pioneers Grandmaster Flash and Tupac Shakur. And he is bilingual, a major asset for the Republican Party, which has felt the sting of Hispanic voter abandonment.

Interventionist On his arrival in Washington, conservatives traumatized by Barack Obama’s election believed they had found their savior. But his Tea-Party ratings plunged in 2013 after he helped craft comprehensive immigration reform that would have legalized millions of undocumented migrants. The lawmaker has sought to recover. He engages in substantive legislative efforts, ostensi- bly to prove that beyond his formidable communication skills he can lead a conservative ideological renewal in Washington. Rubio has unveiled proposals to reduce poverty and introduced pension system reforms-without forgetting fundamental con- servative values like traditional marriage.—AFP Marine facing trial after vanishing in Iraq

CAMP LEJEUNE: A US Marine who vanished from his post in Iraq a decade ago and later wound up in Lebanon chose Monday to have his case decided by a military judge instead of a jury. Opening statements are expected in Cpl Wassef Hassoun’s trial on charges of desertion, larceny and destruc- tion of property before the judge, Marine Maj Nicholas Martz. Hassoun also formally conceded that his second disappear- ance began with an unauthorized absence, entering a guilty plea to the lesser offense. Prosecutors will still seek to prove the more serious desertion accusations against Hassoun and that he stole a pistol that was later lost. They have dropped an accusation related to a military vehicle that went missing. Defense attorneys maintain Hassoun was kidnapped in 2004 by insurgents and later became tangled up in Lebanese courts. Prosecutors allege Hassoun fled his post because he was unhappy with his deployment and the treatment of Iraqis by US troops. Hassoun, a 35-year-old native of Lebanon and a naturalized American citizen, faces a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison if convicted of all charges, prosecutors said. Defense attorney Haytham Faraj said the plea on the lesser charge will simplify the debate about Hassoun’s decision to go to Lebanon in early 2005 after briefly returning to the US. The lawyer says Hassoun didn’t intend to stay away permanently - a component of the desertion charge - but had his passport taken by Lebanese authorities. Hassoun’s case began in June 2004, when he disappeared from a base in Fallujah, Iraq. Days later, he appeared blind- folded and with a sword poised above his head in an image purportedly taken by insurgents. An extremist group claimed to be holding him captive. Not long after that, Hassoun turned up unharmed at the US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, saying he’d been kidnapped. But officials were suspicious, and he was brought back to Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina, in 2004 while the military considered charging him. After his return, Hassoun was allowed to visit family in Utah. With a military court hearing looming, Hassoun disap- peared a second time in early 2005. Hassoun traveled to Lebanon but was arrested by that country’s authorities after Interpol issued a bulletin triggered by his deserter status, Faraj said. The defense says court proceedings in Lebanon lasted until 2013, and Hassoun turned himself in after the govern- ment there lifted travel restrictions.—AP p10 2_Layout 1 2/10/15 8:11 PM Page 1

WEDNES DAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

DSK denies Ukraine’s wish-list knowledge of to US: Radar, prostitutes anti-tank missiles WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on at sex parties Monday put off a decision on whether to send arms to Ukraine, saying he will allow time for LILLE: Former IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn yesterday diplomacy to play out amid a fresh bid for a cease- denied knowing the women he took part in sex parties fire between Kiev and pro-Russian separatists. with were prostitutes, as he took the stand at his French tri- al on charges of aggravated pimping. The silver-haired Here are the weapons and other military hardware economist, whose presidential prospects were torpedoed that Washington may eventually opt to deliver to by an earlier sex scandal, appeared tense as he answered Ukraine, according to former US diplomats, top questions from the lead judge. “I committed no crime, no military officers and experts. offence,” Strauss-Kahn said in a letter read out to the court by the judge in the northern city of Lille. He also said from Anti-armor missiles the witness stand that the sex parties he attended were Advocates of arming Ukraine say light, anti- few and far between, and that there was none of the “wild armor missiles are crucial to enable Ukraine’s army activity” of which he is accused. to fend off assaults by pro-Russian forces which Asked by lead judge Bernard Lemaire if he was aware have been able to move with relative ease in the women at the parties were prostitutes-the crux of the armored vehicles. The “fire and forget” weapons case against him-Strauss-Kahn responded “no”. The 65- are portable, can be fired from the shoulder and year-old former finance minister, known as DSK in France, do not require elaborate training. “The Russians argues he is merely a libertine who engaged in orgies with have been shoveling hundreds of pieces of heavy consenting adults and did not know the women lavishing equipment into Ukraine, including tanks and their attention on him were paid. Dressed in a dark navy armored personnel carriers. This would nullify the suit, Strauss-Kahn then sat arms folded, occasionally sigh- advantage that the so-called separatists and ing heavily as one of the prostitutes, known as Mounia, took the stand to testify against him, revealing sordid Russian troops have,” said John Herbst, former US details of the soirees. ambassador to Ukraine. Now retired, Mounia broke into tears several times as GRASSE, France: Manon Serrano (left) and her mother Sophie Serrano leave Grasse courthouse following a hear- Washington could opt for the M-72 light anti- she recounted one of the nights with Strauss-Kahn in a ing against a maternity hospital. —AFP tank weapon, which was introduced in the early Parisian hotel, saying she had been forced to commit a sex- 1960s and was being phased out before coming ual act which was “against nature”. “I think he realized” I did- back into use in the US wars in Iraq and n’t want to do it. “I was crying, I was in pain,” said Mounia, Families of girls switched Afghanistan. The M-72 has a range of about 170- adding that she went along with it because she needed 220 meters (at least 550 feet) and costs about the money. However she said that no question of money, $900 each. The AT4, the main anti-armor portable or fees for her services were raised with Strauss-Kahn. at birth win $2.13 million weapon for US Army soldiers, is a new version that Mounia said that while she was dressed in a rather “classic” can hit a vehicle at a range of about 300 meters fashion, the other prostitutes were clad more provocative- after a flight time of one second. The AT4 costs ly, which would indicate their profession. Clinic ordered to pay 400,000 euros each about $1,480 each. The more sophisticated Javelin anti-tank missile has a much longer range, about Court ‘not guardian of morals’ NICE: Two French families whose treat the problem along with another themselves from each other since the 2,500 meters, and can strike a helicopter at low Lemaire said at the opening of the trial on February 2 babies were switched at birth more affected newborn girl. An auxiliary meeting 10 years ago. “It was a pretty altitude. But the Javelin is heavier and more that “the court is not the guardian of morals but of the law than 20 years ago won nearly two mil- nurse unwittingly switched them and disturbing moment,” said Manon after expensive, about $246,000 apiece. and its proper application”. Strauss-Kahn is the most high- lion euros in compensation yesterday. although both mothers immediately a closed-door hearing in December. profile of the 14 accused with “aggravated pimping”, some A court in the southern town of expressed doubt about the babies, “You find yourself in front of a woman also with fraud, and his presence at the court drew crowds Grasse ordered the clinic at the centre pointing to their different hair who is biologically your mother but of journalists and curious onlookers. As he arrived at the of the mix-up in the French Riviera lengths, they were sent home anyway. who is a stranger.” Sophie Serrano said court, topless Femen activists threw themselves on his car, city of Cannes to pay 1.88 million Ten years later, troubled by the fact in December: “It’s too difficult, so we one of them with “pimps, clients, guilty” scrawled across euros ($2.13 million), six times less his daughter bore no resemblance to each went our separate ways as it’s so her chest. He is in court with businessmen David Roquet than what the families had called for. him with her darker skin, Manon’s distressing.” “It was the only way to and Fabrice Paszkowski and former police commissioner The clinic was ordered to pay 400,000 father did a paternity test that find some stability again.” She did not Jean-Christophe Lagarde, accused of being the organizers euros to each of the swapped babies revealed he was not her biological respond to requests for interviews and financiers of the sex parties. “I was flattered to meet, be who are now adult women-and parent. Sophie Serrano then discov- after the judgment. heard, by such an intense, well-known person, whose intel- 300,000 euros to three parents con- ered she was not Manon’s mother While Sophie and Manon have ligence was much greater than mine,” Lagarde said of DSK. cerned and 60,000 euros to three sib- either, prompting a probe to try and been willing to discuss the case with lings. However, the court threw out a find the other family who had been media, the other family has preferred Pimp or casual consumer? suit against doctors and obstetricians handed their biological daughter. The to keep a low profile. The lawyers’ The trial is the latest in a series of cases offering a peek also brought by the family. investigation revealed that at the time office representing the clinic noted the behind the bedroom door of a man once tipped as a Speaking on French television, a of the births in 1994, three newborns “significant difference” between the potential challenger to former French president Nicolas lawyer for one of the families said suffered from jaundice-the two girls amount requested and the sum the Sarkozy. France was stunned when it saw Strauss-Kahn they were “completely satisfied with and a boy-and the clinic only had two court demanded, acknowledging nev- paraded handcuffed in front of the world’s cameras after a the decision” and “relieved that the incubators with the special lights. The ertheless that the damages awarded New York hotel maid accused him of sexual assault in May court had recognized the clinic was girls were therefore put together in were “high”. The lawyers said they were 2011 - a case that was eventually settled in a civil suit. responsible.” There was no question of one incubator. waiting for the details of the judgment Strauss-Kahn will have three days to fend off accusations the families appealing the decision, before considering a possible appeal. that he organized for prostitutes to attend sex parties with said this lawyer. The story began on ‘Disturbing moment’ Sophie said in December she had him in Paris, Brussels and Washington in the case which July 4, 1994, when Sophie Serrano- The two sets of parents met their hoped to win “recognition” for the could land him in prison for up to 10 years. But even prose- now 38 - gave birth to little Manon at biological daughters for the first time case, “so as to free us from all this guilt UGLEGORSK: A destroyed Ukrainian Army tank cutors have been divided over whether there is enough a clinic in Cannes. The baby suffered when they were both 10 years old, but about not having been able to protect sits outside Uglegorsk, 6 kms southwest of evidence to prove DSK was more pimp than casual con- from jaundice and doctors put her in did not ask that they be switched your kid, not having insisted when we Debaltseve. —AFP sumer. an incubator equipped with lights to back. The two families have distanced saw there was a problem.”—AFP In 2013 state prosecutor Frederic Fevre called for the charges to be dropped, but investigating judges over- Anti-battery radar ruled him and ordered DSK to stand trial. The judges Ukraine’s troops are suffering heavy casualties argued that Strauss-Kahn could not have been ignorant from artillery and rocket fire. US commanders say of the fact the women were prostitutes, and also provid- Kiev badly needs counter-battery radar to detect ed use of his apartment for the parties, which falls under incoming shells to protect troops and to shoot the definition of procuring. Prostitution is legal in France back accurately. Washington already has delivered but procuring-the legal term for pimping which includes encouraging, benefiting from or organizing prostitution- radar that tracks incoming mortar fire. US allies in is a crime. Judicial sources say Strauss-Kahn was “the king Europe, wary of arming Kiev, may be more open of the party” and that the orgies were organized around to the radar as a “non-lethal” form of aid, experts his schedule, with his mere presence giving rise to prosti- said. Washington is also weighing providing tution.—AFP armored Humvee vehicles to help Ukrainian troops move with greater speed and security.

Paris attacks ‘jump-start Small drones With pro-Russian fighters using drones to guide Merkel-Hollande motor’ artillery attacks, the Obama administration is look- ing at providing small, unarmed “tactical” drone PARIS: It was a gesture that surprised many who view the aircraft to help Kiev’s army spot their adversaries German chancellor as an unemotional, calculating woman: On seeing the French president after the January attacks from a distance. The light, unmanned aircraft that killed 17, she rested her head on his shoulder, a touch- could include the ScanEagle, which is launched by ing display of compassion and empathy. And many ana- a small catapult, or the Raven, which a soldier sim- lysts say that the Islamist attacks on Paris pulled the leaders ply throws into the air like a toy plane. The of France and Germany together as never before, with the ScanEagle is about 1.2 meters long with a three- fruits of this closer co-operation now showing in their joint meter wingspan, while the Raven is smaller, about push for peace in Ukraine. a meter long with a 1.4-meter wingspan. Both can Desperately worried by the conflict just a couple of hun- stay in the air for hours and send back surveillance dred kilometers (miles) away on the outskirts of Europe, video. Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel concocted a last- ditch peace plan, then flew to Kiev and Moscow to sell it. KRAMOTORSK: People walk past the body of a victim after shelling in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramotorsk Secure radios “We have never had such a high level of co-operation with yesterday. —AFP Pro-Russian forces are able to listen in on the another delegation during a negotiation,” said one French radio and phone conversations of Ukrainian diplomatic source. “With the Germans, it’s top drawer.” troops with deadly effect. The Americans are look- When Hollande came to power, many thought his style Ukraine peace talks down ing at providing secure communications and could lead to closer personal ties with Merkel, despite counter-jamming equipment to Kiev. Ukrainian them hailing from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said last week the His understated manner, in contrast to his predecessor to wire as fighting rages separatists were able to “intercept our soldiers Nicolas Sarkozy, who earned the sobriquet “President Bling talking on mobile phones and then steer their Bling”, was expected to appeal more to Merkel, the quiet KIEV: Diplomats scrambled yesterday to tatives. French President Francois costly and painful for Russia. Merkel fire.” but powerful daughter of a Protestant pastor. Both football finalize a peace deal for war-torn Ukraine Hollande and German Chancellor acknowledged that a drive to get Putin fans, they bonded watching France and Germany clash on ahead of a crunch summit in Minsk, with Angela Merkel have been conducting to put his name to a deal may not suc- Intelligence the pitch, even taking to the television screens afterwards the warring sides pushing to gain frantic diplomacy, taking the “last ceed. “We have no guarantee,” she said in The United States could decide to share more to give their analysis of the game. ground ahead of any truce. Fighting in chance” deal to Ukrainian President Washington. “I cannot give you a guar- intelligence from satellites with Ukraine about the But clashes over the economy in Europe, with Hollande the east killed at least 12 people, includ- Petro Poroshenko and Russian leader antee for the outcome of the Wednesday movement of Russian forces on the border and unable to steer Merkel far from the path of austerity she ing seven Ukrainian troops, as pro-Russia Vladimir Putin. Merkel then headed to talks and maybe nothing will come out the pro-Russian separatists. But because Ukraine’s saw best for debt-wracked countries like Greece, cooled rebels sought to encircle railway hub Washington for lengthy talks with the US of it.” military has been penetrated by Russian spy serv- ties, until the attacks. “On an emotional level, they really Deblatseve, and Ukrainian forces President Barack Obama Monday on the Ahead of the Minsk summit, the came together after the attacks on Paris,” said Stefan launched a counter-offensive around the peace plan to defuse fighting that has European Union decided to hold off ices, the intelligence from Washington would have Seidendorf, from the Franco-German Institute (DFI) in strategic port of Mariupol. killed at least 5,400 people since April. implementing new sanctions against to be provided “in a way that you’re not giving Luedwigsburg, western Germany. “She was the first to Ukrainian forces took control of three Russia, giving space for talks.EU foreign away methods and sources,” said James Stavridis, phone him after the attacks. She was also the first to prom- villages east of Mariupol, around 90 kilo- No arms, yet ministers had been set to formally sign former NATO supreme allied commander and the ise that she would be at the march” that attracted millions meters south of rebel stronghold Obama agreed to hold off on sending off on adding 19 more people to a sanc- dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy throughout France to demonstrate against terrorism and Donetsk, and fierce fighting was going arms to Ukraine until truce efforts have tions list over Moscow’s backing of the at Tufts University. The US also could provide for free speech, said Seidendorf. “The shock of the attacks on for control of two more, senior interi- played out, voicing hope that a deal separatists. Putin has warned that a “defensive cyber advice” to help Ukraine deflect showed everyone that the Europeans are all in the same or ministry advisor Zoryan Shkiryak said. could be reached to end the 10-month “number of points” still needed to be relentless “denial of service” and other digital boat.” Rebels, diplomats and mediators gath- conflict on the eastern edge of Europe. agreed before the Minsk meeting can attacks on their logistics and military networks, ered in the Belarusian capital to bridge Proponents of sending arms to take place. Based on a largely ignored Stavridis told AFP. Call every day gaps on a possible peace deal, which the Ukrainian forces argue Kiev needs the peace deal agreed in September in The concrete manifestation of the personal rapproche- leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and weapons to counter what they say is a Minsk, the new plan may extend rebel Ammunition, other supplies ment between the two leaders has been the fresh push for Germany hope to come and sign in flow of arms and troops by Russia. control over territory seized in recent The United States, along with other NATO allies, peace in Ukraine-another topic where France and Germany Minsk on Wednesday. Moscow denies arming the rebels. weeks, around 500 square kilometers, is weighing sending ammunition to Ukraine along have been in lockstep. “There is a hardening of the convic- Rebel negotiator Denis Pushilin told Merkel has opposed sending arms, although Kiev is adamant the demarca- with other key items such as night-vision goggles tion that they have common values and that the security of the separatists’ news agency that he was warning it would further escalate a war tion line agreed in September should to ensure the Ukrainian forces are well-supplied. Europe is at stake,” said Claire Demesmay, from the German heading to Minsk for talks with media- that Ukraine cannot win against the bet- not be shifted. Hollande has said the Council on Foreign Relations think tank. A Hollande advisor tors from the Organization for Security ter equipped pro-Russian forces, but proposal includes the creation of a 50 to “Keeping that logistics pipeline open is crucial,” confirmed this. “In the past few weeks, there has been a and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as some in the West feel hi-tech weapons 70-kilometre demilitarized zone around Stavridis said.— AFP phone call or a meeting every day.” —AFP well as Russian and Ukrainian represen- could at least make the conflict more the current frontline.— AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Kejriwal: Anti-corruption anarchist turned top politician

NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal, who trounced Prime Minister Kejriwal initially won rave headlines with his no-nonsense Narendra Modi’s party at New Delhi’s state election, is a for- approach to endemic corruption and for shunning the VIP mer tax inspector with a record of campaigning against graft culture of Indian politics, including by riding the metro to in India’s notoriously dirty politics. The 46-year-old quit his his inauguration. But the radical tone of some of his comfortable and highly sought-after government job in 2001 announcements were widely criticized, and his adminis- and embarked on a career as an anti-corruption campaigner tration was soon embroiled in a series of stand-offs with that lead him to national fame. authorities. He was catapulted into the Delhi chief minister’s post after The self-styled “anarchist” staged a sit-in on the pave- his anti-corruption Aam Aadmi (Common Man) party made a ment close to the national parliament, triggering chaos in stunning breakthrough at the capital’s last election in late the city centre, as part of a push to be given greater pow- 2013. But he resigned 49 days later after a chaotic spell in ers of control over the police. This time around, Kejriwal charge, leaving the city without a government for a year and pledged to stay in power for the long haul and see sparking accusations that he was fleeing the tough job of through policies for the “common man” including lower administration. During the campaign this time around, utility bills and free wifi. “He’s put everything on the line Kejriwal apologized for abandoning the city and went on to for people like you and me and everyone else here. He’s a become the star of the show, winning over legions of work- common man hero,” said 36-year-old accountant Poulomi ing-class voters willing to give him a second chance. Gupta as she celebrated his win yesterday. After initially “We have to serve people of Delhi and develop it into a city starting an NGO to help voters avail themselves of public so that both rich and poor will feel proud of it,” Kejriwal said services, Kejriwal switched his attention to promoting a HONG KONG: Indonesian former maid Erwiana Sulistyaningsih (center) leaves the court of justice in Hong Kong after her yesterday outside AAP’s headquarters, as hundreds of sup- Right to Information law, which was finally passed in employer was convicted of beating and starving the Indonesian maid in a ‘torture’ case that sparked international out- porters showered him with petals. “I appeal to the AAP work- 2005. rage and spotlighted the plight of migrant domestic workers in the Middle East and Asia. — AFP ers and leaders not to be arrogant” because of the massive His work on the legislation, a success story in opening victory, said Kejriwal, who is known as Muffler Man for often up the government and a tool now used by campaigners wearing scarves around his head at rallies. According to the to expose corruption and collusion, earned him “Asia’s Hong Kong woman guilty in election commission, the AAP was set to capture 67 seats in Nobel”, the Ramon Magsaysay Award. In 2010 he began Delhi’s state assembly, trouncing Modi’s Hindu nationalist par- working on ways to pressure the government into passing ty on three. He is expected to be sworn in as Delhi chief minis- a law to create an independent ombudsman capable of Indonesian maid abuse case ter on February 14. investigating complaints against public servants. Together ‘Common man hero’ with elderly activist Anna Hazare, he launched a nation- Erwiana: from domestic helper to human rights activist The victory caps a remarkable comeback for Kejriwal, wide campaign that tapped into deep-seated anger about HONG KONG: ‘Still not enough’ whose party flopped at national elections last May when graft amid a succession of scandals involving the previous A Hong Kong woman was convicted yesterday of Modi stormed to power also pledging to clean up govern- national government and culminated in hunger strikes by beating and starving her Indonesian maid and keeping her pris- Sulistyaningsih said she hoped her former employer would ment. During his last brief tenure as chief minister, Hazare in front of huge crowds in Delhi in 2011. — AFP oner in a case that sparked international outrage and highlighted receive the greatest possible sentence, “even though for me, that the plight of migrant domestic workers. The verdict, read out to a is still not enough compared to what she did to me and other vic- packed courtroom, was met with cheers by activists and support- tims”.During the six-week trial, prosecutors said Law turned ers of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, a former domestic helper who has household items such as a mop, a ruler and a clothes hanger into become the face of a campaign for improved workers’ rights in the “weapons” against her maids. Sulistyaningsih described in vivid financial hub. Pictures of the injuries sustained by the 24-year-old, detail how she was “tortured”, starved, beaten and ritually humili- who was admitted to hospital in her home country emaciated ated by Law, with prosecutors saying she was treated as an and in a critical condition after being abused by mother-of-two “unpaid slave”. “It’s a victory for Erwiana,” Aaron Ceradoy, pro- Law Wan-tung, fuelled anger in Indonesia and shocked Hong gramme coordinator for the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants said. Kong. “It would be good if the migrant community can use this case to Sulistyaningsih hailed the ruling but called for reforms to strengthen their position on their demands for changes in poli- ensure Hong Kong employers no longer treated domestic work- cies.” ers “like slaves”. She said that while she forgave her abuser, she The case sparked protests by migrant workers in Hong Kong, hoped Law would receive the maximum seven year jail term and has thrust the plight of migrant domestic helpers in Asia and when sentencing is announced on February 27. “She was, for the Middle East into the headlines after other shocking incidents want of a better word, a prisoner in those premises,” Judge of torture and even killings. Sulistyaningsih said she lived for Amanda Woodcock said, referring to Sulistyaningsih. “She was months on nothing but meagre portions of bread and rice, sleep- completely isolated, and (this) helps explain why this abuse could ing only four hours a day and being so badly beaten by her go on for so long without her retaliating or anyone knowing.” employer that she was knocked unconscious. Law’s defense “When Erwiana left Hong Kong she was a shadow of her former accused the former maid and another two domestic helpers self.” Law, 44, was found guilty of 18 of the 20 charges laid against involved in the case of being “opportunistic”, and that the injuries her, including grievous bodily harm, assault, criminal intimidation could have been caused by accidents. Woodcock in her ruling dis- and failure to pay wages. missed those claims as “desperate and fanciful”. She lowered her head but appeared to be calm as the verdict “The message should be brought home that if you live in a NEW DELHI: Indian Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal gestures as he speaks to supporters following was announced, while a jubilant Sulistyaningsih, clad in a black T- society where you’re fortunate enough to employ a domestic his victory in the state assembly elections outside the party’s headquarters in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP shirt with her face and the word “justice” emblazoned on it, helper, they’re still protected by the law,” police detective super- hugged activists. “I am happy that she was found guilty,” she told intendent David Cameron told reporters after the verdict. Hong AFP in an interview. “Myself, I can forgive her. But Hong Kong has Kong is home to nearly 300,000 maids from mainly Southeast a justice system, because of that, justice must be upheld.” At a sep- Asian countries-predominantly Indonesia and the Philippines- ‘Banned’ Jamaat-ud-Dawa arate news conference, she called for reform in Hong Kong, and and criticism from rights groups over their treatment is grow- said her native Indonesia must not shirk its responsibilities to pro- ing. Amnesty International in 2013 condemned the “slavery- tect its citizens who travel abroad to work. “I hope they will start like” conditions faced by thousands of Indonesian women who group thrives in Pakistan treating migrant workers as workers and human beings, and stop work as domestic staff and accused authorities of “inexcusable” treating us like slaves,” she said. inaction.— AFP

MURIDKE: It is listed as a terror outfit by neighboring India, like most JuD followers. For Arif Jamal, author of a recent study the UN and its chief has a $10 million US “When the US says JuD are terrorists, it on JuD, the popularity of the outfit rests government bounty against him, but makes my blood boil,” added Ghulam on its stance on Kashmir and its charitable Jamaat-ud-Dawa operates freely across Sarwar, a 55-year-old farmer. work, two elements that distinguish it Pakistan, testing Islamabad’s new resolve from the rest of the main jihadist groups to tackle militancy. Pakistan vowed to end Humanitarian ‘shield’ of Pakistan. Its charitable wing is like a its tolerance of so-called “good” militants Founded in the 1980s to fight Soviet “shield” which protects JuD, Jamal told after a Taleban massacre at a school in forces in Afghanistan, LeT reinvented itself AFP. “They have fundraised more through Peshawar in December killed 153 people, in the 1990s for “jihad” in Kashmir, the charity than other means and they recruit- the worst terror attack in the country’s his- Himalayan territory that India and Pakistan ed more people through charity than oth- tory. The government’s list of 60 or so control in part but claim in full and have er means,” he said. JuD’s position on the banned organizations features the fought two wars over. Today, once again, Kashmir conflict-regarded even by many Pakistani Taleban and secessionist rebels the LeT is sending fighters to Afghanistan’s moderate Pakistanis as a just fight against from Baluchistan province, but the state eastern Nuristan province, according to Indian oppression-means the military has long shied away from action against Afghan officials cited in a UN report. LeT “don’t consider them as a terrorist group”, groups considered useful for fighting recruits most of its members in Pakistan Jamal said. Even politicians privately abroad in India or Afghanistan. from its heartland in central Punjab opposed to the organization will never International powers including the US province, where the level of education is publicly speak out against it. “Unless and India consider Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) higher than the national average, accord- Jamaat ud-Dawa spins out of their control, to be no more than a front for Lashkar-e- ing to a study on the lives of deceased I don’t think they will ever target it, and Taiba (LeT), the militant group blamed for fighters published by the West Point mili- that I don’t see happening in the near the 2008 Mumbai attacks that left 166 tary academy. future,” Jamal said. — AFP people dead. But JuD denies any link to violence, and within Pakistan the organisa- tion enjoys a high degree of popularity for the work of its charitable arm, particularly after natural disasters. Following a UN Security Council resolution, Pakistan said it had frozen the group’s assets after the Mumbai attacks-an undertaking it has repeated in recent weeks. But at JuD’s headquarters, a sprawling high-security complex nestled among rice fields in the town of Muridke, north of Lahore, little seems to have changed. Doctor Akhtar Hussain, a wizened old man with a long grey beard and a broad smile, heads the Al-Aziz Hospital in the heart of the complex which also houses schools where boys and girls study both JuD and official government textbooks. Like the Palestinian group Hamas and Hezbollah of Lebanon, JuD has set up a network of health and education facilities across Pakistan, including five hospitals, 200 dis- pensaries, ambulance services and 250 MURIDKE, Pakistan: Schoolchildren attend a class at the Ad-Dawah school run schools. When AFP visited Al Aziz hospital, by the banned Pakistan’s charity organization Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), in elderly women were lining up in a white Muridke town some 35km from Lahore in Punjab province. — AFP corridor for eye tests. “Laser eye surgery is free,” said Hussain. Further ahead, two dentists worked their Bangladesh bans night buses way through their daily quota of 40 patients each. The cost of treatment for a after deadly bomb attacks root canal is 50 rupees (50 US cents). “It is a fraction of the price. In a private hospital I DHAKA: Bangladesh has ordered long-distance buses off the roads at night would pay at least 1,000 rupees,” said after two petrol bomb attacks killed 16 people during a worsening outbreak of patient Rana Khaliq ur-Rehman. After an political unrest. The attacks were the deadliest to hit Bangladesh since the vio- earthquake or floods, JuD’s relief wing, the lence began in early January, when the opposition called a nationwide transport Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), is often blockade. Junior home minister Asaduzzaman Khan said transport operators among the first aid groups on the ground. had agreed to keep buses off the roads after 9pm, although other vehicles JuD leader Hafiz Saeed-on whom the would still run. “No night coaches will operate until further notice,” he told US has placed a $10 million reward for reporters. More than 1,000 buses, trucks and vans have been firebombed in information leading to his capture-is often attacks blamed on opposition activists as part of the blockade, aimed at top- seen in the front line handing out food. pling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite the bounty, he also leads a high- The spiraling violence has left at least 82 people dead, injured hundreds of profile public life and regularly delivers others and cost the impoverished economy nearly $10 billion, according to busi- fiery anti-India speeches. He led thousands ness leaders. Millions of long-distance travelers rely on Bangladesh’s buses, of supporters in a rally in Lahore last whose operators have suffered mounting losses since the blockade began. Thursday to mark Kashmir Day, under the Marcia Bernicat, the US ambassador, described the situation as “absolute tragic” eye of a heavy police contingent outside after meeting the Bangladesh foreign minister A H Mahmood Ali on Tuesday. the city’s high court. “The politicians don’t “Everyone has a role to play stopping that violence. Bangladesh is blessed with understand our problems, but the Jamaat democracy and there is a space within that democracy to resolve differences,” does and helps us,” said Saddam Sohail, a she said.—AFP 25-year-old builder who is hostile towards

NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Upstart party wins big in Delhi Cairo and Moscow Continued from Page 1 chance. He will be sworn in as chief minister on Saturday. Congress, which has dominated politics since India’s Analysts said the result was a blow for a prime minister independence, suffered another mauling after being sign nuclear deal who has enjoyed an extended honeymoon with voters since thumped at the general election, winning no seats. his landslide general election victory. Congress had ruled Delhi for 15 years until 2014. “The Kejriwal’s win marks a stunning comeback for the anti- Congress party is on its deathbed,” said Mohan Guruswamy CAIRO: Russian President Vladimir construction of the plant, the train- ing relations with Washington - and graft champion and self-styled anarchist, who resigned fol- of the Centre for Policy Alternatives. “Earlier it was in an Putin met his Egyptian counterpart ing of technical staff and develop- he followed up with an Aug 2014 lowing a chaotic 49-day spell in charge of the Delhi state ambulance on the way to the hospital. Now it is the inten- yesterday and agreed a deal to build ment of scientific research,” Putin trip as president. At their meeting government a year ago. “Thanks for the unprecedented vic- sive care unit. It has never been entirely wiped out like this.” a nuclear plant, as he sought to said. Egypt had taken steps in the last summer at Putin’s summer resi- tory,” Kejriwal, a former tax official-turned politician, told Ajay Maken, Congress’s lead campaigner, resigned from the boost ties on his first visit to Cairo in early 1980s to launch a nuclear dence in Sochi, the two discussed hundreds of cheering supporters outside AAP headquarters party post of general secretary to accept responsibility for a decade. The two-day visit came plant to produce electricity in Russia supplying weapons to Egypt, in Delhi. “But it’s very scary, the kind of support the people the defeat. Rahul Gandhi, the party vice president and the with the Kremlin bidding to Dabaa but it was shut down after which is fighting an insurgency in of Delhi have extended and the mandate we have been giv- fourth generation heir to the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, con- en, I appeal to the AAP workers and leaders not to be arro- gratulated the victorious AAP, but made no mention of the strengthen relations with the Arab the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. In the Sinai Peninsula that has killed gant,” Kejriwal said, as supporters showered him in petals. Congress losses. world’s most populous country at a 2008 Putin had overseen along with scores of policemen and soldiers. After apologizing this month for leaving voters without AAP supporters massed in the streets, dancing, singing time when Cairo’s alliance with then visiting Egyptian president United by a deep hostility an elected government for a year, Kejriwal was the star of and waving national flags along with ones picturing Washington has frayed. Putin is a Mubarak the signing of a deal towards Islamists, the two leaders the election campaign, outshining a former policewoman Kejriwal. “Kejriwal represents pure hard work, dedication. He key non-Arab backer of Egyptian enabling Moscow to bid for the con- also agreed “on further military who was the BJP’s pick for chief minister. Rattled by focuses on doing the ground work first, not just making tall President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who struction of the nuclear power plant cooperation between our two coun- Kejriwal’s popularity, Modi headlined several major rallies, claims,” school basketball coach Sukhdarshan Singh said. has faced US criticism for his deadly in Dabaa. tries given the current circum- portraying his rival as a “back-stabber” who betrayed voters Poulomi Gupta, a 36-year-old accountant, said Kejriwal was a crackdown on opponents since he stances” in Egypt, said Sisi. Putin and last time round by quitting so early. But Kejriwal’s pledges to “hero” for the common man. “It’s not about money or fame ousted Islamist leader Mohamed Kalashnikov Gift Sisi did not take any questions from tackle entrenched corruption and lower utility bills won over for him. He’s put everything on the line for people like you Morsi in July 2013. Putin was received with a guard reporters during their statements, legions of working-class voters willing to give him a second and me and everyone else here,” he said. — Agncies Their meeting in Cairo follows a of honour and a 21-gun salute, after which the Russian leader left 2011 uprising that toppled ex- while posters of him were plastered Cairo. strongman Hosni Mubarak, whom on Cairo’s main roads greeting him Qatar gives day off for sport the Russian leader met on his previ- in Russian, Arabic and English. After Egypt Situation ‘Alarming’ ous trip in 2005. Experts say Putin’s arriving on Monday, he and Sisi had Moscow has sought to secure a Continued from Page 1 demands of work. “I just took it as my rest day. So, it visit was also aimed at showing he attended a concert at the Opera larger slice of the Egyptian arms couldn’t affect my daily routine because I work literally is not isolated internationally House before dining in the land- market after Washington suspended Hadi Abderrahim, managing director of Qatar Biobank, more than 10 hours every day,” he said. despite the crisis in Ukraine, where mark Cairo Tower. Putin also gave a some weapons deliveries in the says the obesity problem is “a lifestyle issue” and is typical Similarly, American Danielle Garr, 32, who has lived in Russia is accused of fomenting and Kalashnikov assault rifle to Sisi as a immediate aftermath of Sisi’s crack- of “a country (which) is growing and developing quickly”. Qatar since last August, took advantage of the day off but sustaining a rebellion. Putin and Sisi gift. Russia hosted Sisi’s predecessor down on Morsi supporters. At the The problem is so grave that accounting giant PwC has was unconvinced it would mean a change in lifestyle for made a brief statement after offi- Morsi during his one-year presiden- time, Russian media said the two advocated that Qatar introduce a tax on fatty foods to many, citing the country’s inhospitable climate. “I like to be cials signed a memorandum of cy despite having branded his sides were close to signing a $3 bil- encourage healthier eating. National Sport Day locations active it is just that Qatar is not a very good place to be understanding to build a nuclear Muslim Brotherhood movement a lion deal for Moscow to supply mis- also include “diet shops” and there are cash prizes offered active outside, because of the weather and dust,” she said. power plant in Dabaa on the “terrorist group” in 2003. siles and warplanes, including MiG- for those Qataris who have lost the most weight through- She added that the National Sports Day seemed “a bit ran- Mediterranean coast - Egypt’s first But Moscow was also one of the 29 fighters and attack helicopters. out the year. dom”. such facility. first countries to endorse Sisi’s presi- However Washington has since To encourage a healthy lifestyle, shisha smoking pipes Other events being held across Qatar included a chil- “If we can reach final decisions, dency last year. Sisi visited Russia resumed its annual $1.5 billion in were banned at one of Doha’s biggest markets, Souq Waqif. dren’s run, beach tennis and a “5,000-step journey” - a then we can create a new sector in when he was defence minister soon aid to Egypt, also delivering Apache It is the fourth consecutive year Qatar has held the event, roughly 40-minute walk designed for families to take part which gives the working population of more than 1.2 mil- together. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, secre- the Egyptian economy based on the after ousting Morsi amid deteriorat- helicopter gunships to fight Sinai lion people a day off - traditionally on the second Tuesday tary general of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said the jihadists. in February. Athletes such as British runner Kelly Holmes, a Gulf state faced similar problems to other nations where Egypt’s ties with the US still double Olympic champion, were invited to attend. driving to work, sitting in an office or in front of television remain cooler than before Morsi’s Among the venues used was Doha’s Aspire Academy, or computer screens mean people are less active. “It is a ouster, with Washington criticising usually a hothouse for potential professional talent but, problem everywhere in the world,” said the sheikh, a keen Sisi’s regime for repressing Islamist which yesterday, was taken over by enthusiastic amateurs cyclist, who also admits to supporting the Real Madrid and as well as secular dissent. Hundreds trying out a variety of sports including yoga, cycling, foot- Manchester United football teams. “The most important of Morsi supporters have died in a ball and climbing. One of those scaling a “scary” 9-metre thing is to make awareness for sport for the whole year. It government crackdown overseen wall was Colin, a 29-year-old electrician from Kenya who is not meant for one day. One day is like... the wake-up by Sisi since the Islamist’s ouster. lives in Qatar. He said the sports day was a “good idea” but call, to make you understand how sport is important in “Four years after the revolution, the he was unable to do more exercise because of the your life.” — AFP situation is alarming, the repression kills and the prisons where use of torture is routine are overflowing,” Former POWs look at lighter side... Amnesty International said. Continued from Page 1 prisoners...’. It was like I was on ‘Kuwait Got Talent’,” Washington regularly criticises Jemaz quipped. the Egyptian judiciary for handing But we rejected their demands, and the ones who down lengthy prison sentences to joined them were those who were afraid,” he said. Iraqi Bread Morsi supporters and secular Salmeen recalled the lead-up to the Iraqi invasion, Naqqah refused to tell a gloomy story from his past. activists, after often speedy trials. As from the Kuwait-Iraq differences to Iraq’s accusation “What my colleagues told you makes me feel long as Washington criticises against Kuwait of stealing oil from the Rumaila field to depressed, so I will talk about pleasant things that hap- “Egypt’s democratic backslide... it accusations against Kuwait and the UAE of increasing pened to us in prison,” he said. “Food in Iraq was differ- keeps open the door for Putin... to oil production instead of cutting it. “There were several ent - they fed us one of the best kinds of Iraqi bread gain influence in Egypt at the reasons, but they justified what they did as a response called “tamer amber”. It was like eating stones,” he said CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi (left) receives an expense of US interests,” said Anna to a call by the Kuwaiti people to save them!” he sarcastically. “I also tasted cucumber soup for the first assault rifle from Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Borshchevskaya of The Washington exclaimed. “Many soldiers and Kuwaiti citizens were time - I did not know there was such a dish!” the Cairo International Airport late Monday. — AP Institute For Near East Policy. — AFP killed in the war. We did not resist strongly because the Hygiene was also an issue. “We did not wash up for political leaders ordered us to do so in order to not pro- two weeks, and when it was shower time, they brought voke the enemy,” Salmeen said. a tanker with 4,000 gallons of water for 600 people - it was war for a drop of water. In prison, I also became an MPs demand debate on scrapped mega... Trained to fight expert ‘thief’. At the small prison kiosk, you had to pay in “Many of you think that officers in the army are sim- cash or kind for cigarettes, cheese or soap. When we did Continued from Page 1 because influential people benefiting from the violations ple people, but we were trained to be the best of the not find anything to exchange, we poked a stick with a are within the National Assembly”. Other MPs spoke about best. We trained all our lives in order to fight for only 20 sticky date at its end through the iron railings of the committee for further investigations. Some of those specific cases of alleged profiting and conspiracies in which seconds in the war to protect the homeland, as we kiosk’s windows after it closed to steal some money, or investigations have been with the Assembly for several former and current members of parliament were involved. trained to die flying and not come back,” said Jemaz. put a nail in the stick to steal shower loofahs,” Naqqah years and include allegations of high-profile wrongdoings The investigation reports, which the Assembly started “But in this war, the homeland was occupied, and since reminisced. and embezzlement. debating in its last session, include probes on the Al-Zour we did not have a base anymore, we couldn’t fight,” he The International Relation Club (IRC) organized the Commenting on the investigations, MP Adnan North power plant, Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium, Subbiya said. “I was in the US, and I returned to Kuwait just seminar at AUK to commemorate Kuwait’s National and Abdulsamad said the reports show a battle between vested Causeway, the Russian loan case and others. before the invasion, on July 30. Interestingly, my flight Liberation Days. The event began with a presentation interests and national interests. He said that it is difficult to In another development, the Assembly yesterday decid- from Texas to Kuwait was via Baghdad,” he added. about the Iraqi invasion, with images, scenes and inter- debate 10 investigation reports in one session. ed to start debating the five-year development plan today “The funny thing that we faced was learning the Iraqi views of people who were present in Kuwait during the Abdulsamad said that recommendations to refer suspected along with the development plan for 2015/2016. The devel- dialect. In custody, an Iraqi soldier asked me if I wanted occupation. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on Aug 2, 1990 officials to the public prosecution are not enough because opment plan envisages spending of around KD 34 billion water. I was afraid to say yes, thinking it was a trick, but I resulted in a seven-month-long occupation, and subse- they do not specify which officials are responsible for the on development projects over the next five fiscal years was thirsty, so I agreed. When I started to drink, he told quently led to direct military intervention by US-led violations and in most cases are eventually acquitted in starting from 2015/2016, which begins April 1. The funds me ‘Baua’. I did not understand the word, and I speak forces in the Gulf War and the setting alight by Iraq of court. initially earmarked totaled KD 45.5 billion, but around KD English, Spanish and French too. When he repeated and 600 Kuwaiti oil wells. During the Iraqi occupation, about MP Abdulrahman Al-Jeeran said it is unfortunate that 11.5 billion was taken off, because it was allocated for proj- said ‘Baua camera’, I realized it means ‘look at the cam- 1,000 Kuwaiti civilians were killed and more than “nothing will be achieved from these investigation reports ects that are scheduled to be completed after 2020. era’. He then began his speech, ‘We feed the Kuwaiti 300,000 residents fled the country. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Beginner’s guide to speak Climate

By Richard Ingham and Mariette Le Roux

utsiders who walk into a UN climate conference often Oexperience a “beam-me-up-Scotty” moment. Like Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, they find themselves in a alien world where the people speak Climate, a language as unsettling as Klingon... and nearly as impenetrable. Veteran speakers know a BINGO from a TUNGO. An ENGO from a YOUNGO. A NAMA from a NAPA. A COP from a MOP. They read ‘non-papers’ about hot air, and talk wistfully about the days of the QUELRO. And they understand that Bottom Up versus Top Down is not smut - it’s about alternative approaches to climate policy. A new six-day round of negotiations opened in Geneva on Sunday, a stepping stone to a conference in Paris in December where a post-2020 deal must to be sealed. Here’s a primer on Mandela ‘went missing’ for a cup of tea what negotiators are saying: ADAPTATION: Measures to help cope with climate impacts, By Susan Njanji were organised. Mandela would go on to joblessness, corruption and the world’s They vent their frustration on the streets in like building reservoirs as a defence against drought or sowing become the country’s first democratically biggest divide between rich and poor. After sometimes violent protests. “The failures are crops resistant to higher temperatures. n the day Nelson Mandela walked elected president in 1994. He retired after years of failing to properly maintain its power that we haven’t moved sufficiently from the ANNEX I & ANNEX II: A division between rich and develop- free 25 years ago, he went missing for one five-year term and died on Dec 6, 2013 stations, Africa’s most developed country is in past,” said Friedman, adding that the gap ing countries enshrined at the founding of the UNFCCC in 1992. O The two lists define burden-sharing on climate change, with more than an hour somewhere aged 95. Twenty-five years after he walked the throes of an energy crisis that President between rich and poor has yet to be closed. most responsibility on Annex I nations. between the prison gates and the venue out of prison his clenched fist raised, South Jacob Zuma blames on the legacy of Before democracy came in 1994, South Africa AOSIS: Association of Small Island States (AOSIS) highly vul- where he was to deliver his first speech. Africa now boasts of having one of the apartheid. was run by an “exclusive club of white peo- nerable to sea-level rise. Mandela’s convoy had left Victor Verster world’s most progressive constitutions. “The And while the world’s top seven fastest ple”, he said. “What’s happened over the last AR5: The newly-published Fifth Assessment Report of the Prison, but never made it to Cape Town City main gain is that people have rights, people growing economies are from Africa, South 20 years is that some black people have been UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Hall - where a huge crowd was waiting to top expert authority on global warming and its impacts. welcome him. In a world before mobile BAU: Business as usual. Used for projections of global phones, the organisers struggled to track him warming based on current carbon emission trajectories. down. “Now Mandela was free, the world was BASICs: Bloc comprising Brazil, South Africa, India, China. waiting to see him and (ex-finance minister BINGOs: Business and industry non-governmental organi- Trevor) Manuel had no idea where he was,” sations. ENGOs, TUNGOs and YOUNGOs are environment, trade said the Nelson Mandela Foundation as it last union and youth NGOs. week revealed the details of just what hap- BOTTOM-UP/TOP-DOWN: Bottom-up means non-binding, pened that day. voluntary targets on emissions cuts. Top-down means a global “Trevor Manuel remembers Sunday 11 target divided among parties who sign up to binding commit- February 1990 as the day he lost Nelson ments - the now unpopular approach used under the Kyoto Mandela,” said the foundation. He was later Protocol. found sipping tea with his shoes off in a qui- CAP AND TRADE: Buying and selling unused carbon emis- et Cape Town suburban home, his driver hav- sions quotas under a cap, or ceiling, imposed on a country, ing made a detour to avoid the “crushing region or industrial sector. CARBON INTENSITY: crowd” outside the city hall. “I was wondering How much fossil fuel you burn to pro- what had happened to you chaps,” Mandela duce an economic unit in other words, a measure of energy effi- said. It was the last of three short stops he ciency. Used by China to define its action on carbon. made that day in the more than one hour he CBDR-RC: Common but differentiated responsibility and went missing. respective capabilities, a phrase enshrined at the founding of the UNFCCC. It means countries should fight climate change on Archbishop Desmond Tutu said the crowd the basis of their individual circumstances, wealth and other massed around City Hall was getting restive. resources-a thorny issue today as China, Brazil and India are “I just sent word and said if he didn’t come, now huge carbon emitters. Cape Town would be torn apart.” When he CCS: Carbon capture and storage, a fledgling technology to finally made it, it was so dark Mandela had to siphon and store carbon dioxide from power plants to stop it read his speech by torchlight with a pair of adding to the greenhouse effect. borrowed reading glasses, his own having COP: Conference of Parties, the supreme body of the UN disappeared in the rush of his release. Feb 11, Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The 1990 marks the beginning of the dismantling November 30-December 11 meeting in Paris will be COP 21. of apartheid, this year celebrating its 25th In this photo taken Feb 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela makes his first public speech in nearly three decades on the balcony GCF: Green Climate Fund (GCF), designed to channel poten- anniversary. of the Cape Town city hall after his release earlier from the Victor Verster prison in nearby Paarl, South Africa. —AP tially hundreds of billions of dollars in climate aid to poor coun- Mandela was sentenced to jail for life in tries. 1964 for alleged sabotage. He served 27 have dignity,” agreed Steven Friedman, politi- Africa is not one of them, with its two percent admitted to the club... but because the club is GHGs: Greenhouse gases years, with stays on notorious Robben Island, cal scientist at the University of growth less than half some of the biggest still there, many of the poor people are still G77 AND CHINA: Gathers developing countries - 134 in all then in Pollsmoor and Victor Verster prisons. Johannesburg. “There’s a black middle class movers on the continent. “An economy with excluded.” - which negotiates as a bloc in the climate talks. It is also divided His release came days after the country’s last in this country which didn’t exist in 1994. the highest unemployment out of 42 leading The 25th anniversary of Mandela’s release into sub-groups along the lines of their differing interests. apartheid leader F W de Klerk lifted the ban “There is less racism than 20 years ago.” economies, that’s obviously not a success fac- comes on the eve of a state of the nation HOT AIR: Surplus of greenhouse-gas quotas developed on the African National Congress and other But even as institutionalised racism has tor,” said political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki, address to be delivered by President Jacob countries were allotted under the Kyoto Protocol. liberation movements. disappeared, it remains a dividing factor in brother of former president Thabo Mbeki. Zuma to parliament. Populist lawmaker Julius INDCs: Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. the “Rainbow Nation” of 54 million people. Malema, who is demanding the president Voluntary emissions-curbing pledges that must be put forward Less Racism “Although things are better, we are still stuck Frustration on the Streets reimburse some of the money used for so- this year to provide the backbone of the 2020 climate deal. After tension-packed negotiations aimed with many of the racial biases and many For all the constitution promises, many called security refurbishments at his private KP: Kyoto Protocol, the 1997 accord on carbon emissions at transferring power from whites to the racial prejudices of the past,” said Friedman. South Africans still find themselves without Nkandla home, has threatened to disrupt that will be superseded by the 2020 deal. nation’s majority black population, elections Other problems linger: a slowing economy, basic services like water, housing and jobs. Zuma’s speech. —AFP LDCs: Least Developed Countries. LMDCs: Like-Minded Developing Countries. LULUCF: Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry. A KP provision to count trees as “sinks” which absorb carbon dioxide, a hugely vexatious issue. Can Rousseff survive Petrobras scandal? MITIGATION: Measures to reduce or slow emissions of greenhouse gases. MOP: Meeting of Parties under the Kyoto Protocol. By Damian Wroclavsky fidante Graca Foster as Petrobras CEO briefly government in Brasilia, according to Carlos MRV: Measurement, reporting and verification. A bench- cheered the market - but only until banking Pereira, professor of political science at the mark of transparency for. ounting allegations that her party executive Aldemir Bendine, likewise close to Getulio Vargas Foundation. NAMAs and NAPAs: Nationally Appropriate Mitigation received hundreds of millions of the ruling PT, was unveiled as her successor “This is going to be a year of crisis man- Action and National Adaptation Programmes for Action. M dollars in a kickbacks scandal at the state-owned company. With Foster agement,” forecast Valdir Raupp, a senator Initiatives to help LDCs ease carbon emissions or strengthen cli- engulfing oil giant Petrobras have sent having fallen on her sword, the heat is with Cunha’s PMDB, Brazil’s largest party mate defences. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s poll rat- now on Rousseff, herself a former and whose support is crucial to the NON-PAPER: An informal document used to float possibly ings tumbling and could fatally undermine Petrobras board chair. Rousseff, a for- Rousseff administration. Raupp told AFP his controversial ideas. her. Rousseff only embarked on a second mer urban guerrilla tortured under party would play a “fundamental role in QUELRO: Quantified Emission Limitation and Reduction term in office last month, having succeeded the 1964-1985 military dictatorship, administering this crisis.” Obligation. A pre-INDC carbon pledge. popular Workers Party (PT) predecessor narrowly beat social democrat REDD: A forest program (Reducing Emissions from Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2011 after his Aecio Neves in October’s presiden- Mounting Woes Deforestation and Degradation). —AFP eight years at the helm. But the widening tial election runoff. But a weekend Former president Lula expressed indig- graft scandal, estimated at $3.8 billion and opinion poll by Datafolha showed nation, meanwhile, after last week’s arrest dubbed Operation Car Wash, might see her her rating slumping 19 points to just of PT treasurer Joao Vaccari Neto. Neto was embattled administration fail to ever recov- 23 percent. questioned for several hours over reported All articles appearing on these er, analysts say, after it wiped billions of Rousseff, whose reelection frus- payments to the PT of between $150 and pages are the personal opinion of dollars off the market value of Brazil’s trated the market, suffered a new $200 million between 2003 and 2013. He the writers. Kuwait Times takes no biggest firm. blow Sunday when Folha de Sao and the PT have denied any wrongdoing “The jewel in the crown has literally Paulo newspaper quoted a former but Lula derided what he called the “crim- responsibility for views expressed been destroyed,” said David Fleischer, pro- director of Sete Brasil, which supplied inalization” of the party. Despite mounting therein. Kuwait Times invites read- fessor emeritus of political science at the drilling rigs for Petrobras, as claiming evidence to the contrary, Raupp remains ers to voice their opinions. Please University of Brasilia. “The Petrobras kick- the PT scooped $431 million from optimistic Rousseff and her government send submissions via email to: opin- backs scandal is getting worse by the day,” overcharged contracts. The president can survive. “In Lula’s first term we went Fleischer told AFP. “The republic’s prosecu- was already reeling after Congress through a very similar crisis which almost [email protected] or via snail tor general is getting ready to press elected a critic of hers as speaker of led to the impeachment of the president, mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. charges against 30 to 40 politicians, law- the Chamber of Deputies. Eduardo but we came through it. Lula was re-elect- The editor reserves the right to edit makers, former lawmakers, senators and Cunha is from a governing coalition ed and formed a great government,” he ministers for their involvement in the ally, but saw off a PT rival for the post. said. “And in Congress there is in no way a any submission as necessary. Petrobras scandal.” “The election of Eduardo Cunha was a yearning today for an impeachment Last week’s resignation of Rousseff con- resounding defeat for Planalto,” the seat of demand.” —AFP p15_Layout 1 2/10/15 8:01 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 SPORTS

Diarra to join West Ham Bayern plan China tour Talk on cricket bat sizes LONDON: Former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is training with BERLIN: German champions Bayern Munich will tap into a growing demand MELBOURNE: The International Cricket Council says it has no immediate West Ham United who are considering offering the Frenchman a short-term for their brand in Asia with a tour of China in July as the Bundesliga looks to plans to restrict bat sizes after some players objected to suggestions the deal until the end of the season. accelerate growth in the world’s most populated continent. Bayern, who last sport’s governing body would impose limits. Diarra, 29, who has also played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth in year opened an office in the United States eyeing the American market, are ICC chief David Richardson last week forecast the ICC will look at placing England, Anzhi Makhachkala and Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia and Le Germany’s richest club with a turnover of more than half a billion euros in the restrictions “on the depth of a bat in particular” saying the larger size of previous season. “It is clear, just like we did last year in the United States, we Havre in France, has been a free agent since being released by modern bats favor batsmen. His statement triggered a backlash will do a tour of China in the second half of July,” Bayern executive board Lokomotiv last year. from the likes of big-hitting West Indies star Chris Gayle and member, responsible for internationalisation and strategy, Joerg Wacker told “As soon as we get him fit he will be a very good addition to England captain Eoin Morgan. He labeled the move “ridicu- our squad” Hammers manager Sam Allardyce told a news confer- Bild newspaper. “We will most likely play matches in Beijing and Shanghai. There are more than 170 million football fans in China, almost 90 million lous.” Yesterday, Richardson said it is too early to know ence on Tuesday ahead of West Ham’s visit to Southampton in whether any restrictions will be imposed. “We need to con- the Premier League today. Bayern sympathisers. Football will soon be a school subject there. So we see a huge potential there,” he said. Bayern are not the only German team to cast sult with the manufacturers, whether any attempts to limit “I certainly hope that he would be close (to playing) after the size and the depth of the bats will be effective.” Bigger training for seven to 10 days with the lads if he finally signs their eye on Asia with Borussia Dortmund opening an office in Singapore, assisted in its expansion by sponsor Puma and the sportswear maker’s own and heavier bats have become widespread as limited the contract,” he added. West Ham have been hit by a spate of overs cricket - especially the 20-over game - has injuries over the last few weeks and have slipped from fourth global network. Several big name German clubs, including Bayern, Hamburg SV and Schalke 04, have also moved their winter training camps from sunny become more popular, with pressure on bats- spot in late December to eighth in the table with just one win men to entertain with huge six shots into the in their last seven league games.—Reuters Spain, Portugal or Turkey to Asia and the Gulf states of Qatar and Dubai in recent seasons.—Reuters crowds. —AP Systematic doping among race walkers

MOSCOW: Russia’s anti-doping chief cited trained there under the oversight of head evidence yesterday of systematic doping coach Viktor Chegin have been banned for among the country’s Olympic champion doping in recent years. race-walkers and compared the case to The center’s longtime director, Viktor that of Lance Armstrong. Kolesnikov, was banned last year for four Five Russian walkers, including three years for possessing substances outlawed Olympic champions, were banned for dop- under anti-doping rules. He was briefly ing last month. Five world championship replaced by Olympic champion Olga gold medals from 2009 and 2011 look set Kaniskina, who resigned last month when to be re-awarded. she became one of the five walkers banned Russian anti-doping agency chief execu- for doping. tive Nikita Kamaev said the walkers’ biolog- The IAAF is investigating various other ical data shows clear links between the allegations related to the center, including “methods” and “approaches” used to dope. that athletes were allowed to compete “The structure of the offenses and the while banned and that the center systematic nature of the offenses were employed a coach who had been banned obvious,” he said in comments reported by from athletics for life. The IAAF and World the R-Sport agency. Anti-Doping Agency are also investigating Kamaev said further bans could follow accusations made in a German TV docu- but that the case was complex, adding that mentary in December. “the Armstrong case took more than 2 1/2 The program alleged that doping was years. Our case is no simpler.” Armstrong organized by leading Russian athletics was banned for life in 2012 for doping coaches and that Kamaev’s anti-doping offenses and stripped of his seven Tour de agency covered up positive tests by top France wins. Russia’s investigation focuses Russians from several other sports. on the national race-walking training cen- Speaking yesterday, Kamaev continued to ter in Saransk. At least 20 athletes who deny any wrongdoing by his agency.—AP Coach slams MNCF for financial failures KUALA LUMPUR: Head coach John Naim Mohamad told the paper that Beasley has hit out at the Malaysian Aizad was not employed by them and National Cycling Federation (MNCF) for had been hired by president Abu Samah repeated financial failings after his team Wahab as a special officer. were left stranded at the airport for two He added that Aizad had been barred hours upon discovering air tickets hadn’t from going to Thailand for the Asian been paid for. Championships, which finished on After eventually boarding in Sunday with Malaysia winning two golds, Melbourne, Beasley and his team arrived three silvers and four bronze. in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand for the The MNCF are scheduled to hold an a Asian Championships only to find the general meeting before March 26 where hotel they had planned to stay at next to they will elect a new executive commit- the velodrome had given away their tee. Beasley, who has been in charge of rooms after receiving no deposit. the team since 2006 and helped Josian “This is just another time that this has Ng win Commonwealth Games gold in happened because this person has been 2010, pleaded for changes. allowed to handle matters, it seems to “I hope we can see some change in happen every time he is handling it,” the MNCF because there are some bad peo- Australian was quoted as saying by yes- ple in there. I don’t care what happens to terday’s New Straits Times. me, but I care what happens to my rid- NEWARK: Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov (10), of Russia, celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against “There are some good people in the ers,” he said en route to France for the the New Jersey Devils. —AP federation, some who really want to do Feb. 18-22 World Championships. good for the sport. But not this guy, yes I “We have had too many run ins with will go ahead and tell you his name - this federation over issues around mon- Aizad Othman. ey. There are just some people who are Oilers slip past Devils “I don’t care what happens to me. So not there for the sport, they’re obvious- you can go ahead an tell the federation, ly there to try and lynch some money these are the sorts of people they need for themselves and they don’t care what NEWARK: Nail Yakupov shook off an early Jordan Schroeder got his first goal with the final two goals in a 4-2 win at St. Louis on to weed out.” MNCF deputy president happens to the sport.”—Reuters mid-ice collision and scored a game-winning Wild, against the team that drafted him, and Sunday. Before this run, he had just two goals power-play goal in the second period to lead Nino Niederreiter and Kyle Brodziak also in 15 games. the Edmonton Oilers to a 2-1 victory over the scored to send Canucks goalie Ryan Miller to Patrick Kane scored the only Blackhawks New Jersey Devils on Monday night. Jordan an early exit midway through the second peri- goal in the shootout against Mike Smith, who Kuwait set to Eberle had the primary assist on Yakupov’s od. made 36 saves through an overtime that had goal, and helped set up defenseman Oscar The Wild raised their record to 8-1-1 in the a wild finish. Chicago’s Antti Raanta finished Klefbom’s tally as the Oilers snapped a two- last 10 games, all with Dubnyk in goal since with 27 saves, but stopped only one of three host T-T tourney game losing streak. Ben Scrivens made 13 his arrival in a trade. They moved within three shots in the shootout. Raanta had to make a saves in sending the Devils to their second points of the cut for the second wild card spot point-blank save on Doan with 30 seconds left straight loss. in the Western Conference, against which in overtime following a Chicago turnover. KUWAIT: Kuwait’s 10th international table ments, which have been hosted by Kuwait Edmonton (15-30-9) has the fewest wins in they are 17-10-4 with seven consecutive vic- tennis tournament (Salwa Cup) will begin from 2005 until now. The tournament will the NHL. Patrik Elias scored for the Devils, who tories in a row. Zack Kassian, Shawn Matthias FLAMES 4, SHARKS 1 today at the late Khalid Yousuf Al-Marzouq start its preliminaries by the knock out sys- hall, in Salwa Sports Club, in Qurain, and will tem as approved by the game’s internation- had gone 8-2-2 in their previous 12. Cory and Ryan Stanton scored goals and Dan Jiri Hudler scored his fifth goal of the sea- continue until Feb 15. al federation. The floors will be blue, not red Schneider had 22 saves, including a stop on a Hamhuis had two assists for the Canucks. son against San Jose to help Calgary win for 237 players will participate 10 of whom as used to be, because it gives players bet- breakaway by Teddy Purcell with just over the fourth time in five games. Mason are internationally ranked. 44 international ter vision, he added. Kuwait’s team will three minutes to play. COYOTES 3, BLACKHAWKS 2 Raymond, Lance Bouma and David Jones also referees, including 22 Kuwaitis will officiate. include Basil Al-Ansari from Kuwait club, Scrivens wasn’t seriously tested in the third Antoine Vermette scored in regulation and scored for the Flames, who won four of five Tournament director Sanad Al-Ajmi said Hussain Al-Bahraini from Kazma, Marzouq period, and the crowd booed during the clos- netted the deciding goal in the third round of meetings this season against San Jose to this event is among the largest of the Al-Rashidi from Tadamon, and Adballah Al- ing seconds. Yakupov missed a couple of first- the shootout to lift Arizona over Chicago. move ahead of the Sharks into second place games international association, and com- Bahraini from Kazma. As for the ladies team period shifts after a collision with Devils for- Lucas Lessio also connected in the in the Pacific Division. Jonas Hiller made 33 memorates the late Sheikh Salwa Sabah Al- Minwa Al-Shimmari, Maryam Baroun and ward Steve Bernier. shootout, and Arizona’s Shane Doan scored in saves. Ahmad. He said Kuwaiti players and officials Sheikha Al-Hamad. Nour Salem will play in regulation to help the Coyotes snap a two- Brent Burns scored the lone goal for the benefited from the previous nine tourna- the juniors category. KINGS 4, BLUE JACKETS 3 game losing streak. Oliver Ekman-Larsson Sharks but also committed the penalty that Jeff Carter and Dwight King each had a assisted on both of Arizona’s goals. led to Hudler’s power-play goal in the third goal and an assist, and Jonathan Quick Chicago’s Marian Hossa scored two goals period that helped seal the game for the stopped 23 shots to lead Los Angeles past for the second straight game, and Jonathan Flames. Antti Niemi made 22 saves for the Columbus. Tyler Toffoli and Dustin Brown also Toews set up both. Hossa recorded Chicago’s Sharks, who have lost four of five. —AP scored for the Kings, and Brayden McNabb added two assists. Scott Hartnell, playing in his 1,000th NHL NHL results/standings game, notched his 263rd goal. David Savard had a goal and an assist, and Jack Skille and Edmonton 2, New Jersey 1; Los Angeles 4, Columbus 3; Minnesota 5, Vancouver 3; Arizona 3, Chicago 2 (SO); Calgary 4, scored for the Blue Jackets. Curtis McElhinney San Jose 1. had 40 saves. Western Conference Montreal 34 15 3 141 117 71 Savard’s goal with 1:53 remaining drew Pacific Division Detroit 31 12 9 155 130 71 Columbus within 4-3. Quick made four late W L OTL GF GA PTS Boston 28 18 7 139 131 63 Anaheim 34 13 7 162 148 75 Florida 23 17 11 127 145 57 saves to preserve the lead. Carter, a former Calgary 30 21 3 156 137 63 Blue Jackets player continually booed by San Jose 28 20 7 154 153 63 Toronto 23 27 4 153 165 50 Columbus fans for asking to be traded, helped Vancouver 29 20 3 143 136 61 Ottawa 20 22 9 139 144 49 the Kings win the Stanley Cup after the deal Los Angeles 23 18 12 144 144 58 Buffalo 16 35 3 102 189 35 three years ago. He has scored seven goals in Arizona 20 27 7 125 178 47 Metropolitan Division Edmonton 15 30 9 123 178 39 NY Islanders 34 18 1 167 149 69 12 games against the Blue Jackets. Carter had- Central Division Pittsburgh 30 15 8 151 134 68 n’t had a point in the previous four games, but Nashville 35 12 6 161 127 76 he raised his career point total to 498. St. Louis 34 15 4 168 132 72 Washington 28 16 10 157 135 66 Chicago 33 18 3 163 124 69 NY Rangers 30 16 5 152 123 65 Winnipeg 27 18 10 152 145 64 Philadelphia 23 22 8 145 155 54 WILD 5, CANUCKS 3 Minnesota 26 20 6 144 143 58 New Jersey 21 24 9 122 148 51 Jason Pominville and Ryan Suter scored Dallas 24 21 8 167 172 56 Columbus 23 26 3 135 161 49 Colorado 22 21 11 137 152 55 power-play goals, and Devan Dubnyk earned Carolina 19 26 7 116 139 45 another victory in the net, guiding Minnesota Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the past Vancouver for its sixth straight win in reg- Tampa Bay 34 16 5 179 145 73 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). ulation. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 SPORTS McCullum now the people’s choice

WELLINGTON: Brendon McCullum has demand in the Indian Premier League, enjoyed unprecedented success since his might have been seen by some New appointment as New Zealand cricket cap- Zealanders as the epitome of the modern, tain in 2012 - winning five of his last seven more mobile and more mercenary profes- tests. Perhaps his greatest success in that sional cricketer. time, though, has been in winning the He gave a face to the perception that approval of the New Zealand cricket public. cricketers increasingly place the income His appointment was initially met with from lucrative Twenty20 Leagues ahead of criticism from some fans, who have regard- playing for their country. ed him at best with grudging approval. For Lastly, McCullum became inextricably some time in a career of prodigious individ- tangled in the controversy over the firing of ual achievement, and before his aggressive his predecessor, Ross Taylor. The treatment and inventive captaincy became a factor in of Taylor alienated many New Zealand New Zealand’s team revival, McCullum was cricket fans and efforts by coach Mike more highly regarded overseas than at Hesson and New Zealand Cricket retro- home. For several reasons, a large section spectively to justify their handling of the of New Zealand fans were slow to warm to issue appeared to lack credibility. McCullum even when his performances, McCullum became embroiled in the con- first in limited-overs matches then more troversy, not only because he was Taylor’s regularly in tests saw him hailed as among successor but because of his long friend- the best batsmen in the world. ship with Hesson. There are aspects of McCullum’s person- From that unpromising beginning, ality which, in the past, have jarred with though, McCullum has grown to become New Zealand sensibilities. He describes one of New Zealand’s most popular cap- himself as “brash” but has sometimes been tains and players and Hesson is now perceived by New Zealanders as arrogant, a respected as a successful coach. The two major fault for Kiwis who expect their have jointly managed to create one of the sports stars to behave with humility how- most productive team environments in a AUSTRALIA: India’s Rohit Sharma plays a shot from the bowling of Afghanistan’s Dawlat Zadran during the one-day international warm up ever well they perform on the world stage. New Zealand team, at least since the 1980s: cricket match. — AFP McCullum came into the New Zealand egos have generally been deflated and the team with a substantial reputation but culture of the team is mutually supportive. struggled at first to live up to expectations: “When it started I knew it was going to his first test centuries were made against be tough,” McCullum said. “Not everyone Sharma slams ton in Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and it took five agreed with the decision (to remove Taylor) years before he scored his first against one so I took over the job in extreme circum- of the eight more established test nations. stances but felt I was the best candidate He has been slow to shake an image of and the situation wasn’t beyond repair. timely win for India inconsistency. McCullum has now scored “The first thing I did was crunch down 11 test centuries, including the first triple what I believed was important to the team. century by a New Zealander, three double What did we want to be known for? What AUSTRALIA: Opener Rohit Sharma smashed 150 which they did but their inability to bowl out the lead-up, going undefeated to win the tri-series centuries and other innings of 195, and were the key things people want to see in India’s 153-run romp against Afghanistan in minnows once against proved their bowling lim- despite missing injured captain Clarke, who is 185. But he has an average of 38.87 - 43.1 when we play? As a result we’ve developed their final World Cup warm-up match yesterday, itations. Nawroz Mangal (60) and Usman Ghani nonetheless expected to play in the team’s as captain - which reflects, to some extent, better fighting qualities.” helping the holders register their first win in (44) shone with the bat for Afghanistan who warm-up match on Wednesday against United his mixed form and the various roles he has The Black Caps open the World Cup in Australia since they landed in November. begin their World Cup campaign against Arab Emirates at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. had to perform in the New Zealand batting Christchurch against Sri Lanka on Saturday, Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane (88 not out) and Bangladesh on Feb. 18. James Faulkner’s side strain has been the only lineup: from opening to batting at No. 7. and there’s no doubt McCullum and his Suresh Raina (75) made merry against India lacked sharpness in the field with major fly in the ointment and Hazlewood under- His naturally aggressive style also made team will have New Zealand’s full support. Afghanistan’s limited bowling resources to pro- Mohammad Shami and Ambati Rayudu drop- scored the fast bowling all-rounder’s value as “an McCullum vulnerable to criticism. At times “Sure, the New Zealand public wants to pel India to 364-5 at the Adelaide Oval. ping regulation catches. In contrast, Dhawan edge” over the 13 other teams who will compete he has appeared reckless, losing his wicket see us winning but it is more important to The two-time world champions then restrict- and Umesh Yadav collaborated to take a spec- at the World Cup. by hitting out at times when more circum- make it hard for the opposition to beat us, ed Afghanistan to 211-8 to finally taste victory tacular catch to remove Ghani. Dhawan ran back “I think it’s just that batting edge, probably spection was necessary. which is what we’re seeing,” McCullum said, before they begin their title defence against from short midwicket to take a tumbling catch especially when Faulks (Faulkner) is in that team, McCullum also, through no fault of his explaining the recent transition. “Most of arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. but the ball popped out of his hands and he jug- to have him at eight at full strength is probably own but because he was instantly in the changes came off the field.” — AP In an otherwise frustrating Australian sum- gled with it before flicking it into the hands of the key,” he said. “Where other teams probably mer, India lost the four-test series to Australia, Yadav, who had rushed from long-on to catch have bowlers who can bat a bit, we’ve got could not win a single match in the subsequent the skier before halting to avoid a collision. Jimmy down there who can finish it off. “I think tri-series also involving England, and were Meanwhile, Australia paceman Josh our quicks as well (are an edge). We’ve got great spanked by the World Cup hosts in their first Hazlewood has played down India’s 106-run depth in our quicks. warm-up match on Sunday. drubbing in a World Cup warm-up against the “Probably those two things are ... above the Opting to bat first, India lost quick two wick- co-hosts on Sunday, saying it was a matter of other teams.” With Mitchell Johnson to lead the ets before Sharma and Raina (75) added 158 time before the champions clicked. attack and Faulkner almost certain to be includ- runs in the next 25 overs. Worryingly for them, Australia dominated India in batting, bowling ed if fit, Hazlewood will compete with left-armer however, opener Shikhar Dhawan’s lack of foot- and fielding in the Adelaide match to bolster Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins for the remain- work once again led to his dismissal while bat- their status as favourites to win the global show- ing pace spots. Though one of the junior mem- ting mainstay Virat Kohli and captain Mahendra piece which starts on Saturday. bers of the pace battery, Hazlewood has been Singh Dhoni also could not spend enough time India have been in wretched form Down impressive in his eight one-day matches and in the middle. Sharma, the only cricketer to hit Under, however, going winless from their three said he would have no problem being picked for two 200-plus ODI scores, appeared to have matches in the tri-series against England and “death bowling” duties during the World Cup. recovered fully from a hamstring injury as he hit Australia in recent weeks. “Yeah, definitely,” he said. “All the bowlers want seven sixes and 12 boundaries in his 122-ball “It’s just a matter of time until their batting to have that opportunity to win the game for knock. order clicks,” Hazlewood told reporters in Australia whether you’re bowling the start, the Contrary to expectations, Sharma did not Melbourne yesterday. “They’ve got some out- middle or the end. retire after his century to allow other team mates standing players and they’ve all got great “I think the end’s obviously crucial. We’ve some batting practice. In a pitchside interview records. I think it’s just a matter of time before seen Starc and Faulkner do the job in previous after the Indian innings, Raina said his team they get going. “They’re a very dangerous side.” games but everyone wants that opportunity to would try to restrict Afghanistan to under 250 Australia have been in ominous form in the prove themselves.” — Reuters Airline purser ready to fly for UAE

WELLINGTON: In this Feb. 18, 2014 file photo, New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum cel- MELBOURNE: On Khurram Khan’s many pre- Khan is 43, and the UAE vice-captain. In in their 40s,” Javed said. “He’s the best 43-year- ebrates his triple century against India on the final day of the second Test at the vious visits to Melbourne as a flight purser, he December, he eclipsed Sanath Jayasuriya by old batsman I have ever seen ... the perfect Basin Reserve. — AP stayed across the road from the Melbourne almost four years to become the oldest player role model for any youngster.” Cricket Ground. Also a cricketer, Khan deliber- to score a one-day international century when The Indian Premier League’s temporary ately avoided going into the world’s largest he made 132 not out against Afghanistan in shift to the UAE last year presented Khan with Scotland thrash Ireland cricket arena. Dubai at 43 years, 162 days. “The last couple of a chance to feature in practice games against SYDNEY: Matt Machan scored a century Machan was finally bowled by Craig “I never walked into the stadium, because I years have been the best in my life, since I Australia’s Glenn Maxwell and other interna- and Alasdair Evans took four for 17 as Young having blasted six fours and four six- always wanted to play there. I always thought, have been playing cricket,” said Khurram, who tional players. The Pakistan-born Khan regards Scotland romped to a 179-run victory over es in his 108-ball knock but the Scots were if I’m going into the stadium it should be to sometimes kept up his fitness by doing Wednesday’s warmup match against the Ireland in a World Cup warm-up match at already well on their way to an imposing play,” Khan said. That finally came true this pushups between in-flight meal services. world’s No. 1-ranked team as the best possible Blacktown Oval yesterday. score of 296 for six. week. He was practicing there yesterday, Coach Aaqib Javed, part of the Pakistan way to prepare for their tournament opener Ireland have caused huge upsets at Ireland started their run chase with a preparing to play for the United Arab Emirates squad that won the 1992 World Cup in against Zimbabwe at Nelson, New Zealand, in both their previous World Cups but it was solid opening stand of 57 between skipper against Australia the next day, in a warmup for Australia and New Zealand, is a year younger nine days. “I don’t think it’s going to get harder Scotland, who have yet to taste victory in William Porterfield and Paul Stirling (37) the Cricket World Cup, where he will be the than Khan, and in awe of the veteran. than this. You start on top, and it’s all downhill,” two tournaments, who won the battle of before Evans struck with a three-wicket tournament’s oldest player. “I haven’t seen anyone playing like Khurram he said. “It’s time to deliver.”— AP the Celtic minnows with 23 overs to spare. blitz in two overs. Scotland won the toss and chose to bat but The right-arm seamer returned to made a faltering start when they lost their remove Porterfield for 23 and the Irish were top batsman and skipper for the day Kyle really on the ropes at 77-5 when Andrew Coetzer for a duck in the second over. Balbirnie followed for eight in the following They slumped to 2-42 when Hamish over. Ireland’s tail were only able to eke out Gardner became paceman Max Sorensen’s another 40 runs as experienced off-spinner (3-55) second victim in the eighth over but Majid Haq (3-9) and seamer Josh Davey (2- that brought Machan to the crease. 36) got among the wickets to secure a The young lefthander formed partner- handsome victory. ships of 44 with Calum MacLeod (41), 96 Ireland get their World Cup campaign with Preston Mommsen (56) and 98 with underway against West Indies in Nelson Richie Berrington, who hit his 52 off 40 next Monday, while the Scots face co-hosts balls as Scotland accelerated the scoring New Zealand in their opener in Dunedin rate in their final 10 overs. the following day. — Reuters Sledgers to face match bans at World Cup

MELBOURNE: The International Cricket Council perhaps a little bit more serious or higher than will crack down on excessive sledging between before but that hopefully everyone will be treat- players at the World Cup, saying first offenders ed equally and fairly. can expect heavier fines while repeat offenders “For a first offence, you’ll likely end up with a face suspension from matches. fine which no players likes, handing back most ICC chief executive David Richardson also of his match fee. “But certainly a repeat offence, said players with already poor records of on- not only in this tournament but some players field behaviour could face immediate match already sitting with offences behind their name, bans if found guilty of a single breach of the will be punished with a suspension.” ICC’s code of conduct during the Feb. 14 - March The crackdown may give Australia opening 29 tournament. batsman David Warner some pause before “That issue has been addressed at all the pre- charging into a verbal altercation given he has event team briefings,” Richardson told reporters been found guilty of breaching the code of con- in Melbourne yesterday. “I suppose it started a duct twice in two months. India batsmen few months back already that the behaviour in Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli were also fined some matches by some players was deemed to for conduct breaches in December during the be unacceptable and not a good example to occasionally ill-tempered test series with young fans watching the game. “I think there’s Australia. Pundits have suggested a soccer-style been something like 12-13 code of conduct yellow and red card system to better stamp out charges laid in the last few months in bilateral poor on-field behaviour but Richardson said series. “So the crackdown had already started. I cricket would continue to rely on post-match think the teams are going to be told that the reviews with on-field umpires and off-field refer- umpires intend to remains firm, that the penal- ees to analyse incidents and lay charges where SYLHET: In this Friday, March 21, 2014 file photo, United Arab Emirates’ Khurram Khan plays a shot during their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup ties handed out by the match referees will be necessary. —Reuters match against Zimbabwe. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 SPORTS Trouble hasn’t slowed down for NFL in 2015 NEW YORK: Commissioner Roger Goodell declared street, noting that several instances of owner mis- “The one thing that we have to be careful about In Kansas, police are investigating a domestic at the Super Bowl that the NFL made “enormous conduct went unpunished last year, raising ques- is to think it’s all of a sudden gotten worse or these abuse claim against Cowboys running back Joseph progress” on social issues after last year’s incessant tions about the congruity of Goodell’s discipline. guys are different,” Dungy said. “I think we can get Randle made by an ex-girlfriend a day after his barrage of disturbing developments, led by the Ray The union cited the cases of the Vikings’ Ziggy Wilf, lost in ‘Oh yeah, we had 10 or 12 incidents and for- arrest at a Kansas hotel on a drug charge that’s Rice domestic violence and Adrian Peterson child the Cowboys’ Jerry Jones and the Browns’ Jimmy get that the other 1,790 guys are doing quite well.” been dropped. The probe continues. Browns receiv- abuse crises. Haslam. “Anytime there are off-field incidents by Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president for er Josh Gordon was suspended for violating the That bombardment hasn’t much abated in 2015, players, we are disappointed, but we need to put football operations, said: “Our young men are pre- league’s substance-abuse policy. Steelers running with at least eight players arrested, a star suspend- things in some perspective,” NFLPA president Eric sented with the greatest platform in the world and back Le’Veon Bell received 15 months’ probation in ed, an agent indicted and a Hall of Famer fired. Winston said. how they carry that responsibility determines pub- a first-offender’s program following his August Also enmeshed in the headlines are Johnny “These incidents are exceptions and not reflec- lic perception. Our efforts are focused every day on arrest on marijuana charges. Cardinals running back Manziel checking himself into a treatment program tive of our membership. This union is focused on raising the standard of excellence. We take the Jonathan Dwyer pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and the murder trial of Aaron Hernandez getting supporting players, educating players, fighting for approach of shared responsibility and personal and was placed on probation in a case stemming under way. due process and fairness. We are not opposed to accountability in that we have resources and men- from alleged assaults on his wife last year. All of this against the backdrop of the league’s discipline as we believe everyone should be held tors in place to assist these young men where they And Warren Sapp was fired as an NFL Network investigation into whether the Super Bowl champi- accountable for their actions, but there is so much are challenged. It is their responsibility to utilize analyst after his arrest on suspicion of soliciting a on Patriots surreptitiously provided under-inflated attention on discipline that the other areas tend to them. “We continue to work each day to bring out prostitute and allegedly assaulting two women. footballs for their AFC championship win. get ignored in the public. We will not ignore them.” the best in all who are associated with the game of Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy faces possi- “It’s a discouraging start to the new year,” said Former NFL coach Tony Dungy suggested the football.” ble NFL discipline even though prosecutors Richard Lapchick, director of the Institute for players’ alleged misdeeds are reflective of society at A steady stream of arrests and charges since Jan. Monday dismissed domestic violence charges Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of large, commonplace when young players go from 1 include: against him after the accuser couldn’t be found. Central Florida. “But my hope is it’s an anomaly for strict schedules to offseason freedom. • Colts linebackers Josh McNary (rape), D’Qwell Finally, there’s the specter of Florida State quar- 2015.” That will hinge on whether discipline and dis- “It’s always a dangerous time and it kind of hap- Jackson (assault) and Andrew Jackson (drunken terback Jameis Winston going No. 1 in the draft honor - “the players aren’t going to want to be men- pens every year,” Dungy said. “If you just read the driving); despite a history of questionable off-field behavior. tioned in the same story as Ray Rice or Adrian local paper every day you’re going to read about • Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion (drugs); Dungy said he didn’t think most teams would Peterson” - serve as deterrents to further transgres- DUIs, speeding tickets, incidents at nightclubs. But • Saints pass rusher Junior Galette (assault); place a higher priority this year on character given sions, he said. it wouldn’t be anybody’s name you would recog- • Jets running back Chris Johnson (weapons); all that’s transpired, insisting, “Guys with talent are The players’ union maintains it’s not a one-way nize.” Not so when it’s an NFL player. • Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (drunken driving). always going to have a place to play.” —AP Austrians join forces to chase team gold

BEAVER CREEK: Austria have monopo- you may have some good news in the lized the podium at the alpine ski world next couple of months,” International championships and will try to underscore Olympic Committee President Thomas their status as the sport’s superpower Bach said during a visit to the champi- when they join forces in late yesterday’s onships. “I hope very much we can team event. With six medals from six finalise this together with FIS before the events, including three golds, the mighty IOC session in Kuala Lumpur in July.” Austrians have ruled the Beaver Creek The competition will feature the 16 slopes but head to Vail looking to defend top-ranked nations in a knockout format the team title they won on home snow at with skiers going head-to-head on a par- the 2013 worlds in Schladming. allel slalom course. Introduced into the championship Each country is allowed a maximum of program in 2005, Austria are the only six skiers (at least two women) with four nation to medal in the team event at taking part in each round with the top- every worlds and will be a red-hot seeded nation facing the lowest seed. favourite to add to that collection at Austria topped the podium in 2013 and Golden Peak Stadium. While the team 2007 while Germany grabbed gold in event is not yet on the Olympic schedule 2005 and France in 2011. The event was that could soon change in time for the not held in 2009 due to bad weather. 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games. Sweden has won three team medals, sil- “We are discussing the program for vers in 2013 and 2007 and bronze in 2018 and already for 2022 with FIS and 2011. — Reuters

JAPAN: A McLaren Honda MP4/4 (left) and other exhibition models are displayed at an entrance of Honda Motor’s headquarters in Tokyo. Honda Motor held a press conference in the run-up to the Australian Grand Prix of the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1), which will take place on March 13 to 15. — AFP Qatar set to host Formula One race

DOHA: Qatar is close to signing a contract to host said Bahrain and Abu Dhabi would not allow Mercedes units last year. McLaren and Honda a Formula One Grand Prix within the next two Qatar to join the Grand Prix racing circuit. But it enjoyed a dominant period from 1988 to 1992, years, the president of the country’s motor sport now appears any problems have been ironed out. with Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna and federation has told AFP. Qatar is ploughing billions of pounds into sport- French four-times champion Alain Prost winning Nasser bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, who is also the ing events and has won the right to host the 2022 15 of 16 races in 1988. The team won 44 grands Vice- President of the International Automobile World Cup and was also recently awarded the prix, from 80 starts, during that five-year partner- Federation (FIA), said the race would be held in 2019 World Athletics Championships. Qatar is also ship. “We are ready for the challenge and we will 2016 or 2017, adding to the growing list of high- expected to make a bid at some point to host a have success. Because history shows that Honda profile international sporting events hosted by Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, McLaren have a always succeeds and the Honda-McLaren part- the tiny Gulf state. mountain to climb with Honda in Formula One nership in the ‘80s is something that we intend to “We are about to sign contracts to organise a this season, with plenty of challenges along the reproduce,” Dennis said. McLaren, who last won a Formula One race,” he said. “We have completed way but they will get there in the end, group race in 2012, had a difficult start to testing with all the steps and there are only a few details head Ron Dennis said on Tuesday. the new car in Jerez, southern Spain, this month. before the official signature.” “You don’t expect to be at the top of the Spaniard Fernando Alonso and Britain’s Jenson Al-Attiyah added that Qatar would offer the mountain the day you start climbing. It takes time Button both managed only six laps each on the choice of two circuits on which to race, either in and you also have to prepare well,” the Briton told first two days of the test but completed more on Lusail which has already hosted Moto GP and a news conference at Honda’s global headquar- the remaining two. “I think the first thing we World Superbike events, or a specially-designed ters in Tokyo. “We are very much preparing for the should emphasise is that the first Grand Prix street course through the capital Doha. climb, and it’s going to be a challenging climb but where we are going to be measured is in fact There have previously been question marks it’s a climb that both Honda and McLaren have Australia,” Dennis said. “The first test clearly wasn’t over whether Qatar could host a Grand Prix made several times together.” Honda, who quit as smooth as we would like but nevertheless we because it relied on the approval of Bahrain and Formula One as a manufacturer in 2008, are have to stay very disciplined and focus on gather- Abu Dhabi, which already host races. In returning this season as engine partner to former ing the data.” The season starts in Australia on December, Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone champions McLaren, who were powered by March 15. — Reuters

BEAVER CREEK: Slovenia’s Tina Maze clears a gate to win the 2015 World Alpine Ski Kuwait hosts ‘Made From Gold’ seminar Championships women’s combined. — AFP By Nawara Fattahova Maze bags KUWAIT: The International Relations Club of the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held a sports seminar titled ‘Made From Gold’ yester- combined gold day at its premises. The seminar hosted three Kuwaiti popular sports champions - Yousef Al- Rubayan, Waleed Ali and Abdullah Al-Mzayen. BEAVER CREEK: Tina Maze has been near “I was really nervous before the slalom, I The main purpose of this seminar was to impregnable at the alpine ski world cham- did a solid run in downhill but not my best encourage the youth to follow their dream, to pionships, yet she succumbed to a bout of run. Still winning on that run, it’s amazing. I be optimistic and work hard till they achieve nerves before pushing out of the start hut couldn’t wish for more,” said the Slovenian, their goals. en route to victory in the women’s super who won silver in the combined at the Rubayan is a Formula 1 racing boat champi- combined on Monday. worlds in 2011 and 2013. on who ranked first at the F1 powerboat racing Twice before, the smooth-skiing Maze is on track to join Norway’s Lasse championship. He has more than 150 podium Slovenian had to settle for silver in the two- Kjus as the only skiers to win medals in all finishes and won various international titles, leg event at the worlds after being billed as five alpine disciplines at a single world including the Continents Championship. a favorite and she did not want to contem- championships. Kjus accomplished the feat “I started my sports career with jet ski rac- plate the thought of ending up as the in 1999. “I am not thinking about medals at ing in 1995, then I joined the F2 powerboat bridesmaid once again. the start,” Maze said of her expectations racing in 2005, and since 2011 I’m internation- Exhausted though she was after win- coming into Beaver Creek. “Now that we ally racing with the F1 powerboat racing. I was ning gold in the blue riband downhill and are here (having won three medals), of a child when I was watching the boat racing. I finishing second in the Super-G, Maze course, I can think about that. was wondering if I ever would be one of these pocketed her second gold at Beaver Creek “It would be awesome to make that and champions. And today, the former world by winning the combined with an overall I really hope I can do that because I know I champion is manufacturing the powerboats time of two minutes 33.37 seconds. can be in each event on the podium. Of and he is manufacturing it for me. I admit that and I don’t do this job as I’m training with the Kuwait world champion in Squash Abdullah “This is special because I was always one course, it’s not easy and you need to be it was a hard way to the victory and though soccer team, yet I’m not considered a profes- Al-Mzayen also complained that they don’t of the favourites and I never managed to focused on your run on the hill. But why without getting support from the government, sional player and I never receive my salary as a receive any support from the government. “In win it,” the 31-year-old said after claiming not?” Maze, who won gold medals in the I represented Kuwait and ranked the first in the teacher, as they always deduct part of my order to get training I had to live abroad for her ninth career medal at the worlds. downhill and giant slalom at last year’s last world championship,” said Rubayan during salary because I’m out playing sports. The play- some time in Egypt and other countries. My “Today I was a favorite and if I wouldn’t Winter Olympics in Sochi, will next turn her the seminar. ers in other GCC countries have much better stay abroad for training was covered by private win today, I wouldn’t have felt good so it attention to tomorrow’s giant slalom. “Of Ali, a soccer player at the Kuwait national conditions than us. Even our kits for the cham- company. At the end my dream came true and was putting a lot of pressure on me. I felt course, I need to relax a bit and get some football team complained of the bad condi- pionship are not branded and are of bad quali- I won the gold medal in ASIAD last year in that I have to do this and it’s not easy to recovery first, then let’s go on,” she tions of sportsmen in Kuwait. “I’m a teacher, ty, which is shameful,” he noted. Korea,” he pointed out. race like that. smiled.—Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 SPORTS FIFA reformers seek ‘New FIFA Now’

ZUG: The pressure group campaigning for reform of sure group which believes there is little honesty or tions expected to back Blatter, critics wonder how for an unprecedented fifth term in office,” ran the FIFA has uncovered a reluctance within football to integrity at FIFA, which has been discredited by a outsiders can change the system, but Fuller said the campaign slogan. publicly back the organisation even though many number of scandals over the last two decades. campaign had real purpose. support its motives, one of its founding members New FIFA Now was launched in Brussels on Jan. “Everything starts with a step,” he said. “We are APPALLING BEHAVIOUR has told Reuters. 21 with Fuller on the top table and an abundance of contacting all 209 federations to engage with them, Fuller said it was not just about corruption, Jaimie Fuller, an Australian businessman who politicians and disenchanted sports officials in atten- probably futile in a lot of cases, but we will engage. adding that the often appalling behavior of players previously led the “Change Cycling Now” lobby dance. “We are stepping up our activity on the sponsor on the field was another symptom of FIFA’s lack of group following a series of doping scandals, said But Fuller told Reuters he was disappointed that front and likewise we will engage at government leadership. “We believe our role as a sportswear there was a reticence to speak out against world FIFPro, the world players’ union and various support- level. “Of FIFA’s 10 key sponsors, five haven’t brand is a privilege, and with that comes some soccer’s ruling body. “I had some conversations and ers’ groups were absent. renewed which in our view is a pretty damming responsibilities because sport has a unique role in the response was, privately, ‘We love what you’re “One of our key criticisms is that there is a lack of indictment. FIFA have already come out and said it’s society,” he said. doing but publicly we can’t get involved with you player and fan engagement within FIFA, so we really normal, but losing 50 per cent of your sponsors is “We set out to define what we stand for as a politically’,” said Fuller, the chairman of the Swiss- wanted to try and get that going with those groups,” pretty significant.” brand and we define that as fuelling the true spirit of based sportswear company SKINS. he said. “We were very disappointed that FIFPro said SKINS sponsors several rugby and cycling teams competition. “There is a line you don’t cross, that line “Whether you talk about players’ representation, they wouldn’t attend and likewise with the support- and national federations, as well as Stoke City of the can be doping, that line can be footballers getting or supporters’ representation, or national associa- er groups. (Perhaps) they are in the midst of some Premier League but it has always stayed well away around a referee and screaming in his face, it’s all tions, or about sponsors in particular, I have a degree delicate negotiations in FIFA,” he added. from FIFA. Shortly after the Brussels meeting, SKINS that sort of stuff. of empathy for the position many find themselves announced an irreverent “official non-sponsorship” “If you look at rugby and the way rugby referees in,” he added. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION of sport’s governing body. are treated by players, they are treated with respect,” Fuller’s company values state that “athletes FIFA will hold a presidential election on May 29 at “The non-multi-million-pound announcement he said. “You look at a football game, and it’s should handle themselves with honesty and integri- which former Portugal forward Luis Figo, Dutch FA allows the company to highlight unshared brand appalling and that is one of the areas of leadership ty at all times. They should play hard and fair-be president Michael van Praag and Prince Ali Bin Al values and confirms SKINS’ contempt for an organi- that we see that the whole football community is determined and driven with the ‘true spirit of com- Hussein of Jordan will challenge Sepp Blatter, who is sation which has been constantly shrouded in alle- not showing. “It’s about governance, it’s about trans- petition’.” So it is not hard to see why its chairman standing for a fifth term. gations of corruption and controversy, yet is poten- parency and it’s about accountability. We are seeing should find himself part of the “New FIFA Now” pres- With the majority of FIFA’s 209 national associa- tially preparing to re-elect its President, Sepp Blatter, FIFA fail in so many regards.” — Reuters Fabregas returns to boost Chelsea’s charge

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho of the game, and he played against Man has been handed a major fitness boost City and Aston Villa. “He is one of the best after revealing Cesc Fabregas will be back signings. He came immediately after I left in his side for the visit of Everton today. Chelsea and after that he made a fantastic Spain star Fabregas came off during the contribution for this club.” Blues’ League Cup semi-final victory over Everton have not won in the league at Liverpool with a hamstring injury and Stamford Bridge since November 1994, but missed the draw with Manchester City and defender Bryan Oviedo believes Roberto Saturday’s win at Aston Villa. Martinez’s side can defy recent history and But Mourinho confirmed Fabregas will end that barren run. be back in midfield for the showdown at One win in eight league games doesn’t Stamford Bridge as the Blues aim to main- suggest an upset is on the cards with tain their seven-point lead over City at the Everton 12th in the table and only seven top of the table. “I think he (Fabregas) plays points above the relegation places. Wednesday because on Saturday it was a But the Toffees’ only defeat in their last decision to protect him,” Mourinho said. six games was a penalty shoot-out FA Cup “We didn’t want to risk two players at exit at West Ham and they head to London the same time. We risked with Willian and after drawing 0-0 with Merseyside rivals to start two players with a risk is a big gam- Liverpool last Saturday thanks to a third ble and we gambled with only one.” successive clean sheet in the league. In the absence of Fabregas, Ramires had Oviedo played his part in recording that been selected in midfield, alongside after filling in at left-back in place of Nemanja Matic, following his own return to Leighton Baines, who is again doubtful full fitness and Mourinho admitted it was a with a knee injury, and the Costa Rican great help to have such quality back-up. international is looking to erase his disap- “The best Ramires is back and the best pointment at not beating Liverpool by Ramires played against Liverpool, Man City slowing Chelsea’s title charge. and Aston Villa,” Mourinho added. “We can use that game to change the BURNLEY: Burnley’s English striker Danny Ings celebrates in this file photo. — AFP “He is a different profile of player (com- result. It will be a very good game against pared with Fabregas) but he is a fantastic Chelsea and we have a big opportunity to player for us.” Mourinho also hailed pick up a win against them,” he said. United wary of Burnley Branislav Ivanovic following his superb win- “We need to keep progressing and we ning goal in the 2-1 success at Villa. “Every need to continue to build. It’s good striker in the world would be proud to because we have a game today which is a MANCHESTER: Juan Mata has warned his Tuesday. Tottenham face a tough trip to seventh- side are renowned fighters, coming back from 2- score that magnificent goal,” he added. chance to do so. Manchester United team-mates they can’t afford placed Liverpool but Arsenal will expect to beat 0 down to draw at Manchester City over “For a right-back whose left foot is not “The most important thing for us is to another slip-up when they face Burnley at Old bottom club Leicester at home. That leaves Christmas. his best one it is an amazing goal, especial- go to Stamford Bridge and win points. “We Trafford today. United with no margin for error and defender And after holding United to a 0-0 draw at Turf ly when it is the winning goal. If you score feel confident and we want to continue like United have not lost at home to Burnley since Phil Jones is determined to make up for what he Moor earlier in the season, midfielder David that goal and it is 3-0 or 4-0 it is a different that. We know it is going to be a very diffi- 1962 and nothing less than victory will do in saw as a missed opportunity to close the gap on Jones, who started his career at Old Trafford, thing. “I am very happy because he is a cult game because Chelsea are the best their quest to qualify for the Champions League second-placed Manchester City by failing to win believes they can again cause van Gaal’s side great guy and what he is doing for us is team in the league at the moment. “But we via a top-four finish in the Premier League. at West Ham. problems. unbelievable with the foot injury he had need to work hard and concentrate on a The Clarets, who are just one place above the “Ultimately, we are disappointed. We needed “We are looking to get something from the against Liverpool when he played the rest very important game.”— AFP relegation zone, will once again be massive to win and it was a big game for us. We could game and it’s a big one for us,” Jones said. underdogs when they take on Louis van Gaal’s have gained some ground,” Jones said. “Personally, I’ve been back to Old Trafford a few fourth placed side. “But it was not to be. We have got another times with my previous clubs and it’s always Toure has faith City But, after taking just one point from a 1-1 big game on Wednesday night now and we good to go back to a ground such as that and draw at West Ham on Sunday, and that thanks need to win that one. “The manager said in the see people. only to a stoppage-time goal from Daley Blind, dressing room after the game that he couldn’t “But beyond that, I just want to get on with it can win Premier title Spanish midfielder Mata knows United can’t fault our spirit. If we had shown that more in the and go and put in a performance for Burnley. afford another lacklustre performance. “We must first half then we might have come away with a “We’ll be determined to get something there MANCHESTER: Yaya Toure believes Manchester Manchester City are unlikely to take the prospect win this one because the race for the Champions victory. We need to address and evaluate this and we know that if we get everyone perform- City can win all of their remaining Premier League of facing Stoke lightly, especially after Mark League spots is now very close,” Mata said. and move on to the Burnley game.” ing well, we’re a match for anyone.” fixtures and successfully defend their title. Hughes’s team enjoyed a surprising 1-0 victory “We have to get the three points at home, we United will be without suspended defender Manuel Pellegrini’s team have slipped to sev- when the teams met at the Etihad Stadium in know that, and that’s what we are working for. BATTLING BURNLEY Luke Shaw following his sending off at West en points behind leaders Chelsea with 14 match- August. I’m sure we will make it with our people’s help.” Burnley have won just once away from home Ham and injured midfielder Michael Carrick es left to play, the first of which is against Stoke Jesus Navas says Pellegrini’s team can ill afford United slipped a place to fourth following the all season and, after letting slip a two-goal lead (calf). Dyche may be forced to change his start- City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday. City any similar slips. “Stoke are a team who are very weekend’s results and could be overhauled, tem- to draw 2-2 at home to West Bromwich Albion ing line-up for the first time in 11 league games have failed to win in their last five matches, a run well organised and very disciplined,” said Navas. porarily at least, by the north London duo of last Sunday, have tasted victory only once in with key midfielder Dean Marney a major doubt that has coincided with Toure’s absence due to “As we saw in the first game, if you are not Tottenham and Arsenal, who both play on their last eight league games. But Sean Dyche’s with a knee injury. — AFP Africa Cup of Nations commitments with Ivory focused and even momentarily lose concentra- Coast. tion, they can hurt you - just as they did at the Toure helped his country win the continental Etihad. competition on Sunday with a penalty shootout “We were disappointing that day but Stoke victory over Ghana in the final and is due back in played very well and won a game they perhaps Celtic take on Thistle Britain this week. weren’t expected to win. They are playing very However, Pellegrini has said it would be well at the moment and unless we have to be at “impossible” for Toure or compatriot Wilfried Bony our best from start to finish. “We know from expe- GLASGOW: Celtic’s Norwegian international mid- to feature against Stoke and that their return to rience that playing at Stoke can be similar in fielder Stefan Johansen feels his side are closing in the Premier League is likely to come against many ways, especially if their fans are behind on an historic domestic treble as they prepare to Newcastle United on February 21. them throughout so we have to try and get on take on Partick Thistle today. After triumphing with his country, Toure, 31, is top early and perhaps quieten the home sup- The Hoops get back to Scottish Premiership ready to inspire his club to glory. “With my confi- port.” duty after an absence of over two weeks following dence I know football is not about one game or The Potters have lost just one of the last nine a League Cup semi-final win over Rangers before two games, especially in the Premier League,” he games in all competitions, while victory over said. Queens Park Rangers on January 31 extended an booking a place in the last eight of the Scottish “We have 38 games and if we want to achieve unbeaten record on home soil to four games. Cup with victory over Dundee. it (winning the title) we have to win all the games. “We’re looking forward to it and it’s important The Glasgow giants have only managed a “I know it is difficult but now I have to go back that we keep our impressive run going,” Hughes clean-sweep of domestic trophies on three previ- and do my duty again.” After being held by Hull, said. — AFP ous occasions in their 127-year history but Johansen feels the current crop of Celtic stars are on the verge of something special. “I feel how Kuwait boxers head for UAE close we are to doing something special,” the 24- year-old Johansen said. “We have a final and now we are in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup. “The league is also going to be very tough but we are in everything and I believe if we take one game at a time it’s the best thing to do. “We want to go as far as possible in Europe but we know it’ll be tough. “Now we are close in the League Cup, we are leading the league and we just need to keep going with the form we are showing at the Stefan Johansen moment.” Celtic would open a three point gap over Aberdeen with a win over Thistle and also with a game in hand. Manager Ronny Deila-for whom Johansen Matches on TV played at Stromsgodset-is delighted with the progress his side is making after a sticky start to (Local Timings) the unheralded Norwegian’s career at Celtic. “I love winning and developing things and English Premier League West Bromwich v Swansea 23:00 that’s what we’re doing now,” said 39-year-old Man United v Burnley 22:45 beIN SPORTS 7 HD Deila. “We’re starting to look like a Ronny Deila beIN SPORTS 10 HD Spain Copa del Rey KUWAIT: Delegation of Kuwait boxing (56 kg), Abdallah Al-Kataini (60 kg), Bandar team and that makes me happy. “We are improv- Southampton v West Ham 22:45 Barcelona v Villarreal 22:00 and weightlifting federations left for Abdelrahman (64 kg), Ali Saad (69 kg), ing all the time. beIN SPORTS 9 HD beIN SPORTS 2 HD Fujaira, UAE to participate in the first Gulf Saad Habib (75 kg), Saud Naseeb (81 kg), There is a very good team spirit and we’re hav- Chelsea v Everton 22:45 beIN SPORTS 13 HD boxing tournament. The delegation is Bader Ahmad (91 kg) and Suleiman Sabah ing a lot of fun, you can see that on the pitch. beIN SPORTS 1 HD beIN SPORTS 1 HD beIN SPORTS 11 HD Thursday headed by federation secretary general (over 91 kg). Al-Adwani said he is happy to “People are enjoying running, enjoying Stoke City v Man City 22:45 Bilbao v Espanyol 0:00 Musailem Al-Adwani, besides Humoud Al- participate in this first Gulf tournament, chasing.”Also, now the offensive side is coming beIN SPORTS 4 HD beIN SPORTS 8 HD Enezi, Jaber Najem and Nasser Al-Qabandi adding that “we are looking for the title.” more and more, and that’s the thing we have to Crystal v Newcastle 23:00 beIN SPORTS 13 HD as referees. The players are Khalid Mishal He said Kuwait boxers are well prepared work even more on, to get more tempo in the last beIN SPORTS 6 HD beIN SPORTS 1 HD (49 kg), Sa bah Mufleh (52 kg), Khalid Saad for the tournament. third of the pitch.” — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 SPORTS Reus extension boosts Dortmund

BERLIN: Germany star Marco Reus’s deci- next few weeks.” Having seen Germany’s sion to stay for four more years at relega- World Cup-winner Goetze activate a similar tion-threatened Borussia Dortmund is wel- release clause in 2013 to that which was in come news in their battle to avoid a first Reus’ old deal, Dortmund have learnt their relegation since 1972. lesson. Dortmund fans breathed a collective The 2011 and 2012 German champions sigh of relief upon hearing Tuesday’s news have said no future contracts will be that Reus has signed an extension until allowed to include a release clauses. The 2019, ending weeks of transfer speculation- Reus deal is soothing news for nervous fans both at home and abroad. waiting to hear if Germany midfielder Ilkay Having watched Mario Goetze and Gundogan will also sign an extension. Robert Lewandowski quit for arch-rivals There was also relief in the corridors of Bayern Munich in the last two years, the German Football Association (DFB) in Borussia’s bosses have fought to keep Reus. Frankfurt with the knowledge one of the The 25-year-old left winger had been world champion’s top players will not be linked to not only Bayern, but also moving abroad. Manchester United and Real Madrid after “That is really good news for the Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Bundesliga,” said DFB president Wolfgang drew attention to Reus’ old contract last Niersbach. “I think it’s great if the majority October. In highlighting a 25 million euro of the national team play in our domestic ($28.25m) release clause in the deal, which league.” would have let Reus leave Dortmund in But the main relief for Dortmund’s boss- June, Rummenigge alerted Europe’s top es is knowing Reus will not be wearing the sides that the Germany star was potentially red shirt of Bayern next season. “We never available. As Borussia slid further down the let ourselves be guided by transfer rumours league table, then hit rock bottom earlier and always saw there was a good chance this month, they seemed destined to lose that this exceptional player opts for a their fleet-footed midfielder. future with Dortmund,” said CEO Hans- But Dortmund-born Reus has snubbed Joachim Watzke. “Marco can shape an era some of Europe’s top sides to help his at Dortmund, as Uwe Seeler did in home-town club. He describes it as a ‘deci- Hamburg or Steven Gerrard did for sion for life’ and will have just turned 30 Liverpool. “The fact Marco had decided to when his contract expires. stay in Dortmund during a sporting crisis With the Champions League last 16, shows a high degree of identification first-leg, clash at Italian league leaders which makes us very proud.” Juventus fast approaching, last Saturday’s Reus wants silverware. He has won 23 3-0 win at Freiburg plus Reus’ signing are caps for Germany, but missed the 2014 welcome boosts for embattled Borussia. World Cup with the eventual champions News of his contract extension was as wel- after tearing ankle ligaments in the final come on Dortmund’s streets his opening warm-up international. Surprisingly, he has ITALY: Lazio’s midfielder Marco Parolo (center up) fights for the ball with Genoa’s midfielder Andrea Bertolacci during the Italian Serie A football goal at Freiburg. yet to win a major title, having played for match. — AFP “I have the feeing that things aren’t over, Borussia Moenchengladbach until May even if the current situation isn’t easy,” Reus 2012. He just missed Dortmund’s double- told BVB.de. “We fall and win together, it’s a winning season in 2012 and lost the 2013 Genoa beat 10-man Lazio decision for life, I’ve considered it for a long Champions League final with Borussia time, but I am pleased. when Bayern lifted the title. “I want to help Dortmund get out of the “Marco Reus could have joined any top ROME: Lazio fell to a 1-0 loss at home to we have good qualities. “It was a balanced tom right corner. Genoa should have sealed current situation and hopefully go on the club in the world, but this decision shows Genoa and missed the chance to move fourth match, we had 10 players but we could still the match early in the second half when Niang attack. “I grew up here, I was born here and that his heart beats for his hometown and in Serie A on Monday after playing most of the have drawn. I’m upset for the team because sent Iago Falque clear on goal, but the I feel well here, anyone knows me will tell his home club,” said director of sport match in 10 men. The capital side remained they wanted to forget last Sunday’s defeat at Spaniard fired narrowly past the right upright. you it’s important for me to feel good. Michael Zorc. “He is a very important com- sixth following a second successive defeat, Cesena, but we come out of this with a lot of It was almost made to rue its missed oppor- “Sometimes that’s worth more than any- ponent for Borussia Dortmund’s sporting two points and a place above Genoa, which determination.” tunities as Lazio went close to leveling when thing else and I’m looking forward to the future.” — AFP arrested its slide down the table with its first The match turned shortly before the half- Stefano Mauri was sent through by Miroslav win in eight rounds. hour mark when Lazio goalkeeper Federico Klose, but the captain hit the right post. “We “Results aren’t going our way at the Marchetti was sent off following a rash chal- played well but we weren’t very clinical and in moment,” Lazio coach Stefano Pioli said. “I lenge on M’Baye Niang. the future we need to be if we want to remain can’t reproach the lads at all for their per- Replacement keeper Etrit Berisha’s first act up there,” Genoa coach Giampiero Gasperini formances. Now’s the moment to be united was to pick the ball out of his net after Diego said. “It was an important win after picking up and to believe in what we are doing because Perotti coolly slotted the penalty into the bot- so few points in the last few matches.” — AP Messi leads resurgent Barca against Villarreal

BARCELONA: Goals are guaranteed when a Enrique’s job was in danger. “In football you won’t be any lack of effort from us.” resurgent Barcelona hosts a fearless Villarreal can’t live off what you did in the past, nor in the opening leg of their Copa del Rey semi- what will come in the future, there is only the ESPANYOL’S ANSWER: Espanyol has Marco Reus final today. present, and now we are focused on Villarreal,” found its stride after growing pains under Lionel Messi has exploded for 10 goals in a Enrique said. “They have players who can do new coach Sergio Gonzalez. Despite back-to- nine-game winning streak for Barcelona, and us damage when we accumulate many of our back league losses, the Barcelona-based side Sky, BT win EPL TV will face a talented and attack-minded players in their territory.” is playing well with a solid defense supporting Villarreal side that twice led Barcelona before its in-form tandem of strikers. falling 3-2 at Camp Nou two weeks ago. NO PUSHOVER: Villarreal has more than Sergio Garcia, Felipe Caicedo and Christian rights for $7.8bn Crosstown rival Espanyol will visit Athletic enough weapons to challenge for a good Stuani have combined for 30 goals in the LONDON: Broadcasters Sky and BT yester- at a cost. “Sky had the most to risk with this Bilbao in the other semifinal. result at Camp Nou in its first appearance in league and cup so far. Espanyol, however, will day won the UK television rights to broad- TV deal and has been forced to pay over Here are some things to know about the the cup semifinals. be without first-choice holding midfielder cast Premier League football games in the odds to secure prime packages includ- Copa del Rey’s final four: The team was on a club record 18-game Jose Canas because of a muscle injury in his 2016-2019 for a record £5.1 billion ($7.8 bil- ing the Sunday lunchtime kick offs, which winning streak before losing to Barcelona on right leg. lion, 6.9 billion euros), the league said. The typically attracts the highest viewing audi- MAJESTIC MESSI: Messi is playing at his Feb. 1., and it is still in the fight for a fourth- decision comes after a ferocious bidding ence,” said Joshuya Raymond from analysts very best: Torturing defenses with his on-ball place finish in the league that will earn a BASQUE BLUES: Bilbao is the only one of war that has seen BT muscle in on what had CityIndex. speed, scoring with both legs, and continually Champions League berth. the four teams that has struggled to reach this been Sky’s territory and has included “I expect Sky shareholders to react improving his passing to get all his team Coach Marcelino Garcia has forged one of stage. Traditionally strong at home, it has reported bids from America’s Discovery warmly to this latest victory but in the involved in Barcelona’s overpowering attack. the most exciting teams in La Liga based on a recently proven vulnerable at its new San Network and Qatar’s beIN Sports. Sky won medium term, there has to be a deeper He has 33 goals in 31 games this season. quick transition from defense to attack. Skilled Mames Stadium. five of the seven packages to maintain a concern on the spiralling prices paid by He scored one goal and took part in four more forwards Luciano Vietto and Denis Cheryshev Barcelona’s rout was Bilbao’s fourth loss in majority share of live broadcast rights with broadcasters,” he added. When the rights on Sunday in a 5-2 thrashing of Bilbao to are having breakout seasons. six homes games. Advancing to the final may BT retaining the other two. were last up for grabs in 2012, Sky won five ensure Barcelona pulled to within one point “We won’t settle for a draw and are going be Ernesto Valverde’s only chance to ensure Premier League chief executive Richard of the seven lots at a cost of £2.3 billion and of Real Madrid in the Spanish league. there with high ambitions,” Cheryshev said. he reaches the end of the season. His team is Scudamore said the deal meant “money currently broadcasts 116 of the 154 match- Barcelona’s win streak has silenced talk of a “We have nothing to lose and we are aware in 13th place in the league, and just four will continue to be invested in putting on es shown live per season in the United team crisis, and rumors that coach Luis that this could be historic for the club. There points above the relegation zone. —AP the best show and new stadiums and heav- Kingdom. Telecommunications firm BT ily in youth. “Clubs are very aware that part secured the rights to 38 games per season of our product is keeping the stadia full,” he for £738 million, helping to arrest the com- added. Crucially, Sky managed to keep hold pany’s decline in the era of the mobile of the bumper Sunday lunchtime slot, but phone. — AFP Ronaldo slump hurts Real as Messi drives Barcelona

MADRID: When Real Madrid forward player in a La Liga match on Jan. 24 and cut Cristiano Ronaldo collected his third FIFA a forlorn figure when he returned for Ballon d’Or award last month he was enjoy- Saturday’s derby after a two-match ban. ing a run of form that was spectacular even He had just one effort on goal, his joint by his standards and the European champi- fewest in any 90-minute La Liga appear- ons were riding high. ance, as Real attempted fewer shots (four) Four weeks later and the Portugal cap- and faced more shots on target (eight) than tain is mired in a rare slump, Real have in any other game this season in all compe- been dumped out of the King’s Cup by titions. Ronaldo’s poor form has prompted Atletico Madrid and their lead over more speculation he may be carrying an Barcelona at the top of La Liga has been cut injury and El Pais newspaper reported he is to a point after Saturday’s humiliating 4-0 still suffering with the tendonitis in his left drubbing at their city neighbors. knee that hampered him at the World Cup Alarm bells are ringing at the world’s finals in Brazil. richest club by income and the sense that Spanish media reported Real president Real’s season may be coming off the rails Florentino Perez held crisis meetings with was heightened by the storm that blew up coach Carlo Ancelotti and the squad this this week after Ronaldo threw a lavish 30th week. To be sure, the team has been ham- birthday party hours after the defeat at the pered by injuries to key performers includ- Calderon. ing centre backs Sergio Ramos and Pepe The Madrid club’s great rivals Barca, by and midfielders Luka Modric and James contrast, are on a nine-match winning Rodriguez. streak in all competitions led by club talis- Saturday’s reverse was their heaviest man Lionel Messi, who Ronaldo beat into defeat since they were thrashed 5-0 at second place in the Ballon d’Or vote. Barca in November 2010 and they will need Argentina captain Messi has scored or a rapid improvement if they are to defend assisted 14 La Liga goals in 2015, at least their European crown this term. Their next twice as many as any other player, while outing is at home to Deportivo La Coruna Ronaldo has netted only four goals since on Saturday before they play their the turn of the year. Champions League last-16, first leg at He was sent off for kicking a Cordoba Schalke 04. — Reuters SPAIN: Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring in this file photo. — AFP Sharma slams Qatar set to ton in timely host Formula win for India One race

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 201516 17 Trouble hasn’t slowed down for NFL in 2015 Page 17

NEW ORLEANS: Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobertm (right) blocks a shot by New Orleans Pelicans guard Quincy Pondexter (20) in the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Spurs down Pacers, Thunder roll

INDIANAPOLIS: The San Antonio points. Kenneth Faried and Ty rebounds, and DeMarre Carroll 18 points and eight rebounds in his third quarter - the first shot made Milwaukee rallied from a 17-point Spurs’ huge fourth-quarter rally Lawson each added 22 for Denver, added a career-best 26 points to lift first game since Jan. 9 because of a from beyond the arc by either team - deficit to beat Brooklyn. helped Gregg Popovich reach the which also lost its sixth straight at Atlanta over Minnesota. strained oblique for Minnesota. The to open an 11-0 run that put Jared Dudley had 19 points for 1,000-win milestone Monday night. home - its longest home skid since Paul Millsap had 19 points, nine Timberwolves lost for the first time in Washington in control. He wound up Milwaukee, which won its fifth Marco Belinelli’s baseline jumper with dropping seven in a row at the Pepsi rebounds and seven assists for the four games. with nine points, 10 assists and 10 straight home game. Giannis 2.1 seconds left capped San Antonio’s Center from Feb. 6 to March 2, 2003. Hawks (43-10), who bounced back rebounds after missing a floater with Antetokounmpo added 12 points, 95-93 victory at Indiana. Trailing by 14 at halftime, the from a loss to Memphis the previous WIZARDS 96, MAGIC 80 about 50 seconds left. nine rebounds, eight assists and Popovich became the ninth coach Nuggets scored the first nine points night. The NBA-leading Hawks still John Wall fell one point short of The Wizards have won two in a three steals. with 1,000 regular-season wins and of the third quarter to pull to 73-68. have not lost back-to-back games his first triple-double of the season, row following a five-game losing After a poor-shooting first half, the third-fastest to achieve the feat. But Westbrook countered with a 3 to since Nov. 18. They shot 51 percent and Marcin Gortat had 14 points and streak. They went 4-0 against the the Bucks turned up the defensive He also joined former Utah coach spark a 13-3 burst that put the and outscored Minnesota 58-44 in 14 rebounds as Washington beat Magic this season and have won the pressure and forced eight turnovers Jerry Sloan as the only coaches in Thunder back in front by 15. the paint. Kevin Martin scored 21 Orlando to sweep the season series. past eight matchups. Evan Fournier in the third quarter as they NBA history to win 1,000 games with points and Shabazz Muhammad had Wall hit a 3-pointer early in the scored 18 for Orlando, which is 1-2 outscored Brooklyn by 16. Jarrett one team. WARRIORS 89, 76ERS 84 under interim coach James Borrego. Jack had 26 points for the Nets. Tony Parker led the Spurs with 19 Stephen Curry scored 20 points Overall, the Magic have lost 12 of 13. points. Tim Duncan had 15. Rodney and Leandro Barbosa had 16 off the JAZZ 100, PELICANS 96 Stuckey scored 18 for Indiana, which bench as Golden State snapped NBA results/standings HEAT 109, KNICKS 95 Gordon Hayward scored 25 of had won a season-best three in a row. Philadelphia’s four-game home win- San Antonio 95, Indiana 93; Golden State 89, Philadelphia 84; Washington 96, Orlando 80; Chris Bosh scored 32 points and his 32 points in the second half as The Pacers had a 79-65 lead after ning streak. Miami 109, NY Knicks 95; Milwaukee 103, Brooklyn 97; Atlanta 117, Minnesota 105; Utah Mario Chalmers added 18 as Miami Utah overcame a 14-point, third- three quarters. But the Spurs scored Klay Thompson and former Sixer 100, New Orleans 96; LA Clippers 115, Dallas 98; Oklahoma City 124, Denver 114. pulled away from New York. Luol quarter deficit to defeat New nine straight to tie the score at 91, Andre Iguodala added 13 points Eastern Conference Western Conference Deng and Norris Cole each scored 12 Orleans. tied it again at 93, took the lead on apiece for the Warriors (41-9), who Atlantic Division Northwest Division for the Heat, who posted their Derrick Favors scored 18 and Belinelli’s shot and held on when have won four of five and two W L PCT GB Portland 35 17 .673 - biggest comeback win of the season Enes Kanter had 14 points and 11 George Hill’s 3-pointer bounced off straight after opening their four- NToronto 35 17 .673 - Oklahoma City 27 25 .519 8 after trailing by 14 early. rebounds for Utah, which won its the rim. game road trip with a loss to the Brooklyn 21 30 .41213.5 Denver 19 33 .365 16 Carmelo Anthony scored 26 second straight while handing the Hawks on Friday. Robert Covington Boston 19 31 .380 15 Utah 19 33 .365 16 points for the Knicks, who became Pelicans their second consecutive Philadelphia 12 41 .22623.5 Minnesota 11 41 .212 24 THUNDER 124, NUGGETS 114 scored 21 points to pace the 76ers NY Knicks 10 42 .192 25 the first NBA team this season to be loss. Kevin Durant scored 40 points and (12-41), who committed 27 turnovers Pacific Division guaranteed of finishing with a losing Eric Gordon tied a career high Central Division Golden State 41 9 .820 - Russell Westbrook had 26 as and shot 7 for 24 from 3-point range. Chicago 32 20 .615 - record. Anthony left in the fourth with seven 3-pointers on eight LA Clippers 34 19 .642 8.5 Oklahoma City beat Denver to hand Luc Mbah a Moute had 13 points and Cleveland 32 21 .604 0.5 quarter to get his knee re-taped, but attempts and finished with 31 Milwaukee 29 23 .558 3 Phoenix 29 24 .54713.5 the Nuggets their sixth loss in a row. nine rebounds. Golden State, the Sacramento 18 32 .360 23 never returned. The Heat outscored points for the Pelicans. Tyreke Evans Durant matched a career best by NBA’s second-best 3-point shooting Detroit 20 32 .385 12 New York 32-18 in the fourth. Miami added 18 points and 10 assists. Indiana 20 33 .37712.5 LA Lakers 13 38 .25528.5 hitting seven 3-pointers and finished team, shot just 7 for 29 from behind Southeast Division Southwest Division again was without Dwyane Wade, New Orleans was unable to over- 13 of 19 from the floor. Mitch McGary the arc. Atlanta 43 10 .811 - Memphis 38 13 .745 - still sidelined by a strained hamstring. come the absence of leading scorer added 17 points and 10 rebounds for Washington 33 20 .623 10 Houston 35 16 .686 3 and rebounder Anthony Davis, who the Thunder. HAWKS 117, TIMBERWOLVES 105 Charlotte 22 29 .431 20 Dallas 35 19 .648 4.5 BUCKS 103, NETS 97 sprained his right shoulder on The Nuggets, who have lost 13 of Al Horford scored a season-high Miami 22 29 .431 20 San Antonio 33 19 .635 5.5 Khris Middleton scored 12 of his Saturday, and Ryan Anderson, who 14, were led by Wilson Chandler’s 23 28 points and grabbed eight Orlando 16 39 .291 28 New Orleans 27 25 .51911.5 18 points in the third quarter as has a sore right elbow. — AP Raonic marks Rotterdam debut with comeback win

ROTTERDAM: Second seed Milos Raonic 6-3, 6-2. The French number two, a semi-finalist much as possible. secured a comeback win in a successful debut at the Ahoy Stadium in 2008 and 2013, was “Finally, I got through this one.” Ukrainian at the ATP Rotterdam World Tennis event, beat- joined in the second round by his compatriot Sergiy Stakhovsky reached the second round ing Russian qualifier Alexander Kuznetsov 6-7 Jeremy Chardy, who advanced as another coun- over Spaniard Marcel Granollers 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) (5/7), 6-1, 7-5 yesterday. Raonic hammered 19 tryman Julien Benneteau retired 3-3 with a leg while Canadian Vasek Pospisil spent just an hour aces - the last on match points - to reach the injury. in a winning debut with a defeat of German second round against the world number 88 Simon wore down the resistance of Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-2. challenger. Portugal’s Sousa in just under two-and-a-half Pospisil, the reigning Wimbledon doubles The Canadian lost the opening set in a tie- hours. The Frenchman saved eight break points champion, broke Kohlschreiber three times on breaker before steadying to earn victory in just and fired eight aces in a labored victory. the way to his fourth win of 2015. The Canadian under two hours. He next plays Italy’s Simone “It was a really difficult match,” said the 19th- broke the German twice in the second set in Bolelli. “It can be tough to adapt to match con- ranked winner, who rode a roller-coaster of what he called a perfect performance. ditions, As a qualifier, Kuznetsov already had match momentum against a dangerous number “I played a flawless match, I did everything two matches on this surface. “I was behind, but 46 opponent. “I got on top of him in the first set, well,” said the ATP number 59. “My forehand and I’m happy with how I fought today. That’s the but he came back to win the set (from 5-2 return were both working. I didn’t do much most important thing for me,” said the seed, down). wrong today.” who struck 46 winners. “In the second set I had to come from a break Pospisil will next face the winner from top French eighth seed Gilles Simon overcame a down. I was not particularly happy with my seed Andy Murray, who plays on Wednesday NETHERLANDS: Canada’s Milos Raonic returns the ball to Russia’s Andrey slow start to defeat Portugal’s Joao Sousa 5-7, game, but my only solution was to fight as against France’s Nicolas Mahut. — AFP Kuznetsov during their ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament match. — AFP US oil output ‘party’ to last to 2020: IEA Page 22

HSBC could face US legal Business action over Swiss accounts Page 23 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Alghanim Motors participates in Kuwait Greece has Plan B if EU rigid on deal: Minister Yacht Show 2015 Page 25 Page 26

ISTANBUL: G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank governors pose for a group photo after the meeting yesterday in Istanbul. — AFP G20 vow to fuel growth but rifts remain Finance chiefs see slow global recovery, uneven growth

ISTANBUL: The world’s top 20 It said that fiscal policy “has an Tensions on Greek debt world right now... This conversation (to economies yesterday agreed to take essential role” in building confidence The statement did not specifically solve the crisis) needs to happen in a steps to promote global growth but and sustaining domestic demand, in a mention Greece, which is not a mem- period of time to avoid any additional struggled to overcome rifts over the prod to some states to drop their insis- ber of the G20. But the Greek debt crisis uncertainty,” the official said. Markets pull back on most suitable tools to use and how best tence on austerity. However there were has been at the centre of all bilateral to overcome the Greek debt crisis. G20 indications of tensions that some talks in Istanbul ahead of a crunch ‘Fight terror financing’ debt rating cuts, oil finance ministers and central bank states-notably fiscal hawk Germany- meeting of euro-zone finance ministers Amid the onslaught in Iraq and Syria chiefs meeting in Istanbul said that were unwilling to relax fiscal policy this week. Greece faces a growing risk by well-financed Islamic State (IS) growth in the global economy remains enough to boost demand. A senior US of a “miscalculation or misstep” that jihadists, the G20 also committed to “uneven” and the recovery “slow”, espe- treasury official, who asked not to be could spark a “very bad outcome” to the “deepen our cooperation” in the fight MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS cially in the euro-zone and Japan as named, said Washington wanted to see nation’s debt crisis, British Finance against terrorism financing. This would well as some emerging market countries use all the tools at their dis- Minister George Osborne warned on be done by exchanging information DUBAI: Gulf stock markets pulled back slightly yesterday after oil prices economies. posal-including fiscal policy-to boost Tuesday in an interview with and “freezing terrorist assets”. The com- slipped and Standard and Poor’s cut credit ratings and outlooks for sev- They also warned of the risk of “per- growth. The official said that the cur- Bloomberg television in Istanbul. munique urged “all countries to speed- eral countries in the region. sistent stagnation” in some leading rent strong performance of the US German Finance Minister Wolfgang up their compliance with the relevant Brent crude slipped more than 1 percent early yesterday after the economies due to “prolonged low infla- economy was positive and it would be Schaeuble said earlier that Greece international standards” in this respect. International Energy Agency said the United States would remain the tion alongside sluggish growth.” “We good to see similar growth levels in needs to agree a full program with its It said the Financial Action Task world’s top source of oil supply growth until 2020. are determined to overcome these other areas like the euro-zone and creditors if it wants to secure European Force (FATF) against money laundering Meanwhile China’s consumer inflation, which came in at a five-year challenges” to deliver sustainable Japan. The G20 communique said that financial help for its debt crisis, keeping and similar bodies should “put a specif- low for January, raised worries about oil demand in the world’s second- growth that can create jobs and while the sharp oil price falls will pro- up Berlin’s tough line. ic focus on financing of terrorism”. They largest economy, which is also a major consumer of petrochemicals pro- encourage inclusiveness, a key target of vide some boost to global growth, the “I still don’t understand how they should also develop guidelines to duced in the Gulf. Also, S&P on Monday cut its sovereign debt ratings for the Turkish G20 presidency, they vowed implications will be different for oil (Greece) want to do it,” he said. But the improve the transparency of payment Bahrain and Oman, the two financially weakest states in the Gulf in their draft communique. exporting and oil importing countries. senior US treasury official appeared to systems, in order to lessen the risk they Cooperation Council, and revised to negative its outlook on Saudi The G20 states said the recent sharp The outlook for oil prices remains suggest that Greece should be allowed are used for the financing of terrorism Arabia, where it said the government may face sustained fiscal deficits decline in oil prices will provide “some “uncertain”, it added. “We will continue some leeway, calling for a practical and money laundering, it said. The G20 in coming years. The agency affirmed its ratings of Qatar and Abu Dhabi. boost” to global growth and should to closely monitor developments in solution that would not cause instabili- asked for a report by October on “pro- The main Saudi stock index fell 1.0 percent as petrochemicals major allow states to “reassess” fiscal policies commodity markets and their impact ty either in Greece or Europe. posals to strengthen all counter terror- Saudi Basic Industries dropped 2.0 percent. Banks also pulled back and to sustain economic activity. on the global economy.” “There is enough going on in the ism financing tools.” —AFP the sector’s index fell 1.3 percent - although Saudi banks and other com- panies are not dependent on overseas borrowing, so they are unlikely to face higher funding costs even if the kingdom’s debt rating is eventually S&P cuts Saudi outlook, reduced. Property developer Dar Al Arkan dropped 3.4 percent after S&P on Monday affirmed the company’s corporate credit rating at B+ but Bahrain, Oman ratings revised the rating outlook to negative from stable. S&P said Dar Al Arkan’s credit ratios might not recover in 2015 from DUBAI: Confidence that the Gulf oil export- just because of these actions” by S&P, said the company’s large acquisitions of land in 2014, but it assumed the ing states can ride out an era of cheap oil sup- Abdul Kadir Hussain, chief executive at company’s operational performance would remain stable. The stock had ported prices of their international bonds yes- Mashreq Capital in Dubai. “Many regional surged 27.9 percent this year. terday after Standard and Poor’s cut its debt investors tend to buy and hold, and hence ratings or outlooks for several of the coun- these actions are unlikely to be followed by a UAE, Oman tries. Taken together, S&P’s actions were the lot of selling.” Dubai’s stock index edged down 0.3 percent to 3,931 points after fail- biggest move by a rating agency in the Gulf ing once again to break through major technical resistance at 3,960- since the price of Brent crude plunged below Spreads 4,008 points, the late December and January highs. $60 a barrel in December, from $115 last Several factors are behind the bond mar- June. S&P cut its outlook for Saudi Arabia’s ket’s strength. One is the large base of cash- Property developer DAMAC tumbled its daily 10 percent limit for a “AA-/A-1+” foreign and local currency credit rich Gulf funds and institutional investors second session in a row after proposing no cash dividend for 2014 yes- ratings to negative from stable, warning the who are eager to invest their money and will- terday. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark lost 0.4 percent as most listed banks fell. oil-dependent kingdom’s finances could be ing to buy into any selling of bonds by for- National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah tumbled 5.1 percent and National Bank damaged by the price drop. eigners. This is a powerful force, especially of Abu Dhabi fell 1.1 percent. Banks were also weak in Oman, where the It lowered the ratings of the two financial- when combined with a recent drop in bond S&P rating cut could make foreign borrowing more expensive for local ly weakest states in the Gulf Cooperation supply from other emerging markets and the lenders. Ahli Bank tumbled 4.4 percent and Bank Muscat, the sultanate’s Council by one notch - Bahrain fell to “BBB-/A- European Central Bank’s launch last month of top lender, fell 1.9 percent; Oman’s index slid 0.9 percent. 3”, and Oman to “A-/A-2” - while affirming the radical monetary easing, which is spurring However, Gulf bond prices barely moved yesterday: the spread of ratings of two of the strongest, Abu Dhabi European funds to hunt for yield. Bank Muscat’s 2018 dollar bond against five-year US Treasuries widened and Qatar. But Gulf bond prices barely moved “Long-only local investors are up to the just 2 bps. This suggested that most investors remained far from becom- yesterday. The spread of state-controlled gills in these regional bonds, and this is a lot ing seriously concerned over S&P’s actions. Saudi Electricity Co’s US dollar sukuk matur- of vanilla debt with government support,” Bahrain’s bourse shrugged off the rating cut, rising 0.4 percent. ing in April 2023, one of the most liquid inter- said the debt capital markets head of a Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) climbed 1.2 percent despite reducing its 2014 national Saudi credits, against 10-year US European bank in the Gulf. dividend payout to 0.027 dinar from 0.036 dinar a year earlier. The firm’s Treasury bonds edged up just 1 basis point. “The oil price drop has been factored in annual net profit for 2014 was 96.4 million dinars ($255.7 million), up The spread of Bahrain’s dollar sovereign with marginally wider spreads, and now the from 79.7 million dinars in 2013, it said on Monday. bond maturing in August 2023 against 10- market is cheering increased European BBK, formerly known as Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, jumped 2.1 per- year US Treasuries rose 5 bps. Bank Muscat, investor interest.” More broadly, the market’s CAPE TOWN: Margaret Mwanakatwe, Zambian Minister of Commerce, cent after posting an 11.2 percent increase in 2014 net profit. Egypt’s Oman’s biggest bank, saw the spread of its calm can be taken as a vote of confidence Trade and Industry, speaks during the second day of the Mining market edged up 0.2 percent amid a mixed performance by local stocks. 2018 dollar bond against five-year US that the rich Gulf states have amassed Indaba 2015 Conference yesterday at the Cape Town International Ezz Steel jumped 2.4 percent and was one of the main supports. Trading Treasuries widen 2 bps. enough financial reserves, and are deploying Convention Centre in Cape Town. The Mining Indaba is the world’s volume in the stock has been on the rise since Sunday when Ahmed Ezz, “I believe credit spreads for the region will them effectively enough, to cope with low oil foremost conference on mining in Africa, bringing miners, corporates, the company chairman, said he would run for parliament. —Reuters increase over time, but maybe not markedly prices for a few years at least.—Reuters governments and others interested people, together. — AFP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 News US oil output ‘party’ in brief

Foreign currencies steady vis-a-vis Kuwaiti dinar to last to 2020: IEA KUWAIT: The US dollar steadied vis-a-vis the Kuwaiti dinar yesterday exchanging at KD 0.295 and the euro followed suit posting KD 0.334, as compared to Monday’s rates. The Central Bank of OPEC crude demand to rise in 2016 level Kuwait (CBK) said on its electronic website that the Sterling pound stabilized at KD 0.450, along with LONDON: The United States will remain the world’s top bringing its production to 5.2 million barrels per day (bpd) would be higher than expected as its strategy to not prop the Swiss franc at KD 0.319, and the Japanese yen source of oil supply growth up to 2020, even after the recent by 2020. Total US supply increases by 2.2 million bpd to 14 up prices hits other producers. The IEA’s latest report con- as well at KD 0.002. Financial markets have been collapse in prices, the International Energy Agency said, million bpd in 2020, with most of the expansion due to LTO. trasts with its previous medium-term outlook published in witnessing precarious calm in anticipation of reve- defying expectations of a more dramatic slowdown in shale “The price correction will cause the North American sup- June, which had higher oil demand forecasts and highlight- lations by the US labor market and outcomes of the growth. ply ‘party’ to mark a pause; it will not bring it to an end,” said ed risks to supply such as from violence Iraq. Now, the IEA Greek financial crisis. Greece has warned that if the The agency also said in its Medium Term Oil Market the IEA, which advises industrialized countries on energy expects global growth in oil demand to accelerate to 1.13 nation fails to default on its debts and is thus com- report that oil prices, which slid from $115 a barrel in June to policy. million bpd in 2016 from 910,000 bpd in 2015. Still, it saw pelled to quit the euro-zone, other regional coun- a near six-year low close to $45 in January, would likely sta- the price decline as having a marginal impact on demand tries will follow suit, therefore, destiny of the euro bilize at levels substantially below the highs of the last three Top loser? growth for the rest of the decade. “Expectations of global will be in question. years. Oil prices deepened their decline after the The outlook for output in Russia, one of the world’s top economic growth have been repeatedly revised downwards Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in producers, is less optimistic. “Russia, facing a perfect storm in the last six months despite steeply falling prices, slashing November shifted strategy and declined to cut its own out- of collapsing prices, international sanctions and currency prior forecasts of oil demand growth for the rest of the ADNOC sign $500m put, choosing to retain market share that has been eroded depreciation, will likely emerge as the industry’s top loser,” it decade by about 1.1 million bpd,” the report said. agreement with Oxy by rival supply sources such as US shale oil. said, forecasting production looked set to contract by Low prices, slowing demand and abundant supply have DUBAI: State-run Abu Dhabi National Oil But IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven, launch- 560,000 bpd to 10.4 million bpd from 2014 to 2020. boosted the volumes of oil held in storage, weighing on Company (ADNOC) has signed a technical ing the report in London, said while OPEC may win back Partly as a result of lower non-OPEC output, the IEA pre- prices. The IEA sees this build-up halting as early as mid- agreement with US-based Occidental some customers while prices are low, it would not regain the dicted global demand for OPEC crude will rise in 2016 to 2015 and the market starting to tighten afterwards. But oil Petroleum to develop the al-Hail and Ghasha market share it held before the 2008 financial crisis. “This 29.90 million bpd, after holding at 29.4 million bpd this year. could face further weakness before that happens, the oilfields, ADNOC said in a statement yester- unusual response to lower prices is just one more example Reflecting the rise of shale and slowing demand in the West, agency said in a separate monthly report also issued yester- day. “Under the terms of the new agreement, of how shale oil has changed the market,” she said in a state- OPEC’s market share has fallen to less than 30 percent this day which forecast stocks in OECD nations may by mid-year ADNOC and Oxy will cooperate in carrying ment. “OPEC’s move to let the market rebalance itself is a year from more than 40 percent in 2008, the IEA said. Other come close to revisiting the record high reached in 1998. out a number of activities that reach up to reflection of that fact.” forecasters see lower prices and investment cuts to have a “Despite expectations of tightening balances by end-2015, $500 million in investment,” ADNOC said in a The report said supply growth of US light, tight oil (LTO) larger impact on non-OPEC supply. OPEC itself, in a monthly downward market pressures may not have run their course statement. “The agreement covers 3D seismic will initially slow to a trickle but regain momentum later, report on Monday, forecast demand for its oil this year just yet,” the monthly report said. — Reuters surveys, drilling of appraisal wells and con- ducting of engineering studies necessary for the fields’ development.” ADNOC holds a 70 Du sees percent share in the fields development ven- ture, while Occidental holds 30 percent, competition according to the statement. Occidental also holds a 40 percent stake in Abu Dhabi’s Al in fixed-line Hosn Gas project. services Abu Dhabi gas firms award DUBAI: Telecom operator du said yesterday $1.6bn expansion contracts that a long-delayed deal on network sharing DUBAI: State-run Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Co to allow competition in broadband, TV and landline services in the United Arab Emirates (GASCO) and Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Co has been agreed and should be effective by (ADGAS) said yesterday they had awarded about the end of the year. Negotiations between du $1.6 billion worth of contracts to expand the coun- and larger rival Etisalat have dragged on since try’s natural gas processing facilities. The contracts early 2009, even though the federal-run for engineering, procurement, construction and Emirates Investment Authority is the largest commissioning (EPC) work were awarded to a con- shareholder in both operators. sortium involving Italy’s Maire Tecnimont and The two companies offer fixed-line phone, Greece’s Archirodon, Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas, and broadband and television packages in differ- the United Arab Emirates’ National Petroleum ent districts, with du largely confined to Construction Co. The project will develop and Dubai’s newer areas. Network sharing would expand facilities to boost gas transfer from offshore allow them to compete in the same areas. “We to onshore as part of the UAE’s plans to meet are not there yet,” du’s chairman, Ahmad Bin increasing local demand for gas, the companies Byat, told reporters on the sidelines of a con- said. ADGAS, majority-owned by Abu Dhabi ference in Dubai. “It’s just a matter of a couple National Oil Co, said last year that it planned to ISTANBUL: Saudi central bank chief Fahad Al-Mubarak (leff), Saudi Finance Minister Ibrahim Alassaf (second left), South African finance of months I guess at the maximum. The agree- increase gas production to as much as 2.4 billion ment is in place, the legality has been sorted minister Nhlanhla Nene (third left), South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governor, Daniel Mminele (fourth left), Spanish finance minister Minister Luis de Guindos (fifth left), Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney (fifth right) and Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer standard cubic feet (scf) per day by 2017, from 2 out.” billion scf per day. Du said last July that network sharing George Osborne (fourth right) look on ahead of the opening of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting aimed at would be introduced by the end of 2014, coordinating action to spur economic growth, in Istanbul yesterday. — AFP while an Etisalat bond prospectus mentioned the same deadline. A$175m order for Emirates Byat yesterday blamed the delay on tech- Dubai airports cargo NBD kangaroo bond nical issues in making the operators’ networks Dubai Holding has no DUBAI: Emirates NBD has so far attracted compatible. “It took longer than expected,” he volume jumps 18% orders of over A$175 million for its seven-year said. “What is important for us ... is to make plans to float firm: CEO kangaroo bond issue, the longest maturity to sure they (customers) get a better experience DUBAI: Freight volumes handled by Dubai’s two big inter- date for a Middle East issuer in the market. than today.” DUBAI: Dubai Holding, the investment vehicle of the emirate’ s ruler, national airports jumped 18.1 percent in 2014 as the emi- The Dubai-based bank is marketing the Analysts say a desire to protect sharehold- has no plans to list itself or any of its subsidiaries on the stock market, rate strengthened its position as a regional hub for trade, Australian dollar-denominated seven-year er value has led to little real competition in its chief executive said yesterday. data provided by the airports’ operator showed yesterday. notes to yield about 225 basis points above UAE telecoms, with the Emirates Investment Dubai Financial Market, the emirate’s main bourse, attracted a flurry Combined cargo volumes at Dubai International Airport the swap rate, a document from leads Authority owning 39.5 percent of du and 60 of flotations late last year, most notably the 5.8 billion dirham ($1.58 and Al-Maktoum International rose to 3.13 million tons last showed. ENBD has mandated Deutsche Bank, percent of Etisalat. The government nets divi- billion) listing of Emaar Malls Group, as the initial public offer industry year from 2.65 million tons in 2013, according to figures Emirates NBD Capital, NAB and Nomura to dends from the two operators and also levies returned to life following a five-year hiatus. from Dubai Airports. arrange the offer. Books are expected to close heavy taxes on the sector. Byat hinted the UAE But Dubai Holding and its subsidiaries, which include hotel group Volume at Dubai International dropped 3.1 percent to at 12.45 p.m. Sydney time on Wednesday, the could consider licensing Internet service Jumeirah and real state developer Dubai Properties, have no plans at 2.37 million tons as dedicated freighter operations were document showed. Kangaroo bond issuance providers (ISPs) - common in developed mar- present to join them. “Listing or not listing is a strategic choice made shifted to Al-Maktoum International, where volume surged is surging this year following record volumes kets - as well as mobile virtual network opera- by the shareholders. There is no shortage of cash or projects,” Ahmad 262.5 percent to 758,371 tons. Dubai Airports has been in 2014. Emirates NBD’s offer follows a raft of tors (MVNOs), which do not own networks but Bin Byat, chief executive of Dubai Holding, told reporters on the side- shifting cargo and some passenger traffic to Al-Maktoum deals since 2013 from other Gulf-based instead lease capacity from mobile providers. lines of a government summit in the emirate. International from Dubai International, because of capacity lenders including First Gulf Bank, Abu Dhabi “We don’t want more fibre and networks Dubai Holding, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al- constraints at Dubai International and to allow for the Commercial Bank and National Bank of Abu because it is expensive and it is inefficient,” Maktoum, also has no plans to raise cash at the parent level as it seeks growth of flagship airline Emirates. Dhabi. Byat said. “What we want is to get more servic- to reduce its debts, but its subsidiaries may do so for operational pur- Data released last month showed Dubai International es to the public in more competitive and poses, Byat said.—Reuters replaced London’s Heathrow last year as the world’s busiest seamless ways.” — Reuters airport for international passenger traffic. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Philippine Peso 0.006518 0.006798 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Singapore Dollar 0.217588 0.223588 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019592 0.028092 Japanese Yen 2.490 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Australian Dollar 232.53 229.53 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001861 0.002441 Indian Rupees 4.750 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 249.90 250.90 Taiwan 0.009151 0.009331 Pakistani Rupees 2.927 Turkish Lira 131.225 Swiss Franc 293.82 291.82 Thai Baht 0.008641 0.009191 Srilankan Rupees 2.221 Euro 350.75 351.75 Nepali Rupees 2.973 US Dollar 294.90 297.90 Arab Singapore Dollar 221.410 Sterling Pound 449.01 451.01 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 38.009 Bahraini Dinar 0.775237 0.783237 Japanese Yen 2.53 2.55 Bangladesh Taka 3.768 Egyptian Pound 0.038222 0.041322 Bangladesh Taka 3.778 4.048 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.577 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.746 5.046 Thai Baht 8.979 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.227 2.662 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007677 0.008677 Jordanian Dinar 0.411598 0.419098 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.964 3.499 British Pound 0.439910 0.448910 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.926 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004327 0.016327 Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.14 80.60 Danish Krone 0.042869 0.047869 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024074 0.048074 Saudi Riyal 78.618 Bahraini Dinar 782.70 784.77 Euro 0.342978 0.350978 Nigerian Naira 0.001199 0.001834 Qatari Riyal 80.995 Egyptian Pound 41.12 41.72 Norwegian Krone 0.034122 0.039322 Omani Riyal 0.759434 0.765114 Omani Riyal 766.050 Jordanian Dinar 419.01 424.66 Romanian Leu 0.084531 0.084531 Qatar Riyal 0.080236 0.081449 Bahraini Dinar 783.050 Omani Riyal 764.77 772.07 Slovakia 0.008649 0.018649 Saudi Riyal 0.077950 0.078650 UAE Dirham 80.289 Qatari Riyal 81.21 81.76 Swedish Krona 0.032541 0.037541 Syrian Pound 0.001748 0.001968 Saudi Riyal 78.55 78.95 Swiss Franc 0.283655 0.293855 Tunisian Dinar 0.153277 0.161277 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.134301 Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.131301 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.517 UAE Dirhams 0.079254 0.080403 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.132 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001331 0.001411 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.370 Australian Dollar 0.232286 0.243786 New Zealand Dollar 0.222732 0.232232 Tunisian Dinar 156.380 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 414.370 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 291.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.978 America Canadian Dollar 260.085 Syrian Lira 2.101 Canadian Dollar 0.241272 0.249772 Sterling Pound 456.630 Morocco Dirham 32.278 US Dollars 0.290600 0.295300 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.291100 0.295300 US Dollar 293.950 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 351.450 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 US Dollar Transfer 294.700 Asia Pound Sterlng 447.150 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Euro 350.100 Bangladesh Taka 0.003454 0.004054 Canadian Dollar 249.900 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Sterling Pound 448.240 Chinese Yuan 0.046034 0.049534 Indian Rupee 4.650 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Canadian dollar 247.340 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035911 0.038661 Egyptian Pound 41.095 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Turkish lira 129.000 Indian Rupee 0.004404 0.004805 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.223 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Swiss Franc 291.350 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Bangladesh Taka 3.749 Australian Dollar 241.950 Japanese Yen 0.002417 0.002597 Indian Rupees 4.716 Philippines Peso 6.528 US Dollar Buying 293.500 Kenyan Shilling 0.003278 0.003268 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Pakistan Rupee 2.920 Korean Won 0.000263 0.000278 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Bahraini Dinar 782.700 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.079761 0.085761 Philippines Pesso 6.481 UAE Dirham 80.050 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003012 0.003182 Cyprus pound 715.865 Saudi Riyal 78.500 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002739 0.003019 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 China January inflation plunges to 5-year-low

BEIJING: China’s inflation plunged to a across-the-board cut in the percentage more than five-year low of 0.8 percent in of funds banks must hold in reserve, the January, official data showed yesterday, first such reduction in nearly three years fuelling fears the world’s second-largest to boost growth. economy is on the brink of a deflationary That followed November’s rate cut by spiral. The rise in the consumer price the bank in November, the first in more index (CPI) was sharply down from the than two years. Analysts had expected 1.5 percent recorded in December, and further monetary easing as the economy was the weakest since 0.6 percent shows more signs of distress. recorded in November 2009, according The NBS said in a separate statement to the National Bureau of Statistics. that the producer price index (PPI) — a It was also short of the median fore- measure of costs for goods at the factory cast of 1.0 percent in a survey of analysts gate and a leading indicator of the trend by Bloomberg News and came despite a for CPI-declined for the 35th straight surprise interest rate cut in November. month in January. The 4.3 percent year- Moderate inflation can be a boon to on-year PPI fall was the biggest since consumption as it encourages con- October 2009. The last time the PPI rose sumers to buy before prices go up, while was three years ago. China’s economy falling prices encourage shoppers to has shown further signs of weakening delay purchases and companies to put momentum this year. The Purchasing off investment, both of which can hurt Managers’ Index (PMI), which tracks growth. Analysts warned of deflation in activity in factories and workshops in the the China, a key driver of global expan- country and is a closely watched indica- sion, and urged Beijing to take more tor of the health of the Asian manufac- measures to boost the economy. turing powerhouse, came in at 49.8 for “The weak inflation profile suggests January, NBS data showed earlier this that the deflation has become a real risk month. for China, thus paving way for further A figure above 50 signals expansion, BAGHDAD: Iraqi coppersmiths reopen their shops in central Baghdad’s Safafir street yesterday after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider l-AbadiA monetary policy easing,” ANZ economists while anything below indicates contrac- ordered an end to a years-old nightly curfew in a bid to ease restrictions on daily life despite persistent violence. — AFP Liu Ligang and Zhou Hao said in a tion. The January reading marked the research note. Liu Dongliang, an analyst first contraction in more than two years. with China Merchants Bank in Shanghai, The drop in consumer inflation was driv- HSBC could face US legal noted that consumption may have start- en by tumbling international crude ed to be affected by China’s growth slow- prices and warmer January temperatures down, as services and consumer goods than average, causing vegetable, fruit action over Swiss accounts prices slumped last month. and fish prices to fall, senior NBS analyst “We should get vigilant about this Yu Qiumei said in a statement. sign and pay high attention to changes But some economists downplayed the in the job market,” he said in a research deflation concerns, arguing that CPI was Media reports say HSBC helped wealthy dodge taxes note. “Consumption played a key role in distorted by a strong comparison base stabilizing economic growth last year. If last year due to the variable timing of the LONDON/ZURICH/WASHINGTON: HSBC Holdings receive about one million dollars in the transaction. able for past compliance and control failures,” HSBC consumption cools down while invest- Chinese New Year, which sees consumers Plc faces investigation by US authorities and an The papers reported that the bankers also used the said after news outlets published the allegations ment struggles to rebound, the economy rush to buy goods ahead of the holiday. inquiry by British lawmakers after admitting failings meetings to propose to their customers ways to about its Swiss private bank. The Guardian and oth- will face even more trouble,” he said. It falls on February 19 this year, but was by its Swiss private bank that may have allowed avoid a European tax on deposits in Switzerland er media cited documents obtained by the ICIJ via French newspaper Le Monde. on January 31 last year. “We don’t think some customers to dodge taxes. held by Europeans. The tax, called the European US prosecutors have stepped up efforts to Savings Directive, took effect in 2005. As the direc- HSBC said that its Swiss arm had not been fully Rate cuts this should spark concerns over impend- establish whether HSBC, the world’s second largest tive concerned only accounts held by physical per- integrated into HSBC after its purchase in 1999, China’s economy grew 7.4 percent in ing deflation as it is likely to be the low- bank, helped Americans evade taxes after media sons, HSBC Switzerland proposed that its clients allowing “significantly lower” standards of compli- 2014, its weakest for almost a quarter of point for inflation this year,” Julian Evans- reports said the bank had helped wealthy cus- create offshore companies and place their funds ance and due diligence to persist. a century, and slower than the 7.7 per- Pritchard, an analyst with research firm tomers conceal millions of dollars of assets. US there, according to the files. cent in 2013. CPI was 2.0 percent last Capital Economics, said in a report. “The authorities are also probing whether HSBC manipu- Currency bricks year, down from 2.6 percent in 2013 and base effect in food prices will reverse this lated currency rates, and a US law enforcement offi- Swiss accounts The Guardian asserted that the files showed well below the government’s target of month, causing inflation to bounce back,” cial said on Monday the investigations could The International Consortium of Investigative HSBC’s Swiss bank routinely allowed clients to with- about 3.5 percent. The central People’s he said, adding CPI was expected to rise prompt the Department of Justice to revisit a 2012 Journalists (ICIJ), which coordinated the release of draw “bricks” of cash, often in foreign currencies Bank of China last week imposed an 1.7 percent in February. — AFP deferred prosecution agreement with the bank. details of leaked client data, said a list of people which were of little use in Switzerland. HSBC also The agreement was part of a $1.9 billion settle- who held HSBC accounts in Switzerland included marketed schemes which were likely to enable ment that allowed HSBC to avoid criminal charges soccer and tennis players, rock stars and Hollywood wealthy clients to avoid European taxes and collud- Jumeirah Group to after it was found to have helped move hundreds of actors. Reuters could not independently verify any ed with some to conceal undeclared accounts from millions of dollars in illicit drug money through the of the names listed by the ICIJ. Having a Swiss bank domestic tax authorities, the Guardian said. US financial system. almost double hotel “It is quite possible that the (agreement) may be reopened as a result of the bank’s activities on either or both the tax evasion and foreign exchange portfolio by 2018 manipulation front,” said the US law enforcement official, who requested anonymity because the DUBAI: Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based name the locations, and 20 in total by investigations are ongoing. British lawmakers said hotels operator, plans to almost double 2018. It is in the process of opening a they plan to open an inquiry into the bank after it its hotel portfolio to 42 by 2018, its presi- hotel in St. Petersburg and is seeking came under fire for its past practices in Switzerland. dent said, shrugging off geopolitical ten- opportunities to open one in Moscow. HSBC shares fell 2 percent by 0845 GMT yester- sions such as the Ukraine crisis and eco- Russia’s economy is widely forecast to day, underperforming the European bank index. nomic risks in the euro-zone and China. shrink this year because of the slide in oil They fell 1.6 percent on Monday after media reports The group’s hotels in Dubai, which prices and Western sanctions against about the activities of its Swiss operation based on account for most of its revenue, are oper- Russia over the Ukraine crisis. Russians client data from 2006-07. A spokesman for HSBC ating at 80 percent or higher occupancy, have accounted for a large chunk of declined further comment yesterday after the bank which is “very satisfactory”, president and tourist flows to Dubai in recent years. issued a statement late on Sunday in response to chief executive Gerald Lawless said in an But Lawless said his company hadn’t the media reports. interview yesterday. Jumeirah, part of seen a significant change in Russian visi- Dubai Holding, the investment vehicle of tor numbers, mainly because its guests Illegal meetings the emirate’s ruler, currently has 22 hotels were wealthier Russians who were less Bankers from HSBC’s Swiss division held hun- in its portfolio - including those it man- affected by the decline in the ruble and dreds of often illegal meetings with wealthy clients ages rather than owns - in markets such economic problems. in 25 countries as part of their efforts to open unde- as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Also, Jumeirah has not been seriously clared accounts for them, Swiss media reported yes- China, Britain and Italy, according to its affected by economic troubles in the terday. The latest files in the so-called SwissLeaks website. euro-zone, with healthy numbers of affair shows that during 2004 and 2005 the bankers It plans to open another one or two tourists still arriving from several had at least 1,645 meetings in 25 countries with hotels in 2015, Lawless said, declining to European countries, he said. — Reuters clients or prospective clients, the newspapers Tages The UK headquarters of HSBC at Canary Wharf in London. — AFP Anzeiger and Le Temps reported. The meetings occurred in places as diverse as luxury hotels in account is not illegal and many are held for legiti- The reports began a political debate in Britain Paris and Tel Aviv, a piano bar in Antwerp, the air- mate purposes. ahead of a parliamentary election in May, with port in Pointe-Noire, Congo, and a summer resi- The newly released HSBC Swiss client list includ- Margaret Hodge, a senior opposition Labor Party dence in Copenhagen. The meetings conducted by ed royalty such as Morocco’s King Mohammed, lawmaker, saying tax authorities had done too little “relations managers” were legal if they were just politicians, corporate executives including former to collect tax money. HSBC’s admission of failing courtesy calls but not if business was done, such as Santander chairman Emilio Botin, who died last has renewed scrutiny on Stephen Green, who was when the bank obtained new funds or helped cus- year, and wealthy families, the ICIJ said. A executive chairman between 2006 and 2010. Green tomers avoid taxes, the papers said. spokesman for the Moroccan royal palace declined was later made a member of Britain’s upper house Five of the 25 countries — the United States, to comment. Uruguayan soccer player Diego Forlan, of parliament and served as minister for trade and France, Argentina, Spain and Belgium — have who was also on the list, on Monday denied evad- investment between 2011 and 2013. begun legal action against HSBC Switzerland. ing taxes by hiding money in Swiss accounts with The HSBC client data were supplied by Herve According to one SwissLeaks file, a retired HSBC. The documents also listed arms dealers, peo- Falciani, a former IT employee of HSBC’s Swiss pri- Turkish-born man met in Paris in January 2005 with ple linked to former dictators and traffickers in vate bank, HSBC said. HSBC said Falciani down- a relations manager. blood diamonds, and several individuals on the cur- loaded details of accounts and clients at the end of “The customer wanted to see me to discuss clos- rent U.S. sanctions list, including Gennady 2006 and early 2007. French authorities have ing two accounts with Barclays and UBS and trans- Timchenko, an associate of Russian President obtained data on thousands of the customers and ferring the (money) to us,” the file quoted the man- Vladimir Putin. Timchenko’s Volga Group declined shared them with tax authorities elsewhere, includ- ager as saying, adding that he expected the bank to to comment. “We acknowledge and are account- ing Argentina. — Agencies S&P downgrades Venezuela debt

LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron addresses delegates of the British WASHINGTON: Standard & Poor’s on Monday S&P appended a “negative outlook” on its rat- because of the growing social and political dis- Chambers of Commerce annual conference in central London yesterday. — AFP cut Venezuela’s debt rating by one step citing ing, implying the possibility of a further down- content and disagreements within the govern- the impact of the oil price plunge on govern- grade. “The government may not be able to ment coalition,” it said. “Failure to act in time to ment finances. S&P said the government has implement adjustment measures (such as a diminishing liquidity could lead to a down- Cameron urges UK firms to failed to address growing economic challenges, devaluation or fiscal adjustment) effectively grade.” — AFP leaving it with few politically viable policy give employees a pay rise options to restore growth and rebuild foreign reserves. S&P lowered the country’s sovereign LONDON: British Prime Minister David After a tough recession during the glob- rating to CCC, a rating deep in junk bond territo- Cameron urged business leaders yesterday al financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, the ry that denotes that the country has a significant to pass on profits from the economic recov- British economy has recovered and risk of not being able to pay its debts. ery and lower energy prices to their expanded by 2.6 percent last year. “Although to date the government has priori- employees by giving them a pay rise. But salaries have only recently gone up tized external debt servicing over current expen- Speaking to the British Chambers of by more than the rate of inflation, meaning diture, we believe pressure is growing for the Commerce ahead of elections in May in that many households have suffered a fall government to reschedule some of its market which his Conservative party is running in purchasing power. Between the time debt or undertake a liability management oper- neck and neck with the centre-left Labor, when Cameron came to power in May 2010 ation to refinance some of its maturing debt Cameron said: “It’s time Britain had a pay and the latest figures in November 2014, over the next year or two,” S&P said. Venezuela’s rise.” “Economic success can’t just be shown average salaries rose by 7.6 percent while economy, dependent on crude oil exports yet in the GDP (gross domestic product) fig- prices went up 12.1 percent, according to struggling for years under poor management, ures or on the balance sheets of British official data. The TUC trade union criticized has been hit hard by the 50 percent fall in oil businesses but in people’s pay packets and Cameron’s speech as “no more than pre- prices since mid-2014. bank accounts and lifestyles,” he said. election mood music”. Len McCluskey, The economy shrunk by 4.4 percent last year “For business, the conditions have not leader of the Unite union, said: “If Cameron and could further contract 7.0 this year, accord- been this good for a long time,” he said, was serious about giving Britain a pay rise ing to S&P. “Economic recession, high inflation, promising also to increase funding for fast- then he’d put his money where his mouth and growing shortages have weakened public growing businesses. The opposition Labor is and immediately boost the minimum support for the government, likely reducing its party has attacked the government for cre- wage. “Instead we have empty words, political room to introduce difficult corrective ating a “cost of living crisis” and has called which don’t put food on the table or pay economic measures that would improve its NEW YORK: A sign for Standard & Poor’s rating agency in front of the company headquarters in for increased taxes on the wealthy. the rent,” he said. — AFP external liquidity position,” S&P said. New York. — AFP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Greek worries weigh on global markets

LONDON: Nerves over Greece’s future in the though other Asian stocks eased on more On the strains on the euro, Hardy pointed member but trades heavily with Europe. and fiscal policy, if needed, to combat euro and the conflict in Ukraine dragged on generalized risk aversion. out that markets appear relatively pragmatic Asian share markets had ended most- the risk of persistent stagnation. European markets yesterday, while bets on Commodity price-dependent currencies about a potential exit of Greece from the 19- ly lower with Japan’s Nikkei down 0.8 The United States, however, strongly the likelihood of a US interest rate hike such as the Australian dollar and Norwegian member currency bloc. Although Greek mar- percent and shares in Australia and underlined at the meeting that countries nudged the dollar higher and oil prices held crown got a lift from the talk of China stimu- kets have been hit hard - benchmark Greek South Korea also off, leaving MSCI’s should not to use their currencies to try steady after a rebound. lus, but for many traders the main focus bond yields remain above 10.75 percent - the broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares to boost exports, one US Treasury official European stocks fell 0.3 percent and the remained the dollar as it nudged up again. euro performed relatively well against cur- outside Japan down 0.25 percent. said in a thinly veiled reference to what euro slipped towards $1.13 ahead of what is “We are just wondering what the status is on rencies other than the dollar. There has been Chinese inflation data had again shown is fast becoming a global currency war. set to be a tense, Greece-dominated meeting this dollar move as US rates (bond yields) limited impact on Spanish and Italian bond signs of weakness in the world’s No. 2 The dollar rose 0.15 percent to 118.78 of euro zone finance ministers on Wednesday. rise,” Saxo Bank’s head of FX strategy, John markets. economy as consumer price inflation hit yen, having hit 119.23 on Friday in a rally The global disinflation/deflation story was Hardy, said. a five-year low of 0.8 percent year-on- triggered by robust US non-farm pay- also back on investors’ radar as Chinese infla- “We had the big move on Friday after the Stimulus, oil year in January. rolls. It was also up 0.3 percent against tion fell below 1 percent to its lowest in five strong jobs numbers but then yesterday Britain’s finance minister George Osborne, It adds to a huge global trend which the top six world currencies. Among months, drawing talk of further easing from everything went quiet so hopefully it will rally however, warned on Tuesday that the risk of a is pressing central banks in many parts commodities, safe-haven gold dipped China’s central bank, the PBOC. That had sent today to show that there is something “very bad outcome” was growing between of the world to lower interest rates or and crude oil snapped three days of shares in Shanghai up more than 1 percent, behind it.” Greece and the euro area. Britain is not a turn to unconventional policy stimulus gains after a survey showed that US again. commercial crude stockpiles hit a record “This will likely be the low point for high last week. CPI inflation given that oil is rebounding. It jumped on Monday as OPEC fore- Still, the data will increase rate cut cast greater demand this year than pre- expectations and we see a cut in March,” viously thought and projected less sup- Credit Agricole senior economist in ply from countries outside the producer Hong Kong, Dariusz Kowalczyk, said. group. According to a draft communique US crude was down 1.3 percent at from leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) $52.45 a barrel after gaining 2.3 percent countries meeting in Istanbul, they will overnight. Brent was 0.6 percent lower pledge to act decisively on monetary at 57.97 percent. — Reuters 7KXUVGD\)HEUXDU\

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India’s strong GDP figures mask economic reality

DELHI: For Indian business, the govern- expectation that the economy would grow ment and the central bank, data revisions at the roaring pace of 8 percent or more, that have transformed the country’s $2.1 one source familiar with the matter told trillion economy into one of the world’s Reuters. Yet revenues will lag. fastest growing are too good to be true. “Everyone is happy that India’s GDP Now, the search is on for reliable indica- growth has picked up, but we are worried tors of underlying activity, vital for Finance over slower growth in tax collections,” the Minister Arun Jaitley as he draws up his source said. Indirect tax receipts, which annual budget and for Reserve Bank of include customs and factory gate duties as India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan as he well as levies on services, have risen by just weighs whether to cut interest rates again. 6.7 percent so far in this fiscal year against a “Let’s not get carried away - the ground budget estimate of 26 percent for the full reality is very different,” one senior finance year. ministry official told Reuters after figures A weak tax take also points to fragile on Monday showed that India’s economy consumer demand. Although a plunge in outgrew China’s in the three months to global oil prices has cooled inflation, that December. Based on a new calculation has yet to encourage Indian consumers to method, the statistics department said the buy TVs, cars or appliances. Indian economy grew 7.5 percent year-on- Households are still not confident of any year in the last quarter and is on track to quick turnaround in their fortunes, accord- expand 7.4 percent in the year through ing to a monthly survey by ZyFin Research. March 31. Weak demand has hobbled New Delhi’s It was quite a turnaround for Asia’s third- efforts to revive sluggish auto sales with tax largest economy, which based on the old breaks, leading car makers to scale back calculations was struggling to recover from sales forecasts. the longest spell of sub-par growth in a Govind Shrikhande, managing director generation. Yet far from vindicating Prime at Indian retailer Shoppers Stop, is puzzled Minister Narendra Modi’s stewardship of by the latest GDP estimates. “Is it a trick or a the economy, the revised growth numbers treat?” he asked. “I haven’t understood how are at odds with evidence on the ground. they are calculating it, but we are not see- Stalled projects and stretched capacity in ing it reflected in business as yet.” the power, infrastructure and housing sec- Falling merchandise exports and slug- tors are having knock-on effects down the gish non-oil, non-gold imports suggest supply chain to small- and medium-sized demand remains weak in domestic and ISTANBUL: Supporters of the left-wing Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP), shout slogans in solidarity of Greece’s ruling Syriza party during a enterprises (SMEs), said Anil Bhardwaj, sec- overseas markets. Exports fell 2.3 percent protest against a G20 meeting yesterday in Istanbul. —AFP retary general of the Federation of Indian month-on-month in December, while Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises. imports of goods other than oil and gold “This is a bit perplexing. The feedback fell 7.1 percent. we are getting on the ground is not as posi- Statisticians defend the jump in their Greece has Plan B if EU tive. SMEs are not getting the orders,” growth estimates, attributing it to better Bhardwaj told Reuters. “There is an measurements of improved business effi- improvement in business sentiment, in the ciency that has boosted profits even as environment, but unfortunately there is no sales stagnate. The statistical fog, mean- rigid on deal: Minister movement on the ground.” while, makes it unclear how much room Larsen & Toubro, an industrial group Rajan will have to stimulate investment and regarded as a bellwether for the wider consumer demand without fuelling infla- economy, lowered its order book estimates tion after cutting interest rates last month. ‘Athens to look for help from another source’ on Monday and said a recovery in its Financial markets expect Rajan to make domestic business was at least a year away. three more quarter-point cuts by ATHENS: Greek Defense Minister Panos Political uncertainty in the run-up to the Jan 25 ing the burden onto the Bank of Greece. Forced “India Inc, while it continues to be aspir- December in the RBI’s main policy rate, Kammenos said that if Greece failed to get a new vote sparked large deposit outflows, starving by a liquidity squeeze to increase their borrow- ing, is still on the wait and watch mode,” now at 7.75 percent. “The faster pace of debt agreement with the euro-zone, it could banks from funding in the interbank repo mar- ing from the ECB’s funding facility to 56 billion Chief Financial Officer R. Shankar Raman growth puts Mr Rajan in an awkward posi- always look elsewhere for help. “What we want is ket and forcing them to increase their borrowing euros in December, banks will now have to told reporters. tion,” UBS economists Edward Teather and a deal. But if there is no deal - hopefully (there from the European Central Bank. migrate a big chunk to the domestic central Alice Fulwood said in a note, adding that will be) - and if we see that Germany remains There has been some concern in financial bank’s so-called emergency liquidity window Weak revenues, weak demand even if the RBI revises up its own GDP esti- rigid and wants to blow apart Europe, then we markets and political circles that Greece’s current (ELA) as of today. The 2015/16 budget that Jaitley will mates there is still room for policy rates to have the obligation to go to Plan B. Plan B is to standoff with its international lenders could wor- But as long as banks can access ELA liquidity, unveil on Feb. 28 will be based on an fall. — Reuters get funding from another source,” he told Greek ry depositors, causing them to make more with- the switch from ECB financing should not have television show that ran in to early yesterday. drawals. But the senior banking sources said major implications other than higher costs of “It could the United States at best, it could be there was relative calm. “We are seeing smaller funding, according to banking sources and offi- Russia, it could be China or other countries,” he outflows so far in February compared with cials. The ECB has set a cap of up to 60 billion QPIC posts KD14.9m said. Kammenos is the leader of Independent January’s 11 to 12 billion euros drop in deposit euros on ELA liquidity available from the Bank of Greeks, a nationalist anti-bailout party that is the balances.” said a senior Greek banker who Greece, which they review every two weeks. junior coalition partner of Prime Minister Alexis declined to be named. At the height of the debt crisis in 2012 banks profit in 9 months Tsipras’ radical left Syriza party. “I estimate outflow at about 1 billion so far in borrowed in excess of 120 billion euros from the Greece is seeking a new debt agreement with February,” he said, expecting household and same facility but reduced this to almost zero last KUWAIT: The Qurain Petrochemical This rise was due to new acquisitions the euro-zone that will allow it to shake off business deposit balances to have fallen below year. In addition, they still have some ECB-eligi- Industries Company (QPIC) announced yes- made by the company and particularly in much of the austerity that has been imposed by 150 billion euros last month. ble collateral in the form of European Financial terday a net profit of KD 14.9 million ($50.8 SADAFCO - Saudi Dairy and Foodstuff a European Union/International Monetary Fund The Bank of Greece, the country’s central Stability Facility bonds that can be used to tap million) in the nine months of 2014, an Company, despite the significantly lower bailout since 2010. The euro-zone, particularly bank, is expected to release official January cheaper funding from the ECB. While the ECB’s increase of 67 percent compared to a profit profitability from Kuwait Aromatics Germany, has shown no willingness to ease its deposit data on Feb. 26. “Outflows have deceler- decision to stop accepting junk-rated collateral of KD 8.9 million in the same period last Company (KARO), he added. The QPIC has requirement that Greece make deep budget ated so far in February,” the chief executive of has raised pressure on Athens to compromise in year. Earnings per share (EPS) for the same posted a profit of KD 0.15 million ($0.51 cuts and economic reforms. one of Greece’s top four commercial banks told its push for debt and fiscal relief, bankers say the period stood at 14.17 fils ($48.36 cents) million) in the third quarter of 2014,” he Reuters. “There is adequate liquidity in the bank- cap on ELA can be adjusted upwards if liquidity compared to 8.41 fils ($28.70 cents) in the stressed. Deposit outflows ing system.” is squeezed further. “The ceiling on ELA funding same period last year. Total consolidated assets as of 31 Greek bankers said yesterday that deposit “Since the election, we have seen outflows can be raised if there is a need but this is at the “Consolidated operational income for December, 2014, have increased to KD 501. outflows have slowed so far in February after a slow down,” said another. The ECB last week discretion of the ECB,” a Bank of Greece official third quarter rose by KD 10.7 million ($36.4 6 million ($1.7 billion) compared to KD sharp increase estimated for a month earlier, but stopped accepting the sub-investment Greek told Reuters. “Such a decision would hinge on million), an increase of 491 percent com- 364.3 million on March 31, 2014, he noted. savers are still uneasy over the new leftist gov- bonds and state-guaranteed bank bonds the the government’s agreement with its euro-zone pared to KD 1.8 million in the same period Established in 2004, QPIC is a holding com- ernment’s standoff with its official lenders. Greek banks use as collateral for funding, shift- lenders.” —Reuters last year,” QPIC’s Chairman Sheikh Mubarak pany with a total capital of KD 10 million Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah said in a distributed over a billion and one hundred press statement. million shares. —KUNA Japan’s deflationary challenge caught in a bottle of ketchup

TOKYO: For Tokyo-based condiments maker new clients since last autumn, especially subur- hikes so shoppers can stockpile. Kagome, and perhaps for Japan’s government, ban mothers. “There is a sense of real uncertain- In December, Japan’s core inflation, which the challenge of breaking with a decade and a ty and worry, especially among my clients in excludes fresh food but includes oil, stood at 0.5 half of deflation boils down to the price of a bot- their 20s and 30s,” said Akiyama. “A lot of people percent, a quarter of the central bank’s inflation tle of ketchup. Japan’s most popular ketchup also come to me because they are worried that target. Food products, excluding fresh food, rose brand is hiking prices for the first time in 25 their family income will not rise much in the 3.3 percent in 2014, including the sales tax years in April, the kind of inflation that Prime future, and they want me to help them prepare impact. Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policies are for that.” To win over shoppers, Kagome has intro- aimed at encouraging. duced a low-sodium ketchup plus marketing But Kagome, like most companies, fears that Tomato price surge tricks such as special bottle caps so children can consumers are not ready to pay more. “When Kagome representatives say the 116-year-old draw pictures in sauce on their food, and a cook- you’re managing your daily grocery spending, company moved to hike prices after months of ing competition for the best “omrice”, an it’s an accumulation of small expenditures. And internal debate, reluctantly concluding that cost omelette served over rice eaten with lashings of as you make small purchases, you notice that cuts alone could not offset the rapid decline in ketchup. prices are slowly rising, and consumers get wor- the yen and the 40 percent surge in tomato But a typical Japanese family buys just two or ried,” said Fumitaka Ono, a manager in Kagome’s paste prices over two years. It will raise ketchup three bottles of ketchup a year, a number that product development department. and sauce prices by up to 13 percent. Rival has not budged in five years. Kagome is count- BORDEAUX: Taxi drivers display placards as some 400 taxis drivers block the area of Prices on ordinary items from toilet paper to Kikkoman Corp is also raising prices of tomato- ing on a rush to stock up before the price hike, Bordeaux’s train station, southwestern France, taking part in a demonstration yes- frozen meals have been rising as companies take related products by up to 10 percent. Such but it expects a sales slump to follow. “We can no terday to protest against the growing number of minicabs, known in France as steps to offset the weaker yen in recent weeks. announcements have caused a stir, prompting longer say we are safe just because we have a “Voitures de Tourisme avec Chauffeurs” (VTC) and especially the Taxi app offered by That has put pressure on household spending one tabloid to run a calendar of looming price strong brand,” Ono said.—Reuters Uber, UberPOP, which they consider being unfair competition. — AFP and consumer confidence less than a year after a sales tax hike sent the economy into recession. Stagnant wages and public concern about the Oil price plunge to boost future compound the problems facing Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda, nearly two UK growth in 2015: Expert years after a pledge to push inflation to 2 per- cent through a massive asset purchase program. LONDON: Britain’s economy is on track for its months-has helped offset slow wage growth. Opposition party members have questioned strongest growth in nearly a decade in 2015 as NIESR expected the unemployment rate to fall the effectiveness of that target and Kuroda’s the plunge in world oil prices puts money in to 5.2 percent by the end of 2015, down from attempt to smash what he has called Japan’s the pockets of the country’s free-spending con- its most recent reading of 5.8 percent and tak- “deflationary mindset”, a recession-era habit sumers, a leading economic think tank said yes- ing it back to its levels before the financial crisis. where saving money became a reflexive terday. Growth will rise to 2.9 percent-its fastest “But beyond this, it is the performance of response to declining prices. pace since 2006 — from 2.6 percent last year, productivity that is key to real wage growth Economic theory predicts that consumers the National Institute of Economic and Social and it remains the most significant domestic spend more in an inflationary environment, but Research said, a welcome prospect for Prime risk to the UK’s economic outlook,” it said. NIESR that deflationary mindset can act as a brake. Minister David Cameron who faces a national said the Bank of England would probably start “When they expect more inflation, people spend election on May 7. to raise interest rates in February next year, ear- less, not more, because they expect prices to go As recently as November, NIESR predicted lier than market predictions for mid-2016. The up, but they don’t expect their incomes to go up growth of 2.5 percent this year, but that was BoE has kept rates at 0.5 percent for nearly six as much,” said Richard Katz, the editor of the before oil prices tumbled. Simon Kirby, an years and NIESR said it could keep them Oriental Economist, a Japanese economics economist at the think tank, said the boost unchanged for longer than it currently fore- newsletter. “That’s exactly what’s happened from lower fuel costs would eventually fade, casts if the fall in inflation snuffs out a recovery under Kuroda-nomics.” but would help power growth in consumer in pay deals, something that has not yet A Bank of Japan survey published in January spending in 2015 to 3.5 percent. occurred. The think tank also said the different found only 7 percent of people believed the Britain’s strong economic recovery since policies of Britain’s three main political parties economy would be better a year from now. In mid-2013 has been driven by consumer spend- would make only a marginal difference to December, Japan’s famously high savings rate ing which has offset the drag from the nearly growth over the next five years, while the risks turned negative for the first time, suggesting stagnant economies in the euro-zone. from outside the country were potentially TOKYO: Russian businessman Alexey Repik, chairman of the Russian -Japanese Business people were starting to dip into their reserves to “Our forecast for the next two years is still much bigger. “Clearly a serious downturn in the Council, delivers a speech during their business presentation at a Tokyo hotel yesterday. A really a story of domestic demand growth,” euro area would dwarf any difference between keep up with rising living costs. large Russian business delegation yesterday called for active Japanese investment in the coun- Kirby told reporters. A fall in inflation-which is the fiscal stances of whoever is elected,” Kirby Tomomi Akiyama, a financial planner in the try amid diplomatic efforts over the crisis in eastern Ukraine and as Tokyo keeps its sanction expected to show prices falling in the next few said. — Reuters suburbs of Tokyo, says she has seen a rush of against Moscow. — AFP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Huawei honors Alghanim Industries

KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries, one of the largest, privately- owned companies in the Gulf region, was recently honored by Huawei by receiving the ‘Certified Gold Partner’ award at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Las Vegas. The prestigious award is recognition of the success of the partner- ship, with sales and overall customer satisfaction exceeding Huawei’s expectations. The ‘Gold Partner’ award was presented by Huawei’s CEO, Richard Yu, to Samer Sayegh, Vice President - Retail, Alghanim Industries and Rohit Gandotra, Director - Category Management, Alghanim Electronics. At the event, Sayegh com- mented, “The partnership started in 2012 when Huawei appointed Alghanim Industries as the exclusive distributor for Huawei mobile phones and tablets in Kuwait. Huawei’s entrance into the market has been a great success and we are excited about its even greater potential for the future.” Alghanim Industries’ Electronics Group, which distributes consumer technologies through its retail chain brand, X-cite, has been extending Huawei’s reach into the local consumer electronics sector in Kuwait since 2012. Its continued support has helped raise the profile and brand awareness of Huawei in a short period of time through its aggressive promotions of Huawei’s innovative smartphones and devices in X-cite show- Alghanim Motors participates rooms. Alghanim Industries is one of the largest, privately-owned companies in the Gulf region. It is a multi-national with more than 30 businesses and operations in 40 countries. X-cite by in Kuwait Yacht Show 2015 Alghanim Electronics (X-cite) has the largest network of retail electronic stores in Kuwait. The X-cite stores offer a convenient, dynamic and modern shopping experience that aims to add Offers, discounts, and interest-free installments entertaining moments to the time shoppers spend in the store. X-cite has 17 locations situated in strategic areas across Kuwait, KUWAIT: as well as an online store, www.xcite.com. As part of its continuous efforts to a number of on-land and offshore Huawei is a global leader of ICT solutions. Continuously to be easily accessible to its customers, shows. innovating based on customer needs, they are committed to Alghanim Motors, the sole distributor of Alghanim Motors exhibited Honda out- enhancing customer experiences and creating maximum value Honda vehicles in Kuwait, participated in board engines, generators, and a range of for telecom carriers, enterprises, and consumers. Their telecom the Kuwait Yacht Show 2015. Held under on-road and off-road motorcycles and network equipment, IT products and solutions, and smart the patronage of His Highness the Prime ATVs, and offered deals and packages devices are used in 170 countries and regions. Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad exclusively at the event, including slashed Al-Sabah and in the presence of a number prices and 0 percent interest installments. of diplomats, ministry representatives, and Customers are welcome to visit Honda VIPs, the event ran from 3-7 February 2015 Power Products showroom and take advan- at Marina Crescent in Salmiya. tage of the offers made in celebration of This is the second year in a row for the 50th anniversary of the first 4-stroke Alghanim Motors to participate in the outboard engine in the world. Customers Kuwait Yacht Show, following on the suc- can visit the Honda motorcycle showroom cess of the show on a global level by in Shuwaikh, opposite the Historical, becoming a member in the International Vintage & Classic Cars Museum, from 8.30 Federation of Boat Show Organizers (IFB- am until 8.30 pm Saturday to Thursday, and SO). from 10 am until 8 pm on Fridays. Aimed at yachting, fishing and outdoor Alghanim Motors, the sole distributor of enthusiasts, the exhibition featured a num- Honda automobiles, motorcycles, power ber of local and international participants products, and marine products in Kuwait, is displaying yachts, outboard engines, committed to providing customers with marine equipment and other elements flexible payment solutions and efficient related to the nautical lifestyle, in addition and cost-effective services. US wholesale NBK ‘Best Trade Finance stockpiles Bank in Kuwait in 2015’

record KUWAIT: For the seventh consecutive year, National Joseph D Giarraputo, the Publisher and Editorial Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was recognized as the “the Best Director of Global Finance said: “As trade finance Trade Finance Bank in Kuwait in 2015” by Global providers deal with new regulations and their impact Coke benefits marginal gain Finance, the renowned international finance magazine. on bank balance sheets, it is having a significant effect NBK was among world’s Best Trade Finance Banks in on trade finance capacity - with emerging markets in from higher prices WASHINGTON: US wholesale businesses increased Global Finance’s annual survey. The rankings are based particular seeing a gap between supply and demand.” their stockpiles in December at the slowest pace in on input from industry analysts, corporate executives NBK continues to collectively to enjoy the highest in N America 17 months, and sales were weak for a fifth month. and technology experts. Criteria for choosing the win- ratings from the three international rating agencies; Wholesale stockpiles edged up a slight 0.1 percent in ners included transaction volume, market share, scope Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s. The December, the smallest increase since a similar 0.1 NEW YORK: Coca-Cola reported a better-than-expected quar- of global coverage, customer service, competitive pric- Bank’s ratings are supported by its high capitalization, percent rise in July 2013, the Commerce Department terly profit yesterday as it worked on trimming costs and ing and innovative technologies. prudent lending policies, and its disciplined approach reported yesterday. Inventories had been up 0.8 per- fetched higher prices for sodas in North America. Pradeep Handa, General Manager, Foreign to risk management, in addition to its highly recognized cent in November. The world’s biggest beverage maker has been struggling to Corporate, Oil and Trade Finance Group at NBK said: and very stable management team. In 2014, NBK was Sales at the wholesale level fell 0.4 percent in boost global sales volume amid economic volatility overseas “This distinction reflects the NBK’s quality of services also named among Global Finance’s list of the 50 safest December, matching the drop in November. Sales and a shift away from soda back at home. and expertise as well as its leading position as the bank banks in the world for the ninth consecutive time. have either fallen or stayed unchanged for five con- To make up for weak volume gains, it’s using a variety of of choice for the international and local blue-chips com- NBK has the widest banking presence with an inter- secutive months. The deceleration of stockpile tactics, including a focus on “mini-cans” and smaller bottles in national branches network in 4 continents. NBK’s inter- growth in December could be a reaction to the sales panies.” the U.S. that are positioned as premium products and help slowdown, with businesses cutting back on restock- “NBK employs its strong capabilities and widest national presence spans many of the world’s leading boost revenue. For the quarter, the company’s soda volume in ing in the face of weaker demand. But economists banking network in 4 continents wroldwide to support financial centers including London, Paris, Geneva, New North America was flat, while volume for non- remain optimistic that sales will rebound in 2015 and its customers and provide them with best-in-class cross- York and Singapore, as well as China (Shanghai). carbonated drinks rose 3 percent. Its “price/mix” for the help push the economy forward. That optimism border financing solutions. This has constantly placed Meanwhile, regional coverage extends to Lebanon, region, which factors in the price and size of its products, rose stems from strong gains in employment, which NBK among the world’s best trade finance providers,” Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and 4 percent. “A lot of it was driven by the smaller cans, which are should power consumer spending in the coming Handa added. Turkey. more premium-priced,” said Kathy Waller, Coca-Cola’s chief months. financial officer, in a phone interview. Employers added 257,000 jobs in January after To keep pace with changing tastes, Coca-Cola has also gains of 329,000 in December and 423,000 in diversified and owns an array of brands including Honest Tea November, the most robust three-month pace of hir- and Zico coconut water that better fit with prevailing health ing in 17 years. Wages also jumped in January. While trends. It also recently began the national rollout of Fairlife, a the unemployment rate rose to 5.7 percent from 5.6 “premium” milk that promises more protein and less sugar. Still, percent, the increase occurred for a good reason: about 70 percent of Coca-Cola’s global sales volume comes More than 700,000 Americans, the most in six years, from carbonated soft drinks, according to Ali Dibadj, a joined the workforce and began looking for jobs. Bernstein analyst. For 2014, Coca-Cola said volume rose 2 per- Economists believe that the strength in the labor cent, including a 1 percent boost in carbonated soft drinks. market combined with lower gas prices will spur a That was in line with its performance the previous year. surge in consumer spending. Businesses will then The shift away from soft drinks in the US comes amid a pro- have to restock their shelves to keep up with liferation of options in the beverage aisle. Between 2001 and demand. 2006, an internal study by Coca-Cola found that 30 percent of Economic growth slowed to a growth rate of 2.6 the industry’s growth was driven by categories that hadn’t percent in the October-December quarter after a 5 existed five years earlier. Soda also has a bad reputation for percent expansion in the previous quarter. Many fueling weight gain, and has been criticized by health advo- economists, looking at the sizzling employment cates at home and overseas. In Mexico, Coca-Cola said overall gains in recent months, expect growth to improve volume declined by 1 percent for the quarter, although the enough in the coming quarters to push activity company did not specify how much soda volume fell. above 3 percent for 2015 overall. That would be the Venezuela to announce Performance in the country has been hurt by a tax on sugary best performance in a decade. drinks that went into effect last year. The small rise in stockpiles in December reflected In a statement, CEO Muhtar Kent said the company sees gains in categories such as autos and furniture, new forex system 2015 as a “transition year,” noting that it would take time which offset declines in stockpiles of lumber and for the company to see the benefits of its recently electrical equipment. Total inventories at the whole- CARACAS: announced efforts. The company has said it’s working on Venezuela yesterday will unveil a new for- black market price could come down to between 120 sale level edged up to $47.6 billion in December, 6.7 reducing costs by $3 billion a year. Earlier this year, it said it eign exchange system that is likely to ease the country’s and 140 bolivars once the third system opens. percent higher than a year ago. — AP was cutting up to 1,800 jobs as part of the push. — AP three-tiered currency controls but would also mean a The Central Bank and state oil company PDVSA would hefty devaluation of the bolivar currency. Finance be allowed to sell foreign currency via this mechanism, Minister Rodolfo Marco and Central Bank President the sources said, with a projected daily offer of between Nelson Merentes were to hold a news conference at 11 $30 million and $45 million. The Central Bank would Reynolds American’s Q4 profit falls am local time (1030 EST/1530 GMT) on a “new exchange retain a power of veto over all operations, they added. scheme,” the government said. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity RICHMOND, Virginia: Cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc’s $70.06 in morning trading. The maker of Camel and Pall Mall cig- The currency controls have been providing dollars at because they are not authorized to speak publicly fourth-quarter profit fell 49 percent on pension charges and other arettes said the number of cigarettes sold by its R J three different rates: 6.3 bolivars for food and medicine, about the issue. Venezuela had the worst economic per- costs ahead of the closing of its planned $25 billion takeover of Reynolds Tobacco subsidiary fell about 5 percent during the and two complementary rates of around 12 bolivars formance in Latin America last year with 2.8 percent Newport seller Lorillard Inc. The nation’s second-biggest tobacco quarter to 14.9 billion, compared with an industry decline of 2 and 52 bolivars for other goods through systems known GDP contraction and officially-estimated 64 percent company said yesterday that it earned $148 million, or 28 per percent. Volumes for Pall Mall fell about 5 percent and volumes for as Sicad I and Sicad II. inflation. share, in the period ended Dec. 31, compared with $292 million, Camel fell less than one percent. The brands account for nearly 75 On the black market, the dollar is selling for nearly The 12-year-old exchange controls have steadily or 54 cents per share, a year ago. Adjusted earnings were 87 cents percent of the company’s total cigarette volume. Camel’s market 190 bolivars, according to widely referenced website reduced dollar disbursals amid declining oil prices, per share, meeting Wall Street expectations, according to Zacks share increased 0.3 percentage points to 10.3 percent of the U.S. dolartoday.com. President Nicolas Maduro in January spurring shortages of products such as detergent and Investment Research. market, while Pall Mall’s market share fell 0.2 percentage points to said the government would keep the preferential rate of milk as companies have been unable to import machin- Reynolds American said its revenue excluding excise taxes 9.3 percent. 6.3 bolivars, maintain Sicad I at a yet-to-be-announced ery and raw materials. increased 5 percent to $2.13 billion on higher cigarette and The number of Natural American Spirit cigarettes it sold grew rate, and replace Sicad II with a new supply-and- The new exchange rate is likely to affect US corpo- smokeless tobacco prices, matching analyst estimates. 14 percent to about 1.1 billion cigarettes. Tobacco companies are demand driven platform. rate giants with exposure to Venezuela because the The company also said yesterday that it remains confident its also focusing on cigarette alternatives such as snuff, chewing Brokerage operators who have been discussing the government has not allowed them to repatriate rev- merger with Lorillard will close in the first half of the year. The deal, tobacco and electronic cigarettes as tax hikes, smoking bans, announced in July, would combine two of the nation’s oldest and health concerns and social stigma make the cigarette business new system with officials told Reuters that the idea was enue from operations. At least 40 major US compa- biggest tobacco companies, creating a formidable No. 2 to tougher. Volume for its smokeless tobacco brands including to allow the bolivar to trade on that platform at a rate nies, including General Motors Co, household goods Richmond, Virginia-based Altria Group Inc., owner of Philip Morris Grizzly and Kodiak fell 1 percent from a year ago. The brands had a nearer the black market, at least double the current maker Procter & Gamble Co and drugmaker Merck & USA. It is undergoing a federal antitrust review. 34.3 percent share of the US retail market, though that market is weakest level of 52. Co Inc, together carry at least $11 billion of bolivar Reynolds American shares rose $1.61, or 2.4 percent, to tiny compared with cigarettes. —AP The operators said authorities were projecting the assets on their books. — Reuters technology WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 The path to becoming a chief innovation officer

KUWAIT: As the role of the CIO has been an ad-hoc or opportunistic way, and this is smart buildings, smart meters, intelligent cating budgets for innovation, setting up tiative, but ensure all members of the reevaluated in recent years, many notions an approach that will certainly have to transportation systems, fleet optimization innovation centers, and freeing up department are involved. There should of what the CIO’s role should evolve into change. systems, in-store retail offers, food trace- resources in the IT departments to focus also be an aligning of IT resources with have been presented. One popular train of One of the core issues CIOs must sort ability, maintenance, and field services. on innovation over operations. One of the business resources around innovation, thought is that the “I” in CIO should stand out is defining the role they play in the And as businesses increasingly operate on most difficult actions, however, is the cre- while the ad-hoc approach currently for “innovation” rather than “information”. innovation process of their enterprise. the 3rd Platform, they will be able to inno- ation of an innovation culture within IT. employed by so many organizations must Indeed, a recent study of global CIOs con- Once that role has been established, CIOs vate around how they engage with cus- be consigned to history. That means ducted by International Data Corporation must begin the tough road of establishing tomers, the speed at which they deliver Innovations implementing a process for developing (IDC) found that 69% of them expect their an IT innovation process, changing the IT products and services, the reliability of This culture needs to start at the top, ideas and drawing up a portfolio of IT role to evolve to that of chief innovation culture, and effectively plugging into the their operations, and their resiliency to with the CIO. But innovation must be innovation services that the IT depart- officer by 2017, but with only 27% of them organization’s existing processes, cadence, market changes. prevalent throughout the entire IT depart- ment can provide to the enterprise. To this currently perceiving themselves in such a and approach to innovation. So there is certainly the potential for ment for it to be effective. Globally, half of end, it would be particularly beneficial for light, how is this journey going to hap- The 3rd Platform of computing, where CIOs to integrate themselves and their the CIOs interviewed by IDC instill in their CIOs to identify a lead technology supplier pen? cloud, social, mobile, and big data/analyt- departments into the overall innovation teams the idea that innovation is part of to partner with on innovation, as such Turning this aspiration into reality will ics come together, can certainly help in process of the organization, but they must everybody’s job, and this is certainly vendors offer some of the most state-of- require a concerted effort on the part of this regard, as it presents significant first fine tune their own processes to make preferable to simply tasking a restricted the-art innovation centers for CIOs to the CIO, particularly given the current opportunities for driving business innova- this transformation as smooth as possible. group of IT employees with innovation. leverage. state of IT innovation in most organiza- tion. As organizations mash up social, Where most IT departments need to Simply put, those stuck on the outside Longer term, I encourage the establish- tions. Those CIOs who have made mobile, and analytics, they will be able to evolve is to have named IT personnel looking in will never view innovation as a ment of internal, department-wide inno- attempts at leading the charge in innova- create new industry-specific solutions to associated with innovation, a well-defined core part of their job, making the task of vation labs, while it is essential that the tion are facing their fair share of failures, better serve their customers and to run process for developing ideas, and a port- infusing innovation into the very fabric of training and nurturing required to culti- with 24% of their IT innovation projects their operations more efficiently. folio of IT innovation services they can the entire department much more diffi- vate a true innovation culture within IT not meeting the required success criteria. provide to the enterprise. cult. remains in perpetual motion. If the culture Perhaps more pertinent to the discussion Third platform solutions Driving IT innovation requires action Given all this, my advice for the medi- exists, the results will surely follow; some- is the fact that 58% of IT departments still Examples of these 3rd Platform solu- on multiple fronts. Some approaches are um term is for CIOs to name lead IT per- thing CIOs must never lose sight of in the develop and manage innovative ideas in tions include remote patient monitoring, more concrete than others, such as allo- sonnel associated with the innovation ini- quest to become chief innovation officer. Double to offer casual online dating with an escape hatch

FRANKFURT: For the twenty-first solution to another problem that working for users these days,” women, making its user base century problem of how to move most, if not all, casual dating sites says David Evans, a New more attractive to marketeers. It from a casual online encounter to a have: making money. For many Hampshire-based dating industry is also looking to strike promo- real-world one, a London-based users, the appeal of these apps is consultant and blogger at tional deals with bars and restau- website is proposing a very tradi- that they are free, anonymous, http://onlinedatingpost.com/. rants as potential dating sites. tional solution: double dates. often raunchy forums for casual “The question is whether these Starting in London, it plans to Double pairs up two Facebook online chat, a game for voyeurs, apps can make a little money.” expand in cities across Britain, friends to go on a joint date with whether or not they plan to date. Double’s founding team thinks it before looking to the United two other friends they meet That makes charging for the sites can by appealing to more States and worldwide. —Reuters through the website’s local network, tackling some of the perils of meet- ing virtual strangers face-to-face by making dating literally more social. “It’s more fun, less awkward and safer,” said Double co-founder Gary SINGAPORE: Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Clinton Health MacDonough. “If the date isn’t going well, you can still have fun as a Access Initiative (CHAI) Ira Magaziner speaks during the opening of the group of four.” Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meeting in The online dating market explod- Singapore. ICANN, the private agency that acts as gatekeeper for the Internet, ed to life two years ago among holds a five-day meeting in Singapore with global stakeholders. —AFP under-35s when Tinder revived an unapologetic, meat market approach to eyeing possible dates Ancient Indian epic to be retold by simply letting users swipe on Twitter from villain’s viewpoint through a stream of photo profiles on their phones. The model for old- NEW DELHI: A lecturer based in Britain mail interview from Bournemouth, where er, more established sites required users to fill out elaborate question- has reimagined an ancient Indian epic for he teaches journalism. naires, but demographically they Twitter audiences, spawning a book and “I know where it will start and how it were settling uncomfortably into spurring a second attempt, this time from will end, much more clearly than when I middle age as younger users flocked the perspective of the main villain. began Epic Retold.” to social networks and mobile chat Chindu Sreedharan began retelling the Such is the appeal of the Mahabharata applications. Mahabharata on the microblogging serv- that when it was first adapted for televi- Tinder has built on the earlier popularity of the “Hot or Not” app, a ice in 2009, taking more than four years sion in the 1980s, city streets emptied out (http://www.joindouble.com/lets two friends anonymously check out photos of other pairs to face-rating site set up in 2000 by spot potential matches. and nearly 2,700 tweets to finish “Epic on Sunday mornings, with most Indians two Berkeley engineering graduates glued to their TV sets. that inspired legions of successors. Even today, politicians fighting election Mark Zuckerberg was nearly difficult, while the limited Japan high school girls campaigns often identify themselves with expelled from Harvard University for amount of user information and one of the heroic Pandava siblings, while creating face-rating site Facemash male-dominated customer base before going on to start Facebook, offer little appeal to many adver- on mobiles 7 hours a day characterising opponents as Duryodhana the world’s biggest social network. tisers. TOKYO: High school girls in Japan spend an average of seven hours a or one of his 99 depraved Kaurava broth- The lack of personal information on Even Tinder, which reportedly ers. day on their mobile phones, a new survey has found, with nearly 10 such dating sites, however, raises the attracts as many as 15 million dai- percent of them putting in at least 15 hours. Boys of the same age Sreedharan’s narrative takes occasional chances of disappointment when ly users and is controlled by average just over four hours mobile phone use a day, the survey by liberties with the epic, annoying a few fol- users meet up in the real world, and a online dating giant information security firm Digital Arts, published Monday, said. lowers of the “Epic Retold” Twitter account larger gathering can provide a valu- IAC/Interactive, owner of more Teenagers tend to use their phones for social media, such as Line, a SAN FRANCISCO: This March 11, able escape hatch when things don’t established, money-making dat- 2011 file photo shows the Twitter with his portrayals of some Mahabharata Japanese messaging and networking app, as well as smartphone go to plan, according to Double. Its ing sites such as Match.com and games, making movies and other sharing apps like Instagram. The logo displayed at the entrance of characters. app for Apple smartphones OKCupid.com, has gotten off to a For example Yudhisthira, the eldest poll comes amid growing concern over youngsters getting addicted Twitter headquarters in San (http://www.joindouble.com/lets two slow start introducing premium, to their portable technology, with Chinese research showing heavy Francisco, California. —AFP Pandava brother, and a traditional byword friends anonymously check out pho- paid services. Still, its popularity phone use provokes the same kind of neurological changes as alcohol for integrity, proves to be less than honest. tos of other pairs to spot potential has inspired thousands of imita- or cocaine dependency. A total 96 percent of Japanese high schoolers Retold”, published in December as a book One of Sreedharan’s initial reasons for matches, then get acquainted and tors, many of them aimed at nich- have a mobile phone, against 60 percent of junior high school stu- billed as India’s first Twitter fiction. microblogging the Mahabharata was to make plans via group chat. An Android es ranging from Grabble, for fash- dents, Digital Arts said. Almost four in every ten children in the upper phone version is promised soon. ionistas, to High There!, to hook years of elementary school-from the age of 10 — use a mobile. The ancient Sanskrit epic, one of make it palatable to British colleagues and up with fellow pot smokers, to Hinduism’s crucial texts built of around see how Indians reacted to an epic reinter- The survey, which was carried out online, quizzed 618 children Not so hot money-makers BarkBuddy, an app for finding pet from schools across Japan. —AFP 100,000 couplets, tells of a dynastic strug- preted for Twitter. Double also thinks it can find a dogs. “Casual dating is what’s gle for power and a cataclysmic war won “I am curious to see what the conven- by the righteous Pandava brothers. tionalists make of my alternate ending,” he Sreedharan’s Twitter version is told from said. the point of view of Bhima, the strongest Sreedharan, an amateur ballroom Softbank to add learning technology to robots of the five Pandava warriors. Now the 41- dancer with two British national champi- TOKYO: Japanese mobile carrier Softbank said yes- ing to turn into a real business in perhaps 30 years. Softbank, the first carrier to sell the iPhone in year-old academic is reading up on onship titles, juggled teaching and terday it will incorporate artificial intelligence tech- Besides Pepper, Softbank will use Watson inside Japan, has widespread global investments includ- Bhima’s cousin Duryodhana to present a rehearsals while working on “Epic Retold”, nology from IBM into its empathetic robot Pepper the company, resell it in Japan to businesses such as ing Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba, which shorter Twitter narrative from his point of 140 characters at a time. that goes on sale in Japan this month. call centers and work with other companies to listed in New York last year. Softbank is also aggres- The AI engine “Watson” is already used in health develop new applications, according to IBM. sively investing in India. —AP view, turning the antagonist into an anti- Writing for Twitter offers authors a care, travel and insurance services in English, but an hero. directness “to get on with the story,” he adaptation was needed to make it work and think “It’s going to be challenging to write said. “Once you get into the swing of it, I in Japanese, said Steve Gold, Vice President, IBM Duryodhana too, but there’s a quick end think it can be more liberating than limit- Watson Group. in sight,” Sreedharan told Reuters in an e- ing.” —Reuters Unlike other cognitive technology that responds rather mechanically, Watson can learn over time like a human brain, and understands the concept of probability, which makes it very sophisticated and In Japan, happiness is more human-like for applications, according to IBM. “It depends on the context of the conversation as to what the right answer would be,” as opposed wearable sensors? to how a computer would generally try to answer correctly, Gold told The Associated Press. “The TOKYO: It is a problem that has It also records who is talking to world is seldom absolute.” defeated generations of philoso- whom and for how long, among oth- Watson will be used in Pepper, Softbank’s empa- phers, poets and painters, but one er activities. thetic robot going on sale in Japan this month for Japanese company thinks it has come The data is then sent back to a 198,000 yen ($1,700) and will make for a smarter, up with a way of knowing for sure if base unit, which calculates the happi- more charming companion, he said. Pepper has a stunned face a bit like C3PO in people are happy. ness of the group as a whole by com- “Star Wars” and moves around on wheels. In early Hitachi High Technologies, a sub- paring the patterns of activity with demonstrations it was a bit mechanical in its sidiary of ovens-to-trains conglomer- pre-determined patterns from groups responses. Gold said Watson will change that. ate Hitachi, says its new happiness who report being... well, happy. For example, two plus two is four in arithmetic measuring device will let bosses Hitachi says the idea behind the but in another context it could refer to a car design, know if they run a happy office-or if system is to help employers find ways Gold said. Watson is designed to figure out context their employees are secretly bored at that can increase the group’s happi- and know which answer is more likely. A call center using Watson will get the caller to work. ness, thereby improving their produc- the right solution more quickly and make for a less The company has developed a tivity. frustrating consumer experience, he said. But the credit-card size wearable device The system, which cannot be used complexity of the Japanese language, including BANGALORE: The newly inaugurated Huawei Research and Development Centre is loaded with sensors that determine to measure an individual’s state of thousands of characters that stand for various seen after the inauguration ceremony in Bangalore. The 20 acre Bangalore campus of where the wearer is and whether he mind, will go on sale in Japan in April, meanings, with several phonetic options, presented the Chinese information and communication technology major, which will accommo- or she is sitting, standing, typing or with each measuring tag costing a challenge even for Watson, Gold said. date close to 5000 engineers, is the largest Research and Development Centre of nodding. 100,000 yen ($840) a year. —AFP Son said Pepper will not result in big profits immediately, but it points to a new lifestyle, promis- Huawei outside China. —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Choking in car fumes, Madrid locals curse pollution

MADRID: Locals call it the “beret”: a grey You feel more tired. You can’t live a normal risen 30 percent in the first half of January. for more polluting vehicles, Sanjuanbenito worldwide. layer of exhaust fumes that blots out life.” No official figure was available. said. Madrid’s nitrogen dioxide problem is Madrid’s blue skies on still days. For asthma Ecologists in Action said that in the first Ecologists in Action in December And this week, city hall said that as of blamed on a high proportion of its vehicles sufferer Conxi Grau, it feels more like a two weeks of January Madrid had already brought a lawsuit against Madrid’s mayor March 1 new traffic and speed restrictions — 70 percent, according to tight scarf. exceeded one of the European Union’s Ana Botella and her environment chief will apply when nitrogen dioxide levels Sanjuanbenito-using diesel fuel, which Like many residents of the Spanish cap- annual health limits for poisonous nitro- Diego Sanjuanbenito. threaten to get too high. generally makes them cheaper to run than ital, she suffered during several days of gen dioxide gas in the air. That made 2015 Sanjuanbenito dismissed that as a pub- For some, the measures have been too petrol ones. high pressure in early January. Now they the sixth year in a row that Madrid had licity stunt ahead of local elections in May. long in coming. “I think there is an excessive use of vehi- want to cast off the beret for good. breached the limit since the current EU The court has yet to decide whether to “Madrid has had this problem for quite cles in cities, and that of course includes Campaign group Ecologists in Action norms came into force in 2010, said the hear the case. some time and something should already Madrid,” Sanjuanbenito said. has taken up the case in the courts, suing group. Madrid risks big EU fines for the Sanjuanbenito told AFP the number of have been done,” said Pedro Leton, a spe- “But if you banned diesel vehicles here, local authorities for breaches of pollution breaches. instances when pollution measurements cialist in air pollution at Alcala de Henares that would be extraordinarily costly and limits. A study last year by the French associa- passed the EU limits has declined since the University near Madrid, before this week’s families in Madrid could not handle it at It estimates that air pollution, mainly tion Respire ranked Madrid as the sixth city hall, governed by Spain’s ruling conser- measures were announced. short notice.” due to traffic fumes, causes 2,000 deaths a most-polluted big city in Europe, a few vative People’s Party, launched its clean-air London and Paris each proposed new In mid-January, the rain and wind came, year in Madrid, a city of 3.2 million inhabi- places behind Rome, London and Paris. plan in 2011. anti-pollution measures last year. clearing the skies over Madrid. But Conxi tants, where there is about one vehicle for The city has restricted access to some Barcelona has restricted speed limits at key Grau knows the choking pollution will every two people according to authorities. Coughing all the way diesel vehicles in parts of central Madrid-as points. return with the next high pressure system. “The pollution causes more asthma Antonio Miguel Carmona, an opposi- other cities such as London and Paris are “In this country, people do not seem to attacks,” said Grau, a 64-year-old nurse and tion Socialist candidate for mayor of planning to do. Too much driving realise that breathing is the most basic leader of a Madrid asthmatics’ association. Madrid, citing doctors, claimed that hospi- Last year Madrid also set up “intelligent The World Health Organisation says need,” she said. “The pollution problem is a “You feel more tightness in your chest. tal admissions for breathing problems had parking meters” that charge a higher rate air pollution kills seven million a year constant battle.” —AFP Study fuels row over UK, US diet guidelines

LONDON: Nutrition and health specialists [coronary heart disease] risk or related mor- criticised a study on Monday which argued tality,” they wrote, adding that it seemed that dietary fat advice given in the United “incomprehensible” that dietary advice was States and Britain was based on flimsy evi- given to millions of Americans and Britons dence and should not have been intro- given the “contrary results”. duced. The study, published in the Open Health experts looking for clues to per- Heart journal, said national advice on fat sistently rising obesity rates around the consumption issued to millions of Britons world have recently begun to question and Americans in 1977 and 1983 with the whether fat is the main, or only, villain, and aim of reducing heart disease “lacked any many are turning a spotlight on sugars and solid trial evidence to back it up”. But in the other carbohydrates instead. Yet several latest chapter of a long-running row about independent experts asked to review whether fat is the true culprit in the global Harcombe’s and DiNicolantonio’s work criti- obesity epidemic, independent experts said cised the study’s approach and advised the research was flawed and failed “to take extreme caution in concluding the guide- into account the totality of the evidence”. lines were wrong. “The claim that guide- Both the British and US dietary guide- lines on dietary fat introduced in the 1970s lines recommended reducing overall and 80s were not based on good scientific dietary fat consumption to 30 percent of evidence is misguided and potentially dan- total intake and limiting saturated fat to gerous,” said Christine Williams, a professor around 10 percent-advice that has of human nutrition at Britain’s Reading remained broadly the same since the 1970s University. and 1980s. Zoe Harcombe of the University Nita Forouhi, a nutritional epidemiology of the West of Scotland and James specialist and public health consultant at DiNicolantonio of the Saint Luke’s Mid Britain’s Cambridge University said the America Heart Institute, who co-led Open Heart study’s attempt to apply a “ret- Monday’s study in the Open Heart journal, roscope” to the trial-based evidence of the said their research-a meta-analysis of the time was “unhelpful for several reasons, MARSEILLE: (L-R) Marie-Reine Schneider, head of the pharmaceutical development and Caroline Gouarne, researcher in cell biol- randomised controlled trials available at the including methodological limitations and ogy, use a solution of a molecule called olesoxime to run a test on the survival of motor neurons, in the office of French biotech- time-suggested the guidelines were incon- interpretation”. nology company Trophos, in Marseille, southern France. Trophos, was recently bought by Swiss pharmaceutical group Roche to sistent with the evidence. “The available “As such, the current dietary guidelines gain access to an experimental drug to treat a debilitating genetic neuromuscular disease. —AFP did not support the introduction of dietary on fat intake should not be influenced by fat recommendations in order to reduce this study,” she said. —Reuters Universal healthcare vital to fight inequality: WHO Over one billion worldwide cannot obtain health services

SINGAPORE: The head of the they cannot obtain the health serv- ing for the services they receive”, it ways that matter to each and every World Health Organization yester- ices they need. adds. person on the planet,” Chan said. day described universal healthcare About 150 million of those who “At a time when policies in so The WHO defines universal as a powerful tool to fight inequali- use health services are “subjected many sectors are actually increas- health coverage as the goal of ty, hailing countries such as “ensuring all people obtain the Singapore, which last month intro- health services they need without duced a safety net for the poor and suffering hardship when paying for elderly. them”. According to the WHO, a lack of It describes universal health cov- universal healthcare pushes 100 erage as a “strong, efficient, well- million people a year below the run health system” that combines HAVANA: US activist from NGO Code Pink Women for Peace, Medea Benjamin poverty line as a result of paying for affordability, access to essential (L), and retired US colonel Ann Wright (R) give a press conference at the the services they need, while coun- medicines and technologies, as International Press Center of Havana, on Monday. A US delegation with 150 tries such as the United States and well as sufficient healthcare work- China grapple with how to provide ers. members is in Cuba in a project named “To Cuba With Love” to visit economi- coverage to all their citizens. The WHO chief lauded cal, health and education centers and to talk with the people. —AFP “Universal health coverage is Singapore’s recently launched uni- one of the most powerful social versal health insurance scheme, equalisers among all policy which provides nearly $3.0 billion Nevada dust blamed for options. It is the ultimate expres- in subsidies to help the elderly and sion of fairness,” WHO director gen- lower-income people. mystery ‘milky’ rain eral Margaret Chan said at a minis- Wealthy Singapore has tradi- terial meeting on universal health- tionally frowned upon welfarism, PORTLAND: care in Singapore. but healthcare costs have Unusual rain that deposited a mysteri- that we’d need to know exactly what the substance “Health systems will not auto- increased as the population ages, ous residue across a swath of the US Pacific is,” Weather Service scientist Mary Wister said. matically gravitate towards greater with life expectancy now stand- Northwest appears to be a byproduct of dust storms “Nevada had incredibly strong winds Thursday night equity or naturally evolve towards SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong deliv- ing at 82.5 years, and many iden- hundreds of miles (km) away in Nevada, although and Friday morning, and the dirt there is a very alka- universal coverage,” she added. “All ers his opening address during the Ministerial Meeting on tify fears of meeting healthcare volcanic ash from Japan cannot be ruled out, the line dust.” of these outcomes require deliber- Universal Health Coverage in Singapore yesterday. —AFP costs in old age as a prime con- National Weather Service said on Monday. She added that low-elevation wind gusts have ate policy decisions.” cern. The government said the The so-called “milky rain” left an unusual pow- been blowing to the north, and likely carried the The WHO says on its website to financial catastrophe annually” ing social inequalities, I would be new scheme was aimed at making dery residue on cars and windows last week across dust to rain clouds, which then could have deposit- that at least one billion people and 100 million “are pushed below delighted to see health lead the Singapore a “more caring and pro- large parts of Oregon and eastern Washington state, ed milky drops across a region that spans from worldwide suffer each year because the poverty line as a result of pay- world towards greater fairness in gressive society”. —AFP leaving residents wondering about its origins. “We’re remote Fossil, Oregon, to Spokane, Washington, she fairly certain it came from Nevada, but to confirm said. —Reuters Mistrust, machetes thwart efforts to contain Ebola

LOLA: When Red Cross pickups crawl through the ers, and even that Ebola treatment centres are used Forecariah, a town southeast of the capital they said. Had it not been for the heavily armed streets of the Guinean town of Lola in search of for the extraction and trafficking of human organs. Conakry, is another hotbed of resistance. Here, Red escort of a minister passing through, things could Ebola victims, crowds of women gather to shoo the “The Red Cross wants to kill us,” said Lah Cross teams drive unmarked cars, their iconic sym- have turned violent. medical workers away, young boys throw stones Wiemou, an elder in the village of Ouye, near Lola. bol viewed with suspicion by a fearful population. Attitudes have changed little since the Thomson and angry men reach for their machetes. “They put the virus in the water and spray it Responding to a tip-off via the national Ebola Reuters Foundation first reported attacks on Ebola In the country where West Africa’s Ebola out- around the village, or when they take away the hotline, a team of eight Red Cross workers health workers 10 months ago in the southeastern break began, hostility towards aid workers - fuelled sick, the medication they give them contains approaches a man lying motionless under a village town of Macenta. by ever more far-fetched rumours - is undermining Ebola.” water tower. In Coyah in western Guinea locals attacked aid efforts to contain the deadly virus. A slight movement indicates he’s still alive, but workers in January when they tried to spray disin- “People tell us if we don’t leave they’ll beat us BARRICADES barely. “We’ll take him to the Ebola transit centre in fectant around a mosque, said the emergency evac- up, or smash up the car,” said Paquile Zoglelemou, The Ebola epidemic has killed nearly 9,000 peo- Forecariah,” said Alain Kapete, who leads the uation service International SOS. head of the Red Cross in Lola, a town set in thick, ple in West Africa over the last year, more than French Red Cross team in the town. “If he has The police used teargas to disperse the crowd, tropical jungle in the deep southeast of Guinea 1,900 of them in Guinea. Ebola, we’ll have to come back and trace everyone the organisation said in a memo to its members. near the Liberian border. Resistance to aid efforts has made it hard to iso- that came into contact with him.” The team’s pres- In Kaback, south of the capital, residents Concerns about violence directed at aid teams late and treat patients, trace their contacts and ence draws attention. A crowd gathers. attacked health workers when they tried to add dis- comes as the number of new cases of Ebola rose at safely bury the dead, key to preventing another “They spray the virus in the village,” one man infectants to wells, acting on rumours they had the start of February in all three of West Africa’s flare up. WASHINGTON: In this Nov 21, 2014, file photo, says. “That’s why we’re getting sick.” The dissenter is come to spread Ebola. The aid workers were badly worst-hit countries - Guinea, Liberia and Sierra “They set up barricades to stop us leaving. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious hushed by the village chief and the team gets to beaten, said International SOS. Leone - ending previously encouraging declines. Some threw large stones that broke the car wind- Diseases (NIAID) Director Anthony Fauci work. They kit up in full protective clothing, lift the Guinea’s government on Jan. 10 set a 60-day tar- In Lola, a market town with houses of mud brick shield, and others ran home to get their machetes,” speaks about the Ebola outbreak during a man into an ambulance and disinfect the area. get to completely eradicate the disease, but resist- and tin roofs, a spate of new Ebola cases in recent said Saa Yola Tolno, the top local official in Lola, National Press Club luncheon in Washington. “We now prepare the disinfectant in front of ance to containment efforts paints a disturbing pic- weeks has stoked fear and mistrust. Despite gov- who accompanied a Red Cross convoy at the week- US officials say a long-awaited major study of them so they can see we are adding bleach,” said ture, say health workers on the ground. ernment efforts to inform people about the virus, end. possible Ebola vaccines is set to begin in Kapete. “I think that we should consider ourselves lucky false rumours and conspiracy theories win out. Some communities still hide their sick and and fortunate if we are able to stop it in 2015,” said One rumour holds that Western governments secretly bury their dead, despite high transmission Liberia within a couple of weeks. New infec- NARROW ESCAPE Birte Hald, who leads the Ebola unit of the have planted the virus, another that spraying of risks during traditional funeral rites, which involve tions are falling, but Fauci says it’s not too late Just the night before, the team had escaped an International Federation of Red Cross and Red disinfectants is actually a means of infecting oth- washing and preparing the body. for the vaccine study. —AP attack in the town of Sikhourou, near Forecariah, Crescent Societies. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Fighting animal cruelty in LatAm, one tweet at a time

SAN JOSE: Veterinarian Carmen Soto outfit Grecia with a prosthetic beak Such cases usually go unpunished the group’s regional headquarters. $2 fines them,” said Leonora Esquivel, head of ani- is gently swabbing what is left of after a gang of rowdy youths attacked in Latin America, where laws against “In the past we would only hear Demonstrators have held rallies in mal rights group Anima Naturalis Mexico. Grecia the toucan’s bright beak, the bird, which activists say is a sort of animal cruelty are mostly weak or about it when there was a case report- recent months in Honduras, Mexico, In Costa Rica, a country whose economy preparing to fit him with a prosthesis half-wild, half-tame mascot for the non-existent. The network of organiza- ed in the press. But now we have out- Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Uruguay depends on tourists drawn to its world- to replace the part hacked off by van- central town of Grecia. A similar case tions fighting the phenomenon is also raged people who take advantage of calling for harsher laws to fight animal famous rainforests and wildlife, activists dals. The images of the bird’s mutilat- shook Honduras in January, when a small and underfunded. But social social media to highlight these cases cruelty. In countries such as Mexico and are calling on Congress to impose prison ed red-and-yellow beak caused out- group of young people blew up a media is changing that, said Cynthia of cruelty and join forces against Uruguay, animal cruelty is a crime but terms for animal cruelty-a fight that has rage last month in Costa Rica, where stray dog with fireworks and posted a Dent, executive director for the them.” offenders are rarely punished. Most coun- gained momentum since the attack on donations for a prosthesis came pour- video online. And in Peru, social media Humane Society International in Latin Those protests are starting to spill tries in Latin America impose only a small Grecia the toucan. ing in after his story went viral on users were repulsed when a man America. over from the Internet to the street, fine for abusers. Lawmakers wary of the legislation are social media-a new weapon in the whose children had been bitten by the “Twitter and Facebook have pressuring the authorities to act. “The In Colombia, for example, the fines trying to amend it to continue allowing fight against the age-old problem of neighbor’s dog claimed revenge by increased our awareness of cases of visibility that social networks give to range from $2 to $20. “These laws are on bullfights, a tradition inherited from Spain animal cruelty in Latin America. tying the animal to the back of his car cruelty in Latin America, said Dent animal cruelty puts more pressure to the books, but they’re not enforced. during the colonial era that remains pop- Appalled citizens sent in $3,000 to and dragging him through the street. from the Costa Rican capital San Jose, pass laws,” Dent told AFP. Prosecutors aren’t trained to implement ular in much of Latin America. —AFP

French charity attacks Gilead for hepatitis drug

PARIS: French charity Medecins du Monde prices from health-care systems” in Europe (MdM) yesterday said it was contesting a and elsewhere, he said. The cost is so high European patent awarded to a hepatitis that the drug is being “rationed,” Corty drug made by US firm Gilead Sciences, claimed. MdM said Solvadi was a clearly arguing the treatment was too costly. useful treatment but, in pharmacological The organisation-”Doctors of the terms, it was not so innovative as to World”-said it had filed a “brief in opposi- deserve patent protection. Gilead, contact- tion” with the European Patent Office (EPO), ed by AFP, declined to comment on the the Munich-based agency that awards case. The suit takes place amid rising con- patents covering 40 European countries. cern in Europe about the cost of advanced The suit concerns sofosbuvir, a drug drugs at a time of budget constraints. marketed as Sovaldi, which is the frontline Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) treatment for hepatitis C. last month it would no longer make several The goal is to open the way to low-cost cancer treatments available, saying their generic versions of Solvadi, said MdM’s high cost was not matched by clinical ben- head of French operations, Jean-Francois efits. Corty. MdM said it expected the outcome A standard 12-week course of Solvadi in of its suit, which it described as the first of France costs 41,000 euros (46,280 dollars), its kind in Europe by an NGO, to take up to MdM said. two years. Treating all patients in France who need Gilead was behaving like “a monopoly,” the medicine would cost more than five bil- Corty said. “Gilead is abusing its position as lion euros, or 20 percent of the country’s patent-holder to demand intolerably high drug budget, it said. —AFP

US govt, conservationists

launch drive to save FARMINGTON: Jorge Vargas uses a funneled pipe to force-feed a measured dose of corn mush to a Moulard duck in its pen at Sonoma Foie Gras in Farmington, Calif. Foie gras, the silky soft delicacy derived from the livers of force-fed geese and ducks, is stoking a battle of monarch butterfly epicurean ethics in Northern Calif. The attorney general’s office filed an appeal, of a ruling that blocked the state ban on selling fatty goose or duck liver produced out of state. —AP SEATTLE: The US Fish and Wildlife vation fund dedicated to habitat Service and conservation groups restoration that will involve planting launched a $3.2 million campaign on native milkweed and nectar plants, Grey matter loss from Monday to save the habitat of the which the butterfly depends on for embattled orange-and-black spotted food and breeding. monarch butterfly, whose numbers The plants have been eradicated or have plummeted in recent years. severely degraded in many parts of the smoking may be reversible The monarchs, renowned for United States in recent years. The Fish migrating thousands of miles (km) over and Wildlife Service is putting up $2 mil- PARIS: Damage to the brain’s outer layer cognitive flexibility and memory,” said the smoked about a pack a day for 30 years, “it many generations from Mexico, across lion in addition to funds it previously caused by smoking may be reversible after study authors. took roughly 25 years without smoking for the United States to Canada, and then allocated to monarch conservation quitting, but it could take years, a study said But it has never been shown whether the differences in cortical thickness to no longer back again, have seen a loss in their efforts, including improving more than yesterday. effects may be reversible. be observed between ex-smokers and those habitat because of farming and urban 200,000 acres (81,000 hectares) of habi- Brain scans of 500 Scottish septuagenarians For the new study, the team used people that never smoked,” the authors wrote. sprawl. The population of monarch tat while supporting over 750 school- confirmed a link between smoking and an who had participated in the And they warned: “Heavy ex-smokers butterflies, which peaked in the late yard habitats and pollinator gardens. acceleration of age-related thinning of the cor- Scottish Mental Survey as school children in remained with a thinner cortex at age 73 tex-the outer layer of grey matter, researchers 1947, when their cognitive function was test- years even after more than 25 years without 1990s at roughly 1 billion specimens, The Fish and Wildlife Service funding reported. ed. smoking.” has fallen by 90 percent in recent years, will go toward on-the-ground conserva- But they also pointed, for the first time, to The survivors underwent MRI (magnetic res- The findings could mean that giving up according to the Center for Biological tion projects stretching from California potential for recovery after quitting. onance imaging) scans again in 2007, and the smoking caused cortical thinning to deceler- Diversity. to the Midwest corn belt, with $1.2 mil- The cortex of ex-smokers in the group results of 504 of them were analysed. ate to a rate slower than normal age-related “Known for its beautiful orange col- lion anchoring a grant distribution fund “seems to have partially recovered for each There were 36 current smokers, 223 ex- thinning, to allow ex-smokers to “catch up”, or, fascinating life cycle and remark- for farmers and other private landown- year without smoking,” the multinational smokers and 245 who had never smoked in the the study said. able annual migration, the monarch ers who preserve habitat, the first fund- research team wrote in the Nature journal group, which had an average age of 73, said Or it could be that the cortex actually Molecular Psychiatry. the study paper. started to thicken and rebuild. “Smokers butterfly is the most iconic butterfly in ing effort of its kind. But they warned that: “Although partial There was no significant difference between need to be informed that cigarettes are asso- North America,” Democratic US The Center for Biological Diversity recovery seems possible, it can be a long their ages or childhood IQ, and the group was ciated with accelerated cortical thinning, a Senator Amy Klobuchar, who backs the and other groups last year urged the process.” split just almost equally between men and biomarker of cognitive ageing,” said the effort, said in a statement. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the Many studies have linked cigarette smoking women. study. “Importantly, cortical thinning can The campaign led by the Fish and monarch as a threatened species under with cognitive decline and dementia, and Analysis of the scans showed that current persist for many years after smoking cessa- Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife the Endangered Species Act, which some also with brain degeneration. smokers “had a generally thinner cortex than tion. Federation and the National Fish and would allow greater protections for “Evidence suggests that smokers have, on those who had never smoked,” said the study. “The potential to at least partially recover average, slightly poorer global cognitive func- from smoking-related thinning might serve Wildlife Foundation includes a conser- monarch habitat. —Reuters tioning in later life, as well as lower mean ‘Strong motivational argument’ as a strong motivational argument to encour- scores on several cognitive domains such as As for the quitters, who had on average age smoking cessation.” —AFP WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

—Photos by Yasser Al Zayyat BSK spring carnival supports worthy causes worldwide

ast weekend Sixth Form students at The February term break. There was also plenty to keep non-com- losophy of education, something which the Automotive Imports and Qatar Airways LBritish School of Kuwait hosted their The official opening of the event was con- petitors occupied, with the Sixth Form stu- senior students have exemplified in having Holidays. annual Spring Carnival. The students ducted by the Founder and Director of The dents running various stalls and games organised such a successful event in aid of BSK is also proud to acknowledge the who organised the event did so in aid of the British School of Kuwait, Mme Vera Al-Mutawa including a nail bar, craft tables, face painting such worthy causes. invaluable support of their other supporters: Teenage Cancer Trust (UK), the British Liver (MBE), and Ambassador of Nepal, Yagya and a host of fun activities for the young at The generous contributions of their premi- CF/BSK; Color Me Mine; Crafts and More; Trust (UK) and an underprivileged school in Bahadur Hamal. heart. The afternoon was one of fun and um sponsors played a hugely important role Global Freight Services; Memorial; Move One; Nepal, which the students completing the sil- Another highlight of the event was the laughter with a high level of participation in the success of the event and BSK would like Real Science; Spicy Pickle. ver tier of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Spring Carnival Dodgeball Tournament, in from students and families from across to thank the following organisations for their All in all, the event was a tremendous suc- International Award will be visiting in order to which eight teams went head to head in an Kuwait. BSK is pleased to lead the way in pro- support: Gulf Agency Company; Jumeirah cess and the organisers are delighted to undertake community service during the enthusiastic round of matches. moting social responsibility as part of its phi- Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa; Kuwait announce that a total of KD 2,475 was raised.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 AUK board of trustees holds first session of biannual meeting - 2015

he Board of Trusteesof the the first of its biannual meetings for reports and discussed the latest Report, and the Dartmouth-AUK ularly meets twice a year on the Thomas Bartlett TAmerican University of Kuwait the year 2015 on January 31. In the administrative and academic devel- Report. Salmiya campus in Kuwait, and is Ph.D. Former President, Colgate (AUK) met on the campus of 2-day meeting, members of the opments and affairs, and went over The official Board of Trustees currently composed of the follow- University and American University in the university in Salmiya and held board reviewed the biannual the President Report, Budget meeting commenced on Saturday ing members: Cairo Former Chancellor, Alabama, morning with the Academic Affairs Oregon and New York State, University Committee Meeting, during which Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Systems Trustee, American University in the board members reviewed AUK’s Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Cairo. international program accredita- Founder and Chair, Board of tions, academic planning and pro- Trustees, American University of Tim Sullivan gram development, admissions and Kuwait Ph.D. Professor and Provost enrolment updates. Chair, United Education Emeritus, American University in Cairo On the second day, the meeting Company Executive Manager, Al- Interim President, 2010, American continued with the Executive Futooh Holding Company Board University of Kuwait. Committee report review, followed Member, KIPCO Asset Management by the Academic Affairs Committee Company. Walid E. Moubarak Report and the President’s State of Ph.D. Member, Lebanese President’s the University report, which high- Meshal Ali Steering Committee on National lighted the importance of maintain- Co-Founder and Vice Chair, Board Dialogue Director, Institute of ing AUK’s international programmat- of Trustees, American University of Diplomacy and Conflict Transformation, ic accreditation, and shed lights on Kuwait CEO, National Offset Company. Lebanese American University the development in areas of faculty Nizar Hamzeh recruitment, AUK’s partnership with Wael Abdul-Ghafoor Ph.D. President American University Dartmouth College, and campus Co-Founder, American University of of Kuwait. facilities. Kuwait Chair, American School of Dale F. Eickelman The second biannual meeting is Kuwait. Ph.D., (ex officio member). expected to take place in May, 2015. Chaired by Shaikha Dana Nasser Faisal Al-Ayyar Ralph and Richard Lazarus Al-Sabah, the Board of Trustees is Vice Chairman, KIPCO (Holding). Professor of Anthropology and Group photo of members of the AUK Board of Trustees (from left): Dr Walid E. Moubarak, Professor AUK’s governing body. The Board’s Human Relations, Dartmouth College Samer Khanachet Dale F. Eickelman, Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Dr Thomas Bartlett, Dr Tim Sullivan terms of reference are outlined in Relationship Coordinator (Director), and Samer Khanachet. the AUK By-Laws. The self-perpetu- Group Chief Operating Officer, KIP- the Dartmouth College-American ating and self-governing Board reg- CO (Holding). University of Kuwait Program. IES holds 8th kindergarten annual day

he Kindergarten Wing of Bharatiya Vidya riences. She also introduced the theme for the good parenting. Giving children wonderful TBhavan, Kuwait celebrated its 8th annual Annual Day “Atulya Bharat” which she men- childhood memories which make them better day on Feb 6. The tiny tots of IES and Jack tioned was a kaleidoscope to the rich culture human beings was also equally important. and Jill, Mangaf flocked to celebrate the annu- and heritage of India where everything from The young and talented students took the al day and faced the congregation of parents festivals, music, literature, theater and cuisine audience on a trip to the many beautiful states and guests with a passion to entertain them. were unique and special. of India through their dance performance. The The venue glittered with the smiles of tiny tots The auspicious lamp of knowledge was lit event commenced with a programme that reflecting the glint in the eyes of their eager by the Chief Guest and the distinguished dig- paid tribute to the brave soldiers of India. The and proud parents. nitaries escorted by Principal T Premkumar. It young Bhavanites danced to the traditional The evening was graced by Santhanagopal was followed by a prayer song sung by the songs of various Indian states like Kashmir, Iyer - Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kindergarten choir group. Mrs Rathi Punjab, Nagaland, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Mumbai, N.K. Ramchandran-Chairman Ravindran-Principal of Jack and Jill, Mangaf Telangana, Goa, Nagaland and Tamilnadu. Bhavans Middle East, Mrs. Sudha welcomed the distinguished guests and intro- Their confidence and presentation skills dis- Ramachandran, Krishnadas Menon-Director, duced them to the gathering. Vice Principal played along with the colorful costumes and Bhavans Kuwait, Principal T. Premkumar, Mrs Lalitha Premkumar presented the annual back drop which showcased the rich culture of Principal of Jack and Jill, Mangaf, Vice Principal report expounding her observation that the India were praiseworthy and left the audience of Primary and Kindergarten wing Mrs Lalitha school’s mission is to enhance learning oppor- mesmerized. The annual day programme end- Premkumar. tunities for students by providing an environ- ed with a wonderful piece called ‘Mile Sur” The supervisor of kindergarten Mrs Rajni ment where the student’s natural love for life which highlighted the cultural diversity of Menon addressed the mammoth audience and learning are encouraged and nurtured so India. To conclude the event Principal T. Prem comprising of mostly proud parents and that the students will be lifelong learners. She Kumar felicitated the teachers and the children guests. She highlighted the manifest goal of focused on the fact that the school has con- tion. The Chief Guest P.N Santhanagopal Iyer, number of parents present to build a strong for putting up an excellent show. The students Bhavans Kuwait, is to promote learning and ducted various teachers’ training programs to an eminent personality in the field of educa- foundation for their children at home, so as to received a standing ovation from the audience growth in every field by providing a holistic sharpen the skills of the kindergarten teachers tion who has been associated with Bharatiya have strong moral values. He said that provid- and parents for their scintillating performance environment to its students seeking rich expe- and keep them updated in the field of educa- Vidya Bhavan for over 40 years, urged the large ing good education was not the only criteria of on stage.

BMCAAK conducts Christmas tree Santhwanam holds decoration & Santa Claus contest

14th annual meeting ishop Moore College Alumni BAssociation Kuwait (BMCAAK) conducted Christmas Tree he 14th Annual General secretary Ravindran MN addressed the year 2014 including various Decoration & Santa Claus Contest at Meeting of Indian voluntary the audience with detailed reports reports of the help requests consid- T the United Indian School Auditorium, organization, Santhwanam on activities carried out for the year ered, Special Social Welfare pro- Abassiya, as part of their Christmas Kuwait was conducted on Friday, 30 2014. Financial statement was grams completed and being contin- New Year celebrations program. The January 2015 at Olive Auditorium, tabled by P Santhosh Kumar, treas- ued in coming year, continuous program began with the national Abassiya. The meeting was inaugu- urer of the organization. monthly medical support to patients anthems of Kuwait & India. The meet- rated by John Mathew, Advisory The annual souvenir “SMARANIKA those required prolonged treat- ing was presided by Francis Board Member and was presided by 2014” was released by Shahid Kasim ment. Cherukole (President). Parimanam Jyothidas PN, the President. General Khan. It covered entire activities for The audience, through a digital Manoj (General Secretary) delivered documentary in the event, wit- the welcome address and Mrs. Lissy nessed 20 minutes visual experience Kuriakose, story writer and poetess, of Santhwanam’s selfless service to inaugurated the function by lighting the society. the traditional Lamp. Rev. Santhosh The annual meeting unanimously Philip (Vicar - St. Peters MarThoma elected Dr Biji Thomas as President, Church Kuwait & Ex-student of BMC) Rajendran Mullur as General & Sam Pynumood (Social Activist in prizes, respectively. Deepak Alex Mathew (Treasurer) along with Jacob Secretary and KB Santhosh as Kuwait & Ex-Student of BMC) felicitat- Panicker (Little Star Abassiya) was Varghese, Manoj Chacko, Vinu Treasurer for the year 2015, support- ed on the occasion. Miss Sneha Merin declared the winner of the Santa Oommen, Philip Thomas Kattanam, ed by other Executive Committee Suresh was the Program Anchor. Claus Contest. A variety of games and Satheesh C. Pillai & Jobin Babu. members. Those interested to On behalf of the Alumni, Mrs songs added much color to the event. Finally, Sangeeth Pampala become part of this humanitarian Smitha Mathew (Vice Chairman), The American auction was con- (Convener) proposed the vote of organization may contact 66003776 John Mathew (Treasurer) and Shyam ducted by Jerry John Koshy & John thanks. (Salmiya), 99598505 (Abbasiya), Sivan (Jt. Secretary) felicitated Sam 66961480 (Mangaf) 97861967 (Abu Pynumood (ex-student of BMC) on Halifa), 96967815 (Farwaniya), the publication of his new book enti- 66446575 (Riggae). Email: santh- tled, “Indian Migration in Kuwait”. The [email protected]. book documents one hundred years (1900-2015) of migration of Indians ANNOUNCEMENT in Kuwait. It is being published in Malayalam, English and Arabic. BMC Alumni assured full support for the YMCA inter church quiz 66843917, Parimanam Manoj 97542985. publication of the book and con- YMCA Kuwait is conducting the 3rd Annual Bible Quiz veyed its best wishes. Trinity music fest for members from all the churches in Kuwait on 11th On the occasion, the winners of February 2015 at Light House, NECK from 6:30pm Ragamalika Kuwait is presenting a day-long music fest on the Christmas Tree decoration contest onwards. The section of the Bible based on which the quiz February 13 at Salmiya Indian Community School (Senior). were awarded trophies and cash is going to be held is, all Chapters from the Judges, Renowned musician Shenkottai Harihara Subramahnya Iyer prizes - Little Star Abassiya Team Deuteronomy, St. Mathew & Acts of Apostles. The first will present a classical musical concert accompanied by visit- bagged the first prize; Prince Baby three winners will be presented with ever rolling trophies ing mridangam artiste Changanassery TS Satheeshkumar Thachil & Team and John K. Antony & & Certificates. For enquiries contact: Joseph M.A. and local artists. The program starts at 9 am. Team won the second and third WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

08:55 The Liquidator 09:30 Kon-Tiki-PG15 09:20 Auction Hunters 11:30 The Next Three Days-PG15 09:45 How It’s Made 14:00 Searching For Sugar Man- 10:10 How It’s Made PG15 10:35 Bear Grylls’ Wild Weekend 00:40 The Hungry Sailors 00:00 Covert Affairs 15:30 A Cool Dry Place-PG15 01:45 Call Of The Wildman 11:25 Dive Wars Australia 01:30 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 01:00 Killer Women 17:30 Stalingrad-PG15 02:15 Call Of The Wildman 12:15 Survive That! 02:00 Emmerdale 02:00 True Blood 20:00 Mandela: Long Walk To 02:40 Tanked 13:05 Auction Hunters 02:25 Emmerdale 03:00 Grimm Freedom-PG15 03:35 Echo And The Elephants Of 13:30 The Liquidator 02:55 Coronation Street 04:00 State Of Affairs 22:30 Raging Bull-PG15 Amboseli 13:55 Auction Hunters 03:25 Endeavour 05:00 Criminal Minds 04:00 Echo And The Elephants Of 14:20 Marooned With Ed Stafford 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 06:00 Covert Affairs Amboseli 15:10 Philly Throttle 06:10 Please Marry My Boy 07:00 Witches Of East End 04:25 Call Of The Wildman 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 07:05 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 08:00 Parenthood 04:50 Call Of The Wildman 16:50 How It’s Made 07:30 Endeavour 09:00 Criminal Minds 05:15 Treehouse Masters: Bionic 17:15 How It’s Made 09:20 The Chase 10:00 State Of Affairs Treehouse 17:40 Dual Survival 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 11:00 Witches Of East End 01:00 The Best Man Holiday-PG15 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 18:30 The Carbonaro Effect 11:10 Emmerdale 12:00 Emmerdale 03:00 Last Vegas-PG15 06:25 Call Of The Wildman 18:55 The Carbonaro Effect 11:35 Emmerdale 12:30 Coronation Street 05:00 47 Ronin-PG15 06:49 Echo And The Elephants Of 19:20 The Big Brain Theory 12:00 Coronation Street 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 No Clue-PG15 Amboseli 20:10 The Liquidator 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 14:00 Parenthood 09:00 The Croods-PG 07:12 Echo And The Elephants Of 20:35 Auction Hunters 13:25 Please Marry My Boy 15:00 Covert Affairs 10:45 The Expatriate-PG15 Amboseli 21:00 The Carbonaro Effect 14:20 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 16:00 Emmerdale 12:30 Thor: The Dark World-PG15 07:36 The Wild Life Of Tim 21:25 The Carbonaro Effect 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 16:30 Coronation Street 14:30 The Hunger Games: Faulkner 21:50 The Big Brain Theory 15:35 The Chase 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Catching Fire-PG15 08:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 22:40 You Have Been Warned 16:30 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Parenthood 17:00 The Croods-PG Faulkner 23:30 Dual Survival 18:20 Please Marry My Boy 20:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 19:00 The Monuments Men-PG15 08:25 Too Cute! 19:10 Coronation Street 21:00 The Killing 21:00 A Single Shot-18 09:15 Echo And The Elephants Of 19:35 The Chase 22:00 Legends 23:00 Machete Kills-18 Amboseli 20:30 Midsomer Murders 23:00 Grimm 09:40 Echo And The Elephants Of 22:20 Coronation Street Amboseli 22:50 Emmerdale 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 23:15 Emmerdale 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 11:05 Gator Boys 00:00 Violetta 12:00 Too Cute! 00:45 The Hive 01:00 The Ugly Duckling And Me 12:55 Echo And The Elephants Of 00:50 Art Attack 01:00 Good Morning America 02:45 Tad, The Lost Explorer Amboseli 01:15 Art Attack 04:30 Barbie And The Magic Of 13:20 Echo And The Elephants Of 05:00 Good Morning America 01:40 Jungle Junction 10:00 Emmerdale Pegasus Amboseli 01:50 Jungle Junction NAT GEO CHANNEL HD 00:00 The Indestructibles 10:30 Coronation Street 06:00 Barbie Of Swan Lake 13:50 Treehouse Masters: Bionic 02:05 Jungle Junction 08:00 Little Gobie Treehouse 00:30 The Indestructibles 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:15 Jungle Junction 15:00 Live Good Morning America 10:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest 14:45 Call Of The Wildman 02:30 Violetta 01:00 Caught In The Act 02:00 Wild Australia 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 11:30 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom 15:10 Call Of The Wildman 03:10 The Hive Sabotage 15:40 Tanked 03:00 Prehistoric Predators 20:00 Chicago Fire 03:20 Art Attack 23:00 Justified 13:00 Tad, The Lost Explorer 16:35 Echo And The Elephants Of 03:45 Art Attack 04:00 Chasing UFOs 05:00 Air Crash Investigation 14:30 Unstable Fables: The Amboseli 04:10 Jungle Junction Goldilocks & The Three Bears 17:00 Echo And The Elephants Of 04:20 Jungle Junction 06:00 Breakout 07:00 Megacities 16:00 The Missing Lynx Amboseli 04:35 Jungle Junction 18:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest 17:30 After The Attack 04:45 Jungle Junction 08:00 The Indestructibles 08:30 The Indestructibles 20:00 Barbie In The Nutcracker 18:25 Treehouse Masters: Bionic 05:00 Art Attack 22:00 Unstable Fables: The Treehouse 05:25 Art Attack 09:00 Caught In The Act 00:00 Shanghai Knights 10:00 Wild Australia Goldilocks & The Three Bears 19:20 Wildest Middle East 05:50 Mouk 02:00 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded 23:30 The Missing Lynx 20:15 Tanked 06:00 Kim Possible 11:00 Animal Intervention 04:00 Avengers Confidential: Black 21:10 Wildest Africa 06:25 Austin & Ally 12:00 Dangerous Encounters Widow & Punisher 22:05 Treehouse Masters: Boxtrolls 06:50 Girl Meets World 13:00 Rebuilding Titanic 06:00 Alex Cross Special 07:15 Liv And Maddie 14:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 08:00 After Earth 23:00 Wildest Middle East 07:40 Jessie 15:00 Swamp Men 10:00 Darkman 16:00 Going Deep With David 23:55 Megalodon: The New 08:05 Dog With A Blog 12:00 Knockout 00:00 The Baytown Outlaws-18 Rees Evidence 08:30 Good Luck Charlie 14:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 02:00 Live Free Or Die Hard-PG15 16:30 Going Deep With David 08:55 Good Luck Charlie Wolverine 04:15 Ong Bak 3-PG15 Rees 09:20 Sonny With A Chance 16:00 After Earth 06:00 Planes-PG 17:00 Street Genius 09:45 Sonny With A Chance 18:00 40 Days And Nights 08:00 High Moon-PG15 17:30 Street Genius 10:10 Suite Life On Deck 20:00 Darkman 09:30 Cloudy With A Chance Of 18:00 Sea Patrol 10:35 Suite Life On Deck 21:45 Fast & Furious 6 Meatballs 2-PG 19:00 Swamp Men 00:00 As Time Goes By 11:00 That’s So Raven 11:30 Man Of Steel-PG15 20:00 Going Deep With David 00:30 Eastenders 11:25 That’s So Raven 14:00 Badges Of Fury-PG15 Rees 01:00 Doctors 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 16:00 High Moon-PG15 20:30 Going Deep With David 01:30 Lark Rise To Candleford 12:15 A.N.T. Farm 18:00 Limitless-PG15 FAST & FURIOUS 6 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD Rees 02:25 Saxondale 12:40 Hannah Montana 20:00 Deadfall-PG15 21:00 Street Genius 02:55 Being Eileen 13:05 Hannah Montana 22:00 Pain & Gain-18 17:00 ICC Cricket 360 03:20 Call The Midwife 21:30 Street Genius 13:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 00:00 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded-18 17:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 04:15 The Weakest Link 22:00 Sea Patrol 13:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 02:00 Avengers Confidential: Black H/L: ENG v PAK 05:00 The Green Balloon Club 23:00 Animal Intervention 14:20 Jessie Widow & Punisher-PG15 18:30 Big Bash League T20 H/L 05:25 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 15:00 Austin & Ally 04:00 Alex Cross-PG15 20:00 Cricket in Color 05:45 Me Too! 15:20 Austin & Ally 06:00 After Earth-PG15 21:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 06:05 Jollywobbles 02:00 PGA Tour Highlights 00:40 How It’s Made 15:45 Liv And Maddie 08:00 Darkman-PG15 H/L: AUS v IND 06:15 The Green Balloon Club 03:00 Champions Tour Highlights 01:05 How It’s Made 16:10 Violetta 10:00 Knockout-PG15 22:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 06:40 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 04:00 IRB Sevens World Series 01:30 Deadliest Space Weather 17:00 Camp Rock 12:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & H/L: ENG v WI 00:40 Scorned: Crimes Of 07:00 Gigglebiz 07:00 Golfing World 01:55 Close Encounters 18:40 Austin & Ally Wolverine-PG 23:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up Passion 07:15 The Weakest Link 08:00 Darts Masters 02:20 Through The Wormhole 19:05 Austin & Ally 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 14:00 After Earth-PG15 H/L: IND v AFG 01:30 Deadly Affairs 08:00 As Time Goes By 14:00 PGA European Tour With Morgan Freeman 19:30 Violetta Stewart 16:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 02:20 American Greed 08:30 Being Eileen Highlights 03:10 How Do They Do It? 20:20 Spooksville 01:00 Modern Family 18:00 Darkman-PG15 03:10 Blood Relatives 09:00 Eastenders 15:00 Snooker - The Masters 03:35 How Do They Do It? 20:45 Spooksville 01:30 Web Therapy 19:45 Fast & Furious 6-PG15 04:00 On The Case With Paula 09:30 Doctors 19:00 Inside The PGA Tour 04:00 Food Factory 21:10 Spooksville 02:00 It’s Always Sunny In 22:00 In The Blood-PG15 Zahn 10:00 Lark Rise To Candleford 21:35 Spooksville 19:30 European Tour Weekly 04:24 Food Factory 04:45 Scorned: Crimes Of Philadelphia 20:00 IRB Sevens World Series 04:48 Magic Of Science 10:50 The Weakest Link 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 02:30 South Park Passion 11:35 Rev. 21:30 Champions Tour Highlights 05:12 Mind Control Freaks 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 03:00 New Girl 05:30 Deadly Affairs 12:05 As Time Goes By 23:30 Inside The PGA Tour 05:36 Dynamo: Magician 22:50 Shake It Up 03:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 06:20 Solved 12:35 Being Eileen Impossible 07:10 True Crime With 23:10 Wolfblood 04:00 Raising Hope 13:05 Eastenders 23:35 Wolfblood 00:20 Bizarre ER 06:24 Weird Connections Aphrodite Jones 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 00:00 The Hungover Games-R 13:35 Doctors 00:45 What Have I Got 06:48 How Tech Works 08:00 Nightmare Next Door Jimmy Fallon 02:00 Mr. 3000-PG 14:05 Lark Rise To Candleford 01:10 What Have I Got 07:12 Food Factory 08:50 Fatal Encounters 05:30 My Boys 04:00 Grown Ups 2-PG15 14:55 Rev. 02:30 Snooker The Masters 01:35 Extreme Couponing 07:36 How Do They Do It? 09:40 Murder Shift 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:00 What To Expect When You’re 08:00 Weird Connections 15:25 As Time Goes By Expecting-PG15 07:30 HSBC Sevens World Series 02:00 My 600lb Life 10:30 I Was Murdered 15:55 Being Eileen 06:30 Better Off Ted 10:00 World Cup of Pool 08:25 How Tech Works 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 08:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 08:50 Mega Builders 16:25 The Weakest Link 00:00 Escape Club 10:00 All In Good Time-PG15 11:00 World Cup of Pool Watching 08:00 Raising Hope 03:15 Little People, Big World 09:40 Food Factory 17:10 Eastenders 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 12:00 Men At Work-PG15 12:00 World Pool Masters 03:40 What Not To Wear 11:20 Forensic Detectives 17:40 Doctors 08:30 My Boys 10:05 How It’s Made 01:25 Kourtney And Khloe Take 14:00 Straight Talk-PG15 15:00 Golfing World 04:30 Cake Boss 12:10 Solved 18:10 Lark Rise To Candleford 09:00 New Girl 10:30 Magic Of Science The Hamptons 16:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 20:00 Golfing World 05:00 Sister Wives 13:00 Disappeared 19:00 Rev. 09:30 The Simpsons 10:55 Mind Control Freaks 13:50 True Crime With 02:20 Giuliana & Bill 18:00 Stand Off-PG15 21:00 World Cup of Pool 05:30 Say Yes To The Dress 19:30 Saxondale 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 22:00 World Cup of Pool 11:20 Dynamo: Magician Aphrodite Jones 03:15 E!ES 20:00 The World’s End-PG15 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 20:00 Frankie 03:40 Christina Milian Turned Up 10:30 Better Off Ted 23:00 World Pool Masters Impossible 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 22:00 See No Evil, Hear No Evil 06:25 Secret Eaters 12:10 Mythbusters 20:50 Single Father 04:10 E!ES 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring Marry? 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 13:00 Weird Connections 21:45 The Omid Djalili Show 05:05 THS Jimmy Fallon 15:05 Who On Earth Did I 07:40 Little People, Big World 13:25 How Tech Works 22:15 Stella 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 12:00 The Goldbergs Marry? 08:05 Oprah’s Master Class 13:50 Mega Builders 23:00 Waking The Dead Miami 12:30 Raising Hope 15:30 Solved 00:00 NHL 08:55 Oprah’s Master Class 14:40 Food Factory 23:50 Waking The Dead 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 13:00 My Boys 16:20 I Was Murdered 02:00 Bellator MMA 09:45 Cake Boss 15:05 How It’s Made 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s Miami 13:30 Better Off Ted 01:00 Phantom-PG15 08:00 The World’s Strongest Man 10:10 Sister Wives 15:30 Magic Of Science Watching 07:50 Style Star 14:00 The Michael J. Fox Show 02:45 Jobs-PG15 12:00 NHL 10:35 Say Yes To The Dress 15:55 Mind Control Freaks 17:10 Murder Shift 08:20 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 14:30 The Simpsons 05:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 19:00 NHL 11:00 What Not To Wear 16:20 Dynamo: Magician 18:00 Disappeared 08:45 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 07:00 Stolen Child-PG15 21:00 WWE Vintage Impossible 18:50 Fatal Encounters 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 09:00 Nebraska-PG15 11:50 Sister Wives 17:10 How Do They Do It? 19:40 Forensic Detectives 10:15 Giuliana & Bill Stewart 11:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 12:40 Secret Eaters 00:00 Homes Under The Hammer 17:35 How Do They Do It? 20:30 True Crime With 11:10 Kourtney And Khloe Take 16:00 Modern Family 12:30 Jobs-PG15 13:30 Sister Wives 00:50 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 18:00 Through The Wormhole Aphrodite Jones The Hamptons 16:30 The Goldbergs 14:45 Temptation: Confessions Of 14:20 Brides Of Beverly Hills Taylor With Morgan Freeman 21:20 The Will: Family Secrets 12:05 House Of DVF 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers A Marriage Counselor-PG15 14:45 Brides Of Beverly Hills 01:20 Nigellissima 00:00 Big Bash League T20 H/L 18:50 How It’s Made Revealed 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 18:00 New Girl 16:45 Nebraska-PG15 15:10 Cake Boss 01:45 Masterchef: The 01:00 ICC Cricket 360 19:15 How It’s Made 22:10 Who On Earth Did I 13:35 E!ES 18:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 19:00 Straight A’s-PG15 15:35 Little People, Big World Professionals 01:30 Cricket in Color 19:40 Food Factory Marry? 19:00 Community 21:00 August: Osage County-PG15 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 02:40 Antiques Roadshow 14:30 Style Star 03:00 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 20:05 Food Factory 22:35 Who On Earth Did I 23:00 Barney’s Version-18 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 03:35 Vacation Vacation Vacation 15:00 Keeping Up With The 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 20:30 Magic Of Science Marry? H/L: AUS v IND 17:15 17 Kids And Counting 04:00 Come Dine With Me Kardashians 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 04:00 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 20:55 Mind Control Freaks 23:00 Who On Earth Did I 17:40 Sister Wives 04:25 The Good Cook 16:00 Live From The Red Carpet Jimmy Fallon H/L: ENG v WI 21:20 Dynamo: Magician Marry? 04:50 Homes Under The Hammer 18:00 E! News 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 05:00 ICC Cricket 360 18:30 What Not To Wear Impossible 23:25 Who On Earth Did I 05:45 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 19:30 Fashion Police Stewart 05:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 19:20 Oprah’s Master Class 22:10 How Do They Do It? Marry? Taylor 20:00 Fashion Bloggers 21:30 Modern Family H/L: IND v AFG 20:10 Secret Eaters 22:35 How Do They Do It? 23:50 Deadly Sins 06:15 Vacation Vacation Vacation 20:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 22:00 Brickleberry 21:00 Mormon Half Love 23:00 Magic Of Science 00:30 American Hustle-18 06:30 Live ICC World Cup Warm- 06:35 Masterchef: The 21:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 21:50 Body Bizarre 23:25 Mind Control Freaks 22:30 It’s Always Sunny In 03:00 The Next Three Days-PG15 Up: ENG v PAK Professionals The Hamptons 23:50 Dynamo: Magician Philadelphia 05:30 Salmon Fishing In The 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 22:40 Extreme Couponing 07:30 The Good Cook 22:00 E! News Impossible 23:00 South Park Yemen-PG15 15:00 New Zealand v Pakistan ODI 23:05 My 600lb Life 08:00 Antiques Roadshow 23:30 E!ES 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:30 A Cool Dry Place-PG15 H/L 23:55 Mormon Half Love 08:50 Come Dine With Me 09:15 Homes Under The Hammer 10:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq Taylor 00:10 Zou 10:35 Nigellissima 00:25 Mouk 11:00 The Roux Legacy 00:35 Jungle Junction 11:35 Masterchef: The 00:50 Art Attack Professionals 01:15 Julius Jr. 12:25 Antiques Roadshow 01:25 Calimero 13:20 Come Dine With Me 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 13:40 Homes Under The Hammer 01:50 Zou 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 02:05 Mouk Taylor 02:15 Jungle Junction 15:00 Nigellissima 02:25 Art Attack 15:25 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 02:50 Julius Jr. 16:10 Masterchef: The 03:00 Calimero Professionals 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 17:05 Antiques Roadshow 03:25 Zou 17:55 Come Dine With Me 03:40 Mouk 18:20 Homes Under The Hammer 03:50 Jungle Junction 19:10 DIY SOS: The Big Build 04:00 Art Attack 20:05 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 04:25 Julius Jr. Taylor 04:35 Calimero 20:30 Nigellissima 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 20:55 Baking Mad With Eric 05:00 Zou Lanlard 05:15 Mouk 21:20 Masterchef: The 05:25 Jungle Junction Professionals 05:35 Art Attack 21:45 Holmes On Homes 06:00 Julius Jr. 22:30 Bargain Hunt 06:10 Calimero 23:15 Come Dine With Me 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 23:40 The Little Paris Kitchen 06:35 Zou 06:50 Mouk 07:00 Jungle Junction 07:10 Art Attack 07:35 Julius Jr. 07:45 Calimero 08:00 Jungle Junction 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 08:10 Zou 01:10 Bear Grylls’ Wild Weekend 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 02:00 Dive Wars Australia 08:35 Julius Jr. 02:50 Survive That! 08:50 Mouk 03:40 Auction Hunters 09:00 Calimero 04:05 The Liquidator 09:15 Art Attack 04:30 Auction Hunters 09:40 Henry Hugglemonster 05:00 How It’s Made 09:50 Doc McStuffins 05:30 How It’s Made 10:05 Zou 06:00 Marooned With Ed Stafford 10:15 Julius Jr. 06:50 Philly Throttle 10:30 Zou 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 10:40 Julius Jr. 08:30 Auction Hunters A SINGLE SHOT ON OSN MOVIES HD 10:55 Minnie’s Bow-Toons

34 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 stars

CROSSWORD 812 STAR TRACK

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

Interior decorating may be the perfect job for you; however, any sort of work This is a good time to try and foster a sense of togetherness and team play in retail can be quite successful. You are valued for your ability to make practical decisions among the players of the day’s scenario. Do not try and force an issue during this short period. concerning the needs of the consumer. You have a natural sense of what the public wants. If you are depending on several different people or the upswing of the dollar to save some Clear decisions affecting others could be made now. There is an increase in romantic day- business project–you could be in hot water–easy does it. If your own expertise has been the dreaming. For those that are single, a relationship sometime in the next two weeks may guide to this project–you have nothing to fear. After a hard day’s work, you might find your- change your mind on the subject of marriage. Trust and confidence in your own abilities to self on the golf course or in the gym. This is an excellent time for taking part in social activities be compatible is greatly improved over your past feelings of inadequacy. For those of you with friends. If you are not planning to attend a social event, there are energies available for who have a love relationship, incredibly romantic feelings will intensify your love. Poetry and shopping. You or your children need shoes or other clothing–you are wise to do a little com- music are encouraged. parison shopping.

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

This is a good time to lead the way on a project–ideas and inspired input are Discipline may be where your concentration is for now. However, maintaining yours for the asking. Your energy is high and your mind is busy, ready to be applied to the your spirit of enthusiasm will help you stay on target with your goals. This is a good day for work at hand. If you give your best effort now you will soon see success. Your cheerful confi- making decisions, carrying out plans and communicating to others. Make sure the dialogue dence will help win your client’s or customer’s attention and move you forward. Later this goes both ways, however–others have good ideas too. If you stick to the main subject and do afternoon you will find the desire to move into a different activity. At this time, athletic ener- not become hung up on trivialities, you should accomplish quite a lot. You are empowered gy is preferred. Enjoy a jog around the park or shoot some baskets this afternoon–especially with a clear and inquisitive mind. Under the energies today, working with and discussing good with a friend! At home this evening, an ongoing situation with your family continues. It ideas with friends can be most beneficial and rewarding. You should enjoy time with your may be time to think about the positive things you have not tried yet in order to generate family this evening. Expressing affections should come easily and can do much good for good results. everyone’s disposition.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Your focus is strong and your efforts today are successful. At the close of your You are easygoing today–your compatibility with higher-ups may draw posi- workday, you find new ways in which to make the transition from work to tive attention. You will find this a very lucky day for making plans or decisions and finding ACROSS home enjoyable. Perhaps a recorded book would be helpful for the car ride home or to enjoy miles) to the time spent traveling (in hours). your way through just about any problem you may discover. You feel successful and able to during an exercise period. You do a good job of leaving-work-at-work and you thoroughly 1. The quality of a person's voice. 6. A state in midwestern United States. cope with whatever life has to offer. Good advice from a guide or older person may be forth- enjoy time with your family. This evening, a visit to a bookstore may take an hour or two 5. Filled with vapor. 7. An annual publication including weather coming–a good day. Tomorrow is the key word for today. Some days it is okay to put off until instead of fifteen minutes. You enjoy visiting with people and might consider a bit of writing tomorrow all those chores you lined up for today. Complete one thing on your list and then 12. A close friend who accompanies his forecasts and other miscellaneous informa- yourself! Ideas will come quickly and creative writing is an excellent outlet of expression. Good enjoy something fun. A friend or loved one may offer help with tomorrow’s chore. Recharge feelings are in the air. You are motivated and you find positive ways to encourage others. buddies in their activities. tion arranged according to the calendar of your batteries tonight by going to bed early. Your social life should blossom during this time, 15. An Arabic speaking person who lives in a given year. perhaps a new love interest. Arabia or North Africa. 8. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat 16. Examine by palpation for medical pur- trimmed off. poses. 9. Covered with paving material. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- 10. Goddess of criminal rashness and its cially in Turkey). punishment. You may take a serious attitude to just about all aspects of your life. For a while Now is the time when you should gain recognition or credit for your hard work. 18. The quarter of many North African cities 11. Dormouse of southern Europe and this morning you may feel that you are just not with the flow of energy. You know that ener- There is advice available today that would be good for future reference. Today is a good time to gies change–if you wait awhile, all the cobwebs will clear away. This is the time to use your resolve any long-standing dispute and a good day for work. Get out-of-doors for exercise at the in which the citadel is located. northern Africa. energy constructively. This morning is an excellent time to sit down alone and get many lunch break. Work will seem easier and you should feel more relaxed once you engage in some 20. An official who carries a mace of office. 12. An Asian temple. things accomplished. It is not a time to try to convince people of anything–nor is it time to sort of healthy activity. Your time, love and attention and perhaps volunteering in the health care 21. Large African antelope having a head 13. God of fire. push projects. After the noon break you may feel that you have more energy to tackle more arena are most needed and appreciated by those who receive your care. You are a mentor to oth- with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail. 14. Praise, glorify, or honor. difficult problems. Your sensitivity to others tends to delude you this afternoon–perhaps ers and have encouraged many people to volunteer in important places without realizing it. A encouraging you to misplace your affections. unique opportunity excites you this afternoon. Trust in your own judgment. 22. Having winglike extensions. 19. Characterized by lightness and insub- 24. Rounded like an egg. stantiality. 26. (Irish) The sea personified. 23. A reflective thinker characterized by Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. Not changed by editing. quiet contemplation. Leo (July 23-August 22) 29. A physician who is not a specialist but 25. A region of northeastern Italy on the In your professional life, the difference between where you want to be and There could be roadblocks with communication today–perhaps more with static treats all illnesses. Adriatic. where you really are may mean that your personal growth is stunted by some inhibition or electricity than words. However, when in doubt, ask questions! You will still be able to have confer- 31. A trivalent metallic element of the rare 28. (Sumerian) Consort of Dumuzi constraint. You must either accept your present situation and pace yourself or begin to make ence calls and other means of communication. Get your plans in order–it pays to have a plan or earth group. (Tammuz). changes–a middle ground may be hard to find. A job planner or job search at a nearby com- routine. You are empowered with the energy to seek out new friends and activities this afternoon. 32. Any of various thermoplastic resins 30. A promise. munity college may be a step toward a better employment opportunity. A new friend that is Now is the time for something completely different. You do well with your responsibilities in rela- used to make things. 34. A unit of elastance equal to the recipro- very much different from the friends you usually have, may come into your life now. It seems tionships and you are able to teach good communication skills to the young people around you. It as though this new person has much to offer. Take this new friendship slowly and gracefully– is good to teach one particularly feisty young person in your home that quiet times are important 33. A quantity of no importance. cal of a farad. you will help each other. Conditions at home are due to change. and personal rewards can be listed on a grateful list that one of you can begin tonight. 36. Any competition. 35. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic 40. Before noon. protozoa that form temporary pseudopods 41. A constellation in the southern hemi- for feeding and locomotion. Virgo (August 23-September 22) sphere near Telescopium and Norma. 37. A heavy wooden pole (such as the trunk Pisces (February 19-March 20) 43. The essential qualities or characteristics of a young fir) tossed as a test of strength by which something is recognized. (in the Highlands of Scotland). To assure that you do not misunderstand instructions at work today, ask ques- This period may portend the successful culmination of an ambitious project. tions and if necessary, keep notes. This may be a more technical day than usual. Financial savvy The accent is on charisma. You could sell snowballs to eskimos–because they like you. Stocks 44. Large high frilly cap with a full crown. 38. Minute freshwater crustacean having a and a practical-thinking frame of mind are qualities that also take on importance. You may feel may be a good investment today, particularly something in transportation. Your ability, how- 48. The blood group whose red cells carry round body enclosed in a transparent shell. that you have become a good business dealer. You will show a knack for knowing how to put ever, to pick and choose your own investment is commendable. Also, this is a good day to both the A and B antigens. 39. A slight amount or degree of difference. people, ideas and things together profitably. Playing the role of a coordinator can be reward- plan your redecorating because you may be around people that like to do or talk about such 49. Form or weave into a braid or braids. 42. Large burrowing rodent of South and ing. This afternoon, gathering and exchanging information becomes an amusing time. things. Talk among friends or co-workers can be quite enjoyable at this time. You impress peo- 50. Port city that is the capital and largest Central America. Neighbors or siblings have a big impact on your goals and make a big impression now. This ple in conversations and communicate to loved ones on new levels. Someone brings much evening is a socially active time. Perhaps a wedding or baby shower is on the schedule. laughter to a conversation this evening. Time with a loved one is fulfilling. city of Latvia. 45. English nurse who remained in Brussels 53. A person working in the service of after the German occupation in order to another (especially in the household). help Allied prisoners escape. 55. A class of proteins produced in lymph 46. A hard brittle blue-white multivalent WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution tissue in vertebrates and that function as metallic element. antibodies in the immune response. 47. Oval reproductive body of a fowl (espe- 58. That is to say. cially a hen) used as food. 59. (Old Testament) A son of Jacob and a 51. Being one more than two. forebear of one of the tribes of Israel. 52. (Hinduism) Term of respect for a 63. Of or in or belonging to the cavity of the Brahmin sage. abdomen. 54. A technician who is highly proficient 67. Medium-sized tree-dwelling monkey of and enthusiastic about some technical field the Amazon basin. (especially computing). 68. A promontory in northern Morocco 56. The cry made by sheep. opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. 57. English scholastic philosopher and 69. A city in the Saxony region of Germany assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285- on the Saale River. 1349). 73. A set of tags and rules (conforming to 60. Leather with a napped surface. SGML) for using them in developing hyper- 61. Protective covering made of metal and text documents. used in combat. 74. Nonresinous wood of a fir tree. 62. German poet (born in Austria) whose 75. Instructed and encouraged in moral, imagery and mystic lyricism influenced 20- intellectual, and spiritual improvement. th century German literature (1875-1926). 77. In a murderous frenzy as if possessed by 64. A notice of someone's death. a demon. 65. A genus of Mustelidae. 78. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. 66. The United Nations agency concerned 79. Resembling apes. with atomic energy. 80. Female equine animal. 70. A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of DOWN Industrial Organizations in 1955. 1. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. 71. Being two more than fifty. 2. Using speech rather than writing. 72. The basic unit of money in Albania. 3. Of or in or relating to the nose. 76. A person forced to flee from home or 4. The tide while water is flowing out. country. 5. The ratio of the distance traveled (in Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 information

For labor-related inquiries INTERNATIONAL and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 CALLS

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

Gossip

Depp and Heard get married on private Island

he couple, who officially tied the knot in very celebratory vibe.” The 28-year-old actress very romantic.” Although the loved-up pair got Los Angeles last Tuesday, headed to the wore a long-sleeved white wedding gown and a engaged in December 2013, their wedding TLittle Hall’s Pond Cay in the Bahamas over floor-length veil as she was walked down the plans only came together in recent weeks when the weekend for a second intimate wedding cel- aisle by several bridesmaids, including her sister, they noticed a rare gap in their busy work ebration. A source told PEOPLE.com: “Johnny’s Whitney. Johnny, 51, looked dapper in a white schedules. Meanwhile, Johnny also has 15-year- private island is a tropical paradise. Wedding tuxedo and black trousers, and was accompa- old daughter Lily-Rose with Vanessa, whom he guests were treated to an amazing weekend nied by his 12-year-old son Jack - his youngest split from in 2012 following 14 years of dating. that ended with a romantic beach ceremony. child with ex-girlfriend Vanessa Paradis - at the “Guests relaxed on the beaches, had fun snorkel- altar. The source added: “The weather was per- ing and enjoyed food cooked by private chefs. fect and the beach setting was gorgeous. The Everyone seemed to have the best time. It was a ceremony was beach casual and intimate, yet Jenner sympathy for those hurt in accident

he 65-year-old reality TV star was involved made a sudden stop, causing a Lexus to crash in a four-car pile-up - which left one per- into it before the ‘Keeping Up with the Tson dead and seven others injured - along Kardashians’ star then hit the second car, shunt- the Pacific Coast Highway on Saturday and has ing into oncoming traffic and hit by a Hummer sent his “heartfelt and deepest sympathies” to which killed the driver. The Prius driver initially the families affected by the incident. He said in a told police she stopped at a red light, despite statement: “My heartfelt and deepest sympa- being 300 feet from it, causing officers to believe thies go out to the family and loved ones, and to she was making an illegal U-turn. Bruce has all of those who were involved or injured in this already passed a sobriety test, which was taken terrible accident.”It is a devastating tragedy and I at the scene of the accident. cannot pretend to imagine what this family is going through at this time. I am praying for them. I will continue to cooperate in every way possible.” It was previously claimed police were looking into the possibility that Bruce - who is believed to be undergoing a gender transition - was texting while driving but law enforcement insiders have now told TMZ they believe the Prius which was at the head of the line of cars

he former footballer - who was previ- Azalea plans to ously said to have been getting help West insists Tfrom his pal Tom Cruise in his quest to become a movie star - is pleased he didn’t pursue a crack at Hollywood because he would never be able to reach a good Beck should hand enough standard. Speaking at the BAFTA Papa John’s Awards at London’s Royal Opera House on sue Sunday, he is quoted by Metro newspaper over Grammy as saying: “I have done a few things over he outspoken rapper stormed the stage when the the last 15 years, but nothing of these stan- he 24-year-old singer is considering legal and captioned it: “@PapaJohns and this is all ‘Devil’s Haircut’ hitmaker picked up the Album of the dards. I will keep it at that, I think.” Despite action after she received a text message your supervisor has to say about it!” However, TYear prize for ‘Morning Phase’ at the Grammy ceremo- his glittering career on the football field, Tfrom a complete stranger, who allegedly the Australian stunner was left even more ny and though it had been assumed he was poking fun at including 59 of his 115 caps coming as got her private details from the fast food chain’s angered when the restaurant tried to lighten up the infamous night he interrupted Taylor Swift’s MTV Video England captain, the 39-year-old star still delivery guy. Taking to her Twitter account, the the awkward situation by referring to her track Music Awards (VMA) acceptance speech when she tri- gets star-struck. He added: “I do get excit- blonde beauty shared a screen grab of the mes- ‘Bounce’ in their reply on Twitter. The company umphed over Beyonce in 2009, he insists he was serious ed. I just bumped into Benedict sage she was sent from the unidentified fan, tweeted: “@iggyazalea #We should have known and his ‘Drunk in Love’ singer friend’s snub was like being [Cumberbatch]. He’s a great guy. I have met which read: “Hello is this Iggy Azalea my brother better. Customer and employee privacy is “smacked in the face”. Kanye - who turned and walked off him a few times over the last six months. It’s had delivered something from Papa John’s to important to us. Please don’t #bounce us! stage without interrupting Beck - told E! News afterwards: great to be here and see so many talented you and he gave me the number of Friday night (sic).”But Iggy failed to see the humorous side “I just know that the Grammys, if they want real artists, to people.” David presented the Best British I’m your number one fan call me back please and added: “I don’t think data breach is funny. I keep coming back, they need to stop playing with us. We answer you’re my idol.” The ‘Fancy’ hitmaker cap- expect you to contact me to explain how you Film prize to the cast of ‘The Theory of ain’t gonna play with them no more. And Beck needs to tioned the shot, “I ordered a cheese pizza but are going to rectify your breach of my personal Everything’ - in which fellow Brit Eddie respect artistry and he should’ve given his award to instead I got tons of calls and messages like this information in a satisfactory and professional Beyonce. “Because when you keep on diminishing art and Redmayne portrays physicist Stephen one.” She then shared another screenshot of a way or a lawsuit will be filed.” Hawking - and before handing out the not respecting the craft and smacking people in their face conversation she’d had with the store’s supervi- after they deliver monumental feats of music, you’re disre- accolade he admitted he and wife Victoria sor, who didn’t seem fazed by the situation at all, Beckham loved the movie but the couple spectful to inspiration. And we as musicians have to inspire have mainly been watching kids films. people who go to work every day, and they listen to that Beyonce album and they feel like it takes them to another Speaking on the red carpet beforehand, the place.” And the 37-year-old rapper - who was accompanied star - who has kids Brooklyn, 15, Romeo, 12, to the ceremony at Los Angeles’ Staples Centre by wife Kim Cruz, nine, and three-year-old Harper with Kardashian West - admitted he terminated his protest early the raven-haired beauty - told Radio 1’s for the sake of his spouse and their 19-month-old daughter is glad he ditched actingis glad he ditched Newsbeat: “Well the majority of films we’ve North. He explained: “I got my wife, I got my daughter, and watched for the last fifteen years have been I got my clothing line, so I’m not going to do nothing to kids films. put my daughter at risk — but I am here to fight for cre- ativity.”That’s the reason why I didn’t say anything tonight. But you all know when it meant when ‘Ye walked on that stage.” Beckham

Cyrus ‘really into’ Patrick Schwarzenegger he 22-year-old singer has only been dating the hunky model, 21, for three months but she’s already smitten Twith him and was spotted locking lips with him at wants to get Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday. An onlooker told PEOPLE.com: married again “They were kissing and cuddling at a VIP table. They whis- Madonna pered in each other’s ears and were smiling and laughing.” A source added: “Miley is really into Patrick. He has her he ‘Hung Up’ hitmaker - who was previously wed to for you Ryan, it’s been a long wait, I can’t shut it down.” The wrapped around his finger, but it goes both ways. Patrick actor Sean Penn for four years until 1989 and Guy ‘Like A Virgin’ hitmaker went on to praise the “smart and would do anything at the drop of a dime for Miley and she TRitchie from 2002 to 2008 - would consider tying good looking” presenter before asking if he could dance. loves the idea of that.” However, the ‘Wrecking Ball’ hitmak- the knot for the third time if the “right” guy came Ryan replied: “I could learn, you could inspire me to move er, who experienced a difficult split from ex-fiancÈ Liam along. Asked if she would marry again, she said: better... I’d be intimidated by you.”Madonna was surprised Hemsworth in 2013, is determined to take her blossoming “Again? For a third time? I’m not gonna say never, no. by the 40-year-old star’s admission and insisted she isn’t romance with Patrick a lot slower than she has done with Maybe. If the right [guy] came along.” Madonna - who particularly intimidating “off-air”. She said: “Would you? previous relationships in order to protect herself. The has four children, Lourdes, 18, Rocco, 14, David and You’re not intimidated by me on the red carpet. The off-air source explained: “Miley learned her lesson the hard way Mercy, both nine - is unlikely to be marrying any me is very down-to-earth.” the first time and is being extra cautious about this rela- time soon as she doesn’t have a “steady dude” in tionship. She doesn’t want to get her heart broken again.” her life. Asked by KIIS FM DJ Ryan Seacrest if there Meanwhile, the blonde beauty may have won Patrick’s is a man in her life, she said: Not really, no. Not a heart but his famous parents Maria Shriver and Arnold special, you know. Not a steady dude. I’m waiting Schwarzenegger reportedly aren’t as keen on the former child star. However, Miley - the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus - is believed to be using the awkward situation as inspiration for her new album. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Novel chronicles 50 years of expat life in Kuwait

Indian author John Mathew traces the evolution of modern Kuwait Indian writer John Mathew

By Sajeev K Peter around the oasis of Kuwait to protect the inhabi- Geopolitics tants - mostly women, children and the old peo- The novel unravels the ever-changing geopo- ndian writer John Mathew, while telling the ple. litical picture of the region in all its graphic detail. tale of an Indian expatriate engineer in Kuwait After the Second World War, Kuwait Oil The book gives a kaleidoscopic picture of the Iover a period five decades, in his new novel Company was formed with 60 percent owner- Iraqi aggression of Kuwait on August 2, of 1990 ‘The Saga of An Expatriate’ chronicles the history ship for state of Kuwait and the remaining was and Liberation on February 26, 1991 that impact- and evolution of modern Kuwait following the split equally between British Petroleum and Gulf ed the fortunes of millions of people and dra- discovery of oil. ‘The Saga’ is the story of a strong Oil Corporation - two giants in the oil industry matically altered their destinies. Millions became Indian Diaspora in Kuwait as the book traces the then. refugees overnight. early days of Indian community in Kuwait. The In Kuwait, the exploration and production of Rape, arson, looting and murders were ram- novel also tells the tale of modern Kuwait and crude oil began and export commenced in 1946. pant all over the country. The book underlines how the state, in its march towards progress, had Ever since, black gold had been flowing out- the diplomatic blunder India made after the Iraqi to grapple with the brutal invasion and tyranny wards from Kuwait in exchange of yellow gold invasion and the country’s belated response. The of a dictator whose expansionist designs inwards. And the flow was never interrupted novel gives an impressive description of one of wrought havoc not only in Kuwait but in the until the invasion in 1990. The inflow of petrodol- the most heinous crimes committed by the whole region. lars changed Kuwait overnight. Huge develop- retreating Saddam forces. “The fire from 755 This riveting tale narrates the story of a ment projects were taken up by the country in burning oil wells spread a beautiful red and Malayali who leaves Kerala in the 1960s to seek the early 50s itself. Kuwait needed thousands orange hue all over Kuwait.” In the penultimate his fortune in the oil rich land of Kuwait. He soon and thousands of skilled, semi-skilled and chapter, the protagonist rues, “Who had won the finds love, only to lose it later. Battling through unskilled workers to execute the projects and war? Did the Allied Army win or did the Iraqi this love and loss, he encounters people and India was the biggest source of such manpower,” army win? Nobody! But I knew who had lost, the experiences that change him forever. While nar- he writes. poor innocent people of Iraq, Kuwait and rating his own harrowing experiences as an Palestine. Greed of the rulers leads to these mass expatriate during the period of invasion, the pro- A world beyond language annihilations!” tagonist also delineates the lives of three million The book gives a vivid picture of expatriate Eventually, James, the protagonist, whose people in the country whose lives were thrown life in the country where people of different name we will come to know in the last chapter, topsy-turvy in the aftermath of Iraqi invasion. nationalities with different religions and cultures developed into a welfare state in its true sense the protagonist’s platonic love affair with the loses both his legs in a landmine explosion as he The intriguing story is unraveled with some fasci- and languages, live, work and co-exist. His first for Kuwaitis and a place to get rich for foreigners. Palestinian girl Afaf. “My Afaf was more beautiful attempts to save his old buddies from a car nating facets of a tragic love story. personal encounter and interaction with a When his confidante Mammachan leaves than all the beauties in Solomon’s Song of wreck. Mathew justifying the unexpected end of Palestinian Muslim refugee underlines the mes- Kuwait for good, he introspects, “The first gener- Songs.” As the romance got intense and when the novel, says, “I wanted to end the novel Early days sage, “Grammar is a worthless load on lan- ation of expatriates was gone. Achayan left, the lovebirds realized that they could not sepa- abruptly. It is like a Kurosawa cut.” John Mathew Mathew begins the novel with the arrival of guages if the objective is communication.” For Johneychayan left, Kochamma left, Mammachan rate from each other, their life falls into a tailspin has been living and working in Kuwait for more the protagonist in Kuwait as a young man in the expats, language is not a barrier for communica- left and scores of others whom I knew left. They abruptly as she goes mysteriously missing in than 50 years. He has published three books in early 60s leaving behind a life of poverty and tion. are the pioneers. Despite all the agonies and Baghdad. Malayalam. The first two books are on evolution, misery of a remote village in Kerala. He gives a On another occasion, he describes, “Um hardship they had to endure, they opened the “We were torn between two worlds. Too bitter ‘Mashiha Muthal Avisanna Vare and ‘Parinam panoramic view of Kuwait before the discovery Khalid did not know a word of Russian, the path for several future generations to come to to swallow and too sweet to spit out. Two hap- Innale, Innu, Nale.’ The third book, ‘Oru of oil when men seldom stayed in the country. Russian lady knew a few words in Arabic and Kuwait. I wiped away my tears,” Mathew writes. less souls in utter confusion.” They had been in Pravasiyude Ithihasam’ is a novel, written using They used to undertake adventurous journeys in they talked endlessly.” The book gives a detailed Many characters appear in the novel are real. For love for several years now but the formality of the pseudonym Balagopalan, nominated as one yachts all the way to Kerala through the Arabian account of the domestic labor sector in Kuwait. instance Sunny Mathews appears as marriage evaded them even though they were of the best three novels published in Malayalam Sea to buy teak wood, rose wood and spices and Every Kuwaiti household had a number of ser- Sunnychayan who plays a crucial role in the already living like husband and wife. But the language in 2013. ‘The Saga of An Expatriate’ is selling the merchandise to other Arab traders in vants from India, Pakistan and Egypt. Slowly repatriation of stranded Indians from Kuwait to long-drawn Iran-Iraq war and the subsequent its English version. The book is published by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Some were engaged in Filipinos, Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis also India during the invasion. Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, everything turns upside Olympia Publishers, London. fishing also. But Kuwait was the epicenter of nat- joined the bandwagon. By the seventies, Kuwait down. His desperate search for Afaf goes in vain. ural pearl trading till Japan developed artificial has become a country where all the nationalities Lost love The book portrays the pangs and pains of the pearl industry. worked, earned a decent living and lived in The author demonstrates mastery in subtly protagonist whose agonizing search for his lost There were several mud walls and gates peaceful coexistence. By the time Kuwait had blending facts with fiction. The author portrays love is touching.

Controversy rages over Youtube’s ‘Young Turks’ Harper Lee’s new novel launches Facebook show acebook has boarded another video about monetization; we’ll get there (on week after HarperCollins stunned was very private.” It is well known that Lee partner, without paying a cent. YouTube Facebook)... You can either spend that time the literary world with news that has poor eye sight and is deaf. She has Fnews channel the Young Turks is distrib- waiting, or you can spend that time acting.” AHarper Lee is publishing a second lived since 2007 in a nursing home in uting a new daily news video dispatch on Facebook, as of the end of 2014, said it served novel, controversy rages about whether Monroeville, Alabama, where all requests Facebook, the world’s biggest social network more than 3 billion video views per day. There’s the reclusive, 88-year-old novelist is of for visits reportedly go through her lawyer. with about 1.4 billion monthly unique users. a caveat: The company tallies views for any sound mind. More than half a century after Gossip blog Gawker quoted Carter as The content from Young Turks is not exclusive- video that runs for at least 3 seconds, even in the mesmerizing success of her book “To saying last July that her client sometimes and, for now, the news and commentary start- autoplay mode. As far as how the show that’s Kill a Mockingbird,” fans and writers were signed things “she did not understand.” up is not generating any revenue from being developed for Facebook is different from both delighted and taken aback to hear Carter took on the role of Lee’s gatekeeper Facebook. what Young Turks does on YouTube, here is that Lee was releasing another novel. after the author’s fiercely protective sister The Young Turks on Monday launched Uygur’s explanation: “On YouTube we optimize They were even more surprised to learn Alice died last summer. Tongues started “Final Judgment,” a short-form series focusing for search, whereas on Facebook we are opti- that it was a manuscript written 60 years wagging and Carter has been on the on a single topic, on Facebook. However, the mizing more for sharing.” ago and hidden away after an editor told defensive, telling The New York Times that episodes also will appear simultaneously on Other media companies that have worked the young novelist to recast the book into Lee is “extremely hurt and humiliated” by The Young Turks’ YouTube channel, which has with Facebook include NBC-syndicated “Access what become “Mockingbird.” “Go Set a allegations that she has been manipulated. 1.95 million subscribers on YouTube and nearly Hollywood,” which last week launched “Early Watchman,” finished in the mid-1950s, fea- 1.8 billion video views to date. Cenk Uygur, Access on Facebook”-similarly, with a purely tures many of the same characters as Best-seller already founder and co-host of the Young Turks, promotional objective. Last fall, Facebook cut a “Mockingbird” and was discovered last year “She is a very strong, independent and acknowledged that his company will not be deal with the NFL for short clips, sponsored by among her papers by lawyer Tonja Carter. wise woman who should be enjoying the generating any money from Facebook. He said Verizon Wireless. Prior to the YouTube launch But could Lee, who had a stroke in 2007 discovery of her long lost novel,” Carter told the deal with Facebook is a placeholder until of Young Turks, Uygur was an MSNBC political the company begins to sell ads against con- commentator starting in 2010 before being and so often said she would never publish the newspaper through emails and text tent. dismissed a year later. — Reuters again, really be happy that a manuscript, messages. “Instead, she is having to defend “We build for the long term,” Uygur said in long since discarded, was going to see the her own credibility and decision-making.” Photo shows Cenk Uygur, the founder of The Young an interview with Variety. “YouTube wasn’t sell- light of day? Diane Roberts, an English pro- Last week, Carter released an earlier state- Turks video show on Youtube. ing ads at the beginning. I’m not worried fessor at Florida State University who spe- ment telling fans that Lee is “happy as hell” cializes in Southern culture, said the author about the new book. US media has fallen probably never counted the manuscript on the story, quoting alleged friends and when deciding against a second novel. associates of Lee as attesting to her excite- And her insistence on absolute privacy-her ment and lucidity, or raising doubts and Family, fans hold vigil for Bobbi Kristina Brown refusal to play publicity games, appear on speculation. chat shows and do interviews-allows oth- Lee, who rarely speaks to the media, ighting candles, shining flashlights and tilting years. We love her,” Poco Reese added. “You know, with ers to fill the void with their own, specula- said via HarperCollins that she was “hum- their glowing cellphones toward the sky, hun- everything she’s gone through, with everything she’s tive ideas. “There’s just no way to judge it bled and amazed” the manuscript was to without talking to her,” Roberts told AFP. be published after so many years. “Go Set a Ldreds of people gathered in suburban Atlanta on endured, we love her even more.” — AP “And no one’s going to talk to her because Watchman” is already number one in the Monday night to pray for the late Whitney Houston’s even when she was in her best health, she best-seller list at online bookstore Amazon, daughter, who is fighting for her life in a hospital after where the 304-page hardback is available being found face-down in a bathtub late last month. for pre-order ahead of its July release. NPR “Shining a Light for Healing for Bobbi Kristina Brown” reported that Lee’s friend, Wayne Flynt, vis- was held at the Riverdale Town Center amphitheater ited her the day before news of the book south of Atlanta, a venue that Brown’s father, singer came out and said she was of sound mind. Bobby Brown, christened as its first performer in 2010, “Does she understand what’s going on? If said event organizer Corey Punzi, the city’s marketing you make her hear, she can understand specialist. Bobbi Brown is the only child between Bobby what’s going on,” he said on NPR. “Can she Brown and Houston. Her relatives have said she is “fight- give informed consent? Absolutely, she ing for her life” at an Atlanta hospital. can give informed consent.” Police, citing an ongoing investigation, have not dis- “To Kill a Mockingbird” won the Pulitzer closed many details of the circumstances in which Price for its tale of racial injustice in the Brown was found. Houston was also found unrespon- Great Depression-era South. Published in sive in a bathtub on Feb 11, 2012, and later died. 1960, is has become standard reading in Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon was among those American classrooms and has been trans- who sang gospel hymns on stage, as members of the lated into more than 40 languages, as well crowd sang and danced along. Several vigil speakers as adapted into an Oscar-winning film star- touched on the struggles and scrutiny Brown’s family ring Gregory Peck. Roberts said that has faced in recent years, comparing them to their own regardless of its merits, “Go Set a Watchman” will be of important literary trials and tribulations. and scholarly value. “What’s in a writer’s “They bleed and hurt like us,” Wynn-Dixon told the mind is always interesting,” she told AFP. crowd before singing the gospel song “There’s a leak in “Anything that makes people read is good this old building.” Brian and Poco Reese, both 52, of and anything that makes people talk about Johns Creek, Georgia, said they would make the roughly race in this country is good.” — AFP 40-mile drive back home feeling refreshed, uplifted and hopeful for Bobbi Kristina’s recovery. “We just continue to pray that the Lord does his will and whatever that Denice Matthews, of Riverdale, joins people at the Riverdale Town Center amphithe- may be for Bobbi Kristina’s life on Earth, we don’t know ater for a prayer vigil for Bobbi Kristina Brown. — AP that,” Brian Reese said. “We watched her grow over the lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Sony and Marvel to partner on new Spider-Man movie

eter Parker is returning to Marvel. In a reboot of and CEO, The Walt Disney Company said in a state- Con, but his portrayal of the web slinger just wasn’t the “Spider-Man” franchise, Sony Pictures ment: “Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, what fans were looking for, especially as Peter Parker. PEntertainment has announced a new partner- beloved around the world. We’re thrilled to work with As Sony and Marvel look to reboot the series, a num- ship with Marvel Studios that brings the popular Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the ber of other actors could be great for the role, includ- superhero into the Marvel universe. A new Spider- Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic ing Donald Glover, Dylan O’Brien and Logan Lerman. Man film will hit theaters on July 28, 2017. Sony has new opportunities for storytelling and franchise Why not Zac Efron? owned the feature rights to comic book character building.” Make Him an Avenger: Fans are clamoring to see since 1999, when Marvel sold them for $7 million. “I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Spider-Man join Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and According to the deal, Sony and Marvel will cast a Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next the rest of the Avengers on the big screen and with new Spidey after Andrew Garfield starred in the last Spider-Man movie,” said Marvel Studios President the third film, “The Avengers: Infinity War” broken up two films, “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “The Kevin Feige. “Amy has been deeply involved in the into two films in 2018 and ‘19, there’s room to add him Amazing Spider-Man 2.” Tobey Maguire played Peter realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved into the action to fight Thanos but also before that, Parker in the previous three installments for Sony. characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver too. He’s a key part of the “Civil War” storyline, which is Marvel’s Kevin Feige will produce the rebooted the creative continuity and authenticity that fans meant to kick off a new seven year film plan for Spider-Man with Amy Pascal, who recently stepped demand from the MCU.” Sony chairman Michael Marvel’s movies. With Sony loosening its grip on down as co-chairman of Sony in a new producer deal. Lynton added: “This is the right decision for the fran- Spider-Man, the character can now be woven into the She oversaw the $4 billion Spider-Man franchise for chise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans.” next “Captain America,” too. over 13 years at the studio. Further details of the agreement are unknown. The Move Past the Origin Story: We get it. Peter Sony will continue to distribute, finance, own and deal comes after a turbulent few months for Sony. The Parker was bit by a spider and Uncle Ben dies. It’s like have final creative control of the Spider-Man pictures. Culver City-based studio was victim of a massive watching Bruce Wayne’s parents get shot over and They’ll work with Marvel, owned by Disney, to weave cyber-attack by North Korea recently in what over again or the Kents find Superman’s space ship. Spider-Man’s character into Marvel’s upcoming super- devolved into a financial and publicity nightmare. We’ve seen the origin story too many times. Let’s hero films, which includes the popular franchise “The And just last week, announced that Pascal, its veteran move on and see another side of Spider-Man that Avengers.”As Variety previously reported, Marvel plans exec and face of the studio, would be stepping aside. doesn’t dwell too much on the teen angst but on bringing the Civil War storyline from the comic “I have always wanted to be a producer,” she said at explores the decades of storylines from the Marvel books to launch the next phase of films. It’s very likely the time. “I have spent almost my entire professional comic books. that Spider-Man will make his first appearance in life at Sony Pictures and I am energized to be starting Watch the Tone: Moviegoers were turned off by “Captain America: Civil War” next year. this new chapter based at the company I call home.” the wandering tones of Sam Raimi’s third “Spider- Sony and Marvel/Disney Gunn found the heart of the film and what made a announced a deal late To make room for Spider-Man, Disney has resched- Man” and parts of Marc Webb’s “The Amazing Spider- talking tree and racoon worth caring about. Spider- uled a number of Marvel tentpoles, including “Thor: 4 ways to fix Spider-man Man 2,” where campy comedy removed audiences Monday, Feb 9, 2015, in Man is a snarky character. Let him have fun, just as which the next installment of Ragnorak,” which was originally planned to open on Now that Sony and Marvel Studios are collaborat- from the rest of the film-think the Tobey Maguire’s long as the audience is too. — Reuters the July 28, 2017 date. It moves to Nov 3, 2017. “Black ing on ways to breathe new life into “Spider-Man” on jazz number in “Spider-Man 3” or pulling down the Sony’s $4 billion Spider-Man Panther,” which had the Nov 3 date, will now move up the big screen, here are some things they could do to pants of Rhino in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” As franchise will be co-pro- to July 6, 2017. Marvel’s “Inhumans,” meanwhile, has fix the franchise. ridiculous as the world of “Guardians of the Galaxy” duced by Marvel Studios now moved back to summer 2019 while “Captain Find a New Star: Andrew Garfield may have may be, the light hearted nature of the film and its head Kevin Feige along with America” moves back to Nov 2018. Bob Iger, Chairman proved his love for the character at San Diego Comic- characters always meshed together because James Sony’s Amy Pascal for a July 28, 2017, release. — AP ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ set for Imax screens ifty Shades of Grey’ continues to gen- The film of the book, which is released in erate pre-release heat with Imax com- Britain and elsewhere in Europe this week, ‘Fing onboard at the last minute for a features a scene in which lead character release on 75 large-screen locations this week- Christian Grey visits a do-it-yourself hardware end. Imax Entertainment CEO Greg Foster store to stock up on accessories such as cable made the announcement Monday at the Stifel ties. “All staff are encouraged to familiarize Technology, Internet and Media Conference. themselves with the content of ‘Fifty Shades He indicated that taking on “Fifty Shades” of Grey’ by reading the novel or watching the reflects Imax’s effort to expand its offerings film upon its release,” it said. beyond franchise tentpoles: Currently eight It said the book would be lent to staff on titles account for two-thirds of Imax’s annual a one week basis, asking them to prepare box office revenues. for “sensitive” customer questions and reply Universal-Focus’ “Fifty Shades of Grey” has in a “polite, helpful and respectful manner”. been strong in early tracking, with projections “Preview footage depicts a notable scene for as much as $60 million for its Friday- from the book where Christian Grey visits a Monday launch. The R-rated “Fifty Shades” hardware store to purchase rope, cable ties appears to be heading toward significant and tape. “Rather than bought for home profitability given the $40 million price tag for improvement purposes, these products are the adaptation of EL James’ sex-saturated intended to fulfill Mr Grey’s unconventional bestseller. Online ticketing site Fandango, sexual pursuits,” it said. “We stock many of owned by studio parent NBCUniversal, report- the products featured in this notable scene,” ed last week that “Fifty Shades” is the fastest- it said, predicting that “extra stock” would selling R-rated title in the site’s 15-year history. be required to cope with increased demand. Contacted by AFP, a B&Q spokeswoman Stores ready for ‘Grey’ fans said: “B&Q remains committed to serving A British chain of DIY stores has told staff to our customers in all their DIY needs and we prepare for customers looking for ropes, plas- strive to prepare our staff for any enquiry. (From left) Actor Dane DeHaan, director Anton Corbijn, Actress Alessandra Mastronardi, and actor Robert Pattinson, pose during the red carpet for the film ‘Life’ at tic cable ties and tape after seeing the erotic “Customer satisfaction is always our number the 2015 Berlinale Film Festival. — AP film “Fifty Shades of Grey”, British newspapers one priority.” — Agencies reported yesterday. A leaked memo from B&Q stores entitled “Preparation for Fifty Shades of Grey Customer Queries” told its 20,000 plus New James Dean film workforce that copies of the sado-masochistic erotic novel would be delivered to the chain’s 359 stores. unveiled at Berlin fest ritish actor Robert Pattinson said Monday he learned to sym- ly revolutionary” for harnessing baby boomers’ youthful longing for pathise with the paparazzi by playing the photographer who freedom in the 1950s in the three films he made during his short Bhelped make James Dean an icon. Pattison stars in Anton life. He said Stock’s photo series of the actor, in which he shot him at Corbijn’s “Life”, which premiered out of competition at the 65th home with his family on their Indiana farm and walking through Berlin film festival. He plays Life magazine photographer Dennis New York, collar turned up against the rain with a cigarette in the Stock, who befriend Dean in 1955 when the young “Rebel Without a corner of his mouth, had helped make him immortal. “If you’re Cause” actor was on the cusp of fame, and just seven months before young person who doesn’t know who James Dean is, you know Dean’s untimely death in a car crash aged 24. “Life” is the fourth fea- that photo of him in Times Square, it’s that iconic a photo,” he said. ture film by Corbijn, a celebrated rock photographer. Corbijn, 59, famous for indelible shots of the Rolling Stones and U2, Pattinson, who shot to global stardom with the “Twilight” series, said he was interested in exploring “the balance between the pho- said he was drawn to the story about the trappings of celebrity and tographer and his subject” and the tensions that can arise. enjoyed, for once, being the one taking the pictures. “I do feel like “Dennis Stock thinks he’s doing James Dean a favor and James being a paparazzi for a second-I do empathize with their plight,” the Dean thinks he’s doing Dennis Stock a favor and I’ve been in similar 28-year-old said with a laugh. “I was filled with self-loathing, situations,” he said. “Life” garnered mixed reviews, with US industry wretchedness-I wanted to really kind of harm myself at the end of bible Variety calling it an “engaging, elegiac portrait of a legend in every day.” Pattinson said he had gone through his own “James the making” while Britain’s Guardian dismissed it as a “laborious, Dean phase” in his teens getting started in the movie industry. “It is lugubrious movie”. The Berlin film festival runs until Sunday. — AFP someone who’s trying to be an artist and his fear of not being as good an artist as he thinks he is the most debilitating part of his life. That’s quite a sort of timeless story,” he said. Dean is played in the film by Dane DeHaan, best known from In this image released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Dakota Johnson, (left) and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”, who captures the actor’s Beat sensibil- Jamie Dornan appear in a scene from “Fifty Shades of Grey.” — AP ities and trademark mumble. DeHaan, 29, said Dean had been “real-

Cannes lineup buzz hits BIFF ven before the Berlin festival is over, and the Radu Muntean (previously in Un Certain Regard side Jolie and Brad Pitt. Also boasting superstar power Oscars remain under wraps, the thoughts of with “Yesterday”) may be looking for a step up with his is Scott Cooper’s “Black Mass,” with Dakota Johnson, Emany executives have turned to Cannes. At this road movie “One Floor Below.” From the UK, Ben Sienna Miller, Johnnie Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, stage, the selectors of Cannes different sections have Wheatley and “High Rise” have high hopes, while Juno Temple, Kevin Bacon and Joel Edgerton. seen very little, so there is no such thing as a certainty. Stephen Frears’ Lance Armstrong movie “Icon” could Canada’s Denis Villeneuve could be in Cannes with Following some of the chatter and looking at which put Ben Foster and Dustin Hoffman on track for a “Sicario,” an FBI thriller with Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin films might have the right credentials comes up with a Croisette photo finish. From France, always the last and Benicio Del Toro. strongly international selection for Thierry Fremaux section to close and the decision of a separate selec- From Latin America, two big Argentine auteurs are and his team to choose from. From Europe, two-time tion committee, there and numerous serious possibili- expected to have the goods ready in time: Pablo Grand Prix-winner Matteo Garrone’s period fantasy- ties. They include Arnaud Desplechin’s “Nos Arcades,” Trapero with suspense thriller “The Clan,” and horror, “The Tale of Tales,” seems a likely competition Maiwenn’s “Mon Roi,” Xavier Giannoli’s “Marguerite,” Santiago Mitre with modern classic remake “La contender, with Salma Hayek and Vincent Cassel head- Guillaume Nicloux’s “The Valley of Love” (which Patota.” Asia, and Japan in particular, look set to offer ing the cast. Fellow Italian, and previous Palme d’Or- reunites Gerard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve), the Cannes selectors plenty of choice. Another previ- winner Nanni Moretti, has “My Mother” (aka “Mia Jean-Paul Rappeneau’s “Belles Familles” and Philippe ous Palme d’Or winner, Thailand’s Apichatpong Madre”) while Paolo Sorrentino’s Michael Caine and Garrel’s “Shadow of Women.” Weerasethakul will also have his latest film, “Love in Harvey Keitel-starrer “Youth” (aka “La Giovinezza,” aka Khon Kaen” ready in time for a mid-May festival out- “In the Future”) is also a strong competition contender. New Pixar film ing. Cannes regulars Hirokazu Kore’eda (“Like Father Buzz is strong for “The Lobster,” the English-language From Australia, George Miller’s “Mad Max Fury Like Son”) and Noemi Kawase will be ready with debut of Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos (“Dogtooth”) Road” would make for a thrilling opening film, while melodrama “Kamakura Story” and “Sweet Red Bean starring John C. Reilly, Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz and Lea Pixar’s “Inside/Out” could find an out of competition Paste,” respectively. —Reuters Seydoux. Athina Tsangari’s “Chevalier,” her follow-up to home. Brad Bird’s George Clooney and Hugh Laurie- “Attenberg,” may also land a berth, albeit not necessarily starring sci-fier “Tomorrowland” looks right on paper. in competition. The hotly anticipated picture sees a So too does Angelina Jolie’s “By the Sea” with a huge Maria Alekhina, (left) and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova members of Russian punk band ‘Pussy group of men trapped on their yacht and who kill time French cast including Melvil Poupaud, Melanie Riot’ attend the Cinema for Peace gala in Berlin. — AP playing a fiercely competitive game. Laurent, Richard Bohringer, and Niels Arestrup, along- lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Kanye West: The biggest loser at the Grammys

eave it to Kanye West to commend himself for deserving of a compliment for stopping short of the decision to not show such Grammy grand- having enough sense to do an aboutface the microphone. But it’s worth considering what standing, like NBC’s smart move not to air Doug Linches away from the microphone on the the reaction to Sunday’s hi-jinks would have been Baldwin’s toilet-themed touchdown dance at the Grammy Awards stage where Beck stood about to had this been his first offense, or if instead of a Super Bowl the previous week. accept album of the year honors. “That’s the reason white male like Beck, he had ambushed a female why I didn’t say anything tonight, but you all know artist. Lighten up, West fans, will say. It’s just a joke. Where’s the outrage? what it meant when Ye walked out on that stage!” It’s just an awards show. That’s just Yeezy being Maybe West’s behavior would be acceptable if he declared in a post-show press conference, just in Yeezy. But imagine being Beck. You just won the there was some kind of ideological justification to case anyone didn’t understand that he insulted biggest honor of your entire career for a work of opposing Beck’s work, but there wasn’t any. Beck Beck on national television. artistry you take seriously, and a fellow artist isn’t George W Bush, whom West bravely implied What West doesn’t seem to understand is what decides to take your shining moment as an oppor- was racist on TV in 2005 during a Hurricane Katrina he did Sunday night was appalling. He owes an tunity to demonstrate to the world that you don’t telethon. Would West think it funny had Beck apology to Beck and the National Academy of deserve it? But Beck isn’t the only person West walked onstage while he was performing earlier in Recording Arts & Sciences, which should censure insulted. In awarding Beck, the Grammy voters had the show and held his nose or gave a thumbs him for his disgraceful stunt. That doesn’t mean spoken en masse. What right does West have to down? Lord knows that the next time West wins an what West did wasn’t funny, even clever in the appropriate the forum they’ve chosen to give the award he’s just begging for a little karma. Maybe meta way it referenced his own previous shenani- award as a soapbox to declare his dissent? his fellow artists should run onstage before he gets gans, when he went so far as to interrupt Taylor To his credit, Beck played it off good natured in there and link arms to blockade his path to the Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards. But the the moment by inviting West jokingly to stay microphone. But where’s the outrage? At the very message he sent then, which was not in jest, was onstage. And though in his own post-show com- least, it would be good to see some of West’s fellow the same he sent now: West wanted the world to ments he’s made clear he bears no grudge against artists speak out against him if NARAS doesn’t plan know he felt the winner wasn’t worthy. West, you have to wonder how he really feels in to go there. Because what happened to Beck today “Beck needs to respect artistry, and he should’ve hindsight given the brazen insult West not only could just as easily happen to them tomorrow. given his award to Beyonce,” West declared. publicly paid him but then made sure to clarify in Maybe next time it won’t even be West that Though he later clarified he felt it was the Grammys comments after the show. Had West reserved his delivers the insult. Perhaps he’ll embolden another that need to “respect artistry,” it’s ridiculous that he feelings about Beck winning to the post-show artist to up the ante next time and try an even doesn’t see he’s the one who showed incredible press conference or Twitter, there would be noth- more offensive stunt. There’s a slippery slope here creativity,” he noted at the post-show show press Kim Kardashian disrespect in front of everyone at Staples Center ing wrong with that. There’s a healthy debate that’s getting greased by the silence of the artistic conference. Don’t delude yourself, Kanye. If you’re and Kanye West and in the viewing audience. artists enjoy every year after the Grammys about community. This is not just about the West incident so worried about your daughter, think about the attend the 57th the worthiness or lack thereof of this winner or itself but the precedent it could set. Most galling of example you just set for her. — Reuters Annual Grammy Yeezy being Yeezy that, and that’s fine. But the place and time for that all, West depicted his actions Sunday as some kind Awards Official In some odd way, because what he did at the is not on camera while the artist is winning. While of admirable self-restraint he demonstrated on After Party. — AP VMAs was even worse than his half-invasion of CBS could hardly be blamed for airing the moment, behalf of his child. “I’m not gonna do nothing to Beck at the Grammys, West may seem almost it would have been great had the network made put my daughter at risk, but I am here to fight for Can Williams survive latest controversy? vigorous debate over Brian Williams’ future is brewing trust him again. Williams took a pounding in the ratings for his transcript of its interview with Williams last week, made as “NBC Nightly News” aired Monday without the final night on the air Friday, but it’s unclear whether the drop before his apology, in which he attempted to explain his story. Adecade-long anchor. Some critics suggest that Williams, in viewership was related to the controversy. The Nielsen rat- Williams was asked about a claim by military involved in the who apologized last week for falsely claiming that he was in a ings company said ABC’s “World News Tonight” had 8.46 mil- 2003 Iraq mission that his helicopter was flying about an hour helicopter that had been hit by a grenade while in Iraq in lion viewers on Friday, while NBC’s “Nightly News” had just behind the Chinook helicopter that had been hit by the rock- 2003, should be fired. Others wonder if commerce will win under 8 million. et-propelled grenade. Williams said it was the first he’d heard out, since Williams has kept “Nightly News” at the top of the For this television season as a whole, Williams’ newscast of that. “I could not see in front of us, and I thought we were ratings while much of his news division crumbled around him. has led in the ratings by an average of roughly 600,000 view- just in one flotilla, for lack of a better word,” he said. — AP How much are the years of good work worth? ers each night over ABC. On Thursday, the night after Williams’ “This is one of the toughest calls that I’ve ever seen,” said apology, NBC beat ABC by about 800,000 viewers, Nielsen Paul Levinson, professor of communications and media stud- said. Although NBC leads in the ratings this season as it has for ies at Fordham University. “On the one hand, the public is right much of the past decade, ABC’s broadcast with David Muir to expect nothing but the truth from our reporters and our does win occasional nights. ABC has beaten NBC on nine news anchors.” Williams announced Saturday he was stepping nights since the beginning of the TV season in September, six away from the show for a few days. NBC News, which of them Friday nights, which in general is NBC’s weakest launched an internal probe, hasn’t given a timetable for how evening. On the Friday before Williams made his admission, long its look into Williams’ statements, coordinated by the ABC won by 400,000 viewers. Marion “Suge” Knight, right, is joined by his attorney David division’s investigative editor Richard Esposito, will take or if its Kenner, left, during his arraignment, in Compton. — AP report will be made public. Williams’ sub, Lester Holt, told Allegations continue viewers midway through Monday’s broadcast that Williams Meanwhile, another instance emerged of Williams appear- had taken himself off the air because questions have been ing to embellish a wartime reporting experience. Williams Recent troubles keep raised about how he recalled several stories. Holt did not traveled to Israel in July 2006 to cover that country’s military specify what the stories or questions were. campaign against Hezbollah. The anchor reported on MSNBC that he flew in a Black Hawk helicopter with Israeli military Suge Knight locked up Opinions divided officials at a height of 1,500 feet. He said he saw a trail of “He’ll be off while this issue is dealt with,” Holt said. smoke and dust where Katyusha rockets had landed in the arion “Suge” Knight used to be one of the most feared Levinson pointed out that this isn’t a case of someone deliber- uninhabited Israeli countryside. Then, he said he witnessed names in the music industry, but lately he has ately inventing news sources or, in the case of Dan Rather at two rockets being launched toward Israel some 6 miles from become known as more of a troublemaker than a hit- M CBS a decade ago, reporting during a presidential campaign a where he was flying, according to the network transcript. maker. It’s been nearly a decade since the burly co-founder of story casting doubt on President George W Bush’s wartime In an interview at Fairfield University more than a year lat- Death Row Records has led a record label, yet the former rap record that could not be backed up. “The real difficulty for a er, Williams said Katyusha rockets passed “just underneath the music mogul has made his presence felt in ways that are news organization, or a reporter, is that once you’ve made one helicopter I was riding in,” according to a film of the interview, uncomfortable to some and have been hazardous to his misstep, it’s really hard to earn (trust) back,” said David Westin, described in The Washington Post on Monday. Williams was health. former ABC News president. “You can. But it takes a lot of even more descriptive in an August 2006 appearance with Jon Knight has been shot twice since he was grazed by a bullet time.” The incident should remind news organizations that it’s Stewart on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.”“Here’s a view in the 1996 attack that killed one of his superstar rappers, more important to report the news than “brand” their person- of rockets I have never seen, passing underneath us, 1,500 feet Brian Williams speaks at the 8th Annual Stand Up For Tupac Shakur. Knight’s mortality was again on display this alities, he said. beneath us,” Williams said. “And we’ve got the gunner doors Heroes, presented by New York Comedy Festival and The week when he was hospitalized for more than a day after More than 1,000 comments were posted to NBC’s “Nightly on this thing, and I’m saying to the general, some four-star, ‘It Bob Woodruff Foundation in New York. — AP pleading not guilty to murder, attempted murder and hit-and- News” Facebook page. The majority supported Williams, with wouldn’t take much for them to adjust the aim and try to do a run charges. The 49-year-old has been a defendant in many some posters suggesting they wouldn’t watch the broadcast ring toss right through our open doors, would it?’” court cases, but none as serious as the one that now keeps until he returned. But some commenters said they wouldn’t Also Monday, the newspaper Stars and Stripes released a him in a Los Angeles jail. Knight is charged with striking two men with his truck in Compton on Jan 29, fatally injuring his friend and seriously injuring the other. Authorities suspect Knight intentionally hit the men, but his attorneys have said their client was being attacked and Italy’s feminist mafia was trying to flee. Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Barnes said at a court hearing on Monday that she intends to intro- duce a “very large stack of uncharged crimes” at an upcoming hearing, which will again bring Knight’s history to the fore- conquers the world front. He will remain held without bail until his next court aria Pia Calzone is just loving all the view was that of someone who wanted to appearance on March 20. hate. Playing mafia matriarch Imma understand, without justifying, certain ways Despite his fearsome reputation, his stature in the rap in Gomorra, a television series that of behaving. world has diminished considerably since the days his label M chronicles life in the Naples mob, has made “What I have understood, certainly, is that released hits by Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Shakur and other popu- the 46-year-old character actress known this life is hell. Knowing things and pretend- lar rappers. “I think in the music industry, people don’t really across the globe after its Italian producers ing not to know them. Knowing those closest view him as much of anything now,” said Alex Gale, a senior sold it to broadcasters in more than 70 coun- to you are going to die, that life is short and editor at Billboard magazine. “He hasn’t really done anything tries. And she is not complaining that viewers money can’t help you. It is hell.” Saviano, who of relevance in a while.” Gale said many in the industry are tend to regard the glamorous and ruthless has lived under round-the-clock police pro- probably reluctant to do business with Knight, since they’ve lead female character with a mixture of fasci- tection since he wrote his novel, knows all heard stories about his heavy-handed tactics than the general nation and revulsion. “That is exactly what I about life being hell. The journalist acted as a public has. Rap music has evolved since Knight’s heyday, Gale wanted-I wanted people to detest her,” consultant on the television series, which tells In this image released by AMC, Bob Odenkirk portrays Saul Goodman in a scene from said, which is another factor in why he is no longer a player in Calzone told AFP in an interview in Rome. the story of two clans battling for control of “Better Call Saul.” Odenkirk reprises his role from “Breaking Bad”.— AP the business. Knight’s attorney, David Kenner, said his client “After all, I based her on reality.” That reali- the northern part of Naples and its cocaine continues to work in the music industry, but did not know any ty, she says is a complex one very far removed trade. “I don’t know him,” said Calazone. “But specific acts he represented. Mark Blankenship, president of from traditional images of the women of when the series was first shown in Italy, he Everlert Entertainment, attended Knight’s court appearance ‘Better Call Saul’ sparks excitement southern Italy. “The women of the Camorra sent me a lovely letter and made some public on Monday and said his company had been working with the are devoted to their men but they are not statements that really moved me. He said I former mogul on music and movie projects but declined to ew Mexico’s largest city is back to changes his name to Saul Goodman, as he subservient or powerless,” she said. “It is a had been able to incarnate all the Camorra offer specifics. Blankenship said the company was prepared to being featured in another television defends drug lords, petty criminals and those very modern type of feminism that exists in women he had met, which was very nice to post Knight’s bail if a judge reverses a previous order keeping Nshow more than a year after the end of allegedly injured in traffic accidents. In the Neapolitan mafia.” Calzone’s challenge hear.”—AFP Knight behind bars. AMC-TV series “Breaking Bad.” “Better Call “Breaking Bad,” Odenkirk played the lawyer of was to get into the skin of a character who Saul” premiered Sunday, and city officials methamphetamine lord Walter White, played defies her husband Pietro by taking control of Overblown reputation hope the prequel to the hit series sparks by Bryan Cranston. Tania Armenta, a vice his criminal clan when he is in police custody. Some feel that Knight’s reputation is overblown. “I think it’s more interest in Albuquerque after “Breaking president for the Albuquerque Convention & To do so, she met with women who had all a big myth,” said hip-hop producer Mannie Fresh. Fresh met Bad” spawned tours, sales of novelty items Visitors Bureau, said interest in “Breaking Bad” lived with the men of the Camorra, the noto- Knight at a bar at the BET Awards several years ago and he and even a political ad during the last elec- Albuquerque sites has not slowed, and they rious Naples mafia dissected and exposed in recalled that no one was getting a drink because they were tion. remain particularly popular with European journalist Roberto Saviano’s award-winning afraid of approaching Knight. “When I met him, the dude was More than 100 fans showed up for a pre- tourists. City officials expect even more inter- novel “Gomorrah” and the acclaimed 2008 very nice,” Fresh said Saturday, recalling that Knight wasn’t as miere “Better Call Saul” viewing party at an est with “Better Call Saul.” film of the same name. “It took me months physically imposing as he expected. “He was like nice to meet Albuquerque brewery, and more such gather- Sunday’s premiere of “Better Call Saul” was but finally some of them, ex-wives of Camorra you and I love your music. I was like scratching my head.” ings are scheduled for the remainder of the seen by 6.9 million viewers, according to the men, opened their doors to me. It was very Fresh said the encounter left him with a different impres- season. One lawyer, Ron Bell, who some spec- Nielsen ratings company. AMC network is difficult and I encountered a lot of resistance, sion of Knight than the conventional one. “I think he just creat- ulate the show’s main character is loosely calling this the biggest series premiere in but I would never have been able to under- ed something.” Knight does have a history of court cases and based on, has a billboard advertising “Better cable history. The much-anticipated drama is stand certain aspects of their mentality, their disputes that have placed him behind bars and in danger. He Call Bell.” Already the city’s visitors’ bureau has a prequel to the AMC hit “Breaking Bad,” sensibilities without having spoken to them.” went to prison for five years on a probation violation after created a website to help tourists find whose shifty lawyer played by supporting Shakur was killed, and he has been jailed several times since Albuquerque sites from the TV show. New actor Bob Odenkirk has now moved into the This life is hell then. He’s also been shot twice, once in Miami in 2005 and Mexico’s new Attorney General Hector central role. “Saul” had help with its robust Being able to understand the thick local again in September while at a West Hollywood nightclub. Balderas even thumbed out a tweet during tune-in. In the preceding hour, “The Walking dialect as a native of Naples herself helped Knight developed a blood clot after the recent shooting. the show to let its main star, Bob Odenkirk, Dead” returned for the second half of its fifth Calzone make the connection. The result is an “People are tired of him,” said Greg Kading, a retired Los know that the state’s top cop was watching season with an enormous audience of 15.6 acclaimed performance that has been central Angeles police detective who investigated Knight for racket- him. “Hey @BetterCallSaul @mrbobodenkirk, million viewers. The second episode of “Better to the high praise the series, directed by eering. “He brings too much negative drama. “Nobody wants know that the Attorney General of New Call Saul” airs Monday. — AP Stefano Sollima, has received for its unrelent- to deal with him.” Kading, who also investigated the killing of Mexico will be keeping an eye on you this ingly bleak portrayal of the realities of organ- East Coast rapper Biggie Smalls, said many of Knight’s recent evening,” Balderas wrote. ized crime’s grip on some of Naples’ poorest problems have arisen because he believes he’s owed money “Better Call Saul” follows a struggling crim- neighborhoods. “I am no judge or lawyer, Pia Calzone, protagonist in the TV series from his Death Row Record days.—AP inal lawyer born Jimmy McGill, who later only an actress,” Calzone added. “My point of ‘Gomorra’. — AFP Sony and Marvel to partner on new Spider-Man movie

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 38

Chinese dancers perform during a Spring Festival of Cambodia and China in Phnom Penh. — AFP

Building bridges with Study: Fewer lead roles cheese in divided Cyprus for women in Hollywood he Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I,’ “Gone Girl” and “Maleficent” are powered by indelible female protago- ‘Tnists and rank among the biggest films of last year, but orty years after Cyprus was divided by a bloody sions have eased in recent years-peace talks have can be reached, especially as it could open the door women are still treated like second-class citizens when it comes conflict, the island’s Greek and Turkish communi- failed to bring the two sides to a long-term settle- for exports to Europe. His chamber is waiting to hear to most Hollywood movies, according to a new study. They’re Fties are trying to overcome their differences and ment. The internationally recognized government in from the EU on the designation of a neutral group to the girlfriend, the mother or the wife. Their value is determined find an unusual common cause: halloumi cheese. the Greek-speaking southern half of Cyprus, which monitor production. With halloumi accounting for a in relation to the people they bed, marry or birth. The gender Efforts to have the increasingly popular “squeaky” joined the European Union in 2004, last July asked the quarter of exports in the north, the Turkish Cypriot gap is documented in new research by the Center for the Study cheese granted a protected European Union status EU to grant halloumi its Protected Designation of economy is also feeling the crunch from increasing of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University have raised fears that Turkish Cypriot producers will be Origin (PDO) status. As with Italian mozzarella or Greek competition. “We need as soon as possible to get this that found that females comprised a paltry 12% of protagonists excluded. But cheese-makers on both sides are facing feta, this status means that only a product produced in registration. It is for the benefit of the island, because in the top-grossing films of 2014. Over the past decade, the situ- increasing competition from outside producers and a certain area and using certain methods can use the now all over the world-Canada, Australia, Germany- ation has gotten worse, not better. The latest figures represent a are looking to set aside their divisions to protect their name. every day new producers are coming up,” Cirali said. drop of three percentage points from 2013 and a fall of four per- business. Greek Cypriot authorities have sought to reassure centage points from 2002. “If we collaborate, if we can come together and find Searching for a compromise producers in the north, with Agriculture Minister Nicos The success that actresses such as Shailene Woodley and a solution for this problem it will help to find a solu- “What we are expecting is more protection on the Kouyialis saying “the regulation... will allow the pro- Melissa McCarthy had with films such as “Divergent” and tion for the Cyprus problem also,” said Ali Cirali, the name so that other countries will not copy it-like in duction of halloumi in Cyprus by anyone”. “Tammy” in 2014 threatens to minimize this particular glass ceil- head of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry. “This France they have Roquefort cheese, we will hopefully Government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides has ing. “There is a growing disconnect or gap between what we will bring the producers together from both commu- have halloumi,” said Yiannos Pittas, a Greek Cypriot called for the two sides to “build on the historic unify- might perceive as being the current status of women in film and nities, because both sides will win.” Once a niche food, whose family has produced the cheese since the ing nature of halloumi, which constitutes a common their actual status,” said Dr. Martha Lauzen, the center’s execu- the rubbery halloumi has now become a staple in 1930s. Halloumi has already become Cyprus’s second- tradition and historic reality for Cyprus”. Authorities tive director and the study’s author. “A few high-profile cases many kitchens outside Cyprus, especially in Britain largest export, bringing in 76 million euros to its reces- hope to have the registration process completed by can skew our thinking.” It’s not just a matter of having their and the United States. Made traditionally from a mix- sion-hit economy in 2013, and producers hope that the summer. George Petrou, a Greek Cypriot producer names above the title. In secondary roles, females are underrep- ture of milk from sheep and goats, the cheese has registering the name will lead to a major boost to for- who exports to 25 countries, said both sides would resented, comprising 29% of major characters and 30% of all become a favorite of the barbecue season, its high eign sales. The initial request for a PDO was controver- benefit if the designation is awarded. “Demand is speaking characters. That’s the same percentages as in 2013, melting point allowing it to be grilled or even fried. sial. Greek Cypriots first made the application without growing,” he said. “With a common strategy for hallou- but does represent a two percentage point increase over 2002’s The cheese has been made in Cyprus for centuries by consulting their counterparts in the north and only mi, we can conquer larger markets.”— AFP figures. Male dominance in this arena is out of touch with the both its Greek and Turkish communities, who have later asked for the cheese to be registered under both demographics of the moviegoing population, given that been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded its Greek name and its Turkish one-hellim. women buy half of the tickets sold each year. What they’re see- and occupied the island’s northern third in response Turkish Cypriots were skeptical and filed a series of ing on screen are women who are less defined than their male to an Athens-engineered coup aimed at uniting it with lawsuits against the request, pointing out that experts counterparts. Greece. commissioned by the Greek Cypriots would not be The country is split from west to east by a UN able to operate in the north. But Cirali said they would Powerless positions buffer zone known as the Green Line and-while ten- be willing to support a designation if a compromise A larger percentage of male characters were shown in the workplace — 59% to 41% — while 85% of men had identifiable jobs, compared to 75% of women. Sixty one percent of male characters were identified only by their professional roles, whereas only 34% of females have that kind of designation. In contrast, 58% of females were identified by the roles they assume in their personal lives such as wives or mothers. That’s the case for only 31% of male characters. Women are also younger than men on screen; the majority are in their 20s (23%) and 30s (30%). Men over 40 accounted for 53% of characters whereas women that age represented 30%. That has implications for the number of female authority figures onscreen. “As we grow older, we gain personal as well as professional power,” said Lauzen. “When we keep them young, we keep them relatively powerless.” The center’s report comes on the heels of a recent study that examined the dearth of female directors, screenwriters and other behind-the-cam- era talent. That examination into employment found that over the past 17 years, the number of women directing the 250 top-grossing films declined by 2%. That may explain, at least in part, the problems with the way women are presented onscreen. In films with at least one female director or writer, women comprised 37% of all speaking characters, but in films written and directed by men, they represented 28% of speak- ing characters. —Reuters

Photo shows a traditional Cypriot dish made up of meatballs and halloumi at a restaurant in the unrecognized Turkish-controlled northern sector of Nicosia. — AFP